Which Cheek?

No sex this chapter.

If you didn't know when I'm talking about the hours of the day, Galactic Standard Time is 20 hours in a day. Search mass effect wikia for it (I don't know if I'm allowed to put the url up on AFF. Am I?)

Wow this chapter ran away from me. Still got waaay more to do too.

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Ashley woke up to a kiss on the cheek. She tried to move closer to Shepard but he was already out from under the covers.

“Skipper?” She turned over to look at him through tired eyes, stretching as she did so, the covers doing what their name said.

“Stay in bed Ash. I got a few things I have to do today. Tali and Miranda are going onto the citadel later if you want to do some shopping with them.”

“I know something you have to do today.” Shepard looked at her, an eyebrow raised. “Me.” She smiled at him before curling up into the bed, keeping herself warm under the covers. “Just not right now.”

“I'd say fake a no, but I know how convincing you can be.” He leaned over and pulled her head to his to kiss her, quite chastely.

“I don't need to do much.” She said when he broke the kiss.

“No, you don't.” Shepard got off the bed and walked into the bathroom to have his shower. She was seriously tempted to go join him but the bed was just so comfortable and warm, so she just lay there enjoying it. He didn't take long in the shower and came out dry before walking down the steps, opening a few storage compartments and pulling on some clothes. “Ash?” She turned over to look at him as he dressed.

“What is it, Skipper?”

“You don't have any clothes here, bar this armour and what you wore yesterday...” She sat up a little, the covers falling down past her exquisite breasts and Shepard tried to turn his head. He enjoyed the sight, a lot, but he had things to do that were not Ashley Williams, as much as he'd love to. It would just have to wait.

“I have a room in the Alliance quarters at the embassy. I have clothes in there I can get when we go onto the citadel later.” She knew why he was trying not to look but she loved to tease so she didn't cover her breasts. “Besides, I'm sure I can wear some of yours. You won't mind, right?” He smiled.

“You can wear anything of mine you like Ash.” He tore his eyes away to finish dressing and stood up, before moving over to the sofa to grab the clothes from underneath. He held up her clothes in his right hand. “You want anything washed?”

“Some. Leave those boots alone though.” She replied, still sitting up. He put her clothes down on the sofa as he fished out a present from her that was still in his now dirty jacket and smiled. “Those are yours. You can have them washed if you like skipper.”

“I don't think there's much chance of me wearing them any time soon, they can be washed then.” She giggled. He looked around, clearly wondering where to put the 'present'.

“Good. I thought you'd like them.” He dropped it on the sofa while he took his clothes and walked over to near the door.

“Is that why you wore the miniskirt and thigh high boots?”

“I did say if you are expecting me in thigh high boots and a tinfoil miniskirt...” He slid a small part of the wall next to where EDI's projection is to the side, before pressing the button the wall revealed. A section of wall below the button moved down, revealing a hole. He threw his clothes in, before pushing the button again.

“You wanted dinner first.” He walked back towards the sofa, picking up the guns and the present.

“You bought me dinner after we beat Saren remember? It was only on Arcturus, but it counts. Also before Ilos we weren't part of the Alliance and we still ate, so I thought that was you buying me dinner.” He put her gun on the bedside cabinet before placing his items in the lowest draw.

“Well I am glad I did. You looked fantastic in that.”

“Thanks Skipper. I do my best.”

“Your best is pretty damn good. Much like you. You've seen where my clothes are and the laundry is. When you go shopping later everything you get is on me.” He leant down to kiss her.

“I don't need your money Skipper. I have my own.” She broke the kiss quite quickly.

“I know Ash but this isn't you needing my money. It's a present. I'd like you to have stuff here too for whenever you visit.”

“So anything I buy you will pay for?” She smiled a bit too eagerly for Shepard.

“You have a budget. It's just pretty large.”

“How large?”

“I doubt you'll hit it. That chit over there has everything you'll need. Miranda is a little frosty at first but don't worry about her, she'll warm up eventually. Tali you know.”

“Well I guess I'll have to go shopping now!” Ashley put on an obviously fake pout. Shepard smiled at her before kissing her and it soon deepened. He broke it before it got too deep though.

“You know how to get in touch with me. EDI can help you with anything else you need.” Shepard got up and walked to the door, before pressing a few buttons on the control panel by EDI's projection. “EDI, Ashley Williams is to be treated as a very treasured guest. Help her with anything she needs.” The bright blue orb formed.

“Certainly, Commander.” The orb disappeared just as quickly as it appeared.

“Does that mean she's listening now?” Ashley asked as Shepard fiddled with a control panel by the door.

“No. She keeps an ear out for if someone says EDI, if someone is really loud or sounds distressed. No details though.” Shepard replied as the doors slid open.

“How can you be so sure?”

“Because she's a useless terrible AI who everyone hates...See she hasn't said anything. She doesn't like being insulted like most people. She'd have responded if she heard it. Just ask Joker.”

“EDI, Shepard says everyone hates you and you're a useless terrible AI.” The orb formed as soon as Ashley said EDI.

“The Commander knows of my abilities. Many of the crew do say that they feel some animosity towards me, Jeff and Legion do not though, so to say everyone hates me is a lie.” EDI paused. “Shepard's extranet bookmarks also tell of an unhealthy obsession with my kind.” She paused again, but started before Ashley could reply. “That was a joke.”

“You can joke?”

“See you later Ash.” Shepard said, smiling as he walked out the door and going to the elevator.

“Skipper.” Ashley replied, before he heard EDI start again.

“I have a sense of humour Ashley. Most people...” The doors closed behind him, as the elevator doors opened. He got in, punching the buttons for the CIC. It didn't take him long to get there.

“Oh Commander! Zaeed has left. Tali, Miranda, Legion and Engineers Donnelly and Daniels are in the Communications Room. Thane and Kolyat are in the infirmary with Dr. Chakwas. Jack is also looking for you and you have some new messages.”

“Thanks Kelly. I'll check the messages later. Tell Jack to come to the Communications Room.”

“Of course Commander.” Shepard walked through the lab to get to the meeting. As soon as the second set of doors opened Professor Solus saw him.

“Shepard! I have to ask you something. I need, no, that would make it explosive...It doesn't matter. I need to get a few materials for an experiment.” Mordin talked as quickly as ever.

“Talk to EDI about a requisition order, when we get the rest of our supplies, she will get yours.” Shepard continued to walk towards the Communications Room.

“Shepard. Wait. My Nephew. The one we talked about? He's on the citadel for two days. Would like for him to come on board. Need your permission.” The doors opened and Shepard stood in the middle of them.

“You sure he doesn't work for anyone dangerous? We no longer have any affiliation with Cerberus but still there are many people after us.”

“Yes. He would not be a problem Commander.” Shepard stepped forward.

“Sure then. He can visit.” The doors closed behind Shepard as he said that, before walking into the meeting.

“Captain Shepard,” Tali said first, as the CO of the ship, the Quarian in her insisted on calling him Captain. “We have plans for the upgrading of the ship. Better thrusters, more weaponry, further upgraded armour and shields.”

“Can the drive core and power handle all that?” Shepard asked.

“The drive core could handle a full scale dreadnought, the only way we're going to need an upgrade is if we decided to bolt on a space station to the side of the ship.” Donnelly's reply very conclusive.

“Sir.” Miranda said, with a little venom.

“Sir.” Donnelly quickly added. Shepard wasn't going to tell him otherwise. He'd told Miranda to make sure everyone knew to keep their discipline.

“How many plans do we have for each area?” Shepard asked.

“Two different thrusters, one from the Turians thanks to Garrus and one from the Geth from Legion. I think given a day or two we can combine the best elements of the two. Three days for physical upgrading. One weaponry, one armour, two shields.” Tali replied. Shepard noticed she didn't thank Legion.

“Can the shields be combined like the engines can?”

“No. Fortunately, they are kinds that can be integrated together. Two thin layers is usually more effective than one thick layer. It's more detailed than that, that's the simple version.”

