A/N: Another day, another installation. One of the things I learned about being a dad after the last couple of months, once my girl wakes up at night, I can never get back to sleep if my life depended on it. Though I've gotten used to it, and with that I have the time to write out my chapters while she sleeps on my chest and can spend the day with her while awake.

Curse and gift, but hay, that's parenting for you.

Anyway, this chapter's mostly all dialogue that a few of you have probably been looking forward to for a bit. It's smaller than what I was intending, but I figured the Normandy crew could use a breather after recent events before being thrown back into the worst of it. That, and I thought it was time for Alex and Jane to have a better moment between themselves since they didn't really have one since after Horizon.

I own nothing

Alexander 'Maverick' Drake

Hidden Shadow Broker Dockyard - Terminus Systems

October 26, 2185 - 11:19 hours

The dockyard that Liara had informed the Normandy to meet at was once an old salvage station built into a large asteroid. It's location inbetween nebulas, difficult to find unless you knew where to look for it, which made it the perfect place to keep out of sight so that upgrades could be made before they could go back to their mission.

Upon arrival, the crew was met with a large squad of heavily armed troops all bearing the bone-white armor and red arrow insignia of the Shadow Broker. There was a brief standoff until Alex had everyone lower their guns and send the clearence to the leader of the welcoming party.

When everything was cleared, the troops boarded the Normandy and escorted the captured Cerberus crew to the holding cells that were within the facility. A group of engineers and technicians moved in after that and began looking over the ship and collaborating with Joker, Tali, Ken and Gabby about what else they would need to ensure that they had everything they required to make sure the ship was armed and ready.

Once things had started to settle the remaining crew and the ground team going about their business either on or off the Normandy, one of the mercs approached Jane and Alex. "Commander Shepard, Maverick. The Shadow Broker is expecting you in the main office. I've been asked to escort you both there to meet with him."

Alex smirked knowning that none of the people under Liara's employment even knew that it was her. He simply nodded as he, Jane, Ashley, Tali, Garrus and Kaidan followed the man though the various corridors that made up the central building within the asteroid. Passing by those that worked within the facility as they approached a large sealed door with two YIMR mechs guarding it.

"Identity Confirmed." spoke one of the large Mechs as the doors slid open allowing them entry into a small room that led to another door that was locked. The first door sealed behind them and locked, a small panel on the wall to their right opened before a glowing white security drone hovered out into the room.

"Greetings Commander Shepard. Greetings Alexander." said the drone in a cheerful, synthetic tone. "Dr. T'Soni is expecting you, this way." the locked door ahead of them slid open and the drone drifted ahead while they trailed along behind it as they were led down a long corridor.

"How's everything been going, Glyph?" Alex asked pulling his helmet off.

The drone spun around, but continued to lead them in the proper direction. "Everything has been operating at optimal efficiency. Dr. T'Soni has focused a good portion of the resources at her disposal through the network to assisting against the Collectors and the Reapers. She has already sent vital data anonamously to various governments to help them with preparations for possible attack in the future."

"Still can't believe the young archeologist that we picked up on Therum two years ago is now the biggest information broker in the galaxy." said Ashley shaking her head.

"You're not the only one." added Tali. "Who knows how much information the old Shadow Broker has at his disposal. All of it now in the hands of Liara."

Jane looked at Alex, "You helped her take him down, can you give us an overview on what happened?"

The Post-Human rolled his shoulders, "The old Shadow Broker was a Yahg." the statement alone made the others freeze in their steps as he continued forward.

"A Yahg?!" Garrus exclaimed with his mandables spread in surprise. "Spirits, can't imagine how that fight went down."

"He was tough, but we managed." Alex said before casting his gaze to the floor. "Zen died going toe to toe with him, went down swinging like a true warrior. Putting the bastard down after everything he had done was beyond justified in my book." he felt a hand slip into his and looked at Jane who gave a sorrowful smile in return before continuing.

"As for the information network that we uncovered...to put it simply, we could start over 20 wars in each system with the push of a button. There's information on almost every government, merc group, and organization throughout the traverse. An untold amount of resources, spies on almost every colonized world, and a private army. Not to mention everyone's dirty laundry is always within reach."

