Mass Effect: Cry Out For a Hero

We arrived on the Citadel in the early morning. I'd let Kira know that I would be arriving, and I was prepared to leave the ship as soon as we docked. Kira let me know that I would meet the Council immediately as they were eager for progress reports. Captain Anderson let me know that the ship would be reprovisioned though that would take time as the Alliance didn't keep many supplies on the Citadel.

During the journey back to the Citadel, I sent the Alliance the information that I had found on Feros regarding the activities of ExoGeni. Admiral Hackett called me to personally thank me for finding it. I did have to ask about Cerberus. He admitted that much of the information was still regarded as top secret, even to a Spectre, but that the organisation had formed after the First Contact War. That was different from what I thought as I always thought it was a rogue black ops organisation. Whatever the case, Hackett said that he would send in squads to deal with the issues as he knew that finding Saren was the top priority.

I was dressed in my finest Alliance blues as always. Ashley had watched me dress and admitted to her arousal at seeing me dressed in such a manner. Liara walked in and noticed what I was wearing, immediately moulding herself to my body and giving me one hell of a kiss.

"I don't know if handsome or sexy explains it," she said.

"Sex on legs. I just don't think he realises the effect he has on women and asari," Ashely stated before she stood up and gave me the same sort of kiss.

"Going to fuck her?" Liara asked.

"Kira?" Liara nodded before I shrugged my shoulders. "Well, maybe tonight. I don't know. I don't have any plans. Will you go and see Benezia?"

"I don't know. I mean, I want to talk to her again but… I'll see how I feel. I know that I have a lot of work to do. The archives have so much information, Shepard. I think it barely scratches the surface of the threat."

I'd already given word that the rest of the crew could take time away from shifts as the timeline for resupply numbered in the days, not the hours. Even in the modern age with relays and faster-than-light travel, moving vast quantities of supplies took time.

Presenting myself to the Council an hour later, I briefed them on my mission to Feros. I explained everything that I learned about Saren and what he was trying to achieve. I explained the role of ExoGeni in the colony and also added their rather inhumane research of the Thorian. I finished by explaining what happened with the Thorian and the status of the colony on the day we left.

To my surprise, Kira remained rather quiet though the slight smile on her face suggested that she approved of everything that I'd done. Valern, the salarian councillor, agreed that eliminating the Thorian as a threat was no doubt the best course of action and congratulated me on saving the colony. Sparatus, the turian councillor, questioned the wisdom of wiping out the Thorian instead of trying to at least save it for further interrogation though understood that saving the colony took precedent, and the three councillors agreed that they would investigate ExoGeni. I added that the Alliance was already looking into the activities of the ExoGeni corporation on Feros and other planets.

Satisfied with my report, I followed Kira at a distance to her personal chambers. She stopped at the door and smiled at me. "I have so many meetings today, Shepard," she told me, "I won't be back until later tonight. I'm sorry."

"Kira, I know you are one busy asari."

She kissed me and almost immediately whimpered as I pulled her tight to my body. "I love it when you're wearing your dress blues. Turns me on something fierce," she said softly, hand running across my chest like usual. "Make yourself at home here. You know this place is yours as much as it is mine from now on."

"Better when you're here though."

Her face softened and she kissed me again. "You're a real sweetheart when you want to be. I think we've helped soften those hard edges."

"Thank all the asari that I've had relations with for the past few months."

Her office was empty as I expected before I opened the door to her personal apartment. The sight that greeted me was erotic as hell. Benezia was on her knees on the floor. Completely naked. And she was busy riding what looked like quite a thick dildo. If I didn't know any better, it was meant to be a replica of my cock. She opened her eyes and glanced my way.

Without a word behind shared, I walked towards her and lowered the zipper of my trousers, freeing my cock. Benezia took it in her mouth as my hands moved to her crest while she continued to ride the dildo.

"Only you here?" I asked. She looked up and nodded while her head bobbed up and down. "You realise we're moving to your bedroom once I fill your mouth." She whimpered as she rode the dildo and played with her clit. "Fuck, Bezzie…"

That's when she stopped sucking me for a moment. "Call me that from now on. I'm going to love it when you call me that, Shepard."

She resumed blowing me as I slowly took off all of my clothing. Once I was completely naked, Benezia doubled down her efforts to make me cum. She came first while riding her dildo though that didn't stop her blowing me for a second. I was polite enough to warn her that I was close. When I did cum, I felt her lips tighten around my cock and she didn't spill a drop. She lifted herself up off the floor and we enjoyed a long cuddle, running my fingers up and down her back.

"You're so different from how we first met," I said softly.

"This is who I truly am, Shepard. And to be honest, Kira sent me word that you were here."

"Ah, that makes sense. Though methinks you would have been masturbating anyway?"

"I think it's what we did with Tessia. I just feel so much younger. And I'm horny all the time."

We moved to her bedroom and spent most of the day making love. We did meld and she learned about everything we'd been doing. When she learned about Shiala, that's when she fell apart. I mean completely. We were still melding, and I felt her heart break absolutely. It was horrible. She kept apologising again and again. She broke the meld and spent a while sobbing against me while we were joined. I hugged her tightly and assured her that Shiala did understand what happened. That she had been indoctrinated.

"Will she speak to me again?" Benezia asked a little later.

"Of course. I think it'll do both of you good to clear the air."

"Good. I miss all of my acolytes. I destroyed so much, Shepard. And I've lost so much as well."

I think we surprised Kira when she arrived home by the fact that Benezia and I were dressed and sat on one of the lounges, sharing a drink and making each other laugh and smile with stories from our past. Kira greeted Benezia with a light kiss before I received the sort that told me that my night was going to end one way and one way only.

"I'm hungry. You guys want something to eat?"

Benezia was still technically under house arrest, and Kira was still cautious about her leaving the apartment. Tara and Ariana joined us as Kira ordered in enough food to feed an army. Kira's employees could read Benezia and were quickly asking her about our day. Benezia had nothing to hide and admitted that I'd spent most of the day in her pussy, filling her as often as possible. Kira, Tara and Ariana were left feeling rather aroused after Benezia finished. All she did was lean in and kiss my cheek.

