Hey everyone!

*blah**blah* tough few weeks *blah**blah*

Anyways, since I currently havent gotten any new updates with Citadel High, I decided to put in a little extra FemShepxLiara stuff into this chapter, to please those that are reading both of my 'in-progress' stories.

A sprinkle of ShepxLiara smut in this chapter and probably on the next chapter as well... :)


Politics & Pleasure

December 17, 2185

SSV Normandy - Operative Lawson's Quarters - Commander Alonso - 2330 hours

"Y-you're playing with my feelings, Miri." I glared at my teary-eyed girlfriend. I shook my head. She's pranking me. I just know it. My glare dampened when she turned away and sobbed uncontrollably. I stared with my lips parted, realizing that she was undeniably serious. "You want to marry me?" I slowly walked towards her to comfort her. "Hey...I-" I couldn't finish my sentence as Miranda turned once more to face me and tightly wrapped herself around me, still crying on my shoulder. "Shhh." I cooed, running my hands up and down her back to try to calm her down but it only made her cry even harder.

"Hold me." She pleaded, unable to control her feelings. "Please!"

It broke my heart. And so I obeyed and I held her tighter for what seemed like hours. Eventually, she had no more tears to shed and I still held her. I swayed her as she wrapped her arms around my neck. I leaned forward to press our foreheads together before giving her a warm smile. "Look, I uhh." I paused to take a deep breath. "I hope this isn't official. I-I want to do this right-proposing to you, I mean." Miranda wordlessly nodded as we continued to sway. "God!" I chuckled, "Who would've thought I'd change your mind."

"Chuck?"

"Yeah?"

"You're ruining the moment."

We both stopped our swaying to look at each other before sharing a laugh. We met halfway and shared a deep and loving kiss. Mister and Misses Alonso. I smiled brightly as I brushed her hair behind her ear. I like that. "I love you." We both said in unison before we shared a smile. "Let's go to bed." Miranda added, "Your quarters?"

I smiled, taking my future wife's hand and we rode up the elevator to my spacious cabin. We stripped out of clothes on our way to my bed before climbing into it. I looked into Miranda's blue-ish grey eyes and smiled. "I'll do everything I can to make you the happiest woman in the galaxy."

Miranda slithers into my arms and rested her head on my chest, drawing gentle circles on my chest with her fingers. "You already are making me the happiest woman in the galaxy." She looked up at me and gave me three quick kisses. "Sweet dreams, Chuck."

"Sweet dreams, Miri."

The Next Morning...

We'll be docking with the Migrant Fleet in a few hours. As much as I wanted to take Miranda there with me, I knew that it was a bad idea, given the fact that she was still, regretfully, The Illusive Man's second-in-command. The Quarians have a dreadful past with Cerberus and I won't let anything bad happen to her. I went down to the mess hall, finding Tali and Garrus having breakfast together.

"Hey you two." I sat in one of the seats across from them. Garrus sat with one datapad in one hand while eating with the other.

"Charlie." Garrus put his pad down and gave me a nod. "I heard you and Miss Lawson had a little match in the gym. I'm sorry I missed it."

"Well, I kind of got a little inspired by our chat yesterday." I grinned when Tali looked at Garrus with a curious tilting of the head.

"Uhh, what chat?" Garrus cleared his throat awkwardly.

Oh this will be fun. "Oh you know! You told me a story about how you and a female turian had a little match on that ship you served on. You mentioned you had the reach and she had...what was it? Flexibility?" Garrus choked on his turian food before he slowly turned to look at Tali, who was still watching him closely. If I know Tali, she's giving him the death stare and if Garrus could sweat, he would be doing that riiiight about now. I grinned as I observed the two.

"Is...is-is it a little warm in here?" Garrus asked as he scooted a few inches away from the young quarian.

"Anyways, then you mentioned that you two finished your little dispute in private. Is that right, Garrus?"

"I-erm yeeeaah. I believe I uh said that." Garrus lifted his datapad and his mandibles twitched in a fake-surprise. "Oh well would you look at the time! I'll just get going now. I've got to recalibrate the main guns, excuse me!" Garrus quickly stormed off and went back into his little workstation in his cave past the cryo pods.

Tali sighed and went back to eating her protein paste.

"You feeling alright Tali?" I asked as I ate my food.

"Hm? Oh, no not really." Tali breathed sadly. "I haven't gotten much sleep lately. I'm nervous."

