Mass Effect - A Hero Rises Ch. 27

Book 2, Chapter 8 -- Reunions

*****

I'd torn strips off the Illusive Man after demanding Miranda put me in contact with him. She relented quite easily as she could see how pissed off I was. I think she may have even sympathised with me as she would have known about my relationship with Liara, not just the physical side either. She'd been a bloody good friend and had provided numerous theories to prove the Reaper hypothesis true. The fact he'd hidden her from me told me everything I needed to know about his motives. He didn't trust those who'd been with me originally. I was convinced he didn't know Garrus was Archangel otherwise he'd never have sent me to find him.

After I'd said my piece, I cut the line just like I used to do with the Council. Sensing I was rather pissed off about thing still, Kelly grabbed me by the hand and led me upstairs, where she led me to the middle of my cabin, dropped to her knees as she pulled down my trousers, then proceeded to give me a rather excellent blowjob, and made sure I blasted all over her face again. Once I was done, she kept blowing me even though I slowly softened before she looked up and said, "I know you fucked Jack the other night."

I wasn't totally with it after an orgasm so I just shrugged. "She was a good fuck. Gave it to her nice and hard," I admitted.

"You know that's all she'll expect now, for you to basically use her."

"And?"

"You don't care?"

"I do, but I'm not here to mould people or anything, Kelly. I'm here to do the job and get it done right. And I don't have time for her antics. I didn't put up with bullshit while in the Alliance and I won't put up with it here."

She stood up and stripped herself off before she sat back on the bed, resting on her elbows and spreading her legs. "I would hope you would at least look after me, Shepard."

I devoured her pussy like a thirsty man finding an oasis of ice cold water after wandering the desert for months. I always complimented her on how good she tasted, which certainly made her smile, and when I got somewhat vulgar about it, made her blush. I didn't tease her this time. I went in hard and fast, eager to make her cum as quickly as possible, because once she did, I stripped off the rest of my clothes, hopped on the bed as she moved back enough that I could join her, then we fucked.

Twenty minutes later, we were lying on our backs together, breathing deeply. "Well..." I stated.

"I needed that, Shepard. I needed you to eat me out then just fuck me."

"Guess it has been a few days."

She rolled onto her side, cuddling into me. "Don't fret, I know the score, Shepard. One, you have been busy lately. Two, you will be distracted by others. Three, I can look after myself if things get really bad. I'll just use my fingers and think about you."

"I'm not sure what it is but a woman masturbating is erotic as hell."

"Maybe I'll record me doing it and send it to you?"

"Just not when I'm on mission. I like being distracted just not when I'm being shot at."

"Maybe when you're standing next to me near the galaxy map?"

"Then I'd just stride over and fuck you then and there." I paused and chuckled. "Well, I'm sure some of the crew probably expect it now. Not like this is a secret." I pulled her closer and kissed her. "Glad it's not anymore."

She liked the sound of that giving me a squeeze once she wrapped an arm around my chest.

It took over two days to reach the system in which Illium lay. During that time, I spent a lot of time in the gym continuing to work on my fitness, practicing my biotic skills with Jacob and Miranda, and it was only then that Jack finally started to act like part of the team, as she'd come join in, particularly when Miranda and I were training, and I knew it was so she could show off in front of Miranda. The enmity between them was obvious to everyone, but as long as it didn't come to blows, I wasn't going to involve myself. Competition wasn't a bad thing as long as it remained healthy. Jack also appeared at meal times, or at least for breakfast and dinner. She kept to herself each time but the threats must have worked. She didn't talk to me at all, and I didn't go down and talk to her either. But she was meeting me halfway at least, so I had no reason to complain.

The night before we arrived on Illium, I was at my desk in my office when Miranda got in contact with me over the comm system. I was surprised hear from her that the Illusive Man wanted to talk to me again. "What the fuck does he want now?"

"He apparently has more information regarding our visit to Illium and any possible reunion with Liara T'Soni."

"Why do I have a feeling I'm still nothing but a pawn on his chess board?"

"Maybe he has information that could be vital to this mission, Shepard. He does want us to succeed."

"Yeah, I do sometimes wonder about that though," I muttered, "Okay, I'll head downstairs now."