"He makes me feel wonderful. I haven't felt like this since I was bonded," she added.

I woke the next morning with Kira to one side of me and Benezia the other as we'd enjoyed quite the night together. Kira had eagerly spent time licking my cum out of Benezia after I'd fucked her hard, and Benezia had eagerly returned the favour on Kira after I'd pounded Kira from behind. The cries of delight Benezia had made when I really drove my cock into her would live long in the memory. There was no missing how sexual an asari she was. She privately admitted to me and Kira that she'd suppressed that side of her and couldn't understand why.

"You fucked Shiala," Benezia said later that morning as we lay in bed, "Thank you for not hiding that."

"You know I don't lie nor hide anything."

"I'm glad she had time with you, Shepard. I could feel that you made her feel better about things."

"I think she developed feelings rather fast."

"Do you blame her?"

"How do you feel, Bezzie?"

She snuggled tighter and nuzzled into my neck. "I feel the same way as my daughter does," she whispered, "And Shepard… I'm so fucking scared of that. I'm… I'm old compared to you. Even old as an asari."

"Who cares? I don't. All I know is that a beautiful, intelligent and very naked asari is currently lying with me in bed and…"

"I love you…" she whispered.

No one, and I mean no one, had ever said those words to me before until that moment. And I never expected that the first person to say those words would have been Benezia. I met her eyes and hers glistened with emotion. I turned and held her towards me as she clutched me tightly.

"I mean it, Shepard. I love you. You saved me from myself. From Saren. From the Reapers. If not for you…"

"My feelings for you are incredibly strong, Bezzie. I mean that. What we've shared since that day on Peak 15…"

"That's all I need to hear, Shepard. To know that you care for me."

"Definitely."

"Love my daughter, Shepard. Love her with that strength you have. And not just her. So many others are out there. Shiala… Love her for me when she does join you. Ashley… I barely know her but love her too. Kira… Goddess, Kira loves you so much already, Shepard. I know it. And I also know it scares the shit out of her, how much she loves the human who came into her life."

"That's a lot of love."

"I think you know what love is, Shepard. But it scares you because you're afraid of losing people you love. I understand. What you put up with until you joined the Alliance. You built walls up around you, around your heart… Well, I'm here to tell you that I'm only one of many who will tear those walls down. Love is not a weakness. It is strength. It will be that strength that will guide you in whatever is to come. Our love will lift you to greater things. Our love will ensure that you lead us to victory and our survival."

I would have loved to have stayed with Benezia and Kira for weeks on end, but first and foremost, I was a soldier. And when Admiral Hackett calls, I answer. I was sitting with Benezia in the large living room of the apartment when my omni-tool started to ring. I answered and it wasn't exactly the sort of call that I was expecting. The Normandy had been resupplied and I knew that my next destination was Virmire. But Admiral Hackett had an assignment that took precedence.

"Commander, if this asteroid collides with Terra Nova, we are talking of an extinction-level event. I would send a team to deal with this issue, but I know you are the man for the job."

"Are there no teams closer, Admiral?"

"The leader of the terrorists is a batarian. Unknown leader at the moment."

"I'll return to my ship and depart as soon as possible, Admiral. Orders regarding the batarians?"

"Terrorists are not subject to any conventions, Commander. Deal with them as you see necessary as per your remit as a Council Spectre. The only thing that matters is saving that colony."

"Understood, Admiral. I'll report in when the asteroid is back in our control."

Benezia heard the conversation and helped me prepare for departure. I could read her body language. She had hoped that I could stay for longer. I messaged Kira and was surprised as hell when she was there to greet me on the docks. Liara walked off the ship to see her mother, the pair sharing a long hug as they spoke of their love for each other and promised they would make time for each other once the mission was over.

"We'll send you information for Virmire," Kira told me before we shared one hell of a kiss. The dock was rather quiet though I did wonder if anyone noticed that it was the asari councillor kissing one of her Spectres. Then again, I honestly don't think Kira cared any longer. The strength of her feelings for me was obvious to everyone, including her fellow councillors who wisely kept quiet about it.

Benezia and I shared a soft kiss before she simply hugged me. Kira's eyes widened before she stepped closer. "You told him?"

"Of course I did."

Kira waited until Benezia stepped back before she kissed me again, moulding her soft body against mine before she leaned back and met my eyes. "Shepard… I haven't said these words in so long and it scares me… I love you…"

"I know, Kira."

"I know you love me as much as you love Benezia. But it's okay for now because you have important work to do. But when it's done, and you come home…"

"Home?"

Her eyes glistened as she nodded. "Yes, Shepard. Home. With me. Benezia. Liara. Naira. And others. I know what you think. Your life isn't just the service. You now have people away from that who you can call home. I will be part of that home." She kissed me again and I felt all her feelings for me in that kiss. It scared the shit out of me. When she broke the kiss and hugged me, I clutched at her just as tightly because I knew she needed that reassurance.

"Guess I should make sure that I come home then."

That made her sob as Benezia joined our embrace. "I'm over six hundred years old and a bloody human has made me feel like this," Kira somewhat joked, "But Goddess, I wouldn't trade this feeling for anything."

"I knew he was special when I faced him down. I'm glad he saved me."

"So am I," Kira stated softly, "You should go, Shepard. Otherwise, we're both going to drag you home and just tie you to my bed."

"I can think of worse things." They both laughed before I received a kiss on each cheek. I met each of their eyes. "You are both incredibly special to me. I mean that."

"Go, Shepard," Kira managed to say before she gently pushed me away. I walked onto the ship and didn't look back. At the galaxy map, I instructed Joker to take us towards Terra Nova immediately before I returned to my quarters. Liara must have noticed me as she was quickly in my cabin. I managed to smile as she sat nearby in an armchair while I was at my desk.

"Liara, your mother said she loved me. And so did Kira."

"And how did that make you feel?"

"Absolutely fucking terrified, if I'm being completely honest."

She smiled though stood up and she then just disappeared. That left me completely perplexed before she returned with Ashley in hand. They sat on the edge of my bed as I wheeled my chair closer to them.

"You're an idiot, Shepard," Liara stated, "We both love you too."