I reached over and covered her hand with mine, giving her a supportive squeeze. "We'll fix this Tali. I promise."

Tali nodded and said, "Thank you. I'm glad I could rely on you. You've been a really good friend to me after all these years."

"Don't mention it." I smiled, pulling my hand away. "I'm glad I can be of help to you."

"I'm going to be down in engineering until we reach the fleet. To get my mind distracted."

"Go ahead. I'll let you know when we are minutes out." I give her a smile as she stands from her seat and heads towards the elevator. After finishing breakfast alone, I wash my things and head up to my cabin, finding my angel draped over with my bed sheets.

"Morning, Commander." Miranda purred as she stretched her muscles, causing the sheet to cascade down to her lap, revealing her breasts and tight stomach. I remained silent as I walked down to my bed and crawled beside her.

"Morning, sweetie." I kissed her nose, gaining an arched brow from my girlfriend.

"Sweetie? I'm a sweetie now?" She rolls her eyes, "I much prefer princess than sweetie."

I bit my lip to suppress a laugh and kissed her on the lips this time. "As you wish, princess."

"You're such an ass." She gives me a sideways glance that melted me where I lied and I couldn't help myself but stare at her gorgeous body. Every inch of her was designed for perfection. I loved everything about her.

Her creamy white skin, the softness of her skin under my touch; her beautiful steel blue eyes; her long, cascading dark hair; her beautiful hourglass figure; her cotton-soft full lips; her scent of lavender and that Australian voice that was deadly as it was sexy. She is the definition of perfection, beauty, a strong woman. A femme fatale. And she is mine. I grinned internally at the low odds of finding someone like her, let alone date her. I thank whoever is up there for the gift I was presented two years ago over at Flux on the Citadel.

"What's on your mind?" She asked as she sensed something in me.

"Just thinking about how we met." I blushed and continued, "And a fool I made out of myself that night."

"That you did Commander." Miranda grinned. "Should we tell our children that story?"

I rolled my eyes and groaned, "I hope they never ask. In my defense, Shepard pushed me...and I was drunk."

"Being drunk doesn't help your case but yes, Shepard did push you."

I felt my cheeks burn even more. "God that was embarrassing. Though, I'm glad you allow me to touch you again." I scooted closer to her and began exploring her body, grazing my fingers on her well defined stomach, gaining purrs from the woman of my dreams.

"When are we arriving at the fleet?"

A huffed a smile. "Trying to change the subject so you can have a little control, Lawson?" Miranda rolled her eyes and began to say something but I kissed, stopping her dead in her tracks. The both of us rolled in the sheets as we enrolled in a passionate make-out session. We broke away and I found myself on top of her. "We'll be there in three hours."

"Don't you have anything else you should be doing?" Miranda mock-glared at me when I simply stared at her for a few minutes. I shrugged my shoulders innocently.

"Other than you?" I winked, lowering myself between her legs. "Nope."

SSV Normandy SR-2 - Normandy Cockpit - Commander Alonso - 1000 hours

Tali paced nervously in the cockpit as I made my way towards her, tugging on the creases of my suite. I leaned myself against the wall, observing as the Normandy made its way past the foggy nebula to come in contact with the vast variety of Quarian ships. Small frigates to large cruiser-like machines, all protecting the massively large ship with a large round sphere that rotated in a snail's pace.

"This is Tali'Zorah vas Neema nar Rayya, requesting permission to dock with the Rayya."

We wait in silence and I took the time to calm Tali down by gently squeezing her shoulder. She turned to me and nodded in appreciation and she stopped pacing.

"Our systems have you flagged as a Cerberus vessel. Verify." A male voice responded back firmly, not with a malicious intent to hurt us but if Tali weren't here, we would probably have to flee.

"After time adrift among the stars, along tides of light and through shoals of dust, I will return to where I began." Tali performed the phrase and we were immediately granted access to dock. I hear Tali's cracked breath and I grab her hands.

"You'll be fine." I reassure her before I put on a rebreather that was located on the compartment next to the airlock before the both of us walked inside the decontamination chamber. The doors swish open and the both of us walk into the Rayaa. I look around as see a trio of Quarians walking towards us. The one in the middle tells us that we are expected for awhile. I learn that the Captain of the Neema, an Admiral Gerrel, can't speak for her during the trial. In the end we are escorted by armed Quarians down the narrow halls of the ship, passing through various whispering Quarians that either look at Tali with a saddened or hateful expressions. As a result, Tali looks down in shame as the both of us follow our guards.

