Book 2, Chapter 15 - Fire and Flames

Zaeed felt surprisingly relaxed on the shuttle, resting his head back against the side of the shuttle with his eyes closed, feeling every little move it made. Low conversation was taking place around him. He opened his right eye a fraction, Shepard standing as always, holding onto one of the bars attached to the roof, his eyes on one of the vidscreens, watching their progress.

"How the fuck are you so calm?" Jack asked from the other side.

"No point being a nervous fuckin' wreck. I've been doin' this shit for decades now. 'Bout fuckin' time I took the fight back to 'em though."

"So is this purely personal or is this actually a contract?" Garrus wondered.

"Little of both, I guess. Guy in charge, fella named Vido Santiago, me and 'im started the Blue Suns." He paused, letting that sink in. "That's right, Garrus, my boy, you've been killin' plenty of my old colleagues. No offence taken, though. The Suns are a long way from the organisation I was once with."

"What happened?" Jack asked. He was surprised she even gave a shit. He'd noticed a change in attitude recently, she seemed calmer. But actually seemed to give a shit about anything still turned heads.

"We ran all sorts of shit. Gun running. Arson. Blackmail and extortion. But we also did some legit shit, like guard duty, security. Two faces to us, basically. Illegal shit made us creds, legal shit gave us legitimacy. Then Vido says one day he wants to get started tradin' slaves. I said right away, fuck that, fuck no. We ain't no fuckin' slavers. And definitely not for no fuckin' batarians. We had a bit of a disagreement."

"And how did that end?"

"Fucker shot me. Point blank in the face. Shoulda died, in all honesty. Guess someone upstairs likes me. That was my time at the Suns over. Been working independently ever since. Mercenary work. Bounty hunter. Even a somewhat private investigator. But I've been itchin' for a chance to get back at that slimy cunt. Perfect chance now. Soon as I got the contract for this, and knew it involved him, that was it. I was comin', with or without you lot."

Conversation ceased as he leaned back again, simply waiting for the shuttle to land. Then he'd worry about everything else. He'd been around long enough to appreciate the moments of peace and quiet. In a few moments, things were going to get very loud, chaotic, and bloody. The shuttle touched terra firma a few minutes later, Shepard opening the door and leading them out. It was stifling hot and humid, feeling sweat spread across his body within seconds. Wearing a helmet in weather like this always sucked, but better than receiving a hole in the head.

He surveyed the landing zone with Shepard as the others gathered around. Jack, Garrus, Grunt, Miranda. He figured a strong choice. He and Grunt had firepower. Miranda and Jack with biotics. Garrus with his sniper. And Shepard simply leading the way, even more of a lunatic than himself with his new abilities. He'd watch him train occasionally with Miranda, and it seemed his biotics increased his strength each time. He couldn't help be impressed.

Shepard gave the order to move out, and squad took their positions, Shepard on point, Garrus watching their six, Grunt and himself watching their flanks, Miranda and Jack in the middle, ready to warp the shit out of anything that moved. Within minutes, he knew it was far too quiet. Someone would surely have clocked a shuttle landing near the refinery. The Normandy? Not so much, as it would have been flying silent, but a shuttle isn't silent. They can be tracked.

The refinery was in the distance. For now, it was dense jungle, just adding to the oppressive humidity. Trees towered above them, blocking out natural light, leaving them in shadows. He could hear insects buzzing around them. Other sounds echoed around them, though nothing suggested that the enemy was close. Or perhaps other deadly creatures, though what also inhabited Zorya, he had no idea. Didn't care either. All that mattered was Vigo and revenge.

What he didn't expect was to find bodies dumped in the middle of the jungle. He stopped with Shepard as they crouched down to inspect them. They'd been there long enough to decompose slightly. The clothing didn't suggest who they were but he could guess they'd once worked at the refinery. The wounds suggested they'd been shot in the back of the head. Likely executed. Shepard noticed as well.

Approaching the refinery itself, they finally noticed the first mercenaries in the distance. Part of him simply wanted to charge and fire, but he wasn't the dumb, hot-blooded rookie of yesteryear. Sure, he was still hot-blooded, but that was tempered by decades of experience and the eagerness not to die on some hellhole like Zorya. He planned to die by a beach as an old man, hopefully with a cold drink in his hand and a young woman with her mouth around his cock. He didn't think a peaceful retirement was too much to ask in the grand scheme of things.

As soon as they were close enough, Shepard gave the signal and he charged ahead, disappearing in a flash. As soon as he collided with the first mercenary, hell came to Zorya. Over the sound of his own rifle, he heard the thump of biotics from the two women, while Grunt roared as he thundered ahead, almost flinging mercenaries out of his way. There was the occasional crack of a sniper rifle at the same time, Garrus communicating over the comm each time he took out a target.

The sound of gunfire echoed around them, and soon there were loudspeakers announcing their arrival. He recognised the voice. He knew Zaeed had come for him, though probably didn't figure he'd brought Shepard and some other friends as well. Zaeed had been forced to retreat alone. Vigo thought he was facing a motley crew of rejects, little knowing he'd brought people harder than himself, harder than those he'd once fought alongside.

The refinery was enormous. Blue Suns were running security, but he had no doubt they were running the whole place while siphoning credits off for themselves. Just enough to make it profitable, not enough for the owners to be concerned. As they moved, Miranda was also working to patch into their communications. Once she finally got them linked, they could hear the flow of orders, which simply made their lives easier.

