Book 3, Chapter 3 - Stab in the Back

I found Emily alive, waiting for me near Commander Bailey's office, the offices of each councillor nearby. I was delaying meeting Udina for as long as possible. The fact I was going to have to rely on the bastard didn't sit easily.

She met me as soon as I stepped off the elevator, finding myself wrapped in the arms of a woman quite a bit smaller than myself, but it was good to see her. "I'm not going to lie and say it's not great to see you alive, Shepard," she whispered.

"You and me both, Emily."

"I've been waiting for you. Guess you've been busy?"

"Not sure where to start, to be honest. It's a mess already. Why are you waiting for me?"

"Two reasons. One, I wanted to see you alive. Two, I've had an idea. It's been forming for quite a while now." Taking my hand, she led me to a row of seats nearby, taking a seat and turning towards me. She looked rather pensive before starting. "This is going to be total war, Shepard. Each species is going to be throwing everything at it. In addition to that, there needs to be information and, for want of a better word, propaganda. So I was wondering if you'd like me on board?"

"Yes."

She blinked a few times in surprise. "Just like that?"

"There are benefits to you joining. Professionally, you will have access to information immediately so you can spread it around the galaxy. You will be a front line war correspondent. Personally, you can join Kelly and I from time to time. We'll find a room for you and I might just have to visit you alone too."

"Guess we're going to need that sort of distraction with the galaxy falling apart," she muttered.

"Aye, that's true. But the professional benefits are also clear. So, grab what you need and I'll find somewhere you can bunk on the ship."

"Not in your cabin?"

I met her eyes as the smirk formed on her face. "Kelly is with me. While two women all the time would be quite a lot of fun, I'm not sure what she'd think about it."

"Maybe just the occasional visit then?"

"Well, I'd hope so if you're on the ship, Miss Wong."

She leaned over and kissed my cheek. "I'll go grab my things. Send me the details of where your ship is."

"I'll send everything you'll need straight away. Guards on the door will know who you are."

I watched her walk away, Emily looking back and smiling, as I headed off, first dropping in to speak to Bailey. Liara had spoken to him as I'd followed Ashley straight to the hospital, so I figured getting to know the situation on the Citadel would be a good idea. We'd done each other a couple of favours in the recent past. We were not friends by any stretch of the imagination, but I think there was trust, at least.

"Have you heard much about Earth?" he asked.

"No, I've been out of the loop since escaping. Hackett has told me what he could, but news is obviously sparse as it's all just started."

"The feeds were cut, not sure if by the Alliance or the Reapers. But Sol is now cut-off. The Alliance have issues the order that no shipping is to pass through. There is a small force patrolling, who will simply issue the alarm if the Reapers come through, but from reports landing on my desk, the Reapers are focused on Earth, while mopping up any smaller settlements around the system."

"What about colony worlds?"

"A few have been hit, here and there. Have you heard about Arcturus?" I shook my head. "Gone. Udina knows. It might explain his silence during your meeting, no doubt still taking it in."

"Think I was too hard on him?"

That made him smirk. "He's a snake, but he's the councillor, and considering what humanity now faces, he's perhaps the most powerful human in the galaxy. Guess you will need each other going forward."

I managed to hold back the groan at the idea of constant meetings with him. "I'll let you get on with your day, Bailey. I'm sure you're going to be busy enough over the next few months."

"You're right about that. But don't be a stranger, Shepard. I'll put this in language you'll understand. Scratch my back, I'll scratch yours."

I nodded my understanding as I walked out the door and headed to the offices of the four councillors. The door leading into Councillor Udina was closed, though I figured he was waiting for me. I looked at the door for Valern, but didn't want to waste my time speaking to the salarian. As for Sparatus… I actually didn't blame him. If Palaven was getting smashed, he wasn't going to sacrifice his fleets to take back Earth if his own homeworld was burning.