"Aunti Raan!" Tali cries out and runs to a female Quarian. The two share an embrace that warms me. Tali turns to face me and cheerfully, she continues. "Alonso vas Normandy, this is Admiral Shala Raan vas Tonbay. She's a friend of my father."

"Pleasure to meet you." I give the admiral a smile and she returns it with a nod before looking at Tali.

"I am glad you finally arrived, Tali vas Normandy. I could only delay them for so long."

Tali's brief happy demeanor faltered and she tilted her head. "You called me vas Normandy."

My brows narrowed with concern. "I have a feeling that isn't a good sign."

Admiral Raan looks down and shakes her head before looking back up at us. "I'm afraid not, Captain. The Admiralty Board has ruled to have you trialed under that name, as you departed from the Neema." Raan pauses before twiddling with her hands nervously. "I'm afraid that the decision makes Tali look guilty already."

"Keelah..."

I wrap one arm around Tali to console her while addressing Raan. "Since you're an admiral, are you part of the trial?"

Raan shakes her head. "Given my relationship with Tali and her family, I am forced to recuse myself."

"I assume my father had to do the same." Tali sighed.

Raan shifted her head back down and didn't say anything for a brief moment. "You'll see when we head inside."

Raan's tone didn't sound good. Not one bit. "I guess we should get started...and if it's alright, I'd like to speak for Tali as a defense councilor." I felt Tali's body stiffen and I gave her a gentle squeeze.

Raan nodded, "As Tali's captain, you are entitled to do so."

Tali looks up at me, her eyes sparkling through her violet visor. "You'd do that? For me?"

"Of course. You're a part of my crew. And a friend. I'd be honored." Tali's eyes sparkled even brighter before looking down and giving me a shy nod. I smile and look at the Quarian admiral. "Alright, let's go."

Admiral Raan, along with our escort, leads us down a short flight of stairs before we enter the atrium, plant life adorn the ship's walls. Quarian's scriptures tattoo the very same worn out walls. I wonder how long this ship has been out here. It looks old, considering the moss and ivy traveling up towards the ceiling. I shake my head at the antique, yet surprisingly beautiful architecture of the ship and look ahead to face the grand stand of Quarian admirals that are waiting patiently on their small stage. Quarians that were talking around the room begin walking towards us, creating the audience for the trial. As Admiral Raan left us and made her way towards the stage, Tali and I looked at each other. I could tell she's nervous, I don't blame her but I'll do everything I can to prove Tali's innocence. Tali saw that before taking a deep breath.

"This conclave is brought to order." Admiral Raan began, standing behind three other Admirals; two men and one woman, each showing different body languages. "Blessed are the ancestors who kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season. Keelah se'lai."

An echo reverberated as everyone repeated the Admiral's last two words. "Keelah se'lai!"

"The accused, Tali'Zorah vas Normandy, has come with her captain to defend herself against the charge of treason."

"Objection!" One of the male Quarian Admirals with a red accent on his suit cried out. "A human has no business at a hearing involving sensitive military matters."

"Then you should not have declared Tali of the Normandy, Admiral Koris." Raan spoke calmly. "As captain of the Normandy, Captain Alonso has every right to be here. Therefore, he must stay."

"Well, actually it's Commander Alonso but I see your point." Hmmm...the rank of Captain suits me better anyways. I should probably have that fixed once I return to Council space...if the Alliance accepts me back, of course...hell, even Admiral sounds good. Focus! I shake my head clear of my rambling.

I see Koris' eyes narrow at me before conceding, "Objection withdrawn."

"Very well." I see Raan subtly stand a little straighter at that before turning her attention back at me. "Alonso vas Normandy, your crew member, Tali'Zorah stands accused of treason. Will you speak for her?"

I stand forward and stand at attention. "If it helps Tali, absolutely. However, she remains Tali'Zorah vas Neema, a proud member of the fleet. I regret that her captain is forbidden to speak for her today."

Koris steps forward, as if insulted and says, "Nobody is forbidden from anything, Commander! It is a simple-"

The admiral beside him, interrupts, also insulted but by his fellow comrade's words. "Lie to them if you must, Koris but don't lie to me and expect me to stay silent! The human is right!"

I have a name! I roll my eyes internally and bite back a growl.

