Commander Shepard confidently led her small team through the Citadel. Murmurs of softly falling water mingled with the rustling of leaves from a wide variety of foliage under a beautifully blue artificial sky to create an 'ideal' environment. The Presidium was often referred to as the 'gleaming heart of the Citadel', but Shepard didn't agree. It was beautiful and smelled fresh, but this wasn't the real heart. This was for show. The real heart lay below, and she couldn't wait to expose her crew to the wonders within.
The lower levels were the melting pot of the universe, a place where species and cultures interacted and played off one another. Shepard and her crew took their time, enjoying the sights and sounds along the way as they wandered through the labyrinth of the wards. Something new and surprising could be found around every corner as species borrowed ideas from one another and tweaked them as they saw fit. It was true cultural evolution in practice. There was a real beauty to that, not manufactured for perfection as the Presidium.
The flurry of activity and anonymity the wards offered were a welcome change of pace for Shepard. Nobody gave her a second look here, even though she was armed to the teeth. Although, now that she thought about it, it did seem as though the crowds parted in front of her. Perhaps it was just the fact that she maneuvered through them with ease, thanks to her natural grace and years of practice. That's what she'd like to think, but she knew the truth: It was more than likely due to the fact that she had enough firepower to single-handedly take out half a ward. People tended to give heavily armed soldiers a wide berth – good ol' self preservation in action. Either way, she was at least confident it was not because anyone recognized her. The Blitz was several years ago - nothing more than a footnote in history lessons for most species, and she was told on more than one occasion that humans all looked the same. Plus, she was eavesdropping on conversations as they strode through the wards. There was no malicious intent, it was just an old habit she never shook that often provided surprising leads. When she was feeling particularly bored or adventurous she liked to turn off her translator and put all of her studies to use, deciphering banter in their native languages to keep her mind sharp. She didn't have that in her today, but she still kept her ears open. Her name never came up.
Shepard slowed as raised voices carried through the crowd. It didn't seem to be anything that needed her to intervene, but she wanted to make sure. It appeared to be a dispute between a customer and a shopkeeper. Snippets carried over to her, and she couldn't help but chuckle. The turian shopkeeper said most humans couldn't tell one turian from another. Apparently most species thought members of other species looked alike. At least she felt more confident in her anonymity. That moment of self-assured tranquility was shattered an instant later by a very eager blonde human screaming her name and waving like an idiot, despite the fact that she was a good distance away. She wanted to use the crowd as a shield to duck down a different path, but everyone turned to see what had the man so excited. All eyes on her, she sighed and faced the situation head on.
A few awkward minutes later, Shepard lead the team further down into the belly of the Citadel; the more distance she put between herself and Conrad Verner, the better. He didn't seem dangerous, but there was something definitely not right about the man. Her thoughts about Verner's dubious mental state were interrupted by a slight vibration on her wrist signaling a new message. Ducking into a corner so as to not hold up traffic, she opened the 'tool to check her message. Neon pink light filled the dark corner and cast an eerie glow on her pale skin.
"Pink? You made my 'tool pink?" She arched one brow as she eyed the lieutenant skeptically, drawing a panicked look from Alenko and a hearty laugh from Williams.
"Joker told me it was your... ugh." He pulled one hand over his face as he realized Joker pulled another one over on him. "Never mind, I'll fix it."
Shepard waved him away. "It isn't important."
Alenko shrugged and then furrowed his brows. "The Council can't be ready for us yet. Anderson and Udina left less than an hour ago."
"You're right; it was Anderson letting me know the Council agreed to have C-Sec investigate. That's what they're willing to give us at this point. Now we just wait until they're ready for us."
"But a proper investigation could take weeks." Williams chimed in. Her quizzical expression revealed her inexperience with political maneuverings of this level.
"A proper one, yeah... but this is most likely a rush job for show," Alenko muttered with a weariness of someone who had traveled this road many times. Anyone around long enough who paid any attention knew political games never really changed, they were just hidden behind empty gestures.
"Seems like you've been around for awhile, Lieutenant. You a career man?" Shepard studied the man's dark features intently for a moment as he gave one firm nod. It wasn't surprising; most biotics ended up in the Alliance. "It's out of our hands for now. We just have to be ready when they call for us." Shepard had been down this road too many times in the past to hope for a good resolution right out of the gate. This was just going to be the jumping-off point.
"Well, we aren't going to let this change our plans. Let's move out." She spun on her heel and pushed ahead at a fast clip without even looking back to make sure the others followed. They wound their way down through the lower levels, taking the long way to their destination. While use of the rapid transit system made more sense, this was the first time either of her crew had been on the Citadel. The meandering path was a way for the other two to see more of the sights, to really get a feeling for everything the Citadel was. It was just a coincidence that the course she chose also avoided all the parts of the station she associated with painful memories.
