I made a decision that morning. Without anything from the Illusive Man about where the Collectors were going to hit next, I pointed Joker towards Illium. I wanted to see Liara and check up on her. No, scratch that. I just really wanted to see her. Let her know that I was alive. Then I wanted to know what she was up to. If she'd moved on or if she was still mourning me. If she had moved on, I could accept that. Two years is a long time. Maybe not in the grand scheme of things, but I would never expect any widow of mine to mourn me for the rest of their life.
In addition to meeting up with Liara, there was another recruit to pick up. She was labelled as the 'Sorceress' as per the dossier provided by the Illusive Man. Another powerful biotic though rather amusingly, she was also trained in how to use a blade. Now that might sound rather silly to many people, but given the advent of shields, it takes quite a few shots before a shield is disabled, and if that same person is wearing armour, even more bullets are required before you hit skin, muscles and bone.
"I'm guessing he knows where we're going?" I asked Miranda although I already knew the answer.
"He knew that you'd head here sooner rather than later, Shepard. Don't worry about it."
"I'm not. I'm just wondering if he'll try and interfere."
"Depends on what you end up doing," Miranda stated, giving me a look that I already recognised, "I mean, it's been two years, and she must have missed you during that time."
"You do realise that I miss her too."
I think Miranda nearly snorted before she replied. "Yes, we're aware. We're surprised you haven't been around trying to recruit an asari or two already."
"Don't tempt me, Miranda."
I was rather surprised that the flight control of Nos Astra, Illium's capital, didn't attempt to stop us from landing. I'd long learned that we were registered as a civilian ship by Cerberus, but I guess Illium didn't really give a shit. Miranda had suggested that I do some reading before we docked, and the warning had already been sent out to the crew that if they were off the ship, to not verbally agree to nor sign their name to anything.
That warning was given again after the ship was clamped in place and a docking arm attached to the airlock. I was dressed in casual clothing as I didn't see the point in armour just yet. I knew some of my squad might be interested in getting off the ship. Many others were happy to remain on board as I'd been honest about being unsure as to how long we'd be on Illium. It might be a matter of a few hours though I only knew that one of our recruits was in Nos Astra. I didn't have an exact location.
Walking off the ship onto the docks, Nos Astra was one of probably hundreds of modern cities around the galaxy. But I was aware of the sordid underbelly that existed in the city and the fact that even the Asari Republics kept Illium at arm's length. They could get away with doing all sorts of shit on the planet and claim innocent. It was probably similar to Noveria in some ways if you looked at it.
I wasn't particularly surprised to be greeted by an incredibly attractive asari. Garrus was immediately laughing his arse off at my side. Miranda was probably stifling a chuckle behind me. I knew Kasumi, Amelie and Kelly were also hoping to get off the ship for at least a few hours. To my genuine surprise, the asari seemed to know all about me and explained that any fees incurred by the docking of the Normandy had already been covered by Liara.
"What do you know about her?" I had to ask.
The asari spoke of Liara in glowing terms, something that I would expect as Liara didn't have a bad bone in her body. But to hear that she was an influential information broker still didn't make sense. I knew that it had been over two years since I died, but to go from an archaeologist to an information broker just didn't make sense.
"Go see her," Miranda suggested once I'd thanked the asari for the information, "Just let us know how it goes."
Nos Astra was a bustling metropolis. To be honest, we stopped at one of the overlooks and took it all in. Yes, it might have been modern in one regard, but the horizon showing snow-capped peaks and breathtaking scenery had most of us standing in silence for a few minutes. You couldn't ignore the noise. I had a feeling it was a twenty-four-seven sort of city. People slept though then worried about losing money if they did.
My companions only left me alone when I suggested that I'd head straight for Liara's offices. I had no idea what to expect but wanted to go alone. Kelly gave me a quick hug and wished me luck. Garrus also admitted that he would have kept in touch with her without his own problems.
There was more than one sign pointing me in the direction of her offices. I walked through a set of double doors and spoke to a receptionist, no surprise it was an asari, asking if Doctor T'Soni was free. Asking who I was, I told her and the lowered jaw and eyes widening in surprise suggested that word hadn't exactly passed through yet that I'd arrived.
"Don't tell her. I want it to be a surprise."
I think the receptionist figured out this was a reunion and nodded though with a glistening eye or two. I walked up some steps and weaved through desks and Liara's office was highlighted. I didn't miss the glances from the banks of desks, most of them asari. I figured they were leaving their desks to watch me walk by. More than a few probably already had me figured out. I knew that news of my return had likely spread across the galaxy by now.
There was another asari outside Liara's desk. She looked up from her laptop, her eyes moving up and down, before she smiled at me. "Commander Shepard…" she stated softly.
"Hello. You are?"
"Nyxeris. I'm Liara's assistant. I literally just received word that you'd finally arrived on Illium. Do you want me to announce…"
"No. I'd like it to be a surprise. Think that'll work?"
"Commander…"
"Call me Shepard."
She smiled shyly at me, almost fluttering her eyelids. I would have laughed though I was used to such reactions by now. "Shepard, I think you walking in right now will make her year. She's so busy every single day. I think it's to keep her mind occupied."
Thanking Nyxeris, I stopped at the glass doors leading to Liara's and took more than one deep breath. I wasn't nervous, but I also knew this wouldn't be easy. I didn't even want to contemplate my inevitable return with Ashley. Neither of us had known much about Cerberus, but I could only imagine how she'd react to hear that I was working with them. I figured that I might eventually meet Wrex and knew he probably wouldn't give a shit what I was doing, as long as I turned up to have a chat and drink with him.
