Skyllian Blitz I
2176 – Vetus System/Elysium
War is hell. All types of it. The ones who have made the sacrificial commitment to their fellow man, the burning drive to stop evil-doers, those who are willing to go fight these battles are distinguished with the honor of being a veteran. Should one these veterans save the day through miraculous feats of valor and bravery, they may be applauded as a "War Hero" …and if they were so unlucky that everyone around them died, and while against all odds they alone emerged victorious over the enemy, may be deemed a "Sole Survivor"…but sometimes, when sacrificing a few is necessary to save a great many, the veteran becomes infamously "Ruthless".
We had a funeral service for Lieutenant Fierro, Miller, and the others. Placards with their name and rank, were attached to the hull of the ship, aft of the combat information center, for their sacrifice to never be forgotten by the crew—so long as this ship serves, their souls will forever be a part of it. My failure to get Miller in and out alive was a bitter introduction to leadership of combat Marines. I can't say the first was the worst, but it was not a reality that was easy to accept either.
Myself, Reznikov, Santos, Noor, Excelsior, and Maslow were awarded The Golden Star of Valor, for beating the odds, displaying exceptional gallantry and bravery, and advancing humanity's interests abroad. Feeling particularly badass for a successful mission, despite losing a Marine, I decided to see how far I could push my luck. I sent in an application to N-School, though I didn't expect to get in, not anytime soon at least, since most people typically wait 3-7 years before getting invited to The Villa—assuming they qualify in the first place.
Aboard the Tripoli, we were something like heroes, because it is not every day that someone stumbles across Prothean ruins, no matter what their race. In case you've been living under a rock, and have no idea what I'm talking about—what makes Prothean ruins so special, is that they were a hyper-advanced race of aliens, who suddenly went extinct 50,000 years ago, and the discovery of their remnant technology has allowed for great leaps in advancement for any species who comes across them.
It was the result of finding a Prothean ruin on Mars that enabled us humans to enter galactic space-flight. Consequentially, once a species is accepted into the sphere of influence within the Citadel, it is a high crime, with the most serious consequences, to hide these coveted discoveries. It goes without saying that the discoveries often take a while to be reported to Citadel authorities, this is to ensure a slight advantage over the others when the technology is shared.
After the Alliance stationed themselves on Elpis and our presence was no longer necessary to protect the ruins, the Tripoli reported back to home port at Arcturus Station, where Admiral Dawson of the Fourth Fleet personally awarded the Tripoli's entire crew with a coveted Distinguished Unit Citation—or the DUC (Duck award), is typically given when the assistance of the entire unit is necessary to provide sufficient support to defeat an enemy, and as a result of the victory, the balance was tipped in favor of the Alliance in some significant way.
I even received a vidcom call from my mother, congratulating me on a job well-done and making her proud, I guess news had spread quickly about our lucky discovery. Anyway, we were all proud of ourselves, and as a special pat on the back, err, 'commendation' for our going 'above and beyond the call of duty' with the successful operation on Elpis, the six of us were given two weeks of shore leave with a free pass to stay at an Alliance sponsored resort on Elysium, a tropical planet in the Skyllian Verge—it was one of humanity's first, and most popular colonies.
I was looking forward to some shore leave, it had been three years since I had taken a real vacation. I was looking for some good entertainment, booze, and R&R. The shore-leave I had taken in the previous years were more along the line of stay-cations, limited to the colonies we were defending, and unfortunately they were so unstable, it seemed more like doing a security tour than a vacation.
Gunnery Chief Maslow was still recovering from his injuries, so he intended to wait to use his leave, and he was having a lot of grief over losing his entire squad, including the Lt., so he was probably not even cleared by psych anyway. Service Chief Noor also wanted to wait to cash in his leave, since his girlfriend was also in the Alliance they wanted to line their leave time up so that they might go to Elysium together. So it was the four of us from my squad, and we all left together on an Alliance shuttle, to the relay station where we caught a civilian transport to Elysium.
"So Shepard, ever been to Elysium?" Reznikov asked me.
"Nope, never. Heard about it being a hot-spot for tourism, but can't say I've ever been." I replied, lifting my head up from an article I was reading on a datapad, "Have you?"
"Actually, when my parents were stationed on the Second Fleet's Harlowe Station, orbiting Sidon. I can remember my parents taking vacations to Elysium pretty often—though I was just a small child." Reznikov recalled, "It is actually a very beautiful place, and there's a lot of bustle. My parents hated having to leave, and spoke fondly of this post, even though Sidon was pretty awful."
