Mass Effect - A Hero Rises Ch. 23

"The thought briefly crossed my mind for a second. But it was far too good seeing you. A hug seemed more appropriate. But enough about me. Shepard, where the hell have you been? I mean, they had a funeral, put you in the ground, figuratively speaking, and you've since become a bit of a legend. Others, well..."

"Yeah, insane. I've been told. Council pretty much called me delusional when I met them earlier."

"So what happened to you?" I explained what I'd already told Anderson and the Council. The short story, she didn't need the long version where I told her that I was practically dead and brought back like Lazarus. I think that was his name. "So... Cerberus. You're not part of them?"

"No. But they are giving me everything I need to fight the Collectors."

"I've been reporting on the disappearing colonists. Alliance didn't have a clue. Although they were covering a lot of it up at the same time."

"That comes as no surprise because they appear to be clueless. And the Council are giving their usual lip service." My tone obviously spoke volumes. "Ah, sorry, I didn't mean to come here and complain. What about you, Emily?"

"I'm now the news presenter on Alliance Network news. I do the midday and evening bulletins."

"No more investigative journalism?"

"I'll be honest, they offered me a lot of money. I made a name for myself thanks to the help you provided. The ANN didn't want to lose me so offered me a great big fat salary to keep me. Good thing they did as other networks were definitely offering comparative salaries. I owed them some loyalty, at least."

"Personal life?"

"Well, after you disappeared, I have dated here and there, but I'm generally too busy as I still do some jobs on the side. Mostly Citadel based stuff. Council are dirty as anything, Udina being the worst. Corruption is everywhere, but I guess you'd know that. The only organisation that seems cleaner than before is C-Sec. Couple of hard-heads have taken charge, really cleaned out the place."

I listened but it wasn't what I wanted to know. "So you're single right now?"

She laughed at the insinuation. "Yes, I'm single, Shepard. No, I'm not sleeping with you straight away. I was... gutted when I received the news. No, not gutted. You made me cry!"

"Sorry. I would like to say it wasn't my fault. Still not sure who blew up the old Normandy."

"I dealt with the grief, as did a lot of people. Have you contacted many of the old crew who survived?"

"I found Garrus Vakarian on Omega. I assume you heard the rumours I was there?" She nodded. "He's the only one I've met up with so far." I paused. "No, wait, I did meet Tali'Zorah. She was on Freedom's Progress rescuing a quarian, though she chose not to join me. Cerberus connection made it a no go. No idea about the rest. I'll find out eventually."

"And now you're back, ready to save humanity if not the galaxy again?"

"So it seems."

"Don't suppose you'd care to give me an interview?"

"Not right now as I can't tell you all that much. Wait until I've dealt with the Collectors, then I'll give you the whole story."

"Just don't die this time."

I heard the emotion in her voice that time, so I put the bottle on the table and wrapped an arm around her as she leaned into me, kissing the top of her head. "Figured me returning would cause some issues."

"You can stay the night if you want, but I'm serious, no sex. I can't deal with that level of emotion. Just seeing you again is almost too much for me right now. I only stopped missing you after a year."

"I'm sorry," I whispered.

"Don't be. You're a soldier, and one thing soldiers tend to do is die. But, to be honest, I don't think anyone expected you to disappear like you did. After everything you survived, the way your ship was destroyed, from all the reports, it just didn't feel right with a lot of people."

"I haven't had much time to think about it due to extenuating circumstances. Haven't really had the chance to even read about it. I could ask Anderson to send me some reports and do a little digging but it's been two years. I wonder what I'd even find after all this time."

"Do you want to head out for dinner?" she asked, changing the subject.

"Now that's a plan."

We finished our drinks and headed downstairs, holding her hand as we strolled along. She knew a little diner not far from her apartment that she visited at least once a week, as it was convenient. The menu was eclectic, a little bit of everything from Earth. I went with the cheeseburger and fries, while she went with the caesar salad. I found the idea of going with a salad humorous, though when she suggested a shake to go with it, I could only shake my head. "I'm treating myself, Shepard," she said, "Salad is good, shake is bad. And you're eating a cheeseburger."

"Yes, but I'll work it all off in the gym tomorrow morning."

