Mass Effect - A Hero Rises Ch. 55

Book 3, Chapter 6 - Shepard Squadron

*****

The ship was approaching the Citadel again. Unlike those months with Cerberus, I had a feeling I'd be visiting the enormous station quite often during this war, whether to restock and refit, to sit down with the Council for updates, and the fact the Alliance had its own headquarters on the Citadel. With Arcturus gone and Sol out of action, Hackett was the main man in charge in the Alliance, but I did not know in which system he was keeping the fleets. Didn't want to know.

Kahlee would be taking the brainy students to assist with the building of what was being called the Crucible. They still didn't know what the weapon would do, but apparently it was something that could be built relatively simply. What was needed was something called the catalyst. No-one had a clue what that was but investigations were already underway.

Soon as we docked, Kahlee thanked me with a hug before leading all the students away. Jack followed them, unsure as to exactly what she'd be doing, but she wanted to meet up before we departed. Unsure as to our next move, as the summit still hadn't been agreed, I let most of the crew stretch their legs, while my first stop was Alliance HQ. I went alone as Garrus remained on the ship with Victus, Kelly wandered off with Samantha, the pair becoming fast friends, and also with Emily, who mostly kept to herself on the ship since boarding, while Liara suggested she'd go have words with Tevos.

Alliance HQ was a madhouse, as I expected. Walking towards the overworked reception desk, I announced who I was and, thankfully, I was immediately led towards an office towards the rear. Knocking on the door, she opened the door and gestured for me to enter. "Admiral Reisman will be with your shortly, Commander."

She asked if I wanted a drink, always accepting the offer of a coffee, taking a seat at the desk. I was sipping at my drink when the door opened, rising to meet feet immediately to be greeted by a silver haired veteran. I knew the name but that was about it. "Commander," he said. Voice was like gravel. Like he'd spent thirty years of his life shouting orders. But he offered his hand, a firm handshake, meeting my eyes.

"Admiral."

A slight smirk appeared. "Rear Admiral. Can't be getting above my station, but I'm the senior officer here on the Citadel. Take a seat, see you already have a drink." Soon as I sat down, he added, "I'm sure you're wondering you were summoned here. Admiral Hackett has obviously kept people in the loop regarding your intentions, so there are two reasons. One major, one minor. The minor is simple. I believe you once worked alongside Miranda Lawson?"

"I did. She worked as my XO during my time with..." I'll admit, I shifted uncomfortably in my chair.

"We're aware who you worked with. The ends justified the means considering the Collector threat and you cut ties immediately. As for Miss Lawson, she's given us all the information she could during her interrogations. She was assisting Doctor Chakwas, but now that the good doctor has returned to the Normandy, we were unsure as to what role Miss Lawson could fulfil. So I was going to suggest she returns to the Normandy herself."

"In what capacity?"

"We'll give her an official role and rank. Would you anticipate any issues with her return?"

"I certainly wouldn't. She'd be an asset to our team. If anyone does, I'd discuss it with them but let it known the situation as it is."

"Very well. I'll call her in here shortly. The second reason I called you in here, Shepard, was the fact... Hackett has explained your probably role regarding this war against the Reapers. Admiral Anderson was supposed to take command of the Normandy, and he would have used the ship as a mobile command centre. That means he would have had his own fleet of ships to use at his disposal.

"I will?"

"You will. As you've been told, the Alliance Navy has been building ships as quickly as it could. Dreadnoughts takes a long time and resources we simply don't have right now, not with the war in full swing. So we concentrated on smaller ships, more manoeuvrable, able to get in and out quickly. So, basically, you've got five ships in your command. The other four are based on the Normandy. The only thing they don't have is the AI." Raised eyebrows at that. "We all know, Shepard, but Anderson assured us EDI has been nothing but a benefit to the cause. So we've made sure it'll be easy for EDI to patch into the other ships, at least when they're within range."

"Who is in command of the ships?"

"Ah, you see, that's where there might be an issue. I will send you the files of the officers in charge. All four are captain's. Obviously, you are still ranked as a commander. Not something many of us in the brass agree with, by the way. Should have been promoted after defeating Saren. Now, as you will be in command of the group, Hackett has agreed that you cannot retain the same rank as the four other Commanding Officers of the ships, so you will be promoted a further rank. It's a rank not always used by the Alliance Navy, generally in particular circumstances such as this."