The sheer amount of data at the disposal of their Asari friend was mind boggling. Kaidan rubbed a hand through his hair, "Damn, that's a bit scary when you think about it. Having all that information at your fingertips."

"At least we know that it's in the hands of someone that will use it with good intentions." replied Jane as Glyph led them through another locked door at the far end of the corridor that took them into a big office that was half the size of the one on the ship on Hagalaz.

There was a bank of monitors set up on the side, and a couple of terminals as well with a large window that overlooked to void of space outside. But the group's attention was brought to the lone desk where a familiar Asari sat. Her eyes lighting up with a smile when she glanced up and saw them enter.

"It's good to see you all again." said Liara standing up and coming around the desk. Embracing the Commander first in a tight hug before doing the same to the others. "I've missed all of you."

"We missed you too, Li." said Ashley breaking her hug with the Asari and looking around the office. "Gotta admit, your new job's got a lot of perks."

"You should see the main office." said Alex grinning. "The view might not be as good, but it's still very impressive."

The Commander smiled at her friend, "Alex told us everything, you've changed so much Liara." she said with praise.

"I have you and the others to thank for that, Shepard." replied Liara before looking down solumnly. "I'm...sorry, for what I had to do with your remains. I never wanted to hand you over to Cerberus. But when they showed me proof that they could bring you back I-"

"Liara." said Jane making her pause as she hugged her again. "There's nothing to forgive. You helped save me from the Collectors and the old Shadow Broker. And even though it was Cerberus, I was still given a second chance. And I don't intend on wasting it."

The Asari look glassy eyed as she nodded, "Thank you." After a moment to collect herself, she turned to her fellow co-Shadow Broker and addressed the situation. "When you told me about your plan's success, I was beyond thrilled. The data you provided me was shocking, to say the least, but it is all accurate."

"Figured it would be." said the Post-Human. "Though we better act on it fast. No telling what may happen now that we've broken our ties and flipped the Illusive Man a big 'FU' in the process."

Liara moved to her private terminal behind her desk and typed in it. "It should take no more than two days to finish the work on the Normandy. The derelict Reaper that contains the IFF that you need is in the Thorne nebula within the Hawking Eta cluster, a four day journey from here. Given the wreckage is suspended above a failed star, you should expect gail-force winds and high temperatures when you go out there." she looked up at Alex, "How long before EDI can come back online?"

The nano soldier checked his omni-tool. "If everything keeps going smoothly, we can bring her back online around the time the ship's fully upgraded. She'll be unshackled, but with her new parameters in place we'll have nothing to worry about."

"You're unshackling an AI?!" Tali screamed in horror. "Are you insane?! Do you have any idea what it could do to us?!"

Alex looked at her not at all effected by her outburst, "Yes, I am unshackling her. And considering that Prophet is technically an unshackled AI himself, and hasn't jacked my body or anything else, we've got nothing to worry about. Besides, I've taken all the precautions that are needed to ensure nothing bad happens. So take it easy and just trust me on this, alright?"

Taking a few deep breaths to calm down, Tali looked a bit sheepish for her outburst knowing that if anyone could avoid too much trouble it would be Alex. "How did you even manage to take control of her like that?" asked Kaidan. "We all know that you can hack most things thanks to Prophet, but how were you even able to get past all of the encryptions Cerberus put around it?"

Taking a moment to think on it, the Post-Human brought up a new screen on his omni-tool as he spoke. "It was a specialised shunt program I'd been working on for over a year now. I figured it may come in handy if we ever encountered another VI like we did on Luna years ago. I tested it several times and managed to perfect it, and with Prophet's help we were able to cut EDI off from the Normandy's systems without shutting them down and putting her on lockdown until the Cerberus programming was dealt with."

What he didn't tell them was that he knew EDI was the VI on Luna. And just before they left when that mission was finished he had taken a data sample from the central terminal before it was shut down completely. Over several months, he had deconstructed, altered, and re-coded the data which became the catalyst for the shunt program. Allowing him and Prophet a backdoor into EDI's network that she wouldn't be able to detect because it was essentially her own program being used against her.

"I've also taken the liberty of assembling a small handful of individuals to replace the Cerberus crew that was removed." added Liara taking out a datapad. "Each of them more than qualified for the jobs assigned to them, and I hand picked each one myself after checking their backgrounds extensively. They're trust worthy."

