Mass Effect: Imperial Glory

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


Chapter Six: Unexpected Delay

'these indicate normal thoughts'
This means an AI construct communicating.
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INF Normandy, Attican Beta Cluster, March 14th, 2193.

"What's going on X/O?" Shepard asked as he entered the bridge.

"We've reached the Attican Beta Cluster Commander, but we're receiving a distress call from the Hercules System. It appears to be a Batarian Privateer, under Geth attack." Pressly answered.

"Tragic, but we have a colony to save." Shepard replied.

Pressly handed him a data pad, "We also received this Authorization code. It's classified, I thought you might be able to recognize it."

Shepard glanced over the pad, his eyes widening. 'That's an Imperial Bravo-Two code.'

He handed Pressly the pad back, "Get us to that ship, full emergency speed."

"Affirmative Commander, ETA 15 minutes." Pressly responded.

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INF Normandy, Hercules System.

"Status of the Privateer?" Shepard asked.

"Privateer is leaking oxygen, and a Geth ship is docked with it. They are in a stable orbit around Zatorus, the fourth planet in this system." Pressly stated.

"Two Geth Frigates on intercept approach." The Normandy announced.

"Stealth systems are engaged, they must have seen the relay activity." Pressly observed.

Shepard ordered, "Alright, let's kick some ass. Normandy, engage combat systems."

Normandy's combat systems engaged. The Galaxy map switching to a real time representation of local space, and in turn being relayed directly to the bridge crew's neural nets. In this mode, their neural nets were all relayed and linked through the bridge computers, allowing instant mental communication. Enabling a kind of 'hive mind' structure. To keep communication clear, only the Normandy and the Commander were allowed to broadcast.

'Intercept the Frigates, hold fire.' Shepard ordered.

'Interception initiated, 5 seconds to energy cannon range.'

The Normandy was at full maneuver speed, flying through space as fast as a ship with engines twice her size.

'Lock in for a torpedo run.'

'Firing solution locked, disbursement range at 1500 yards.'

The Normandy's Heaviest weapon is an experimental system called a 'Disbursement Torpedo'
A capital-ship grade torpedo coated with sensor resistant material, they are launched from special tubes using a maglev release system, which allows the Normandy to fire without breaking stealth. After launch they can wait for several hours for a target before engaging the propulsion system and attacking their prey.

'Check, solution locked. Range to target 2.5 miles. Weapons free.' Shepard ordered.

'Firing in 4... Torpedoes away. Torpedoes one and two going hot.'

In his mind's eye, Shepard saw the torpedoes go active, the rocket motors starting to burn.

Torpedo one hit the lead geth ship in the neck-like portion of it, penetrating 30 feet into the hull before detonating. The frigate was vaporized.

'Target destroyed.' Normandy announced.

The second ship realized what was happening and reacted. The Geth frigate jerked, attempting a reversal, but it was hopeless. Torpedo two hit the geth ship in it's belly, detonating on impact. The second geth ship was also vaporized.

'Target destroyed. All active targets eliminated.'

'Disengage combat systems Normandy.' Shepard ordered.

"That was incredible. Excellent job crew. Excellent work Normandy." Shepard said.

"That's the first time I've used the combat systems Commander. That was.. I don't have the words. This is going to revolutionize the way we fight." Pressly said.

"Commander, I think if I had a nervous system, I would be tingly right now." Normandy stated.

Shepard had to restrain his laughter, "That was fun wasn't it. What's the status on the Privateer?"

"The third Geth ship has uncoupled from the Privateer, and is running all out away from our position." Pressly informed him.

'It is possible that the geth have taken prisoners, equipment, or data from the Privateer.' Wilco stated.

This was not the easiest of decisions. Let the Geth leave with possible highly sensitive data, or risk killing an important Imperial operative.

"No choice, intercept that ship. Blow it to hell." Shepard ordered.

At that point, the fleeing geth ship exploded.

"And I had JUST made the damn decision." Shepard quipped, "Does anyone have an idea as to why that ship just blew up?"

Silence greeted his question.

"You know what, we'll figure that out later." He said, hitting the shipwide, "Jenkins, Tali, Liara, head to the Armory, get suited up."

He rose, "Pressly, you have the bridge."