"What's the rank?"

"Commodore."

"Commodore Shepard? Hmmm, that'll take some getting used to. Thankfully most people just call me Shepard anyway."

"And as you will have a new rank, the thought process for Miss Lawson to take your old rank as she will be assigned as your new XO."

"What of Ashley Williams?"

"Commander Williams? We're waiting to see the outcome of her hospital stay. Were you planning on visiting?" I nodded. "She's not conscious but suffering lingering effects, according to the latest reports. Sure she'd like to receive a visitor or two."

"Will there be any sort of ceremony?"

"Want one?" I shook my head. "We'll send you the paperwork and ensure you have the correct uniform. Two of the ships are currently in dock, the other two are already out on patrol with orders to return here immediately. We're aware of the summit you're trying to convene so assumed you would like to have your new squad ready to go when you next leave."

"Would be nice to meet the men and woman under my command."

"That can be organised."

"Ship names?"

"We've stuck to the theme regarding the Normandy class, so we've named them after French town and cities in the region that were important during the Normandy Campaign. So you have the Bayeux, the Cherbourg, the Caen and the Rouen."

I looked around the room. "I'm waiting for La Marseillaise to start playing," I muttered, "Or some bloke on a bicycle come riding by with a smoke and a baguette."

"I'll send you all the paperwork about the changes, but Miss Lawson is waiting nearby if you'd like to see her. She's already been briefed about her new role."

"Sure. Would be nice to see her again."

I followed him out of his office, down a couple of corridors, stopping outside another door. He opened it to reveal a waiting room. A couple of comfortable lounges. Potted plants. Counter with items that would make coffee and tea. Miranda was sat down though stood immediately when Reisman entered, and I could see her trying desperately not to grin when our eyes met. I looked her up and down as I never thought I'd see Miranda Lawson in an Alliance uniform. When she saluted both of us, I almost cracked up laughing.

"Commander Lawson, Commodore Shepard has been informed of your new position as his XO. Due to circumstances, there won't be a ceremony. As I've explained to Shepard, you will receive your documentation prior to your departure."

"Thank you, sir."

"I'll leave you two to catch up. Shepard, I'll send you a message when the other two ships return. I'll sit in with you when you meet the other four captains. After that, they will be yours to command, and Hackett has told everyone that you will have free reign. Seems the galaxy rests on your shoulders yet again."

"Doesn't get any easier."

"I can imagine, but we'll do all we can to support you going forward."

He shook my hand, wished us well, before he shut the door as he left. Miranda stepped around the low table and hugged me straight away, wrapping my arms tightly around her in return. "Just glad you're alive, Shepard. We all saw the pictures."

"Commander Lawson?" She leaned back and grinned. "I mean, I know you told Tim to shove it..."

"Tim?" The laugh was immediate. "Suits him. Can think of some rather choice words myself. Anyway, I was helping Chakwas in R&D. We got along very well, and Hackett seemed to like me too."

"Hard during interrogation?"

She answered only after we'd taken a seat on one of the lounges. "To start with, yes. I was a top Cerberus operative, but once I proved I was trying to be helpful and honest, they relented, interviewed me in comfortable offices instead, and had me working alongside Chakwas within a couple of months. Was doing that until the Reapers arrived. I knew Chakwas had gone with you. I was busy involved in another project and simply didn't have time to even come say hello."

"Happy to be returning to the ship?"

The smile lit up her face. "I'm coming home, Shepard. Missed you. Missed the others."

"Heard from Jacob?"

She snorted, so that answered my question. "No surprise that fizzled quickly. To be honest, we fucked a few times but I was bored before we made it for the Omega Four." She met my eyes. "Much preferred you. Kelly still with you?"

"Of course."

"Going to continue your unique life?"

"Definitely."

"Want to fuck me?"

"I'd fuck you here and now if I didn't think we'd get caught."

She leaned into my side, wrapping an arm around her in return. "I missed you a lot, Shepard," she whispered, "Realised how much I cared for you once you were gone."

"I missed all of you, but you've always been particularly special. Far smarter than I am. More talents than you can shake a stick at. And you look fantastic naked." She laughed again. "Might be awkward though as Liara has your old office."

"Hmmm..."

"There is a solution. You can take the new office I've installed. The armoury was moved back downstairs and we changed that. You can take that. We'll put a bed in there. Kelly has my old position. She not technically part of the Alliance, but I now have a comms specialist instead of a yeoman."

