Book 3, Chapter 6 - Shepard Squadron

The ship was approaching the Citadel again. Unlike those months with Cerberus, I had a feeling I'd be visiting the enormous station quite often during this war, whether to restock and refit, to sit down with the Council for updates, and the fact the Alliance had its own headquarters on the Citadel. With Arcturus gone and Sol out of action, Hackett was the main man in charge in the Alliance, but I did not know in which system he was keeping the fleets. Didn't want to know.

Kahlee would be taking the brainy students to assist with the building of what was being called the Crucible. They still didn't know what the weapon would do, but apparently it was something that could be built relatively simply. What was needed was something called the catalyst. No-one had a clue what that was but investigations were already underway.

Soon as we docked, Kahlee thanked me with a hug before leading all the students away. Jack followed them, unsure as to exactly what she'd be doing, but she wanted to meet up before we departed. Unsure as to our next move, as the summit still hadn't been agreed, I let most of the crew stretch their legs, while my first stop was Alliance HQ. I went alone as Garrus remained on the ship with Victus, Kelly wandered off with Samantha, the pair becoming fast friends, and also with Emily, who mostly kept to herself on the ship since boarding, while Liara suggested she'd go have words with Tevos.

Alliance HQ was a madhouse, as I expected. Walking towards the overworked reception desk, I announced who I was and, thankfully, I was immediately led towards an office towards the rear. Knocking on the door, she opened the door and gestured for me to enter. "Admiral Reisman will be with your shortly, Commander."

She asked if I wanted a drink, always accepting the offer of a coffee, taking a seat at the desk. I was sipping at my drink when the door opened, rising to meet feet immediately to be greeted by a silver haired veteran. I knew the name but that was about it. "Commander," he said. Voice was like gravel. Like he'd spent thirty years of his life shouting orders. But he offered his hand, a firm handshake, meeting my eyes.

"Admiral."

A slight smirk appeared. "Rear Admiral. Can't be getting above my station, but I'm the senior officer here on the Citadel. Take a seat, see you already have a drink." Soon as I sat down, he added, "I'm sure you're wondering you were summoned here. Admiral Hackett has obviously kept people in the loop regarding your intentions, so there are two reasons. One major, one minor. The minor is simple. I believe you once worked alongside Miranda Lawson?"

"I did. She worked as my XO during my time with…" I'll admit, I shifted uncomfortably in my chair.

"We're aware who you worked with. The ends justified the means considering the Collector threat and you cut ties immediately. As for Miss Lawson, she's given us all the information she could during her interrogations. She was assisting Doctor Chakwas, but now that the good doctor has returned to the Normandy, we were unsure as to what role Miss Lawson could fulfil. So I was going to suggest she returns to the Normandy herself."

"In what capacity?"

"We'll give her an official role and rank. Would you anticipate any issues with her return?"

"I certainly wouldn't. She'd be an asset to our team. If anyone does, I'd discuss it with them but let it known the situation as it is."

"Very well. I'll call her in here shortly. The second reason I called you in here, Shepard, was the fact… Hackett has explained your probably role regarding this war against the Reapers. Admiral Anderson was supposed to take command of the Normandy, and he would have used the ship as a mobile command centre. That means he would have had his own fleet of ships to use at his disposal.

"I will?"

"You will. As you've been told, the Alliance Navy has been building ships as quickly as it could. Dreadnoughts takes a long time and resources we simply don't have right now, not with the war in full swing. So we concentrated on smaller ships, more manoeuvrable, able to get in and out quickly. So, basically, you've got five ships in your command. The other four are based on the Normandy. The only thing they don't have is the AI." Raised eyebrows at that. "We all know, Shepard, but Anderson assured us EDI has been nothing but a benefit to the cause. So we've made sure it'll be easy for EDI to patch into the other ships, at least when they're within range."

"Who is in command of the ships?"

"Ah, you see, that's where there might be an issue. I will send you the files of the officers in charge. All four are captain's. Obviously, you are still ranked as a commander. Not something many of us in the brass agree with, by the way. Should have been promoted after defeating Saren. Now, as you will be in command of the group, Hackett has agreed that you cannot retain the same rank as the four other Commanding Officers of the ships, so you will be promoted a further rank. It's a rank not always used by the Alliance Navy, generally in particular circumstances such as this."

"What's the rank?"

"Commodore."