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Armory, INF Normandy.

The squad was already suiting up by the time he made it to the armory.

"Commander." Jenkins greeted, "I was able to find a set of armor and weapons for Dr. T'Soni, we had an extra set of KassaFab 'Durandal' armor in N7 black."

Shepard began equipping his Titan armor as he spoke, "Good work Jenkins, alright listen up squad: We've diverted from our destination of Feros. We've come to the assistance of a Batarian Privateer, they are, or were, carrying an Imperial intelligence operative. The Geth already docked with the privateer, we don't know if they had the operative or any data or equipment with them when they left. Objective is to secure the ship from any geth forces that may still be onboard and secure the operative if possible. The ship is leaking oxygen so make sure you're sealed before we head over. Any questions?"

"Did the Geth ship get away?" Jenkins asked.

"It exploded." Shepard replied.

Tali spoke, "You mean, we destroyed it?"

Shepard shook his head, "No, it just.. exploded. Don't ask."

"No questions Commander. I've packed a medical scanner and medigel, I have some rudimentary medical training so I can act as squad medic." Liara stated.

Shepard secured his weapons, "Wonderful, let's head to the Airlock."

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The airlock cycled, Shepard threw up a biotic barrier, he saw Liara do the same, nodding at her.
As the airlock opened, the squad had weapons at the ready.

"Clear." Jenkins stated, and the squad entered the privateer.

'Wilco, can you connect to the ship remotely?'

'Negative Commander, this vessel has a centralized core and no wireless access.' his AI replied.

"Emergency lights only. Air is reading as stable, breathable in this section anyway." Tali noted.

"Alright, Jenkins, you know the layout of one of these?" Shepard asked.

"Yes sir, I recognize this design, it's a Skirmisher-class privateer. Lots of nooks and crannies, lots of places to hide." Jenkins replied.

"Take point Jenkins. Let's head to the bridge, see if we find anyone along the way." Shepard ordered.

They advanced into the ship, Jenkins halting the squad as they entered a corridor, kneeling.

"Batarian, no rank tabs or insignias. He's cold." Jenkins stated.

"Commander, movement rear." Tali said.

Shepard turned around, plasma carbine at the ready.

"Identify yourselves or be slagged." stated a female voice.

"Commander Shepard, Imperial Spectre, come out where I can see you."

A figure stepped out into the corridor from a passage further down, moving toward them slowly.

A tall female Batarian, clutching a plasma carbine. She was injured, red blood staining her uniform.

"Senior Captain Natalya Barriskol, Batarian Auxilia, assigned to the Privateer 'Ballentar' " She stated, saluting.

"Liara, see to her wounds. Senior Captain, we received your distress call. We destroyed the Geth ships, did they take anything or anyone from the ship before they left?" Shepard asked.

Natalya slumped against the corridor wall as Liara scanned her, "No.. I don't think so Commander. They even left some of their own behind. There's a pack of geth and a krogan in the cargo bay, I was able to trap them inside."

"Good job Captain. I need to know, were you carrying anything or anyone unusual?" he asked.

"We don't have any cargo or passengers onboard sir, we were in system scanning for mineral deposits and anything else of value. Medic, will I live?" Natalya asked.

"My name is Liara T'Soni, and yes you will live. You have taken several pulse and mass accelerator projectiles, I assume you were armored at the time?"

Natalya grunted, "Yes, I had to discard it though."

"Will medigel do the trick or do we need to get her to the infirmary?" Shepard asked.

"You're remarkably resilient Captain. Captain Barriskol will be fine now that I've applied medigel to her injuries." Liara answered.

"Commander, permission to join your squad. The Ballentar's lost some good people today, I need to quench their souls in the blood of enemies." Natalya asked.

Shepard nodded, "Permission granted Captain. You feel good enough to move?"

Natalya stood, slinging her carbine, "I feel good enough to fight sir. By your orders Commander." She finished, tilting her head to the left and bowing slightly.

"Let's take the rest of the bastards down, lead the way Captain." Shepard ordered.

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'Natalya's not the operative, and she says there was no one but crew onboard. So who sent the Bravo-2.' Shepard pondered as they made way to the cargo bays.

'Allow me to interject the possibility that a member of the crew is an intelligence operative on a deep cover assignment.' Wilco offered.