He noticed the number of batarians who now wore blue. The main reason why they'd fallen out. Some had gone so far as to call him racist. He didn't give a shit. Batarians were cunts. Any people that still had slavery as part of their culture deserved to be a pariah. He may have been a mercenary, but at least he still had principles. He'd turned down jobs because of what people wanted him to do. He was a mercenary. Men and women? Fair game. Kids? No. Slaves? Definitely not.

Heading deeper into the facility, cutting down swathes of Blue Suns as they moved, he couldn't help but chuckle at the workrate Shepard put in. The man was absolutely insane, charging and firing, charging and firing. His shields failed more than once. His armour was scuffed. He was likely bleeding. But he was grinning the entire time. He couldn't help but glance at Miranda.

"He's fuckin' insane, and that's on you."

"We made him better. You can't deny how effective he is."

He could only grunt in agreement. The only person matching his kill count was Grunt, his shotgun nearly blasting people apart if they were too close to him. It was obvious a small army was stationed at the refinery. They numbered only six, but having Shepard and Grunt by his side was like having ten warriors. Add Jack and Miranda with their biotics, Garrus with his accuracy… Yeah, he had the better army.

Before they entered the building proper, there was a locked door ahead, Miranda moving to a nearby terminal to being hacking it. As she was busy doing that, they kept watch, and only then did he see him for the first time in decades. Before he could raise a weapon, he felt the aim of further weapons at them. Shepard started to laugh. A strange time, but then again, Shepard had probably been in worse positions.

"Shepard?"

"Keep going, Miranda."

His eyes were only for Vido. He wanted to aim his weapon, but figured if he did that, they shoot immediately. Video looked down at him with undisguised disdain. The smirk on the face he wanted to remove with a knife. "So, Zaeed. Managed to track me down? Only taken you twenty years."

"Go fuck yourself, Vido."

Vido laughed. "That's all you have to say after twenty years." Vido then looked over the squad. "And who are all your friends?"

"Garrus, want to tell him what you were up to on Omega?" Shepard suggested.

"Killed a lot of you blue uniformed fucks there," Garrus muttered. He was behind them in cover, his weapon aimed but he wasn't going to fire. Not without a signal.

"Archangel?" Vido growled.

"And I could quite easily put a bullet right through your forehead now. I won't. I know our friend has been dreaming of doing that for twenty years."

"He won't take the shot now. He's not that dumb. I have more guns, men and firepower. If he takes the shot, he will die. As will all of you."

Zaeed looked around and saw the opportunity. They were in a refinery, so what could they use to their advantage? Fire. Burn the entire place down and catch Vido before it exploded. There were probably better plans, but it was the best one he could think of at that moment. He raised his rifle and opened fire before anyone could react. Shepard couldn't charge vertically, so simply moved back and fired up, hearing the cries of a mercenary who no doubt took a shot to the crotch.

From behind rudimentary cover, he watched as Vido issues instruction. "Hey, Vido!"

"Will someone kill that piece of shit!"

"Burn, motherfucker!" he growled, firing a burst into a fuel line just above his head. Somehow, the bastard survived as the fire incinerated a trio of mercenaries next to him. The line then exploded, knocking Vido from his feet. He was ready to move when there was another explosion, and he could only see Vido through the flames. "Shit!"

"We'd better move, Zaeed. This place is going to blow!" Shepard stated.

"He's gotta have a way of here. We'll have to go right through."

"You're fucking crazy," Jack stated.

"Takes one to know one, and I've done crazier and stupider shit," Shepard said, "Let's haul arse and hope the plant doesn't explode while we're moving through it."

They moved on as a tighter group now. The fires were raging, and explosions were rocking the facility. He was fairly sure he could hear the cries of the workers. He didn't pity them, though didn't want all of them to die just so he could catch one man. But it seemed like a good idea in the heat of the moment. He was surprised Shepard hadn't chewed his arse out about it, though Shepard had shown a ruthless streak of his own at times. He wasn't the poster boy many expected of him.

Very few mercenaries were around to stop their progress. But when they did come across a whole bunch of trapped workers, even he came to a halt. "Fuck," Shepard muttered, before he turned, "Right, Zaeed and Grunt with me. Vido doesn't get away. Jack, Miranda, Garrus, see if you can help the workers get out of here. Looks like enough of them have died already. Plan has gone tits up. It happens. We'll keep moving, keep in contact."

"Okay, Shepard. Stay safe," Miranda replied.

As those three disappeared to do what they could with the workers and fire, he moved on with Shepard and Grunt. The three were an effective force as the mercenaries rallied, and were soon putting up a more effective defence. But with his two colleagues, they didn't stand a chance. Shepard seemed to relish blasting away Blue Suns, showing particular dislike for batarians. He understood why. He'd read about Elysium. It might have been organised by a turian, but it was mostly batarians who attacked, primarily looking for human slaves. It explained what happened on Torfan. He'd discussed the topic with Shepard, who said the Butcher deserved a fucking medal and a statue.

So the Blue Suns wilted despite their superior numbers. Shepard must have been exhausted by now. Zaeed felt the strain nowadays, particularly in the heat they were experiencing, but with age came experience. He knew enough to ensure he survived. And he definitely enjoyed taking on those wearing blue. If he had to, he'd taken the organisation apart piece by bloody piece, until there was nothing left. He'd built it, and he'd happily destroy it.

Moving from room to room, there was still the occasional explosion, but a message from Miranda suggested they were managing to control the fires, and that workers were being evacuated. It was only after their communication that Vido thought taunting him was a good idea. First he ordered his men to bring his head. That certainly wasn't going to happen. Then he thought mocking Shepard was a good idea, which was only going to piss him off, and certainly cause more destruction. Then Vido thought getting really personal was a sensible idea.