So I headed to see Councillor Tevos. I didn't even knock, thankful the door was open, as I burst in. She was in the middle of discussions with two of her subordinates. As soon as she saw me, and no doubt my face, she dismissed them, rounding her desk as I stepped forward. As soon as I heard the doors close, she said, "Let me explain, Shepard."

"Explain?" I growled, "I saved all of you three years ago. Sacrificed human lives to do it. I'm then killed in the line of action, promptly forgotten, return two years later, treated almost like a criminal the entire time. Now my homeworld is getting battered and the most you can do is suggest that we're an unwitting sacrifice while you can do whatever the fuck you can do. You'd better fucking explain, Councillor."

What came next was unexpected.

She hugged me. I didn't really know what to do, my arms hanging loose at my side, feeling her give me a little squeeze. "I'm sorry, Shepard. I really am. But you have to understand. We can't just throw everything we have now at Earth. Not right away. We need to secure everything we need first, Shepard. Supplies. Credits. Munitions. Fleets. A force to fight them."

"My homeworld is burning already, Councillor. Are they on Thessia yet?"

"No."

"Then understand my frustration and anger, at the very least."

She leaned back and met my eyes. I think we'd only ever been together in the same small room a handful of times, at most. Perhaps the first time we'd ever been in a room alone. Up close, she was fucking gorgeous. Her eyes were stunning. I really liked the faint markings on her face. Her body still moulded into mine. I placed a hand on her back and walked her back until she was pressed against her desk, my other hand circling her and running down her back, watching a slight smirk form. "Shepard…"

"Do you understand, Councillor?"

"Ariana."

"Huh?"

"My name is Ariana, Shepard. If we're going to be alone like this…" She raised a hand to my chest, ensuring I met her eyes. "Yes, I understand, Shepard. Completely. You've been through a lot since the day you were made a Spectre. You alone have sacrificed everything for our protection. I can assure you I have appreciated everything you have done for me."

"Yet I'm repaid…"

"Speak to Udina. After that, speak to Sparatus." I raised an eyebrow. "I can't give you what you need right now, Shepard. But I'm only one species of four of the Council."

"Okay, I'll go speak with them."

I didn't move exactly as I was enjoying her body pressed into mine. No idea how old she was. I figured in her matron phase. I'd found her attractive from the first time I'd seen her. I reckon she'd known that as well and used it to her advantage. We must have stood there for at least thirty seconds in silence before I took the chance and just kissed her. I think the anger helped as I was rather forceful. But she definitely replied, and it didn't take long until I helped her sit up on her desk, pulling her into me. When she felt the fact I was rather hard, I felt her smile before breaking the kiss. "I thought you were angry with me, Shepard?" she asked quietly.

"Oh, trust me, this would lead to some rather angry sex if we'd established that sort of relationship."

"Be honest. You've always been attracted, yes?"

"I think I've been fairly obvious whenever we've talked."

"I have no doubt you'll be a visitor here quite often, Shepard. If you want to visit me when you do…" She paused before lowering her voice, "Can I admit something?"

"Sure."

"The attraction is returned." I raised my eyebrows, as I didn't think she'd either admit it, or wouldn't return the attraction. "I've never been with a human before."

"I assume you know about my personal life?" She nodded. "And that doesn't bother you?"

"Shepard, you almost have a harem of beautiful women as lovers. If anything, that only makes you more desirable as a partner."

"I'm sure I won't be on the Citadel for too long right now. Next time, I'll visit you privately. I'll take you out for dinner and drinks, and we'll see if there is actually a spark between us."

"Something to look forward to considering everything already."

"I will ask only once, Ariana. You are serious?" She nodded eagerly. "Okay." And I kissed her again. She responded immediately, feeling her hands on my back, her body moving forward into mine, almost giggling as my erection pressed into her. She might not have been with a human, but it's possible she'd been with a turian before, so a male might not be completely alien.

I figured I should probably break off before I started to get other ideas. Thankfully, she recognised what I was doing, though I couldn't help smile at the fact her cheeks had coloured. "See you soon, Shepard?"

"Aye. I have a feeling I won't be a stranger."

"Good luck with whatever comes next."