"Well, I assumed that but…"

"Shiala definitely fell in love with you. I mean immediately," Ashley added, "And considering the two nights you shared with her, there was absolutely no doubt in my mind that she did not want you to leave, and the desire to leave with you was almost heartbreaking. Even Garrus picked up on her feelings for you and he's completely oblivious most of the time."

"You both love me?" I asked.

"Fuck yes," Ashley replied, "That's why I'm okay with taking my time while you have fun. Because I love you, and I know that when we're eventually intimate, we'll still love each other and that will be okay too."

"Shepard… I think I fell in love the moment you lifted me in your arms on Therum. This strange human arrived to save me. He was so kind and gentle. He didn't judge me at all. And since then… He's been nothing short of wonderful. We've shared so many experiences and all I can imagine is what else we'll share going forward."

"Face it, Shepard. You now have a group of people that love you," Ashley added, "And given what you're like, that group will only expand further."

I took a moment before I said, "I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything", Ashley reassured me, "We know that you have a lot on your mind, but what we're telling you comes from a place of love and support. We are loyal to you, Shepard. Beyond everything else. I am loyal to you. That is where my heart is."

Liara didn't have to add anything as she'd already told me about her loyalty and devotion. I had to look at Ashley and I didn't say a word as she nodded with a determination that told me what I needed to know.

"We're off to stop an asteroid and likely save another colony. As long as we just save the day…"

They both smiled at me. "No doubt there'll be a line of beautiful women ready to thank the brave Commander Shepard when he saves the day," Ashley stated, "But we'll be by your side every step of the way."

It took more than a day to use the relay network towards the Exodus Cluster and then use FTL to get to the Asgard System. During that time when it was the night cycle on our ship, there was nowhere else that Liara or Ashley would sleep except with me. Liara still hesitated in being intimate with me though she took great delight in watching me go down on Ashley. Although she worried, I assured her that I absolutely loved eating pussy without needing anything in return. Hearing Ashley moan and whimper while going down on her would never not arouse me. I'm not sure how Liara resisted, but she continued to hold back. Even Ashley mentioned her surprise, but although I did touch Liara intimately more than once, and she enjoyed playing with my cock for long enough for me to cum on her, that was as far as she was willing to go.

"Asteroid dead ahead," Joker reported, "It's not good, Commander. You need to get on there pronto. VI is stating that if you don't change course soon, it's going to hit the planet. And like you already know, if the asteroid hits, everyone is fucked."

"We'll drop on the Mako. Send all the information you have so I'm not driving blind. Got anything from the planet or asteroid?"

"Nothing yet, Commander." He glanced back at me and grimaced. "Commander, speaking bluntly, this is fucked up. Is this about Torfan?"

"And probably a list of other things. But if this asteroid does hit… It's a declaration of war. And I'll be leading the fucking charge, Joker. To be honest, I'm just itching for an excuse to go toe to toe properly with the fuckers."

"I'll be flying that same ship, Commander. Go get them for me."

I rested my hand on his shoulder. He was still a prickly S.O.B., but we'd developed an understanding since I'd taken command of the ship. And I knew his talent and respected it. As for me, he seemed to understand that in many ways I'd been thrown in at the deep end and was expected to sink or swim. So far, I was managing to swim, but there was every chance that someone was going to fuck me over in the end.

No one was left behind as we dropped to the surface on the Mako as I simply had no idea what we were going to face except a bunch of fucking batarians. We hit the ground with a crunch with everyone in their usual positions. Our arrival must have alerted those on the asteroid, human and otherwise, as we immediately received a message from someone who must have been human.

"I don't know who you are but you must stop them. If you can hear me, you must shut off the fusion torches. At this current trajectory, the asteroid is going to collide with the planet and that means everyone is going to die. If you shut them off within the cut-off time, then the asteroid will fly by the planet. I can only hope you can do that in time."

I wanted to reply to the message but the line cut out before I could send out a message of my own, mostly wanting to know the coordinates or direction.

"Garrus, can you direct me towards these fusion torches? I'm guessing that they'll have to throw up enormous energy signatures, right?"

He keyed at his console and nodded his agreement. "Yes, Shepard. That should work. But I'm picking up other signals. It looks like whoever arrived has been busy. We've got extensive minefields and turrets around the torches."

"Well… Shit… Guess I shouldn't have expected this to be an easy assignment."

Accelerating towards the first set of fusion torches, Garrus reported in rather quickly on the defensive measures in place. Turrets emerged from the ground and immediately launched rockets in our direction. And what made them a real bitch to deal with was the fact that they only emerged due to the proximity of the Mako. Ashley told me that she could time her firing with the movement of the turret. It took careful timing, and it failed more than once. That's when Tali's work with the shields worked wonders as we managed to eliminate all the turrets without the shields failing entirely.

Parking the Mako, we clambered out and walked towards the door leading into the facility. It was inside that we confirmed that batarians were responsible. And while I would admit that I didn't lose control just then, I knew that every single batarian on the asteroid was now going to die. Two of them tried to surrender as we made our way through the facility. I shot them in the face and moved on without a second thought. Thankfully, my squad didn't say a word except to agree that I'd done the right thing.

Tali figured out the console to switch off the torches. As we walked out of the facility towards the Mako, Liara took my hand and squeezed. Ashley did the same thing with my other hand.

"Torfan?" Ashley asked softly.

"So help me, Ash, I will fly to Khar'shan right now and go to fucking war." I then stopped and took a deep breath. "But that behaviour is unbecoming and would make me no better than Saren."

"Commander, this is what they want. A response," Garrus stated, "They want to anger the Alliance and force them into a war. What better way to provoke it than destroy an entire world."

"Tell Kira everything when we're done here," Liara suggested, "The Council can place sanctions and embargoes on the Hegemony. Truly cut them off from Council Space and the trade networks."

The same woman who had contacted us upon landing managed to communicate with us again when we were on our way to the second lot of torches. She introduced herself as Kate Bowman and added that batarian extremists had taken control of the asteroid. We'd figured that out already but at least we knew that humans were still alive on the asteroid.

