A/N: Because I forgot in my earlier chapters I no disclaim all rights on the Mass Effect franchise. Only my OC and this story are belonging to me.

Holy Jesus Christ! Keep your calm, Black, keep your calm, I tried to persuade myself with mediocre success, walking towards the main body of the crew. It took quite the effort for me to speak in that cold manner whilst shivering inside, looking into Shepard's crimson orbs. I did not even dare to turn around and check for her reaction after I passed her. Just walk, straight ahead, try not to stumble and make a fool out of yourself. And don't forget to breath… do I really have to remind myself to breath? Pull yourself together, my inner monologue ended with a mental facepalm. All the marines, who were talking in their respective groups, started to turn towards me one by one. Some gave me a greeting, some a measuring look, but most of them just kept their eyes fixed on me, following my every step.

Maybe the wonder why I am here? I was not really given time to think about it as the man with the probably best maintained haircut in the entire Mass Effect universe stepped in front of me, clearly blocking my way. He held his arms crossed before his chest, his eyebrows raisedin curiosity. After he finished his scan the man introduced himself.

"LT. Kaidan Alenko. I watched you talking to the Commander so I am quite intrigued to know who you might be?"

"Go to hell, you good looking bastard!" Is what I wanted to say but I suppose a formal answer would fit my purpose better.

"CAPT. Erik Black, FST (Field Strategy and Tactics). I am here on the Alliance's command to assist the Commander in her very endeavour to catch the rouge Spectre, Saren Arterius. By the way LT, it is not wise to state your infatuation with your superior officer to another one."

Eat that, Alenko. Thank you ME 1-knowledge for this moment.

An evil smirk graced my face as I witnessed Kaidan's face turn whiter and whiter with every blink of my eyes, confirming that I hit the bull's-eye.

"How… Wha… How… I… häh?"

Because I am not that cruel at heart I appeased my now fellow comrade.

"At ease LT. I don't intend to turn you in or something. It was just a little observation on my part and I was curious if I am right.Judging by your reaction, I apparently am."

Scratching the behind of his head, there was now an expression of slight embarrassment and relief on his face.

"Well, thanks. I guess. Oh, and welcome aboard the Normandy, Captain."

Before I could respond another crew member made her entrance.

"What are you getting all fidgety around the greenhorn, Alenko?"

Really? I am on the Citadel for what, about an hour? And my authority got questioned three times already. How shall I help Shepard save the universe when everyone thinks that I am some kind of pushover coming straight out of the Alliance's office? Well, to be fair I am straight from the offices but I already commanded several black ops missions, all successful if I may add. So I am not that wet behind my ears but apparently I give that kind of impression. Seems like I have to do something to change that.

Sighing I made my move towards the pile of crates near the cargo hold, ignoring Ashley's dismay about me, well, ignoring her. Kaidan was desperately trying to give her a hint to cut it out already by moving his hand rapidly under his chin. It took little to no effort to climb the crates and I was currently standing on top of them, viewing the entire docking area. My action did not go unnoticed by the crew which served my purpose but to make sure I coughed some times to further gain their attention. As I watched how the members of the Normandy pooled before the little mountain of supply-boxes I raised my voice.

Better get this over with. Fast.

"Hallo. It might have come to your attention that there will be another commanding officer joining the crew today. Well, this commanding officer is me. My name is Erik Black and I am a Captain from the FST. And before any weird rumours start, no, this is no joke, yeah, I am that young, no, I am not some pencil pusher straight out of the office and I know what I have gotten myself into. I will try my best to contribute to this mission. Shepard and I will make sure that this whole ordeal will become a success. If you have any further question I will be on board the ship for the rest of this intergalactic chase after Saren. I am looking forward to work with you. Thanks for the attention."

Before I descended from my vantage point again, I could discern the people from the ground team among all the other members. Kaiden was standing besides Ashley, who had her mouth agape. Wrex was leaning against the railing, seemingly uninterested in this whole gathering and fumbling with his Claymore. Although he looked up from his weapon as I was looking his way, exchanging a short glare. His eyes are almost as scary as Shepard's. Trying to depress a shiver I noticed the gaze of Garrus and Tali, who was standing about a meter away from him. As far as I could see, there was no hostility or disbelieve in Garrus's look. Concerning Tali, … I was not so sure but who can tell when the only thing shining through that mask are two blue circles. As I closed in on the edge of the box I was currently standing on I could descry the first human Spectre in all her glory. Shepard positioned herself at the rear end of the crowd, her arms still crossed underneath her breasts. Her face betrayed an expression of annoyance mixed with agitation.

What? How else should I have introduced myself?

Not minding my steps I was pretty surprised as my left foot did not meet with solid ground but air. In a knee-jerk reaction I shielded my face with my arms and braced myself for impact. Mysteriously, after some seconds, I did not feel any pain that would usually accompany me hitting the ground. Therefore I hesitantly decided to open my eyes only to watch how I was being levitated whilst a blue aura was enveloping me. I was slowly put down, back on my own two feet. As I surveyed my surroundings to figure out who helped me, Kaidan stepped up in front of me, indirectly answering my question.