“Good. How long for manufacture and upgrading?”

“Schedule should be OK. Should all be upgraded in the next 6 days. Miranda has contacts at a firm that can help us.”

“Opinions, everyone?”

“The ship is formidable as it is Shepard. The upgrades won't change us that much. We still won't have the fire-power of the Destiny Ascension but we won't be far off it. More manoeuvrable too. The upgrades shouldn't affect our speed or agility. ” Miranda replied.

“Shepard-Commander, we believe the armour may cause issue with EDI's ability to attack hostile internal networks.” Legion said.

“It should only be a problem until EDI gets used to the changes. She has to do some extra calculations to change the frequency. It should make our networks harder to attack for the same reason.” Tali clarified.

“Legion?” Shepard asked.

“Tali-Creator is correct. It is a temporary issue.” Shepard always found it such an oddly affectionate term that Legion used to refer to Tali with. They had a major war yet Legion harboured no ill-will.

“Donnelly, Daniels?” Shepard made sure to get their advice. The doors opened behind him as Jack entered.

“Shepard, I...” Jack started to speak as Shepard turned around. She was actually wearing a real top. If he was surprised by it, he didn't show it. The rest were though.

“Take a seat Jack, we're just finishing up.” He always managed to make it as commanding as much as a polite request. She did as he commanded. “Donnelly, Daniels?” He turned around as he asked that again.

“The maintenance on these upgrades will be a lot more work Sir. There are a few more discontinued parts from Nashan Stellar Dynamics we can get to improve it Sir.” Donnelly put a lot of emphasis on each Sir to make a point to Miranda.

“I think Nashan may be a Cerberus front.” Tali stated.

“It's not. It's a company you would like, they are a human corporation but employ many Quarians, Salarians and Turians. They are also...” Miranda stopped, Jack staring at her intently.

“Also?” Shepard wondered.

“Oh nothing Commander. Just they have no affiliation with Cerberus.” Shepard could tell there was another issue there. He would ask about it later.

“Great, add the parts to the list.”

“Are the parts actually going to improve performance? Or are you two just lazy.” Miranda questioned. Shepard actually appreciated her Ice Queen persona. He wasn't afraid to ask these questions just if he didn't have to, he'd happily let someone else do it.

“It's not going to improve performance Lieutenant Commander. It changes our increase in maintenance work from 12 hours a day to 1 and a half hours.” Daniels replied for her partner.

“Did you just say increase?” Shepard asked.

“Yes Sir.” Daniels responded.

“So your maintenance work would have been 15 hours? Out of 20? With the upgrades and without these parts.”

“Yes Sir.”

“Get the parts.”

“They're on the list already Commander.” Tali added.

“Anything else needed in this meeting?” Shepard's reply was silence. “You know where the resources are, the money has been allocated for the upgrades.” Jack had started to zone out, feet up on the table leaning back on her chair. No one else was that informal. “Feet.” Shepard said loudly, obviously in her direction.” If you need anything else from me, you know where to ask. Dismissed.” Jack took her feet off the table.

“Fuck you Shepard.” The former convict almost spat as the rest of them shuffled out of the room.

“I told you the rules Jack. Now what is it you wanted?” Shepard sat down in the seat Miranda had just vacated.

“I said I wanted to do the mission then cut loose.” Jack said, a little tentatively.

“Of course you can stay Jack.” Shepard had already guessed what she wanted. She had no where else to go, she had told him herself.

“I...” Jack looked up at him as she realised what he said. “What?”

“You were going to ask if you could stay.”

“How?”

“You are welcome here Jack. It may be taking you a while to realise but we actually quite like you around here. We won't try and kill you. Even Miranda wants you here.”

“That Cerberus cheer-leading bitch wants me dead.”

“She's no longer part of Cerberus. At all. She even wants you to be here to help you.”

“Help me? I don't need that bitch's help.” Shepard stood up.

“We both know you do. Don't try and hide it. Zaeed leaving has hit you hard. Especially that he didn't take you with him.” He walked towards the door.

“That's none of your business.” Jack was very rarely not defensive.

“I'm not judging Jack. Just saying all of us would like to help. Seriously.”

“I don't need help.” Jack was wavering.

“We all need help Jack. Now I'm going to suit up I have a meeting to get to on the Citadel. Do you want to go with?”

“You ordering me to come?”

“Not this time. I know you hate being cooped up here. People usually try and kill me too, I'm sure you'll get some stress release.”

“Damn you.” Jack found it really difficult trying to be in Shepard's idea of a military, but she was a great help in the field anyway. She stood up and followed Shepard to get suited up.

“Jacob. I've got to see someone on the citadel, you busy?” Jacob was at his terminal as usual, looking at gun schematics and the like.

“No Sir. Just checking some schematics.” He turned around to see Shepard and Jack. He hid his surprise at seeing Jack actually wearing a top well. “Who are you going to see?”

“A few people.” Shepard didn't go into any more detail for a reason. Jack and he were both picking their weapons up as he answered. “EDI, tell Grunt to ready for a visit to the citadel.”

“Done, Commander.” Was the AI's reply. Jacob had finished his work and began to inspect his weapons. Shepard had his own picked out. He looked at the armour in the corner he'd had made for Ashley.

“Nice work on Ashley's armour Lieutenant. They look good.” Shepard smiled as he complimented Jacob's work, finding it funny how differently he had said the rank Lieutenant the night before.

“They're as good as yours Sir. Like you said.” Jacob replied. Shepard walked to the end of the room and opened his armour storage, pulling the pieces out. He took off most of his clothes off and pulled the under-guard on. Jacob had noticed Jack looking at the scars littering his back before he put it on though. The Lazarus Project had managed to remove a lot of the scars from his death, couldn't remove any that were there before though. They may have been able to had he Wilson not tried to kill him again. Shepard quickly put on the armour and moved back to the table to put his guns in place.

“I'm going to go check on a few things. I'll meet you at the airlock in 10 minutes.”

“Got it.” Jack replied. Shepard walked out of the door to turn for the elevator.

“Do you always stare at people putting on their armour like that Jack?” Jacob asked. He was playing with fire and he knew it.

“Do you always stare at people like you stare at Miranda and Kasumi?” Jack's guns were in place and she walked towards the CIC as she replied.

“No, just those two.” The doors opened in front of her and she stepped through as she heard Jacob talk.

“No, just fuck you.” Jack wasn't going to admit why she was looking at Shepard. At least not to anyone else. The doors closed behind her, the staff on the CIC looking at her wondering why she was swearing. “And fuck you all too.” Jack angrily said as she stormed past them all to wait at the airlock. She was always ready for action. She slept in her shields. Jack got to the airlock quickly, the CIC quieting down wherever she walked past, like the former convict had a sphere of silence surrounding her. She punched at the buttons in order to wait in there rather than out here with all those... those people. It was emptier than usual, many of them away visiting the citadel.

“Internal airlock door open Jack. You are unable to open the External door without accompanying the CO.”

“Why the fuck not?” Jack asked as she stepped into the airlock, folding onto the floor, back against a wall, legs splayed out on the floor. By Jack's standards, it was quite calmly questioned.

“There are a number of warrants out for your arrest in Citadel Space. With Shepard's status as a Spectre he can override all C-Sec authority. It is for your own comfort and safety.”

“They couldn't capture me if they tried.”

“It's also for the C-Sec officers that would be ordered to do so.”

“That's more like it.” Jack smiled at EDI's admission.

*~*

Shepard opened the medbay doors to find Kolyat walking around, bandages wrapped around his stomach as his father sat in a chair next to his bed.

“Quick recovery Kolyat?”

“No thanks to you.” Kolyat replied. He hadn't changed a great deal from the angry boy Shepard had met not so long ago.

“Going somewhere Commander?” Chakwas pointed out his armour.

“Got some errands to run on the citadel. Thought I'd go armoured this time.” Her CO responded quickly.