"I took your Blue Suns. I took your life. And now I'm taking it again."

"Okay, I'm hoping you're considering a slow, painful death for this cunt," Shepard muttered.

"Was he always like this? A pathetic weakling, hiding behind his men?" Grunt asked.

"He was always an arsehole, but I thought I had control. I paid for that. Now I will pay it back in kind."

"Take a knee now, Zaeed, and maybe I'll forget this ever happened!"

He ignored him, of course, focusing on killing more mercenaries. Vido had either gone a long recruiting drive, or he'd simply brought an entire battalion of mercenaries to the refinery. Fuck knows where or how he'd got the numbers. But it didn't really matter as the three of them were wiping them out. Anyone who came investigating afterwards would only find a line of bloody corpses.

"Let that loser die, Shepard! You can walk out of here alive!"

It was the only time he gave Shepard a careful look. Shepard simply returned it and grinned. "Good thing I like you, Zaeed," he joked. Zaeed couldn't help chuckle, despite it all. Shepard was cut from similar cloth, he seemed. He guessed, if he'd still been Alliance, their paths would never have crossed. He might fly a Cerberus ship, but he didn't wear their symbol, while his opinion of the Alliance wasn't high. He'd spoken about simply becoming a mercenary once all was said and done. Generally, a 'good' one, where he'd help people rather than do some of the jobs Zaeed did, but Shepard was certainly a more noble character at times.

Not all the time, though.

"You never should have come after me, Zaeed. Did you not learn your lesson last time we met? Did you forget who you are dealing with?"

"You could only take me down because I was betrayed. You have no honour, Vido," he yelled back. He doubted Vido could actually hear him. He didn't care too much about honour himself, but there was still a certain expectation in the trade. And it was rare to find someone like himself betrayed in such a manner. He would make sure it never happened again.

An enormous YMIR mech might have caused concern, but Shepard and Grunt both came prepared, heavy weapons wiping that out with ease. Another few mercenaries seemed to be the last resistance as they came to a heavy door. Bursting through that, ahead was a landing pad with a gunship resting on it, clearly waiting for Vido. Grunt laughed as he jogged forward, took a knee, and fired his heavy weapon again, the rocket flying past Video and connecting with the gunship, which exploded into a fireball. Vido came to a stop, his shoulders slumping, before he turned around to face them.

Zaeed aimed and put a bullet though his left knee, Vido collapsing to the ground, crying out in agony. He walked forward with Shepard and Grunt alongside, the three forming a circle around Vido, who looked up and immediately started to bargain for his life. Shepard laughed in his face as Vido offered credits, weapons, even the organisation itself, suggesting Zaeed could be let back in, become brothers once again. Zaeed nearly spat in his face.

So he shot him in his other knee, enjoying the howl of pain. Then he aimed and shot him in his left shoulder, then his right shoulder, aiming for the most painful part. His ears were greeted with a mixture of howls and almost sobs. Then he aimed lower, Vido crying out as he shot him right in the crotch. Even Shepard made a sound, nearly turning away, as Vido curled into a ball, or tried to at least. He didn't have long left anyway.

"Vido," he said. Vido looked up as he pushed him with his boot so the mercenary was lying on his back. He took a moment to replace the heat sink in his rifle, before he stepped forward, placing a foot on his chest, leaning down slightly, seeing his face through the iron sights. There were no final words. He simply feathered the trigger, took a deep breath, then pulled.

He unloaded the heat sink, even single bullet entering the face of Vido Santiago. By the time the heat sink popped, they wouldn't even be able to establish who he was due to dental records. His head was pulp. He stepped back, placed the rifle on his back, and patted down his armour, looking for what he wanted. Taking out a trio of cigars, he offered one to Grunt, who waved it away, but Shepard took the one offered, and after he'd lit both, they stood there in silence, enjoying a couple of puffs.

"All in a day's work, eh?" Shepard said.

"Twenty fuckin' years I've been waiting to do that, Shepard. Twenty fuckin' years. And I can honestly say thank you."

"No complaints. Did a good thing. One more scumbag taken care of." He took another puff. "Good cigar too."

"Carried them for nearly twenty years, waitin' for just this day. I promised myself I'd shoot the fucker in the face, then I'd smoke a cigar right next to his corpse."

Jack, Miranda and Garrus appeared. They took one look at the body and looked away. It was rather gruesome, even he could admit that. As he puffed, Shepard called in the shuttle to come pick them up. They hadn't finished the cigars by the time it arrived, stubbing them both out before they boarded. As the shuttle took off, he looked down upon the refinery, figuring it would likely burn for some time until people arrived to put the fires out.

Back on the Normandy, he thanked Shepard again, and also the others for tagging along, before he headed to his quarters. He had few mementoes of his past life. The only reminder of the Blue Suns was a tattoo on his neck that he now kept hidden. Other than that, the memories were only of life since the Blue Suns. He thought he could now start a new collection, almost a celebration of his life after killing Vido Santiago.

He wasn't at peace. Someone like him would never be at peace. But he'd had his vengeance, which is all he wanted. He now owed Shepard for giving him that. His mind was now focused on the mission. All he wanted to do now was survive that and move on.