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah. Thanks for the save and sparing me the embarrassment after my awesome speech?"

"Well, I wouldn't say it was awesome…"

"Good?"

Kaidan still gestured me with his hand to lower my expectations.

"Average?"

"That sounds about right."

His cheesy grin was plastered all over his face, telling me that he was getting back at me for my comment about his infatuation with the Commander. "Goddamn you, Kaidan!"

The human circle which was formed around us by the crew was quickly dissipated as Shepard herself barked some order about getting back to work.

"Don't you have something to get back to, LT.? The Captain and I have to discuss some important matters concerning the mission."

"Of course ma'am. At once."

Kaidan saluted both of us before he turned around and made his way back to Ashley who was gifting me with a sceptical look. Freeing my gaze from Ashley's, it was instantly bound again by Shepard's deep red eyes.

"I don't think it is a good idea to speak here, out in the open. It would be wiser to hold this discussion in private. Meet me in my quarters after you have settled down. Pressly is going to show you where you are going to stay, Captain."

Shepard did not miss the opportunity to spice her last words with some venom, clearly giving me to understand that I am somewhat unwanted.

Sorry "sweetheart" but you got to stick with me because I have no intention to let Saren or, even worse, the Reapers win. And after what I gathered so far it is going to be a fun ride. Renegade Shepard for the win. …I really should cut back on the sarcasm.

After I watched her elegant form retreat back inside the Normandy I picked up my duffle bag and followed suit. True to her word Pressly was already awaiting me with a data-pad in his hands and greeting me with a salute.

"Captain, I am the XO of this ship, Charles Pressly. It is nice to have another human on board this ship. God knows there are already too much aliens here."

Really? Leave it to Pressly or Ash, for all that matters, to make no secret out of their xenophobic attitude.

"Don't be such a prick, Pressly or you are going to scare our new Captain away. My name is Jeff Moreau by the way but everyone calls me Joker."

"I can imagine where this name comes from."

I headed towards the helm and greeted the pilot of this ship.

"Erik Black. Nice to meet you."

Again feigning ignorance I extended my arm for a handshake.

"Sorry Captain, but no can do. I would break all the bones in my hand."

"Do you have something like Vrolik Syndrom?"

"Precisely, but don't concern yourself with my disease. It won't hinder my performance in any way. I am the best pilot the Alliance has to offer after all."

"I am sure of that. Well I have to go. Pressly seems kind of pissed."

"Alright. See you around."

After my little get together with Joker I made my way back to Pressly.

"Well, I was told that you are going to show me to my quarters, if I am correct?"

"Of course. This way please."

He appeared annoyed at Joker's little interjection to some extend but he was still keeping his cool and led me towards the elevator. To my unexpected surprise the room where Miranda had her office in ME 2 was assigned to me. Pressley and I exchanged our goodbyes and I entered my new room. It was not as big as it was on the Normandy SR2 but it served its purpose. A workplace with a holo-computer on top of it was situated at the left hand side of the room, the bed was in the far end of it and a locker was positioned on the right side, near the bed. Otherwise the room was completely blank. After about ten minutes I finished unpacking and I let myself drop on top of the bed, closing my eyes and gathering my thoughts. Staring into the nothingness of my room I was suddenly interrupted by Joker as he conveyed a message from Shepard to me via the intercom.

"Ähm , Captain, I don't want to hurry you but the Commander sounds really pissed. Something about you taking your sweet time and letting her wait."

"What? Can't she wait for just fifteen minutes…"

"Captain you boarded about an hour ago."

Jeff deadpanned over the speakers.

"Ooooh. I am fucked, right?"

"Dead would be more accurate."

A chuckle could be heard before Joker got half-way serious again.

"You may have a chance of survival if you make a dash for her quarters."

"Thanks. Tell her that I am on my way."

Shepard's POV

Cassandra was currently pacing in a circle, silently muttering curses about her new "advisor".

"What the fuck are they thinking? I cannot chase after Saren while I have to watch this guy's hide. He doesn't even look like he ever held a weapon in his entire life. The whole mission could be jeopardized by him and all this because some colonists died. Shit. What do a hundred lives mean when you can safe millions?" Still stomping up and down her room, Cass stopped in her tracks after the telltale crackle of the intercom announced a message for her.

"Commander?"

"Yes, Joker. What is it?"

"Black is on the way."

"About damn time. He has kept me waiting long enough. Anything else?"

"No, that was everything, ma'am."

"Good. And Joker…"

"Yeah?"

"No eavesdropping on this conversation or Dr. Chakwas has to solve a puzzle of broken bones later on."

Joker swallowed hard before he responded in a timid fashion.

"Aye aye, Commander."