"Admirals please!" Raan settles her compatriots down. "Alonso's willingness to represent Tali'Zorah in this hearing is appreciated. Tali," she looks at my shivering friend, "you are accused of bringing active Geth to the Migrant Fleet. What say you?"

Active Geth? My brows lift in surprise. My brows then sink as I look at the admirals with disbelief. "How could've Tali brought active Geth to the Fleet while serving on the Normandy?"

"To clarify, Alonso," The female admiral to the right of Koris finally speaks, her sensual voice causing a shiver to crawl down my spine as she continues, "Tali isn't accused of bringing back entire units, only parts that could spontaneously reactivate."

"But Admiral Xen, I would never send back active Geth to the Fleet!" Tali defends herself while nervously wringing her hands. "Everything I sent was disabled and harmless."

"Then please explain how Geth seized the lab ship where your father was working!" Koris shouts, causing a collective gasp from everyone except the Admirals.

What?

"Wh-what are you talking about? What happened!" Tali cries out, her voice crackling at Koris' revelation.

Gerrel sighs and replies softly. "...As far as we can tell, Tali, the Geth have killed everyone on the Alarei...including your father."

"No...! Oh, Keelah..." The saddened voice of Tali breaks my heart and I can't restrain myself from pulling her into another embrace. "It can't be..."

I gently pulled her away and turned to the admirals in a rage. "You all have a lot of nerve! Why did you keep that from her! I thought the Quarians valued family! How do you justify springing this on her in the middle of a fucking trial! In front of all of these people!"

All four admirals look down in sadness before Raan speaks once more. "Our apologies. Tali should have been informed."

"Charlie." Tali says softly, trying to fight the sobs that are trying to get passed her. "We have to take back the Alarei. I have to know what happened."

"The safest course would be to simply destroy the ship, but if you're looking for an honorable death instead of exhile-"

I interrupt Koris by putting him in a stasis field. "I would tread carefully and not finish that sentence, Admiral. We are not going to die on the Alarei, THAT, I can assure you."

"I am looking for my father, you bosh'tet!"

I grin and look at Tali before giving her a wink. "Couldn't have said it any better." I remove Koris from the stasis field and he glares at me but says nothing. Asshole.

"You intend to retake the Alarei from the Geth?" Raan speaks with shock "...This proposal is quite dangerous."

"You think Tali is helping the Geth! I'm sure killing a few will help her cause." I say through gritted teeth, still angry for causing my Quarian to suffer.

"We do not accuse Tali of aiding the Geth," Koris clears his throat when I throw daggers at him; "we accuse Tali of carelessness and endangering the fleet."

"Then it is decided. You will attempt to retake the Alarei. You are hereby given the leave to depart the Rayya. A shuttle will be waiting at the secondary docking hangar." Raan wrings her hands together and looks at Tali. "Be safe, Tali. This hearing will resume upon your return, or upon determination that you have been killed in action."

"I've had enough of this. Come on Tali, let's regroup and head back to the Normandy." I grab Tali's hand and take her back. "The fuck is wrong with them? Holding that kind of information. Unacceptable! I suspected Raan was holding something back but I didn't expect that." As we approached the Normandy docking bay and headed inside the decontamination chamber, I brought Tali into a hug. Tali couldn't hold on anymore, and burst into tears. "God, Tali...I'm so sorry."

"I hate this!" Tali clung onto me, holding for dear life. I held her for what seemed like forever until she stopped crying. "I don't know what I'll do if my father is really dead."

"Don't think like that. Come on, let's suit up and get to the Alarei."

"R-right. And Charlie...thanks."

"Have I ever let you down?" I give Tali a warm smile, that causes her to jump up slightly. Hope that was a blush. "I'll be down shortly." I give her one last smile before I head up to my cabin to get into my armor.

The Citadel - Shepard and Liara's Hotel Room - Liara T'Soni - 1200 hours

I bit my lip and whimpered once I ended our meld, the both of us panting into each other's necks, our bodies covered with perspiration. Shepard pressed her lips with mine as our bodies pressed close.

"I'm glad you brought this." Shepard purred, settling down next to me while draping one of her legs over my hip while she began playing with the sex toy that was on her person that I brought for her to use on me. "I was a little disappointed when my old one was destroyed with the Normandy SR-1."

"Shepard!" I said softly, hiding my blush away from her, causing Jane to giggle.