"Commodore Shepard? Hmmm, that'll take some getting used to. Thankfully most people just call me Shepard anyway."

"And as you will have a new rank, the thought process for Miss Lawson to take your old rank as she will be assigned as your new XO."

"What of Ashley Williams?"

"Commander Williams? We're waiting to see the outcome of her hospital stay. Were you planning on visiting?" I nodded. "She's not conscious but suffering lingering effects, according to the latest reports. Sure she'd like to receive a visitor or two."

"Will there be any sort of ceremony?"

"Want one?" I shook my head. "We'll send you the paperwork and ensure you have the correct uniform. Two of the ships are currently in dock, the other two are already out on patrol with orders to return here immediately. We're aware of the summit you're trying to convene so assumed you would like to have your new squad ready to go when you next leave."

"Would be nice to meet the men and woman under my command."

"That can be organised."

"Ship names?"

"We've stuck to the theme regarding the Normandy class, so we've named them after French town and cities in the region that were important during the Normandy Campaign. So you have the Bayeux, the Cherbourg, the Caen and the Rouen."

I looked around the room. "I'm waiting for La Marseillaise to start playing," I muttered, "Or some bloke on a bicycle come riding by with a smoke and a baguette."

"I'll send you all the paperwork about the changes, but Miss Lawson is waiting nearby if you'd like to see her. She's already been briefed about her new role."

"Sure. Would be nice to see her again."

I followed him out of his office, down a couple of corridors, stopping outside another door. He opened it to reveal a waiting room. A couple of comfortable lounges. Potted plants. Counter with items that would make coffee and tea. Miranda was sat down though stood immediately when Reisman entered, and I could see her trying desperately not to grin when our eyes met. I looked her up and down as I never thought I'd see Miranda Lawson in an Alliance uniform. When she saluted both of us, I almost cracked up laughing.

"Commander Lawson, Commodore Shepard has been informed of your new position as his XO. Due to circumstances, there won't be a ceremony. As I've explained to Shepard, you will receive your documentation prior to your departure."

"Thank you, sir."

"I'll leave you two to catch up. Shepard, I'll send you a message when the other two ships return. I'll sit in with you when you meet the other four captains. After that, they will be yours to command, and Hackett has told everyone that you will have free reign. Seems the galaxy rests on your shoulders yet again."

"Doesn't get any easier."

"I can imagine, but we'll do all we can to support you going forward."

He shook my hand, wished us well, before he shut the door as he left. Miranda stepped around the low table and hugged me straight away, wrapping my arms tightly around her in return. "Just glad you're alive, Shepard. We all saw the pictures."

"Commander Lawson?" She leaned back and grinned. "I mean, I know you told Tim to shove it…"

"Tim?" The laugh was immediate. "Suits him. Can think of some rather choice words myself. Anyway, I was helping Chakwas in R&D. We got along very well, and Hackett seemed to like me too."

"Hard during interrogation?"

She answered only after we'd taken a seat on one of the lounges. "To start with, yes. I was a top Cerberus operative, but once I proved I was trying to be helpful and honest, they relented, interviewed me in comfortable offices instead, and had me working alongside Chakwas within a couple of months. Was doing that until the Reapers arrived. I knew Chakwas had gone with you. I was busy involved in another project and simply didn't have time to even come say hello."

"Happy to be returning to the ship?"

The smile lit up her face. "I'm coming home, Shepard. Missed you. Missed the others."

"Heard from Jacob?"

She snorted, so that answered my question. "No surprise that fizzled quickly. To be honest, we fucked a few times but I was bored before we made it for the Omega Four." She met my eyes. "Much preferred you. Kelly still with you?"

"Of course."

"Going to continue your unique life?"

"Definitely."

"Want to fuck me?"

"I'd fuck you here and now if I didn't think we'd get caught."

She leaned into my side, wrapping an arm around her in return. "I missed you a lot, Shepard," she whispered, "Realised how much I cared for you once you were gone."

"I missed all of you, but you've always been particularly special. Far smarter than I am. More talents than you can shake a stick at. And you look fantastic naked." She laughed again. "Might be awkward though as Liara has your old office."

"Hmmm…"

"There is a solution. You can take the new office I've installed. The armoury was moved back downstairs and we changed that. You can take that. We'll put a bed in there. Kelly has my old position. She not technically part of the Alliance, but I now have a comms specialist instead of a yeoman."