"Thanks. I'll see you soon… Ariana."

Udina was waiting for me, no doubt wondering why I'd been so delayed, but after exchanging somewhat strained pleasantries, he informed me of certain details. Arcturus destroyed. Two entire fleets wiped out in minutes. Earth was now completely cut-off. Other colony worlds had seen minor incurions, though Reaper focus seemed to be primarily on the homeworld of the humans and turians. The Reapers had yet to make a move against any other species, though the batarians had already been decimated, as the Reapers had moved through their region of space on their way to Earth.

I wasn't going to cry any tears over their demise. Even after all these years, I still hadn't forgiven them for Annie. Never would. I wouldn't forgive them for Elysium, and all the other shit they'd pulled, like I wouldn't forgive the geth for Eden Prime and all the other crimes they'd committed. And I'm not even quarian, and I have a fairly good idea how much they hate the flashlight headed bastards.

Udina made a whole bunch of promises I didn't believe he'd keep, but that wasn't important. I'd departed Earth with minimum staff so he made sure I would have a full complement by the time I left the Citadel. He wasn't particularly complimentary of his colleagues on the Council but understood the fact they were terrified. I wanted to retort 'If they'd listened to me three years ago…' but it would have been wasted words and breath.

I was just about ready to leave, though to go god only knew where, when Sparatus walked into the room. Considering Tevos has suggested I speak to him, I figured he was there for a reason. And he wasted no time offering an olive branch of hope.

"I can't give you what you want, Shepard, but I might be able to give you what you need. You're aware of the situation around Palaven?"

"The basics, Councillor."

"I'm not sure of the force that hit Earth, but Palaven is under full attacks. The Reapers are an enemy we have never faced before. What we need is a war council, a meeting of the species to organise our resistance. And the turian you need to be our voice is Primarch Fedorian. You will find him on our largest moon of Menae. You find the Primarch and you'll get help for Earth."

"It's better than leaving with nothing, Councillor. Thank you."

"In addition, we'll re-instate your Spectre authorisation. You now have free reign to operate how you want across the galaxy, within reason. I'm not sure what Anderson told you, but the turians have been preparing. Far too late in all likelihood, but we're likely in a better position than anyone else except yourselves."

"Thanks, Councillor. At least I have a mission and a modicum of hope."

He offered his hand and I was polite enough to accept it. "Good luck, Commander."

I bid Udina goodbye and headed back out into the chaos. While on the way back to the elevator, I ran into Khalisah al-Jalani. I'd been interviewed by her a few times. She was tabloid journalism personified, though recognised it as someone just doing their job. She'd tried to railroad me a couple of times but I never took offence. More often than not, I'd come out as the 'victor' in our little battles.

This time, she tried it on both barrels, enough I almost gave her one hell of a deserved slap. But I knew enough about body language, and her tone of voice was all wrong. What I didn't expect was her to collapse against the wall behind her in floods of tears, murmuring about the feeds she'd seen, the death and destruction, the lack of hope that already existed. I crouched in front of her, lifting her chin with a finger. "Who am I?"

"Commander Shepard."

"And what does Commander Shepard do?" She shrugged. "He gets shit done. Sure, this is nothing like Saren, Sovereign, and his geth. This isn't like the Collectors. But I'm two for two right now, and I plan on making it a hat-trick. It's going to be the hardest fight of all our lives, but I don't plan on letting these fuckers win."

She stared at me in silence for a few seconds before she smiled. That made me smile as I stood tall, offering my hand to help me up. "How do you remain so confident?" she asked.

"I have to be. If we lose this, it's all over. So we're going to win. That will be my only thought. And I will do anything I can to ensure our victory."

She wiped her eyes and chuckled. "Shit, Commander, you even have me convinced right now."

"Good. So do you know what you do, Khalisah? Keep doing your job. Miss Wong is currently on board my ship, where she will be reporting from the front lines. Can I ask a favour?"

"Name it."

