Mass Effect: Imperial Glory

I do not own Mass Effect or any properties thereof, I am not making any money off of these writings.

Chapter Three: Aftermath.

'these indicate normal thoughts'
'this is an AI construct mentally speaking.'
'This is telepathy.'
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INF Normandy, March 4th, 2193.

'Captain I believe you are regaining consciousness.'

'The hell happened Wilco, I haven't felt this bad since the day after that party back on Ilum.'

'You were exposed to the Prothean Beacon Captain, it forced itself into your brain and imprinted something.'

'Perfect'

"Hey Doc, I think the Captain's waking up!"

'Jenkins?' Shepard thought as he started to open his eyes.

"Ah Shepard good you're awake. You had us worried for awhile." Doctor Chakwas said.

"Mornin' Doc, how long was I out?" Shepard asked.

"About 16 hours or so, you received quite a shock." Chakwas explained.

"Not as much of a shock as right now I imagine." ..it couldn't be.

Shepard shook his head, "I think I'm having auditory hallucinations Doctor."

The Doctor frowned, "Turn to your left Captain."

'What the..' "Nihlus??" Shepard exclaimed.

The Turian made what he assumed was a grin.. it wasn't easy to tell. "Our enemies didn't know about Terran Nanites, they left me for dead."

Shepard laughed, "You sure as hell looked dead when we got to you. Not that I'm complaining mind you."

"I see you're still in one piece Captain."

Shepard saluted, "Commodore Anderson, I'm just as surprised as you are."

Anderson spoke. "Doctor, any permanent damage?"

"Nothing physically, and I can find no damage to his Neural passages, but his brainwaves are altered and I detected a distinct pattern of REM when the Captain was unconscious." Chakwas answered.

"The beacon put something into my head, I saw some kind of vision, or maybe a fragmented memory, I'm not sure. All I know is that I saw death, alot of death. On a galactic scale." Shepard said.

"Hrm, I'll add that to my report." Chakwas stated.

"If there's nothing else Doctor.."

"No Commodore of course, I was about to release Sergeant Jenkins anyway, excuse me." Chakwas said before leaving the infirmary with Jenkins.

"Shepard you sure you're okay?" Anderson asked.

"Other than breaking my gun, yes." Shepard replied.

Anderson looked puzzled, "Alright, Nihlus?"

"I'll live. By the human definition of okay though.. I'm not sure." Nihlus said.

"What happened down there?" Anderson asked.

"I found someone with the Geth," Nihlus began, "He is a Turian, a former-spectre named Saren. My mentor."

"What?!" Anderson said.

Nihlus explained, "I met him on the cargoport docks, I didn't know he was with the geth at first, and I have no idea how. I asked him what he was doing there and he started making a speech about how he was going to bring the turnians back to their former 'glory', punish the humans, the whole.. 10 feet as you terrans say?"

"Nine yards Nihlus, nine yards. He got the drop on you?" Shepard asked.

"Yes, he was able to get past my kinetic barrier and put three rounds into my neck. I'm fortunate he didn't know about Imperial medical nanites. He would have made sure I was dead then." He finished.

"So somehow a rogue turian with a grudge against Humanity has made a deal with the Geth and attacked Eden Prime to retrieve a prothean beacon, that contained apocalyptic visions of a galaxy on fire. This is bad." Anderson stated.

"What about the beacon Commodore?" Shepard asked.

Anderson sighed, "Completely destroyed, the Techs aren't sure whether it was some kind of security field or a trap left by the geth. Don't worry Captain, you won't face censure over this. I doubt anyone will try to argue it was your fault."

'Thankfully' Shepard thought, "I'll have Wilco try to retrieve the visions the beacon gave me, what happens now?"

"We've been ordered to Citadel Station, You'll be inducted into the Spectres there. After that, it's above my pay grade. Take it easy for abit the both of you, you've just went through hell. I've got to relay this information to Arcturus." Anderson finished as he turned and walked out.

"Captain.."

Shepard turned to Nihlus, "Yes?"

Nihlus looked uneasy for a moment. "Captain I.. I failed you, and I failed my oaths. Saren.. he didn't get the drop on me. I hesitated. I let emotions interfere in my duty to the Empire."

Shepard asked, "What happened exactly?" And Nihlus began:
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Nihlus dropped behind the geth sentry near the rockwall and sent a plasma burst into it's back.