'Considered and rejected. Give me a run down on Natalya's background.'

'Born 2160, trained in the Batarian Auxilia, has served in 17 successful campaigns. Highly decorated soldier, known as an incredible sharpshooter and master sniper.' Wilco informed.

'Why is a soldier that good only a Senior.. she's low caste isn't she?'

The Batarian Authority had accepted many Imperial reforms, but they still clung to their caste system with a ferocity.

'Affirmative. Captain Barriskol was born to a low caste family.'

"The Cargo bay is directly ahead Commander, through those blast doors." Natalya stated.

"Alright, keylocked or do we need to breach it?" Shepard asked.

Natalya moved to the door panel, "I have the codes Commander, ready?"

Shepard and Tali moved to the right of the door, Jenkins and Liara moved to the left.

"Open on 3." Shepard ordered, coalescing a barrier, "Three."

The blast doors opened, Shepard leaned into the doorway, carbine at the ready.

"Took you long enough." The sole occupant of the room stated.

A Krogan in silver and black armor sat on a crate in the middle of the nearly empty bay, surrounded by dead geth, and pieces of dead geth.

"Squad, hold fire." Shepard ordered, walking into the bay.

"I assume you sent the Bravo-2?" Shepard asked, walking up to the krogan.

He nodded, "That was me. Battlemaster Urdnot Wrex, Agent of the Black Watch."

'Khan Jeris's Intelligence service.' Wilco stated.

"Commander Johnathan Shepard, Imperial Spectres." Shepard said.

Wrex tossed a data pad at Shepard, "My auth code."

Shepard looked it over. 'Code is valid Commander.' Wilco informed.

Shepard started, "So, the geth ship blowing up after uncoupling was your handiwork?"

Wrex grunted an affirmative, "I've been infiltrating what appeared to be a krogan mercenary group playing pirate. I quickly discerned that they were far better equipped than they had any reason to be. I found out just days ago that this group is a front for a turian, Saren, to recruit and brainwash Krogan. He's planning on attacking the Empire and he somehow has the support of the geth."

"He's already attacked." Tali spoke up, "The geth attacked Eden Prime to capture a prothean beacon, now they've attacked another colony, Feros, in this cluster. They launched a full offensive against Imperial positions 4 days ago."

"Dammit. Commander, I need to make my report immediately." Wrex stated.

Shepard agreed, "You can use the Normandy's secure comms, is there anyone else left alive here?"

"No, the Geth were very thorough. They eliminated the crew while I was setting up the distress call." Wrex stated.

Natalya snarled, "Bastard, how many of my shipmates did you kill yourself?"

The Krogan's face hardened, "I didn't kill any of the crew. I have a mission of vital importance to the Empire. I did what I had to do."

"Sometimes you have to make the hard decisions out here in the black, can't fault a man for that." Shepard said, continuing, "Natalya, we'll sweep for survivors just in case. Just remember they died in battle, that's all that matters."

"I understand Commander, I'll follow you." Natalya replied.

Shepard nodded, "Glad to hear it. Jenkins, Tali, escort Wrex back to the ship. Natalya, Liara and I will sweep for survivors."

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"This is the bridge Commander. It's sealed, but I have the codes to unlock it, give me a moment," Natalya said, moving to the hatch.

Shepard turned to Liara, "Do you think there're any survivors?"

"The likelihood is very low, unfortunately." Liara replied.

Shepard heard the hatch release and open, turning and following Natalya through.

"Here's the sensor station Commander." Natalya said, gesturing to a small alcove with several screens and readouts.

"Life support readout is good, and it is showing no lifesigns. No other survivors." Liara stated.

"Alright, that's what we figured. I'll rig the ship for salvage, Natalya, why don't you take Liara and gather your personal items and anything else you want to bring. There's a place for you on the Normandy." Shepard finished.

Natalya nodded, "Alright Commander, thank you."

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Shepard busied himself making sure the Ballentar's orbit was fully stable, enabling the automation routines.
'Wilco, link with the central computer and prepare the core for removal.'

'Link established. Sanitizing data inputs. VI matrix set to standby. Shutting down core. Core is ready for removal.' The AI stated.