Shortly after this conversation finished, the door to Shepard's quarters opened with the telltale "swoosh"-sound and Capt. Black entered the room.

"Close the room off. We don't want to be interrupted."

He stood still for a moment before he turned around and keyed in the command to lock the door, whose holo-panel now was a deep red instead of the bright green. Black moved into the living room area where Cassandra was waiting for him. Shepard did not miss how his eyes surveyed her room as if it was some kind of special place.

"Are you finished with the sightseeing? It is just a room, nothing special about it."

"Häh…?"

Cass did not know what it was exactly, but what she knew is that this guy in front of her has something that makes her agitated just by looking at him.

"Oh, sorry for that and also for making you wait. I guess you wanted to talk about the mission. What options do we have?"

Putting her hands on either side of her hips she let out a deep sigh before she started to explain her further plans.

"We have currently two primary leads. One directs us towards the Artemis Tau Cluster. Dr. Liara T'Soni should be there leading a team at a prothean excavation sight. Furthermore she is the daughter of the matriarch Benezia, who is in collaboration with Saren. And this is our second lead which guides us towards Noveria. Reports state that she was heading towards this overgrown snowball. In my opinion we should fly to Noveria and capture her before she could execute any plan she and Saren have intended to."

Black took the freedom and sat himself on the couch, crossing his leg, in a fashion that the ankle of one foot is rested on the knee of the other leg, which is still in contact with the floor. Rubbing his chin with one hand while the other supported this arm at its elbow, Black was apparently in deep thought.

Cass wanted to continue but she got interrupted.

"Both are sound options, but I think looking for Dr. T'Soni would be the better choice. We currently know nothing about Benezia. If we charge in blind we might suffer a defeat we cannot recover from. Therefore it would be the better idea to locate her daughter and gather as much information about the matriarch before we could formulate a plan to face her. Maybe she could even persuade her mother to leave Saren and his cause."

"If we do this it might be too late. Now is the time to take action and confront the matriarch. Dr. T'Soni could be classified as an asset for information about the reapers. It wouldn't help us with stopping Saren to search for her, but catching Benezia, yes this would hurt him."

Black nodded.

"I understand your reasoning Commander, but just out of curiosity, have you ever read the book "the art of war"?"

Cassandra started to boil inside.

"I don't have time to debate with you about books! There is a rouge Spectre out there trying to end all organic life and I have to put an end to that."

Her voice was saturated with agitation and her anger kept rising while Black was still looking at her with his calm green-blue eyes.

"I take that as a no."

Shepard could not believe it. Is he for real? Does he think this is some kind of game? At this time Cassandra did not know how close to the truth she got with this thought but before she could take her inner rant any further, the man in front of her started to talk again.

"Look Commander, there are two things I want to apply from this book to our current situation. One is that if you don't know your enemy but yourself the outcome would be an even win-loss ratio. In my books 50% are not enough for me to bet the lives of my comrades on this mission. Therefore we need Liara. If we can get all the information we need the outcome can be altered in our favour since if you know your enemy and yourself you don't have to fear the result of a hundred battles. Furthermore we get another bonus through Liara, specified in the following statement: 'Hence to fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence. Supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.' As it appears you are a practitioner of the former and I of the later. With Liara's help we could win Benezia over without fighting and thereby minimizing the risk for our ground team."

Shepard was grinding her teeth, her temper fuming but her reason as a commanding officer kept these emotions at a tolerable amount.

I cannot even say something against this. Fuck this book! Fuck him!

Black was still sitting on the couch, with the only difference being that his hand are now rested in his lap. His gaze was still fixed on the blond, red eyed female in front of him, waiting for her response. It cost quite the effort for Shepard to press the following words out of her mouth.

"Fine, we do it your way, but if we miss the opportunity to catch Benezia I am going to personally make your life a nightmare. Am I understood?"

"Loud and clear, Commander. I am going to excuse myself know and tell Joker to take course towards the Artemis Tau Cluster."

He rose from the couch and gifted Shepard a satisfied smirk. Cass had to strain her willpower not to punch him in the face right here right now. Before he left, Black turned around again.

"I forwarded my dossier and all my mission reports to your omni-tool, since I know who I am working with, it is only fair to you to get some information about me."

After that Shepard headed towards her desk, opened the topmost drawer and revealed a good aged Bourbon and a heavy crystalline glass which she took back towards her bed. After she reached her bed she poured herself a glass of the amber liquid, stared at if for a moment before she downed it in one gulp. Activating her omni-tool and scrolling through Black's dossier Cass repeated the process of pouring her some alcohol a couple of times before she felt dizzy and laid down to get some much needed sleep.

Hahaha! They sent me a fucking miracle worker. Well, let's see if you can work your magic this time, Black.

Cassandra's tired thoughts got put to rest after the warmth from the liquor coursed through her veins and induced a dreamless sleep.

A/N: I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and I will welcome you again next week.

Cya, Versastyles