Driving towards the second group of torches, we received another warning about blasting caps that would explode should we drive the Mako over them. Garrus agreed that it matched what he thought was a minefield. Approaching the field with caution, I pulled the Mako up short as Garrus transferred the data to his omni-tool before we climbed out of the Mako and formed up.

"Okay, Garrus. Lead the way. Try not to walk us into a massive explosion that will kill us all."

"No pressure, Commander," he deadpanned.

It was a facility that was eerily reminiscent of many that we'd found before. Full of batarians and drones that did their best to kill us. Those with tech skills focused on the drones. Those with biotics took care of the batarians. I was armed with a shotgun and took pleasure in getting up close and blasting the fuckers to smithereens. None of my squad made a comment as they all knew my story.

Tali shut off this group of torches and although we were not jubilant, we knew that we were well on our way to stopping the asteroid. Kate seemed to know what was going on as she quickly communicated with us, informing us that the batarians seemed to know that someone was on the asteroid shutting down the torches and that we were pissing them off.

What sent fury through all of us was what we heard next. We didn't learn the name of the batarian leader, but it was obvious that they were holding hostages. The leader threatened the brother of Kate, and before anyone could stop him, the batarian executed her brother in cold blood. Liara saw my hands shaking with rage and she quickly took one of mine and kissed the back of it as I heard the batarian issue an order to someone named Charn to find and deal with us.

I didn't need to say a word as I marched us back to our Mako. To fill the silence, Garrus reported in the direction of the last set of torches and the fact it was surrounded by all manner of defensive measures.

"Shepard," Ashley stated, "When we're back on the ship, you can eat my pussy. I know that'll make you happy."

"Then we can cuddle," Liara added happily.

I couldn't help but chuckle. "Thanks…"

"Shepard, I'd have gone psychotic by now. Trust me, everyone understands," Wrex stated, "We all know your history. What happened on Torfan. And now that they're doing this, we understand your rage. Your fury. Your hate."

"We're here with you no matter what," Tali added.

I brought the Mako to a halt and lowered my head for a second. "Thank you," I managed to say, "I do my best. I really do. But… I cannot forgive them. I never will. And now this?"

"We kill the fuckers and save the day," Ashley stated.

"And we all get medals and all the trappings of heroes," Kaidan stated with humour.

That led to some hearty chuckles as I kicked the Mako into gear and we approached the third set of torches. It was pretty much the same as the first set of torches with half a dozen turrets hoping to cause us damage. After using the same tactics, once the last turret was destroyed, I parked the Mako outside the facility and anyone inside was about to have a very bad fucking day.

We wiped them out. I took pleasure in killing the fuckers. One batarian was on his back trying to reach for his weapon. I stepped on his forearm and smiled as his four eyes looked up at me.

"Remember Elysium, fucker," I stated before I put the barrel of my shotgun close to his face and pulled the trigger.

Blood flowed as we moved through the facility before I stepped back and allowed Tali to shut down the final set of torches. Once she confirmed they were shut down, and Garrus confirmed the trajectory was now likely to avoid impact with Terra Nova, we turned and started to walk out of the facility where we were greeted by another group of batarians. I could only assume that this was Charn who was sent to stop us.

"Commander, a moment of your time."

"Speak quickly, batarian."

"Look, we're not stupid. We don't want war. This was only meant to be a simple slave grab. But Balak…"

I raised my weapon and grinned. "Thank you for the name. Fuck off," I stated before I pulled the trigger.

I'm sure Charn and those with him thought they could take on our group. They were proven wrong. I was pissed off. Ashley was pissed off. Even Kaidan was pissed off. The rest of my squad followed my lead. We did not hesitate in putting the fuckers down. To be honest, I don't think anyone liked batarians. No one would willingly condone slavery. And considering all the shit the batarians did otherwise, frankly, fuck them. The galaxy was better off.

"Main facility is ahead, Shepard," Garrus reported.

"Balak," I growled, "Fuck… Fuck, fuck, fuck… He's got hostages…"

"Shepard… You can get him later," Liara suggested, "I've read your mind. No innocents."

"I know, Liara. I know… But…" I banged the steering column more than once to get it out of my system. "Fucking batarians! Swear to fucking god, if I get my choice, we go to fucking war eventually."

"Shepard, you don't mean that," Liara stated kindly. What she then did surprised me, moving forward from her seat and feeling her arms wrap around me, kissing me softly on the cheek. "One reason I love you is that I know you're a good man at heart. There is no problem with anger, but you know that it should not control you."

I turned my head and kissed her cheek. "I won't let it," I said softly, "I'm just totally pissed off right now."

"And that's okay. We understand. We know what happened."

"You're definitely eating my pussy when we're done here, Shepard," Ashley added, "I know that'll make you feel a lot better about things."

"I'll stop this Mako right now and just fuck you silly, Chief."

"I'm not wearing panties, so it'll be far easier."

"Totally fucking hot," Liara stated as she moved back to her seat, "Think I might do that in the future."

"Just be naked underneath," Ashely suggested, "So when we want to fuck Shepard, we only need to take off our armour before we get that big dick of his inside us."

What they were doing worked as I felt far better about things. Don't get me wrong, I was still pissed off about the batarians, but as I drove us towards the main facility, I allowed myself to think about my feelings for a few seconds. There were almost too many that I cared for now. I cared deeply for the asari and women. But I cared for Kaidan. For Garrus. For Wrex. For all of my crew. I would lead them to victory, and I would not lose any of them on the way.

I felt determination flow through my veins as we approached the final facility. Garrus called in turret locations, Ashely and Kaidan taking care of them with consummate ease. The turrets fired their rockets quickly and it took more than once to eliminate a couple of them. It was only when Ashley called in that the final turret was destroyed that I carefully drove the Mako towards the entrance of the final facility. I had no idea what to expect inside except an unknown group of batarian terrorists that were probably aided by all manner of weapons to kill us.

"No one is to be a hero once we head inside," I told my squad as we gathered near the entrance, "And that includes me. You follow doctrine. Find cover. Eliminate the enemy and only then move forward. If there are drones, call them in and we'll deal with them as a team. What matters most is saving the hostages." I saw the nods of approval. "No innocents. That has been my mantra since my days on the street. I'm not changing that now, even if there are batarians inside."