“Good idea. You get shot at a lot.”

“I'd noticed. Thane, when I get back I've got some questions to ask.” Thane didn't reply. “Kolyat, you're welcome to stay aboard the ship, but there are areas off-limits.” Kolyat didn't reply either. Shepard left them to it, Chakwas swivelled to look back at her terminal rather than at the Commander. As soon as the doors closed he walked towards the elevator. “EDI, if Kolyat moves outside of that medbay I want you to monitor him. Whoever the ranking officer on board is, they need to know. Also notify security, Kolyat does not go in the AI core, engineering or the armoury. Got that?” The mess was empty, so Shepard didn't need to keep quiet. Most of the crew was on the citadel or sleeping.

“Yes Sir. Does that mean he's allowed in the lab and gunnery station?” EDI questioned.

“Mordin and Garrus are in there. At least Mordin will be soon, he's getting his nephew. Thane won't go in there. When Mordin's nephew is on board, I want the same information on him as on Kolyat.” The doors to the elevator opened. He got in. “Garrus will either be contacting...” Shepard left out the next few words while pressing the button for Deck 2, if EDI didn't know, it wasn't his place to tell. “Or writing new calibration programs for the extra guns we're fitting. Either way, he's occupying the gunnery station, the lab is occupied. Thane will be very unlikely to take Kolyat there and if he does, nothing is going to happen.”

“Thane's staying in Life Support. It's quite important.” EDI responded.

“While we are docked at the citadel, it's not so important. He'll be gone before we have to worry about him destroying it and us not being able to breath.” The doors opened to the CIC. “Keep me updated on things going on while I'm on the citadel EDI please.” Shepard often forgot to be polite. He rarely needed to be but it never hurt. Especially with people who you might depend on. “People. Heh.” Shepard walked past Kelly towards the airlock.

“Yes Commander...People?” EDI picked up on his muttering.

“There are many definitions of the word EDI. I'm sure the extranet has as many as you'd care to read.”

“Shepard! Councillor Anderson wishes to see you, if you have time. He said to go by the Council Chambers.” Kelly took her job as Yeoman seriously. She took all her roles seriously but this one she got a lot of time with Shepard. She knew of few girls in the galaxy who didn't want that.

“Thank you Kelly. I will visit him later today. I have a few things to get before I do though.” Shepard turned around while talking to her, walking backwards around the navigation map, turning back as he finished his sentence.

“My appointment with Sha'ira is tomorrow! I can't wait! It was supposed to be in two weeks! I just got a message that it was tomorrow!” Crewman Matthews exclaimed as Shepard walked past. “Commander! You hear that? She mentioned you!”

“The consort mentioned me?” Shepard stopped, turning to Matthews and Hadley sitting in their usual seats.

“Yes Sir! She moved my appointment forward because I serve on your ship. She asked to see you if you had time!” Shepard swore inwardly.

“Thanks for informing me Matthews. Hadley, the name of that date?”

“Sharblu Arias.” Hadley replied, pretty quickly. Shepard's omni-tool lit up as he punched in a few details.

“I'll give you an answer by the time I return.” Shepard turned back to walk towards the airlock.

“I tell you, they are not illegal!” Joker shouted, quite loudly.

“In Turian and Salarian space they are.” EDI stated back.

“EDI, if you were real, I'd give you a spanking for trying to fuck with my head so much.” Shepard could see Joker shaking his head.

“Joker, would you just ask her out and get it over with?” Shepard said quite frustratedly before punching the buttons to the airlock door.

“You dare say anything to...” Jack threatened with her hand around Jacob's neck, glowing blue. Jacob was smiling at her, something Shepard knew would annoy her. When she realised what the noise she heard was she dropped her hand and turned towards Shepard.

“Commander I am not...” Joker wanted to get a retort in but in a move that Joker would never let her forget, EDI interrupted him.

“Jeff, stop, he's just trying to get a rise out of you.” Shepard laughed at EDI trying to stop him.

“See she's even babying you like your girlfriend!” Shepard laughed as he said it, the loud angry conversation between Jack and Jacob in the airlock not interrupting his laughter. He walked into the airlock and pressed the buttons to close it again. He took a few seconds to compose himself. “What was going on here?” Jack and Jacob stayed quiet, Jack giving him dagger looks.

“They had some...human disagreement. I hoped I would see a real fight.” Grunt stated in that gruff angry way he always did.

“Well you may well get to today. If not, I promise you can try and punch me.” Shepard smiled at him, a little sadistically.

“Fight you Battle Master? Ha! I'm not that crazy.” Grunt almost smiled. He respected Shepard. He respected few. He didn't even respect Okeer.

“I'm sure all those around us will be glad.” Shepard walked towards the external doors and pressed a button. “Everyone ready?” The door opened in front of him.

“Yes Sir!” Jacob replied. Shepard knew Jack was giving him a disapproving look.

“Yes.” Jack simply stated. Shepard started walking before Grunt replied. He was always ready. He was literally born ready. Of course that's if you think he was actually born.

“Commander Shepard! Commander Shepard!” Emily Wong was standing by the elevator at the end of the dock.

“Hi Miss Wong. How can I help?” Shepard walked over, as he nodded towards the elevator and the other 3 walked in.

“You promised me an interview?” Emily stood with her hands together in front of her chest, pleading for the answer to be yes.

“How long do you need me for? I haven't got long today.” Emily jumped.

“However long I can get you for!” She loudly exclaimed.

“If you can wait two days I can give you an hour, or I can give you the elevator ride to the internal transports.” He gestured towards the elevator as he walked and stood in front of it, turning to her for her answer.

“Can I have both?” Emily walked alongside the group into the elevator, her personal camera floating alongside her.

“OK.” Shepard replied. Anyone with any brains knew he was alive anyway. He'd given TV interviews since his resurrection. No point in hiding now. He stepped in, staying on the opposite side of the elevator to his group. He could put his face in the news, didn't want his crew to be though.

“Fantastic!” The camera lit up, shining on him as Jacob pressed the button for the transport level. “My sources tell me you went into hiding for the past two years in order to take down the group known as the Collectors. Can you confirm this?”

“I wouldn't describe it as going into hiding. I took down the Collectors. Yes.” Shepard's face was static. It wasn't an arrogant, gloating statement. It was a simple 'I did'. He was good with words, despite his protests, but he didn't like them.

“What would you describe it as?” The group behind Emily laughed. Shepard noticed Jacob's eyes focusing on Emily in what could have been described as unsubtle had she been looking the other way. Jack was doing the same before she noticed he was looking at her. Emily was 100% focused on him. Shepard smiled at Emily disarmingly.

“Next question.” Emily realised a little discomfort but didn't press the matter.

“OK Commander. There are rumours you were working for Cerberus, can you confirm or deny this?”

“I have never nor will I ever take orders from Cerberus.” Shepard hoped that was a convincing answer.

“What's up next for Commander Shepard? You are no longer part of the Alliance, are you rejoining them?”

“I'm afraid I can't talk about either my next mission or the Alliance, Emily.”

“You aren't part of the Alliance, so they can't be classified.” Emily tried to wrangle an answer out of him.

“I am however still a Council Spectre Miss Wong. I intend to stay that way. I answer to 4 people, 1 of them being a human.”

“You did put him on the Council though Commander. The other 3 owe you their lives from the Battle of the Citadel.” She tried to point out he could get away with it if he did say.

“It's classified Miss Wong.” The door behind him slid open. “It's been a pleasure Emily.” Shepard smiled before pulling her hand to his lips and kissing the back of it. He turned around and with a gesture of his head the rest of his group followed him. The camera turned off before he finished turning around, the group were never in shot. They walked with purpose towards the transport terminals.

“Two days time, at 12 Commander?” Emily said hopefully, waiting in the elevator. His omni-tool lit up as he pressed a few buttons.

“Two days time.” The doors to the elevator closed without her stepping out of it and they all heard her squeal of joy before the doors finished closing. Shepard shook his head.