The food arrived quite quickly, and I end up scoffing it as usual. It was the habit of a soldier. When you ate, you ate quickly, as no-one wanted to be forced to leave behind a half-eaten meal when an emergency happens. So I ended up watching Emily finish her salad, though she offered me some of her shake at the same time. I wasn't keen for desert, so we headed out after I settled the bill, claiming that Cerberus has already forwarded me a substantial number of credits, and I was going to spend every single one.

Finding a park reminiscent of those back on Earth, we took a seat on a bench by a fountain and relaxed, chatting away about nothing in particular. Since I didn't know much about the last two years, she told me more stories about life on the Citadel, particularly in those first few months after the attack, when the rebuilding was taking place at a furious pace, bits of Sovereign were being moved, the dead were still being found under piles of rubble. Funerals took place very day for months. It had been a tough time for most inhabitants on the Citadel.

With Garrus also absent from the ship, I messaged Miranda, informing her I would be returning to the ship in the morning. No argument this time, a simple reply stating she understood and would await further instructions. I definitely smirked when I read it, earning a curious glance from Emily. "Guess I can be honest. My relationship with the XO hasn't been exactly smooth. Doesn't help she's a loyal Cerberus officer, and she knows I have no time or sympathy for anyone wearing the symbol."

"So what will you do?"

"What's required. Get the job done, then leave. I don't owe anyone there any favours. It was their choice to bring me back."

"You don't like being back?"

"Of course I do! I just mean... If they think I owe them loyalty because of it, they're going to be sadly mistaken."

Heading back to her apartment, she told me that she didn't want a late one as she did have work the next morning. I said heading to bed was fine. I thought for a moment she'd put me on the couch, but she took my hand and led me to the bedroom, so that was a positive. She didn't strip nude, leaving on her underwear, while putting on a shirt that covered most of her body. I left my underwear on at least as we slid under the covers, lying on our sides as we looked at each other. She made the first move rather quickly by kissing me. Then she needed a cuddle as she released a few tears.

"Sorry," I repeated. I had a feeling I might be saying that to a few people.

"No. I'm happy you're back, Shepard," she whispered, "Part of me wants nothing more than to make love right now. But it's too much. I can feel your hands on me now, but I wonder if I'm going to wake up soon and think it was all just a dream."

"I'm real," I whispered in her ear. She lifted her face towards mine, moving a hand so I could clear her cheek with my thumb. "I'm here right now," I added softly, moving her hand, pressing her fingers into my neck, "Feel that? Heartbeat. It's probably pumping slightly faster than usual due to the company." That made her giggle at least. "It's pumping somewhere else too, but we'll ignore that tonight."

"Snuggling with my butt into your crotch won't be a good idea."

"Probably not."

"I'm glad you're back, Shepard."

"So am I, Emily. You were one of the first people I thought about when I woke up and I was told everything that happened. Bit of a shock."

"I bet."

She snuggled into me, feeling her breath on my chest as her head rested under my chin. I felt her relax and get comfortable, and it was a real reminder of old times, when we'd happily cuddle together on the bed or the couch, sometimes after having made love, sometimes just enjoying the company of each other. I think I might have fallen asleep first for once, but it didn't really matter, as I woke up next to her the following morning, feeling her fingers on my face, not just focusing on the scars, but taking in all my features. She kissed me softly before offering breakfast, throwing on the same clothes as the previous day as she showered and dressed at the same time. Breakfast was simple but filling, before she apologised for needing to rush out. I didn't mind, escorting her out of the apartment block to the nearest taxi rank.

We hugged and kissed again before she asked, "When will you back on the Citadel?"

"I'm not sure. I've been warned by both the Council and Alliance to keep my presence here to a minimum. But I'll certainly visit when I can."

She opened her omni-tool, typed for a few seconds, and a message pinged. "I guess they found your old omni-tool at least but that's my new number. Let me know whenever you're back and we'll meet up. Next time you're here, we'll catch up properly."

"It's a date."

A last kiss, and she needed to go, opening the door for the taxi before she waved as I closed the door, the taxi quickly taking off into the sky. I hopped in the next one along, arriving back near the docks only a few minutes later. Boarding the ship, Miranda wasn't waiting around for me this time, though I asked EDI if everyone was present and accounted for. The AI confirmed everyone required was present, including Garrus, Zaeed and Kasumi, so I ordered Joker to take us out and I'd send him a destination shortly.