"What will you do?"

"I'll work in the war room or upstairs, if necessary."

"Why not just share your office?"

"Because I have my own space upstairs, and as my XO, you need your own space. Our seniority does come with some perks. But we'll figure it out. Let me message the others and we can catch up."

Having Miranda walking next to me in Alliance blues did take a little getting used to. I wasn't surprised she preferred trousers instead of a skirt, though I did suggest if she wanted to show off her legs, I wouldn't complain. Again, she just laughed though figured she probably would if it led to other things. Hailing a cab, I wanted off the Presidium as it was boring, heading to one of the wards, sending a message to everyone else to meet us at a bar I knew well.

Kelly, Samantha and Emily were the first to appear, Kelly immediately sitting next to Miranda, friendly as always, introducing Samantha. Liara walked in alone a few minutes later, sitting to my other side. She almost burst into giggles upon seeing Miranda in blue. Garrus and Vega walked in together, Garrus doing a double take upon seeing Miranda next to me. Vega simply walked to the bar, hearing him ask for shots and other things.

As we waited for the drinks, I told everyone what was happening in regards to Miranda joining the ship, the fact I would now be commanding a squadron, and the fact I'd received one hell of a promotion. When I said it was as a Commodore, I received more than one confused look. "Thought that rank was retired?" Vega asked.

"Not retired, just not used often, but because of my new role, it was seen that being a captain was too low a rank, while I'm simply not qualified to be any sort of Admiral."

"Some of us would disagree with that," Liara said.

"If you're expecting some sort of ceremony, there won't be. Miranda and I will receive new uniforms and the paperwork that state our new ranks. Apart from that, people will call us by our new ranking, though I'd rather you call me Shepard whenever we're not on the clock. Hell, even on the clock, I will only be concerned when we have top brass or other visitors."

"Well, I think that deserves a toast," Vega stated, handing out shots of something. We all knocked them back and I was surprised it was smooth going down.

I received a message later from Reisman stating the two other ships would return the next day, Citadel time. By the time I received that message, we were having quite the good time. Vega had disappeared with Cortez, Garrus had wandered off to find Chloe, so that left me with my girls. Traynor was hanging around but would probably start to feel out of place.

"Back to the ship, Shepard?" Kelly finally asked, "Maybe Miranda can check out her new office."

Samantha started to giggle. "I know exactly what you're going to do in there."

"Can join in if you want," Liara suggested.

"Look, I can see why you all like him, but I don't sleep with men."

"Who said anything about sleeping?" Miranda retorted. Then she leaned into me. "My pussy is totally bald, Shepard," she tried to whisper but failed.

"Miranda, it's always been bald," I replied, "We have fucked quite a bit, remember?"

"True, but you spent a lot of time in my arse."

Traynor burst into giggles again. Even Liara gave me a look that suggested she liked the idea. Kelly said we should probably head off, just in case things got out of hands, and to be honest, considering I was already feeling a couple of hands on my crotch, that was a good idea. It wasn't surprising Traynor disappeared, stating she'd go join up with Vega and Cortez. I thought that was amusing, but we all cheerfully wished her goodnight, as we caught a taxi back to the docks.

To my surprise, Jack was waiting for us by the airlock. She took one look at Miranda burst into laughter. "Holy shit, you too?"

"Me too?" Miranda asked, obviously confused.

"Been working at Grissom Academy. But I don't wear the blues. Anyway, Kelly suggested something was going on?" She looked across the girls and laughed again. "I guess we're in for a good night."

"Miranda is going to look at her new office," Kelly said, "Then we'll see what happens."

Miranda was certainly happy with the look of the new office, wandering around and gesturing her ideas, particularly where a new double bed could be placed. The rest of the girls plonked themselves down on the couch, giggling away. I walked away, heading downstairs towards the lounge, grabbing a couple of bottles of liquor, before returning upstairs. Opening the door, all my girls were sat on the lounge, looking at me expectantly. I placed the bottles on the table, turned back to the door and locked it, then stood in front of them.

"Strip," I ordered.

The speed at which Kelly stood up and started to undress amused me greatly. Jack looked at me with such lust in her eyes, I almost gulped. Emily blushed, but she stood up and started to undress. Liara and Miranda wasted no time either. As soon as they were all naked, I pointed the desk. "Lean over that, side by side, legs slightly spread."