Shepard opened a panel on the main bridge console, retrieving the core from inside.
He carefully placed it in a hardened case and attached the case to his back.

His comm flared to life, "Jenkins to Commander Shepard."

"Shepard here." He responded.

"Commander, we've been helping Captain Barriskol transfer equipment to the Normandy, she says that we've got everything that we need to remove from the ship." Jenkins informed.

"Alright, I'm done up here. Head back to the Normandy, I'm on my way." Shepard ordered.

"Yes sir, Jenkins out." Jenkins replied.

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Shepard returned to the airlock, as he walked into the room he saw Natalya standing there alone.

"Captain, I thought you were already on the Normandy." He stated.

She turned to him, "I was just saying goodbye Commander."

Shepard nodded, "I understand Captain, if you need a moment.." he trailed off.

"No Commander, I'm done. Thank you, for everything." She replied.

Shepard smiled, "You're welcome. Let's set the codelock and get out of here."

After entering the Normandy, Shepard turned to Natalya, "Captain, you should head to the Infirmary, let Doctor Chakwas give you a good once over. After that have Normandy guide you to the Officer's mess, we'll debrief then, and I would like you there."

"Thank you Commander, I'll do so." She stated, bowing and heading off.

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After a quick stop at the armory to drop off his armor and the computer core, Shepard made his way to the bridge.

"Commander on deck!" The Normandy announced as Shepard entered the bridge.

"X/O, any activity while we were on the ship?" He asked.

"Negative Commander, we did receive a dispatch from Arcturus, battle reports." Pressly replied.

"I'll review them later. Get us back on course for Feros, and send a report to the Batarian Authority about the privateer. Where's Wrex?" Shepard asked.

"The Krogan that came off that ship? He's still in the comm room Commander." Pressly answered.

"Alright, you have the bridge X/O." Shepard replied, heading for the comm room.

Entering the comm room, he saw Wrex leaning against the wall. He stood straight when he saw Shepard. "Commander, I relayed my report to Arcturus, I figured I'd wait here instead of traipsing around your ship."

"I appreciate that Wrex, you're gonna be stuck with us for awhile though. We're headed to Feros to assist the colonists there." Shepard replied.

"I'd like to help Commander. I.." He trailed off, seemingly at a loss for words.

Shepard understood what he was going through all too well.

"I served in Black Squad One for 10 years. Sometimes the thought of the 'greater good' doesn't offer any comfort, but we push on. Warriors can do no less." Shepard said.

Wrex straightened, "Thank you Commander."

Shepard touched a comm panel and activated the ship wide, "Squad, meet me in the Officer's mess." Turning back to Wrex, "Come on, let's go."

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When the pair entered the Officer's Mess they saw the rest of the squad was already there.

"Alright everyone, as you can see the squad has two new members. Senior Captain Natalya Barriskol of the Batarian Auxilia, and Battlemaster Urdnot Wrex of the Black Watch. They'll be with us for a time, they're both good soldiers so make them feel welcome."

He paused as the introductions went around, pouring a cup of coffee from the carafe.

"Now down to business, I assume you've all heard what went down on the Ballentar?" He received affirmatives in response and continued, "Alright. Jenkins, what did we transfer over?"

Jenkins recited the listing from his neural net, "6 crates of weapons and armor, I haven't catalogued them yet. 2 crates of explosives, of various types. 1 crate of personal equipment, specifically omni-tools and external bio amps, half a crate of personal effects, 2 crates of medical supplies, 4 crates of food supplies and 3 crates of Batarian Liquor."

"How crowded are the bays?" Shepard asked.

" Cargo space is at a premium at the best of times, with these it's pretty tight. I'm having the standardized supplies disbursed into our own stores but we're still having to pack crates between the deck and the armor belt." Jenkins replied.

"I'm sure we'll be off-loading most of the supplies once we hit Feros, so don't worry about the room. Speaking of Feros, transit time is going to be about 10 hours, we're going to hit ground about 0900 local time so get some rest while you can. For those that don't know: Feros is an Exo-Geni holding, if that doesn't give you a headache just wait, it will." Shepard finished.

"If that's all sir, I'd like to get started cataloguing the cargo." Jenkins asked.

Shepard nodded, "That's everything, dismissed."