"What? Don't tell me you don't love it when I fucked you with it all those years ago in my quarters." Her index on her left hand began lazily trailing down my stomach, causing me to gasp and look at her predatory smile. "Granted this one is a little thinner but it's still thick enough to please you. Hell you scream like you enjoy it, love. Plus...this one has a sensory module at the base, which helps me get off too." I looked down towards the long phallus that was still attached to Shepard's body, still dripping wet from my juices. "You want more...don't you?" She began stroking it with the hand that was previously making his way towards my lower folds. "You're still looking at it." My eyes darted upwards instantly into my lover's dark blue eyes. There was a raging fire in them, much like they were when they were green, as we stared at one another. She brought up her hand from her erect member and began sucking her index and middle finger, moaning with delight while causing me to blush and stare. "You taste sooooo delicious babe. Want some?"

Without thinking, I found myself nodding at the seductress that next to me. "Please." Shepard giggled and slipped her fingers inside my mouth and I moaned as well, finding a delightful taste. Then, Shepard leaned in and together we began kissing once more.

"Save some for me." She murmured before sliding her tongue inside my mouth.

Goddess...

"I know." Shepard pulled back and winked. "After all these melds, it's like I know what you're thinking." Before I knew it, I felt something slide inside of me, causing me to moan and arch my back. "And I know you were thinking of this."

"Shepard, I..." I tried to push her off. This is too soon but it feels amazing. "More! More!" Shepard giggled and licked her lips before she complied with my request, leaning down to kiss me as she accelerated her thrusts into me. "Yes! Shepard!" I closed my eyes as I wrapped myself tightly around my lover's body.

Then, everything stopped. I opened my eyes and looked at Shepard, finding an evil grin play across her lips as her thick toy slid out of me. "I think that's it for now."

What? "What? No! Please! Don't stop!" I whimpered as I tried to pull Shepard back but she was stronger. "But-"

"Shhhh." Shepard cooed. "We're going out."

"Out? But we were having so much fun in here." I pouted, gaining a bright smile from my lover that melted my heart.

"If you behave," Jane leaned in and began kissing my neck, "we'll continue where we left off."

I frowned and sighed. "You're evil."

"Aw hey, I'm a good girl." Shepard winked and began unstrapping her toy. "Now let's take a shower. No funny business, got it?"

"Where are we going?" I asked just as she was heading to the bathroom. She paused and looked at me with a smile.

"It's a surprise."

The Alarei - Commander Alonso - 1214 hours

"Fucking assholes!" I seethed as plasma wound burned through my armor, stinging my shoulder. "Fuck!" I winced as I took cover behind a counter and blindly shot over my shoulder with my pistol while I stretched my legs out in front of me.

"You alright?" Came a collective voice of Tali, Garrus and Amanda moments later after the squad eliminated the threat of Geth Hunters and soldiers.

"I'm fine just give me a sec." I replied as I rubbed medi-gel on my shoulder. "I hate Hunters." I let out a satisfying moan as the medi-gel did its job. I pulled myself off of the ground and reloaded my weapons, finding spare thermal clips on the ground and injecting them into my weapons while making my way towards Amanda as she was administering medi-gel on her arm. "You alright?" I ask.

"Tis but a scratch!" Amanda gives me a slight smile.

"You say that now, but that fucker is going to burn later. Trust me." I sigh in defeat. "Looks like we'll be heading straight to the med bay once we get home."

"You know, I was just-"

"Father!"

The young human engineer and I whip our heads, finding Tali running down the hall and a turian running after her. Tali crouched down and held a dead male Quarian's body in her small arms, rocking him back and forth while shaking her head. Amanda and I jump over counters and run towards the dextro duo and stop when I hear Tali's heartbreaking sobbing words.

"You wouldn't just die like this! You always had a plan! Some sort of medical stasis program. You can't be dead. I-"

I looked at Garrus who hung his head down in sadness. I nudged him and nodded to Tali. He took the hint and placed a hand on Tali's shoulders.

I rolled my eyes internally. Garrus is smooth with the ladies huh? But before I could correct the suave Tuarian, Tali stood and clung himself to Garrus and sobbed harder. Garrus awkwardly hugged her back and I couldn't help but smile. I turned to Amanda and she winked back at me, throwing a small nod at the end.

"I'm so sorry." Tali sniffed as she pulled away from Garrus rather reluctantly. "I'm sorry for dragging you all into this."