I pushed one of the doors forward and stepped into an incredibly modern but immediately inviting and warm office. Liara sat at her desk behind a laptop. There was a comfortable-looking couch and armchair to one side. Bookcases that were full of old hardcovers and paperbacks. More than one piece of artwork on a wall. A few plants dotted about. Large windows provided a view of Nos Astra and the mountains in the distance.
"I'm busy, Nxyeris…"
"Hi, Liara…"
She looked up so quickly that I almost laughed. What almost got me going was the immediate trembling of her lower lip before she was up on her feet so quickly, tears running down her cheeks that I opened my arms just in time to catch her, her arms and legs wrapping around me tightly. And she sobbed. I had no idea an asari could cry so much.
It took her a few minutes to calm down before she leaned back, and we kissed. Best. Kiss. Ever. I eventually managed to carry her over to her desk to rest her butt on it. When her hands immediately worked on getting my shirt off, I started to laugh.
"We'll talk later," she stated urgently, "Two years, Shepard. Two. Years. I need you now. Right now. Nyxeris, hold all calls. I mean all calls. Lock the doors to my office. No one is to interrupt me until I call you."
"Liara…"
"Shepard. Shut up. I mean it. I've waited over two years for this moment. We can worry about everything later. Right now, I need you inside me. I mean it. I need your big dick inside my hot, tight, asari pussy. Got it?"
I chuckled before I replied, "Yes, ma'am."
Her eyes gazed up at me and softened before she started to cry again. I held her in my arms as I waited for her to calm down. "I knew you'd come," she finally whispered, "I just wasn't sure when. But I had everything organised… But I know about what's happening with the Collectors and…"
I gently shushed her. "We'll talk later," I assured her, "I'm guessing you want something else."
Liara nearly tore my shirt off before my trousers and underwear hit the floor, her hand immediately grasping my cock. As for Liara, she wore a simple dress that she took off with ease, undid her bra and slid off her panties ever so quickly. I would have eaten her out though a glance down told me her pussy was glistening and ready for me.
She choked back a sob when I gently slid inside her. I groaned as I savoured being inside her again. Her fingers dug into my back as her head rested against my chest, feeling her legs surround me as I gently started to thrust.
"Thirty seconds or thirty minutes… I don't care… Just love me, Shepard," she whispered.
"I do love you, Liara…" I whispered back.
I think that nearly set her off for a third time before she lifted her head, and we shared another passionate kiss. I felt her hips moving in time with the movement of my thrusts. I never felt any woman or asari needing me as much as I did in those few minutes we coupled for the first time. Liara's eyes were almost constantly on mine, and when she finally started to smile, I knew I grinned like an idiot back at her.
"Cum for me," she finally moaned, feeling her pussy squeezing my cock, "I need to feel you fill me, Shepard."
I made her squeal when I picked her up, kissing her as I walked us over to the couch. I sat down so she was straddled on my lap. She gazed down at me with such intensity that I knew in that moment her feelings for me had never changed for a second. When she enjoyed an orgasm, I kissed her hard and pumped my cock up into her. That made her almost growl, ordering me to cum inside her. I obliged within another couple of minutes.
"I have a small apartment here," she whispered, "Carry me there, Shepard."
The door was hidden in the wall, leading into what would have been considered a studio apartment. Joined sleeping and living quarters, a small kitchen and separate bathroom. I laid her back on the large bed as she spread her legs, a series of passionate kisses as my cock refused to soften for a second. Liara finally pushed me off her just enough to meet my eyes and the smile on her face…
"I always hoped…"
We both lost track of time as we made love. I eventually enjoyed a fourth orgasm while Liara enjoyed however many she did. I was out of it when I finally pulled out and flopped onto my back, Liara turned onto her side and cuddled into me, feeling her nuzzle into my neck. We must have slept for a little while as I heard something ringing when I came to, Liara lying next to me with her Omni-tool open and talking to someone.
"Nyxeris is just letting me know the office has closed for the evening," she explained, "I haven't left my office for this long since I opened it."
She cuddled me tighter as I wrapped an arm around her. "I'm guessing there's a story, Liara. You can't fool me."
"You won't get mad if I tell you?"
"No. Liara… I have no idea what happened. I just know that one minute I'm floating away from the Normandy and the next I'm waking up in a Cerberus lab. If you can fill in the blanks, please do."
It was a rather long and complicated story involving the Collectors, the Reapers, the Shadow Broker, Cerberus, Liara and a drell assassin by the name of Feron. Long story short, Liara retrieved what was effectively my corpse and handed it over to Cerberus as they had assured her that they had the knowledge and scientific ability to bring me back to life. Although my return was a surprise, she simply hadn't expected me to show up so soon. She'd been confident since handing me over that I would one day turn up on her doorstep alive.
"So what are you doing on Illium?"
"I originally started this little project as the best way to gather any information that I could on the Reapers. When human colonies started disappearing, I branched out into that. I did keep an eye on your progress until the Illusive Man discovered I had a back door into his program and shut me out. I don't blame him for that."
"I guess you saw…"
Liara shuddered next to me. "I always had hope, Shepard, but when I opened…" She started to weep softly, and I pulled her tightly towards me. "I know you're not a religious man, but I prayed to the Goddess often to bring you back to us. To me."
"Are you still you, Liara?"
"With you like this, I am Liara…"
"That sweet and innocent asari I met on Therum?"
She kissed my cheek before whispering, "My hero. The one who saved me."
"And now?"
"I do my best to be good. Fight the good fight. But doing this sort of job has attracted enemies."
"Are you safe?"
"I feel better knowing that you're alive. How are you handling the Cerberus thing?"
