I cannot even begin to apologize to my readers for my absense! Real Life can be a bitch; and when it is, you just gotta deal with it!
But I am back now, and so very grateful to be! I hope you all enjoy the story as we begin to wrap it up!
Thanks to everyone who has read and favorited this story!
The greatest of thanks always goes to Lisa - no matter what I manage to do to myself, you pick me up and keep me going! I would be lost without you, truly!
Thank you so much to my newest reviewers, TheGateBuilder and .owered! I can't tell you how much it means to know you like it!
All the love I have to the members of Team Zaeed & Team Kaidan, including: voltagelisa, AlexSavard, KMN91, SO58, Steve69,
CCBug, WitchWeaver, FalynnAngel, sandradee27, KayraCousland, Constantano, Made Nightwing, tgail73,
lightan117, Nanicane, damn all good names are taken, woodledoodledoodle, thnewandrew, AdalaeAmell, Inverness and Alliel 23!
The session lasted for several hours; the screams of the Shadow Broker agent continuing for most of it. Aly grew steadily paler as time wore on, often crying silently in Zaeed's arms, and the mercenary thought more than once about removing her from the lab for her own emotional health. The remaining Normandy crew members seemed equally upset; though it was difficult to tell if that reaction was from the procedure itself or the effect it had on their commander. Liara held tightly to Kaidan's hand; her eyes shifting sadly from the exam table to Aly.
Winford's cries eventually died down to a soft whimper and Samara's head fell forward; her eyes regaining their crystal blue hue. Mordin helped the asari up from the table and guided her to a nearby chair. He examined her thoroughly and then turned his attention to his human subject. The crew sat silently, their collective breaths held as they awaited the professor's analysis.
After several minutes, Mordin turned and motioned for Aly to join him at the table. Zaeed watched anxiously as Aly approached the salarian and looked down at her unconscious former friend. He heart clenched painfully in her chest as she gazed upon the pallid, damp skin of Winford's face. She glanced up at Mordin questioningly; her eyes filled with sadness and hope.
"Wish I could tell you it worked," he said quietly. "Procedure went exactly as planned, so that is good sign. Nothing to do now but wait for patient to wake. Suggest you go back to your room and rest, Alyssa. You look horrible, no offense."
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Aly couldn't help but smile. "None taken," she replied. "I am sure I am not supermodel material right now." Reaching down, she grasped Winford's hand and gently squeezed it. "I really don't want to leave her, Mordin. What if she wakes up and needs me?"
Mordin looked over her shoulder at Zaeed; his facial expression clearly relaying his thoughts. The mercenary rose from his chair and approached Aly, gently placing his hands on her shoulders.
"You won't be any good to her now, Aly, with the condition you are in," he said softly, pulling her back into his chest. "You are drained, both emotionally and physically. You can come back down here as soon as you get some decent sleep."
When she resisted, he turned her around to face him. "That's an order, Commander," he said firmly.
"You do know I am supposed to give the orders around here, right?" she asked. "I don't have time to rest right now. Ash needs me, and I still have to talk to David. We need to head to the Citadel and deal with Udina, and I have to plan a strategy…"
Liara stepped up and wrapped her hand around Aly's wrist, pulling her away from the table. "You aren't my commander, so you can't order me around," she said. "And I wouldn't trust you to plan your own way out of this room in your current state. I'm not heading back to the Shadow Broker's base until later tonight, so I will stay with you to make sure you behave. Zaeed can check on Councilor Anderson and report back to you when you wake."
Aly's protests were silenced when she saw the concerned look on her crew's faces. "Fine," she said, her shoulders slumping. "I will go and rest like a good little leader. But when I get up, you had all better be ready. We have a lot to discuss."
Turning back to Zaeed, she placed a light kiss on his lips. "You are in charge for now, but don't get used to it," she warned, smiling wryly at him.
"Oh, I know my place," he replied, a mischievous smile breaking across his face. "You give the orders on the ship, and I give the orders in bed. It's an arrangement I have grown rather fond of, sweetheart." He chuckled evilly at the look of shock on her face. "Now make sure to rest well. I anticipate some rather strenuous orders in your near future."
Aly turned and followed Liara to the door, her hips swaying seductively as she moved. Zaeed growled, wishing he could follow her to the bedroom and make up for the time they'd been kept apart. Unfortunately, there was business to attend to first.
"Mordin, contact me the moment she wakes up," he said, gesturing toward Winford. "If things went badly, I want to be there when Alyssa finds out." Mordin nodded slowly and asked Kaidan to return the unconscious woman to her cell while he tended to Samara.
"You two are with me," Zaeed said to Garrus and Ricci. "It's time to see the Councilor."
o~~~~~~~~o
David Anderson stared over at Legion for the thousandth time since being placed in his room. Every move the geth made caused him to jump, even though he'd been assured by everyone that there was no danger. What the hell was Aly thinking by activating that thing? he thought irritably, shaking his head. After all she'd done to destroy the robotic maniacs, he couldn't imagine what made this one special enough to retain on her ship.
"Enjoying your new roommate, Anderson?" a gruff voice said from the doorway. David turned to see the man from Alyssa's bedside standing just inside the room; a far less than pleasant look on his face. He was flanked by Garrus Vakarian and another human male that Anderson didn't recognize.