"You have nothing to be sorry about." Garrus cooed before Tali kneeled down and grazed her father's helmet.

"Maybe he left a message for you." Amanda suggested. Tali nodded and activated his omni-tool. A small avatar of Tali's father appeared as hovered just above his dead body.

"Tali, if you are listening to this...then I am dead." He spoke in short labored breaths, gently holding his ribs. "The Geth have gone active and the only way to shut them down is through the bridge. There is a main hub there where their VI processes are located. Ensure that Han'Gerrel and Daro'Xen see the data. I am sorry for everything Tali...I wish I never involved you into any of this. I love you my darling daugh-"

The transmission ends abruptly, seeing Rael'Zorah run away from something. Tali's head looks down but steels herself from anymore crying. "Thanks dad."

"He knew you'd come." I touch her shoulder and give it a squeeze. "He was trying to help you. It's not perfect, but it's what he could do with what he had."

"I don't know what's worse, Charlie...Thinking he never really cared, or thinking that he did and that this was the only way he could show it." Tali shook her head and readied her shotgun with newfound determination. "But I cared. And I am here. And we are ending this!"

I readied my own shotgun and took the lead, traveling up the stairs that would take the team and me to the bridge. Once there, I cursed silently as the four of us took cover. A Geth Prime but fortunately it's alone...I hope. I looked to my team and they nodded, know what I wanted from them. The three did a chain overload, annihilating the large Prime's shields before we began blasting it with bullets.

It never stood a chance.

And so we disabled the Geth network. All while learning the truth to all of this which made sense after the countless of Geth platforms we had destroyed on the Alarei. Rael'Zorah was creating a brand new form of Geth. A platform that was able to reach full sapience in order to perform weapons tests. Everything was done behind Tali's back. Tali's father is a criminal.

I remained silent, except for the order the head back to the shuttle. I was sad to say that I was pondering on my decision to whether or not to tell the Admirals the truth. They deserved to know what happened and the dangers they would have faced if things got even more out of hand. But Tali...she would never forgive me if I told the Admirals about what Rael'Zorah was. A traitor to the fleet.

I don't want that. I stared down at the shuttle's floor as the Quarian pilot took us back to the Rayya. I don't want to lose my friend. I looked up and saw that Tali staring at me with caution. I averted my gaze and looked back down to the very spot I was looking at before. I chuckled darkly to myself. The responsibilities of command.

A silent ride and a few awkward glances later, my squad and I stepped into the Rayya, hearing that the Admirals were getting impatient. "Let's go guys!" I ordered and we sprinted our way back inside the atrium, shoving aside a few of the audience members in order to stand in front of the Admirals. "I'm glad you all decided to wait for us to come back." I said sarcastically, crossing my arms over my chest. "In any event, Tali'Zorah vas Normandy saved the Alarei. I sincerely hope this has showed Tali's loyalty to the fleet."

"Her loyalty was never in doubt. Only her judgment." Koris spoke.

"Did you find anything on the Alarei that could clarify what happened?" Gerrel asked in a neutral tone.

I took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Charlie...please..." Tali pleaded but I already made up my mind.

I gripped the handrail for a brief moment before taking another deep breath. I hope this works... I pushed myself off and pointed an accusatory finger at the Admiralty board. "Tali's contributions to the fleet are the only evidence you need." They better take the bait or else this will turn badly for Tali. "Come on Tali, we're leaving." I pulled Tali by the arm and began making our way up the stairs.

"What?" Koris exclaimed with both shock and confusion seeped in his voice. "This is a formal proceeding!" I smiled underneath my death mask and turned to face the Admirals, letting go of Tali's hand and steeled myself.

"You are wrong, Koris. This is a sham! You're trying to build sympathy for the Geth to forestall the war effort! I've seen your reports."

"What? I-This is-"

But I interrupted Koris' ramble and pointed at Gerrel. "And you! All you want is messy experiments covered up so you can throw your fleets at the Geth!" Much like Koris, Gerrel stammered as well. "Do whatever you want with your toy ships but I'm leaving my crew out of all of the political bullshit! We have no new evidence. You can accept Tali's word or you can exile the woman that saved the Citadel from the Geth. I can assure you that you will make a lot of Quarians angry if you do."

Raan and Xen sighed, shaking their heads before Raan spoke. "Are the Admirals prepared to render judgement." Xen was the first to nod, activating her omni-tool and submit her vote, then Gerrel and finally Koris, though more reluctantly.

