The New Subject Zero.
Friday 16th December 2185.
Cassie was surprised to find the Broker's ship was still in orbit over Hagalaz's sun, despite the system having been destroyed by the Reapers. Liara guessed that the combination of the retro-reflective panels, and the ship relying entirely on solar energy meant that the Reapers were blind to it, but that replicating its success would be impossible on a space-faring ship; although Cassie suspected divine intervention was the real reason. She introduced Emily and Kelly to Sha'ira, Shiala, Gianna and the children, before reconnecting with them briefly and ensuring that Tela was comfortable in her prison, before returning to the war.
A week after rescuing her and her students from the Cerberus besieged Grissom Academy, she returned to the Citadel to properly catch up with Jack. Cassie stepped out of the lift and looked around the familiar entrance to the Purgatory night club. She'd discovered it only a week ago, yet her repeated visits while assisting Aria meant she was now very familiar with it. The familiar thumping music enveloped her as she stepped inside, her eyes quickly being drawn to the person she'd come here to see.
"Hey Shepard," Jack said brightly. "Wasn't sure you'd make time for us."
"I always make time for those I care about," Cassie said as she sat down beside Jack near the dance floor. "What are you working on?"
"Duty roster for the students. It's what I do for fun now" Jack sighed as she put her datapad down. "They've got the kids spread out across Alliance units. Reinforcing barriers, modding ammo, that kind of thing."
"How are they holding up?" Cassie asked, moving her chair closer to Jack, who didn't move away in response.
"They're fine. They're not the ones reading duty rosters while on 'shore leave', whilst juggling that with being five months pregnant with their former CO's kid." Jack said slightly frustrated.
"Complain if you like, but military life suits you." Cassie laughed. "And you look amazing."
"Hey, running back to the Alliance was your lifelong dream, not mine." Jack snapped. "And thanks, nice to know I still turn you on."
"Come on. Plenty of combat, free room and board... and you're closer to me, someone you can depend on." Cassie smiled warmly. "Someone who's also the 'father' of your child."
"Yeah, yeah. Maybe your little suicide squad taught me something about teamwork. Speaking of which... thanks." Jack said, looking Cassie in the eyes. "My guys are handling the support stuff well. Still see some action, but they're not on the front lines. They've saved a lot of lives. It'd be a hell of a lot more fun with you – you always find bigger fights to get into. The little shits are starting to grow without me. I've basically got little to do except paperwork. But I'm not going to be like you, I'm not going to run off when people need them."
"Why do you think I'm here?" Cassie said, putting her hand on Jack's. "I didn't run away, I handed myself into the Alliance for the Bahak massacre, I had every intention of coming back for you."
"Come on! You think we can make this work? Think I want to be one of your fuck buddies?" Jack laughed. "I'm not that kinda girl."
"Do you really think you'll be forgotten, one of a number of women?" Cassie leant closer. "I've got a lot of love in my heart, and you will never be just another woman to me, I promise."
"You just want be back on your love ship don't you!" Jack laughed.
"You'll be safer with me than anywhere else, and you can still manage your students like Liara manages her contacts." Cassie said quickly. "Knocking you up was not a mistake, I want you and our child in my life, and more than anything I want you both to be safe from the Reapers."
"Mistake?" Jack laughed, her hand caressing her slight bump. "Goddess you make the best mistakes Shepard, I know this wasn't one, you aren't exactly known for sleeping with completely strangers."
"So you'll return to the Normandy?" Cassie asked.
"As long as I get my space to myself, sure." Jack smiled, leaning closer to Cassie. "But you better keep your word, and if we get out of this... alive... I want you to spend the rest of your life with me."
"And the others I've impregnated Jack, to pick favourites would not be fair," Cassie said in Jack's ear.
"Oh sure, you only favour Samara because she's so damn hot, and Asari." Jack chuckled, before the two women kissed. "But I think I'm game for being with you and the hottest women in the galaxy."
"Thinking of anyone in particular?" Cassie asked.
"You know damn well who," Jack said leaning back in her chair again. "Goddess I wonder how she looks now with a bun in her oven, her tits have probably gotten even bigger. Heh, first time I said 'goddess' I thought I was going mad, now it seems better than 'God'."
"You'll see," Cassie said temptingly. "She's aboard at the moment, but she's tracking down her father who's got her sister, so she won't want you getting in her way. But when she finds them, I'm going to help her end her father and save her sister."
"You're certainly one lucky bitch Shepard," Jack laughed, picking up her non-alcoholic drink. "Here's to our future together Cassie, if you break your promise I'll hunt you down and kill you, and I'll keep your offending member as a trophy."
"Duly noted," Cassie said, picking up the drink Jack had bought her. "Cheers Jennifer."
"If I hadn't just threatened you if you left me to raise this kid alone, I'd kill you for calling me that!" Jack said after downing her drink.
"Sorry, after Liara told me your real name I wondered how you'd react to it," Cassie chuckled.
"Badly," Jack answered. "I prefer being called Jack. Now shut up and escort this pregnant bitch back 'home'."
"Do you mean the Normandy?" Cassie asked, getting to her feet and helping Jack to stand.
"Hell yeah, I'll have my things transported over later, I assume you're docked for the next..." Jack said proudly.
"Twelve hours," Cassie answered. "By the way, I knew that I'd bump into you again, so I had them install some doors into your little area, even insisted they put a proper bed in, rather important given..."
"I'm pregnant with your kid?" Jack asked as they left the night club. "Good thinking; and thanks. Did you soundproof it too?"
"Yeah, kinda had to knowing you so well," Cassie laughed.
"More than most, still not sure how..." Jack said, before Cassie interrupted.
"I'm half Asari, so I've got a few tricks up my sleeve," Cassie said quickly. "We melded, and as a result, we know each other intimately."
They stepped into the lift and Cassie hit the button for the Normandy dock, Jack turned her back to Cassie and leant against the handrail.
"But I've screwed Asari and melding with them doesn't compare to what we did," Jack said quickly, resting her head against the cool metal lift wall. "Even now I can feel your presence in my head, not something I like the idea of, but I don't want to lose it. What the hell did you do to me?"
"It's a side-effect of being half-human, half-Asari, when I meld I meld for life essentially." Cassie said, putting her hand on Jack's back. "I don't know why, but because I'm human, melding for me is special and truly bonding."
"You mean your father?" Jack asked. "Still can't figure how you're human if you were conceived in an Asari."
"It's a mystery, but it's a mystery for another time." Cassie said quickly. "Right now I need to make sure you settle in again, and have Karin check that you're both alright."
"You really do care?" Jack asked, turning to look back at Cassie.
"Of course," Cassie smiled, putting her arms around Jack's waist, her hands on Jack's bump before kissing her cheek. "I love you."
"Love you too Shepard," Jack smiled, putting her hand over Cassie's. "I've never been happier than I am with you, and that's something I don't say lightly."
"I know," Cassie smiled. "I'm trying to get all my lovers together for Christmas, but this war is making it difficult."
"Well you got me," Jack said proudly. "You ain't getting rid of me anytime soon."