Heading to my terminal, I checked for any messages. Seeing nothing of particular importance, there was a datapad sitting nearby, which I knew was another recruit. Checking the information, I headed to the galaxy map and inputted the data Joker required. He reported within a couple of minutes the journey time, and we would only be arriving at best the afternoon of the next day. That was fine with me, so he set about departing the Citadel.

Turning back to my terminal, Kelly approached with a mug of coffee. "Thought you'd like one, Shepard."

"I'm starting to think you're a mind reader, Kelly."

"Oh, I'm sure there are certain things I don't know," she replied, heading back to her terminal, "But how did you find the Citadel?"

I headed to where she was standing, leaning against the railing around the galaxy map, sipping on my drink before replying. "Honestly, pretty much a waste of time. Council gave me back my Spectre status, but it means nothing in the grand scheme of things. There was one more than one veiled threat against me because of my association with Cerberus."

That made her fingers stop typing away. "Do they consider us that much of a threat?"

"They called Cerberus an avowed enemy of the Council. They consider what I'm doing treason against the Council. I'm fairly sure the Alliance think the same thing."

"Well, I think that's just ridiculous. We are doing the right thing," she said, beginning to type away. I didn't feel like getting into an argument then and there about what I'd seen before. If we looked primarily at what Cerberus was doing now, she was right. "But at least you're a Spectre. That should open some doors surely."

"It'll be keep the Alliance off my back, at least. The Council said they won't interfere. But I was warned to basically stay away from Council space for the time being. I'll ignore it, of course. I'll fly my ship where I want."

"Have you thought about when the Collectors are defeated?"

"I have."

She stopped typing, now looking up at me. "And?"

"Let's just see how things go, Kelly. Early days yet. All I know is that the Council have proven as worthless as before, I'm not sure what the Alliance want, and Cerberus, despite everything, are the only organisation willing to give me what I need to get the job done."

"Does it not sit easily?"

"To be honest, no it doesn't."

"Maybe we'll change your mind about us the longer you work with us."

"We'll see. As I said, it's early days yet." I sipped on my drink again. "I do enjoy the company of some people here though."

She didn't look up from her terminal but the smile was obvious. "Well, maybe those people could end up changing your mind about everything."

"What I do want tonight is for all of us to get together for a meal in the mess then drinks tonight so we can get to know each other. We'll have to do that each time we recruit so the new team member can feel at ease quickly. I honestly don't know many people here. If we're going to work together, I want to know who you are."

She looked up again, the smile still on her face. "We all know who you are, Commander Shepard."

"Only what you've read. You don't know... me. So, can you send a message to everyone please, with a time for dinner and then letting them know we'll have drinks in the lounge after?"

"Of course, Shepard. Anything else?"

I felt like saying 'How about your company upstairs afterwards?' as the longer I stood there, the more attracted I was, because she was gorgeous. I adore redheads but it was those green eyes every time she looked at me. They simply... dazzled. And she knew I was thinking that, and she was definitely attracted in return, as I know when a woman returns my attraction. "Nothing else right now, Kelly. I'm going to have a chat with our newer recruits and see what they want or need."

Asking EDI where Kasumi had based herself, I dropped down one level and wandered into the lounge to see she had already made herself at home, busy placing things on a bookshelf. Turning around as I wandered in, I was greeted with a friendly, "Hey, Shep."

"Shep?"

"Don't like it?" I shrugged. Better than being called 'Commander' when I wasn't one anymore. "If you're wondering, and your slightly furrowed brow suggests you are, I'm making myself at home in here. I didn't particularly want to bunk with the regular crew. I like my own space."

"Well, people might come and go in here but we'll make sure your sleep pattern isn't disturbed," I said while taking a seat on a chair.

She took a seat opposite me. "So, come to grill the new recruit?"

"I don't need to delve too deep and personal right now. Just want to know what you know. So you know this is an important mission. Heard of the Collectors?"

"No. They don't sound friendly though."