'You'd think that synthetics would be more aware of their surroundings.' he thought.

He rushed to a crate near the cargoport ramp and took cover behind it, peering over the top.
After making sure it was clear he moved ahead up the ramp, firing on two geth past a row of crates, neutralizing them.

Nihlus was just about to comm Shepard when he heard a noise on the other side of the small platform, he turned and was shocked at what he saw, "Saren?!"

The other Turian turned toward him, "Nihlus."

Nihlus couldn't believe his eyes, "What are you doing here Saren? Last I heard you had retired and were raising a garden somewhere on Trivip."

"I'm here to right the wrongs that have been done to our people Nihlus! I'm here to strike a blow for Turians everywhere." Saren said.

"What are you talking about Saren, wait are you here with the Geth?" Nihlus asked.

Saren responded, "Exactly! You're as sharp as I remember, come, join me let's bring our people back to the glory we once knew."

Nihlus shook his head and raised his rifle, "Not a chance Saren, I swore an oath to the Terrans, I'm not going to join with an insane traitor. I'll give you one chance, surrender or I'll kill you here."

"So be it Nihlus, I never thought you would betray your own species." Saren exploded into action, kicking the rifle out of Nihlus's hands and pushing his pistol into the other turian's neck, firing three times.

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As he finished. Nihlus lowered his head and bared his neck, "My life is yours to end."

Shepard looked at him for a moment, "Rise Nihlus, such an end doesn't befit you."

Nihlus looked at him questioningly. Shepard continued, "Only the man who has tasted defeat can truly know victory. You failed once, you survived. The Gods granted you a second chance." He place his hand on Nihlus's shoulder, "I know you won't fail the next time."

Nihlus was stunned, "I truly don't know what to say Captain." Then he thought better of it, "I pledge myself to you and House Shepard, from now until the day my life ends I pledge to follow your commands and serve your blood."

Shepard was impressed, "You know that's a blood-oath, you know what it is you just agreed to?"

"Yes I do My lord. You spared my life, that makes it yours. I will serve."

Shepard smiled, "So it is written, now come, let's see how the others are doing."

As they exited the infirmary, they saw the whole squad standing outside, Jenkins, Alenko and Williams.

"Captain, I'm glad to see you up and about." Chief Williams said.

"Captain, Nihlus, you both gave us quite a shock." Alenko added.

"Alright, first thing's first, mess hall." Shepard stated.

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They were all crowded into the small officer's mess. Alenko and Jenkins relaying what they had learned of the space battle.

"After that huge dreadnought screamed away most of the geth stayed behind, near as we can tell they just stayed to kill more of the colonists, they didn't count on a Cruiser squadron from the Third Fleet showing up." Alenko finished.

Jenkins spoke up, "They made the bastards pay, 23 of those geth frigates and 3 of the geth cruisers went down. You should check the BattleRecord when you get the chance, the Normandy accounted for a dozen kills herself, 9 of them picked off before the cruisers showed up."

"I skimmed over the initial reports while you were out Captain, except for the pulse weapons and some varied equipment, the Geth were equipped at the same tech base as the council races had been, Terran Technology outclasses them severely." Nihlus informed him.

"That's good news then, there isn't a chance that we'll let this act go unpunished." Shepard said.

"We know anything more about that beast?" He asked, referring to the dreadnought that landed.

Alenko shook his head, "Not a thing, the entire hull was made of sensor-blocking material, they couldn't even determine what kind. We got plenty of emissions and visual data though, the Techs on Mars and Arcturus will be pulling it apart atom by atom if they need to."

Williams spoke up, "So we're headed to Citadel Station for a full debriefing?"

"Correct Williams, I'm sure the brass will want to hear your account so you'll be coming along. But that's not the only reason we're heading there." Shepard replied.

Nihlus explained, "Captain Shepard is going to be inducted into the re-formed Spectres."

"The Spectres? I heard the rumors but, that's quite an honor sir, congratulations." Alenko said.

"Captain." Jenkins spoke up, "I know we haven't served together long, but I need to make a request: take me with you when you're filling your team."

Shepard's curiosity was piqued, "Why?"

"Because you're a Bastion, an N7, I know the Empress will send you after the geth and this turian, Saren. The geth hit Sovosa with airstrikes.. my family's gone. I want to pay the geth back for every drop of blood they've spilled. I owe it to them." Jenkins finished, his voice hardening.