"Can't say that I expected to see an active geth on board," he responded, trying to fight the unease that was growing within him. The new arrival looked as though he would love to twist the Councilor's head from his neck and give it to the mechanical crewman as a present.
Zaeed snorted derisively and moved to stand next to the bed. He had no intention of sitting down. He didn't plan to remain in the Councilor's presence for long. "Funny how things turn out, isn't it?" he spat. "I am sure Alyssa never expected to discover that the man she considered her mentor, friend and surrogate father would betray her repeatedly for over two years."
"I did not betray her!" David said angrily. "I did everything I could to make sure she would be resurrected! I wanted her alive, and I don't regret anything I did toward that end."
"So hiding the truth of her resurrection from the Council and the man she loved, and allowing them to call her a traitor for being with Cerberus was in her best interest?" Massani retorted, pleased to see that his attack had the proper effect on the Councilor. His face fell, and his eyes filled with sadness. "If that is looking out for her, I would hate to see what you would have done if you wished to harm her."
Anderson sighed heavily. "I know I have made mistakes, and I regret the pain that I caused Alyssa," he said quietly, looking down at his folded hands. "I fully intend to do all that I can to make up for that." Raising his head, he looked up at Zaeed, a sarcastic grin curling his lips. "I am surprised to see you mention Kaidan, however, as that error seemed to work in your favor."
Zaeed moved so quickly that Anderson had no time to mount a defense. The mercenary pinned the Councilor against the bed, his hand wrapped tightly around his throat. Feron made to rise, but thought better of his plan when Garrus approached his bed, growling dangerously.
"Let me tell you something, Councilor Anderson," Zaeed said, putting emphasis on the frightened man's title. "The Alliance doesn't know that you have been found yet, and I would be happy to make sure it stays that way. Alyssa Shepard went through hell because of you, and she is the only thing standing between you and a spacewalk – minus the spacesuit. If you do anything to harm her or upset her, anything at all, you will pray for death before I am finished with you. Have I made myself clear?"
Anderson attempted to open his mouth and Zaeed shook his head, squeezing tighter on his neck. "Don't speak," he snarled. "I have no desire to listen to you. Just nod if you understand." When the Councilor slowly nodded, Zaeed released his hold and stepped back. Anderson sat up, clutching his chest and gasping for air. "Aly will be in to see you when she wakes. I'd advise you to have that apology ready, along with a list of the people she can safely contact on the Citadel. If you don't, I think your use to the people of this ship will be at an end. Wouldn't that be sad?"
"Are you alright?" Feron asked when the door closed behind the trio. "I was quite certain that he intended to kill you."
Legion stepped toward Anderson's bed, a datapad held out before him. The older man glanced at the proffered item as though it might bite him, then reached out and gingerly took it from the geth; his fingers remaining as far from the mechanical digits as possible.
"What is this?" he asked, staring at the blank screen on the pad. Anderson had heard Legion speak several times since arriving on the ship, and his tone was always the same – robotic and automated. Neither word was accurate for the intonation he used with Anderson when he responded.
"Make your list quickly, Councilor," Legion said, the position of his optical protectors making his facial expression darken. "It is unwise to disappoint Mr. Massani, or anyone else who cares for Shepard-Commander."
The geth turned back before stepping through the doors into the Medbay. "And I count myself among them," he said quietly.
A shiver of fear ran through David Anderson's body as he turned his attention to the datapad and began typing.
o~~~~~~~~o
Zaeed stepped into the commander's cabin, his hands filled with trays of food. He knew Aly hadn't eaten all day, and experience told him that she would be ravenous when she woke. Besides, she would need to keep up her strength for what he had in mind…
Goddamn it! the mercenary thought furiously as he looked down upon the empty bed. I leave that woman alone for one fucking minute and she vanishes! When I get my hands on her…
"Thought you'd never get here." The soft purr of Aly's voice sent a rush of desire through Zaeed's body. He turned, the trays landing loudly on the table as he watched his lover walk from the bathroom; her silk robe opened to reveal a lavender lace teddy beneath it. The stiletto heels perfectly matched the lingerie, and her hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail; soft ringlets cascading down onto her shoulders.
No one had ever accused Zaeed Massani of remaining silent in any situation, but in that moment he had no way to articulate the feelings that flowed through him. She is alive, she is safe, she is mine...
"I never thought I'd see the day when the great Zaeed Massani would be rendered speechless," Aly declared as she slowly made her way toward him. She stopped several feet away and placed her hands on her hips; a seductive smile curving the corners of her glistening lips. "See something that interests you?"
Her words became squeals of delight as Zaeed picked her up and tossed her onto the bed. His body landed heavily upon her as he possessively claimed her lips with his own.
The teddy lasted less than a minute; its lace threads ripping loudly as Zaeed tore it from Aly's body. His mouth descended upon her breasts; his tongue tracing circles around the erect nipples.
"Off… please!" Aly begged as she struggled to remove Zaeed's shirt. She was desperate to feel him moving inside of her. The mercenary's lips never left Aly's chest as he fumbled with his clothing. The moment he was freed he thrust violently into her; groaning loudly as her moist walls constricted around him.