*****

I'll admit something now. I think my life was going to get complicated soon. I was pretty much in a full time relationship with Kelly by now. She was living in the cabin, which we were now calling 'our' cabin. Rarely was it that we didn't go to bed together at night. Miranda was obviously interested in me and clearly wanted regular fun with me, which I was all for to a point. After that night and morning with Kasumi, we'd certainly become closer and friendlier, but I wasn't going to push for anything more than that. I would leave the choice to her. Tali was back on board, and though she said no to anything physical, she still liked to flirt with me. I gave as good as she gave. Jack was making progress, but she still wanted our physical side to continue. I went so far as to speak to Chakwas about that. She didn't really know how I should approach it. She thought keeping it professional would probably be best, but it was clear Jack liked me and that I would be a 'safe' partner for her. She'd noticed how my attitude had completely changed, and I admitted it was due to overwhelming guilt about everything before Teltin.

It was a couple of days after the mission for Zaeed that I was upstairs in the cabin. Kelly had joined some of the girls in one of the lounges for a couple of drinks. I was left thinking it was a 'no men' type of evening, which I didn't mind. I was at my desk, keeping myself busy by putting together one of my model ships. Kelly still thought it was rather cute, even sitting next to me and watching more than once, keeping me company as I concentrated. I suggested it helped hand to eye co-ordination, dexterity, plus I found it relaxing. It required time and patience. Even painting them took precision.

I was just about to start painting a turian fighter when Kelly walked through the door. She walked over and kissed my cheek, before turning my head to kiss me. A wet, sloppy kiss that made me chuckle. I could smell and taste the alcohol on her breath. "Someone has been drinking," I suggested.

"Only a couple. I've been sent up here to take you downstairs."

"Why?"

"Because the girls want you to be there, Shepard."

I knew already I was going to be a lamb to wolves. But, to be honest, it was better than being up in my cabin alone, so I let her drag me to the elevator. Entering the lounge, every pair of eyes fell upon me as I walked in. I wasn't surprised by the likes of Tali, Kasumi and Miranda being present. Jack being there was, obviously keeping her distance from Miranda, but still part of the group. Samara was present, likely not drinking but getting to know her colleagues. Chakwas was there, of course, sitting alone but appearing to enjoy herself. Gabby was there, which was a surprise, and she was usually tied at the hip with Ken. Even a pair of the regular crew was there, Sarah and Jenny. I was led to the couch, where there was already a place for me to sit, Kelly disappearing for a minute and returning with a drink, before she sat next to me.

"Ladies," I said, "What are you up to?"

"Well, I must admit that Tali was telling us about life on your old ship, Shepard," Samara explained, "She has gone into some graphic details of what life was like at times."

I glanced at Tali, and I assumed she was likely drinking as well, considering the glass in her hand, straw she could drink from, and the fact she was already giggling. "Oh, and what sort of stories has she been sharing?" I wondered.

"Well, I think it's safe to say that you enjoyed much pleasure of the female flesh," Kasumi stated, "I mean, I'd heard the rumours but from what Tali has told us…"

I looked directly at Tali. "Anything in particular you were sharing, Tali?"

"You were my first man, for starters. I obviously told them about Wrex, and his was the first cock I saw. And I also told them about Ashley, and she was my first partner, the one I lost my virginity to. But I've told them all about our first time, Shepard. How you loved going down on me. How gentle you were when you slid your cock into me. How long and thick it is." She stopped for a moment. "Plus the times you had Ashley and I together. I think you really enjoyed it when you had one of us on all fours and we'd be eating out the other."

"Good memories, Tali," I said, "So you're telling these stores because?"

"They were asking how we knew each other and what life was like. I guess, add a few drinks, and tongues are bound to loosen enough."

"And I just so happened to be the topic?"

"Who else would we talk about?" Miranda retorted, "There are at least four in here you've fucked. I think the only one in this room right now who won't fuck you is Samara, and that's only because of her code."

"Nicely put, cheerleader."

I glanced around and I did feel like a lamb as some of the wolves looked hungry. I couldn't help chuckle, sipping on my drink, before stating, "I've seen movies start like this."

"We're not having an orgy, Shepard," Kelly stated. I'll admit I sighed with relief at that. One woman is perfect. Two women is a lot of fun. Three women? Yeah, I'll survive that. Four or more? I'd give it a go, probably have a lot of fun, but it's just too many to satisfy unless they do a lot of the work together.

"So… what are we doing then?"

Kelly gently grabbed my chin, turning it so I could kiss her. This was a much better kiss than the one upstairs. I stopped her a moment, sculled my drink and put the glass down, before I could now focus on her completely. As I kissed her, I felt another hand on my cock, covered by my pants, glancing to see Miranda on my other side, definitely trying to get me hard. So I stopped kissing Kelly and turned to kiss her. She squealed as I pulled her close, Kelly taking over what she was doing.

Then I stopped and sat back, watching as glances were shared. If they wanted to go down this road in a certain way, I wasn't going to stop it. But I was wondering who wanted to be involved. Kelly eventually moved to sit on my lap, her fingers easily undoing the buttons of my shirt. Once they were undone, I sat forward so she could take it off, her hands immediately moving up and down my chest, Miranda leaning over to kiss my shoulder and up my neck. Jack sat to my other side, kissing me as well.

Kelly then got off my lap, spreading my legs a little so she could sit between them. She took off my boots and socks first before reaching forward to unbuckle my belt and top of my trousers before lowering the fly. She met my eyes and I just shrugged as she reached forward as I sat up, allowing her to take both the trousers and my underwear down. She placed all my clothes as I sat there naked, my cock rock hard, resting against my body. I glanced to see some very appreciative looks returned.

"Goddess," Samara whispered.

"Must book his next physical soon," Chakwas stated with humour.

"I remember that very well," Tali cooed.