“Galaxy famous reporters that have had interviews with members of the Asari ruling council and made them look stupid, beg you for an interview. You then make them act like a schoolgirl. Must be hell to be you Commander.” Jacob smiled as he talked. Groups of people walked past them, quite a few clearly recognising Shepard. Jack made long strides to Shepard's left, Jacob alongside him. Grunt was behind them.

“You go through a lot of shit if you're me Jacob. If you want to switch lives, I'd be happy to do so.” Shepard sounded a little more bitter than he needed to be.

“It's not all bad is it Commander?” Jack asked. Jacob and Shepard were as surprised as each other that she asked that. Shepard thought for a while before replying. Oddly, the crowds were thinning out.

“No, you are right. I am thankful for a lot of things.” He smiled before continuing. “Every day.”

“Gotta be an upside to dying and shit Commander.” Jacob laughed. “No point in it if you don't get any perks.” They were getting close to the transports.

“Got that right Lieutenant. Dying is not fun.”

“Why don't we just use the fucking shuttle for transport Shepard?” Jack asked. “This walking is boring as fuck.” They got to the transport terminals. Shepard started pressing a few buttons.

“When someone gets shot, the shuttle being on the Presidium instead of at the Normandy means people die. We should really get another one.” Some doors in front of them opened, a C-Sec checking station. They looked up at the group, with enough guns to take down platoons. The group walked to the station anyway. One of the C-Sec officers raised his pistol at them.

“You are going to need to hand over those guns!” The C-Sec officer, a clearly very nervous Salarian, tried his best to be intimidating holding his gun at the group. Shepard just smiled. Jack and Jacob glowed. Grunt didn't even bother raising his weapon.

“Scan me Officers.”

“No need Commander Shepard. Have a good day.” The Turian officer that replied slapped his colleague's gun down. “What are you doing? Don't you pay any attention to the NewsNet?” Shepard just walked on through the checkpoint.

“You get responses like that. I never get that. Ass-holes just trying to take advantage of me. No fucker ever lets me past.” Jack angrily states.

“You haven't died. Fuck off.” Shepard fought fire with fire. Jack had no response. Shepard hated how he used that as a defence mechanism now. He was going to stop that. They soon found themselves on the Presidium shuttle. They didn't have to wait long for the shuttle to take them to the Presidium. Shepard had expected some conversation or a fight, an accident, someone trying to kill him on the journey. Instead, it was incredibly uneventful. The group was quiet, he heard some talk of a new game about Turian warfare before they invented guns on Palaven, a new group called A-Zero-50. He wasn't even sure what they were a group for. Just they were apparently excellent according to the Asari and the Human talking about them.

A message popped up on his omni-tool, titled 'Sharblu Arias' from a certain 'L.T.' He filed it to read it later, as the shuttle was coming to a stop on the Presidium, the large crowds creating a constant drone rather than actual noise. He stepped off to find himself walking towards a certain former Engineer of his walking in the opposite direction until he noticed them.

“Commander Shepard! Long time no see.” Shepard stopped to shake the man's hand.

“Adams? What the hell are you doing here?”

“I'm on leave Sir.” Old habits die hard. “Never really got a chance to explore the Citadel before. Thought I'd try.”

“Where are you serving now?” Shepard asked, the group behind him stopping, having no idea where they were going after all. He hadn't said yet.

“SSV Orizaba.” Adams smiled.

“Oh. So...” Shepard scratched the back of his neck.

“Yeah.”

“Congratulations Adams. Fifth Fleet's flagship couldn't ask for a better head Engineer. She's a fine vessel.”

“Thanks Commander. I'll send your compliments on to the crew.” Shepard smiled.

“You deserve it Adams. How long are you on the Citadel?”

“I leave tomorrow morning.”

“Do you want to see the new Normandy? I'll buy you a drink.”

“New Normandy Sir?” Adams hadn't heard anything about it. Just news about Shepard being alive after all. Shepard lit up his omni-tool and punched a few things in.

“Yes. Contact me later if you want a tour.” He'd leave the surprise of all the old personnel till then. Shepard shook his hand. “Till next time Adams. Give my regards to the Orizaba.”

“Till next time Shepard. Nice armour.” Adams replied before walking to the Shuttle they had just left. Shepard took them in the direction of the restaurant he had visited the night before.

“Who was that?” Grunt and Jack didn't seem to care, Jacob was a more curious individual though. His commander replied quickly.

“The original Normandy's Chief Engineer.”

“He's now chief Engineer on the Fifth Fleet's flagship?”

“He's good. Very good.”

“Better than Donnelly and Daniels?” Shepard paused in his speech but not in his movement. The restaurant wasn't far.

“Individually...probably. He's had a lot more experience though.” Jacob wasn't talkative by most people's standards. However with Grunt and Jack as the other companions, he felt he had to try and be more. If nothing else just so he didn't get bored.

“So they're better but only because there is 2 of them.”

“2 heads are better than 1 Lieutenant.” They got to the restaurant. The security saw them coming and prepared themselves, clearly speaking into hidden microphones. “I'm here to see Barla Von.” Three of them had their guns trained on the group. Three guns were raised in response.

“Do you have an appointment?” A Turian security guard asked like he was annoyed. He had quite a few friends. Clearly the security had been improved.

“No, I do not.”

“I am afraid I cannot let you past then.” Shepard liked his wording.

“Tell him Commander Shepard is outside.” The Turian raised his wrist and spoke into it.

“You can see him. Your friends must wait outside.” Shepard grabbed the Turian and picked him up.

“If I wanted my friends to come in. They would. You got that? Being a pissy little prick with me is not going to work. Be polite.” The Turian was clearly a little intimidated.

“Y-Ye...Yes Spectre. He's uh, through the back, 3 doors on the left.” Shepard put the Turian down on his feet and dusted him off.

“See, now being nice is always a good route to go. If not, you might piss off someone worse than me.” He turned to the rest of the group. “Is there somewhere they can wait? I'm sure there is a table empty.”

“We can...we can have one put out for them.” The Turian was a little more co-operative now.

“Fantastic. I'd advise a private room, don't want your breakfast customers seeing all their guns.” Shepard walked in. “Jacob, do the talking.” He heard the Turian whisper again into a microphone as he walked through the lobby. Some silent alarms went off as the gun scans activated. He saw a few other security guards before he walked through a set of doors, looking around with eager eyes. He noted where the alleged hidden cameras were quickly, before pressing the button for the door to Barla Von's office. The door opened quickly.

“Shepard, I did not expect,” Barla took a deep breath as all Volus tend to do, “You to visit so promptly.” Barla Von was a small figure behind a small desk. The rest of the room looked like a rather decadent place, it had many little places where you could hide surveillance equipment and OSDs too.

“This is certainly different to your last office.” Shepard stepped into the room as he talked and looked around, taking out a book or two and checking their titles.

“Last time you saw me,” He took a deep breath; “I didn't have an office as it was destroyed in the attack.”

“A lot of things were Barla.”

“Too many. Fortunately the Presidium.” Another deep breath; “is now even better than it was before.”

“The Citadel is more than the Presidium Barla.”

“The Presidium is for the Elite. We are who matter.”

“We are who fight for everyone else. I came here for that reason.”

“You wanted to check on your investments and,” Deep breath, although Shepard was sure he would have paused if he was a Volus or not, “Projects.”

“Yes.” Shepard sat down and awaited Barla's response.

“Well apart from owning Morrigan's Restaurant,” Deep breath, “You now have a 75% stake in Binary Helix,” He took another deep breath. “45% stake in Sirta Foundation, 25% in Serrice Council,” The Volus took another moment. “A 55% stake in Hahne-Kedar, 45% in Elanus Risk Control Services.”

“You have been doing some work.” Shepard's tone showed how impressed he was.

“You paid me well Shepard.” He took a deep breath, “You also have some other properties that are less likely to interest you.”

“Such as?”