The bed slammed repeatedly into the wall; knocking several well-mounted pictures onto the floor. Aly cried out as she came, her internal walls tightening around Zaeed and drawing him over the brink with her. The lovers lay together, their bodies covered in sweat as they fought to regain their breath. When he could finally move, Zaeed rolled onto his back, pulled Aly onto his chest and buried his face in her hair; drawing the scent of honeysuckle and jasmine deep into his lungs.
"I love you, Alyssa," he whispered, kissing her softly on the top of her head.
Tears glistened in Aly's eyes as she lifted her head from his chest and gazed deep into his eyes. "Tell me again," she pleaded.
"I love you, Alyssa Shepard. I will always love you," he replied and leaned down; placing the softest of kisses on her lips. "And I will tell you a million times if you want me to."
"I intend to hold you to that," she said quietly, climbing up to straddle his lap. She slid her hand around his renewed erection, pumping it slowly up and down. "But for now I want you to show me."
Zaeed chuckled, lifting Aly up and positioning himself below her opening. "Not quite yet, baby," he said, his eyes dark with desire as he held her in the air. "It's your turn."
"I love you, Zaeed Massani," Aly said, her gaze locked with his. "And nothing with ever change that. I swear it to you."
Aly squirmed in his grasp as Zaeed slowly lowered her onto him; inch by deliciously agonizing inch. When she was finally seated on his lap, Aly rotated her hips, leaning back onto Zaeed's thighs for leverage.
"Fuck… yes… that feels so good…" Zaeed moaned. It took every ounce of restraint to hold his hips still and allow Aly to control the pace. His every nerve screamed to move; to thrust up into her until he once more reached his climax. But this night, this lovemaking, was for her. It was about her desires and her needs, and he would see that she was fully sated before he gave in to his own urges.
Zaeed smiled as he gazed up at his lover. Her head was thrown back; her eyes closed and lips parted in the throes of ecstasy. This was the moment he loved most each time they made love. He would watch her face as she came closer and closer to orgasm; reveling in the fact that he was the one bringing her such immense pleasure. When this mission was over, he would make sure he was the only man who ever gave her such pleasure again…
"I'm cuming… oh, Zaeed!" Aly cried, the first shudders beginning to overtake her. Without warning, she dropped down onto his chest and buried her head in the crook of his neck; sinking her teeth into the soft flesh of his shoulder. He felt the blood trickling onto his pillow and growled; using his own mouth to reciprocate the marking. He reached the pinnacle of his passion as the first drop of warm fluid rolled onto his tongue.
"I think you've been spending a bit too much time with the turian, sweetheart," Zaeed said as he pulled Aly into his side and wrapped the covers around them. "Don't get me wrong. I am not complaining, but the biting is something completely new."
"Yeah, sorry about that," she said, snuggling deeper into his arms. "I'm not exactly sure what came over me. Should we have Chakwas check the injuries?"
Zaeed laughed drowsily, his eyes growing heavy. "Sure," he replied. "You're telling her what happened, though. That woman frightens me…"
o~~~~~~~~o
"You know," Jack said as Aly and Zaeed arrived in the conference room, "you could try a bit harder to hide the fact that you've had explosive, mind-blowing sex. We may all go blind from your afterglow."
Aly blew Jack a kiss and strolled to her seat at the head of the table. Garrus wrinkled his nose as she sat down, his desire to strangle Zaeed growing with each second that passed. The smell of sex was still heavy on Aly. Though the others may not sense it, he did. His eyes opened wide when an even stronger scent caught his attention. Is that blood? He glanced at her neck instinctively and growled; seeing the mark that peeked over the top of her collar. He quickly looked away when Aly glanced in his direction.
"You okay, big guy?" she whispered as she leaned closer to him. He could now clearly see the bite mark Massani had left on her skin. His blood boiling, he feigned a smile and met her gaze.
"Course I am," he said. "Just anxious to get my hands on Udina. I am really feeling the urge to break something." Your boyfriend most of all, he thought furiously.
Aly chuckled darkly. "Well, you don't think I would leave you out of the fun, do you?" she teased. "I know how fond you have always been of the ambassador."
"Speaking of Udina," Zaeed said, his voice silencing the murmurs in the room. "We all know the reason for this meeting. That son of a bitch has been manipulating everyone for years and he needs to die. More importantly, he can lead us to the Shadow Broker. So that death needs to be slow, and only given once we have the information we need. Anyone got a problem with a little torture?"
The mercenary snickered as he gazed around the table at the smiling faces of his companions. "I didn't think so," he said as he slid his hand under the table to grasp Aly's. Reaching up, he hit the com button on his earpiece. "Legion, it's time for your new roommate to make an appearance. Please escort him in. If he gives you any problems, try not to break anything important."
"Of course, Mr. Massani," Legion replied, the laughter obvious in his voice. "Shall I bring the drell, as well?"
Zaeed looked at Liara questioningly. "I think he should be here, as well," she said quietly. "He will want to help destroy the organization with us."
"Bring him, as well, Legion," Zaeed told the geth. "Treat him as a guest, if you would."
"Understood," Legion replied as he cut the communication.
"So," Aly began as they waited for Anderson's arrival, "what is the status of the Broker's base, Li? You almost ready to bid it farewell?"
"I was going to bring that up," the asari replied, smiling broadly. "Your crew has pulled all the useful equipment from the base and stored it in your cargo hold. EDI downloaded the entire knowledge database and has started cataloging all pertinent information. The only thing left is to set the charges and watch it burn. Any suggestions?"
