Chapter 12: The Hunter Meets The Shepards
"I'd like to have a word with you, Reiko." Shepard announced in a rather agitated tone as he approached his wife, Kasumi and Jack. "That's not the dress you showed me earlier." he added irritably as he motioned towards his daughter who was currently laughing with a group of her friends in the center of the massive bash that was raging. The Shepards had spared no expense in celebrating their eldest daughter's eighteenth birthday as evidenced by the huge celebration that was currently taking place. Both of Allie's parents felt that the year of planning had been well worth it after seeing her face once she arrived. The largest skyscraper in the city had been reserved for the event and several high profile bands had been booked. The guests included their family, friends and several of Shepard's old acquaintances. The Alliance had also provided some rather stringent security measures as well as enough personnel to protect several heads of state. But as there were in fact several heads of state present and at least two admirals, that was to be expected. But at the moment, Shepard's only concern was what his daughter was currently wearing. The young woman was dressed in a backless, cream colored sundress that had a neckline that was far too low for his liking.
"Relax, Shep. That's the one we all agreed she looked the best in and just look at how happy she is." Kasumi replied while grinning in Allie's direction.
"Damn it, Kasumi you three hustled me. Just admit it." Shepard remarked with a note of annoyance as he too glanced in Allie's direction.
"You sound like an annoying old man. That's what she's wearing so quit your bitching." Jack replied irritably.
"I'm not ready for this. It all came way too soon. It seems like it was only yesterday when I was stopping her and Ethan from wrecking the house." Shepard sighed as he observed his oldest daughter.
"You're not alone, Skipper." Ashley remarked quietly as she wrapped her arms around him.
"So you're both actually serious about joining the Alliance?" Vega asked Ethan as he grabbed a shrimp cocktail from a passing server.
"For the hundredth time, yes! Why is that so hard for you to believe?" Ethan replied sharply.
"It's not hard to believe at all actually, especially with a dad like Loco." Vega added as he devoured a shrimp. "Just making sure that you're sure, that's all."
"Well, I am and so is Allie. The Alliance is a good start..." Ethan trailed off.
"The boy's decision is the appropriate one. He and his sister have both inherited their father's abilities, they should put them to use as soon as possible." Javik commented with a slight note of approval. "I have also invested a considerable amount of time in forging you, boy. See that my efforts have not been wasted." he added seriously as he faced Ethan.
"Count on it, Javik." Ethan replied resolutely.
"Ethan's already proven that he's ready to handle anything that comes his way and he's the most powerful biotic in school." Zoe said proudly as she glanced at Ethan.
"Relax, Zoe. Javik just wants to keep me on my toes. Speaking of which, I think it's time we hit the dance floor. Would you care to share a dance with your best friend's little brother? I can promise you I didn't inherit my dad's lack of rhythm." Ethan said humorously.
"Just shut up and try to keep up." she replied playfully.
As the youths departed for the dance floor, Javik scoffed. "The pheromones permeating this gathering are nauseating."
"It's called puberty my prothean amigo." Vega replied before biting into another shrimp.
"Allie looks so beautiful, she's grown so much over the years. I can still remember babysitting her when she was a toddler. She was so adorable." Tali commented fondly as she observed the young woman.
"Yes, she is no longer the little girl we once knew." Liara added while observing the teen.
"That doesn't give any of these bastards the right to make a move on her, especially while I'm here." Garrus replied irritably.
"You see? You see what I have to deal with? This is why I can't spend more time mingling. I have to keep an eye on this bosh'tet and make sure he doesn't do anything stupid." Tali added sternly.
"I don't believe that you're alone in that regard. Ashley has asked that we all maintain a 'watch' so to speak. Bakara is keeping an eye on Wrex and Grunt while the rest of us are aiding in keeping Shepard and the others from doing anything regrettable." Liara explained.
"That will definitely be a fulltime job, especially once Zaeed arrives." Tali replied. "Oh, speak of the devil." she added with a note of surprise as the old merc finally made his appearance.
Mal couldn't be sure, but it seemed like every eye in the party had suddenly zeroed in on him and Zaeed as they made their way into the gathering. "Zaeed! It's about time you showed up!" a voiced shouted eagerly.
"Shepard! You know there's no party without me!" Zaeed laughed as he made his way over and shook hands with the most famous hero the galaxy had ever seen. Mal wasn't quite sure what to do with himself. He was standing mere feet away from the man that the rest of the galaxy considered a legend personified. He seemed like any other guy in Mal's opinion. "So where's the little girl? I want to give her the present I got. It's a good fit, I think." Zaeed inquired. After doing a quick search, he nearly dropped the gift wrapped Phalanx. "Shepard! What the hell did you let her wear?! And who are all these little bastards ogling her?!" the old man furiously demanded.