"Probably better than they expected. I've certainly surprised Miranda."
"You fucked her yet?" That's when I stared at Liara in surprise. She just giggled at my look. "Please, Shepard. I know you, remember? And that woman… She gave up two years of her life for you. And what I saw on the feeds when I still had access… She was falling in love with just the idea of you. Now that you're awake…"
"I really want to fuck her," I admitted.
"Do it. What do you have to lose? You fuck her, Shepard, and you will have her. Completely devoted to you as a person and as an ideal. What about Georgia?"
"Fucked her already."
Liara made an approving sound. "I bet. I talked to her a couple of times. She was a real sweetheart. I'm glad you've already got her into bed. Fucked anyone else?"
"Kelly was hired to pretty much keep me satisfied each night." Liara laughed at that. "There are a couple of others. I'm more interested in focusing on you right now."
"Can you stay the night?" she asked softly.
"I want to say that I can stay as long as you want… But I can definitely stay a night or two. I'm waiting for information…"
Liara didn't want to spend the night there at her office. We got off the bed and showered in the small cubicle. I ran my hands all over her body, from her crest to her feet, and savoured every moment in between. She noticed the differences in my body quickly, particularly the missing tattoos, and she knew that I would eventually get them redone. They'd meant a lot to me after Elysium and Torfan. I could close my eyes and remember every detail so getting them redone wasn't a problem.
We caught a taxi once we were dressed and ready to go, the ride being towards one of the upmarket and classier parts of the city. She held my hand the entire time, suggesting we get something to eat. That ended up with us eating in not what I'd call a classy establishment, the sort of place we'd visited on the Citadel during our chase for Saren. Liara couldn't stop smiling. If she wasn't smiling, she was making sure that I was either touching or kissing her.
"Your feelings never changed?" I had to ask.
"I hoped. No, Shepard. I love you as much as ever."
"I love you too."
Her apartment was spectacular. She took delight in leading me around and showing off everything. What took pride of place was above the fireplace. The large picture was of us on Ilos after we'd defeated Saren and Sovereign. Just the two of us, Liara digging in the dirt, me playing the role of protector, weapon in hand, keeping watch. But it was Liara gazing up at me in a single moment, her eyes full of love… I didn't even know…
The second picture was erotic. It was of us making love on the Normandy. When I glanced at her to see her blushing brightly, I couldn't help chuckling before I pulled her close.
"We had to make the most of the happy times we had," she whispered as I cuddled her, "Those days we spent on Ilos when it was all over. I didn't want it to end, Shepard."
"If only we'd stayed there…"
"It was bullshit," she stated bluntly, "What we were sent off to do about the geth. Even back then, they were refusing to believe the truth. It was too horrifying to comprehend."
"Kira believes," I whispered, "Sparatus and Valern though…"
"Kyla wants to believe. I managed to get a meeting with her after what happened. She was distraught, Shepard. Though nothing compared to…"
"I know… Kira… When we melded…"
"Oh… I'm so sorry… I know that you might…"
"Is that why we haven't melded?"
She hugged me ever so tightly. "I can't, Shepard," she murmured into my chest, "The grief was overwhelming. And it wasn't just me. So many others… I know how strong your mind is, but I'm just not sure…"
"Liara…" I waited until she met my eyes. "I can handle it. I know how much you love me."
"Are you sure?" I met her eyes and nodded. She took a deep breath and kissed me hard. All her feelings in that one kiss. I already knew, but it was nice for it to be confirmed. "Embrace eternity," she whispered.
Liara didn't just carry her own feelings of grief. She carried everyone's. I already knew how much she loved me, but she carried the love of everyone else. And when I died, the grief…
"You were loved by so many, Shepard. The galaxy as a whole owes you an enormous debt of gratitude. But the love you had from so many. From those on your ship to those on the Citadel, on Earth, on planets across the galaxy…"
"And you, Liara?"
She let me experience absolutely everything. Every single feeling she felt in the weeks leading up to and then the weeks afterwards. For an ordinary mortal, it might have been too much. I soaked it all in to deal with later. Liara understood what I was doing and didn't break the meld. I knew we were kissing, her body moulded against mine, but she would not break it until it was done. I felt my heart breaking, I knew that much. To know that I'd caused so much heartache for so many.
But Liara… She had given them hope. She told them that it wasn't over. That one day, I might return. She even told those on the Citadel. She told Kira. She told Naira and Sha'ira.
"Jane?" I had to ask.
That's when she broke the meld, allowing me to see her smiling at me. "No, that was a surprise for her. Shepard… That woman loves you with every fibre of her being. If it wasn't for me and others…"
"Yeah…."
"Thinks she's your sister?" I stared at Liara as she started to giggle. A wonderful sound, making her giggle more as I tickled her while leading her over to the nearby couch. She kept giggling as she ended up on her back. "As long as you didn't have children… Although with medical…"
"She's not my sister. We just get kinky because of the surname."
"Well, you got kinky enough by fucking my mother, Shepard. She really misses you."
"Should I go see her?"
Liara nodded. "Defeat the Collectors first. When that's done, go to Thessia. I swear they'll just tie you to a bed and a long, long line of matriarchs, matrons and maidens will line up to ride your big dick."
"As long as I get to deliver on my vision of pounding Tessia's arse."
Liara snorted before she sighed. "You made an impact. Eight hundred years old and I swear she was as giddy as an asari schoolgirl when you made her laugh. You have a gift, Shepard."
"And what about you?"
"I want you in my bed all night. Even if we're just cuddling. I just want to know that this is real."