Kelly kissed up my inner thighs before her tongue started to lick balls as I turned to kiss Jack, making her whimper as I kissed her hard, before turning to do the same to Miranda. Kelly was now running her tongue up and down my shaft, making it nice and slick as I had to lean back and groan. She teased me for what felt like a long time as I looked around, every woman watching intently.

"So big," Kasumi whispered, "I felt it against me but I had no idea."

Kelly eventually took some of my cock in her mouth, making me groan against as I ran my fingers through her hair. She looked up and smiled as her head started to slowly bob up and down. As she blew me, she started to undress, and I glanced to see Miranda and Jack doing the same. Well, it might not be an orgy but something was going to happen. And, by now, I didn't really care.

Miranda was actually naked first in her haste, leaning over to grab one of her breasts and take her nipple in my mouth, feeling it hard as I licked and nibbled it, doing the same to her other one before kissing back up her body, biting her neck, making her squeal before I kissed her. "Jack," she whispered.

I thought that was a surprise, but I turned to see Jack was now naked as well. I asked her, "Are you sure?" and her very eager nod put everything out of my mind as I dragged her close and kissed her too, doing the same to her as I'd done to Miranda. Kelly was now bobbing up and down quickly on my cock, causing me to groan, though she then removed herself as Miranda leaned over to take my length. I groaned loudly when that happened as Kelly sat on her knees, looking pleased with herself. Miranda's head bobbed up and down for a while before she moved, allowing Jack to have her go.

"Keelah, this is so fucking hot," Tali whispered. I had no doubt she'd started one of her suit programs to masturbate. I also knew she'd probably like to be involved, but wouldn't allow herself. I'd talked to her about Kal'Reegar, and it was obvious how much they adored each other. She was just getting a free show. All the other women were watching with slight grins, and their eyes told me many of the thoughts currently in their minds.

Kelly eventually took over and she was now doing everything to make me cum. Miranda and Jack pressed their bodies into me, their hands all over my body, kissing me either side. I managed to move my hands down their own bodies, feeling their legs spread so I could start to fondle them in return, no surprise they were both wet. "Yes, Shepard," Jack breathed. First time I'd touched her in a number of weeks.

"Kelly," I breathed.

"Make him cum, Kelly!" Chakwas shouted. I could only laugh as I stared at her for a moment, wide-eyed.

"Swallow it all, Kelly!" Gabby added.

Her head was now bobbing up and down like a piston in an old engine. I could barely concentrate on Miranda or Jack, cleaning my fingers before running a hand through Kelly's hair again, this time holding the back of her head, moving my hips. I could feel it bubbling away and couldn't hold it back any longer, groaning loudly as I felt the first shot fire into her mouth. My body seriously bucked as I fired again and again, Kelly sounding pleased with herself, almost desperate to take my whole loud. She definitely made a swallowing noise more than once, slowing down her movements but continuing to suck me until she could sense I had enough. Only then did she release my cock, letting it sit against my body once again as she looked up and opened her mouth.

"Cumslut," Miranda joked.

"Oh, like you wouldn't swallow his load too, Miranda," she retorted.

"Hell yes, I would. I'm just jealous you chose not to share it."

I could only relax back against the lounge, feeling a little light-headed, chuckling at the fact I'd just been blown in a room full of women, all of them my subordinates. Kelly sat forward, resting her head against my thigh, looking up at me with nothing but a smile on her face, reaching forward to gently brush her cheek with my thumb. Then I stood up, towering over her and all the other woman. I swear, they collectively swooned and I'm sure nearly all of them wanted me in that moment. I met each and every single pair of eyes and could read them easily. Every single one would have liked me to just rip their clothes off and just fuck them. I wouldn't, of course. For most of them, it would remain a fantasy.

Kelly, however, could get the real thing. I gently picked her up and sat her down on the couch, then turned her around so she was on her knees, resting her head against the back. Getting behind her, I spread her legs, exposing herself to me and everyone else. She was already dripping wet as I buried my mouth and tongue. "Oh god, "she moaned, before she giggled as I ran my tongue up to tickle her little arsehole as well. But it wasn't the time for that.

Kelly Chambers had her pussy eaten in front of nearly every female members of the Normandy. She loved every second of it. So did I. I'll admit I pretty much forgot about them for some of the time, focused as I was on her. I reached forward, gently fondling her breasts at the same time, enjoying all the moans she made.

"God, I wish a man would eat my pussy like that," Chakwas muttered. I think she was definitely enjoying the show now after a couple of drinks.

Gabby scoffed. "I can't even remember the last time someone did that for me."

"Should have fucked him that morning," Kasumi murmured. I almost stopped and looked at her in surprise, before she added, "Or I would have loved what Kelly is getting at least."

Kelly was now far too excited; I think it happening in front of all the girls far too much for her. She moaned my name more than once before she started to orgasm, her entire body shaking as I did not relent for a second, making her fall forward slightly, her upper body resting against the back of the lounge though remaining comfortable and in position for me. I kept going until I slowed down, eventually kissing up her butt cheek and her back before I kissed her cheek, whispering into her ear, "I hope you enjoyed that."

I then pulled her forward again and slid my cock inside her. That made her squeal though I gestured for Miranda and Jack to get into position. I gave Kelly a few thrusts before I pulled out and moved behind Miranda, sliding my cock into her. She groaned as I did, giving her arse a firm slap as I leaned forward, resting a hand on her shoulder and giving her a few firm thrusts. "Fuck yes, Shepard," she cried quietly.

"Love my cock, Miranda?"

"Best I've ever had, Shepard."

"Oh my," Tali stated, "Oh, this is definitely a reminder."