"Keep the pressure up on the Council. Make sure Earth is not forgotten. I have a mission right now to get help, but we're going to need every species to come together to make this work. It's going to take time, so I'm going to gather every ally and asset I can manage to assist in this war. Can you do that for me?"

"I'll camp outside their offices if necessary."

"Good. Though Miss Wong will have first access, I'll make sure I throw a few bones your way as well, particularly if it helps get assistance for whatever I end up trying to build."

"Thank you, Shepard. Guess I've had you picked wrong."

"Not entirely. I can be a right bastard if I want to be, but only to people who deserve it. Keep the good fight going, Khalisah. We'll win the end."

She smiled. First genuine one I'd ever seen. "You know, I can almost believe it when you say it."

"Good. The more believers we have in the cause, the better. Now I have to run. Primarch to rescue, summit to convene."

"Hope?"

"There's always hope, Khalisah."

Heading through the Presidium, you would never have thought that the Reapers had arrived and that two homeworlds of the Council were currently under attack. I should have felt angry but all I could do was shake my head, feeling rather bitter about it. I received a message from Liara that the Normandy was in the middle of being re-supplied and that staff had already started to arrive. She added that, since Miranda was no longer on the ship, could she take over her old office and set up her network? It was a bloody good idea, agreeing to it immediately.

I needed a drink so headed to one of the Wards, finding a pub where I could wet my whistle. Watching the news wasn't all bad. Of course, the attacks of Palaven and Earth were the main news items, but it seemed people still worried about things which simply didn't matter any longer, not until the Reapers were defeated. But, I guess for the time being, people wanted to feel a sense of normality.

Enjoying a couple of drinks, I paid the tab and headed out, catching a cab to the nearest rank of my ship. It was quite busy in the docks, plenty of soldiers coming and going, and I noticed more than one warship next to the Normandy, generally those of the Alliance or the Hierarchy.

There was a guard to either side of the docking bay door. They were not members of my craft, simply Citadel Security, though they were fed all the details of my crew so they could check for the right credentials. Not that I figured we'd ever have a stowaway, but it was possible some fool would try and attack the ship. Couldn't count for the idiocy of the average person.

"Is Miss Wong aboard?"

"Yes, sir."

"Am I the last to return?"

He checked something on his omni-tool, I assumed the list of crew. He finally nodded. "Yes, sir. All crew now accounted for, including the list of new crew members."

"Good. I'll send word to Citadel transport when we're ready to depart."

"At your order, sir. And good luck."

"Thanks. We're going to need it."

The ship was still being organised as I strode into the CIC. My new office was in the middle of being assembled, Traynor to one side, Kelly to the other of the galaxy map. The CIC was certainly busier than we'd left Earth or Mars, and I figured it would be the same below. I had EDI call all staff up the CIC, figuring I'd talk to everyone before actually departing. Joker could just listen in from the cockpit. Once everyone was in front of me, recognising a few people, I let them know the score.

"You all recognise me at least?" There were a few chuckles but everyone seemed to nod. "Good. So, I'm sure you might know a little about what's happened in the past couple of days, and regarding me personally, perhaps ever since I became a Spectre. I'll put things plainly so we all know where we stand and the issue can be laid to rest immediately.

Yes, I worked alongside Cerberus to take down the Collector threat. No, I am not with them now. Yes, I had the support of certain people within the Alliance during my time with them. They knew I would get the job done with a minimum of fuss. Yes, I was responsible for the destruction of an entire system. It prevented the arrival of the Reapers six months ago. Yes, I have been under house arrest since handing myself in. No, I have never stood trial as those certain people made sure I did not.

Now, the current situation. Admiral Anderson leads the resistance on Earth. However, nearly all communication links have been cut with Earth. For the moment, the Sol System is cut off. The Normandy and its crew has been tasked with building alliances. We cannot fight the Reapers in small attacks. It must be one grand, all or nothing battle. In addition to that, there is a weapon that might possibly turn the tide of war. Admiral Hackett and the best scientists in the Alliance are currently looking over its design and seeing how it work.