I was rather comfortable this late in the evening so had to change into something decent, including throwing on shoes, before I headed downstairs. Kelly had disappeared, so assumed she was either in one of the lounges or the crew quarters. I hadn't told her I didn't want her company that evening, but I had been distracted most of the day about our impending arrival. She'd learned quite quickly when I needed time to myself.

After keying the code and standing where required, the Illusive Man appeared again. This time he was standing, and I had a feeling this meeting would be brief. Good. Hate talking to this cunt anyway. Still haven't thought of a nickname for him. There are one or two obvious names but I need something with added spice.

"Shepard, I have further information in regards to your arrival on Illium. No doubt you are heading there due to the two dossiers I have sent you and also in regards to any contact you may wish with Liara T'Soni."

"Okay, I'll bite. What do you have?"

"Are you aware of her links with the Shadow Broker?"

"What? What links? Liara's an archaeologist. I don't even know what the hell she's doing on Illium!"

"Things changed in the two years you were gone, Shepard. People moved on, changed careers, as you obviously witnessed with Archangel. No, Liara is no longer that innocent archaeologist you met three years ago."

"Okay, so what's her story with the Shadow Broker? Is she working for him?"

"No. Liara isn't working for the Shadow Broker. She's trying to find him."

"What the hell for?"

"You wouldn't be aware of the new direction Liara has taken with her life. I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know what she's been up to since you last saw each other. I'm also sure that she knows of your return. She has tried to reach out to you. We have intercepted those messages until recently."

I felt my fists balls immediately. "Listen, you jumped up son of a..."

"It was for your own benefit, Shepard. I cannot afford to have you distracted chasing after your old friends nor trying to engage in sexual relations with every woman you happen to meet."

"I assume that is in reference to someone on this ship?"

"Give me some credit, Shepard. Miranda reported it as soon as Kelly spent her first night in your room. But I care little as to what Miss Chambers does during her off duty hours. But I knew you'd run off on some little crusade to 'rescue' Liara should she contact you."

"That's not your decision."

"Yes, it is. That's my ship. I spent billions bringing you back. The credits you are spending come from me. The people you are recruiting come from information I collated. I won't say I own you, Shepard, but you owe me. I don't expect your undivided loyalty but I do expect you to do the job I demand for the moment."

"Suddenly, all I want to do is channel Jack and tell you to fuck off."

"You can say what you want, Shepard. We both know the deal here. So, I'm aware you'll be arriving on Illium soon enough. Make contact with Liara and see what her dealings are with the Shadow Broker. If I deem it necessary, I will contact you again or I will feed information to Miranda for her to liaise with you."

"Anything else?"

"No. That will be all for now, Shepard."

I said nothing, simply turning and stepping off the pad as the lights switched on. Every time I finished talking with him, I was left in a bad mood. Heading towards the elevator, my finger hovered over the button for my cabin, before I moved it down to the mess level. It hovered there a moment before I pressed the button below that one.

Stepping out, I rounded the corner and walked down the stairs. Standing at the end of the walkway, Jack raised her head and looked in my direction as I simply glared at her. The smirk that appeared on her face suggested she knew what I was there for. I strode towards her as she stood up, balling her fists. She eventually surged towards me, and I gave her one hell of an almighty backhander. That just made her snarl as she practically leapt at me, surprised she wasn't using her biotics, trying to use her strength. It was never going to work, but that didn't mean she wasn't putting everything into it. Her face as close as it was to mine, I took a chance as kissed her hard. It surprised her for only a moment before she replied in kind, her tongue immediately requesting entrance as I led her to the bench nearby, lifting her up and placing her down, hands immediately reaching for trousers, breaking apart for a moment to rip off my shirts. I helped take off her boots as I took mine off, before trousers and underwear joined them so we were both now naked, lips crashing together again as I blindly lined up my cock and thrust inside her.

"Fuck yes," she moaned. She shuffled forward as I just pumped into her hard and fast, noticing she kept her legs spread nice and wide. "Fuck yes," she moaned again, "Deeper." Grabbing the back of her neck, I kept her still as I really drove into her. "Faster," she cried quietly.

"Fucking hell," I muttered.

"Come on, you pussy. Call this fucking?" I glared at her and she simply smirked. "That's right, boy scout. You think I don't know you get off on this too? Knew you'd come back looking for more." I kissed her again and smirked as I drove into her as hard as possible, making her grunt as she dug her fingers into my back, now moving her legs so they rested loosely around me. "Like that, Shepard. Holy fuck, just like that."