Shepard slowed as they neared their destination, allowing Williams and Alenko to finally catch up. They both followed her gaze to see where they were, since they'd been kept in the dark. She'd refused to answer their questions along the way, only telling them to enjoy the journey. Now they'd arrived, Williams was obviously less than impressed. The gunnery chief's dark, well manicured eyebrows rose incredulously as her eyes focused on the signage.
"Really Commander, we have the whole Citadel at our feet and you choose to come here?" Williams wrinkled her nose and shook her head in disbelief. "You and I have very different ideas of fun."
"Is that so, Chief?" Shepard couldn't hide her amusement. "Tell you what: next time we're here you get to pick the fun."
"Are you sure you want to agree to that Commander? You don't know what Chief Williams considers fun. She might be into some weird stuff." Surprised, both women turned to face Alenko. Neither was sure how to take the remark, especially coming from such a straight-laced man. A twinkle in his eye gave him away and Shepard couldn't help but grin. This was a sense of humor she could work with.
"I'll just have to trust her then, won't I?" One corner of her mouth turned up slightly. It was time to see if he could handle being on the receiving end. Leaning in, she dropped her voice seductively - well, as close as she could manage. Her skills in that area were nowhere near Williams'. "Besides, I may like it."
Alenko gulped audibly, a deep blush creeping up his neck. Williams busted up with laughter. The sudden loud outburst drew strange looks from several people on the crowded path as others gave them a wide berth. A turian couple froze in their tracks to stare, which only made Williams laugh louder. All of this proved too much for Alenko. He turned with military precision, walked away, and sat on a bench.
It took several minutes for Williams to quell her laughter long enough to speak clearly. "It's a deal, Commander. And I'm going to hold you to that. But are you sure I can't talk you into something else right now?"
"Nah, I owe the Lieutenant a dance." Shepard hooked a thumb in Alenko's direction but he didn't notice. He was too busy studying his boots like they held the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything.
Ten minutes later Shepard and Alenko walked side-by-side through the halls of the Alliance training facility wearing sets of Alliance sweatpants and shirts she had nicked from the locker room. The clothes were in better shape and more comfortable than the sets she had back on the ship, so she was seriously considering not returning them. Alenko was not as enamored with his outfit, though; he kept pulling the fabric away from his body while making little sounds of discomfort deep in his throat. Admittedly, his pants and shirt were both a touch too tight, but she wasn't complaining. Slowing just enough to for him to get a step ahead, she enjoyed the view.
"You did that on purpose, didn't you?" Williams fell into step beside Shepard, her voice low and conspiratorial. "I know they had bigger sizes back there."
"Innocent until proven guilty, Chief," she answered simply as she pulled her gaze away from the sight in front of her (with great effort). Her eyes narrowed on the woman next to her. "Why are you still in your armor?"
"I was hoping I could sit this one out since I would be a third wheel and all..." Williams let statement hang in the air, waiting for Shepard's reaction. There was none, so she hastily added "you know, since I'm not a biotic or anything. I promise not to leave this facility. I just want to drool over the weapons." She practically ran away as Shepard nodded.
The training room was specially designed for biotic training: the padded walls were two stories high and reinforced to withstand any and all impacts, including explosions of dark energy. It was rare for the limits of the room to be put to the test, but not unheard of. A jagged crack in a mirrored window along the observation level was proof of that. Someone got some serious lift and force to make that mark.
Alenko positioned himself underneath the crack at the far side of the room and began loosening his muscles while Shepard closed and secured the door. Once the room was safe she padded barefoot across the spongy blue flooring and came to a halt directly across from him. This was no time to rush, so she lowered herself into a cross-leg seated position and closed her eyes. The unique scent of industrial cleaners and hard-earned sweat filled her lungs as she took a deep breath. It was not an odor most people appreciated, but to her it smelled like home.
In a split second she was on her feet, eyes set on her target with determination; he flew across the room and hit the padded wall before her heart beat twice. He never had a chance. She was nothing but a blur with blue wisps.
"What the hell, Shepard?" Alenko yelled as he pulled himself off the floor.
"Always be ready, Lieutenant. This isn't a new lesson."
He looked up just as a biotic lift caught and dangled him several feet in the air. His shirt fell up slightly as he hung, twisting, and revealed a small glimpse of tan skin pulled taut over his strong core. A small trail of dark hair tempted her eyes to follow, but she fought it. Her mouth went dry as her eyes lingered, eventually gliding the opposite direction to find his blue eyes. Oh shit.