"If its half of what they promote it as, I know we're going to have a good time." I sheepishly smiled, knowing that finding a bar is at the top of my agenda.
There was just something about that tradition of experiencing the coming-of-age drinking party that I missed out on during my tours on Alliance ships, and wanted to make up for on this shore leave.
"Shepard, with you, I am sure it will be unforgettable!" Reznikov laughed.
I shot a hairy eyeball, "What are you getting at, Reznikov? Are you calling me a trouble-maker?"
"No. Never…" She said stoically, trying to hold back her laugh, but only for a moment before it burst out.
"I'm not sure I believe you." I mused, a smile tugging at the corner of my lips.
When we landed at the docking bay of the station orbiting Elysium, we were interrogated and screened thoroughly. The security was very tight on this colony, which probably contributed to its attractiveness to settlers and tourists alike, nobody could even enter the atmosphere without undergoing clearances.
Once we were given go-ahead to proceed, we caught another transport to the surface. Upon breaking through the clouds, it was clear that away from the towering city buildings, this was a tropical planet with lush forests, and vast oceans. It reminded me of vids I had seen of Earth in school—this also added to the desirability of this colony. Its founder, Jon Grissom, was looking for a home away from home to retire, and so he found it.
From the spaceport, we caught a taxi to the Newton Resort where we had reservations. There were shops, a massive hotel, and so many amenities it would have taken the entirety of two weeks to see them all. The entire resort was an exemplification of luxury, the façade complete with a waterfall, magnificently rising up behind it, and a massive lake beside it, and nestled right outside the city.
Watching out the window, Excelsior marveled, "It looks like the Alliance was really impressed with our work, for them to go out of their way in sending us to this place!"
Realistically I wanted to abstain from romanticizing the Alliance's intentions. "We really kicked some ass back there…but I think this had more to do with what we found, than what we did."
"Well whatever it was, I'm not complaining. This is amazing!" Reznikov gleamed, grinning from ear to ear. "Shepard, just imagine the beds. I bet they're extra soft, unlike the bunks that have been breaking my back for the last 4 years." She sighed. "Long showers, and even bath tubs…. I'll never want to leave, I just know it."
"Whoa, slow down there. We've got to see what this place has to offer, before we even think about the relaxing part!" Santos interrupted, the idea of relaxation was enticing, but having a little fun to unwind suited him better.
"Alright, alright, Marines. Let's get our rooms squared away, and then you can decide on your plans." I barked, needlessly taking charge of the conversation to stifle any chaos—this was an unforeseen consequence of going on leave with my squad.
When we arrived at the Newton Resort, Anke stopped me, "I have heard about a strip close to here, called the Nye Quarter, and from what I understand there's a lot to do. I'd be willing to check it out with you, after we get settled, if you want?"
I knew that she wouldn't miss an opportunity to have a good time, "Sounds like a plan!" I affirmed, "Meet me at my room when you're ready, and we'll light up the town."
We checked in and got our rooms easily enough, they were beside one another, which was convenient. I took a quick shower, but made a promise to the whirlpool in my room, that I would get to know her more intimately before I leave here. I applied some light makeup, and dressed in form-fitting black slacks, a green blouse that accented my emerald-colored eyes, and I let my long auburn hair down out of my tight military-style bun. When the situation calls for it, I will wear a little cocktail dress, but I wasn't looking for a piece of ass, I just wanted to let loose and have a little fun.
So now you know what I looked like back then. I was standing in front of the mirror making sure my outfit was presentable when I heard a knock at the door.
"You ready to party, Shepard?" Reznikov beamed. She was slightly shorter than me, with long blonde hair and sapphire eyes. The black jeans and blue tank-top she was wearing, revealed that she had the same idea as me, and the top priority was getting drunk enough to forget about the last three years of colony sercurity and mercenary encounters.
"I was born ready! Let's do this!" I exclaimed, and we headed down toward the town. The resort was luxurious, and nicer than anything my mother had taken me to on colony visits. Not to mention, traipsing around with my best friend, was completely different than taking leave with my mother, for obvious reasons.
I sent Excelsior and Santos a message, letting them know we would be headed for the Nye strip if they wanted to find us. I had been craving a steak for about a year and a half—there are some things that once you get a craving for that cannot be satisfied, and become almost an obsession. I had been limited to space-faring rations, and unfortunately that does not include thick slabs of beef.