Kelly and Jack were both looking at me, so I pulled out of Miranda and got into position behind Kelly, teasing her by rubbing my cock against her pussy, sliding it inside her and just waiting a few seconds, leaning forward to kiss her neck, before I pulled out. Jack immediately spun around, sitting on her back but spreading her legs wide, everyone getting a good look at her bald pussy. I gently slid my cock inside her, enjoying the gasp and loud moan she released as I buried my cock. I didn't pound her hard, making sure it remained gentle, leaning down to kiss her.

"Just what I wanted," she said.

"Good. That's what I wanted to hear."

"Next time, alone though."

I couldn't help chuckle. "Sure thing, Jack. Might have to get you a better bed though."

Finding it a little awkward, I pulled out and eventually sat down, Kelly immediately leaping onto my cock. That's when I suggested each girl just rides to an orgasm and I'd try not to cum. The three agreed, so Kelly rode me fast, and she was desperate to cum, almost as if to show off. My hands just found their way to her arse and held them firmly, her hands on my shoulders, as she bounced like never before, so it seemed.

"Your cock is wonderful, Shepard," she moaned.

"It sure is," Miranda added. I could see she was busy fondling herself, as was Jack. As focused on them as I was, I was sure one or two others might have been doing the same.

Kelly was too turned on as she must have cum within five minutes, needing me to hold onto her as she almost fell off my lap her orgasm was so good. I waited until she'd calmed down, kissing her hard and cuddling her to me as she eventually leaned back and caressed my face. "Having fun?"

"God yes."

"Good. Think this is deserved."

"This is why I love you."

I was rewarded with one of those beautiful smiles, and there was more than one appreciative noise from the other women. Guess they were now aware. I think Kelly wanted to continue, but also wanted to be fair, so only slightly begrudgingly did she move off my lap. Miranda and Jack looked at each other. Jack eventually gestured to Miranda, who thanked her, my XO excitedly straddling my lap and sliding down my cock with intent.

Watching Miranda ride me was always exhilarating. Her breasts, even she admitted were obviously fake, were still wonderful, and I buried my face in them, earning a giggle as she wasted no time riding me as fast as Kelly. My hands grabbed a good handful of each butt cheek, squeezing them hard in return, something I'd learned she loved no matter what position we were fucking. And just like Kelly, she was also very turned on, as she lasted no more than ten minutes before she was starting to make those noises I already knew well.

"Oh god, Shepard," she moaned.

"Do you really love my cock that much?"

"More than anything, Shepard." She kissed me hard and then she started to orgasm, moaning into my mouth as I wrapped an arm around her to keep her steady, feeling her thighs try to squeeze my legs as she kept going, really pushing down on my cock with some force, before she finally had to stop and just collapsed against me, immediately wrapping my arms around her.

"Well, I think we can say there is a difference in Miss Lawson now," Sarah stated.

"I think this explains her good mood nowadays," Jenny added.

"You should get a piece of him, girls. You'd love it," Miranda murmured.

"Do you need to cum, Shepard?" Kelly asked.

I glanced at Jack and I didn't even need to ask the question as she nodded eagerly. Miranda took a few minutes before she stood up on unsteady legs, walking towards the bar naked without a care in the world. Only then did I notice a few women were excited. Kasumi had a hand down her pants, as did Chakwas. She met my eye and smirked. Samara seemed amused by it all.

"I am glad some humans are not as embarrassed about sex as I believe they are, Shepard," she stated.

"Oh, this is still unusual. I didn't expect this."

"The way some were talking about you earlier, Shepard, this is exactly what I expected. The only difference is I believed you would have ended up being with them all. Perhaps some hesitate as they would prefer you in private."

"Yes," Kasumi stated immediately. I looked at her in surprise and she shrugged. "Just being honest, Shepard. Watching this now… That night you stayed with me, I was already having thoughts, but it was too soon. Now? Maybe still too soon, but…"

"We might need to open that bottle one night soon, Commander," Chakwas added, "Though I won't need liquid courage for what I really want. Not after sitting here, watching this."

Jack looked at me and said, "Not like that, Shepard," as she laid back along the couch, resting her head on a pillow against the armrest. I immediately moved towards her, kissing up her leg as she placed one foot on the floor, hooking her other leg over the back, as I kissed towards her pussy. She moaned lightly as I ran my tongue along her slit, giving her clit a little tickle at the same time, before I kissed up her body, giving her breasts some attention too, before I finally met her eyes.

"Sure?" I asked a final time.

"Always been sure about this, Shepard. But I want it… I want it like you are with Kelly. She told us about it and… I don't want to feel used… or dirty…"

I kissed her softly on the lips, caressed her face, as I gently slid my cock inside her, letting her get used to it, gentle thrusts before I buried myself completely. Then we made love, my face never more than a couple of inches from hers, the kisses constantly soft and affection. Her hands ran up my arms and down my back, down my sides and up my chest. I rarely picked up and sort of tempo, her moans soft and quiet, though her face was one of enjoyment and bliss.

I barely noticed many of the women actually came in close to watch. Jack hooked the leg that was over the back of the couch around me, but apart from that, we barely moved. Only when I felt an approaching orgasm did I let her know I'd go faster. "I need to cum," I whispered.

She nodded eagerly, holding the back of my neck with her hand as I kissed her, starting to thrust into her a little faster. She started to cry out a little louder, her eyes still watching mine intently. "I'm close, Jack," I said quietly.

"Cum in me, Shepard," she pleaded.