At the moment, the Council will not be assisting in our efforts, focusing on their own issues instead. So, for the moment, humanity forges ahead alone. However, we will now be heading towards Palaven. They have also been attacked by the Reapers. Our objective is to retrieve Primarch Fedorian to host a summit of all species in an effort to establish a plan in regards to the Reaper threat.

Those are the basics for the time being. Some faces I recognise in front of me. Others I don't. Between here and Palaven, I will wander around, introduce myself, and get to know you. My expectations are what you would expect. You work hard, maintain discipline, but I do not watch over your shoulder. Mistakes happen, though keep those to an absolute minimum. Never be afraid of approaching me with an idea. I don't have an XO at the moment, but if you need some of my time, please approach Specialist Traynor or Yeoman Chambers. They can also assist. Any questions?"

"What are our chances?" someone asked.

"As I said to someone on the Citadel, I'm two for two at the moment. I don't plan on letting the Reapers win. I will speak plainly though. This will be a conflict of the likes humanity has ever seen. This is a war of annihilation. The Reapers are here to exterminate us. No negotiation. No surrender. It's kill or be killed. I don't know about any of you, but I don't plan on dying on my knees. The Reapers will grow to fear us before we send them to hell." I looked around to see no other hands raised. "Very well. Return to your stations. Communication regarding our objectives and the situation of the galaxy will be continuously fed to you all so you know what is happening. That is all. Dismissed."

Everyone saluted, a gesture I returned, before the crew departed. I stepped down from my platform and looked into my new office. One of the crew members noticed my presence, "We'll work flat out and have this ready tomorrow morning, sir."

"No problem. I can work upstairs until then. Joker, you have our destination?"

"Aye, Commander. Menae via Palaven. And avoiding Reapers while we're doing it."

"Yes, I'd rather not run into them if possible. Let me know when we're through the final relay."

"Will do, Commander."

Walking back out into the CIC, I stood behind Kelly, who was doing her best to ignore me. "Miss Chambers," I whispered, "I need you to accompany me upstairs."

"Yes, Commander."

She knew what was coming. Kelly knew me well. I gave no indication as to my thoughts as we rode the elevator up to my cabin, but once inside, I locked the door and led her towards the desk, bending her over it as I lifted up her skirt and pulled down her panties. She immediately spread her legs as I gently fondled her. Holding her down quite firmly, she was soon squirming, and once she was ready, I quickly had my cock out and slid it inside her.

"Angry fuck?" she asked quietly, "I was feeling turned on just on the elevator."

"Not with you, gorgeous. I just need a release. Something to take the edge off. Thought of you."

"Just fuck me senseless then, Shepard."

I wasn't gentle but Kelly had always liked it a little rough sometimes anyway, but I was soon really pounding her. I was just pissed off about everything, but I also really needed her at the same time. I didn't last all that long, ten minutes at most, groaning loudly as I unloaded inside her. Leaning forward, making sure I didn't crush her, I nuzzled into her neck, making her giggle. "Feel better?" she whispered.

"Still pissed off but, yeah, I feel a little better."

"Just needed my pussy for a few minutes. Always makes you feel better, Shepard."

"I'll get you off in a minute."

She kissed my cheek. "Sometimes, it is just about you, Shepard. I don't mind."

"I know, but I love making you orgasm."

Eventually pulling back, she dropped her panties completely as she spun around and sat on the desk, removing her top so she sat there in a bra and skirt. Beckoning me closer with a finger, I was still rather hard so slid inside her again, feeling her legs wrap around me as we made out. Pulling back slightly, she met my eyes as I licked my thumb and definitely smirked as I ran it down her body, teasing her nipples first, feeling those harden like diamonds, before I slid my hand under her skirt. She almost jolted when I gently fondled her.

"Just me this time?" she breathed.

"One good turn deserves another."

"I want to ride you, Shepard. That always works."