Shepard stopped Natalya after the rest of the squad left the Officer's Mess, "Natalya, hold up a moment if you would."

She turned around, "Commander, of course. What do you need?"

He studied her for the first time then, and realized how attractive she really was. Her four eyes were a deep red color, which he understood was common in the female of the race. She had no ridges around her mouth, unlike a male Batarian, and the chin wasn't as bulbous and pronounced either. Her skin was a creamy green tint. Like Humans, Batarians were mammals, her bust was very pronounced, he wondered for a moment what exactly lay under her borrowed uniform...

'Get yourself together, you're here to offer comfort to a fellow soldier, not seduce her.' He shook himself out of his momentary reverie.

"I didn't get a chance to ask, how are your injuries?" Shepard inquired.

"The medigel took care of them, all I need is some rest. I'll be ready to fight by the time we land." Natalya said, still peculiarly tilting her head to the left.

'Batarians use the tilt of their head to indicate their feelings toward a conversational partner. Right means they feel superior to the other. Left means they respect and admire the other, among the lower castes it also carries a tone of submission.' Wilco informed him, sensing his confusion.

'That explains it, just wasn't expecting it. Thanks Wilco.' He thought.

Shepard smiled as he replied, "I'm glad. I've seen your record, you'll be a real asset to the squad. You're a hell of a soldier, in any other force you'd have any command you wished for."

Natalya blinked, "You do not approve of my race's caste system?"

Shepard scowled, "I didn't mean to say that, I don't mean any insult to the Batarians but, no, I don't approve of your caste system."

She looked confused, "But you Humans have your own, do you not?"

"The Noble Houses? They're not a caste system. I can tell this is going to take some time to explain, grab a drink and have a seat." He asked.

"The Noble Houses are based around bloodlines that consistently birth superior soldiers, scientists, and engineers. The Grigori, the Taylors, the Hacketts, those families have been around since the Grand Crusade. My own House, Shepard, was sponsored by House Taylor over 100 years ago. Noble status is based primarily though, on simple ability. If a son or a daughter does not meet the standards of the House, they will not be given Noble status, and they cannot hold rank or position in the House. A generation of children that cannot hold rank and the House ceases to be. By this same token, anyone can be adopted into a Noble House and be eligible to hold rank and position. An individual may be adopted or marry into a House, an entire family may be adopted and assume the House's name, or a family may be sponsored and become a Noble House in their own right." Shepard explained.

"So Humans are not locked into their birth status?" Natalya asked.

"No, an individual is judged by their own merit first, and their House's second. When a Noble House consistently produces individuals with great ability though, they are elevated in our culture. The Great Houses, the Taylors, Hacketts, and such have never produced ignoble children. Since being sponsored, my bloodline hasn't either." Shepard replied.

"Any individual that shows ability can be adopted into a Noble House, does that include non-humans?" She asked.

Shepard nodded, "As long as we can breed, why not? Any of the Imperial Races can and have been adopted into Noble Houses. I've heard that they're testing a genetic therapy to allow Asari to- gah!" He was cut off as Natalya lunged, smashing into him, they hit the floor, her straddling his waist.

Natalya kissed him, he eagerly kissed her back, putting his arms around her and pulling her tight against him.

She pulled away after a moment, "Do you want me, my lord?"

Shepard rolled them violently, Natalya was under him now, and he realized how soft but taut her body was. "I do, but I don't like the thought of taking advantage of a woman after she's had a day like this. You really want this?"

Her eyes were flared with arousal, "Yes. This isn't just an emotional reaction to the loss of my shipmates if that's what you are afraid of. It is common among Batarians for a member of a lower caste to offer themselves to a member of a higher caste, in return for consideration and security. You offer me a chance to ascend my birth status, to finally have the chance to prove myself. You're strong, and handsome, and most of all you're Human. I want this, and I want you. To be yours, forever, if you will have me." Natalya finished.

Shepard caressed her face gently, she nuzzled his hand. "I want you, you're beautiful, strong, and a warrior. You're worthy of taking my name. But you need to understand, you wouldn't be my only mate. If that's not acceptable, we can both walk away right now and forget this ever happened, I'll get you transferred to a human command and you can find another mate and another name, otherwise we walk out of here and go join Tali in my bed. What's it going to be darling?"