It was a small army of batarians inside, assisted by a group of drones. The tech experts took care of the drones, while the rest of us focused on the batarians. It wasn't an easy battle as the batarians were prepared for our arrival and fought ferociously in reply to the firepower that I had at my disposal. But Liara proved her biotic power. Ashley proved her absolute bravery. Kaidan cared little for the fact he'd be suffering debilitating migraines once we returned to the ship. Wrex…

Wrex was still having the time of his life.

We put them down without mercy. This was a battle with no quarter given. The batarians didn't attempt to negotiate or surrender. At least those that we were fighting. We put them down and pressed home our advantage. A trio of batarians pulled back until they were holed up in a room. We gathered outside and I pulled out a grenade, armed it, and rolled it inside. We heard the cries of alarm before there was an explosion. Garrus and I stepped inside to check to find the three of them were dead.

From a door nearby, a trio of batarians stepped forward. We all raised our weapons, and I was ready to fire when the batarian obviously in charge simply smirked at us.

"If not for you humans, the Hegemony would still be the rightful power in what is our area of galactic space," he stated.

"Balak?"

"I know who you are, Shepard. The human who stopped our glorious victory on Elysium. And then the human who…"

"Yeah, yeah. Get fucked, Balak. You deserved what happened on Torfan. You're a disgrace to every other race in this galaxy."

He snorted. "And you're delusional if you think the Council thinks you're nothing but another tool for them to use to their advantage. All they've done is allow you to steal territory and colonise worlds that rightfully belong to the benevolent Hegemony."

"Get fucked, Balak. If you're benevolent, I'd hate to meet those who are otherwise. Enough words. I've got plenty of armed people alongside me that will take as much delight as me in putting you down."

"And that's where you're wrong, Shepard. You see, I'm not stupid. Remember the hostages? You kill me, they die. Simple as. But if you're smart and let me go, they live. Your choice."

"You're a fucking coward."

"Wrong, Shepard. I'm a survivor. I may have failed today, but one day, the Hegemony will gain its revenge. This isn't over."

"Orders, Shepard?" Garrus asked. He had his sniper rifle to his eye, and I knew was eager to pull on the trigger.

I hesitated because I wanted to put this fucker down. I knew he was already responsible for the deaths of other humans on the asteroid. But I had no idea how many other hostages he held. I knew Kate was probably still alive. She might be the only one, but there might also be a few if not a lot of other hostages.

I couldn't help releasing a shout of anger before releasing a series of expletives in the direction of Balak. He smirked again and I nearly pulled the trigger just to wipe that smirk off his face.

"Fuck off, Balak. Fuck off. But I warn you now. Next time, I'm going to kill you."

"Good luck with that, Shepard. I doubt we'll meet again."

I watched them walk through a side door, it closing behind them, before I allowed myself to relax and I almost slumped where I was. Ashley and Liara were immediately by my side.

"It was the right choice, Skipper," Ashley whispered.

I almost wanted to cry. Not for what happened on the asteroid. For all the lives that were lost on Elysium. That's what people forgot. Thousands died on Elysium. And it still wasn't known how many were taken when the batarians pulled back and escaped. And then Torfan. We may have killed anyone we came in contact with, but it wasn't enough. It would never be enough until the batarians were forced to change their ways.

After a couple of deep breaths, I calmed down and placed my assault rifle on my back. Taking their hands, we walked towards a nearby door that opened as we approached. And it was there that we found a large group of hostages and what looked like a bomb that appeared to be disarmed.

One look at my armour and Ashley's told them that we were there to save them and the joy had all of us smiling rather quickly. Hugs and kisses were quickly received, even those who were non-human. I worked my way through the group until I knew that I was eye-to-eye with Kate Bowman.

"Kate?" I asked. She managed a smile before she started to cry, and she hugged me tightly. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," I whispered.

"He was so brave," she whispered back, "Not your fault. You saved who you could. Thank you."

The batarians leaving seemed to open channels back to the planet as we were soon being inundated with communication. Kate and others got to work in reporting the situation to those on planet-side while I opened a channel to the Alliance and was quickly put through to Admiral Hackett.

"Admiral. The situation on the asteroid has been resolved. Tracking confirms that the asteroid will not impact Terra Nova. Confirmation that the assault was by batarian terrorists. Can confirm the assault was led by someone named Balak. I repeat Balak. Numerous hostages upon the asteroid have been rescued."

"Commander. Fantastic work. We will immediately put out feelers regarding the terrorist Balak. Remain in orbit off Terra Nova. The people of our colony deserve to meet the people that saved them. Request that you remain near the asteroid and confirm that it will avoid the planet."

"Copy, Admiral. Will return to the Normandy and continue tracking until we're assured it will miss. Otherwise, will await further instructions."

Given the lack of any real atmosphere on the asteroid, the Normandy was able to effectively land, flying low enough that I could drive the Mako up the ramp and onto the ship while all the survivors could walk up the ramp in space suits and feel safe on our ship. Once everyone was on board, I walked up to the flight deck and ordered Joker to hover in orbit above Terra Nova until I received orders from the Alliance.

The survivors were after some medical attention plus a lot of water and some food. I was happy to make sure they were on the way to recovery. I returned to my cabin once I was sure that the survivors were being cared for. I took off my armour almost immediately and was lying back on my bed when there was a knock on my door. I stood up and it was who I expected, Liara smiling at me as she noticed me in just my underwear.

"Are you okay, Shepard?"

I sat on the edge of my bed as Liara walked to sit next to me. She cuddled into my side with her head against my shoulder. "Not really. Liara… I wanted to kill him and be done with it."

"But I know you, Shepard. No innocents."

"Yeah. It's almost like Balak knew me as well."

"I'm sure you'll have an opportunity to take him down in the future. Someone like him is going to constantly provoke the Alliance. And when they need someone to take care of business, they'll send their Spectre to deal with it."

I kissed her as I slid my tongue into her mouth. Liara whimpered as I managed to slide her over to straddle my lap. We made out for a few minutes before she broke the kiss and cuddled into me.