The strip wasn't far from the resort, just a short cab ride away, and we asked the driver, since he was more familiar with the area, to take us to the best steak-house. We didn't wait long for the other two to join us, and with an uncounted amount of beer, we carnivorously devoured our meals. Once we were adequately buzzed, and our appetites sated, we decided to explore the other attractions nearby.
There were plenty of nightclubs and dive bars to choose from, and the thing that piqued our interest was an adult arcade. We decided to engage in a drinking game, where we would play the Shooter for Shots. My virtual weapon of choice was the shotgun, if there was one weapon I had mastered with the Alliance Marines it was the shotgun, and of course Reznikov chose the sniper rifle. We agreed on the Rachni mission, to see who could obtain the most points in 90 seconds, without getting killed. For each mission lost, the acquiescing loser had to down either a glass of Titan beer or a shot of Noverian rum— both of which were designed to temporarily bind to DNA, which produced superior intoxication, without risk of hangover or alcohol poisoning.
Despite my best efforts, Reznikov was beating me 5:2, and with my bearings being rapidly eroded by the alcohol, she was sure to maintain her lead. I decided it was time to pull out the big guns, and so I changed the rules, the winner of the next round would have to drink a double.
Sure enough, the round was tied, putting the score up 6:3. "Dammit Reznikov, how am I supposed to get you drunk, when you keep kicking my ass like that?" I bellowed poking her in the arm.
"I must admit, I expected better from you, Shepard." She laughed, returning a sharp poke to my arm.
"My weapon was glitching, it was clearly rigged against me." I retorted jokingly, unwilling to admit defeat.
Behind us, Santos and Excelsior were playing a game of billiards. We watched them knock the balls about, for a couple minutes before growing entirely bored. As my mind began to wander, I noticed a nightclub across the street with a live band; the rhythm of the bass line in the music was barely audible, but loud enough to draw me in. "Hey Reznikov, let's check out the band?" I asked.
She shrugged "Ok, sure."
"We will be across the street watching the band, if one of you finally wins this game, and you want to join us." I mused.
They acknowledged us with a thumbs up, and Excelsior said, "Don't wait on us." indicating they were probably going to be there a while.
We walked across the street to the danky bar, and to my surprise, there were several smokers toking on their preferential substances. I closed my eyes and inhaled, allowing the sweet aromas to fill my lungs—smoking was strictly prohibited aboard Alliance spacecraft, so the few times I had experienced the pleasure of this type of intoxication, was limited to colonies like this.
Already heavily inebriated, I headed straight for the dance floor, Reznikov split up with me and took a seat at a table, where she ordered another drink and sat back to watch me entertain myself. I gestured that she should join me, and she waved back in refusal that she wasn't interested in dancing.
Feeling somewhat disappointed, but too drunk to really care, I danced alone among the other patrons to the electronic groove. My hips were swaying, arms and legs, neck and shoulders, all of my body, moving to a rhythm that was not planned or coordinated, but decided upon by the music itself—I had never been formally trained to dance, so it was really just a volition that I had little control over.
After a few songs, my throat was getting dry, and so I went to get a drink. Sitting at the bar was a middle-aged gentleman, wearing an expensive suit, with a fat brown cigar in hand, and he watched as I approached, and leaned over to speak with me when I arrived at the bar, "Nice moves back there. Can I offer you a drink?" He asked, presumably unaware that it is creepy to just sit and watch a stranger—but maybe he was just that bold.
"You liked that, huh?" I smirked, at his attempt at flattery.
"So, what are you drinking?" he insisted.
"Beer. But my friend needs one too." I said, pointing back to Reznikov, who was watching me from the table.
"Oh, are the two of you together?" He asked, the implication laden in his voice.
I winced, and looked at him sideways, "Obviously."
"Then allow me to show my appreciation to you and your partner. It was a pleasure watching you enjoy the music." He offered, charmingly.
"If that's what you want to do. Thanks, I guess." I replied, suspecting it would be rude to refuse his offer.
He accompanied me back to the table, Reznikov seemed surprised that I had brought him along, but smiled graciously and introduced herself. "Hello sir, I'm Reznikov, Alliance Marines. And who might you be?"
He exhaled a cloud of smoke, "It's a pleasure miss. Just call me Jack." He didn't wait for an invitation before taking a seat, "So you two are with the Alliance?"
"Yep, we were just enjoying a little shore leave at this great establishment." Reznikov answered.