Aly smiled, nodding toward Jack. "No need to volunteer, Jack," she said happily. "I know you want this one. Why don't you and Grunt head back with Liara tonight and get everything set in place. Just try to leave us enough time to get away first, okay?"
"Only if I get to push the button," the convict said, a wry smile on her face. "You just know how I love to do that."
"Fine," Aly replied, rolling her eyes. "I wouldn't dream of keeping you from your fun. The button is all yours. Just load that fucking place down with enough explosives to give us one hell of a show."
"Aye, aye, Captain," Jack replied, aiming a mock salute in Aly's direction. "One massive explosion coming up."
"It appears I missed something interesting," David Anderson said as he entered the room. Aly's pulse began to race as she gazed up at her former commander and substitute father. The combination of anger and relief at seeing him alive was nearly too much for her, and she clung tighter to Zaeed's hand.
Legion pushed Anderson further into the room and followed close behind; Feron at his side. Anderson shot an angry glance back at the geth before taking a seat at the end of the conference table furthest from Aly. This put him directly next to Jack and Grunt, and there was no mistaking the open hatred in the duo's eyes as they stared the Councilor down.
"Councilor," Zaeed said, addressing the new arrival with the barest of civility. "I assume you have the information I requested earlier today?" Massani secretly hoped that Anderson would be difficult; thus giving him the excuse he needed to leave him on the Shadow Broker base when it exploded.
"Yes, I have prepared the list," he said quietly, gesturing toward Legion. "Your geth has it."
Aly spoke for the first time, the anger at his reaction to Legion giving her the strength she needed to address him. "He isn't my geth, Councilor," she said coldly. "He is a trusted friend and companion, and a valuable member of this crew. And he has a name. I expect you to address him with a great deal of respect from now on. Are we clear?"
Anderson's mouth dropped open slightly at the look of disgust glowing in Aly's eyes. "Of course, Commander," he said quietly. Though he longed to call her by her name, the Councilor couldn't be sure how such familiarity would be received. Therefore, he felt it best to remain formal for the time being.
"Good," she replied curtly. Anderson's heart sank as she turned to the mechanical crewman, a warm and inviting smile on her face. "Could I have the datapad please, Legion?"
"Certainly, Shepard-Commander," Legion responded, passing the datapad over to her; his every movement filled with pride at the recognition he'd received from his mentor and friend.
Aly studied the list for several moments and then passed it to both Garrus and Zaeed before once again looking up at Anderson. "I assume these are the people you feel we can trust on the Citadel?" she asked.
"Yes," he replied simply.
"EDI," Aly began as she punched in the codes to send the list to the AI, "please take a look at this list and run it through the database we downloaded from the Shadow Broker vessel. Let me know if you see anything suspicious."
"Yes, Commander," EDI said, her holographic sphere vanishing from its nearby post.
Garrus glanced over the list again and turned to Aly. "Hackett is on this list," he said. "We haven't found anything unsavory about him yet; so if he passes EDI's inspection, we may want to turn to him for help."
"We don't need help," Zaeed said bluntly. "All we need is a way onto the Citadel without interference. I suggest we leave everyone except our people out of the interrogation. Too many rules are involved when using proper channels."
"You can't just storm onto the Citadel like a pack of vigilantes and attack an ambassador!" Anderson argued. "We need to get Alliance aid for something like this. Hackett can assemble his men and…"
"NO!" Aly yelled, slamming her hand down on the table. The Councilor immediately fell silent, his eyes wide as he stared at his former protégée. "You have NO SAY in this plan! None at all! Udina is the final person standing between me and the Shadow Broker and he will tell me everything he knows. ME – not the goddamned Alliance! And if Hackett even thinks about stepping in my way, he is next!" As she spoke, she slowly rose from her chair; her eyes wild with fury as she stared at Anderson.
As if on cue, EDI once again appeared on her pedestal and spoke, her voice echoing over the now-silent conference room. "Commander Shepard," she began, "I have completed the cross-reference of the list Councilor Anderson provided you with the Shadow Broker's database. All of the provided names have been cleared. None of the candidates have any direct connection to the organization. Joker said to contact him as soon as you have made your choice." With that, the spherical apparition disappeared once again.
Garrus reached up and placed his hand on Aly's arm, gently pulling her back into her chair. His hand lingered for several seconds; the feel of her skin against his talons soothing his own pent-up anger. "It's your call, Aly," he said softly.
The room was quiet as Aly once more glanced down at the datapad on the table before her. "Joker," she said into the com, "contact Hackett. I don't want any of his flunkies, either. Make sure that you and EDI check the connection for security. Let me know when everything is ready."
"I'm on it," the pilot said.
"Liara," Aly said, turning her attention to the asari, "why don't you take Jack and Grunt and start preparing for our departure? This could take a while and there's no need for you to wait around here. Besides," she added, noting the glee on Jack's face, "I don't know how much longer I can control the demolition duo. They seem a bit antsy to begin."
"I'll keep you updated on our progress," Liara said as she rose from the table and headed for the door.
"Commander," Feron said, smiling softly at Aly, "I think I will accompany Liara and your team to the base. I would like to do something to help after everything your crew did for me."