"Tali'Zorah," Raan spoke once more. "in light of your history of service, we do not find sufficient evidence to convict. You are cleared of all charges." Tali breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed. Even I exhaled, not knowing I sucked it in. "And Commander Alonso," Raan looked at me and activated her omni-tool. "please accept these gifts in appreciation for you taking the time to represent one of your people."

I scoffed. "If you appreciate me, then bloody listen." I paused blushed, finding solitude behind my helmet. Damn it Miri. I shook my head faintly and continued. "The Reapers are coming. I'm going to need your help to stop them. Please, don't throw away your lives against the Geth."

"Thank you, Commander. I hope this board carefully considers your advice." Koris spoke, his voice sounded condescending." I growl in frustration, knowing that the admirals will dismiss my warning someday.

"This hearing is concluded. Go in peace, Tali'Zorah vas Normandy. Keelah se'lai."

SSV Normandy SR-2 - Cockpit - Commander Alonso - 1245 hours

"Joker take us to the Citadel." I growl as pushed through the CIC, removing my chest and shoulder plates and throwing them on the ground. "And have someone clean this up! NOW!" Kelly jumped as I yelled just beside her.

I ignored her yelp and stomped inside the elevator and made my way down to the crew deck and walked to the medbay. I stomped to the cot and waited for Karin to arrive. Amanda showed up moments later, wincing and touching her arm. She sat in the cot next to me but didn't say a word.

The door swung open and Chakwas stepped in with a stern look on her face. My anger faded and switched to a son's disappointment. "Yeah, yeah. I know." I sighed. "Just patch me up. I'm tired and want to nap. Just spent way too much time dealing with politics that I am in no mood to do anything."

"Very well. Hold still."

Citadel - Ryuusei Sushi Bar - Commander Shepard - 1300 hours

"Thank you. This looks great." I smiled at the female waiter who returned it kindly and walked away to help other patrons at the bar. I turned to the large sushi boat filled with different assortment of unagi, nigiri, ebi, and earth-western style rolls. I looked back up at my lover who sat across the table from me, looking around cutely, smiling at the pool of fish swimming below and above us. I stared dreamily at my adorable asari as she jumped excitedly on her seat, watching the fish swim from one side of the room to the other.

"Goddess this place is amazing!" Liara finally looked at me with a smile. "Can we come again tomorrow?"

I couldn't sustain my giggle any longer as I grabbed my chopsticks and dibbed into our shared boat. "After seeing you behave like a child, we might." Liara blushed and looked at our food curiously. "Eat up."

Liara looked at me and frowned. "What's that on your hands?"

"Chopsticks." I popped an octopus roll in my mouth, "I remember showing you how to use these years ago. Don't tell me you forgot."

Liara blushed and looked down at her twiddling thumbs. "I may have forgotten. C-can you show me again?"

"Of course." I smiled and stood, walking over to stand behind my lover. "Now," I whispered next to her, "pay attention this time. You want to hold one chopstick like this...That's it. Then with the other, you would use your index to move it up and down...perfect! Now pick up the California rolls." I watched as Liara gingerly pick up the delicious roll and put it in her mouth. "Good girl." I purred and kissed her violet lips as my fingers traveled up and down her exposed thighs, gaining a gasp from the asari. I sat back down on my chair and the both of us shared our lunch.

"I have forgotten how good this 'sushi' is." Liara smiled as she went back to look at the fish swimming around.

"It's been awhile since I've had any as well. This place has gotten rave reviews on the extranet..." I looked at a koi fish up on the ceiling. "I can see why."

"The design is truly astounding." Liara agreed. "The food is excellent and the workers here are quick to serve considering how busy this place is. I am surprised we were able to find a table."

A grin spread across my lips. "The perks of being savior of the Citadel. Now," I cleared my throat and looked up and down Liara's sexy outfit and grinned. "Since you decided to torture me with that skirt of yours, how about we go dancing."

"Dancing?" Liara's eyes sparkled with amusement. "But you can't-"

"Quiet T'Soni." I mock-glared. "I can dance!" I picked one more piece of salmon nigiri and chewed on it. "I don't know why everyone keeps saying that."

"Because it's true." Liara grinned impishly, "Alonso is a much better dancer than you."