"Love my cock, don't you?"

"Just give it to me and shut the fuck up." I eventually broke the kiss and just looked down as I pumped into her hard and fast, my cock looking like a piston, I grabbed her neck by my left hand as I licked the thumb on my right and lowered it, eventually finding her clit and gently rubbing it. She almost leapt off the bench when I touched her. "Please," she pleaded.

"Oh, now you're going to beg are you?"

She nodded. "Yes," she hissed.

I kept the same tempo, not being gentle at all, but I was gentle when playing with her clit, as it was obvious she was completely turned on and also desperate to cum. Unlike the first time, I came down to fuck but to also have a good time, and it wasn't just about me. I figured we could hate fuck each other if that's what she really wanted in the end. I certainly wasn't after a relationship. Casual, no holds barred sex was on offer, I was going to take it.

"Keep going," she breathed, "Don't stop."

"Going to cum for me, Jack?"

"God yes. Holy fuck, Shepard."

I couldn't help smirk. Make a woman orgasm and her demeanour suddenly changes rather quickly. I didn't relent fucking her nor playing with her clit until she did orgasm, her already tight pussy really clenching as she came, arms and legs both wrapping around me as she cried out with pleasure. I kept right on fucking her even as she calmed down, and only then did she let go of me slightly, resting her hands on my shoulders as I continued. "God yes, destroy this pussy," she cried.

I didn't reply, simply leaning forward to kiss her again, no surprise she really bit my lip this time, enough to draw blood that I could taste. I gave her a gentle slap for that. "Easy," I warned before kissing her again.

Though I was holding back my orgasm, I couldn't hold it back forever and once I knew I was about to cum, I waited until the very last moment before pulling out and spraying all over her stomach and tits, leaving long white streaks of cum everywhere. She cried out something, not that I really paid attention, as the relief of finally releasing nearly overwhelmed me. After a series of deep breaths, I finally looked down and noticed the mess I'd made on her. "What the fuck did you do that for?" she asked.

"Marking my territory."

"Should have just cum in my pussy, idiot."

"Next time." I leaned down and kissed her, lifting her into a seated position so I could whisper into her ear, "Though maybe next time, I'll take your arse instead." I wasn't that big a fan of anal, but I had a feeling...

"I'd like to see you try."

I met her eyes. I enjoyed the defiance in them, but there was an added edge that she liked the idea. "Don't worry, Jack, I'm not a completely callous bastard. I'd bring some lube at least."

The moment was passed though now that we'd both cum. I grabbed the pile of clothing nearby, handing over her clothes as I dressed myself. All she did was grab a nearby rag to wipe off the cum before she threw on her trousers, not even bothering to cover her tits with the thin strapping she used otherwise. Once I was dressed, she was already sitting back on her cot. "What the fuck put you in a bad mood anyway?" she asked. The fact she even asked was a surprise. The fact she could read my mood was almost mind boggling.

"Illusive Man."

"Yeah, well, he's a cunt anyway. Read plenty of information already about what he's been up to."

Now she had my interest in a way that didn't involve sex. I leaned back against the very bench we just fucked on as I asked, "What have you found?"

She looked ready to retort with sarcasm, but noticing my obvious interest, she swallowed down what she was going to originally say. "Nothing definitive yet. What I want to know is where I was... turned into this. Cerberus did this to me, Shepard. The way I am. I mean the biotics. It's obviously not natural, right? I have all these memories, but it's hard to pin them all together."

"What do you hope to find?"

"The very facility. Then I'm going to hunt down the fuckers responsible. Each and every one. Then I'm going to toy with them for a little while, like they did with me, before I kill them."

"Do you want my help?"

"You offering?"

"I am. And I'm being serious here, Jack. I can't claim to know what happened to you, but I think we can both admit you're a little fucked up." I think my honesty helped because she actually laughed. "You've had a shit life, I can see that. If Cerberus is involved, I'll certainly help however way I can."

"Got your own axe to grind?"

"I'm here because of the Collectors. If it wasn't for them, I'd be long gone."

"I'll be gone once I've fulfilled my obligation."