"Sure is a great place!" I injected, raising my bottle to cheer with my comrade.
"So, what brings you here, Jack?" Reznikov asked, after clanking my beer with hers.
"I'm here on Elysium for business. I always come to this strip when I'm here, just to see the latest and greatest that humanity is offering. I never leave unimpressed, and that continues to hold true thanks to meeting you lovely ladies tonight." He explained, and I couldn't tell if it was just flattery or smarminess, but he seemed experienced in this type of approach, nonetheless.
"There are definitely some amazing things to see and do. My favorite so far is watching Shepard trying to dance… Well, it tops my list of interesting things, anyhow." Reznikov laughed. She had no room to of course; at least I was brave enough to be up there dancing. I shot a mocking glare at her, and took a swig of my beer.
He smiled at me with an uncertain look, "Shepard, huh?" Then turned his attention back to my friend, "Of course, I too couldn't help but to admire her graceful talent. I hope you didn't mind." Jack admitted.
"Mind? Why would I mind? Shepard likes to live fast and loose, and she's my best friend, whatever makes her happy is alright with me… Too bad for you though, if you happened to be a slutty bartender, she probably wouldn't mind looking at you either." She explained, with an overly-dramatized wink.
She was running interference like a true friend would when an unwelcome suitor came to call. Her words really tugged at my heart strings, Reznikov was truly my best friend, and she had come to know me over the years like nobody else…I suppose I considered her the sister I never had.
"Sounds to me that Shepard likes to have a good time, but what about you, Anke, do you like to have a good time?" He asked, leaning forward in his chair, sipping an amber-colored liquor from a rocks glass.
"I'm here, aren't I?" She astutely answered.
Whatever he was trying to offer, she wasn't buying it. That was just Reznikov though, she hadn't ever really shown any interest in dating, or casual sex, or anything along those lines. She dedicated her life to the Alliance—but, I can't claim to be any different, even having a little fun on the side, I never committed myself to anything serious that would distract me from my duties—that is, of course until later.
He smiled and finished off his drink, "Well ladies, it is getting rather late, so I will leave you to enjoy each other's company. If you're still around tomorrow, I encourage you to catch the show at Freedom Theatre over in Illyria. The performance is about the First Contact War, it has sold out, but since you're with the Alliance, I'm sure they'll find a way to let you in, and it will be right up your alley, being Marines and all." He stood from his chair and bowed his head, "Ladies, it has been a pleasure. Until we meet again, good night."
Reznikov looked over to me, "You're like a magnet, Shepard. Has anyone ever told you that?" she laughed.
"What can I say? When you've got moves like mine, people can't help but watch." I shrugged with a crooked smile.
She let out a guttural laugh in response to my boisterousness, "Oh, you're so full of it!"
It was indeed quite late, and the band had stopped playing, so when we finished our beers, we decided it was time to take our little party back to the hotel. Reznikov sent Santos and Excelsior a message to inform them of our plans, and they indicated that they would be joining us a little later, because Santos had lost a lot of credits to Chief Excelsior in the Newton casino, and he wanted to try to win them back.
Upon arriving back at the hotel, at Reznikov's insistence, we purchased a bottle of Noverian rum from the lounge, and headed up to my room to enjoy a splash in the whirlpool.
I stripped down to my bra and panties, figuring that Reznikov wouldn't mind seeing me in my skivvies, since we had to use the communal shower together aboard the Tripoli. But when I emerged from the restroom in my underwear I saw Reznikov completely naked and already in the tub.
"So that's the kind of party we're having?" I chuckled with an arched eyebrow.
Reluctantly, she opened her eyes and looked over to me, "Is there some other way to enjoy a whirlpool? Unless…that is…I'm making you uncomfortable, Shepard?" Reznikov teased wriggling her eyebrows as she took a sip from her tall glass of rum.
"Well, now that you mention it. No, I don't think there is any other way to enjoy a whirlpool." I grinned and removed the remainder of my clothing, and walked across the room naked to fill my own glass with rum.
I lowered my feet and slowly the rest of my body slid into the hot tub. The steamy water penetrated every taut muscle I had, and a deep unconscious moan escaped my lips when I felt the years of brutality I had subjected my body to with the Marines, melting away. I leaned back against a water jet that was pulsating against my back, and closed my eyes. I drifted away in my mind, while the relaxation washed over me, and was completely tuned out to everything, allowing the sensation to consume me. I think it may have been better than some of the sex I've had—just throwing that out there.