"What will you do?"

"I'll work in the war room or upstairs, if necessary."

"Why not just share your office?"

"Because I have my own space upstairs, and as my XO, you need your own space. Our seniority does come with some perks. But we'll figure it out. Let me message the others and we can catch up."

Having Miranda walking next to me in Alliance blues did take a little getting used to. I wasn't surprised she preferred trousers instead of a skirt, though I did suggest if she wanted to show off her legs, I wouldn't complain. Again, she just laughed though figured she probably would if it led to other things. Hailing a cab, I wanted off the Presidium as it was boring, heading to one of the wards, sending a message to everyone else to meet us at a bar I knew well.

Kelly, Samantha and Emily were the first to appear, Kelly immediately sitting next to Miranda, friendly as always, introducing Samantha. Liara walked in alone a few minutes later, sitting to my other side. She almost burst into giggles upon seeing Miranda in blue. Garrus and Vega walked in together, Garrus doing a double take upon seeing Miranda next to me. Vega simply walked to the bar, hearing him ask for shots and other things.

As we waited for the drinks, I told everyone what was happening in regards to Miranda joining the ship, the fact I would now be commanding a squadron, and the fact I'd received one hell of a promotion. When I said it was as a Commodore, I received more than one confused look. "Thought that rank was retired?" Vega asked.

"Not retired, just not used often, but because of my new role, it was seen that being a captain was too low a rank, while I'm simply not qualified to be any sort of Admiral."

"Some of us would disagree with that," Liara said.

"If you're expecting some sort of ceremony, there won't be. Miranda and I will receive new uniforms and the paperwork that state our new ranks. Apart from that, people will call us by our new ranking, though I'd rather you call me Shepard whenever we're not on the clock. Hell, even on the clock, I will only be concerned when we have top brass or other visitors."

"Well, I think that deserves a toast," Vega stated, handing out shots of something. We all knocked them back and I was surprised it was smooth going down.

I received a message later from Reisman stating the two other ships would return the next day, Citadel time. By the time I received that message, we were having quite the good time. Vega had disappeared with Cortez, Garrus had wandered off to find Chloe, so that left me with my girls. Traynor was hanging around but would probably start to feel out of place.

"Back to the ship, Shepard?" Kelly finally asked, "Maybe Miranda can check out her new office."

Samantha started to giggle. "I know exactly what you're going to do in there."

"Can join in if you want," Liara suggested.

"Look, I can see why you all like him, but I don't sleep with men."

"Who said anything about sleeping?" Miranda retorted. Then she leaned into me. "My pussy is totally bald, Shepard," she tried to whisper but failed.

"Miranda, it's always been bald," I replied, "We have fucked quite a bit, remember?"

"True, but you spent a lot of time in my arse."

Traynor burst into giggles again. Even Liara gave me a look that suggested she liked the idea. Kelly said we should probably head off, just in case things got out of hands, and to be honest, considering I was already feeling a couple of hands on my crotch, that was a good idea. It wasn't surprising Traynor disappeared, stating she'd go join up with Vega and Cortez. I thought that was amusing, but we all cheerfully wished her goodnight, as we caught a taxi back to the docks.

To my surprise, Jack was waiting for us by the airlock. She took one look at Miranda burst into laughter. "Holy shit, you too?"

"Me too?" Miranda asked, obviously confused.

"Been working at Grissom Academy. But I don't wear the blues. Anyway, Kelly suggested something was going on?" She looked across the girls and laughed again. "I guess we're in for a good night."

"Miranda is going to look at her new office," Kelly said, "Then we'll see what happens."

Miranda was certainly happy with the look of the new office, wandering around and gesturing her ideas, particularly where a new double bed could be placed. The rest of the girls plonked themselves down on the couch, giggling away. I walked away, heading downstairs towards the lounge, grabbing a couple of bottles of liquor, before returning upstairs. Opening the door, all my girls were sat on the lounge, looking at me expectantly. I placed the bottles on the table, turned back to the door and locked it, then stood in front of them.

"Strip," I ordered.

The speed at which Kelly stood up and started to undress amused me greatly. Jack looked at me with such lust in her eyes, I almost gulped. Emily blushed, but she stood up and started to undress. Liara and Miranda wasted no time either. As soon as they were all naked, I pointed the desk. "Lean over that, side by side, legs slightly spread."

