Cheyenne

I was a bit shocked Cerberus would seek me out. Even more shocked to learn my older sister Shea was alive. At first I didn't want to believe it. Ashley and I spent the first year after her death mourning her. Now I have this request from Cerberus to join them. If I were to join her I could help her. However I was still technically Alliance. "Maybe Aunt Karin has an idea." I thought to myself. I checked the clock she would still be awake. I called her. We talked a bit about the situation, it turned out they had come to her as well. We came up with a plan, we would both put in for an extended leave of absence. I was on desk duty and not really needed.

It was amazing how quickly Anderson and Hackett approved of our leave of absence. Then I was astounded by how Cerberus built a ship. It was a marvel really. I think I even squealed with delight when I found out Joker was the pilot. We were to meet XO and go for a tour of the ship. Operative Miranda Lawson the XO of this unnamed ship. She had blue eyes like steel and a body fit for a goddess and I was completely enamored of her. In three years I had not felt an inkling of desire until I saw her. Her Australian accent turned me to jelly on the inside. Despite her frosty exterior, I still desired her.

I had yet to see if my sister was truly alive. I hadn't seen her as of yet. Even if it wasn't true, I would still stay on and help. It irked me that our colonies in the Terminus systems were disappearing and the Alliance and Citadel council were doing nothing about it. I did not believe they weren't looking into it because they were human colonies. I was pretty sure I understood that they were not doing anything, because a war might start because of it. So I would stay. " You just want to stay because Lawson sets your panties on fire." Joker says teasingly. "One I wear boxer briefs and two I am staying because it is what Shea would do. I have my misgivings about them. If they are the ones stepping up to investigate these colony disappearances, then I will step up to aid as a Shepard. Our honor demands it." I say to him with conviction.

"Sure Chey and it doesn't hurt to have a hottie mchottie for an XO either." he says. I laugh. "No it doesn't. A bit of a distraction though. I don't think I've been so uncomfortably aroused since I was married." I reply. "Yeah I hear you, I'm starting to think we should invest in notebooks to hide the fact of arousal. You know like all the boys did in school." he said. " Which is another reason I was glad for homeschooling." we laugh again. My Omni tool pings. "Got to go. Doc wants to see me. See you later Joker." I say and leave the bridge. I enter the elevator and press the button for the med bay floor. I groan because despite the new ship the elevator is just as slow as the elevator on the Normandy.

Disembarking the elevator I head to my left and straight to med bay. "You wanted to see me Dr. Chakwas." I say. " I did. It's time for your physical. I'll drop the curtains and lock the door. You go get undressed." she says. I nod. I wait until the shutters are closed before I remove my pants and boxer briefs. She hands me a towel to cover my lower half for now. " Any of your old wounds bugging you?" I shake my head. More of the usual questions. "Alright. So now the last thing. Turn your head and cough." l do so. I remembered how uncomfortable I used to be when they had to check my prostate. Karin always made it easier. "You are in perfect health. Go ahead and get dressed again." I comply." I'm really glad you here. I hate explaining my extra part." I said to her. "I'm happy to be here too. I missed my girls." She says hugging me. "I missed you too Auntie Karin." I reply hugging back.

Shea

I got to say this ship is impressive. I'm a little uneasy about the AI, but it's a great ship. I named her the Normandy SR 2. I begin exploring the ship. On the crew quarters floor I speak to Miranda, Sgt. Gardner. I look at the med bay and see the blinds open. The two figures within the med bay look familiar. I get closer. "Cheyenne?" I ask out loud to myself. The door is green and I enter. I feel tears come to my eyes. "Cheyenne!" I race over to her and embrace her. " Hey big sis." I can feel her shoulders shudder with weeps. We squeeze each other tighter. "Ahem." A familiar British voice says. I grab her into the embrace. "Hi Auntie Karin." I say.

We agree to catch up more later once we are headed to Omega. My sister walks with me helping me tour the ship. " So I know it's been a long time. How are things?" I ask. One of the things I loved the most about Chey was her candor and acceptance of situations. " We mourned for you. Mom took an extended leave of absence from her ship. She cried so hard when we were standing vigil at your memorial site on Elysium. For weeks she would not let me out of her sight. Afraid to lose me like she lost father and you. When Ashley returned from her family she was so different. Quicker to anger and she started to drink more and even tried drugs. I had to bail her out of CSEC holding cells almost nightly. One night she drank too much and overdosed on drugs. She almost died Shea." She tells me. My heart is breaking so much more.

" I stayed with her for a year until she was stable again. I don't know where she is now but I have her Omni Tool address. If you want to get in contact with her." she tells me. I shake my head. "As much as I want to, I can't. I'm sure she's moved and I have a feeling this mission might be a bit suicidal. I can't put her through my death again. She deserves better." I reply. " My honest opinion is that you should tell her you've been resurrected. If she were to find out in any other way but you, she may lose it." She tells me.