Liara had an enormous bed. More artwork on the walls. It smelled delightful. To be honest, it reminded me of her. And when she was slowly riding my cock that night, the moonlight filtering through the curtains which highlighted the tears slowly running down her cheeks, I knew she needed that release, focusing on the rest of her body to make sure that she felt good.
I have no idea what time we finally stopped because time simply didn't matter that night. All that mattered was finally being together again. Liara moulded herself against my body when we finally had to stop, her butt nestled into my crotch as I held her tightly in my arms. I kissed her crest down to her cheek which did make her giggle.
"What if we just packed up and left for somewhere deserted?" she asked.
"Live a peaceful life with lots of blue babies?"
That made her turn around and clutch at me tightly. No tears. Just a dream that I think we shared in the moment. "I don't care if people were to say I'm too young to think about it. If… If…."
I gently shushed her. "I'm not going anywhere," I whispered as I stroked her back, "I'm here now and I don't exactly plan on dying again."
Over breakfast the next morning, Liara asked me to invite people from the ship. I was surprised that there were a few tears from Liara when she reunited with Garrus. She'd lost complete track of him and when she heard his story, she held him tightly as she cried. Garrus looked at me as if he was unsure what to do.
"Just hug her back, you daft bastard," I stated. He did so and I could also see how much it meant to him. That someone had missed him so much.
Liara knew Miranda already. She admitted that much. I didn't hear what they whispered to each other. It was enough for Miranda to glance away and wipe at her cheeks. It was definitely about me. I was surprised Jack hugged her before she turned back to me and said that she knew why I was so soft with her in return. I don't think Liara knew what to think about Amelie considering she was a blue human, but Amelie was as friendly as she had proven with everyone. Georgia… Liara loved Georgia, and I think that love was returned. As for Kasumi, Liara laughed and simply told me to watch out because it was obvious Kasumi would eventually try to steal my heart.
Given that Kasumi had already proven to be a sweetheart, that didn't bother me. Then it came to Kelly, and that first hug between the pair was… something else…
"You're looking after him?" Liara asked her.
"I wish I could read his mind like you can do…" Kelly admitted.
"You don't have to. Shepard is honest. He will tell you. What I know already is that he absolutely adores you and needs you by his side going forward."
That had Kelly leaping into my arms shortly afterwards. More than Liara looked on approvingly as Kelly snuggled on my lap as drinks were eventually shared. Bugger the time, it was a reunion, and everyone was in a fantastic mood.
Liara eventually took us on a tour of Nos Astra for a few hours to show off the sights. She admitted there was a seedy underbelly that made her feel ill at times, but it was also the best place for her to place her information centre, away from the prying eyes of the Council races and their allies. It was only late in the afternoon when everyone bid us farewell, assuring everyone that the next day would be focusing on our recruit.
"I already have the information for you," Liara admitted back at her apartment, "I knew the Illusive Man wouldn't have you recruiting people from your past mission. It's only circumstance that has Garrus back on your team. As for Tali, I just don't know though I'm glad you've already seen her. Wrex is on Tuchanka. And Ashley…"
"Anderson told me that…. Well… He couldn't really tell me anything. Nor could the Illusive Man."
"The only thing I can tell you is that she's doing well, Shepard. She's an officer, but that's about it. Her file is protected enough that even the best hackers can't get into it."
"Makes me wonder…"
Any talk ended as there was one thing I wanted to do. I very slowly stripped Liara naked over the space of an hour or so as my mouth ended up kissing up and down her entire body. She knew what I was doing and savoured the moment. Her face. Her body. Her breasts. Her legs and down to her dainty little feet. And finally, up to her pussy. By the time I was ready, it glistened and dripped with her excitement.
I couldn't stop the groan when I tasted her properly for the first time in over two years. And then I did not relent for a second. I used all my tricks and things that I'd learned about her to make sure that I drew out each orgasm until she simply burst. And I didn't stop. She didn't ask me, and I wasn't going to. I wanted her to not only pass out, I wanted her lying back with that smile on her face that suggested that she had nearly died and gone to heaven.
She was barely with it when insisting on returning the favour though I'd never turned down a blowjob from a lover. To be honest, I was so turned on by then that I knew I wasn't going to last all that long. I tried to enjoy it for as long as possible, but despite the enhancements, I was still only a man, and there is a point for any man that he's going to cum no matter what.
Liara swallowed every drop. That was never in question. She kept sucking my dick long after my orgasm finished. She looked up at me with such love and devotion in her eyes that I almost asked her to join me. I knew she wouldn't, that things were now different, but I wanted her with me regardless. We could save humanity while fucking each other into a coma each night.
I slid inside her pussy again and we both knew it was home when it belonged. Unlike the previous night, we fucked each other senseless. I was surprised that Liara wanted to be on her knees with her head buried in a pillow, stifling her moans as I fucked her hard from behind. It was only when I started to play with the rosebud on display that I realised that she'd obviously done a lot of reading while I was gone. I licked my thumb and moistened her rosebud. The moan she released while doing so only made me harder.
When I slipped my thumb inside her, the reaction was so positive that I nearly blew inside her immediately. "Goddess," she moaned, pushing back against both my cock in her pussy and thumb in her arse, "That feels so good, Shepard."
"Prepare yourself next time, T'Soni," I growled, "I'm coming back for your arse."
"Goddess… I would have… Shepard…"
She came so hard that I think she nearly passed out. I stopped everything and cuddled into her once I was lying on my side. It actually took her a couple of minutes before she was with it enough to cuddle me back. We made love again a couple more times that night, but the best bit was when she was spooned back against me, and I felt her happiness as she settled back against my chest.