“This isn't the only restaurant you own.” Another deep breath. “A mining company that has been doing very well thanks to your surveying. A bank, a games company, a film company and a series of food suppliers.”

“Good. I do want the more detailed report to go over at some point but right now I need you to find someone for me. I want her to be added to research team I asked you to create and I want her very very well funded.”

“You are a very rich man Shepard. You have hundreds billions of unused credits sitting in an account that is only growing with your portfolio's success.”

“I didn't give you much to start off with Barla.”

“I am usually paid 1% of a client's profits. You improved on that. You have made me incredibly rich.”

“Good. I still have more work for you though. Rana Thanoptis. She's an Asari I met on Virmire. Find her. Convince her to research indoctrination. She knows what it means. Give her all the funding she needs. Move the team to somewhere very isolated, if their research goes wrong I don't want anyone else suffering. If you can't convince her nicely, send me a message. I'll convince her.”

“Of course Commander.” Shepard never quite got over the Volus lighting up when they talk. It was an odd feature.

“Good. You have an OSD with all the investments in that I can review later?” Barla checked his desk before handing an OSD over to Shepard. He slipped the OSD into a slot in the armour on his left arm as he stood up.

“There you are Commander.” Shepard walked towards the door.

“Thanks Barla. I don't want to throw my weight around just yet but can you let the key staff know about me? That would be lovely. I'd like to properly finish my dinner later in the week.”

“It was an unfortunate incident. I increased the security here. Should be some more effective improvements soon, the scanners aren't complete yet.” The door opened just in front of Shepard.

“I noticed. That Turian at the door was an ass-hole though. I think I taught him some manners, I may have to make sure.” Shepard stepped through the door.

“Shepard. He's a security guard, he's not a Spectre.” The doors closed behind him.

“Got that right.” Shepard walked to the front before asking the Turian where his companions were. The Turian had clearly learnt his lesson, at least around Shepard as he took him to the room they had been given. He did not expect the scene he was greeted by.

“Er, guys?” Jacob, Jack and Grunt turned around to look at him. “Were you three actually...laughing?”

“Jack was telling us a story about how she used a chicken to rob a cargo ship.” Jacob clarified. “It was funny.”

“Jack made you all laugh? Jack?”

“Is there something wrong with that Shepard?” Jack tried to sound offended. Her poker face wasn't good though and they all burst out laughing again. Even Grunt. Shepard shook his head and took a seat in between Jacob and Grunt. “Seriously, the guy actually believed I was breaking in to stay with my chicken. A chicken! How he let me on board I will never understand. Stupid Cord-Hislop Aerospace dickheads. Why does anyone buy their shit? It's fucking dogshit.” Jack wasn't one for polite company. Shepard smiled.

“I hope no one. You had your food yet?”

“None of us want any. This place is fucking expensive.” Jack answered.

“Anything you want is on the house.” Shepard replied.

“Did the owner tell you that?” Shepard smiled the smile of the cat who got the canary.

“Yes. Yes he did.”

“I still don't want anything. This is all food for ass-holes.” No one commented on how Jack should love the food then. Shepard turned to look at Jacob.

“I'm fine Commander. Just wanted a drink.” Jacob wasn't going to make a big fuss about the food. He knew how exclusive this place was.

“Ha. I want a fight, not food.” Grunt said before Shepard inevitably asked.

“Well I'm going to see Anderson, maybe someone will try and kill me on the way.” They all stood up before walking out. The waiter that came to ask them for their food bumped into them as they walked out of the door. He knew who Shepard was by the look on his face and didn't say anything.

“Seriously, how do you manage that?” Jacob asked when they were out of the restaurant. He was impressed.

“I don't know. I don't get up in the morning and decide I'm going to intimidate security guards and waiters.”

“Ha! I do.” Grunt growled.

“Well aren't you just a delight to have around Grunt. I'm sure you are very entertaining at children's parties.” The walk to the Council chambers wasn't too long. While the Presidium is deceptively large, the restaurant was very close to the Embassies and the Council Chamber. There was a reason for that. The guard on the elevator had been massively improved since Shepard's last visit here. A unit of Asari Commandos. Arguably the best fighting force in the Galaxy.

“Commander Shepard.” One of the commandos walked over to the group and scanned him.

“Checking if it's actually me?” Shepard asked. It had not been that long since another Asari had done this.

“Yes. It's certainly you though Commander Shepard. The Council has been expecting you.”

“The whole council?” Shepard thought it was just a private meeting between him and his former Captain.

“Yes.” Shepard didn't bother replying, instead just getting into the elevator. It only went to one place, no need to press for a place. Just close the doors.

The chambers closely resembled the chambers he had been inducted in, but it was more open, all the greenery had been moved to the side, the stairs up the council itself was no longer interrupted by garden beds. This meant he could see the council long before he got within speaking distance, the group with him following close behind. Shepard looked around, trying to figure out where any snipers were. He spotted two, though very sure there were more. He was trained to do this as second nature. It had saved his life many times, even if unnecessary in this instance.

“Commander Shepard.” Executor Pallin stepped out from behind a pillar, clearly not happy to see him. His voice wasn't even close to thinly veiled dislike.

“Executor Pallin, what an unexpected pleasure.” Shepard did stop to talk to him, walking towards the stairs, Executor Pallin continued with him. Shepard could feel Grunt's hatred of him. Grunt didn't even know him.

“Shepard, why were the cameras on the shuttle corrupted?” Pallin didn't really care, one of his officers had mentioned it.

“What?” Shepard asked. He wasn't exactly sure what Pallin was talking about, he had an idea though. His face did not betray what he was thinking about though. He didn't think about it for long though. Pallin pressed his question.

“Yesterday you boarded shuttle SX120, the surveillance on the shuttle was corrupted. I know you had something to do with it.” He was quite nonchalant with his question.

“Very by the book Pallin. Decide there is someone you don't like even remotely involved in something you don't care about, harass them about it. Do you get many convictions that way?” They were nearing the stairs to the council.

“Answer the question.” Shepard stopped at the bottom of them, the council in session at the top talking to some Volus diplomats.

“I have nothing to do with it.” Shepard answered before climbing the stairs, Jacob, Jack and Grunt following a few steps behind. Pallin stood at the bottom before shaking his head and walking towards the exit.

“What was that about Shepard?” Jacob asked. Jack didn't care, though Grunt's obvious hatred may have meant he did.

“That shuttle was the one I was on before I went to dinner with Ash. I have no idea about the surveillance.” Shepard clarified, though he completely missed Jacob's actual question.

“No sir, I meant who was that Pallin? Why was he giving you shit?”

“Garrus' old boss. Head of C-Sec. He doesn't like Spectres because we have too much power in his eyes. He doesn't like humans because we're new to the galaxy. I'm a human spectre. Go figure.”

“Want me to kill him?” Jack was usually up for a murder.

“No. I think he was just up here to see if I was actually alive. He really didn't care about the surveillance.” They had reached the top of the stairs. The Council, in particular Anderson, had noticed him. The timing was great; the Volus diplomat walked past the Spectre, the audience clearly over.

“Commander Shepard.” The Asari councillor was the first to speak, their elevated positions on the other side of the hole he had fought Sovereign's version of Saren in the same as before, except for the obvious fourth position.

“Councillors.” Shepard stepped towards the small pier that jutted out, gesturing to his group to stay at the top of the stairs.

“What have you to say on your relationship with Cerberus?” The Turian councillor had never been an admirer of Shepard, although he had thawed with the saving of his life.

“I am no longer affiliated in any manner with Cerberus.”

“So you were before?” The Salarian councillor asked.

“I was affiliated yes, I never took their orders though. They did bring me back from the dead the least I could do is give them a chance to help me do my job.”

“What is your job, Spectre?” The Turian questioned him.

“To save lives Councillor. Stop threats to our civilizations, bring criminals to justice.”

“What part of that did Cerberus help you with? Did they help with bring that murderer to justice that you have with you in this very room?” They were the council, they were going to have some intel about who he was fighting with.