I huffed and stole Liara's salmon nigiri that was making its way towards her mouth, gaining a whimper and a frown. "Whatever. He should've taught me ages ago but he refused, saying that watching me dance amused him." I scrunched my nose. "That man is...ugh!" I rolled my eyes then mock-glared at my beautiful giggling asari. "That's not funny!" I pouted and sat deep in my chair until I heard rustling at the restaurant's entrance.

"OUTTA MY WAY HUMAN!" A low growl echoed as clings of plates and chairs cried out in fear from the voice.

I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose and hid deeper into my chair. Not now! Why me?

"Get back here Grunt!" I heard Kasumi cry after him, "Sorry about the mess!"

"Mom! I finally found you. Where have you been?" Grunt stole a chair from a frightened salarian and sat to my right while Kasumi sat across from him, offering me an apologetic look.

"Mom?" Liara tilted her head. "Wh-what is he talking about?"

"It's not what you think, babe." I glared at Grunt before looking softly at Liara. "Grunt, meet my asari girlfriend, Liara T'Soni. Liara, meet Grunt, Charlie's and my 'son'."

"I still don't understand." Liara looked at Grunt then at me before looking back at the large hulking mass of a Krogan.

"Charlie went to Korlus to recruit this warlord named Okeer. You know how that ended." Liara nodded and I looked at my krogan. My Krogan. There I go again! Damn it Charlie! I curse at myself and pointed at Grunt who was looking at a large catfish with hungry eyes. "We got him instead. He was in an incubation pod. Charlie released him and then I decided to say hello sometime after. After a few missions together, Grunt decided to call Charlie 'Dad' and me 'Mom'. He has...taken it quite literally. He came to my quarters one night and scared the shit out of me."

"I had a dream, Shepard." Grunt defended himself.

"Then you go ahead and tell EDI that you want to speak to me! Or go pester your father and Miranda. I'm sure they'll both love that!" I grinned. "But if you ever come into my bed again, I won't hesitate to kick you in the quad. Is that understood?"

"Fine!"

"That was...a little too much for me to handle, Shepard." Liara turned an adorable shade of purple. "I was worried for a moment."

"Trust me, that last thing I want is to pop out a Krogan. Must be painful, especially on someone like me."

"Shepard!" Kasumi and Liara blushed. "TMI Shep!" Kasumi added.

"Heh-heh-heh" Grunt chuckled and I couldn't help laugh with him.

"Now Grunt, I hate to do this but your mom has to spend time with... one of your stepmoms." I giggled when Liara glared at me. Sorry love but I have to do this. "I promise we'll spend some mother-son time tomorrow. We could go to that new arena that just opened."

"Really?"

"Yep." I smiled with a nod. "Maybe Aunt Kasumi could join us...even your stepmom is welcomed to join."

"You are going to regret this, Shepard." Liara sighed and frowned.

A mischievous smile spread across my lips as I slid one of my legs up and down hers, gaining a hitched breath from my asari. I finished with a wink that caused Liara to clear her throat nervously.

"Should we go?" I asked with an innocent smile.

"Yes, we shall." Liara stood and turned to both Kasumi and Grunt. "It was nice meeting you."

"Hope to see you soon!" Kasumi smiled.

Grunt nodded and went towards one of the fishtanks and devoured one of the eels, gaining reproachful stares from the owners. "See you soon, stepmom."

Before Liara could retort or say something, I grabbed her by the wrists and the both of us walked out of the restaurant. "Great night! Right?"

"You are unbelievable, Shepard."

"I know babe." I smiled at Liara and wrapped my arm around the small of her back as we waited for the elevator to come down. Once inside, I gave my blue beauty a look over, inching close to whisper, "How about we skip the dancing and head back to the hotel room." I lifted her skirt a few inches, shivering when I saw Liara's delicious blue ass. "God, you are so sexy you know that?" I gave her ass a strong squeeze before biting her neck tenderly. "Your clothes need to come off."

"My six favorite words." Liara moaned as she wrapped her arms around my waist. "Take me."

I bit the inside of my lip as I looked at Liara with lust, hunger and desire. "Oh I will, babe. I will."


I can't help but think that I am trailing off of Liara's more darkened attitude that was in the second game...not sure if that's a good thing or not in terms of writing her as a damaged asari that desperately wants to look for her imprisoned friend. Though, I guess she's somewhat entitled to a break with Shepard. Right?

Anyways, hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Review and follow!

Until next time :)