"I'm working with Cerberus, how will she react to that. Badly. I won't hurt her again. I don't think we'll run into each other. She's in Alliance space and I'm in The Terminus systems. We won't see each other." I state. "Shea." she says in that tone that means she thinks I am being too stubborn. "No Chey. I won't hurt her like this again. Promise me you won't tell her. Your word Chey. As my sister I am begging you don't tell her anything." I plead. She sighs and groans. Then nods. "I give you my word. I won't tell her, even though I have a bad feeling this is going to bite us in the ass." I hug her ."Thank you. How about a slight change in conversation. You seeing any one now? " I ask.

"Not really. See there's a woman. I really like her and well you know how I was after Liana died. I had not the slightest desire for a relationship and zero sex drive." I nod. " Well I kind of stayed that way for the whole time you were gone. Then I got the letter from The Illusive Man as did Aunt Karin and we took an extended leave. Then I met this girl and it was like a flood gate of emotions were released. So now I am spending a lot more time trying to actually control my arousal." She explains. I arch an eyebrow. "And just who is this woman whom has you wanting to meow like a cat in heat?" I ask. Miranda approaches us and I see how my sister looks away. "No, no, no. Really it had to be TIM's top dog." I groan, and pinch the bridge of my nose. "This is bad Chey. You know how TIM will be he'll try to manipulate you into doing what he wants." I said to her. "I'm aware of that, but he isn't quite aware of the Shepard stubbornness, but he'll learn soon enough. I can't help what that woman does to me. You know that Shea better then anyone." She reminds me and it makes me think of Ash again. I missed her so much.

Miranda

I am not sure what the Shepard siblings were talking about, but they stopped when they saw me and Cheyenne looked away. So if I have to guess, I assume they were talking about me. "Shake it off." I order myself. It wouldn't be the first time people talked about me behind my back. I wondered what they were saying. I was not going to push the issue. Normally I didn't care if people talked about me behind my back, but for some reason it bugged me that Cheyenne was. I had noticed a small attraction for Cheyenne growing within me. That in itself was odd. In my whole life I had only ever once been attracted to a woman and after I had her, I lost all interest in females. Then this bloody woman walks onto the ship and I'm having erotic dreams about her nightly.

"Commander Shepard. We are docking with Omega station in 20. You need to decide on your shore party." I remind her. "Umm aren't you and Jacob the only ones assigned to leave the ship with me?" she asks. "No Lieutenant Commander Cheyenne Shepard has clearance too." I state. A part of me was hoping she'd take Either Jacob and Me or Jacob and Cheyenne. I was not totally sure I could focus if I had to go with Cheyenne. Her eyes widened with glee. This did not bode well for me. "Lt. Commander huh?" she asks Chey. "I was getting to that." she replies. "Alright L. C and Operative Lawson suit up." I involuntarily stiffen, but nod. As I am heading away I hear Cheyenne say " You are evil and diabolical Shea." Shepard giggles. "Let's call it just rewards for not telling me about your promotion first."

I did not expect that statement to sting so much. Another reason to further prove that emotions ruin things and make everything more complicated. This was also one of the reasons I adopted the ice queen attitude. So I wouldn't suffer the weaknesses feeling caused. It isn't like Cheyenne has been overly friendly to me, but she has never been rude or disrespecting either. In fact she has only said a handful of words to me. Usually when I was asking her questions about her skills and qualifications. Or when I was giving her an order and assignments.

Damn did it hurt when she was voicing her distaste to have to work with me. "Why do I fucking care so much!" I shouted to myself. I just needed to constantly remind myself that she is just a tool to be used. A means to an end. I was checking my pistol and SMG a little rougher then usual. Jacob did not fail to notice. "You ok there Miranda? You seem a bit pissed right now." He says. " I'm fine. I just really hate Omega. I always feel like I need a shower as well as decontamination when I return from there. The Commander has ordered me to go ground side." I lie but only partially. I refuse to let him see any sign of the soft side he claimed I had when we were having sex.

I had only propositioned we would use each other as a stress reliever. He was pretty good in bed, but once he started showing signs he wanted our arrangement to be more I shut him and our casual sex agreement down. "I am sure if you just spoke with Shepard she'd agree to let you stay on-board." he says. " Doubtful. Though I do need to see if Cheyenne is as skilled as her records state. She's been on desk duty for a year now. She may not be able to hack it for this type of mission." I state. On the inside I hope she isn't. Then I'd only have to deal with on the ship, which would make it easier to avoid her like I do everyone else. Shockingly a part of me didn't really like the prospect of her leaving either. I kept telling that part of my brain to shut up. It really wasn't listening. "Damn." I said to myself. Cheyenne made me feel like a hormone driven teen, and I bloody well hated it, yet craved it. "I am in so much trouble." I thought to myself.