“Jack helped me save lives. She has proved herself to me time and time again.”

“For someone who claims to be bringing criminals to justice you seem to enjoy the company of them.”

“She helped me beat the Collectors at the risk of her own life. She helped save hundreds of colonies who would have been abducted. I have no doubt she will do so again.”

“The Collectors? Another fictional group.” The Turian responded.

“You're not fooling anyone Councillor, you know the Collectors exist.”

“They are rumours and nothing more.”

“I will not have Shepard spoken of as if he is a child making up stories. He is a hero and should be treated as such!” Anderson spoke up.

“If he is acting like a child, he will be treated as such.” The Turian retorted. Shepard pulled out an OSD from a lot on his right arm, before placing it in the slot on the console in front of him.

“Take a look at this.” Shepard pressed a few buttons, before a series of different videos of them fighting on Horizon lit up in holographic displays in front of each councillor, one large one showing it to everyone else watching. The only noticeable ones though were the Council itself and Shepard's team.

It was obvious the Collectors were real.

“Am I still a child?” Shepard asked. As once before, the Turian was the first to declare it solid proof.

“I apologise Spectre. It is obvious they are real.” The way the camera shook in the video made it obvious whoever was recording it had just been shot somewhere. “Who's viewpoint was this?”

“Mine. There are a number of others from that mission from my team. Some videos from a few other missions too, if you really needed clarification.” Shepard pressed a few buttons. The video halted, before another one started up.

“What is this Shepard?” The Salarian asked.

“The Reaper they were building.”

“The Reapers are just smoke and mirrors Commander.” The Asari councillor insisted on maintaining that stance.

“Just like the Collectors were 2 minutes ago?” Anderson spoke up in defence of his protégé.

“This is hardly clarification of an ancient race of sentient machines that wiped out the Protheans.”

“You all owe Shepard your lives. He has proven you wrong at least three times. Do you need to wait until we are dead until you believe him?”

“We will not ruin Citadel Space because he believes that there may be a group of people trying to kill us!”

“There may be other groups trying to kill us Councillor but I assure you, the Reapers are real.” Shepard spoke up.

“Let us assume for a second that they are real Commander. What do you suggest we do?” The Turian councillor interrupted to speak before the Asari got the chance.

“Expand the military. Increase research spending on weapons.” The Spectre wasn't really sure but what he was sure about the Reapers. He was going to fund research to defend against them himself.

“Your solution is an arms race? To increase human power?”

“This isn't just about humans. This is about every space-faring species in the Galaxy. There are more things we could do, but those would be my first two suggestions. Contingency plans in-case they do wipe us out are also very necessary.”

“Contingency plans? Such as?”

“Build underground facilities with records of history, technology, self-sustaining that if the Reapers do attack can go dark, not speak to the outside world and come out when the Reapers have left once more. Vigil told me that it took the Reapers centuries to wipe the Protheans out. We should be prepared for that. The Protheans may have survived if they had been prepared for a longer time underground on Ilos.”

“Vigil was not on Ilos.”

“Why would you know? For so long you didn't want me going into the Terminus Systems in-case I started a full-scale war. So after I'm dead, you go in anyway?” Shepard was annoyed at that.

“We had to verify your claims.” The Asari councillor spoke up.

“So why didn't you do it when I was alive?” None of the councillors responded. He shut the video down, before taking the OSD out and throwing it at the Turian. “Watch that. There is a lot of footage, some technical data about the Collectors, technical data about the Protheans.”

“Shepard, you were only working with Cerberus to stop the Collectors? They were abducting the colonies?” Anderson asked.

“Yes.”

“So you aren't now? Why?”

“I stopped the Collectors.” Shepard stated, matter of factly.

“That the only reason?”

“No.”

“What were they?”

“If you watch those OSDs you will find out many of them. There were many other reasons too.” Shepard had many reasons, while they had done a lot for him it wasn't actually for Shepard. It was for the survival of humanity. They had to enlist an Asari and a Drell to find his body. A number of aliens to keep him alive once he was back. Cerberus would never do that under normal circumstances. Most of their members were only there because they hated aliens. The Illusive Man had wisely chosen few of them to be part of Shepard's crew. It was not a selfless act though. It was desperation and self-interest.

“Did they not provide you with a ship? A crew? Funding?”

“What is the meaning of these questions Councillor Anderson?” Shepard was very close to calling him Sir.

“The Council doesn't know if we can trust that you and Cerberus no longer have any affiliation. You still have Cerberus members in your team.” Anderson nodded in the direction of Jacob.

“I have former Cerberus members in my team. None of my crew work for Cerberus any more. There are none who covertly work for them either. I know my job, I have made sure.” The four of them looked around at each other.

“We need to have a private conversation Shepard. If you would come back tomorrow, we would see you again then.” Shepard had really surprised the Council with those vids. They weren't prepared for him truly having proof of his claims.

“The day after. I have work to do tomorrow and I'd rather not be called a liar by people who owe me their lives two days in a row.” Shepard turned around and walked away before bothering to explain what work it was. He pressed the button the inside of his right arm he had pressed as he got the OSD out. The recording of the meeting ending. The team followed him as soon as he got to them. Jack was grinning.

“You should have just told them to go fuck themselves.” Shepard wasn't sure if Jack liked the council or the other species. He was sure she loved a confrontation though.

“I want their help. If nothing else I want to be able to continue to use Spectre authority. If you're looking at the bigger picture there is absolutely no reason to. They are much older than humanity. They've had real wars and real threats to galactic stability before. I have no doubt that people have claimed that there was something that was going to destroy the galaxy before. I hope that once they see the OSDs they realise I am right.”

“The Council must have better intel than this. They are the most powerful people in the galaxy, they must have some indication! The Shadow Broker knew, Saren knew, The Illusive Man knows. How can they not?” Jacob wondered aloud.

“They think it's the rantings of madmen and liars, rumours and nothing more.” Shepard knew their reasoning. He could even understand it. “Come on, let's get out of here. The consort wants to see me and I've got shit to organise.”

“More things for me to kill if those fools don't help us.” Grunt didn't say much and when he did, chances are it was approving violence. Shepard didn't bother responding. Just walked into the elevator and as soon as everyone was in, pressed the button. The elevator began it's descent.

“Commander Shepard, you wanted to stay informed of activities on the Normandy. Thane and Kolyat are in life support, they went there directly from the medbay. Mordin and his Nephew are in the lab.” EDI's synthetic voice rang out in Shepard's ear.

“Any progress on the plans?”

“Nothing that can be implemented. Minor progress.”

“Have Tali, Miranda and Ashley gone to the Citadel yet?”

“Yes Sir, Samara, Kasumi, Daniels, Patel, Chambers and Hawthorne are also with them.” That's a girl's shopping trip, thought Shepard.

“Keep me updated EDI and thanks. Shepard out.” The elevator's descent was slowing.

“So where were Tali, Miranda and Ashley going?” Jacob asked, hearing Shepard's talk.

“Got some equipment and parts to get, some personal stuff too. They weren't the only ones.” Shepard answered.

“So others went with them?” Jacob asked. Clearly EDI had only spoken to him. Well done EDI.

“Yes. They'll be fine.” The doors opened and Shepard started to stride across the Presidium. He knew where the consort's chambers used to be. He guessed they would be in exactly the same place. His guess was accurate. It didn't take them long to get to the chamber, someone asking Shepard for a picture slowed them down though.

“Welcome. Commander Shepard, Sha'ira has been expecting you. You can go straight in.” Nelyna greeted him as he got close. “Some of our acolytes are available if your friends do not wish to wait for you.”

“She cleared her schedule just because she knew I might come by?” Shepard asked, wondering how someone with a 2 year waiting list just happened to be free when he came by. There was no guarantee he was coming. He hadn't said he would. She didn't even know if Matthews had mentioned it to him.

“I do not know Commander.”