"Oh God, not another one." Ashley sighed.
As Mal glanced in the direction that Zaeed was glaring in, he could see for himself why the guys in the party were so entranced. The young woman at the center of all the attention was stunningly beautiful. After several moments of eying her himself, Mal had to remind himself that she was Captain Shepard's daughter and Zaeed's niece and that they were both within arm's reach of him.
"Funny you should mention the young men who are present when you seem to have brought one of your own." Kasumi remarked curiously. "And a phenomenal specimen if I do say so myself." she added while examining Mal.
"Reiko! He's still a teenager! Right?" Ashley asked as she faced Zaeed.
"Kid'll be eighteen in a couple of weeks." Zaeed replied tersely.
"You could've fooled me. He's bigger than the marines patrolling the place." Jack added as she eyed Mal.
"So, hurry up and introduce us." Kasumi remarked eagerly.
"Shameless as ever, you goddamn thief. This is Malcolm Hunter, my protégé for the last six months." Zaeed introduced.
"Nice to meet you." Mal added politely.
"Since when are you a teacher? Last time I checked you were a selfish, old, shitfaced prick." Jack said mockingly.
"And you're still a psychotic, murderous, tattooed, foul-mouthed, bitch. Only difference is you're a schoolteacher now. So do me a favor and fuck off." Zaeed replied gruffly.
Mal was astounded by the whole exchange. "Ignore them handsome, that's just how they show their affection." Kasumi said while smiling at Mal.
"It's a pleasure to meet you young man, I'm John Shepard, this is my wife, Ashley and that's Jack and Reiko." Shepard said cordially before extending a hand to Mal. The youth quickly shook his hand, it would definitely be another moment he'd remember.
"Alright, enough of this. Mal, get your ass out there and start mingling with your peers." Zaeed ordered. Mal reluctantly obeyed and began to cautiously make his way further into the gathering.
"Mmm...if I were only twenty years younger or he was two weeks older." Kasumi commented while gazing in Mal's direction.
"You're awful, you know that right?" Ashley replied while stifling a laugh.
"Where'd you find him anyway?" Jack asked while observing the youth.
"The Terminus Systems, where else?" Zaeed replied casually. "The kid has an interesting background." he added.
As Mal wandered the party, he couldn't help but feel out of place. He was completely out of his element and the fact that he kept catching glimpses of famous people didn't help matters. Admiral Steven Hackett, Admiral Tali'Zorah vas Normandy, Urdnot Wrex the de facto ruler of the entire krogan race, the last of the protheans, the krogan ambassador, an actual geth, the list just went on and on. These people may have been friends and acquaintances of Captain Shepard and his family, but for Mal most of them were larger than life figures from his history lessons that his mother used to give him. The youth simply sighed as he continued to walk through the celebration.
"Tell me Emissary, are you enjoying the festivities so far?" EDI inquired.
"Our sensors indicate that merriment is at optimal levels. This denotes the success of Shepard Progeny Allison's coming of age celebration. This unit is not dissatisfied with the outcome." Emissary replied plainly.
"So the short answer is, yes." Joker quipped. "Wait, did you just say you can actually scan for happiness?" he added in disbelief.
"Communicating with organics has given us insight into the emotional shifts of non-synthetic species." Emissary replied.
"Yeah, of course, that's not creepy at all." Joker added sarcastically.
"Emissary's observations are likely the result of its efforts to improve its skills in diplomacy. I believe the effort will help a great deal in future negotiations." EDI remarked approvingly.
"Well, at least we know for sure the party's a hit now. It was really up in the air for a minute there with all of the laughing, dancing and over exuberant teenagers." Joker commented in a slightly cynical tone.
"They don't all appear to be exuberant." EDI added quietly as Mal passed by.
"They don't all appear to be teenagers either. Seriously, that kid was huge." Joker replied as he gaped at Mal.
"Our scans indicate that the human who just passed us is indeed at the adolescent stage of human organic development. He also appears to be beyond peak physical condition. Curious." Emissary added simply.
"You think?!" Joker stammered.
"Jeff, you are being rude. It is not polite to stare." EDI interjected sternly.
"You're right mom, I apologize." Joker replied amusingly.
"You can demonstrate your repentance by dancing with me." EDI remarked while smiling.
"Oh, boy. I hope you don't mind carrying me out of here later if I end up breaking something and EDI gets sidetracked talking to the girls." Joker inquired as he faced Emissary.
"This unit would not be opposed to transporting you after the revelry has ended." Emissary replied.
"Uh, thanks. Be gentle." Joker added before following EDI to the dance floor.
"Don't look now, but it seems young Ethan is dancing with your daughter." Miranda teased as she observed the teenagers on the dance floor.