"Thanks," I whispered.

"For what?"

"I feel better now."

"Well, if it wasn't me, it would have been Ash."

She slid off the bed and I watched in silence as she performed what could only be called a striptease before she was naked and slid up to straddle my lap. The next kiss was as passionate as any we'd shared while I enjoyed her naked skin at my fingertips once again. She broke the kiss to simply hug me, running my fingers up and down her back, feeling her shudder as I could sense her excitement whenever she was naked with me.

"I do love naked Liara," I whispered, "You have no idea how fucking hot you are. Or, at least, I don't think you do."

"I know because you give me so much confidence, Shepard."

"You can be naked whenever you want. I really won't mind. Perhaps best to wear armour on mission, otherwise you can strut around completely naked, and I'll approve."

Ashley wandered in a little later to see me at my desk writing my report while Liara relaxed back naked on my bed. She laughed before removing her t-shirt and shorts and joined Liara in naked delight on the bed. I finished my report before I turned my chair around to face the pair of them, both of them looking at me with an innocent look on their faces. I chuckled before shaking my head as I knew what they were doing.

"Okay, you are making me feel better about things," I stated, "And you are both totally fucking hot. Just thought I should say that again."

"We're just glad you feel better, Shepard," Ashley stated, "We know dealing with batarians like Balak was always bound to piss you off."

"I'll be honest. What Liara did… I don't know what I would have done otherwise."

"You would have done the right thing," Ashley assured me, "There is no chance that you would have allowed innocents to die. You're not like them."

"I'm not, but in the moment… You never know…"

Admiral Hackett contacted me before we even woke for breakfast the next morning to authorise our flight onto Terra Nova and meet political figures who wished to thank us for saving their colony. After a quick shower with my two companions, they joined the others as I walked up to the flight deck and gave Joker the order to head towards the capital of the colony by the name of Scott.

The colony was barely two decades old though the city of Scott was a symbol of humanity's progress as it was a modern and clean colonial city. After Joker docked, the first people off were those who had survived and they were greeted with cheers and loud applause. The families of those who survived were waiting to meet them, and I was hoping that we might walk off the Normandy without being noticed too much.

I was wrong. I figured that my face was already rather recognisable, and when the large crowd noticed me and my team walking off the ship, the roar of the crowd only increased. We stayed back to allow the survivors to greet their friends and family before the leaders of the city and colony as a whole stepped forward to greet us.

We were feted as heroes. I didn't miss the fact that Kate spent much of her time in my presence, and when she took my hand in hers for the first time and squeezed, I glanced her way and saw her looking at me. I knew that she would be heartbroken about what happened, so if just being near me made her feel better, I would help her however I could.

We walked down an avenue that was flanked by enormous crowds. I knew that Garrus, Wrex and Tali would no doubt be taken aback by the reception they received, but the people of Terra Nova didn't care what species they were. All that mattered was that we had saved as many as we could and stopped the asteroid from colliding with the colony. We had saved millions of lives because of what we'd done.

An invitation to a hastily arranged official function that evening wasn't a real surprise. I was already in my dress blues so didn't need to change. Official vehicles were waiting for us nearby. Kate asked me to join her so we could attend the function together later. I heard a few chuckles behind me before I agreed to join her.

She lived in the suburbs of Scott, Kate explained the history of the colony and how it functioned. It was the second human colony established after humanity left the solar system, and currently had the largest population of humans outside of Earth. Thousands of colonists arrived every year to make a new life for themselves and their families.

"Are you sure you're okay, Kate?" I had to ask after we entered her home.

"I'm trying not to think about it right now. The people need something to celebrate. They have no idea how close they came to seeing everything they love destroyed. I know my brother is gone. He died bravely but there's nothing I can do about that now."

Kate was busy selecting something to wear when I moved to stand behind her. She rested her head back against my chest as I rested my hands under her breasts. When she turned her head, we shared a soft first kiss that had her blushing when she pulled away. She stepped away and slipped off the long-sleeved top she was wearing before bending forward to remove her long pants. She turned around as she was still wearing her underwear.

"I'm not sure what to wear, Shepard," she said, "And I'm not sure this will go with anything I pick out."

She took my offered hand and smiled as her body moulded against mine, running my hand down her back towards her arse. I slipped my tongue into her mouth and she moaned as I squeezed her arse, feeling her press into me in return. My hands moved up to the clasp of her bra and I undid that, the bra falling off her shoulders and down to the floor. We both smiled as we helped off her panties at the same time.

"Are you suggesting that I go commando, Shepard?" she asked softly.

"Well, I certainly won't complain if you did."

She smiled at me. Her brunette hair was a reminder of Ashley. Chocolate brown eyes. Her breasts were wonderfully perky. She had a patch of dark pubic hair above her pussy. She was rather pale though her skin was flawless. And when she smiled at me, there was no doubt that she was a beautiful woman, and if I was to guess, she was around the same age that I was.

"I think that I have a dress or two that can be considered sensible by sexy. If I'm going commando, I'll need stockings and heels."

She grabbed what she needed and sat on the edge of the bed. She handed me her stockings and I helped roll them up each leg, the top of each stocking ending at the top of her thigh. After I'd rolled the second up her leg, she spread her legs, and I noticed the look on her face as I leaned closer and could inhale her arousal. I gently pushed her back slightly so I could see her pussy in full view. I couldn't help licking my lips before I pulled her forward and we shared another kiss.

"Will you come home with me tonight, Shepard?"

"Of course."

She selected a sexy little black dress, applied a little make-up and did her hair before I stood behind her as she looked at herself in the mirror. I ran my hands up and down her body again as she leaned back against me. She turned her head to kiss me again, whimpering as I gently squeezed both of her small breasts. Breaking the kiss after a few seconds, she smiled at me before turning to give me a hug.

"I'm sad, Shepard, but you're making me feel better with just your attention only on me right now."

"You were incredibly brave, Kate. You kept most of your people alive. And I wasn't going to let all of you die."