“If you will excuse me Nelyna.” Shepard took her hand and kissed it before walking towards Sha'ira's chambers. The layout was different to before. Larger, more rooms, less bland. He could find his way though.

“Of course Commander. Now we have 4 available acolytes for you three. Lokarra, Laura, Rhea and myself. Who would you like?” Nelyna gestured towards each in turn, Shepard was sure. He wasn't looking.

“Rhea!” Grunt shouted before walking toward her. Shepard had seen the Asari and 2 humans who had been near the front. He was guessing Rhea was the Asari.

“You.” Jack spoke with conviction as he went out of earshot, up the stairs to where he was sure Sha'ira was. The doors at the end of the hall opened as soon as he got close, Sha'ira sitting at a table, clearly active on the extranet. She turned to him.

“Commander Shepard. Good to see you.” She rose as he stepped into the room.

“Sha'ira, it's always a pleasure.” Shepard politely answered.

“I was glad to hear you were alive Commander. As you know from my message.” Sha'ira walked around the room slowly, swaying her hips sensually as she did so. She was famous for enticing men. She knew what she was doing.

“I do. So I must ask why you have asked to see me today.”

“I wanted to see for myself. I wasn't sure if you got my message. When Matthews told Nelyna he was on your crew, I had to know.”

“You didn't need me to visit.” She walked close to him.

“No, you are right. I wanted you to visit. You are an extremely important individual in this galaxy. Your resolve must be strong. You must be in top condition to protect us all.”

“So you asked me to visit in case I wanted something from you?” Shepard asked as she got extremely close. She stopped and thought for a few seconds.

“Yes, I suppose I did. Do you want anything from me? Do you want me to do anything? Anything at all?” Shepard doubted Sha'ira was so...flirtatious or flexible with anyone else. She was so close that their noses were almost touching.

“How much influence with the Council do you have?” Shepard asked as he stepped around her, going to sit down in a large chair she had. She visibly deflated, before going to sit on a chair next to him.

“Some.” The Consort replied. “Why?”

“I want you to help them realise the truth.” Shepard turned to her.

“The Reapers? I thought they were just rumour.” Sha'ira responded, Shepard's glare intimidating even her.

“They are not. Unless they listen to me and prepare we may not have the chance to regret the mistake.”

“How sure are you?” Sha'ira asked, as apprehensive as the Council.

“They've been trying to kill me for 3 years.” Shepard thought about saying they even succeeded once, but decided against it. “One attacked the citadel, I've been on board a dead one, fought agents of a third, found their artifacts all over the galaxy. Had friends die in searching for them. I am very sure.” Sha'ira saw his conviction. From the moment she met him she had known he wasn't a liar.

“Very well Commander, I will see what I can do to make them listen to you.”

“Be subtle Sha'ira, I don't want them thinking I'm trying to manipulate them. I want them to realise I'm right.”

“Am I ever anything else?” Shepard didn't want to point out she hadn't been so far.

“Good.”

“Do you want anything else Commander?” Sha'ira asked less flirtatiously this time.

“What information do you have on Elias Kelham and Balak Hammer?”

“Elias Kelham has an appointment with an acolyte in a months time under an alias, which according to an infuriating Council law means I can't say no. I can get you his payment details. Balak Hammer is a Batarian criminal warlord out in the Terminus Systems.”

“Anything more detailed?”

“I do, but I would have to send you it. It's all my database, it may take time to access.”

“Can I just look through it? Put any data I need on OSD?” Sha'ira thought for a second then gestured towards the desk she had been sitting at.

“As you wish Commander, but only those two. I keep my secrets, you know that.”

“I would expect no less.” Shepard stood up, before Sha'ira did. He sat down before she pressed a few buttons and Balak Hammer's face came up. Shepard knew it well. He'd lost sleep after letting him go once before. He would not do so again. Shepard pulled a blank OSD. “I came prepared.” He put it into the slot, copying the data he needed. He removed the OSD once all the data had transferred, but stayed in place to review the original. He would stay there for a while to do so.

*^*

“Do you have any T9-CKD parts?” Miranda asked the human attendant at the shop they were in. As soon as they'd entered his eyes hadn't left her. None of them had failed to notice so Miranda had gone up to get the parts they needed instead of Tali. Shepard may have made Tali her boss, but Miranda could still take the initiative. Ashley was looking around the rest of the shop, wondering what most of it was. She was no engineer, the majority of the group in the same boat. She zoned out from Miranda's listing of parts and equipment she needed from the shop. She just wanted to be back with Shepard.

“It's good to have you with us again Chief. If only for a short time.” Tali's voice brought Ashley back from what she was thinking about. She turned around and looked at the Quarian, watching her. Ashley had seen few Quarians in her time, but she could always tell when it was Tali she was looking at.

“It's good to be back Tali.”

“I know you were never a fan of me being aboard Chief Williams. I did always like you though.” Tali lowered her head and twiddled her thumbs as she said it. For an alien in a suit that kept her alive, she was incredibly human thought Ashley.

“It was never personal Tali. You've saved my life more than once. I like you. Really, I do.” Ashley smiled. She meant it. She was glad that they met Tali and she was glad Shepard had her on his crew. The less that liked or formerly worked for Cerberus, the better.

“Thanks Chief.” Ashley saw her body language change. She stood a little taller, a little prouder. If she could see her face, Ashley was sure she'd see a smile. “How long are you with us?”

“I'm not sure. I have a month of leave, I still have to visit my family.” They started to look at the parts again. “I guess if Shepard is willing to take me to see them then I can stay.”

“Unless something comes up I am sure we'll be able to. He seemed happier in the meeting than he usually does. I am sure he'd love to have you stay.” Ashley wasn't sure, but could she hear a little...jealousy? Sadness? She'd have to find out.

“I don't know. I'd be imposing, I don't need to stay, I can visit them without him.” Ashley really wasn't sure about it, but played it up a little to see what Tali thought.

“You wouldn't be imposing! We'd love to have you with us.” Tali seemed genuine.

“Well...We'll see Tali. I'll be on board for a few days. He gave me money to go shopping to get some things to put on board for when I am there.”

“He gave you money? To go shopping?” Tali sounded excited. Very excited.

“Did I just hear Shepard gave you money to go shopping?” Kelly chimed in sounding just as excited.

“Y..Yes...” Ashley stammered a little flustered at how excited they were.

“Did he say how much?” Tali asked, still clearly very excited. Women of all species seemed to love shopping.

“He...he didn't. He did say I wouldn't spend it all though.” Ashley replied, not sure if she made the right choice by telling them that. Would they try and convince her to buy them stuff?

“Excellent! We can get you some great things! He's usually pretty frugal. I guess it's why we can afford those upgrades.” Kelly replied.

“It is exactly why we can afford them Yeoman Chambers. We have the parts, they're being delivered to the dock in two hours. Garrus can off-load them, I've sent him the message.” Miranda stated as she walked to the group, closely followed by Samara and Patel.

“So what are we going to do for two hours?” Ashley asked. Miranda smiled at her.

“We go shopping Ashley. 2 hours isn't enough to really go shopping so we're going to shop for 5. That's why Garrus is there.” Miranda replied.

“Let's go! I've heard that there is this new place that sells clothes for all the council races and a few more besides. I should be able to get something for myself there.” Tali said, before walking out the door. The rest of them quickly followed, all the girls quickly breaking out into conversation, Ashley wondering how she was going to shop with her armour on. It may have been a poor decision. What else could she have done though? She wasn't a girly girl. She didn't shop for 5 hours. She didn't have many civilian clothes. She didn't spend her time on leave shopping. She so rarely did any kind of dressing up.

“Don't worry Ashley. We'll help you.” Kelly added, noticing Ashley's hesitance. “What do you need anyway?”

“Well, clothes...” Ash replied, a little tentatively.

“Dresses? Tops? Jeans?” Kelly asked, then lowered her voice as she pulled Ashley close to whisper. “Underwear?”