"You're a damn good soldier Jenkins." Shepard started, "I promise you that I'll bring you along if I'm sent after them."

Jenkins nodded, "Thank you Captain."

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INF Normandy, March 5th, 2193.

Shepard entered the bridge, followed by his squad.

'My squad' Shepard thought to himself, 'When did I start thinking of them like that.'

'Yesterday. I can give you an exact time and place if you wish.'

'No thank you Wilco.'

He saluted the Commodore as they passed the map and headed toward the cockpit.

"Good timing Captain, we're hitting the final relay to the Serpent Nebula in 2 minutes."
Joker greeted as they entered the cockpit.

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From the small windows on the cockpit you had a surprisingly good view.

The Serpent Nebula was an impressive sight. Huge whorls of gasses, and in the center, the ancient Citadel Station, surrounded by the defense fleet.

"Look at the size of that ship!" Chief Williams exclaimed.

Sergeant Jenkins said, "That's the Serpentine, flagship of the Serpent Sector Fleet."

Alenko remarked, "You know, I never get tired of seeing a Super-Dreadnought."

"I've never seen one in person before, holovids can't do it justice." Williams stated, "What are those ships flanking it?"

Alenko informed, "That's the Destiny Ascension and the Unity, Asari Heavy Dreadnoughts."

"The Asari field the largest Dreadnoughts of the former council races and a Super-Dreadnought makes them look like cruisers in comparison. Terran engineering is a frightening thing." Nihlus observed.

Joker tied into a comm channel, "Citadel Control, this is the INF Normandy, requesting clearance."

"Roger Normandy, you are cleared for Military Berth 274, linking you in to Traffic Control."

Joker responded, "Thanks control," Then switched comms, "Commodore, we have received a vector and a berth. Taking her in to dock."

"Roger Joker, watch for pylons." Anderson replied before cutting the channel.

The pilot grumbled, "Everyone's a critic."

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Citadel Station, Presidium.

"I can't believe how large this station is! And this is just the habitat ring." Chief Williams said.

Lieutenant Alenko smiled at that, "I was awed my first time here, 8 miles wide, almost 28 miles long, population of over 10 million."

Williams leaned closer to Alenko, "So LT, umm, I've never met with a Senator or an Admiral, anything special I need to know?"

"Standard procedure," The Lieutenant whispered to her, "Salute anything you cannot shoot and/or eat."

"Alright you two lovebirds break it up, we're here." Shepard said.

The conference room was large, of standard layout. Sitting at the far end he recognized Commodore Anderson, High Admiral Hackett, Fleet Admiral Kahoku, and Senator Udina. There was a fairly young human man in an Admiral's uniform, a human male and a quarian female in Serpent Sector Fleet colors, and an asari in Imperial garb.

Admiral Hackett spoke first, "Captain Shepard, I see you brought your team, have a seat. You know Commodore Anderson and Admiral Kahoku," He then gestured to his left, "This is Senator Udina and Baroness Asalia," He gestured to his right, "This is Prince Garyson Taylor, commander Serpent Sector Fleet, and his wife, Admiral Qualla'Laroy Vas Taylor, Captain of the Serpentine, and Fleet Admiral Gavin Helseth-Corvier, Commander of the Third Fleet."

"Sirs, I'm sure you know the names of my team, let's get started." Shepard suggested.

Lady Asalia spoke, "Excellent suggestion Captain, we were discussing an appropriate response to this unprovoked aggression before you came in."

Admiral Hackett spoke, "Captain Shepard, the news of Saren's involvement in this attack is unsettling to say the least. Saren was the most ruthless and cold-blooded Spectre the council ever employed. This is a man with no conscience, no remorse, he was willing to kill a thousand to save a thousand and one. Now that he's somehow convinced the geth to attack us.. I need your honest and complete assessment Captain, do you think Saren was acting alone or do you believe he had backing from elements of the former council races?"

Shepard replied without hesitation, "I've thought that question a thousand times over the past two days. I truly believe he was acting alone. Like you said Admiral, he was a lone wolf. Even other Spectres questioned his methods at times. The antimatter charges at the spaceport were of turian design, but that doesn't prove anything. If he did have the backing of the former council races, Turian, Salarian, or other, there would have been more than just a single crazed turian with the geth."