A vehicle arrived to take us towards the reception. My squad had arrived on the planet dressed ready for some sort of official function. Ashley and Liara looked sexy as hell in their dresses. Even Garrus managed to look respectable in his suit. Wrex admitted to feeling awkward though hoped to have a good time. Tali had put touches to her suit, and I could see the interest from many in the appearance of a quarian on a human colony. I could see the interest in Kaidan from numerous women. He was left blushing as they were rather blunt about what they wanted from him.

"Go with it," I insisted, "Let your hair down and have a little fun, Kaidan."

"When do we have to be back on the ship?"

"Well… Just don't take the piss and disappear for days on end."

The people of Scott had put it all together incredibly quickly. There were representatives from other settlements on Terra Nova. The food was delicious. There was copious amounts of booze on offer. Grand speeches were made in thanks to me and my squad for saving their planet. When it came to a time for me to make a speech, I had to admit that I had nothing prepared so I simply spoke from the heart. I gave credit to my squad as I knew that I couldn't do anything by myself. I applauded Kate for keeping calm and helping the survivors. I credited the survivors themselves for simply living to tell their tale. I gave thanks to the Alliance for giving me the information so I could get to the asteroid in time. And I also made a promise. That I would one day find the batarian responsible and bring him to justice.

That brought the loudest applause of my speech.

After dinner and speeches, it was time to meet and greet while there was also a chance to join people on the dancefloor. I wasn't much of a dancer though most of the music was of the slower variety, and I didn't miss the fact that Kate was doing her best to monopolise my time when it came time to dance. I glanced at Ashley and Liara more than once to see them watching approvingly. I'm fairly sure that Ashley mouthed 'Fuck her' though I could be wrong about that.

The gathering lasted long until the early hours of the next morning. When it came time to leave, most of my squad had already departed for the evening as I knew they had been given rooms at the best hotel in the city. I didn't have a room as Kate led me outside and towards a vehicle that would escort us to her home.

Leading me by the hand inside, she asked if I wanted a drink. As soon as I heard the door click shut behind us, I pulled her towards me and kissed her. She melted into me as we weaved our way towards her bedroom. Her dress disappeared on the way as it was a simple zipper, leaving her in only her stockings and heels. My jacket and shirt were next off as I somehow kicked off my boots and shoes before her hands eagerly worked at my trousers.

"I'll cook for us in the morning," she stated, "Though I don't plan on waking early."

"You won't as we're going to be awake for a while longer if I have my way with you."

Once my underwear hit the floor, she felt my cock press against her, our kisses increasing in passion as we tumbled onto her bed. We moved towards the middle and I felt her fingers all over my body as she spread her legs, perhaps expecting me to just slide my cock inside her. She certainly felt hot and wet enough to do that, but she was about to learn that I preferred foreplay before making love.

When I started to kiss down her body, I heard a whisper of surprise, only looking up into her eyes when I was resting my chin just above her pussy.

"Did you really think that I was just going to fuck you and that's it?"

"No, but… Even today, some men just won't do it."

I snorted as I simply couldn't help it. "Kate, I will tell you one thing. There is nothing better for me than to eat a sweet pussy like yours. You are clearly aroused, and I can't wait to taste you and help you orgasm."

"Want to make this a yearly thing? Come back to Terra Nova to celebrate and then fuck me silly?"

"Only if you're single."

She snorted in return. "I don't think that'll be a problem. I'm usually far too busy with work to worry about relationships."

"Well, then if you're single, I'll make sure it's more than one night."

"I know this one night will live in my memory, Shepard."

She tasted wonderful and I loved how her body moved as my tongue and eventually my fingers got to work, and it wasn't long until she enjoyed her first orgasm. I think the entire evening leading up to landing in bed together had been foreplay. Dancing certainly was as we teased each other relentlessly and it was obvious to anyone watching her immediate infatuation with me.

I loved making her moan, squirm and almost squeal before she murmured that she'd had enough. Despite that, she was eager to return the favour, having me lie back as I watched her head start to quickly bob up and down on my cock. Her brown eyes gazed up at me and I smiled at how eager she was to please me in return. I'm always polite when I know that I'm about to cum, Kate not hesitating in taking my load in her mouth and swallowing.

She was delighted that I remained hard as she rolled onto her back, and I watched her eyes as I gently slid my cock inside her.

"Fuck me," she whimpered as her fingers dug into my back, "Rest of the night… Or morning… Whatever the time. Just fuck me, Shepard."

It was almost a shame that we couldn't meld as I would have loved to have read her mind during the next couple of hours. I was amazed at how quickly we moved together. She was ever so eager to feel every inch of my cock inside her as much as possible. We enjoyed switching positions every so often. I loved watching women or asari riding me, and there are few better views than watching my cock slowly disappear inside a hot, tight pussy. Human or asari, I don't care. And when I took her from behind, Kate pushed back against my cock and eventually lifted herself back, so she was resting against my chest, turning her head to kiss me as I teased her nipples before I played with her clit while fucking her. She came ever so hard while doing that, needing to stop my thrusts as her pussy clenched around my cock ever so tightly.

Neither of us bothered checking the time when we were snuggling in bed later. Kate was spooned against me, and I heard her sigh. She took my hand and held it against her chest between her breasts. "I can't remember a night like this," she whispered, "And I've never been with someone like you."

"You're a special woman, Kate. I hope you know that."

"It means more when it comes from someone like you. Everything you've done…"

"I'm only human. I have my faults. You just haven't seen them yet."

We woke mid-morning and Kate made us breakfast. It was hearty and filling, Kate only wearing a robe that spent half of the time open, and most of that time was due to me distracting her. Pressly messaged me close to noon asking when I would return. I laughed as I simply stopped thinking about it for more than an hour, Kate snuggled into my side as we sat on a couch in her living room. Somewhat reluctantly, I dressed myself in preparation to depart.

A vehicle was close by and was in front of her house to take me back to the docks. Kate had dressed and joined me on the trip back to my ship. One of the attendants told me that I was the last to arrive back which was slightly embarrassing though when he noticed that I was with Kate, he shook my hand tightly and thanked me for saving the colony.

"Next year, Shepard?" Kate asked as I gently held her in my arms. I didn't miss the fact that Liara and Ashley seemed to have a sixth sense as they appeared in the airlock.