We ate breakfast together the next morning before I had to return to the Normandy and kit up. Liara knew all about Triss Merigold and where I could find her. She was in the slums of Nos Astra where no one really dared to tread. I had told her about Jack, and she chuckled, suggesting that Triss was just as powerful and just as angry. When I asked why, she admitted that the file on Triss was bare at best. All that she could ascertain was that she'd been adopted by an asari couple, and her biotics had come about during her years growing up that way. It didn't explain the anger, but if I had another powerful biotic on my team, I wasn't going to complain.
Liara cuddled me ever so tightly as we parted outside her offices. More than one of her office workers passed by and I could see how they reacted. I had a feeling they'd never seen Liara happy before. When I cupped her arse with both hands, she laughed out loud. It was a sound that I'd endeavour to hear as often as possible. With everything going on, I knew we'd need that sound in the future.
"Don't be a stranger, Shepard," she said softly, "I know you're busy…"
"I can always make time. Wait for me naked and on your desk next time."
I saw the look in her eyes. She would do nearly anything for me. "Just let me know," she breathed, "I'll wait for you naked. My pussy wet and a toy in my butt so you can fuck me each way."
I kissed her hard, making her whimper almost immediately. When she pressed her body against mine, she felt my erection and whimpered again. A couple of nights wasn't really enough for being apart for over two years. She finally pulled away, two hands lightly on my chest though her eyes spoke far more. She didn't want to part at all. She wanted to stay with me.
"I love you so much, Shepard. So much… Part of me can't believe…"
I wanted to hold her again, but she kept me at arm's length. "I'll message when I'm back again."
"Promise me one thing, Shepard. Love them too. All of them. You know who I mean. You now know what you mean to so many people, and you've learned to love. So do it. For me."
"I will."
"Good. Now go otherwise…"
"I'll see you again soon, Doctor T'Soni." I paused before whispering, "You are still the most beautiful asari that I've seen in this galaxy."
I turned and walked away though I heard her sobbing. But I didn't turn back to look at her. I knew she needed to hear something like that from me. Didn't stop me from needing to wipe my eyes as I walked away. I needed her for those couple of nights just as much. I now felt better about things. I knew the truth though it didn't actually bother me as much as she feared. I was alive, that was a bonus. It was with Cerberus. Not great, but I could live with it.
My squad was waiting for me when I returned to the Normandy. I guess they received word as Miranda was the first to greet me. I hugged her tightly and whispered that I now knew the truth. She closed her eyes and hugged me tightly in return. When I moved a hand down to squeeze her arse, she laughed out loud though didn't swat my hand away.
"Soon," I assured her, "If you can handle sharing me…"
"I don't care. I spent two years… I fell… I mean…"
I leaned back and stroked her cheek. The way Miranda looked at me in that moment. I knew that if push came to shove, she might now support me over everything else. If we stopped the Collectors, I'd have her with me no matter what. I glanced around to see everyone else smiling. Even Jack… I walked towards her and hugged her tightly. She immediately rested her head against my chest as I glanced around.
"We're going to win," I told them as I felt Jack cuddle me tighter, "We're going to find the bastards and stop them. I've never made promises before… But I promise everyone here and now. We stop the Collectors. We hunt them down and end them. Then we work on stopping the Reapers."
"What now, Commander?" Miranda asked formally. I knew why.
"We go and recruit Triss Merigold. Win her to our cause then we only hope that your boss has information. The sooner we stop the Collectors, the earlier we can focus on building up fleets and defences to stop the Reapers when they finally arrive." I leaned back enough to lift Jack's chin with a finger. "And I haven't forgotten you," I whispered before kissing her forehead.
EDI was a lifesaver as she was able to point us in the direction of where Triss might be on Nos Astra. She worked as some sort of freelance mercenary on Illium, freeing indentured servants from bullshit contracts. Most of the time, it didn't require the use of her gifts as she was rather intelligent and even ingenious in her solutions. Just occasionally, things got nasty, and she had no problem showing her power.
"I might like her," Jack joked as I had everyone with except Mordin as we took a shuttle to another suburb of Nos Astra, "Mean bitch with unlimited power."
"Think he'll fuck her?" Garrus asked nobody in particular.
"Shepard fucks everyone and they'll love it when he does," Georgia stated, glancing to see she was smiling, "He's got a great dick, and he knows how to use it. Nothing better than a man who knows how to make you cum."
I saw the arousal through the eyes of Miranda and Jack. Hell, I think even Kasumi squirmed in her seat. Thankfully, the shuttle landed in the location that we thought Triss was in. We simply couldn't get a fix on her position. We were eventually led into some sort of tavern. My sort of place when I was back in the service. Cheap beer. Loud music. Loose women. We gathered outside and I told everyone to act cool. The only thing that mattered was recruiting Triss.
Walking into the bar, it was incredibly busy and nearly every species of the galaxy was represented. I didn't miss the glares of the few batarians. Even though I was meant to be dead, I knew batarians would recognise me immediately. There was a few volus. Hanar. Even a couple of drell. A few quarians. Turians. Humans. Mostly asari though…
As my squad split up so we didn't look too conspicuous, I walked to the bar to be greeted by yet another gorgeous asari. She met my eyes and smiled, that sort of smile which suggested that she recognised me though didn't want to give it away. I ordered a drink before asking about Triss Merigold.
"Back corner. Brown hood and cloak. I know she's here on work. Something about a quarian on Pilgrimage now stuck in a contract which, well… If you've been in Nos Astra long enough, you would know the quarian had no idea and whoever made her sign it…"
"Thanks. What do I owe you?"