Miranda grabbed her bag and wandered over, handing me a bottle. "I'm always prepared, Shepard," she said, leaning forward to press her lips against mine, "Always when it comes to you."

The five were soon side by side, leaning on their forearms, shaking their arses in my direction. All of them were glistening with excitement. Kelly was practically dripping wet. I undressed and walked towards them. Liara was to the left, running my fingers down her back and over her arse, giving her pussy a fondle. I did the same to Kelly next to her, no surprise she gasped at my touch. Emily pushed down on my fingers, feeling them slide inside her for a couple of seconds. Jack grabbed my wrist, not wanting me to move on. Miranda was last, running fingers down her back, tickling her arsehole for a few seconds before I slid my fingers inside her.

"Oh fuck," she moaned.

"This doesn't happen often, Emily," Kelly said as I fingered Miranda, "But we've had a few drinks and we do like to have fun as a group."

"No complaints from me. He hasn't fucked me since I boarded. Granted, I generally don't do it in front of others, but I'm not going to complain if I get that dick tonight."

"You're all getting his dick tonight," Miranda moaned, "Though I'm hoping I get it soon. His fingers are one thing, but I want his cock."

I leaned down, leaving soft kisses up her back and neck before I kissed her cheek. "Anal straight away?"

"God yes. I love it when you take me in such a manner, Shepard."

"Holy shit, cheerleader!" Jack exclaimed.

"Like you don't love anal with him," she retorted gently.

I glanced at Jack and she shrugged. "She's right. Love it when you just pound my arse."

"Oh my," Emily murmured, "We've… not done that before."

"Want some attention first?" Kelly asked, "I love eating arse."

I looked up. "Look, I don't actually believe in you, big guy, but thank you for all the woman in my life."

"You want some attention, Blue?" Jack asked Liara.

Liara, smiled, took Jack by the hand, and sat back on the lounge, Jack getting on the floor between her legs, surprised they started to make out first. Kelly and Emily started to do the same, so I focused on Miranda. Grabbing the bottle, I poured a liberal amount on her and my cock, giving myself nice and slick as I then got her ready. She moaned as I slowly but surely started to spread her with my fingers, taking my time as it was a tease at the same time. One finger first, then two in, but when I had three inside her, that's when she was turned on and begging for my cock.

I slid it inside her pussy first and she almost sobbed straight away. Leaning down on my forearms, she turned her head so I could kiss her, and the feeling in that was a surprise. "I missed you so much," she whimpered.

"Love him, don't you?" Kelly asked.

Miranda nodded emphatically. "Should never have slept with Jacob. I'm sorry."

"No apologies. This is a unique situation."

"I love you, Shepard."

"We all do," Kelly added, "Even Jack."

"Bet your pretty arse I love him," Jack said with humour, "Though I'm loving this asari pussy right now. No wonder you like going down on her, Shepard. Do all asari taste this good?"

"Some of us do," Liara said, "I've had a few lovers."

"I love you too," I whispered into Miranda's ear. That made her feel the need to catch another sob. "You want it, don't you?"

"Please. I loved it so much every time." She looked left and right. "I want you to watch, girls. I want you to watch Shepard dominate me. Not totally, just… you know…"

It needed to be a little more comfortable, so Kelly quickly headed upstairs, grabbed a couple of things, returning to lay a couple of thick blankets on the ground, Miranda immediately getting down onto her knees, resting her head on a cushion, looking back and wiggling her arse. I got behind her and wasted little time teasing her, running the head of my cock along her crack. She pushed back more than once in her desire.

Gently sliding the head inside her, she gasped and I gave it a few seconds before slowly filling her. I buried my entire length before we both got comfortable, leaning forward above her. "Ready?" I whispered into her ear. She nodded so eagerly, I couldn't help chuckle.

I leaned back and gave each cheek a good slap. She shuddered and moaned, so I gave her another slap. "Oh god, yes," she moaned.

Leaning forward was immediately put to the back of my mind. Instead, I took a handful of hair and gently pulled her head back but wasted no time fucking her. She loved it immediately, the only sounds being my occasional grunting, her moans, and the sound of our skin slapping against each other, the occasional crack as I gave one cheek or the other another slap. Glancing left, the four girls were watching with interest, all of them masturbating. Even Emily, who looked at me and smiled, though the colour in her cheeks suggested it was a little unusual for her.