The next words out of her mouth went straight to his soul, "Take me to your quarters John."

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He had to struggle to keep his hands off the delectable female beside him as they walked to his quarters. Natalya's scent, her pheromones were sending him into overdrive.

Walking into his quarters, John saw Tali in her usual spot, naked on his bed.

Tali looked up curiously as he and Natalya walked in, "Company?" she asked.

John nodded, momentarily concerned about how this would go.

Tali hopped up from his bed, slinking over to Natalya and whispering huskily to her, "Another pet for the master, welcome."

John smiled, moving into the room and taking off his uniform. He turned around after hearing Natalya moaning, the sight his eyes feasted on was beautiful: Tali had Natalya's uniform top off and was suckling on her breasts, they were even larger than he had imagined, a large D cup.

As he finished removing his uniform, he moved over sitting down on the bed, Tali and Natalya moved over to him, kneeling, their eyes asking for something. "Please me." John told them.

They began their task with glee, Tali lowering her head to his sack, kissing and licking, Natalya wrapping her hands around his shaft, licking the head. John closed his eyes, basking in the treatment. They switched places, Tali sucking the head and Natalya licking around the base, massaging his sack with her hand. "So good." He said, running his hands over his pet's shoulders. John opened his eyes again. Looking down, he saw Tali had worked Natalya's trousers down and was fingering the other female.

Tali sensed John was close, she gently pushed Natalya's head down to his sack, and swallowed his shaft entirely. The feel of her throat pulsing around him pushed John over the edge, with a cry he came hard, his first few pulses shooting into Tali's gullet, before she pulled back and took the rest in her mouth. Tali pulled away after he finished cumming, grabbing Natalya's head and pressing their lips together, sharing their master's gift with the other female.

"You both did well, now up on the bed." John ordered.

Tali pulled Natalya onto the bed on top of her, grinding their bodies together.

John knelt behind his females, smelling their arousal. The curious mingling of scents was driving him mad.. again. John leaned into them, moving his face to their bare slits, licking along each one. Tali's taste was known, a sweet citrus tang that turned into honey when she came. Natalya's was new, musky but feminine. John buried his face in her slit, sucking and licking. Natalya let out a whining keel. Suddenly her body began to shake, her orgasm hitting her like an earthquake. With a scream of "Master!" a rush of juices left her body, John licking them up.

He crawled forward, leaning on her back, "That was quick."

"So good, so good." Natalya muttered almost incoherently, before Tali silenced her with a kiss.

John reached between his female's bodies, taking hold of Natalya's firm breasts as he lined himself up with her slit, sliding inside her easily. Natalya's tunnel was tight, still pulsing from the aftershocks of her orgasm. John began thrusting into the female at a gentle pace, letting her ride out the last of her momentous climax. John gradually began thrusting into her faster, savoring the feel of her wonderful slit, her copious juices spilling out everytime he entered.

Tali maneuvered under them, positioning her head underneath their joining, and offering up her slit to Natalya.

Tali began licking over Natalya's outer lips and John's shaft, adding another dimension to the pleasure they both were receiving.

John ran his tongue along the side of Natalya's face and whispered to her, "Go ahead, please her, you know you want to."

Natalya let out a long moan, lowering her head into Tali's slit and began to lick at her intimate flesh.

They continued in this fashion for a time. Tali felt her climax approaching, between the taste of her master and his new female, and the other female's passionate licking of her slit, she was ready to explode. She began sucking John's sack, gently lavishing it with her mouth.

John felt his own approaching. He started almost violently thrusting into the Batarian female, her moans and cries driving him on.

Their climaxes hit in a cascade: Tali came hard, crying out in pleasure, coating Natalya's face with her juices, the other female drinking all she could manage. Natalya's hit next, letting out a near scream, almost blacking out from the intensity. John felt her slit go crazy around his shaft, pulsing and sucking, he came then, her muscles milking him for all he had.

John pulled out, flopping bonelessly back onto the bed. Tali and Natalya sliding up on either side of him, cuddling into his sides. Before succumbing to sleep, he whispered to Natalya, "You're an incredible woman, darling."

Natalya smiled, a feeling of belonging spread through her. She had finally found her place.
They drifted off to Morpheus together.

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End of Chapter Six.