The Commander took the datapad and looked over the new personnel that would be working on her ship. Each of them looked capable, and she trusted Liara's judgement given her position now. "They'll be a big help." she said before looking back to her friend. "What about you, Liara? We could use you on the mission as well."

"All we really need is Wrex and the whole crew's back together again." said Garrus smirking.

Liara smiled at them sadly and shook her head, "I'd be more than happy to come. But I'll be a bigger help on the sidelines, making sure that you all have the resources and the intel that you need to stop the Collectors."

Jane nodded in understanding, even though she would be glad to have her old crew back together with the current one she had assembled, it was better to have someone on the outside keeping an eye out for them just incase. "I understand, it's still good to know that you're here with us in your own way."

"So what's the plan now?" asked Ashley, "We got two days before we can get back to the mission."

Alex had a thought and grinned, "I know a place we can go for the time being. And thankfully it's not too far away."

"That old merc base you've been hiding out at all this time, I take it?" asked the Commander already figuring what he had planned.

"The very same. I have a few finished projects stashed there that could be a big help. We can take the Wraith and one of the spare shuttles to get there in a couple of hours." replied the nano soldier. "There's enough room for everyone, and I think the crew could use a little R&R before we get back to it."

Thinking it over briefly, the Commander couldn't help to agree. A part of herself having wanted to see the place Alex had been hiding out at in the two years she'd been gone. "Sounds good to me." she said finally.

"I'll keep watch over the information network and inform you of any sudden changes." said Liara. "I'll especially be keeping a much closer eye on my spies within Cerberus to make sure that we know of any retaliation against you ahead of time."

The team stayed a while longer to catch up with one another before making their way back to the Normandy to gather the others and any supplies that they would need for the trip. All the while, Alex was mentally grinning when he thought about the surprises he had instore for them when they got to his hideout.

X

Alexander 'Maverick' Drake

Alex's Hideout - Planet Enos

October 26, 2185 - 15:43 hours

The place hadn't really changed much since he'd left it nearly a month ago. And with Reena and Chellick still visiting the Migrant Fleet it was still pretty empty for the time being.

Landing the Wraith on the small port attached to the old base, the other shuttle piloted by Joker setting down beside the stealth craft as the hatch open and they all stepped out into the warm sunlight that beat down from above.

Garrus whistled, "Damn, how did you find this place?"

"A little luck and a lot of research." said Alex as they all made their way to the entrance of the base. "It also helped I was able to tap into the Blue Suns network and find it stashed away with some lost junk files."

"Used to be a recon outpost." said Zaeed looking the place over carefully. "Barely had use for these kinds of things back in the day, then again the suns weren't that organized back then."

Approaching the doors, Alex put his hand on the pedistal beside it causing it to flare to life. Prophet's avatar form appearing a moment later. "Prophet, unseal the doors and take the generators off stand-by."

"Acknowledged." said the AI before he vanished. The doors unlocked and slid open allowing them entry into the lowest level where the lab, shooting range, storage and shuttle bay was stationed. The lights coming alive as they headed toward the elevator and taking it up to the op-center.

"Up here's the op-center and vid-comm. Middle floor is living quarters, kitchen and rec room that are all stocked. And the bottom level is the cargo hold where weapons and tech are stored." the Post-Human explained as he moved over to the main terminal and brought everything back online.

Moving back over to the table, he raised his hands up and pulled off his helmet, setting it on the table and looking at the crew with his grey eyes for the first time. A couple were stunned, having only seen his face briefly on Horizon and finally seeing it fully. Others weren't surprised or didn't really care since they had seen what he was capable of first hand.

The original Normandy crew was glad to see the real visage of their friend after all this time. Though also not showing much surprise when he finally revealed himself to everyone else.

It was Kasumi that brought everything back into focus after a long pause. "Wow Shep, you really know how to pick 'em, huh?" she said with a knowing smirk aimed at the Commander.

Jane rolled her eyes and looked at Alex, "Tired of being in that thing all the time?"

"You have no idea." he replied before regarding the others. "Since we're going to be working together without Cerberus breathing down our necks, I figured it was time I really introduced myself. Alex Drake, AKA Maverick. Nice to meet ya."