Miranda was busy playing with her pussy and it certainly helped the onset of her first orgasm. I felt it as she squeezed my cock like a vice, enough that I stopped moving, not wanting to cause her discomfort. Once it passed, she sat up and leaned back against me. "Lean forward over me and just pound me now," she whispered, "Want you to cum in me like that."

She got what she wanted a couple of minutes later, leaning forward over her, resting on my forearms, just pounding her like she wanted. I tried to last as long as possible, but I hadn't enjoyed anal with any of my lovers for a while. Kelly had offered more than once, but it honestly wasn't something I want looking for. But Miranda and I had always enjoyed it for some reason. Think it was because she had a fantastic arse. Great tits too.

"Oh god," I groaned.

"Cum in me," she moaned in return. That took all of thirty seconds, those last thirty seconds a blur, and I did worry about hurting her, even as I felt myself unload inside her. Once I was empty, I left my cock buried as we both relaxed, though she kept her arse in the air a little bit. "Holy shit," she murmured, "Shepard, that was… I love you even more."

"Okay, who else thought that was just really fucking hot?" Jack asked.

"Maybe we should just head upstairs?" Kelly asked, "The bed would be more comfortable."

Everyone agreed that was a good idea, thankful the ship was empty though the elevator was only a few steps away. Kelly stood in front of me, stroking my cock as we went up one level, leading me by it into our quarters. Placing the bottles on the table, she let me go and sat on the lounge. "I'm just going to watch as I get fucked more than them. I think Emily needs to be fucked. Anal?"

"Um…"

"That's a no," Kelly said. "Shepard, there are some wipes in the bathroom."

After making sure I was clean, I walked out to find Emily lying back on the bed, Liara to one side, Jack to the other. Miranda and Kelly were busy making out on the couch, and if I didn't know any better, Kelly was about to get her pussy eaten. Miranda glanced at me, winked, and that confirmed my thought.

Emily smiled as I joined her, making sure I kissed her first, feeling her hand on the back of my head, her legs bending as she pressed them into my torso. "Missed you," she whispered.

"Sorry I haven't been down to visit. It's been hectic."

"It's fine. But don't forget about me down there." She paused and added, "That goes for the girls too."

"I won't."

Liara leaned over and kissed her cheek. "And we won't either."

I wanted to taste her pussy first. Hadn't done that in a long time, but I wanted to give her body all my attention. I looked up constantly to see her return a constant smile. Once I made it down to her pussy, the smile broadened, turning into soft moans, watching how her body reacted. Enjoyed her taste as always, Liara and Jack eventually turning, one of them focusing on her breasts, the other kissing her deeply. That turned her on even more and it was no surprise she had an orgasm quite quickly.

I kept going until she had another one, Liara and Jack sliding away so she could focus on me. Sliding my hands up the back of her legs to under her knees, I pushed them back and wide, completely exposing her. "Oh my god," she cried softly, "Shepard!"

"Goddess, this is so beautiful," Liara whispered.

She came again and Emily begged for my cock. I wasted no time moving into position and ever so gently and slowly slid my cock inside her. Once I was buried, we made love, nice and slow. I glanced to see Liara watch us with nothing but a smile. Even Jack just watched, not touching herself. Then I just focused on Emily, the feeling of being inside her once again, her legs loosely wrapped around me. I gazed into her eyes, seeing nothing but adoration and love in hers returned.

As I'd cum before, I lasted longer with Emily. By the time I did cum, her legs were over my shoulders, her body bent slightly, feeling even deeper inside her. She was loving it so much, more than one tear was shed. All I did was lean forward the kiss them away. When I did finally cum, she had to stop herself just breaking down into sobs. Instead, I managed to grab her and roll onto my back, feeling her relax on my chest, running my fingers up and down her spine.

"Beautiful," Liara whispered, "I love watching you like that with one of your girls, Shepard."

I glanced left when I heard Jack sniffle. She told me to fuck off when I just smiled at her. Then we heard moaning, looking up to see Miranda and Kelly completely focused on each other. No surprise Kelly had fingers in her arse and Miranda was returning the favour while mouths were focused on pussy.

"I'll move soon," Emily murmured.

"Take your time. Jack and I have enjoyed him recently."

"Don't know about you, Blue, but I won't be on the ship."

"Few more minutes then he's all yours," Emily said.