Cheyenne

Gods above I pray I can keep it together, while I'm groundside with Miranda. She enters the airlock and I feel the uncomfortable tension in my heart as well as in my pants. "Focus!" I tell myself. "Ms. Lawson, don't you need armor. I have a spare set if you need it." I hesitantly say. She gives me an icy glare and I physically shiver. "No. This suit is protection enough. It doesn't hamper my Biotics with extra weight and it regenerates my shields within seconds after it goes down." she says. I meekly nod. "Why is it always so hard to speak to her. Why do I always say the wrong thing." I chide myself.

The first thing about Omega I hated was the smell a horrendous mix of garbage, blood, sweat and unwashed bodies. It was almost enough to make me gag. The second thing I hated about Omega was how it looked. Everything looked dirty and ugly. The next and last thing about Omega I hated was the people. Most were rude and in a predatory. Honest to God I hated Omega. Just walking through the place and I felt like I hadn't washed in a month. I am definitely going through decontamination twice, maybe three times when we get back on board.

I smiled at Miranda's comment. At least we have our hatred of Omega in common. "You are awfully silent back there sis. Care to share your thoughts of this place?" my sister asks. "I completely agree with Ms. Lawson. Only difference being I d go through decontamination twice maybe three times." I answer. She laughs. " I'm sure Omega has it's secret charms. I was thinking of renting a summer place here." She teases. I laugh again, and unless my ears deceive me Miranda let out a quiet chuckle. My heart ached to make her laugh

"Hey Lawson.. are you sure about that Zaeed guy. He seems a bit.." my sister tries to find the word. " An ass Shea. You spoke to him for two minutes and I could tell he was an ass." I supply for her. "If the Illusive man agreed then there has to be something he can bring to the table or else he would not have approved of the contract with him." she says coldly. "Ooh I know. Cannon fodder. He would make excellent cannon fodder." I say to the group. I could guess what Shea would say to Miranda's comment. It had the desired effect she busts out laughing more. Miranda, however, is not amused.

We go to the club called Afterlife to meet Aria T'Loak for information on Mordin Solus and Archangel. As Shea speaks to Aria I try to speak to Miranda. I don't really know what to say. "Ms. Lawson?" I begin. "What?" she says coldly. "About my comment on Zaeed. I m sorry if it seemed like I was being disrespectful to you and the organization that you represent. My sister is still very leery of Cerberus. I didn't want her to go on a tangent about the evils of Cerberus. I know you believe in the organization and I didn't want her to tear it down in front of you." I said. "Why do you care. I know you don't care for Cerberus either. So what does it matter." She says. Normally I would clam up now, but my intuition tells me not to.

"True. I do not care much for Cerberus. But I respect you.." I say. "You respect me? It sure didn't sound like it when you objected to coming down here with me in the group. I believe you called your sister evil and diabolical." she says to me heatedly. " You heard that?" I ask feeling like shit. "Yes." she says. I don't think she notices but I do. I notice the hurt. " I didn't mean it like that.. Miranda, I wasn't opposed to it for that.. " she glares at me. I feel an unpleasant shiver run through my body. I do not think this will go well. I sure as hell was not going to tell her she makes me all tingly. I would have to come up with something other then the complete truth.

Miranda

I glared at her. " What else could your reaction mean then?" I tersely reply. She takes a shaky breath. "Miranda, I respect and am in awe of you. From what I have seen of you, you are an amazing and talented woman. I admire your Biotics and your mind. You brought a charred shell that was my sister and made her whole and new again. You gave her life, and I admire you. So I get nervous and tongue tied around you. That's part of the reason why I was nervous to be groundside with you. Compared to you and Shea, I am not much. I was worried you would see I wasn't up to the task at hand and send me away." she replies.

My mind chooses to stick on her saying she admired me. Though it was commonplace for me to have admirers and it never seemed to matter before. When it comes to her it matters greatly. I wanted to reassure her in some way, but words failed me. She wasn't looking at me expectantly. For which I was grateful. I thanked God that Shea came back at that moment and told us we were going to go to the quarantine zone and look for Mordin Solus. I needed a distraction from my current distraction.

Cheyenne should not have worried so much of me not thinking her up to the task. She was a very capable soldier in the lower wards. She even tackled a Krogan that was charging at me. It was truly a sight behold how she stood toe to toe with a Krogan. Finally she took him down with a leg swipe and put a bullet in his head. During that calm I checked her for grievous injuries. Other then a broken nose, black eye, and busted lip she was fine. "I have to set your nose?" I informed her. She sat on the ground so I could reach her nose easier. Gripping the column behind her she nodded.