"Like most of us, Jack. Like most of us."

There would be no pleasantries. All I did was turn and head towards the stairs. "Hey, Shepard," she called out. I stopped and turned back. "That was pretty fucking good." I definitely smirked. "You want to do that shit again, just pop down. I love a good fuck as much as the next girl. And at least you know I'll bite." I definitely laughed as I simply turned and headed back upstairs towards the elevator.

I'm fairly sure that people knew the next morning as I arrived in the mess for breakfast. It didn't exactly go quiet, but you get a sixth sense for when people are talking about you before walking into a room. I grabbed a tray and sat in my usual place, across from Garrus and next to Kelly. The conversations resumed but there was a slight atmosphere in the mess. It wasn't awkward or uncomfortable, but there was something unsaid. It was only when Jack appeared a good fifteen minutes later that Garrus gave me a look that told me he knew.

"Yes, Garrus?"

"I'm not sure I should say in front of Kelly here, Shepard."

"I don't care, Garrus," Kelly stated.

I shrugged as Garrus continue to look at me. Then he shrugged as well. "Guess it's none of my business really. Are we close to Illium?"

"We'll be there at lunchtime. We'll dock and the crew can get some shore leave. Considering we'll be recruiting at the same time, I have a feeling we'll be there a little while."

"And Liara?"

"She'll be the first person I intend on visiting."

I spent most of the time in the CIC. Kelly wasn't awkward at all knowing what I was now up to with Jack, still bringing me a coffee every couple of hours, chatting away and acting like nothing had changed. Regarding our own affair, nothing had. I'd still love her to warm my bed quite often. The thing with Jack was purely physical, a different sort of release. I'm sure Kelly could probably analyse it and let me know what psychologists would call it.

The Normandy docked around lunchtime Illium time. Once the docking bay arm was clamped, the crew quickly departed their stations, ready to depart the ship. Except for ground missions, everyone had been on ship constantly since Omega, so I could understand the desire for everyone to get off for a few hours and days. Having read that Illium was an asari colony world, I didn't think I'd need armour just to visit Liara, so all I did was grab a pistol, putting that in the band of my trousers around the back as I walked up the gangway towards Joker.

"Will you be getting off the ship?" I asked.

"I'm tempted but there's a chance I'll end up signing something that'll have me being someone's slave."

"What?"

"Illium practices something called 'indentured servitude', Commander. The planet is home to what is basically a slave trade."

"And they get away with this?"

"Illium is an asari colony world but not part of the Asari Republics, so the rules are different."

"How the hell do you know all this?"

EDI popped up nearby. "Lieutenant Moreau watches hours of pornography, Shepard. One of his favourite genres is bondage but he also enjoys other types of BDSM pornography. Illium is quite often the setting regarding the dominant and submissive relationships that take place due to slavery."

I could only look at Joker wide eyed. "Yeah, thanks EDI," he muttered.

Eventually, I could only laugh. "We all have our interests, Joker. Watch what you want, like what you want. Anyone who wants to judge? Fuck them." I paused before asking, "Are the movies all asari?"

"Some of them. Others are men with asari."

"Interesting. Are you a practitioner yourself?"

He laughed loudly at that so perhaps it was a stupid question. Eventually he did reply. "No, I just enjoy watching videos, Commander. It's not even about sexual gratification. It's actually interesting to watch the lead up before the sex. Some of it's professional but a lot of it's amateur, filmed by actual couples, so you can see it's genuine."

"Well, I have learned something new today, Joker. Thank you."

"Yeah, let's never mention this again."

The crew were now coming towards us along the gangway and I pressed the button to open the airlock. I gave them a subtle warning about what to expect on Illium but to otherwise enjoy themselves, adding that I expected to be on the planet for a number of days, that Miranda had sent them their shift patterns while in dock, so while there were the usual expectations while on shift, they could otherwise come and go as they pleased. Many would like have booked last minute accommodation off the ship and many were wearing clothing without the Cerberus logo. So they had some brains, at least.

Garrus was hanging around as the rest of my ground team disappeared. Kasumi perhaps to go steal things. Zaeed to find a bar to drink beer and smoke. Mordin to... do whatever interested him. I was surprised Jack leave the ship, and she was wearing a shirt and jacket. She returned a small grin to my surprised glance before she wandered off.