Emily did eventually slide off me, and noticing I wasn't quite as hard as normal, Jack was immediately between my legs, cock in her mouth, her lips slowly sliding up and down my shaft. Couldn't help gaze down and watch at how eager she was, Emily cuddling into my side and watching. Liara did the same, asking if she wanted anything. "No, I'm happy just to watch tonight. I'll definitely masturbate downstairs later though."

Jack giggled. "Your cock just got harder, Shepard."

Liara moved closer, hot breath in my ear. "Does the idea of me masturbating turn you on, Shepard? My fingers deep inside my pussy, thinking about your cock sliding inside me while I fuck myself silly?" I turned and kissed her hard, making her chuckle. "Thought that would work. Is he nice and hard now, Jack?"

"I can't decide whether just to keep sucking or slide my pussy down this thing."

"Well, he left quite the load inside me, so he's going to last even longer," Emily joked.

Jack eventually stopped and moved up so she sat on my cock, feeling her pussy rub against it but she leaned down to just kiss me first, hugging her tight to me and making her giggle. "I think we've all missed you, Shepard," Emily whispered.

"Definitely," Jack whispered before kissing me again. She lifted herself up and I felt a hand around my shaft, groaning into her mouth as I found myself inside another tight, hot pussy. Soon as she'd taken my entire length, she sat back with a grin on her face and just started to ride me. Started out slow to begin with, mesmerised at the sight of her diminutive body take my cock. She was complimentary as always, eventually taking my hands as she started to pick up the tempo.

"Fuck," she groaned, watching my cock disappear and reappear rather quickly. She leaned forward within a few minutes, moving even faster, her tight little butt rising and falling quicker and quicker. "Oh fuck," she cried.

To my surprise, Kelly and Miranda joined us on the bed, and that's when Kelly decided to have fun, noticing her with the bottle, pouring it on Jack. That made her stop riding me as Kelly wasted no time sliding a couple of fingers inside Jack's arse. "Keep going," Kelly murmured. So that's how Jack ended up riding me with Kelly fingering her arse.

Jack had quite the orgasm, begging me to take control and asked for more from Kelly at the same time. Gently grasping her hips, I started to pump up into her, earning a hard kiss in return, hearing her whimper into my mouth. "Please keep going," she whimpered, "Please. Kelly, more… more…"

"I have the perfect something," Liara said. She returned within a couple of minutes, Jack looking back and nodding. Once the dildo was lubed up, Kelly slid that in her arse and Jack was now being double penetrated. To say she loved it would be an understatement. She came hard within a couple of minutes, almost breaking down into sobs but she didn't want to stop for a second. Kelly really started to pump the dildo into her, Jack wanting every inch possible inside her.

"Holy shit, this is so hot," Miranda exclaimed.

"Maybe we'll need to buy a strap on?" Liara joked.

"Dildo's don't cum," Kelly replied, "A dildo is nice, but don't you love it when he cums in you?" It amused me when all five said they loved it. "But I think this could add another element to night's like this."

"Want him in my arse," Jack said. The dildo was quickly removed, Jack lifting herself up and, after the quick application of lube, I ended up in her arse. The speed at which she immediately started to bounce on my cock was something else entirely, sitting back and rubbing her pussy at the same time. Kelly took over doing that, Miranda sitting to the other side and sliding a pair of fingers inside her. Jack glanced at her… then just shrugged. "Don't care, feels good," she murmured, "Nice fingers, cheerleader."

"Tight pussy, Jack," Miranda retorted softly.

I lasted five minutes then came hard. Far too much visual stimulation and I always enjoyed Jack's tight arse. I stayed hard enough for her to ride me to another orgasm before she needed to stop too. Kelly mentioned a shower and there was the amusing sight of the five trying to get under the water together before I'd even joined them.

Once clean, sleeping arrangement were required. "Jack, you can join me if you want," Liara offered.

"Miranda, I have a double bed," Emily added, "Though I just want sleep!"

"Me too. I'm knackered."

"Liara?" Jack asked.

"My pussy needs some attention if you're still keen for a little fun?"

"Definitely. I'll make you cum again then we'll sleep."

The four wished Kelly and I goodnight. Once we were alone, Kelly looked at me and burst into laughter. "Jesus, Shepard, is it going to be like this all the time? I only ask because it's going to be exhausting if that's the case."

"We'll be sensible, but I guess this is my fault for having so many lovers."