"Spectre Nihlus, do you concur?" Hackett asked.

Nihlus nodded, "Captain Shepard's reasoning is sound, and from my encounter with Saren I have to agree."

"That comports with everything we have so far, that's good news then." Hackett stated.

Admiral Helseth-Corvier spoke up, "I'm concerned about the reports of this alien ship, larger than an Asari Heavy Dreadnought and it was able to land? This raises some disconcerting possibilities."

"Intelligence is pouring over every scrap of data that has been recovered from sensor readings and the landing site on Eden Prime, nothing matches any known signatures." Admiral Vas Taylor informed.

Prince Taylor spoke, "Empress Sativia is mobilizing the reserve fleets as we speak, all Sector Fleets and Auxiliaries are at threat level 2. High Command believes we need to be prepared for not only a Geth invasion, but an invasion by these new aliens."

"The Second is already taking up positions near the Perseus Veil, and the Terminus Border. The Batarian 4th and 9th Auxiliary Fleets are reinforcing our positions." Admiral Kahoku stated.

"The Third is standing by to deploy in a picket line along the Veil, the Asari have sent their Second Fleet to reinforce my positions." Admiral Helseth-Corvier said.

"Which brings us to the final matter." Admiral Hackett began, "Captain Shepard, you're here to be inducted as the first Human Spectre, your exact orders will be given to you by the Empress herself, she'll be arriving tomorrow to conduct the ceremony. You're free to rest up until then."

Lady Asalia spoke, "There is one other matter I'd like to address, Captain, you received a vision, as you described it, when you touched the beacon?"

"Yes, my AI has been trying to find a way to copy them for analysis but so far we haven't had any luck." Shepard answered.

"A melding would help clear the memory, bring it to the forefront of your mind, it should help retrieve it. If that's acceptable to you." Lady Asalia offered.

Shepard nodded, "If it will help then it's a necessity. I agree."

"Good, I'll contact you tonight then. If there's nothing else Admiral?" Lady Asalia asked.

"I think that's everything, dismissed." Hackett stated.

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Presidium, Gerax Cafe.

"Guess they don't get a lot of Marines in this establishment." Alenko commented.

Shepard replied, "We do seem to be drawing some attention." He took a drink from his mug, "But the coffee is halfway decent."

"So we're basically on leave until tomorrow?" Sergeant Jenkins asked.

"Unofficially." Shepard answered, "So don't start any barfights, other than that, have fun."

"Well I'm going to sight-see then Captain, last time I was here I didn't even make it to the Wards." The Lieutenant said.

"Feel free Lieutenant, why don't you take Chief Williams, I'm sure she'd enjoy the experience."

Williams spoke, "That sounds good, if it's okay with you LT."

Alenko agreed, "Sure, come on, the presidium lake's nearby."

"If it's alright Captain," Nihlus began, "I need to make some reports."

"Head on Nihlus." Shepard responded.

That left Shepard alone with Jenkins, who was walking up to the counter to get another round of coffee. Shepard felt sympathy for the younger Marine, he did his duty, he did everything that was expected and asked of him, and he still wasn't able to protect his family. As Jenkins sat back down at the table Shepard began to speak,

"Sergeant, mind if I call you Leeroy?" he asked.

"My friends call me that, and I think you've earned that sir, please do." Jenkins replied.

Shepard smiled, "Thanks, Leeroy. Listen, I sympathize with what you're going through right now. I've never experienced that kind of loss and gods willing I never will, but if you need to talk my door's always open."

Leeroy looked at him, "I appreciate that Captain."

"Call me Alex when we're off-duty. One other thing, I'm logging the squad as on leave until tomorrow morning, I want you to go have some fun, down in the wards there's casinos, bars, clubs, anything you can imagine. Up here on the presidium you've got some taverns and the Consort's chambers, they say she can help with things like this. Do whatever you want, just let loose, I doubt we'll get another chance for a very long while.Oh and here" Shepard finished, pulling a coin out of his pocket and sliding it over to the Sergeant.

Jenkins picked it up and examined it, awed. A golden Thaler with a 10K under the Imperial Eagles on the reverse, and on the front the crest of House Shepard, a snarling alligator over crossed axes. "Captain..." he started.

Shepard interrupted him, "Don't worry about it Leeroy, now go take your mind off things, have fun. That's an order."