She got what she wanted no more than a minute later, trying not to bury myself to hard as she lifted her other leg around me, feeing her ankles crossover as she held the back of my neck with two hands. I moaned loudly before I finally stopped moving, leaving my cock buried inside her. When I finally stopped, the kiss we shared was intense, full of passion. And there was no surprise that she had a little cry.

"That was beautiful," Kelly whispered from next to us.

I finally looked up. I now had a room full of women who wanted what Jack had just received. She didn't want to let me go either, keeping her legs crossed for quite a long time. I didn't mind. Chakwas moved across, sitting on her knees next to us. "How do you feel, Jack?"

"Wonderful, Doc. I've never felt so… happy after sex. I wanted it because I wanted to just be with him, not because I needed something, or I needed a high. I can feel my heart pounding, and I've now got all these thoughts, but they're… pleasant."

"Well, it's early days yet, Jack, but I'm glad you were able to enjoy this moment for what it was. Two people connecting."

Jack did finally let me go and I could sit back and relax, finding another drink handed to me by Kelly, who sat next to me. Miranda was sat naked on a chair by herself with a drink, leg hooked over an armrest, completely exposed, and she didn't seem to honestly care. I felt my dick twitch looking at her, which made her laugh. "I think it's obvious what happens in here, stays in here, Shepard."

"You are a beautiful woman, Miranda," Kelly stated.

"Definitely. Been a while since I had human pussy," Tali added, her words slightly slurred, so I was left thinking our resident quarian was now a little drunk.

"Oh, and do you like human pussy, Tali?"

"Like it? I love it, Miranda. I remember making Ashley cum all the time. Keelah, what she could do to me in return though."

"I think Tali needs some Kal in her life," I said.

"I bought some toys, Shepard. Trust me, I can get out of this suit without any drama nowadays."

I looked around the room, wondering who would be interested in doing anything. Kelly was happily beside me, so I whispered into her ear if she would mind. She just laughed and whispered back that of course she didn't. What Miranda said was correct. Wondering what she did mean, I glanced back to see the door was locked. I couldn't help smirk. I stood up and looked around. I was tempted by Kasumi, but… wasn't sure. Samara wouldn't, and I wouldn't want to offend her.

So I walked towards Chakwas, who looked at me with eyes that told me she would do what I wanted. Standing beside her chair, she placed her glass on the armrest and gently grabbed my shaft, giving it a few gentle strokes before positioning me so she could lean slightly and run her tongue along my shaft. She did that a number of times, looking up at me with a smile, before I watched her take a few inches of my cock in her mouth.

"Yes! Go Karin!" Kelly cried.

"Wow, she's rather eager," Miranda added.

Chakwas was definitely eager, one of her hands grabbing my butt to drag me as close as possible. Finding it awkward, she simply got up out of her chair and dropped to her knees, taking my cock again and happily started to blow me. I could only look down, feeling slightly stunned in all honesty, but if I thought that was a surprise, Gabby then appeared next to her. So Chakwas stopped so Gabby could then have a go. I honestly thought she was fooling around with Ken, but I guess not. And she seemed desperate to please me, trying to swallow my entire length as quickly as possible.

"I don't want to be fucked here, Shepard," Chakwas stated, "I'd like to happen in privacy."

"Okay. What about you, Gabby?"

"I'm just joining in with the fun, Shepard."

That seemed to light the fire under Sarah and Jenny, as they both joined Gabby, and I soon had four women sharing my cock between them. At that moment, I felt like a king. Though that's when I did look over to see Kelly walk on all fours across the room towards Miranda, who definitely watch her with interest. When Kelly lowered her mouth to her pussy, my cock definitely got harder.

"Okay, now that's what I've come in here to see!" I shouted, everyone turning to see what was happening.

Though I was appreciating attention from the four women, and I promised each of them that I would give them some alone time at a later date, which I knew immediately it was a promise I'd have to keep in the end, they left me alone as I walked across the room to get behind Kelly. She glanced back as I got in position behind her, immediately sliding my cock inside her as she returned her attention to Miranda. Grabbing her tight by the hips, I was immediately pumping into her hard.

"Oh my," Kasumi muttered. Glancing around, Jack was still lying back on the lounge, with Gabby now between her legs, busy undressing herself while she ate her out, while Jenny was kissing Jack at the same time. So much for it not turning into an orgy, but by that stage, I didn't really care.

Kelly was getting seriously fucked without a couple of minutes, enough that she had to stop focusing on Miranda, lowering her head to the floor and looking back, begging me to just fuck her. I was now growling I pumped into her, desperate to cum again. The only people not watching were the three on the couch, busy entertaining themselves. Just as I was about to cum, I lifted Kelly so she was level, pulling out to cum all over her back. Despite the fact I'd already cum twice, I still left a few long white ropes on her back, before I just had to collapse onto the floor, feeling the strain.

Kelly giggled to herself before she simply resumed eating out Miranda. I watched that go in for a little while, Miranda enjoying another orgasm, as Kasumi got off her seat and joined me on the floor. Lying next to me, she hesitated only a moment before leaning over to kiss me, her hand immediately running down my body to my cock. "Just wanted to feel it," she whispered as she kissed me.

"I don't mind. I just thought you'd rather privacy if we ever go further."

"I do want to, but I definitely want privacy. Intimacy. To make love, Shepard."

"Whenever you're ready, Kasumi."

We made out for a little while before she leaned back and smiled, having done what she wanted. Kelly and Miranda were now on the other lounge, the pair now eating out each other, which I enjoyed thoroughly. Gabby was still eating out Jack, while Jenny and Sarah were now naked, Sarah leaning back on her elbows with Jenny finger fucking her. Chakwas wandered over to me, getting down on the floor and taking my cock in her mouth again. "I won't cum again," I admitted, "I'll barely get hard enough."