Shepard's body reacted instinctively, dropping into a defensive position before her mind caught up. The biotic throw hit dead center and sent her reeling backwards. Her feet scrambled to keep under her, but she stubbornly refused to fall. If he was going to knock her down he had to earn it. Frowning, she pulled herself fully upright as her eyes locked on his. The blue energy practically danced across his skin, a bright testament to his power, so there was no excuse for her still standing. The attack did little more than knock her off balance despite the fact that it connected fully while she was distracted.
"Is that all you got, Alenko? Joker hits harder than you, and he breaks a leg if he farts too hard." The snarl echoed through the room. She was doing her best to goad him into an emotional attack, to break through his block.
Alenko's jaw clenched and his cheeks flushed as he threw another attack her way. Shepard easily sidestepped the weak singularity and swiped it away with one dark energy coated hand.
"Maybe he's just more of a man than you are." She regretted the words the second they left her mouth as she saw his face cloud over. His arms lashed out wildly. Shepard planted both feet, prepared for a hard hit.
The throw barely budged her.
Well, if he wasn't going to attack her then he would have to bust his ass to stay in one piece.
She tossed a throw his direction as a test. A small look of shock passed over his dark features as it connected, but he kept his feet under him. She gritted her teeth and began throwing biotic attacks at him fast and furious, too fast for him to dodge; he had to use his biotics or get his ass kicked.
Their one-sided battle continued on until they were dripping with sweat, their bodies pushed to the edge from exertion but both too stubborn to give up. They circled one another like animals, eyes locked, when Alenko suddenly pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it aside. Shepard's eyes dropped to the taut muscles rippling under his tan skin as he moved, the glistening sweat highlighting his physique. That's when she noticed his grin. He distracted her on purpose. Instincts took over once again as her body tensed, bracing herself just in time. Blue swirls enveloped her as a throw connected with her core. She stumbled backwards, arms wind-milling desperately to keep balance. Two can play that game.
Shepard grabbed the seams of her shirt with both hands and Alenko froze. Testing the waters, she gave a slight tug on the bottom hem, revealing just a hint of skin in the process. Alenko's eyes narrowed on her hands, his attention focused only on that one small area. Stringing him along, she lifted her shirt slowly, just barely exposing her tight abs, and watched his eyes grow larger. She had him just where she wanted him. In one fell swoop she pulled the shirt over her head and threw it at him. As he reached up to catch it with both hands she hit him with a lift when he least expected it. A primal yell tore through the room as she launched herself at his form twisting helplessly in mid-air, her shoulder connecting with his stomach and sending them both flying towards the ground. Alenko landed flat on his back with enough force to knock the wind out of him, while Shepard rolled with the landing and ended on her feet. She flipped over and landed on his chest in the blink of an eye, her knees on his shoulders and hands pinning his arms over his head. He blinked several times in shock, his pupils so dilated his eyes appeared black. Neither moved for several moments, both panting from exertion, and possibly something more.
"I win." Shepard whispered, her lips just barely above his.
Cheers filled the room and Shepard jumped up in surprise. The windows along the second floor lost their mirror quality with the flip of a switch, revealing an astonishing crowd gathered along the observation deck. Every Alliance soldier on the Citadel appeared to be in attendance, including many top brass. There, right smack dab in the middle, stood a very proud Ashley Williams collecting a small fortune.
A few shouts of protest filtered through the cheers, but they were mostly drowned out. Apparently a few soldiers were upset because nobody told them they were betting against the Shepard, and the real Shepard wasn't a biotic so it was all a fix. Williams wasn't putting up with it. She couldn't hear what Williams said, but everyone backed down immediately. And for some reason, the top brass in attendance were turning a blind eye to all the money changing hands. Shepard chuckled as she shook her head in amazement.
"I should've known." She muttered as she stared down the Gunnery Chief from afar. Williams was definitely footing the bill the next time they went out. She turned back to her sparring partner and shrugged.
Alenko had not moved from his position of defeat; he merely laid there taking in the sights, her shirt tucked under his head like a pillow. His eyes lingered on hers long enough that she began to fidget. It was amazing how she suddenly felt so exposed under his gaze when the eyes of an entire platoon didn't faze her. The damped shirt flew out from under his head with a simple flick of her wrist. She yanked it over her head, extended a hand to the man at her feet, and pulled him upright on one fluid motion. A vibrant smile played on her full lips.
"Take a bow, Lieutenant. You earned it."