No surprise we ended up naked on the bed, Kelly riding me hard and fast, little wonder she came quickly and continued on. She only had one more before she rolled onto her back and asked me to just fuck her nice and hard again, demanding I give her another load. As I did, I joked she was definitely going to get pregnant one day, no matter what precautions she took. It was only when we were laying together a little later that she asked, "Do you want children, Shepard?"

"Not right now, but… Yeah, I would. Wife and kids, house and a dog."

"With me? I only ask because I know how much you love Gianna and Shiala…"

"Which religion allows multiple wives?" That made her laugh, at least. I pulled her tight to my body. "Kelly, you've been by my side for I don't know how long now. Kelly Shepard… How does that sound?" She didn't respond and, when I felt her body shudder a couple of times, I think she found the idea appealing. I gave her a gentle squeeze. "Guess it sounds really good," I added softly.

"Just thinking about it with everything already going on though… But it's nice to have something to look forward to when all this is over." She spun around and met my eyes. "I want children, Shepard. I want to be married and start a family. It doesn't have to be on Earth. Can be anywhere really. Just one thing…"

"Once I put a ring on your finger, you're the only one."

"Can you handle that?"

"Yes, I can. I can agree to that now, if you want."

"No. I promised you long ago that I wouldn't make you choose, as we all entered into this arrangement freely, but if you were to propose to me, and then we were to wed, the vows are basically I would be your only one. And if I'm your wife, I don't want to share my husband. I think all the others would agree to that too, if you were to propose to one of them instead." She cuddled into me, feeling her head rest against my chest, as I gently stroked her back. "God, we're fools for discussing this right now."

"Gives me something to fight for, at least."

Before we arrived around Menae, I kept my word and wandered the ship, talking to all of the crew. Nearly everyone had family or someone they knew back on Earth, while they had already received news of other colony worlds already being hit by the Reapers, though it seemed the Reapers had bypassed nearly everywhere to smash Earth immediately.

Lieutenant Adams was back on the Normandy, and I had a good conversation with him. He thought he needed to clear the air about not being around during the Collector mission, but I assured him he was Alliance. Gabby and Ken had been released from custody back onto the ship, grateful I'd used my status to have them released without charge. Doctor Chakwas was happily back in the med-bay, taking stock of what was and wasn't available. Lieutenant Vega had made himself at home in the hangar bay, while I had a conversation with Cortez, who admitted to being recently widowed from his husband.

Liara and I had a long conversation about everything that happened since we defeated the Shadow Broker and to the point where she was now. The banks of screens apparently showed information flowing in from around the galaxy, but she knew that would slowly but surely diminish the longer the war continued and the stranglehold the Reapers held only increased. She could let me know the situation as she knew it on Palaven. Putting it bluntly, they were copping it as badly as Earth already.

"Any word on Garrus Vakarian?" I wondered.

"I don't know his present status, but I do know he was elevated within the hierarchy." I raised my eyebrows at that bit of news. "He was their unofficial 'Reaper expert'. Guess all that time with you rubbed off in one way. Apparently, he only answered to Primarch Fedorian."

"But no word from him?"

"No. Most of the communication I had coming from Palaven, or turian space, has been cut, just like Earth. I'll keep you updated as best I can with news regarding Earth but the Reapers will do their best to ensure the planet is kept isolated."

"I know and thanks. Just do what you can."

"Council meeting piss you off?"

"Of course it did, but then again, it was exactly the answer I expected. Needing to rely on Udina sucks, and to be honest, I won't. Looks like the job is up to me again. Well, me and the people on this ship."

She looked thoughtful for a moment before asking, "And what of Cerberus?"

"What of them?"

"The Illusive Man has made it clear what he thinks about their arrival."

"He's fucking delusional if he thinks he can control them. But I see why you ask. They are definitely going to be a thorn in our side. Makes me wonder where Miranda is as I could use her help."

"Well, as you know, she was helping with the Alliance, but in the chaos since, she's likely given them the slip. Seen a few messages cross my screen mentioning her name. I could try and find her…" I gave her a look and finally nodded. That made her smile. "Soft spot, Shepard?"