"Commander Shepard owes nothing except a kiss on the cheek." I kissed her cheek, and she immediately turned her head to kiss me properly. "We're so glad to see you alive and well," she added softly. When she blinked rapidly, I knew it wasn't just her. If Illium even began to represent the asari as a whole. "When we heard you were back, I can only imagine the reaction on Thessia," she said softly.
"Sorry to have broken so many hearts."
"Oh, they're mended now that you're back. We can only hope you finish whatever you're doing soon because of… You know… Cerberus…"
"What do you think?"
"We know that Commander Shepard would only work with them for a reason."
"And you would be right. Make sure you tell everyone that."
I looked around the bar and found the eyes of Miranda and others. With a few gestures, they knew what I was doing. Triss wasn't too hard to find given the description that I'd been given. I approached her cautiously though when she raised her eyes and noticed me, she visibly relaxed as I took a seat opposite her. She didn't remove her hood though I could see her eyes and the red hair mostly hidden by the hood. Couldn't hide the assets on her chest though. They were magnificent. And then she opened her mouth, and I was ready to drag her out of the place to have my way with her. A melodic voice, ever so sweet though also had authority behind it.
When she finished, I cleared my throat. "Whatever you need, Miss Merigold, I will help you with. But I need you with me for the Collectors. I know Cerberus has been in touch."
"I'm simply waiting for my contact to arrive. She's a scared quarian girl, Shepard…"
"Good thing that I've helped quarians before. And I've heard enough stories about this place already."
"Just hang back to start with. She won't trust anyone except me. I might introduce…" She paused and chuckled. "Hell, if it's like the asari, she'll know who you are and already be nursing a crush."
Triss was clearly nervous despite the calm act, so I just sipped at my drink and didn't ask her too many questions. She didn't remove her hood though I could just about see her features in the light provided. I could see her smiling at me whenever our eyes met. She only moved when I assumed her quarian contact walked in. I didn't say or do anything when she stood up and walked away as I was hopeful my team would see every move.
It took no more than five minutes before they told me it was all clear. I walked out of the tavern to find Triss waiting for me outside. Her hood was now removed to show off her fiery red hair. When she stopped and turned to look at me, I stopped in my tracks. She was absolutely gorgeous and I'm sure she knew it. She noticed my reaction and looked me up and down in return.
"I've read what I can about you, but you'd better be as good as they say," she said.
"I'm better."
"I hope so. She isn't the only quarian, Shepard. This fucker… She has at least a dozen quarians, volus, turians, humans, even asari indentured to her service. She plays the game and well. Unsuspecting people who arrive not knowing the apparent rules of Illium. Fuck this place, Shepard. It's bullshit. Tell me that you'll help otherwise…"
"What do you need?"
"I need you and your team suited up. This bitch relies on the Eclipse to keep her safe. I'm sure you can handle them. I know your reputation. If you can't fight them, fuck your way through them. Right?"
"What about you?"
"I'll send you details on where we can meet tomorrow afternoon. We'll hit them at night."
I returned with my squad to the Normandy and told them that I would probably take them all with me the next day. Even Grunt, who had been rather amused when we'd entered the tavern, wondering if we had been there to fight. I assured him that there was a good chance that we'd be fighting plenty of people the next night.
Liara messaged me rather early the next morning. I was already awake and downstairs in the mess. I knew Kelly was still up in the cabin fast asleep with my cum dribbling out of both her pussy and arse. As for Miranda, she'd taken a load on her face again that morning and happily laid back on her bed while fingering herself something silly. I was in the mess when Liara contacted me, giving me all the information she had on Triss and the asari she was after. Apparently, her name was Nassana Dantius though the name meant nothing to me.
We met on the outskirts of the Nos Astra business district in the late afternoon, the sun setting over the horizon though business never truly stopped on Illium. I was waiting at a café with my entire team when I noticed Triss approaching us from a side street. Everyone else stayed still as I stood and walked towards her. She kept her hood in place even though it seemed all was okay.
"Our target is Nassana Dantius. Her sister was someone named Dahlia. Ever heard of her?"
"Nope. Should I?"
"No. But her sister was assassinated during everything going on with Saren. Whatever the case, we must eliminate this asari bitch…" She stopped and looked around before blushing slightly. "I mean…"
"Is she up the tower?" I asked to move it along.
"Usual bullshit. Top floor office while we have to make our way through her henchman."
"What do you want from this?"
"Anyone who has some sort of agreement with her to be free. She's not stupid enough to sell on contracts because that won't make her money. Kill her and everyone is free."
"Seems simple then."
Triss gave me a look. "Look, Shepard… I've read up about you. Your weakness is asari… Beautiful asari who will suck your dick at the drop of a hat and fuck you no matter what. Control that urge."
"Yeah, yeah. I'll be fine."
Triss travelled there alone while my squad arrived in the shuttle around half a click away, moving up in separate teams and watching with interest as the light slowly started to fade. Aware that Triss was a powerful biotic, and that Eclipse were mostly asari, Jack was by my side… As was Miranda. This was a test of how they would truly work together.
I enjoyed close-quarters fights. It meant I could use my shotgun and cause absolute carnage. With powerful biotics to my side, the enemy didn't stand a chance. Despite the fact that I absolutely loved the asari, that didn't stop me from shooting them when necessary. And as we made our way through the tower block, the elevators had been shut down so we had to climb the stairs, any ideas of mercy evaporated as I climbed each flight of stairs.
Eclipse had dug in and were waiting for us on the upper levels. I don't think they were expecting Commander Shepard and all his friends. Because we fucked them up. No easier way to put it. We were now at the higher floors and my biotic allies were already flinging them over the side. I put a gut shot into more than one mercenary that left them falling to their deaths many metres to the ground.