She smiled in understanding, so she kissed up my body to eventually kiss me instead. "I look forward to having you alone, Shepard. Maybe you could show this older woman a thing or two?"

I couldn't help laugh at the idea of ever doing that. Turning around, I did wonder, "So, am I on a ship with a bunch of women who like to experiment? Bisexual? Or…"

"I think it's being horny and providing entertainment for their commander," Chakwas replied, "Women are still more open-minded about sex than men. Would I be right?" I nodded. Nothing else needed to be said. Men simply didn't interest me sexually.

She was proven right as after each woman seemed to have an orgasm, it just… stopped. All eyes turned to me again, no doubt wondering what was going to happen next. I thought that I could probably just walk around the room, slip my dick into any of them, and they'd love it for a few minutes. All the skin on display was very exciting though. Gabby had a fantastic body, rather athletic, and a great pair of legs. No doubt due to being on her feet all day. Sarah and Jenny were both petite little things, reminders of Jack just without all the body art.

I stood up, all eyes on me, watching intently, as I walked over to where my clothes were piled up. "Ladies, I will easily consider this one of the best nights of my life. You are all absolutely beautiful to start with, and the fact you are all so open-minded makes it an absolute pleasure. But I am also only one man, and while my brain would love for me for this to just go on and on, the body can only give so much before it wants a rest. You know I'm with Kelly, that she now lives with me upstairs. You know I've been with Miranda and Jack before. But I can only assume that, one way or another, I'll be with each and every one of you as well. I'm not sure how it will work. I'm not sure if it will work. I can't make many promises as, at the end of the day, we are here about the mission. I can afford distraction but not to the detriment of the mission. And the same applies for all of you."

I dressed as I talked, walking over to Kelly, helping her to her feet. "Thank you," I whispered, "Thank you for being so open-minded. So understanding. So absolutely wonderful and positive. It's your presence that has made this all work so well. You helped calm my fears, ease my mind, and I felt at peace with all this far quicker than if you were not here." I leaned down and kissed her softly. "I love you, Miss Chambers." She blinked rapidly, needing to wipe her cheeks as I hugged her. The hug turned into me scooping her up in my arms, asking someone to grab her clothes for me. They were handed to Kelly, and we wished everyone a good night, but we were going to bed.

It must have been rather late as the lights in the mess had been turned down, and I carried Kelly all the way back to our cabin, placing her gently on the bed before I undressed my quickly, joining her as she immediately cuddled into me. "Have fun?" she asked.

"Absolutely."

"It was all for you, Shepard. Once I mentioned it to a couple of the girls, they were all for it. You have quite the fan club. I didn't know they were all so open-minded though. Tali and Samara, I knew they wouldn't be physically involved. But I didn't think Karin would have been involved as much. Nor Gabby, to be honest. I knew me, Miranda and Jack… and I know Kasumi has deep affection for you now…"

"I can't do that too often, that's the thing. I was always worried about jealousy on the old Normandy. It's a natural thing when I'm with so many partners. I simply don't have the time to fulfil all their needs. If they want a little fun every now and then, that's great. But, to be honest, having more than one girl on the ship is difficult as it is."

"If you don't want…"

"No, let's just see how thing go. If they can accept a one time or casual thing, then that will work. But I can't be serious with so many. It's a ridiculous notion. You are my serious relationship, Kelly. On this ship, you are the one I would stop everything for." When I looked at her, she needed to blink rapidly. I don't think she knew that I was so serious about her. I turned onto my side and kissed her. "Kelly, the only woman out in the galaxy who I feel exactly the same way for is Gianna." I paused. "No, that's a lie. There are two other women, though one is an asari."

"Liara?"

"No, Shiala. I adore Liara, but compared to Shiala… And I love her as much as Gianna, and as much as I love you. I've told her too. I'm in the awkward position of being deeply in love with three women, and I know for a fact I will never be able to choose."

"I'll never ask, Shepard," she whispered, cuddling into me tightly, "Because I know how lucky I am. We're in a different time now. Love and relationships, what they supposedly mean. We've moved on from that thinking. The asari have certainly shown us that."

"So say we defeat the Collectors, then we have years of peace where I don't need to travel the galaxy constantly. What are you thinking?"

"Well, if you can organise it, you might have at least three wives if they accept the situation."

"You're serious?"

"Absolutely, Shepard." She paused before looking up to meet my eyes. "Maybe a family too."

The thought instantly made me smile. "Unconventional."

"Who cares? What would matter is that we'd be at peace, you would have the women you love, we would have the man we love, and that's the most important thing." She cuddled into me. "All I need form you Shepard is to survive this. The idea of losing you now…"

I held her tight. "I'm not going anywhere this time," I whispered.

"I'm going to hold you to that."

"Did you enjoy your fun with Miranda?"

"I did, but it was simply in the moment, Shepard. Like when we had fun with Tara. I like eating pussy, I won't deny it, but I'll be honest, I'll only do it when you are around, or for your enjoyment. I think a few of them were thinking that. Normally wouldn't consider it, but they would do it for their commander."

"I think I have a very loyal crew then."

"They adore you, Shepard."

"Well, I certainly adore them in return. Beautiful and intelligent, all of them." I kissed her before I leaned back to switch off the light, wrapping my arms tightly around her again. "I love you," I whispered a final time, hearing her whisper the same words back as she snuggled to get comfortable. I think we fell asleep at the same time that evening.