"Yeah, by the end, we worked well together. And while we did eventually enjoy a physical element, it didn't happen often. She earned my respect, that's for damned sure. Walking away from Tim how she did took guts. I have no doubt he's hunting her down."

"Will you ask her back onto the ship?"

"Probably not. Doubt she'd feel comfortable on an Alliance vessel. I'm sure she's doing her own thing right now, giving Cerberus a bloody nose where she can."

"Anyone else you're worried about?"

"I'm not going to ask you to locate everyone, Liara. I still have the same contact details. If they need to get in touch with me, they can. But I'm sure they're all helping, however they can."

"Your girls are safe. Shiala is on Feros. No word of Reapers arriving yet. Illium might just be safe while the Reapers focus on non-asari worlds for now. Want me to get word to Gianna?" I nodded. "I'll let Shiala and Gianna know what's going on. Soon as I receive word of any changes to the situation…"

"If I have to drag them onto the ship, I will." Liara couldn't help grin. "How well do you know Councillor Tevos?"

The question definitely threw her for a second, which amused me. "Why do you ask?"

"Well, I've always found her rather attractive… To be honest, don't think there are many 'ugly' asari out there. Anyway, I had to go have words with her after our meeting and she made it known she found me… interesting…" Liara couldn't help herself, chuckling away. "So, what can you tell me about her?"

"I'll send you everything I have on her, Shepard. That's probably the best thing to do. To be honest, my dealings with her are minimal at best. Even in my role as Shadow Broker, I work in the… shadows. But, Shepard, are you seriously suggesting you want to…"

"Do I want to fuck the councillor? If I have to use sex as a matter of diplomacy, I will. Make Tevos cum a few times, she might just prove even more willing to help."

"Want to make me cum?" I raised my eyebrows but felt the grin form. She returned the smile. "It's been quite a while for us, Shepard. Are you still interested in me?"

"Of course. Lock the doors. Then strip."

I sat back as she walked over to the door. In fact, I would say she sashayed over the door, putting an extra swing into her hips, before she slowly revealed more blue skin with the removal of each article of clothing. Once she was naked, she placed a knee to either side of my body, my hands immediately moving up and down her body as we kissed. She was certainly more aggressive than normal, and it didn't take long to feel her rubbing herself against my erection, still covered by my trousers.

"Shepard, why are you still dressed?" she breathed.

"Nothing sexier than having a naked asari straddling me like this." I ran a hand down her back and gently grabbed her arse. "Even better when she's fit as fuck like you, Liara."

That made her lean back a little, meeting my eyes, a slightly sad smile. "It will end after this, won't it?"

I sighed immediately as I knew the news would hurt them all. "Possibly to probably. I really don't know. Kelly and I have talked, naturally. More than once. We recently covered the topic again."

"But during all this?"

"Nothing stops, Liara. Do you want to make love?"

"Yes," she whispered.

Picking her up was easy, arms and legs around me as I carried her to the bed. She lay down as I quickly stripped off, Liara spreading her legs rather provocatively, fondling herself before I joined her on the bed. Though she mentioned the fact she really wanted my cock, she asked if I'd be willing to eat her out first. I almost scoffed at her asking as she should have known I'd do so without being asked.

She was rather vocal in her appreciation of my talents, murmuring that she'd had to rely on her fingers or toys for far too long. Once I gave her an orgasm, she pleaded for me to kiss up her body and do something else. I obliged, of course, and watched her face as I slowly slid my cock inside her. Once I was settled, I just waited until her eyes opened, the broad grin forming immediately "Fuck, I've missed you, Shepard."

I couldn't help chuckling. Liara rarely cursed, even when we were… fucking. "Well, that feeling is mutual. Particularly when my cock is currently inside one tight, wet asari pussy." That made her chuckle. "Hey, just telling it how it is."