Despite what people might think, the fight up the tower didn't anger me. It was a means to an end, and Triss proved her power with plenty of attacks on the Eclipse mercenaries as they were busy trying to fight my teams off. Don't get me wrong, the Eclipse mercenaries did seem to have better discipline than those we met on Omega, and I had a feeling that things were not as they seemed otherwise.
We only caught up with Triss in the upper levels. She'd caused havoc though now that we were at our objective, she was being careful. I didn't blame her. But she wanted me to enter first to cause a distraction, thinking Nassana simply wouldn't expect me and that it would give Triss time to get into position. I'm not sure what Triss wanted to do, but if it gave her time to do what she wanted, I wasn't going to complain.
In the end, my team simply shot everyone before strolling into Nassana's office to find her sitting behind her desk, trying to give an air of calm though the shaking hands spoke volumes. She recognised me immediately and that did cause her to start freaking out. I almost started to laugh as she seemed to think that I was there to kill her. Despite the mission, I genuinely didn't give a shit about her.
To my surprise, she tried to negotiate with me. To be honest, that left me confused because I had no idea what would have her so worried about my appearance. That was until she admitted to all the bullshit that she'd been involved with for so long whether back on the Citadel or since she'd moved to Illium. It was only after she had admitted to what was basically all of her crimes that Triss showed her face. It could have got ugly after that, but once Nassana saw me and Triss together, the fight went out of her and I'm sure the last thing she begged for was for a stretch somewhere relatively humane.
My team had seen me not hesitate in putting a bullet in those I deemed worthy of it. Triss had moved up the tower separately from us, and as Nassana fell to her knees, Triss had her blade in hand as she approached the asari.
"I knew your sister, Nassana," Triss told her as she ran the back of the blade across the asari's chest, "Dahlia was a piece of shit. A proper piece of shit. I was glad to kill her."
That made Nassana look up. "I thought it was one of the others…"
Triss chuckled lightly. "It was set up to look like that. Dahlia deserved to die for everything she did." Triss continued to walk around the kneeling asari. "What do you think, Shepard?"
"I've killed people for less," I replied, "Indentured servitude is just a fancy way of calling people slaves. I hate slavers."
"And what do you normally do with slavers, Shepard?"
"Oh, I definitely kill them. There's a long list of batarians who paid the price for being slaving bastards."
Triss met my eyes again and I knew what she was going to do. Nassana was still surprised when Triss put the blade straight through her throat, nothing more than a gurgle from Nassana as Triss withdrew the blade and we watched Nassana slump to the ground. She slipped the sword into a hidden sheath on her back and met my eyes.
"I'll send you where I live, Shepard. I'll meet you there. I need to obtain a few things here. Thanks for the assistance."
We made our way down the tower as Triss managed to get power restored so we didn't have to walk all the way back down. The rest of my squad returned to the ship and I walked back into the centre of Nos Astra to wait around. I spent most of the time at a café and enjoyed people-watching. Numerous beautiful asari walked on by though the surprise was the number of humans. Male and female, but plenty of humans about. But I'll admit that my eyes were usually attracted by the asari. And although I never stared, many would meet my eyes and smile at me. I'd smile back and I was sure that a few recognised me though perhaps didn't realise that I was actually him.
Triss finally messaged me, giving me the address of the small apartment she called home. It required a taxi to get there as she lived in a less affluent neighbourhood. I arrived a few minutes later and walked up a rather dim set of stairs. The door to her apartment was open, knocking on it before I walked in and announced that I was there. She called out that she was in her bedroom.
The apartment was rather spartan in appearance with barely anything to suggest it was somewhere that Triss spent much of her time, or that she'd planned on staying there for any length of time.
I stood in the doorway of the bedroom as Triss was packing. She'd taken off the coat and hood to reveal a stunning body. Her shoulders were bare, and the top of her corset was barely able to stay over her breasts. The cleavage on display… I made sure that I didn't stare. The skirt she wore was knee-length and she seemed to be wearing long socks in addition to her shoes.
She finally looked my way and smiled. "I know you're thinking already, Shepard. As I said, I've read up about you and I know your reputation."
"Good or bad?"
"I'll be blunt. I'm always up for a little fun, but I'm being paid well by Cerberus for this. I'll help with the Collectors though I'll then be on my way. But like you, I like helping people. I'll probably come back to Illium again."
"Have you been in this apartment long?"
"I move every few months because my work attracts attention, usually the wrong sort."
"I've never met someone who would still think about wielding a blade. What made you take that up?"
"Personal preference. I was never comfortable with firearms, and although my biotics are pretty powerful, I can exhaust myself too much if I use them constantly. I figured out a while enough ago that wielding a blade would allow me to pass through shields. Armour can still be difficult to penetrate unless I aim properly."
"I can only suggest that you talk with Jack as she's a gifted biotic though she also uses a firearm. Same with Miranda. She's also my XO."
Triss finished packing her belongings before she followed me out of the apartment. She locked it up and told me that she would return to it as disappearing for a couple of months would allow the heat to die down after what happened with Nassana Dantius. And she was sure that the Eclipse would be investigating what happened as well.
Walking onto the ship with Triss in tow, I ordered Joker to take us away immediately as I was hopeful that we'd hear something soon from the Illusive Man. Kelly was friendly as always when greeting Triss, offering to take her on a tour of the ship so that she knew where everything was.
I had been tempted to see Liara one last time before departing though I had a feeling that would have only made it more difficult for her. When I opened my messages, I saw a simple message from her, thanking me for flying to see her and that she still loved me as much as ever. She then attached a series of very rude photos as a further present for me.