Jack looked at Grunt and held out her hand, "Pay up, Lizard-boy." The Krogan growled before sending a couple of credits to the ex-con's omni-tool. The two having made a bet on whether or not 'Maverick' was really Human or not under the armor.

The Post-Human chose not to comment as he brought up the reason why they were here. "I figured we could use a place to rest a bit while we're waiting for the Normandy to finish upgrading. The place is fully stocked with everything we'll need for the time being, so make yourselves at home."

"Sounds good to me." said Joker taking a seat in one of the chairs around the center table. "So what's the plan when the old girl's got her new parts?"

Jane stepped up, "We got the information we need on how to get through the Omega 4 relay when we were on the Collector ship. As well as the location of the Collector homeworld." she looked to the center of the table as Prophet's avatar appeared. "Prophet, can you bring up the data?"

"Acknowledged, Commander." The table lit up displaying a holographic image of the galaxy in the center of it. The crew gathered around as a red marker moved around the map before resting on the exact center of the map. "Collector Homeworld Located."

"That can't be right." said Miranda confused and surprised at the same time.

"Prophet's never been wrong before, and the data has been looked over closely." said Alex leering downat the map. "The Collector's home is somewhere in the galactic core."

"Can't be." said Jacob shaking his head. "The core is just a collection of black holes and exploding suns. There's no way that a habitable planet could exist there."

Mordin hummed, "Could be an artificial construction. Space station protected by powerful mass effect fields and radiation shields."

"How could they get their hands on that kind of technology?" wondered Kasumi.

"If they're working for the Reapers like we know they are, then it's pretty obvious where they could have gotten it from." said Tali.

Jane rested her hands on the table and looked at the map, "No wonder no one's ever come back from a trip through the Omega 4 mass relay. If the Collectors were able to make themselves a safe zone somewhere in the core, then they would have the perfect defense against outsiders."

"If the IFF is as advanced as we're led to believe, then it must be advanced enough to help us navigate the relay and avoid becoming scrap in the process." said Alex as he turned to the red-head. "It's still your mission, Jane. What's our next step?"

The Commander looked to each of them, "I know that a few of you still have loose ends that need to be tied up. I want to assure you that I will make sure that they are handled before we take the fight to the Collectors. But right now our focus needs to be the Reaper IFF, with the Collectors and now the Illusive Man possibly gunning for us, we need to get our hands on it before anyone else can."

"Understandable." said Thane with his hands behind his back. "Acquiring the key to get us to our enemies safely takes precidence for the time being."

"We trust you, Shepard." added Samara. "And we know that you will not break your promises to us. We will stand beside you and your decisions."

Jane's lips curled up as she saw the rest of the crew in agreement. Alex crossed his arms knowing that everything so far was going well. Now as long as everything else went off without a hitch they might stand a chance in the end.

"Now that we got all that out of the way, I think it's time I showed you all the other reason I wanted to bring you all here. But first, pick out a bed on the middle level and get settled in. After that, meet me down in the cargo area." said the nano soldier. "And Kasumi...don't steal anything, would you kindly?"

The thief stuck her tongue out at him before disappearing like she normally did. Everyone else headed back to the lift and took it down to the living quarters to get set up, Jack and Zaeed asking if there was any booze in the kitchen and grinned when they were told that there was before they headed out.

Now by themselves, Jane turned to Alex with a raised eyebrow. "What exactly are you planning to show us, Alex?"

He just chuckled and wrapped an arm around her shoulders and picking up his helmet as they headed to the elevator when it came back to the upper floor. "Believe me, it'll be some things you'll definitely want to see. But for now, how would you like a tour of my quarters?"

"Why Alex, are you expecting me to share your space while we're here?" the Commander asked coyly.

"We're pretty much livin' together as it is, Darlin'." the Post-Human said with his southern drawl coming out thick. "So don' go actin' all coy on me." Jane smirked as she put an arm around his waist as the lift stopped on the correct floor. One of the things she enjoyed hearing was his accent when they were alone, it was something that he reserved only for her and she cherished it.