I felt her shuffle, getting comfortable, before she leaned up to kiss me as we made love. We ended up having a lot of fun over the next couple of hours, wearing each other out as we tried a few positions, whatever came to mind, that either worked or made us laugh. We ended with the reliable one of her riding my cock, and I could always watch an asari happily ride my cock. Liara had enjoyed another orgasm, but like most women I was with, when they rode me, they definitely had bigger and better one's. Wearing herself out, that's when she finally leaned down and wanted me to just pound her then cum.

She relaxed on my chest a few minutes later, giggling away as she joked that cum would be flowing out of her pussy when she stood up. "Hey, can't help enjoying what you have, Liara," I murmured. I gave her a gentle thrust. "That's some lovely asari pussy I'm currently inside."

That made her giggle again. "Will I have your company from time to time?"

"Of course. Kelly can join in, if you'd like."

She gave me a look. "Oh, you know I'll eat pussy while taking your cock, Shepard. Or maybe she can return the favour while you fuck her. And I see Emily is on board, and I can only assume she will be having some fun too."

"More than likely. I don't really plan all this. It just happens. Best to let it occur naturally."

"Karin?"

"Chakwas?" I shrugged. "She hasn't said anything, though she's always been a little shy about her attraction to me."

Rolling off me, she cuddled into my side as we lay in silence for a little while. Post coital bliss, as I always called it. She eventually got up, wiped herself down, and started to dress. I watched her from the bed and she threw me my underwear and shirt. "I have work to do, Shepard. You are a lovely distraction, but I really should gather all the information I can before we arrive."

"Good point."

I dressed quickly before giving her a hug and a kiss before leaving. She definitely had fun, that's what she said, and whenever I was keen, all I need do is knock on her door. If not, she would happily accept an invite to join Kelly and I upstairs.

Heading upstairs, Kelly took one look at me and laughed. "Liara?" she asked.

"How do you know?"

"You sometimes have this look of smug satisfaction on your face after you've fucked someone. I know the look well."

"Hang on… Liara?" Traynor asked, "But are you not…"

"Shepard likes to fuck, Samantha," Kelly stated, "He fucked me nicely last night, and I assume he's just given Liara exactly what she needed."

"I made her cum a few times and left a smile on her face." I glanced at Traynor, who immediately started to blush. "Haven't got my claws into Emily yet."

"And who else?" Kelly asked, "Don't ask Samantha. She prefers women."

"How do you know?"

"I ask questions, Shepard. Plus, I thought I'd do you a favour and let you know before you proposition her."

"I don't try and fuck every woman I meet, Kelly."

"True, but Samantha is quite cute and…"

"Oh…" Traynor whispered.

"If you like to fool around, if Shepard is busy with someone else, you can always call on me, Samantha. Definitely liking the accent."

"Well, I might as well just make myself scarce then."

Kelly just gave me one hell of a kiss that certainly left us both smiling. "Head upstairs, Shepard. I'll be up late. Maybe you can just bend me over the desk again though, this time, you can fuck my arse if you want."

"Oh my…" Traynor whispered.

"Now you're just showing off, Kelly," I stated, before leaning down to her ear, "But if you want your arse fucked," I growled, "I'll make sure you're incapable of sitting tomorrow at breakfast."

"I'll leave it in your rather capable hands, Shepard. Now, I have work to do, as does Samantha, and while you are a lovely distraction, you have work to do as well."

"Who is the CO of this ship?"

"You are. But I know I'm talking sense, and you need to think with your big head, not your smaller one."

"You are a wonderful distraction, Miss Chambers."

"I know I am." She kissed me again. "Now away with you. Otherwise I'll never get any work done."

I figured I should probably do some work so I bid her farewell, doing the same towards Traynor, before heading upstairs. I had a mountain of messages waiting for me, spending a couple of hours sorting those out, reading a few more reports, writing out one or two that needed sending to Hackett, Udina, and the Council in general. I was so long that Kelly eventually wandered in, stating I'd missed dinner, though she'd brought me up a plate. I scoffed that down before turning towards her, a twinkle in her eye that I knew well.

The suggestion Kelly made earlier? She delivered on it. Definitely marriage material, that woman.