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'That was most noble of you Captain.' Shepard's AI commented.

'I am from a Noble House, Wilco. Doing right by others comes with the territory.'

Shepard was walking along the presidium. He saw several Krogan crowded around the Krogan monument like always, a Hanar shopkeeper was calling out the virtues of his wares in the Ambassadorial Mall as he passed by. 'If I remember correctly, there's a financial office directly ahead, and past that an entrance to the wards.'

'That is accurate according to the station maps. Captain, station sensors are reading weapons discharges inside the financial office.' Wilco informed.

'Interesting, what the hell, I'll check it out.' Shepard

He walked to the entrance, drawing his sidearm and throwing up a barrier.

As the door opened he saw plasma scorches on the wall behind the reception desk, as he moved over he spotted the body of what he assumed was the secretary, a salarian.

'It would be safe to assume the shooters have moved further into the building.'

'Likely assumption, I don't feel like getting hit with a plasma burst with only a barrier up though.'

At that moment he heard a scream and more weapons fire coming from further in, 'Frag it' Shepard stated as he moved down the hallway. He could see the door to what looked like a large office opened, he quietly moved to the side and peered inside. He could make out 5 figures inside, 3 armored quarians in formation between the desk and the door, a volus behind the desk, and a salarian against the back wall.

Wilco chimed, 'Reading Quarian IFF transponders , they're Auxilia.'

'What are Auxilia doing raiding a financial brokerage on Citadel Station?' Shepard opened his internal comm, "Auxilia, don't fire, this is Captain Shepard of the Imperial Marine Corps, I'm coming into the room."

As he walked inside the lead quarian turned to him.

"John? What are you doing here?" Princess Tali'Zorah Nar Rayya asked.

That voice.. "Tali?" He exclaimed.

She had changed since he had last seen her. Gone was the young Quarian girl just coming into her own, replaced by this confident, capable woman in front of him. Shepard explained, "I was in the neighborhood and decided to check out the gunfire." He smiled, "I see you manage to make friends wherever you go."

"We've been tracking down a lead. Want to help us interrogate this ammonia sucker?" Tali asked.

"My pleasure." Shepard replied.

"Human, I am Barla Von, a respected financial advisor on the Citadel, please make this gunhappy quarian see reason, she has no authority here." the Volus pleaded.

Tali pulled a disk out of a compartment in her armor, setting it on the desk. The disk was about 4 inches wide, black as space itself, the design on it was a pyramid with an all seeing eye on the top block, the inscription at the bottom was written in gold, "Eternal vigilance, Divine right."

Shepard let out a low whistle, the salarian's eyes widened even more, and the Volus was almost shivering.

Tali spoke again, "Even you know what this means, I act with the blessing of the Terran Inquisition. Now start talking about what deals you've made with Saren."

Von spoke, "I'm just a middleman, I can't be held accountable for his actions."

"You'll be held accountable for anything we please, now start talking, or would you prefer to wait for an Inquisitor?" Tali replied.

"Saren contacted me, he knows I'm an agent for the Shadow Broker, he wanted information about prothean archaeological digs in the Utopia cluster, the Shadow Broker had information about a beacon unearthed on Eden Prime, I made the transaction. I had no other dealings with Saren." Von finished.

"That was triple classified information, heads are going to roll. Including yours. You aided and abetted an enemy of the Empire, you disseminated classified information, you and your assistant are under arrest for treason. Centurions, bind and secure them. We'll hold them for the Inquisitor." Tali said.

She turned to Shepard, "John, I'd love to catch up with you, we'll be busy tonight but if you're going to be on the station tomorrow?"

Shepard smiled, "I'll be here."

Tali walked over and hugged him, "I'm glad to see you again, we'll talk tomorrow." She turned, "Centurions, let's get these prisoners moved."

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He found himself aimlessly wandering along the presidium thinking about his earlier encounter.

Tali was doing very well for herself, he had heard she was certified as a commando, but working with the Inquisition.. she had obviously gained alot of respect on Terra. He was looking forward to talking with her the next day, catching up on old times.

'If I may make an observation Captain, since we encountered Princess Nar Rayya you've been walking lighter.' Wilco said.

'You're saying I have a spring in my step?' Shepard asked.

'Affirmative.'

'You're right, seeing her again, that was great. That does remind me of a question I'm going to have to ask her though, after the Purge she had more than enough prestige and honor to claim her proper name, yet she still goes by Nar Rayya. I don't get it.' Shepard pondered.