"Of course," Aly said, inclining her head politely toward him. "Try to remember that you have been through quite an ordeal, however. If you feel yourself weakening in any way, get back here and have Dr. Chakwas look you over. I didn't rescue you only to lose you to exhaustion."
Bowing politely, Feron turned and joined Liara at the conference room door. As the team departed the room, Aly's attention turned once more to the remaining crew.
"All right, everyone," she began. "We need to prepare for our meeting with the ambassador. We won't have exact details until I speak with Hackett, but I think it would be best if we kept the team small for this one."
"Well, I am coming," Zaeed said firmly, "and Garrus has made his intentions quite clear. That only leaves a couple of spots open. Any requests?"
To Aly's great surprise, Thane was the first to speak. "Aly," he said quietly, his dark eyes sparkling in the light of the conference room, "I would like to go with you when you speak to the ambassador."
"Are you sure, Thane?" Aly asked, her brow furrowed in worry. "This isn't going to be pleasant, and I wouldn't want you to do anything that you aren't comfortable with."
"I understand the situation, Siha, and it doesn't change my mind," he replied, his husky voice deeper than usual. "I have more experience with interrogation techniques than anyone else on board. You may need my talents to get the information you seek. This man has done great damage to you and your crew and I will see him pay for it."
Great! Zaeed thought irritably. Just me, Aly and every fucking man on board who wants to take her from me. All I need is Alenko and it will be a full party…
"Commander," Anderson said, his voice devoid of its usual strength, "I would like…"
"No," Aly said, ending his request before it could begin. "You will stay here on the Normandy until we have dealt with Udina. The last thing I need is for something else to happen to you before I can return you to the Council."
"But," Anderson began.
"I said no, David," she said, her eyes locked with his. "Just stay here. I can't deal with Udina if I have to look after you."
Any arguments the Councilor might have had died on his lips as Mordin's voice came over the intercom. "Commander," he said quietly, "Patient is awake. Thought you would want to know."
Zaeed grasped Aly's hand as her fingers begin to tremble. "This meeting is over," he announced, rising slowly from his chair and bringing her with him. "Once we have met with Hackett, we will make the final arrangements." Garrus and Ricci followed directly behind them as he and Aly left the room; headed for the lab and whatever incarnation of Ashley Williams awaited them there…
o~~~~~~~~o
Kaidan glanced up from his datapad as Aly, Zaeed, Ricci and Garrus entered the lab. The look of fear on his former lover's face tore at his heart. He offered her a small smile of encouragement as she approached Mordin and the holding cell.
Inside, Winford was just struggling to sit up, her hand on her forehead. She glanced up at Aly, her eyes clouded with confusion. Her voice was a raspy whisper when she finally spoke.
"So," she began, a poor attempt at a smirk curling her lips, 'Commander Bitch comes to see the results of her handiwork, huh?"
Aly's heart dropped and she fought the tears that threated to flood her eyes as she stared at the woman who was still Veronica Winford. Quickly regaining her composure, she straightened her shoulders and faced her opponent in full commander stance. "Actually, I just wanted to make sure you recovered from the first of your treatments," she replied coldly. "The goal here is to return your memories, not to kill you."
Winford threw herself at the force field, her hand slamming directly in Aly's face. "If you think you will ever put me through that hell again, you are fucking crazy!" she screamed. "I'll bite my own tongue off and bleed to death before you subject me to any more of your insanity! I'll…"
Her ravings ended as a scream erupted from her mouth. Winford grabbed her head and dropped to the floor, rocking back and forth in obvious pain. "I'm not… her…. I'm …. not … no…"
"Open the field, Mordin!" Aly cried as she sank to her knees, her hands on the shield near the now-sobbing patient. When her orders weren't immediately followed, she stared up in fury at the salarian professor. "Now, dammit!"
With a concerned glance at Zaeed, Mordin reached back and hit the switch to release the field. Before the energy dissipated, four guns were drawn and trained on Winford; ready to go off at the first sign of trouble. Aly reached over and pulled the crying woman into her arms; rocking her gently while speaking softly in her ear.
"It's alright, Ash," she whispered. "You're safe now. You're with me, and I will never let that bastard hurt you again."
Mordin hit the com button on a nearby console, summoning Samara to the laboratory. The asari appeared within minutes and the men made space for her to join Aly on the floor.
"Hand her over to me, Commander," the Justicar instructed calmly, "but don't let go of her hand. We may only have one opportunity for this to work." Aly did as she was commanded and Samara took possession of Winford.
"Give me your other hand, Aly, quickly," Samara said. As she gripped onto the commander, she spoke rapidly. "Now, I need you to think of the strongest, most emotional memory you have of Gunnery Chief Williams. It is vital that it be something you both shared; something that brought you together. Keep that memory in your mind and don't let it go – no matter what! Understood?"
"Yes," Aly said, her voice shaking as she closed her eyes and concentrated with all her might…
She was standing on the platform high above Saren's krogan laboratory on Virmire. Garrus was at her side, and they were rushing to reach Ashley before Kaidan set the makeshift nuclear bomb that would destroy the turian Spectre's facility.
"Aly, you have to go back for Kaidan," Ashley begged her on the comlink. "There are too many geth here for you to ever reach me!"