It was rather late in the day and I had missed dinner with the crew. Triss had decided on staying in the lounge opposite to where Kasumi was calling home and joined me, Kelly and Kasumi also joined to keep me company. Triss didn't talk about herself too much to start with although she wasn't going to keep herself isolated like Amelie. Triss had often worked with partners in the past though admitted to spending more time in the company of asari than humans.
"How was your reunion with Liara?" Kelly asked as we showered together later.
"Bittersweet, I think is the right word to use," I replied as Kelly cuddled into me, "I would have asked her to come along. Not sure what your boss would have thought about that."
"Did you ask?"
"No. She's got her own life now. But we still love each other, and once we've defeated the Collectors, I guess it'll be time to think about things. I'll still be a Council Spectre. I'm not sure what the Alliance think about me as I haven't been told that my status has changed."
We dried off together before we slid onto the bed. Kelly didn't call it 'our' bed even though she was my companion more often than not. She was brutally honest about things if I were to be honest myself. She knew that we enjoyed a great sex life, and we genuinely liked each other, but she'd already told me that she didn't expect me to fall in love with her. She had admitted to her main role on the ship.
Kelly snuggled into me and it wasn't much of a surprise that we didn't make love. I was still aroused but although Kelly was in the mood as well, she suggested that my mind would have been elsewhere if we did make love. And she didn't want that.
I woke up early the next morning as always, leaving a soft kiss on her cheek before I made my way downstairs. Only the skeleton staff was up and about in the CIC, doing my usual round of wishing them good morning before I wandered down to the mess for a bite to eat. I gave it a few minutes before I walked into Miranda's office to find her waiting for me again.
She gazed up at me with a longing look in her eyes as her body moved on the dildo stuck to the floor. I earned a whimper when I ran my fingers through her long, dark hair before I leaned down, running my fingers down her back towards her arse where I felt the base of the plug in her arse.
"Good girl," I whispered into her ear, not missing the shudder going through her body at two simple words.
I sat on her office chair and watched her enjoying herself. "Shepard," she whimpered as an orgasm passed through her body.
"I had a shower last night so you wouldn't taste Liara on my cock. And I didn't fool around with Kelly last night. I might have to fuck someone tonight so you can taste someone on my cock tomorrow morning. Would you like that?"
She met my eyes and whimpered again, nodding eagerly. "Who?" she managed to ask.
"I haven't decided yet. Maybe someone else other than Kelly or Georgia?" I paused and made sure that I held eye contact. "Maybe I'll give Jack some of my time. I think she'd be keen particularly if she knew that you'd be sucking my cock the next morning with her taste still on my cock."
"Whatever you want, Shepard. As long as I get your dick in my mouth again."
"Not this morning. This morning, I just want to see you enjoying yourself. You got a second dildo?"
That question made her snort. "I've got plenty."
"Take your plug out and ride one in your pussy and arse for me."
Miranda eagerly did as I asked, placing a dildo on the floor near her other one, and I watched her face light up in pleasure as she was soon riding both dildos hard and fast. One of her hands was also fondling her pussy, no doubt focusing on her clit, her other hand playing with her nipples. I was happy to watch her though her eyes never averted from me the entire time. Her eyes only closed when an orgasm hit her.
"Up on the bed," I told her, and she complied immediately, leaving behind one of the toys as she was on her back with her toy back inside her pussy as quickly as possible. I grabbed the other toy and laid next to her, Miranda lifted herself up enough that I could slide that into her arse.
Turning her head, I left a soft kiss on her lips as I ran my hand down her toned body. When I took hold of the toy in her pussy, she gave me a sweet little smile and moved her hand to the other toy inside her. I'm sure she would have preferred a real cock, but I enjoyed seeing Miranda orgasm. And for the next half an hour, I made sure that she enjoyed them almost constantly. By the time I pulled the toy out of her pussy, she was lying back half asleep with a satisfied look on her face.
"Normal service resumes tomorrow," I whispered into her ear, "But I owed you for not stopping me from meeting Liara."
That made her snort before she rolled over to cuddle into me. "I don't think anyone could have stopped you. But if you want to help make me cum like this again, by all means…"
"And when I'm here tomorrow morning?"
"I'd better taste pussy on your cock, Shepard. Maybe you can go down on mine after I swallow your load?"
"I think that's a wonderful idea." I kissed her cheek as she cuddled me tighter. "You going to nap or get up?"
"I'm worn out. I'll nap for an hour then get on with work. It never stops."
"I'll work out then join everyone for breakfast. Having Triss on board might prove interesting. Two powerful biotics in her and Jack. I'm hoping that Jack…"
"You like her?"
"It's not just that. She reminds me of myself in a way when I was younger. Angry at everyone. Left feeling rather isolated, even when I was surrounded by people. And life just wasn't easy. The thing is, I felt like I've changed since I woke up. I've got a second chance, and… Well, I've always wanted to help people even if I was busy killing a lot of others, but now I do genuinely want to help people just because it's right. Get what I mean?"
"Absolutely. I don't think we'll ever come close to being friends, but I'm willing to work with her as long as she doesn't try and piss me off."
"There might be the occasional comment, but I will go into bat for either of you if your relationship gets too testy. I can't have you falling out when things are really on the line."
I kissed her again before sliding off her bed. She pulled the sheets up and over her body, dimming the lights as I was about to walk out. I glanced back and I think she was asleep almost immediately. I smiled to myself as I walked out into the mess. There was no sign of anyone, so it was time for the daily workout. Build up a sweat, get the heart rate going, and then hope for news from the Illusive Man after breakfast.
If not… Well, I guess it was either recruit another companion or find something else to do.