The audible crack had me cringe a bit. My fingers of their own volition moved a strand of hair from her face. I cleared my throat. "So I don't see any other injuries that need my attention. A bit of medigel and you'll be up and going again in no time." I dispensed the medigel and helped her up. She nodded at me and the fighting began again. A rocket launched at us and she dove and took me to the ground. Then immediately turned around and launched her own missiles. She was panting heavily once all the fighting stopped and we dispensed the cure through the vents.

When we returned to the clinic and acquired Mordin, he informed us that Cheyenne may have a broken rib or two and we should get her back to the ship to see to it. Without hesitation I offered to take her. Shepard agreed and said she would meet Cheyenne there when Mordin was settled. Preliminary scans said she had a couple crack on her ribs." And how did this happen?" Dr. Chakwas asks." Rocket knocked me into a pillar." she says nonchalantly. I remember the only time she hit a pillar was just before she tackled the Krogan. I berated myself for not checking her with a scan after her one on one fight.

Shea comes in." Hey Doc how is she?" she asks. "Cheyenne will be fine in three days. The wonders of medigel. Let's get you two scanned. Both of you are fine. I will be keeping Chey here for the night though." Dr. Chakwas informs us. We decide to let her rest. "Miranda. Thank you for helping my sister. You saved her life with that biotic barrier you put on her. I owe you." she tells me. "No you don't. I was glad to keep her safe." I reply. She arches an eyebrow. "Shit. I should not have said that. I just wasn't thinking. I was too glad that Cheyenne was going to be ok.

Shea

I feel slightly confused with Miranda's statement. I could have sworn I detected a bit of affection in her voice. I'm not sure how I felt about that. On one hand Miranda was pretty much blindly devoted to Cerberus and the Illusive Man. Could this be another ploy on their part to, I don't know join them or something. A ploy to retain my loyalty because she appears to care for Cheyenne. "I hate this paranoia." I tell myself. My instincts tell me not give up the paranoia, because in that moment is when they'll betray us. "I'll just keep an eye on the situation." I tell myself.

"Fair enough. Are you good to go back down?" I ask her. " I am good to go if you need me to." she replies. But her eyes look at med bay. "Tell you what. Keep an eye on my sister I'll take Jacob and Zaeed. Mordin is still settling in." I order. "Yes Commander." she replies. "Call me Shepard, no more of this Commander business." I tell her. She has at least earned that much of my respect. "Will do Shepard. I'm going to go get cleaned up and changed. Good luck groundside." she says and heads to the showers.

So groundside I learned two important things before we head to the bridge. One Zaeed is a bit of a powerhouse in a fight and very much an ass. The second thing I learn is to never doubt my sisters people reading skills. She is more adept at it then Kelly Chambers. So if some part of her likes Miranda then I have reason to believe she is not so bad. Perhaps I'll give her a bit more of a chance. After we recruit Archangel who I've learned is Garrus which if he makes it, I'll be glad. I head to med bay with them. "Where's Chey?" I ask. "Resting in Miranda's room. Needed bay cleared." Aunt Karin says hurriedly.

I go check on her briefly. She is sleeping on Miranda's bed. Miranda is going through reports " How is she. Any complications?" I ask. "No, she is comfortably resting. Archangel?" she asks. I shrug. " Don't know yet. Doc is working on him. Let me know if there are any changes with her please. I need to figure out with Jacob where to put Garrus if he survives." I stroke my sister's forehead. "I will Shepard." reluctantly I leave my sisters side.

"Honestly tell me how bad is it?" Garrus asks. "Hell Garrus you've always been ugly. Just slap some face paint on and you won't even notice." I reply he chuckles. "Damn it don't make me laugh. I'm barely holding it together." he replies. We get him set up in the main battery . I head up to the CIC. " Hey Kelly." she goes on to say how brave Garrus is and we agree he's been through a lot. " I just want to hold him close and whisper everything will be ok." I see an opening. " I've been through a lot to. I could probably use your kind of therapy." I feel slightly guilty for hitting on her. Especially since she'll never have my heart. It still belongs to Ashley. Maybe I should contact her and try and get closure on my part

Then again. Losing myself between Kelly's legs does sound rather appealing, I don't have to make things between us anything more then casual. I sigh at the thought of working off my tension with Kelly. Then again, I've never been good at casual sex. I always end up with feelings for the other person and want more then just sex. I look at Kelly again, she is pretty hot. Maybe one time couldn't hurt. Obviously I need to think about it more. With Ash, there was never thinking if I should, but more of couldn't do to regs, on her part. On mine it was more of not wanting to cause her pain, which I then ended up doing. I sigh with frustration. I feel some desire for Kelly but it seems mild compared to the inferno I had felt for Ash.