"NO!" Aly cried, the pain in her chest growing as the finality of her decision fell upon her. "I won't leave either of you! I can't, Ash! Just stay there! Garrus and I are on our way!"
The calm sound of her best friend's voice cut through the desperation in Aly's mind and she stopped, her hand instinctively reaching for Garrus. "It's alright, Aly," Ashley said quietly. "You need to save Kaidan and make sure this nightmare facility is destroyed. Do it for Wrex. His people don't deserve this."
The sounds of gunfire rang through the com for several moments before once again fading away. "It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve with you and call you my commander and friend," Ashley continued, her words bringing tears to Aly's eyes. Garrus pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly as she strove to comprehend what her chief was saying. "You have to stop Saren and his monsters. And Kaidan needs you now. If that bomb doesn't go off, no one will be saved. So, please, do this for me."
It only took Aly a moment to make up her mind. She drew strength from Garrus as she replied, "Alright, Ash. I'll do this for you. And when I finally meet Saren, I will tear his heart from his chest for taking you from me."
"I know you will, Alyssa," Ashley said softly. "Now, go, and don't look back."
As Aly and Garrus raced back toward Kaidan and the geth who were threatening to overrun his position, Aly heard Ashley's voice float through her ears one final time. "I'll miss you, Aly. Don't forget me."
And I never did, Aly thought as she held tightly to Winford's hand and prayed Samara's plan would succeed. The asari drew in a deep breath, tossed her head back and focused all her power into this single moment. "Embrace eternity!"
The next minutes were torture for the men surrounding the holding cell. The laboratory was completely silent, except for the occasional gasps of pain coming from both Aly and Winford. Zaeed's heart pounded hard against his ribcage, and he nearly pulled Aly from Samara's grip as he watched her face contort in anguish. Ricci moved forward quickly, recognizing the look on his former commander's face, and placed a hand on his shoulder to keep him from acting on his impulse.
"Thanks," Zaeed said quietly, his focus remaining on the woman he loved. Ricci nearly pulled away in shock. That was the first time he'd ever heard a word of gratitude from Massani. She really has changed him, he thought happily as he stared in wonder at his friend. Maybe there's hope for the rest of us here, as well…
Just as Zaeed thought he would lose his mind from the wait, Winford's eyes shot open and she screamed, "Aly, help me!" Samara's head fell forward and her eyes returned to normal; and Aly slumped against the Justicar, her breathing coming out in rapid gasps.
"Don't interfere," Mordin said quietly when Zaeed moved closer to Aly. "Not done yet," he quickly added, seeing the look of concern in the mercenary's eyes.
Aly's eyes slowly opened and she scooted closer to Winford, pulled the unconscious woman into her arms and brushed the hair off of her forehead. Samara slid away from the pair and rose from the floor with help from Ricci and Mordin. The room fell silent once more as all in attendance waited for Winford to awaken.
"Aly…" The sound, though barely a whisper, was music to the commander's ears. She ran her hand along the side of Winford's face, wiping away the tears that began to slide from her eyes.
"I am here, Ash," she said, a small smile spreading across her face. "You are safe. Open your eyes and look at me. We need to make sure you are okay."
Slowly, Winford's eyes fluttered open and she stared up at Aly. For the first time since she'd encountered her on Tuchanka, Aly saw recognition in the deep brown depths. "It's you," she said, bringing her hand up to trace the curves of Aly's cheek. "It's really you. Don't leave me…" Her eyes slid closed as exhaustion claimed her once again.
Fresh tears fell from Aly's eyes as she gazed down at her friend. "Yes, it's me, Ash," she replied quietly. "You're on the Normandy and you're going to be fine. No one will ever take you away again. I promise."
Coughing slightly to gain Aly's attention, Mordin moved forward and kneeled down at his commander's side. "Need to take her now," he said as he ran a scanner over his patient's chest. "Must run tests. Mind merge can be difficult on receiver. Should probably check you, as well."
"Take care of her. I will be fine," Aly said as she leaned back and allowed Kaidan to lift Ashley from the floor and place her on a nearby exam table.
"I'll take her to Chakwas right now, Mordin," Zaeed said as he pulled Aly from the floor and wrapped his arm around her. "Call us the minute she wakes up, okay?"
"Of course," Mordin said, his eyes never leaving Williams. Aly glanced over her shoulder one final time as Zaeed escorted her from the room. Kaidan met her gaze and smiled warmly at her.
Take care of her for me, she mouthed silently. He nodded, his smile growing wider.
Anything for you, was his silent reply as the door to the lab slid shut between them.
o~~~~~~~~o
Joker met Aly outside the Medbay as she exited with Zaeed. Chakwas had given her a clean bill of health – after raising hell about the bite mark on her neck, of course. It came as a complete surprise to her when the pilot walked up and threw his arms around her, hugging her tightly for a few moments before letting her go.
"Do I want to know what this is about?" Zaeed asked playfully, throwing Joker an evil glance. "Cause if one more man on this ship steps up to make a move on my woman, he will find himself tossed unceremoniously into the trash compactor. And that would be a bitch on brittle bones, don't you think?"
"No need to worry, Romeo," Joker said, smiling warmly at the couple. "I know better than to tempt that particular fate. But good news travels fast on this ship and I just found out about Ashley. Wanted to come and share this joy personally."