Kelly scoffed. "Please, they're our lovers, Shepard. Think I don't enjoy their company too?"

"Hmmm, you're right there, I guess."

"Wait until Shiala and Gianna join us. We'll have to make a rota of who gets you for a night."

Waking the next morning, Kelly and I showered then headed downstairs for breakfast after dressing. Vega must have had a good night as he was nursing a hangover. Cortez looked a little ropey but was fine compared to Vega. Garrus had been sensible, enjoying a couple of drinks with Victus but returning to the ship early.

After breakfast, Miranda and I returned to Alliance HQ to sign a few official forms and collect our new uniforms. We were in the middle of talking with a couple of soldiers when Reisman approached, asking us to follow him to the conference room. It was there that we were greeted by the four captains.

"Commodore Shepard," I almost did a double take at the rank before it clicked, "I'd like you to meet the four captains who will be under your command. Commanding Office of the Bayeux, Captain James Kirk, Commanding Officer of the Cherbourg, Jean-Luc Picard, Commanding Officer of the Caen, Captain Han Solo, and Commanding Officer of the Rouen, Captain James Clark."

The four saluted Reisman and I before I shook each of their hands. Taking a seat, Reisman briefed us first on the idea behind the squadron I'd been given control of. Though I would have Alliance oversight, I was once again a Council Spectre, and the whole point was for me to work independently but, unlike Saren and the Collectors, the Alliance wanted to hand me slightly more support.

Reisman wished us luck before leaving, so over coffee and tea, the five of us got to know each other. They knew me by reputation, of course, so it was a case of getting to know me as a man. I'd read their dossiers, of course, but like I'd told Victus, facts on a bit of paper didn't tell me what a person was like at heart.

"Okay, so you know there is a proposed summit for the four Council species to come together. At this moment in time, we don't know if the asari and salarians will be attending. Until terms are agreed, we will be performing other assignments."

"What's the intention in the end?" Kirk asked.

"Assembling a grand fleet from all the species to take the fight to the Reapers. If we fight them independently, they'll wipe us out easily. Not going to mince words with you here, you deserve to know the truth. This is what the Reapers do. They turn up, wipe everything out, then disappear."

"Hell of an ambitious plan. What are the chances?" Picard wondered.

"What we do will matter. Turians will provide the might. Salarians the intelligence. Quarians the ships. And it should be the asari at the middle, bringing it all together. But if not, then it's up to us. As for our chances, I really don't know. You're aware of the situation back home?" They all nodded. "And you know about the Crucible?"

"We've been individually briefed in the last day," Kirk replied, "Sounds like one hell of a hail mary."

I nodded. "You might be right, but beating the Reapers conventionally just isn't possible. Not with the technology we have at our disposal. Any advantage we can find, we must use. But while the Crucible is being constructed, it's up to us to gather resources, allies, weapons, ships, anything that will help our fight against the Reapers. It is total war."

"What will we be doing in addition to assisting you?" Solo asked.

"Good question. I won't expect us to work together all the time. I anticipate each ship working independently at least half the time, but when required, we will work together in tandem. I'll be honest about one thing. I've only ever worked with one ship, so having four more to work with will take a little adapting. But I'm sure it'll work smoothly. You're all experienced captain's. I am always open to suggestions and ideas. You hear about something, let me know, we'll check it out."

"When do you anticipate leaving the Citadel?" Kirk asked.

"Within a day or two. Somewhat awkwardly, I don't have any orders to give at the moment, but whenever I depart, you'll come with me and we'll figure it out as we go along."

Now that we had a plan, we relaxed back for a few minutes before leaving the HQ, the four returning to their ships. Miranda was going to return to the Normandy as well due to what I was doing next. As she caught a taxi to the docks, I headed to the Presidium and one of the finest hospitals on the Citadel. Walking into the reception area, I was recognised immediately, a nurse weaving through the crowd to greet me.

"Are you here to see Miss Williams, Commodore?" I raised eyebrows at that. "It's been all over the news."

"I'm here to see Ash."

"Down that hallway, third on the left. She'll be happy to receive a visitor. Going a little stir crazy being kept in bed."

Knocking on the door, I heard her voice to call me in, sliding back the door and popping my head inside. Ashley turned to me immediately. The smile was a surprise, closing the door behind me as I took the only available, placing it next to her bed. Placing my hand next to her on the bed, I couldn't help grin when she took my hand in hers.