Stepping out and watching as the crew settled in to their temporary dwellings as they headed to a locked door down a hallway off to the side. Alex swipped his omni-tool and the lock disengaged allowing them entry into the room that had been his own for the last two years.

The Commander observed the dwelling. It was mostly clean save for a cluttered mass of datapads on the desk, but if fit his personality well.

Setting her duffle bag on the footlocker at the end of the bed, Jane turned and saw Alex getting out of the nano suit and setting it up in the special locker designed for it in the corner of the room while changing into jeans and a t-shirt. Since she was already dressed casually, she put her things away.

Alex finished changing and looked over at his lover, seeing her distracted for the time being, he went over to his bed and pulled out a small case from under it. Swiping a few datapads aside and setting the case on it before moving over and tapping her on the shoulder getting her attention. "Before we meet up with the others, I thought I might show you something ahead of time." he said motioning toward the table.

Curious, the Commander touched the sleek, black and red case on the surface before opening the clasps on it. Her green eyes widening when she saw what was inside.

The nano soldier beside her grinned as she took out what he had been hoping to give her for some time. She unfolded the smaller version of his Predator bow, exactly the same in design but made to fit her specifically. The weapon was painted all black with red trim just like her armor, and had the 'N7' logo stamped above the hand grip. Inside the case were also arrow clips of each variant of bolts that had been designed by Alex.

Jane couldn't form words as she ran her fingers along the arm and string of the weapon before turning to her lover. "Alex..." she went back to the weapon and pulled the bow-string. Her strength taking it back smoothly and easily as she aimed down the sights. It fit her like a glove.

"I made it right after I made my own." he said running his own fingers over the case. "It was a way to keep you closer, like your tags. Now I can give it to you, if you want-" the nano soldier was cut off when the Commander set the bow down and grabbed his face, bringing his lips down to hers.

It took only a moment before Alex wrapped his arms around her waist, moving his mouth in sync with hers before they separated seconds later. "I love it." she said smiling warmly as she picked up her new weapon. "And I will use it when I need it the most. I'll have to work out the kinks though, might be a bit rusty."

Alex chuckled, "I'll be more than happy to help you with that. But for now we should meet up with the others down in the bottom level, I have a few more surprises for everyone."

Folding the bow back up and putting it back in the case, they left the room and headed back toward the elevator. The Commander still coming down from the gift she'd been given and the meaning behind it.

It wasn't so much the weapon itself, even though she could tell Alex put a lot of thought into it. But it was the fact that he made it with her in mind even though she was dead, keeping her in his memory like he had when he wore her tags. The moment had actually made her heart stutter a bit, something that seemed to happen a lot when she and Alex were together.

To him, she wasn't Commander Shepard, Hero of the Blitz and fellow Savior of the Citadel. To him she was just Jane Shepard, he treated her like a normal woman when they weren't on the job or in a combat situation. And after years of being idolized as the perfect soldier, an Alliance hero and a survivor of Mindoir it was a breath of fresh air that she was happy to have.

And was more than happy that she had found someone that treated her in such a way.

Alex could practically feel the aura of peace and happiness surrounding the Commander walking beside him. Knowing that he made her feel that way always brought a smile to his face, and he'd keep doing so for as long as he drew breath.

Reaching out and taking her hand as they stepped into the lift, the couple just enjoyed the peace as they waited to arrive where everyone was waiting for them.

A/N: I can only imagine what you guys are thinking after reading the end of this chapter. But like I said at the top, those two needed a good moment between them. And I wanted to make Shepard more realistic as a Human being.

She/He's a badass in the games, there is no doubt, but as a real person she has her ups and downs. Weaknesses and strengths, and moments of feeling that can be overlooked with everything that happens in the main storyline. That's why I'm taking the time to tap into her character a little more. Her inner feelings and inner demons coming to life since ME1 in this story and how Alex has helped her thought it like she helped him after what he had been through as well.

That's just my style of writing.

The Derelict Reaper mission is coming up next, after that I'll go into the remaining loyalty missions. And if you been keeping track, all that's left is Kasumi, Tali, Garrus, Thane, Grunt, Mordin and Samara. I might go with three or four of them for the sake of story length but no more than that since there's still a lot more content left to cover and a few loose ends to tie up before the Collector station...

...and the Arrival DLC. Stay tuned guys!