"I'll have to have a little chat with the kid later." Jacob replied sternly.
"It's still hard to believe that some of you actually have children now and that some of them are nearly all grown up." Doctor Chakwas remarked warmly. "Captain Shepard's little girl is a woman now and about to join the Alliance. And from what I hear, Ethan will be following her in a year. This can't be easy for Shepard or Ashley." she added sympathetically.
"It's no picnic for me either, Doc. Zoe already told me and Brynn that she's signing up too. To be honest I'd prefer it if she went with a civilian career but...I can't be upset with her desire to help out the galaxy. I just hope she doesn't have the same experience I did." Jacob replied seriously.
"Zoe's a smart girl and she and Allie can look out for each other. I do pity you and Shepard though, having your oldest children leaving you behind." Miranda joked.
"Dad still has us!" Hannah chimed in.
"Of course he does and I don't relish the thought of YOUR eighteenth birthday myself. I want to enjoy having you be the sweet little girl you are right now." Miranda replied fondly while embracing Hannah.
"Aunt Miranda, that's enough! You're embarrassing me!" Hannah replied irritably before her eyes lit up at the sight of Mal as he walked by. "Who was he?"
"He arrived with Zaeed, didn't he?" Doctor Chakwas inquired curiously.
"He's a big one." Jacob added as he surveyed the young man.
"He's gorgeous!" Hannah blurted out.
As all three adults stared at her in mild surprise she quickly averted their gazes. "I suppose you aren't so little anymore after all. I doubt your father would be happy knowing that you've started to notice boys. Though, I can't criticize your tastes..." Miranda remarked as she glanced in the youth's direction.
After aimlessly wandering for several minutes, Mal decided to stop after reaching a relatively empty corner of the rooftop gala. He couldn't help but wonder what the hell he was doing there. It wasn't long before a rough voice jarred him from his thoughts and back to reality. "I didn't think humans got as big as you." a krogan remarked as he made his way over towards Mal.
"They don't, not often anyway." Mal replied as he observed the krogan.
"You smell like you've been in a few fights, too. But if you've been tagging along with Zaeed, that's no surprise." the krogan continued.
"He's been acting as my mentor for the last six months, so I've seen more than my fair share of bloodshed. Then again, fighting mercs on Omega wasn't exactly peaceful either." Mal replied casually. It was strange, but he felt far more at ease talking shop with the krogan stranger than he did with attempting to socialize with teenagers.
"You're an interesting kid, not like these other brats. I'm Grunt of clan Urdnot." the stranger said while continuing to survey Mal.
"I'm Malcolm Hunter but most people just call me Mal." Mal replied.
"So if you've been training under Zaeed, that must mean you're looking to get into some even bigger fights." Grunt remarked curiously.
"I'm planning to take on any fight that'll get me a boost in my reputation or pays enough credits. I'll probably offer a discount for dealing with batarians or The Blue Suns though." Mal joked.
He and Grunt both laughed as Zaeed made his way over. "Goddamnit! What the hell did I tell you?! You've been around krogan enough to last most people a lifetime. Now get out there and mingle you stubborn son of a bitch!" he ordered. Mal simply rolled his eyes before once more departing for the party. "Guess I'll have to stick around you, Wrex and Kang to make sure he doesn't try to pull another fast one. Defiant little-"
"What did you mean when you said he spent enough time with krogan?" Grunt cut in curiously.
"The kid was raised by a krogan, a battlemaster actually." Zaeed replied in an offhand manner as he watched to make sure that Mal was approaching the center of the festivities.
"You don't say..." Grunt replied with a slight note of approval.
As Mal made his way towards the crowd of laughing teenagers, he found himself slowly beginning to panic. It was ridiculous really, but he would've actually preferred fighting another suicidal battle alongside Zaeed rather than facing...this. As his steps gradually halted, he was suddenly bumped by one of the teens who had been at the center of the festivities. "Sorry about that," he said politely before calling out to his former dance partner. "Zoe, I'm exhausted. Just give me a few minutes to catch my breath." he laughed before turning to face Mal. "Oh, hey I know you. You came with Zaeed right? I'm Ethan Shepard, nice to meet you." he added in a friendly manner as he extended his hand.
Mal was almost caught off guard by his amiability but quickly recovered and shook his hand. He was definitely Captain Shepard's son. Not only did he look almost exactly like his father, but he also seemed to exude the same genial aura. "I'm Malcolm Hunter, just Mal for short." Mal replied.
"I heard you're Zaeed's protégé. I don't envy you, man I can still remember the days he spent training me." Ethan lamented. "If a bastard manages to get close enough, no biotics. You'll deal with him with your bare hands minus the glow or die. No pistols either, you'll learn how to handle a proper weapon and leave handguns to your sister." he barked in a surprisingly good imitation of the old merc. Both boys laughed and Mal started to relax a little. "I was about to grab a drink, why don't you tag along and tell me all about how Zaeed has nearly gotten you killed during the last forty eight hours." he added.