"Thanks for coming, Shepard."

"My pleasure. How are you feeling?"

"Better than when I got here. Doctor's said the worst is over but they won't let me out just yet. Going a little stir crazy."

"You been kept up to date with what's going on?"

She scoffed. "Please, the only thing to watch is the news. Know all about your new rank and all. How's it feel?"

"Honestly, a little overdue though I was expecting captain, not commodore."

She smiled then released a sigh. "Shepard, what happened on Mars…"

"Ash, don't worry about it."

"But…"

"Look, it's going to be awkward for both of us. I remember Horizon. I'm not angry about it. I was disappointed, but Kelly was the one who helped me understand. You're Alliance through and through. There was a reason why you were never approached."

That made her snort with humour. "I'd have told whoever it was to fuck off."

"Exactly. Would I have liked our reunion to go better? Definitely. Would I have liked you by my side through the Omega Four? Absolutely. Would I like you by my side right now? If you were fit, I'd have you on the ship immediately."

The smile lit up her face. "You would?" she asked softly.

"As I said, immediately. Though… would you want things to… you know…"

"Haven't you got enough pussy, Shepard?" I couldn't help laugh at her bluntness. Ashley had never been shy in giving her opinions. "Want to know when I was last laid? The penultimate night before the Collectors attacked the old Normandy."

"Really? No-one else?"

"I mourned you along with everyone else for a long time. And with my career, I just didn't really give it any thought. Bought a couple of toys to get me through some lonely night. If not those, fingers are always good enough."

"Are you happy?"

"Right now? Of course not. I'm confined to a bed. With life in general, the Alliance? I finally made it past Master Chief. And that was thanks to you, Shepard. I'll never be able to thank you enough."

"Come back to the Normandy and that'll be all the thanks I need."

She leaned a little closer. I shuffled the chair closer. She gazed into my eyes in silence for a few seconds, reaching up to brush her hair away from her eyes. "Still angry at you for dying on us, Shepard." I laughed as she said it with humour. "But I know you haven't changed. The fact you handed yourself in proved that to me."

"Still believe in me?"

"Never stopped. Sure, when you were dead, it was a little difficult, but we always believed in the threat. And you've been proven right."

"Not the way I wanted it. Now we stare extinction in the face."

"Once I'm out of hospital, I want to by your side in blue again, Shepard. Would you have me back?"

"In a heartbeat."

"Good. So I'll focus on getting healthy. You don't get yourself killed while I'm here. Suppose the ship is full of women you're fucking?"

"Maybe."

"Things never change. Good. Hope I'm one of them." That certainly had me raising my eyebrows. "Shepard, who the hell do you think I'm imagining when I'm alone doing things to myself?"

"Tali?"

"Ah, well, when I'm using a dildo, she didn't have a dick. Trust me, I bought it because it was a reminder of you."

"Even when I was dead?"

"I cried as I orgasmed more than once."

I slid my hand under the sheet to feel her bare leg, sliding it up her thigh, feeling her shuffle lightly to spread her legs. I felt the heat radiate from her pussy, no surprise she was a little damp. I liked the feeling of hair above her pussy, whispering that she hadn't the chance to even trim it since arriving at the hospital. Sliding a couple of fingers inside her, I made her gasp before taking them out, sucking on them straight away. That made her smile again. "Tease," she whispered.

"True, but if I make you cum, doctor's and nurses are going to come running in, and I don't want to be caught with my fingers in you. Or worse…"

"Better, you mean."

"Next time I'm on the Citadel, and you're up and about hopefully, we'll find a bathroom and I'll fuck you there."

"Romantic as ever, Shepard." I leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Don't care where it is, long as we're intimate again. I've missed it like crazy."

"Can you handle like how it was before? I have quite a few lovers nowadays."

"Good thing I like pussy too then."

The door opened, a doctor walking in. Announcing he had to run some tests, I kissed Ashley on the cheek, wishing her well. She returned the affection, leaning down and meeting her eyes, caressing her cheek. I kissed her properly which made her smile once I pulled back. "I'll see you soon, Ash," I said softly.

"I'll hold you to that one, Shepard."

Heading out of the hospital, I received a message from Traynor, asking me to return to the ship as she'd received correspondence from Alliance brass. I figured that was the signal that we'd be departing the Citadel within the hour.