Aly smiled, patting Joker carefully on the shoulder. "It's a start, anyway," she said. "I am sure it won't be easy for her to get back what she's lost; but with the love of friends and the brilliant minds of Mordin and Samara, I am hopeful that she will fully recover."
"We aren't giving her to the Alliance asshats for help, right?" Joker asked, his expression serious. "They fuck everything up!"
"No," Aly said sternly. "They will never get their hands on her. She belongs on the Normandy and that is exactly where she will be staying!"
"That's my commander," the pilot replied. "Always ready to blow something up for friends and family.
Speaking of which," he continued, a mischievous look appearing on his face. "I have a couple messages for you. Liara buzzed me while you were in with Mordin and told me the charges are all placed on the Shadow Broker base. I could hear Grunt and Jack laughing in the background, by the way – really creepy, those two! Anyway, Liara and company should be returning to the Normandy within the hour. Then we can pull away from this hellhole and watch as it explodes into a million pieces. Fun time, huh?"
"You said a couple of messages, Joker?" Aly prodded, crossing her arms over her chest in mock irritation. "That's only one."
"Well, Hackett is all ready for you in the conference room," he added. "I knew you wouldn't mind if he waited while EDI and I checked the line. Everything is clean as a whistle. So, whenever you are ready, feel free to head in there and chew his ass!"
"Excellent!" Zaeed replied, pulling Aly toward the conference room. He couldn't wait for this particular call. Turning back to Joker, he smiled evilly. "Buzz Garrus, Ricci and Thane and have them meet us inside, Joker. And since you never get to have any real fun, why don't you join us, as well? I know you won't be bored."
"YES!" the pilot said as he quickly contacted the remaining conference team and instructed them to get moving. Zaeed laughed as he heard Joker's final comment. "I knew I liked him more than Alenko!"
o~~~~~~~~o
"Admiral Hackett," Aly said as the holographic image of the soldier appeared on the conference table before her, "thank you for taking the time to meet with us. There is much to tell you and very little time to get it all done."
"Commander Shepard," Hackett replied, his voice hopeful, "I am so pleased to hear from you again. I trust you have some information on Councilor Anderson."
"Oh, we have better than that," Aly replied. "We have retrieved Councilor Anderson from the Shadow Broker base where he was being held and are in the process of returning him to you as we speak."
The smile on Hackett's face was genuine and Aly realized that they had made the correct choice in contacting him. "That is wonderful news!" he declared loudly. "The Council will be so pleased when they hear this. When do you expect to be here? I need to have a contingent of guards there to ensure his safe return to his home…"
"No," Aly said and Hackett immediately froze, his face showing a quiet concern. "You won't tell anyone we are coming back with Anderson. In fact, you are going to make sure that NO ONE knows we are coming. You are also going to find us a way onto the Citadel that will leave my team and I unhindered in any way by C-Sec, the Council, or anyone else. Can you do that for me, Admiral?"
"I don't understand," Hackett said, shaking his head slowly. "What is the problem, Shepard?"
"Ambassador Donnell Udina is the problem, Admiral," Zaeed said, taking over for Aly. "You see, while you were being a good little soldier and relaying our plans to him, he was taking that information and feeding it to the mother fucking Shadow Broker – his REAL employer! Your little internal leak nearly cost the lives of several of our crew – Alyssa, included!"
Hackett shook his head harder, his mouth open in disbelief. "That can't be right," he began. "Udina might be an ass, but he would never work for the Shadow Broker against his own people! This will have to be investigated thoroughly here on the Citadel. I will get my best men on it immediately!"
"Like hell you will!" Zaeed yelled, the authoritative tone in his voice making the admiral jump. "The only goddamned thing you are going to do is get a small team from the Normandy onto the Citadel without any leaks what-so-fucking-ever! Do you understand me, Hackett? Udina is the final piece of the puzzle we need to determine the identity of the Shadow Broker and shut his organization down for good! And we are going to speak to him ALONE, without any of your lackeys to fuck it up!"
"I… well, I think…" Hackett stuttered.
"NO! You don't fucking think!" Zaeed countered, pacing in front of the holographic soldier. "If your goddamned brain worked, you would have discovered this information without risking the life of this crew! You made this our problem, and if you think you are going to step in now and make any decisions regarding the outcome of this situation, you truly are insane. The Normandy, and its Spectre commander, I might remind you, will handle this without interference. Now are you ready for me to tell you what your part is, or do I need to explain this again, in smaller words, so you can comprehend it?"
"This would be a good time to keep your mouth shut and nod," Aly interjected, smiling at the shocked admiral. After a moment of silence, he followed her advice; slowly nodding his understanding to the conference room.
"Excellent," Zaeed said, taking his seat at the table once again. "Now we can get down to business. Here is what you will do. We will be arriving on the Citadel in three days. Right, Joker?"
"Sounds right, if we leave tonight," the pilot said. He was smiling wider than he ever had at the far end of the table.
"Okay, then. Three days," Zaeed continued. "You need to arrange a docking area where we will remain undisturbed. We will contact you when we get closer to the Citadel and give you the exact time of arrival. A small landing party will exit the Normandy and visit Ambassador Udina in his quarters. You need to insure that he is kept from his apartment until such time as we are ready for him to return. That is the end of your role in this matter. Councilor Anderson will be kept on the Normandy, where he is safe, until the mission is complete. Then he will be returned to you and the Council. Do you understand this so far?"