"I'd love to come earlier, but… I have no idea what I'll be doing. But I will put it in my calendar for next year. And I'll stay longer than one night. You know I would like to stay longer."

"I know, but you obviously have things to do. And last night plus this morning… It was so special, Shepard. I've never had such a night."

"I'm glad that I made you feel like that, Kate. Keep me up to date with everything. And… I am sorry that I couldn't save everyone."

 We shared one last tight hug. I knew she didn't want to let me go when she didn't loosen her arms, so I kept my arms tight around her until she was the first to let me go. A last, lingering kiss before I met her eyes. Despite the heartbreak that I knew she was feeling deep inside, the smile on her face did reach those brown eyes of hers.

"Goodbye, Shepard."

"Goodbye, Kate."

Walking back onto the ship, it was quickly pulling away from the dock and rising into the atmosphere, ready to make its way into orbit and towards the nearest relay. Joker asked about our next destination, and although I had heard Virmire mentioned in discussions, I wasn't sure if that was the next destination. I told him to fly towards the nearest relay in preparation for a path to the Citadel but I might change that order rather quickly.

Although I did prefer face-to-face communication with the Council, mostly due to wanting to see Kira, I knew time was of the essence regarding Virmire. So I walked to the communications room and asked for a link to the Citadel. I was put in touch with Kira who greeted me warmly as always and as the connection was private to start, she told me about how much she was already missing me, and added that Benezia was moping around her apartment because she was sad that I'd already been gone for a few days. I admitted that I missed them both just as much before I asked about Virmire.

She quickly had the two other councillors on the line and that's when we got down to business. The salarian councillor informed me that an STG squad (Special Tasks Group) had been sent to Virmire. Their mission had been simple reconnaissance and they were to report back and the Council would have decided on a plan of action. The Council had tried raising them on a mission priority channel but all they had received was static in reply.

"It's our belief that the STG team has either been compromised, or there is enough interference planet-side that they simply cannot communicate with us," Kira said, "We need you to investigate, Commander."

She used my title when speaking in front of the others. When on the job, completely professional. In private, a completely different matter and manner.

"I don't suppose you have coordinates of where they landed on Virmire?"

"All required information will be sent to you at the end of this meeting," the salarian councillor replied.

"Very well. Send me the information and I'll head to Virmire immediately. If I find Saren there…"

"Commander, I will put this bluntly. We want Saren dead or alive," the turian councillor stated, "All that matters is you stop him before he can launch an attack."

"Understood, Councillor."

"Good luck, Commander," Kira said before the channel was cut.

After ordering Joker to take us to Virmire, I returned to my quarters and sent another report off to the Alliance about the events of Terra Nova. I wasn't particularly surprised that I received an official message suggesting that I did not take it upon myself to carry out reprisals against the Hegemony for their attack, taking note that although I was a Spectre, I was still human and officially still an Alliance officer. I returned a quick message, assuring them that I was confident that the Alliance would deal with the matter as they saw fit.

Only Liara came to join me in bed that night. She explained that Ashley did want to give Liara time with me alone, and Liara said that she would return the favour. I would never tire of seeing Liara naked in bed with me, or anywhere else for that matter. She could read my eyes drinking her in with a hunger in my eyes, and I think we both knew that we wanted to just fuck and get it over with. But I enjoyed the wait as well. Just inhaling her scent whenever she was around me while she was naked, knowing she was probably torturing herself by not giving in to what her body craved, it was almost beyond arousing.

Cuddling into me in the darkness during the late evening, I felt her hands on my back as her lips searched for mine.

"I love you," she whispered, "I'm so scared because it's so strong, Shepard."

"If you're scared then I'm absolutely fucking terrified because there is more than one woman or asari in my life that I feel something for," I admitted quietly.

"Does that include me?"

"Liara… Never doubt the strength of my feelings for you. I know you remember the day that I carried you out of that mine on Therum. Trust me, I remember that too."

"I felt so safe so quickly. This human simply arrived, solved the problem, killed everyone, then picked me up like I was nothing and carried me to safety. Then he showed me so much care and affection, and ever since then…"

I kissed her again and felt her leg move to rest on top of my thigh, my cock coming dangerously close to her pussy. I could feel how warm and wet she was, and when my shaft accidentally rubbed against it, she moaned softly into my mouth as we continued to make out. We only stopped when I think we were both about to yawn, Liara snuggling as close to me as possible.

"You know, I wish we discovered the asari like… a thousand years ago or something."

"Humanity would probably be quite different."

"For the better, I reckon. The numbers of us who are already in relationships with your people."

"We enjoy humans. You're rather short-lived as well, but you just have this drive, this determination, this… tenacity about you. Set your minds to something and just get it done. We respect it. I think the turians fear it. Their society is just so rigid that going outside the grain is something they can't comprehend. As for the salarians… Hell, I still think the asari haven't exactly figured them out completely."

"Are there many humans living on Thessia?"

"More with each passing year. It helps we can eat the same things. And although our society is admittedly more advanced, it's not completely foreign to humans." She paused before chuckling. "Men. Definitely more men on Thessia. Shepard, I'll be honest, the asari thought we hit the jackpot when you arrived on the scene. You look just like us yet come with this… masculinity… It's such a fucking turn-on. Don't get me wrong, a lot of us don't exactly think you'll be winning beauty contests, but the idea of masculinity was foreign to us for so long until we met other species. Sure, there are males in other species, but there is something distinct about the human male."

"It's the hair, isn't it?"

That made her giggle for a few seconds before she kissed me again, feeling her fingers running across the faint hair on my chest. "Well, I don't know about others, but I like it. All I know is that the male I'm in bed with now turns me on something fierce and I love him for it."

She yawned and snuggled against me as I continued to stroke her back. I could sense she remained awake as we lay together in the darkness. When she finally drifted off, I kissed her crest and closed my eyes. I knew that Liara was going to remain by my side for a long time to come. And that brought me tremendous comfort.

The nightmares came as usual that night. But as I held Liara in my arms, they didn't concern me. With her and the others by my side, I would have the strength to stand tall against any challenge that would come my way.