“Well... yes, everything.”

“Excellent!” Kelly was already glad to be on a shopping trip. She was even happier to be helping someone so much. “We're going to have so much fun! We can get you out of that wretched armour.”

“I'm wearing this because it protects me, my armour has saved my life more than once.” Ashley replied, a little angrily.

“As armour goes it looks good but I saw you yesterday, you've got a great body underneath that, you should show it off. I'm sure Shepard would like it.” Ashley smiled and turned her head a little shyly. She was inwardly annoyed at how easily she was influenced.

“I don't know...”

“You can get whatever you like, if you don't like it don't need to wear it. It's not like you're paying for it.” Ashley could feel Kelly's smile.

“It's not my money!” Ashley was close to caving. Very close. She thought she should at least put up a token resistance.

“Did he say you could spend it or not? If we couldn't afford it, he wouldn't let you. You know him.”

“Yeah you're right. We'll get a few things.”

“Oh good!” Kelly jumped with excitement and the rest of the girls turned to look at her. She wiped the happy look off her face but still looked a little sheepish, standing a bit further away from Ashley than she was before. They all turned back to the way they were looking and she moved back. “Er, Ashley, can I ask you a question?”

“I'm pretty sure you've asked me more than one.”

“I meant a more...personal one.” Ashley turned to Kelly a little surprised.

“Er...depends on what it is.”

“You two...” Kelly was clearly a little hesitant and she lowered her voice again. “You had sex last night, right?” Ashley's blush told Kelly all she needed to know. “I knew it! He was too happy this morning...” Ashley detected some jealousy in there too.

“That's your question Kelly, don't expect more.”

“That's not fair! That wasn't a question, you didn't even answer it!”

“Well I'm not one of those girls who will tell you everything Kelly. You aren't getting anything more.”

“Awww, why not? Anyway, it's not what I want to know.” Ashley was surprised once more.

“Why, what do you want to know?”

“Do you plan on getting any lingerie? Anything to you know...help the experience?” Kelly was quite nervous again.

“I..er...I hadn't thought much about it...”

“Oh yes you have. It's all you've been thinking about since he gave you the money.” Ashley's smile told the story, Kelly was dead on the money. “I knew it! Can I...can I help?”

“What?”

“Almost there!” Tali's voice rang out louder than it needed to be. The more mainstream area of the commercial section of the ward were a few minutes walk from the more specific area. There were very few other groups who shopped for clothes minutes after buying engineering parts to put in an engine that powered a starship.

“Can I help you...pick out some lingerie?” Kelly asked again.

“I can do that on my own.” Ashley stated, simply.

“Two opinions are better than one.”

“I don't need a second opinion.”

“Are you sure? Do you know exactly what he likes?” Ashley couldn't say she was sure.

“I can never be sure. As well as I ever know him there always...” Ashley stopped herself, she wasn't going to talk to someone she'd only met the day before about that.

“So let me help!”

“Why would you know anything?” Ashley got a little defensive, especially after their talk last night.

“Shepard isn't much of a sharer but I'm more than just a Yeoman, Chief Williams. I'm also a psychiatrist, I read people well. I must just be able to help.” Ashley relaxed, although her body language didn't change.

“Well, I guess it couldn't hurt to let someone else help.”

“Fantastic!” The lights on the area around them changed, they had reached the main mall of Zakera Ward.

“What's fantastic?” Tali asked as she dropped back, next to Ashley, the rest continuing their conversations.

“Ashley has let me help her pick out some lingerie for her and...” Kelly replied, before Ashley smacked her on the arm, wondering why it took her so long.

“Kelly!”

“Oh. I'm sorry Ashley, I didn't realise it was a secret.”

“I'm not exactly sure I'm ready to let you help!” Ashley pushed pushed her forward, not much, just enough to make sure Kelly moved. “Go talk to someone else.”

“Oh please Ash...”

“Go.” Ashley gestured towards the girls in front of them.

“What was that about, she was helping you with lingerie? Why so secretive about it?”

“It's a private thing!”

“Oh. Well yes I suppose it is. If you are lucky enough to be able to do it...” Tali tailed off.

“Tali are you OK?”

“I'm fine Chief Williams.” It was obvious to Ashley she was not.

“Call me Ash. We're friends remember?” Tali nodded at her. “Talk to me.”

“It's nothing Chief...Ash. It's nothing Ash.” Ashley wasn't stupid.

“It's about the suit, isn't it?” Tali turned to face her, stopping her and let the group go forward a bit without them.

“Chief...I...Oh sorry, Ash. I...Not here? Please?”

“OK Tali, but we'll talk when we're back on the Normandy, OK?” Ashley smiled at her.

“I'd like that.” Ashley pulled Tali in for a hug.

“You know when I first met you, I thought I'd hate you. I didn't think I'd ever be so glad to be able to talk to you again.” Ashley broke the hug and they continued walking.

“I...er...thanks Ash.” Kelly turned around and gave them a weird look, not expecting them to be so far away. She turned back and continued walking. Ashley smiled.

“Tali, do you know what lingerie is?” Tali's tone of voice in her reply showed she was surprised by the question.

“Y-Yes I do. It's things like sexy panties and bras and corsets and stockings and garter belts and...” She was talking quickly, anyone could have told she was nervous.

“A simple yes would have done.” Ashley laughed.

“Yes.” Tali replied, clearly smiling under her visor.

“Would you like to help me choose some?”

“For when you and Shepard, you know...” Definitely jealousy in Tali's voice. She tried to sound happy for her friend and Ashley could tell she actually was, at least partly.

“Er, yeah I guess...” Ashley was a little hesitant in her reply.

“Yes! I'd love to help out. Oh we're at the store.” Tali was genuinely enthusiastic. Ashley was confused. “So do we start on that, or?” Tali asked, as the others walked in, Samara by far the least enthusiastic of them. Ashley wasn't sure how old she was, but she was definitely older than Liara. Ashley guessed that after a few hundred years things like this lost their panache.

“I guess it's probably a good idea. You build a gun from the inside out, should probably do the same with clothes...”

“You build engines that way too.”

“So I guess we start there...” They followed the group into the store, looking over the displays to see where everything was. Kelly was already in the direction waving them over. Ashley shook her head before starting to walk.

“Do you know what Shepard likes, lingerie-wise?” Tali asked.

“I think so. Do you?”

“I know a little. We play poker occasionally and Donnelly insists on talking and Shepard joins in...I guess he...” Tali caught herself before she went too far. “I know he likes red.” Ashley smiled.

“I thought so.”

“There a few more things I can tell you, but he also said that sometimes it depends on the girl, so maybe we'll have to see you try the things on before you get them.” Was Tali enthusiastic to see Ashley in lingerie? Ashley wasn't sure. Definitely enthusiastic though.

“So Ash, what sizes are you?” Kelly asked as they got to her. “We've got so much to do! Lingerie first, right? Need to see what the clothes go over, if they don't fit your underwear, can't wear them right?” Kelly took Ashley's hand and pulled her towards the lingerie. Kelly's enthusiasm was infectious.

“Well if you can't beat them, join them...” Ashley thought.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Thanks for the review WordSmith, my apologies on the errors. It's difficult re-reading over and over again what you've written, you just don't catch the errors that you do when reading other peoples works. It's one reason I'd like a beta! I've noticed a MASSIVE (well, I think it is) error in an older chapter. My apologies! Might edit it at a later stage. Need at least a paragraph or two to sort it.

I'll work on the wall of words. I intended the first chapter to just kind of be a PWP but writing it, it had more to it and I've just continued with it as I love the mass effect universe. I do want it to be a lot more than just a sex story. In a place where you have a lot of people sexually attracted to each other, in downtime where they're not getting shot at, they're going to have sex. They're going to be shot at, have to do serious shit and save lives. Have serious conversations. Get drunk, do stupid shit, but they're more than just soldiers, killers and thieves. I want to get that across. That's about as far as the plan for the story goes though.