"This is nice." I muttered, pulling the cold glass of rum to my lips.
The next thing I knew, there was a buzz at the door, followed by "Hey are you guys still awake?"
Reznikov let a sigh, "Someone should let them in."
"Yeah. I guess someone should." I replied, neither of us wanting to remove ourselves from the serenity of the tub in order to do so.
"How about whoever comes up first from holding their breath underwater has to do it?" She suggested.
"Alright, deal." I said, squeezing my fingers over my nose to avoid the water from burning my sinuses.
We nodded at each other, and plunged into the hot water. Swimming was never my strong suit, but Reznikov had been beating me at everything this evening, so I was determined to be victorious, even when the oxygen in my lungs was burning in my chest and throat, begging for replenishment. I was ready to give up when I heard Reznikov splash up gasping for air, and I immediately followed. "Ha! I win this one!" I gasped, eliciting a disappointed glare from Reznikov.
She got out of the tub, and wrapped her lower-half in a towel to answer the door. Maslow and Santos entered and smirked at the seeing Reznikov barely wearing anything, but she didn't linger for them to stare, instead she turned to prepared herself another glass of rum.
Santos turned to Excelsior, "Looks like they got started without us."
Reznikov glanced over to them, before returning her attention to making a drink, "You're welcome to join us." she offered then returned to the tub, removing her towel with one quick gesture and laying it off to the side.
"You don't have to ask me twice." Santos said, as he quickly began disrobing, his grin scantily hidden behind eagerness.
Excelsior shook his head at the Private's unabashed response to the invitation, and walked to the wet bar to investigate the alcohol situation, "I think I'll pass. Not sure how I would explain to my wife that I spent shore leave in a hot tub naked with two women and another man."
"That's your loss, Chief." Santos mused, as he pushed the last article of clothing down his legs, and headed for the tub.
The young Marine let a deep sigh, as his body adjusted to the water therapy that was washing over him. "Chief, you're really missing out on something amazing."
Excelsior rolled his eyes and smiled while he prepared himself a drink.
"I didn't know you were married, Excelsior." I injected. There were only about 40 crewmen aboard the Tripoli, but it still made a difficult task getting to know each one personally.
"Yep, for a little over a year. We dated about four though. She's Alliance too, stationed aboard the Agincourt. They actually patrol in this system, and I would have much rather taken this leave with her, but we've been here a few times already. Hopefully though, she is going to try to catch a transport and see me for a few hours before we have to head out." He answered.
"Sounds like you've got some plans, Chief." Santos snickered.
"All I'm saying is, the 'do not disturb' sign will be posted on my door." Excelsior said, taking a seat on a bar stool.
"Get some Chief!" Santos shouted, holding his glass in the air for a cheer, and took a gulp.
"Marriage isn't for me. I mean, maybe one day, but for now I just want to Captain Kirk my way across the galaxy" I said without any uncertainty.
"If that's what you're doing, Gunny…ever been with a hanar?" Santos asked, beaming with curiosity and/or pride.
"Oh for fucks sake, was that really necessary? Now I feel dirty for sharing a tub with you." Reznikov spat, emerging from her relaxed-trance.
"Don't knock it until you try it, Reznikov." I added, and shot an accepting smiling at Santos. Just to be clear, I hadn't gotten that notch on my belt yet, but there is no telling what a night of Ryncol and an inter-species brothel might lead to.
"Thanks Shepard. Now I feel absolutely disgusting." Reznikov grimaced, but it must not have bothered her too much, because she closed her eyes again to enjoy the high-pressure jets penetrating deep into her back muscles.
"That's what being young in the Alliance is all about. Before my wife and I got together, I had my fill on what the galaxy is offering young Marines during shore leave. But I have to admit Santos, I definitely passed up on the Hanar's Fornication Emporium, and don't regret it a bit." Chief Excelsior offered.
"What can I say? You just keep missing out, Chief." Santos laughed.
Excelsior rolled his eyes, "What about you, Reznikov. We now know that Shepard and Santos are a couple of freaks. Anyone waiting on you somewhere?" he asked.
"Nope, I'm married to the Corps, and she's a spiteful, jealous, bitch." Reznikov avowed, taking another swallow from her sweating glass of cold liquor.
"Ain't that the truth." I added. I didn't understand how some Marines could anchor themselves to a partner, always separated, never far from imminent danger, uncertain if the last time you see them is truly the last… It was better to just accept that romance is an afterthought to service.