"That they are not. Long story short, they're kidnapping humans from our colonies. For what purpose? We don't know. Where are they? We don't know. Where will they strike next? We don't know. What are we doing now? Building a team, investigating leads, then we'll take the fight to them. Ever worked out in the Terminus Systems?"

"Very rarely."

"There's a relay out there called the Omega Four. Apparently leads to the Collector homeworld. We need to find a way of getting through it."

"I'm guessing that won't be easy?"

"No ship that's gone through has returned."

"Ah, so a possible suicide mission. No wonder Cerberus threw money at me."

"Zaeed said the same thing. Just my luck though. Come back from the dead to be given a suicide mission."

"You don't plan on dying though, do you?"

"I'd rather I didn't again so I'm sure there are ways and means we can avoid it. Ship improvements. Better armour and weapons. A way of making it back in one piece. But that's for later."

"Where are we heading now?"

"Another recruit. Should be interesting considering he's in prison. We're not breaking him out though. Just a transfer into our custody."

"Do you need to know my skills before you take me out onto the field?"

"I'd assume you have a few otherwise you wouldn't be here, Kasumi. I'll take you out and judge for myself."

"That's fair enough. My sneaking will come in handy and I have a tactical cloak as well. Always good when breaking and entering. Other than that, I'm skilled with small to medium weapons, things like pistols and sub-machine guns. And I'm obviously athletic and flexible."

"Good to know. I'll take you along when we get to the prison and see how things develop from there. I used to work with a small team of five, but depending on how many people I end up recruiting, I might end up taking more."

"I'll be ready, one way or the other, Shep."

I left her to settle in further, figuring I may as well have a chat with the other new recruit. We'd already fought alongside together once when collecting Mordin, but hadn't really chatted to him all that much. He'd made himself home at least. No real mementoes of a life lived. He had a simple bunk, a duffel bag with a few clothes, a whole bunch of weapons laying around, and not a lot else. He was sat on little more than a camp stool, reading a datapad.

"Settling in okay, Zaeed?"

"Yeah, much prefer it down here, Shepard. Hopefully a bit quieter than up near the mess. Like my own space."

"Need anything to make it more comfortable?"

He looked up and laugh. "Comfortable? I'm a fuckin' mercenary, Shepard. I've spent more time sleeping in ditches than I care to remember. Trust me, this room is fuckin' luxury compared to what I'm used to."

"What else you done besides mercenary work?" I asked, taking a seat on one of the crates.

"Erstwhile bounty hunter. Spent all my time working around the Terminus Systems. Council and Alliance don't look kindly upon my sort of work. Before all that, I worked for a mercenary outfit."

"Blue Suns?"

"Yeah, that bunch. It's a long story, Shepard, don't feel like discussin' it now. But the Suns and I go way back."

"No problem. I assume the Illusive Man has compensated you well for this?"

"Yep. I survive all this, I'm retiring. And I got that message from your sweetheart upstairs. I'll join in for drinks at least. Might even regale one or two of the young pups with some stories."

"My sweetheart?"

"The one that works alongside you, Kelly. She's a sweetheart. Tried chattin' with me early, all that psycho mumbo jumbo. Still, she's friendly and good to look at so I went with it until I'd had enough."

"Think she might end up doing that with all the recruits."

"Long as she doesn't try it again at drinks, I'll be sweet."

"Okay. Just wanted to check you were settled in alright. As you are, I'll see you at dinner."

Having actually not been down to the lower levels, I popped into engineering to discover a pair of engineers, introducing themselves as Gabriella, or Gabby for short, and Kenneth, or Ken for short. I immediately apologised for not being down earlier, which they waved away, noting I'd been rather busy since coming on board. Both were ex-Alliance. Like Joker and Chakwas, they simply signed up to help, though from what Gabby said, Ken may have burned some bridges upon leaving. But they seemed happy to help and enthusiastic about the mission at least. They would also be coming upstairs that night to join in.

Checking my watch, there was at least a little time to kill so I headed up to my cabin to do some more work. Mostly reading messages and planning future missions, as I had a number of requests come through, no doubt forwarded by the Illusive Man to show he was a 'man of the people' and suggest he gave a shit about anyone other than himself. Nonetheless, I marked them down as either priority or not, as recruitment and anything to do with the Collectors would immediately be urgent.