Mal laughed again before responding. "Sounds good to me, but are you sure you want to leave your girlfriend unattended? No offense, but she's pretty hot." he inquired curiously as he glimpsed in the direction of a very attractive black girl with braids who was currently laughing with the guest of honor.
"Who, Zoe? No offense taken and she's not my girlfriend. We grew up together and she's actually my sister, Allie's best friend. But you're right, she is hot." Ethan replied as he shot a glance back towards Zoe.
After making their way to a table full of refreshments, Ethan grabbed an expensive looking bottle of mineral water from a bucket of ice and began drinking. "I told dad, water is water, but did he listen, noooo." he remarked humorously before drinking more. Mal couldn't help but grin and he and Ethan spent several minutes discussing Zaeed's lunacy, being biotics, their own personal goals and life in general.
"...So he decided to pounce this whole party trip on me out of nowhere. I didn't even know who it was for until we were on our way up. I mean, I'm not a friend or an acquaintance of the family, me being here has got to be insulting." Mal explained.
"I wouldn't worry about it, mom and dad aren't the snobby types. Besides, there are people here who were actually invited that I personally loathe." Ethan replied irritably as he shot a glare towards an arrogant looking boy in the crowd of teenagers who was currently eyeing his sister. "Anyway, if you're that worried about not being an acquaintance, I can fix that right now." he added cheerfully. Afterwards, he summoned his omni-tool and quickly sent a message to all of his siblings. Moments later, Mal was shocked to discover the other Shepard children converging on their location from various areas of the celebration. "Alright troops, I want to introduce you all to a new friend of mine." Ethan announced. "This is Mal. Mal these are my younger brothers, William and David. The little princess who's making googly-eyes at you happens to be my baby sister, Hannah and the youngest in the family."
Ethan's brothers were quick to greet Mal and so was Hannah, but not before she shot a dirty look at her eldest brother. They were all as friendly as Ethan himself and Mal found himself talking with the younger kids at length about whatever thoughts that seemed to spill out of their mouths. For the first time since he'd arrived at the party, Mal was completely at ease. As he continued to talk and laugh with Ethan and his siblings, the eldest Shepard daughter began making her way over, accompanied by her best friend and a small entourage. "I got your message Ethan, so when are you going to introduce us?" she asked.
"Wait, you sent a message to your older sister too?!" Mal asked indignantly. "Ethan, that wasn't necessary, this whole party is for her. She doesn't have time to waste on meeting someone like me-"
"Funny, I don't consider meeting you to be a waste of time at all." Allie cut in cheerfully while her friends giggled. They were all watching Mal and whispering excitedly.
"Allie, this is Mal. Mal, this is Allie." Ethan said in a matter of fact tone. "There, introductions finished." he added before offering Zoe a water.
"Nice to meet you." Mal added nervously as he faced Allie. He found it incredibly difficult given how attractive she was.
"Nice to meet you too, Mal. I hope Ethan hasn't been spreading any embarrassing stories about me." she replied while shooting her brother a reproving look.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Did you want me to fill Mal in on all of your dirty little secrets? Cause that can totally be arranged." Ethan joked while his sister shoved him playfully. Mal supposed that this was what it must have been like to have siblings.
As the banter continued, Mal was increasingly finding himself the center of attention. "Oh! The Blue Lionesses are playing next! They're your favorite, right Allie?" a girl named Cass shouted excitedly as a group of asari took the stage in the center of the dance floor.
"Do you want to dance?" Mal asked before he could stop himself.
Allie appeared to be mildly surprised by his offer but quickly accepted. "I'd love to, Mal." she replied while smiling as her friends began giggling once more. As they made their way towards the dance floor, Ethan and Zoe followed along with the small crowd that had gathered around them. "So, you're actually okay with this?" Zoe asked Ethan curiously.
"Sure, Mal seems like a nice enough guy. Plus, it's worth it just to see the look on that jackass' face." he replied pleasantly while grinning in the direction of Devin Meyers who appeared to be less than pleased.
"What if he tries something?" Zoe asked, with a note of concern in her voice.
Ethan immediately began laughing and couldn't stop for nearly a minute. "Have you seen Mal? Aside from the fact that he's huge, he also happens to be a biotic and he's been training under Zaeed for half a year. That's at least three times longer than me or Allie have ever studied under the old man. I'm almost hoping that the idiot tries something." Ethan remarked humorously.
Meanwhile, Mal found himself moving in sync with a good song and a beautiful girl. He didn't know what else the evening would hold for him, but at that moment he couldn't have been happier.