Miranda grabbed her bag and wandered over, handing me a bottle. "I'm always prepared, Shepard," she said, leaning forward to press her lips against mine, "Always when it comes to you."

The five were soon side by side, leaning on their forearms, shaking their arses in my direction. All of them were glistening with excitement. Kelly was practically dripping wet. I undressed and walked towards them. Liara was to the left, running my fingers down her back and over her arse, giving her pussy a fondle. I did the same to Kelly next to her, no surprise she gasped at my touch. Emily pushed down on my fingers, feeling them slide inside her for a couple of seconds. Jack grabbed my wrist, not wanting me to move on. Miranda was last, running fingers down her back, tickling her arsehole for a few seconds before I slid my fingers inside her.

"Oh fuck," she moaned.

"This doesn't happen often, Emily," Kelly said as I fingered Miranda, "But we've had a few drinks and we do like to have fun as a group."

"No complaints from me. He hasn't fucked me since I boarded. Granted, I generally don't do it in front of others, but I'm not going to complain if I get that dick tonight."

"You're all getting his dick tonight," Miranda moaned, "Though I'm hoping I get it soon. His fingers are one thing, but I want his cock."

I leaned down, leaving soft kisses up her back and neck before I kissed her cheek. "Anal straight away?"

"God yes. I love it when you take me in such a manner, Shepard."

"Holy shit, cheerleader!" Jack exclaimed.

"Like you don't love anal with him," she retorted gently.

I glanced at Jack and she shrugged. "She's right. Love it when you just pound my arse."

"Oh my," Emily murmured, "We've... not done that before."

"Want some attention first?" Kelly asked, "I love eating arse."

I looked up. "Look, I don't actually believe in you, big guy, but thank you for all the woman in my life."

"You want some attention, Blue?" Jack asked Liara.

Liara, smiled, took Jack by the hand, and sat back on the lounge, Jack getting on the floor between her legs, surprised they started to make out first. Kelly and Emily started to do the same, so I focused on Miranda. Grabbing the bottle, I poured a liberal amount on her and my cock, giving myself nice and slick as I then got her ready. She moaned as I slowly but surely started to spread her with my fingers, taking my time as it was a tease at the same time. One finger first, then two in, but when I had three inside her, that's when she was turned on and begging for my cock.

I slid it inside her pussy first and she almost sobbed straight away. Leaning down on my forearms, she turned her head so I could kiss her, and the feeling in that was a surprise. "I missed you so much," she whimpered.

"Love him, don't you?" Kelly asked.

Miranda nodded emphatically. "Should never have slept with Jacob. I'm sorry."

"No apologies. This is a unique situation."

"I love you, Shepard."

"We all do," Kelly added, "Even Jack."

"Bet your pretty arse I love him," Jack said with humour, "Though I'm loving this asari pussy right now. No wonder you like going down on her, Shepard. Do all asari taste this good?"

"Some of us do," Liara said, "I've had a few lovers."

"I love you too," I whispered into Miranda's ear. That made her feel the need to catch another sob. "You want it, don't you?"

"Please. I loved it so much every time." She looked left and right. "I want you to watch, girls. I want you to watch Shepard dominate me. Not totally, just... you know..."

It needed to be a little more comfortable, so Kelly quickly headed upstairs, grabbed a couple of things, returning to lay a couple of thick blankets on the ground, Miranda immediately getting down onto her knees, resting her head on a cushion, looking back and wiggling her arse. I got behind her and wasted little time teasing her, running the head of my cock along her crack. She pushed back more than once in her desire.

Gently sliding the head inside her, she gasped and I gave it a few seconds before slowly filling her. I buried my entire length before we both got comfortable, leaning forward above her. "Ready?" I whispered into her ear. She nodded so eagerly, I couldn't help chuckle.

I leaned back and gave each cheek a good slap. She shuddered and moaned, so I gave her another slap. "Oh god, yes," she moaned.

Leaning forward was immediately put to the back of my mind. Instead, I took a handful of hair and gently pulled her head back but wasted no time fucking her. She loved it immediately, the only sounds being my occasional grunting, her moans, and the sound of our skin slapping against each other, the occasional crack as I gave one cheek or the other another slap. Glancing left, the four girls were watching with interest, all of them masturbating. Even Emily, who looked at me and smiled, though the colour in her cheeks suggested it was a little unusual for her.