"Yes," Hackett said quietly. "And Udina? When will we be allowed to arrest him?"
Her face a stony mask of determination, Aly moved closer to the hologram. "You won't," she said bluntly. "We will deal with the traitor in our own way. Though you may want to send some people by to clean up the place once we are gone. I am sure the smell will begin to disturb the neighbors after a time."
"Wait!" Hackett said, panic rising in his voice. "You mean you plan on…"
"Killing him?" Aly finished. "Why, yes, Admiral, I do plan on killing him. And it won't be a quick and painless death, either. The pain he caused Gunnery Chief Williams, Councilor Anderson and several members of this crew has granted me the right to do to him what I please. And I will, believe me."
"This is another of those 'nod and shut the fuck up' moments for you, Hackett," Zaeed added, crossing his arms over his chest. "If you choose to make waves on this one, the next late-night visit will be to your apartment; and I don't think any of us want that, now do we?"
Hackett was silent for several minutes, and Aly could clearly see the sweat that rolled down his forehead. This was the deal breaker. If the admiral refused to comply with her demands, Shepard, her crew and the Normandy would cease to cooperate in any way with the Alliance and its people. Sighing heavily, Hackett nodded his assent; his shoulders slumped in defeat.
"Wise choice, Admiral," Aly said as she slowly exhaled her own held breath. "Remember my warning. Tell no one of this conversation. There is no one above suspicion in this matter. We will contact you again when we know an arrival time. Shepard out."
The communication ended and silence descended on the conference room. Thane was the first to speak.
"I suppose we should begin planning this mission, then?" he asked, his mouth curving up into a thin smile. "It has been a long time since I have done something like this, and we need to have everything ready for our arrival at the Citadel."
Turning to the drell, Aly smiled warmly. "Then you tell us, Thane," she said quietly. "Where do we begin?"
o~~~~~~~~o
The explosion of the Shadow Broker base was indeed spectacular. Jack and Grunt had even installed fireworks on several key parts of the ship. The brilliant flares of colored light added a celebratory dimension to the destruction. In a moment of true devious delight, Liara sent a digital copy of the explosion to Udina with a message attached to the beginning:
A little something to brighten your day, Asset! Hope you enjoy it as much as we did. We'll be seeing you soon, don't worry. And this destruction pales in comparison to what we have planned for you.
After reading the card, Udina pressed the button on his communication console with shaking hands and began planning his move from the Citadel.
o~~~~~~~~o
Goddamn that Admiral Hackett! Donnell Udina thought as he quickly walked the crowded thoroughfare of the Citadel Embassy Square toward his apartment. He'd planned on packing all evening, and then Hackett arrived at his office; a huge stack of dossiers and directives in hand that had to be examined and approved without delay. The duo worked late into the evening, only stopping when Hackett received a mysterious phone call summoning him to C-Sec headquarters.
Now he had to get home and throw his remaining personal effects into various boxes scattered throughout the penthouse. The ship bound for Earth was leaving port early the following morning, and he couldn't miss it. After all, his aunt's passing had greatly affected him, and the family needed him to return home for the funeral right away, didn't they?
Fools! he thought as he scanned his identification card on the front door of his penthouse and heard the lock disengage. The staff at the Embassy had believed his ridiculous story about the funeral, and even sent him flowers to console him in his time of grief. They could all go to Hell, as far as he was concerned. The sooner he was away from this place, the better.
The trip to Earth was merely the first stop on his true voyage. He'd spoken to the Shadow Broker and arranged for new lodgings in Aegohr, a salarian colony deep within that species' territories. There he would begin his new life as a diplomat working directly for the Shadow Broker's agency. No more political maneuvering among the humans. No more sacrificing his own desires for the good of his people. And no more fucking Alyssa Shepard!
Now Udina would be free to live his life the way he wanted, with all the money and power he could grab as he climbed the Broker's hierarchy. There was no end to his ambition, and someday he knew he would sit alongside the Shadow Broker, if not take his place altogether.
Yes, indeed. The future looked very bright!
All thoughts of a future died when Donnell Udina turned on his living room light. Sitting on the sofa, her legs strewn across the satin pillows, was Commander Alyssa Shepard. Her back was resting against the man Udina knew to be her current lover, Zaeed Massani.
Seated on the nearby chairs were two more of her colleagues – the turian, Garrus Vakarian, and the drell assassin, Thane Krios. All were smiling brightly as his gaze flipped between them.
"Good evening, Ambassador," Aly said, a glass of Udina's finest champagne dangling from her fingers. "I hope you don't mind, but we made ourselves at home as we waited for you to return. After all, we have a very long night ahead and it simply wouldn't do for us to get tired from lack of nourishment, would it?"
Udina backed up slowly, wondering if he could make it out the door before Shepard put a knife in his back. After only two steps, he encountered an obstruction and turned his head to see an unknown human male standing behind him, an evil grin on his face; and a long, stiletto blade poised between his shoulder blades.
"Now, now, Ambassador Udina," the stranger said, his heavy accent adding an ominous tinge to the words. "You don't want to leave already. The party is just beginning."
As Shepard rose from the sofa and approached him, Udina saw his death shining brightly in her eyes...