His comm beeped, "Captain Shepard."

'Lady Asalia, I had almost forgotten.' He thought.

He keyed the device, "Lady Asalia, forgive me I almost forgot about our meeting tonight, you're available now I take it?"

She replied, "Yes Captain. It would be best if we could meet in my quarters, I'm uploading the route to your neural net."

"On my way Milady, Shepard out."

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VIP Quarters, Habitat wing, Presidium.

He was walking through a corridor in the VIP quarters section of the wing.

'Wilco, I'd like you to go to standby mode tonight, and I mean it.'

'As you desire Captain, if you should need me.' His AI stated.

The VIP quarters were normally only filled with the occasional ambassador or senator that didn't have a permanent residence on station, but with the arrival of so many officials from across the Empire, it was at over half capacity, Marine and Provincial guards stood outside doors.

He saw unit 717 up ahead, a Marine on the left side of the door and an Asari Commando on the right. They saluted as he walked up and input a security code, opening the door.

The first thing he noticed as he walked in was the environment. The lighting was subdued, the atmosphere was warm and damp. Shepard was impressed, on Citadel station this wasn't easy to pull off.

A voice came from the center of the room, "I trust it is to your satisfaction? I understand this is the preferred environment of a Terran from your particular region."

"It's perfect, just like Florida. I'm honored that you've gone to such lengths for me." Shepard responded.

Asalia smiled, "It was no trouble, please sit." and she gestured to the couch she was sitting on.

Not wanting to be rude, he walked over and sat down, it was as comfortable as it looked, soft and yielding, he gently ran a hand along the arm, nope, not synth-leather.

"Have you eaten yet Captain? I can have anything you'd like brought in, human cuisine or otherwise." Asalia said.

Shepard started, "You can call me John milady, I must ask, why all the accommodation?"

"The Melding is best done when both parties are at ease and comfortable. While it is not a true necessity it helps a great deal with the process." Lady Asalia finished.

John raised an eyebrow curiously, "So this isn't a thinly veiled attempt to bed me?"

He had never seen an Asari grin that widely before, "Is there a reason it cannot be both?" She asked as she leaned into him.

John slid his arms around her and pressed his lips to hers, sliding a hand down her back.

He moved his arms and shrugged off his uniform jacket, returning his hands to her back and searching for the clasp of her dress, he gently undid it and slowly peeled the fabric off her shoulders. He slip his right hand down to cup her breast, rubbing his thumb over the nipple, eliciting a moan.

Asalia pulled away slowly, "Perhaps we should move this to the bedroom?"

John growled, pulling her back to him, kissing her fiercely. She leaned back onto the cushions, pulling him with her. Asalia saw the predatory gleam in his eyes, driving her to a new state of arousal. She moved her hand down beside her torso and undid the clasps securing her dress, lifting up slightly and pulling it off, leaving her bare before him. John planted a kiss on her forehead, then began dragging his tongue down to her breasts, capturing an azure nipple and sucking it, evoking moans from the blue-skinned female under him. Asalia reached down, unzipping his pants and grasping his cock, pulling it out and pumping on it. She spread her legs wider, bringing them up to wrap around John's waist, looking down at his face and silently asking him to take her. John moved up her body and then hilted himself into her wet yielding slit.

Asalia cried his name as he began to thrust, hard and fast into her. After 20 minutes they were both worked into a frenzy, crashing their hips together as they kissed, soon her moans became cries, and screaming his name she orgasmed, her tunnel squeezing and pulsing around his shaft, taking John over the edge with her. The Marine wasn't finished with her, he rolled their bodies so she was straddling his waist, his hardness still buried inside her velvety slit.

Asalia knew what he wanted, she began slowly riding him, undulating her hips, moaning her delight. She leaned forward, offering her breasts to him, John put his mouth to a nipple, teasing it with his tongue. John slid a hand up her body, caressing her head folds before sliding two fingers into Asalia's mouth, she sucked on them eagerly. He pulled his fingers out of her mouth and slid his hands down to her wonderful butt, pulling her cheeks apart and sliding the wet fingers into her tight anus as she cried out in pleasure. The intrusions into her holes took a toll on Asalia, pushing her over the edge again, she almost shrieked as she came, gripping John's fingers and cock like a vise, drawing his cum into her a second time that night.

She collapsed onto him, and they wrapped their arms around each other before they succumbed to sleep.

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John awoke, as he sat up and looked around he realized he wasn't on the couch anymore, Asalia must have brought him to her bed, he thought. Just then the object of his thoughts walked in the doorway,dressed in a leather skirt, carrying two glasses. She sat down on the bed and handed him one, just water, he thought as he tasted of it.

"It had been a while since you last took a female, correct?" Asalia asked.

He smirked, "7 months, was it that obvious?"

"It was quite easy to determine once we began, but do not trouble yourself, I enjoyed every bit of it, and I am sure the rest of the night will be just as enjoyable." She said, setting down her drink.

"Rest of the night, how long did I sleep?" John asked.

"Just over an hour. We still have plenty of time for further..activities." Asalia said, running a hand down his chest.

Shepard asked, "What about the melding, you said it would help clarify these visions."

"In the morning John, for tonight, let me please you." she replied as she moved the thin blanket and lowered her head to his shaft, taking his hardened cock into her mouth, running her tongue over the surface, sucking at the head. John cupped her head, gently massaging her tendrils as Asalia moaned appreciatively, taking more of his shaft into her mouth and throat. She brought a hand up to massage his balls, rubbing them, then moved her head off his shaft and began licking them as she stroked his cock.

Asalia began to suck on the head again, massaging his shaft and scrotum. She quickly brought him to his climax, John groaned as he came, shooting his seed into her mouth, as she pulled away his seed burst onto her face. As he came down from that peak, he saw her gathering all his seed and drinking it, making sure not to miss a drop. Asalia rose and dropped her skirt, then molded her body to his side, snuggling into the crook of his arm.

John laid Asalia on her back, "Pull your knees up pet." He commanded.

She complied, and John moved over her, reaching down and spreading her butt and exposing the tight hole, before lining up his cock and sliding it into her slowly. Her anus was tighter and hotter than even her slit had been, her walls massaging him as he hilted himself. John slid a hand down to her slit, massaging it as he sucked on her breasts. Asalia's sounds were driving him crazy, he was going to come far too soon. John pulled her closer and began kissing her, his fingers sliding in and out of her slit.

Asalia pulled away from his lips for a second, "Hmm, John, are you ready?"

He had a good idea of what was coming, "Don't hold back on me darling."

She smiled, "Embrace eternity!" and John's world exploded in waves of pleasure, every action enhancing it tenfold, he couldn't hold it and emptied his seed into her tightness as she clenched, in the throes of her own huge orgasm, he felt her going over the edge a second time as he finally blacked out.

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"You were incredible John, I have had human lovers before but you are quite possibly the best I have been taken by." Asalia said, sitting on the couch, was already dressed in her Court garb, a long red and black synth-leather dress.

John smiled, "I've had asari before, but you're at the top of my list as well."

He looked thoughtful for a moment, "I want to ask, why?"

Asalia looked at him, "You are a very strong and handsome Human male, I am an Asari, I would not need any other reason. But, your spirit called to me, it said you needed this badly. I am happy I was able to help you." she stated. "Now I believe it is time to work with the visions you received from the beacon."

'Wilco, activate.'

'Affirmative Captain, I'm here' his AI responded.

John and Asaila moved closer together, pressing their heads together. Shepard heard her say, "Embrace eternity." and he felt their minds grow together. The visions came to his, their mind then, clearer than before, destruction and fire, they saw countless deaths upon countless worlds, planets reduced to dust and flame, a galaxy burning. There was something hovering over the chaos, a presence, they both felt it, waves of malevolence and beneath that, something wholly and truly alien, something unknowable. They glimpsed it, and it shocked them, the ship! The huge ship that had attacked Eden Prime!

The visions and the link ended as quickly as they had begun. Asalia cried out, almost in pain, he took her in his arms, "I'm sorry, are you alright?"

She nodded, "I am fine John, it had to be done. It was unexpected. That presence.. it defiles every concept we Asari have of the universe. It is wrong, wrongness given a physical form."

'Captain, I was able to make a complete mental flash of the visions.'

"Wilco says that it worked, he has a flash of the visions, I need to get this to a communications terminal. I.. I'll see you again sweet Asalia?"

She smiled, "I promise we shall meet again dear one."

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End of Chapter Three.