A/N: Bioware owns all except the stuff owned by Joss Whedon. Strictly for personal amusement.
A few months ago, JadeDragonMTR presented me with an idea about an ME-verse rift on a Firefly episode called Jaynestown. I promised her that when I found a place for it in my story, I would give it a whirl. Here we are.
For those of you familiar with Firefly, you will also see references as well as my favorite bits of dialogue scattered throughout the chapter. For those of you who aren't, I highly recommend checking it out. It's one of the best shows ever made (imo) and it's sad it only lasted 1 season.
This is something a bit different for me so I hope you enjoy. Thanks as usual to my extra sets of eyes for the continuous help. You're tops.
Jade my friend, this is for you. I only hope I was able to do at least a sliver of justice to such a brilliant idea on your part.
Title courtesy of Firefly
Chapter 38 - Jackstown - Part 1
Chasca
Kasumi and Keiji had disappeared completely off the grid. Messages weren't being answered, vid calls weren't being connected, and even the emergency comm frequencies were silent. When the pair were on a job, there were always the usual safeguards in place including the exact moment to decide that something went horribly wrong. That moment was two days ago.
After the incident on Illium, Kasumi and Keiji had chosen to entrust Shepard and Liara with their secrets. They were the thieves 'failsafe'. The location of everything they had accumulated over the years, credits, treasures, and sensitive information was located on an OSD that only Shepard or Liara could access through dual eye scans. If something had happened to Kasumi and Keiji, if they didn't check in when they were supposed to, Shepard and Liara had instructions.
They chose to ignore them, at least for the present time.
The last known location of the rogues was Chasca. It was a sparsely colonized planet with only a few hundred humans living in locale they had named Canton. The residents were mostly farmers, growing crops and living off the land in order to make new lives for themselves. This was where they would start their search.
Jack had been agitated since she found out the ship's destination, more agitated than usual. After some urging from Tali, she had pulled Shepard and Liara aside. Donovan Hock, notorious arms dealer and smuggler, had built an opulent mansion on a lake north of town and Jack had prior dealings with him. "All's I'm saying is, if you want to keep a low profile, don't take me anywhere near him. I was in Canton a few years back and, well, I may have pissed him off a bit."
The decontamination sequences were running as most of the crew waited anxiously to visit the colony. Chasca was in the infant stages of development, a true pioneering settlement. It had no space port, ships just landed outside of town where there was ample room.
Ashley was strapping her sniper rifle to her back before making sure her pistol was holstered in. "Oh come on Sam, admit it. It's true."
Liara had insisted on buying a set of light armor for Samantha due all of the progress she had been making on her combat training. No matter what her success was at the training facility, Sam still felt like a scientist and dressed the part. "No I won't, because it's not. I use swear words, just like anyone else."
"Oh really? I've never heard you. Do you do all this swearing after everyone goes to bed? And no, saying 'bloody hell' does not count." Ashley adjusted her ponytail as she smiled curiously as Traynor.
"I swear ... when it's appropriate." She was slightly defensive in her tone but liked the good natured ribbing. It was important for her to feel part of the group and the fact that Shepard's best friend had accepted her, eased all her previous worries.
Jack had joined the group as the airlock was opening. "Sam, the whole point of swearing is that it isn't fucking appropriate." She spoke the last word like it had been in a different language.
"I think you swear enough for all of us put together." When Sam finally turned to actually see Jack, her mouth dropped. "Since when do you cover up your tattoos?"
Jack hurried out the door as soon as there was enough room. She had borrowed a jacket from Shepard earlier, a hoodie to be exact. Her usual sleeveless top and leather pants were nowhere to be found. The drawstring on her hood was pulled so tightly, even the tattoo on her head wasn't visible. She ignored the question and stood at the bottom of the ramp, looking out over the untouched landscape.
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Their cover story had been memorized by everyone. Liara was looking for investment opportunities and on such a newly settled planet, this was common enough. The rest of the crew was taking the opportunity to tour the town. Kaidan and Oriana headed towards the town clinic to see if they could lend assistance and everyone else had piled into the local bar. Aethyta had always said it was the best place to find information, and they took her advice.
While the majority of the group made their way into the back of the room, pushing a few tables together, Shepard and Liara headed straight for the bar. Two signs hung in prime view from the entrance. The first warned against firearm usage and seemed aged, as if it had been hanging since the settlement was established. The second sign was much newer with the same warning but against use of biotics or tech. Both threatened mandatory incarceration if the rules were broken.
Shepard had expected many curious glances as the group walked into the edge of town, considering the small population of mostly humans. A few children smiled and pointed but an asari, a turian, and a quarian were apparently not uncommon as Shepard had expected. Maybe the new sign on the wall signaled the presence of more than just human biotics.
"What can I gitcha?" The bartender smiled, two of his top teeth were missing and others a bit rotted but he seemed friendly enough.
"I need a couple bottles of water and 5 beers." Shepard pointed at the sign as the bartender started working the taps. "You get a lot of fights here or something?" Shepard had adjusted her speech patterns to appear more like the locals.
"Not many, until the aliens started showing up." He looked towards Liara. "Sorry, ma'am. Meant no disrespect." He smiled as he placed an over-foamy mug on the counter. "Folks started using fancy stuff to get around the laws. We had to get a special ordinance."
Shepard smiled and reached into one of her many pockets, pulling out a credit chit. "You seem to be the man to talk to for information then." She dropped it on the counter and watched his eyes light up. "We sent a few associates here about a week ago to survey some land but they up and disappeared. We're hoping they didn't take off with the money. Two humans, one male, one female. Sound familiar?"
The bartender paused for a moment, unaware that the tap was overflowing the glass and then hastily turned it off. "Lotta humans come through here, haven't seen them." His eyes looked over Shepard's shoulder and then he grabbed both glasses, mumbling as he headed away. "I'll take these to your friends over there."
Shepard felt Liara tense up though from the welcoming smile on her face, no one else would know otherwise. She looked over her shoulder quickly before turning to lean her elbow on the bar.
As asari in light blue and white armor approached, her face dappled with purple splotches reminiscent of the markings of a cat. "Well, well, if it isn't Aria's little pet. She let you off your leash?"
"I have a name." The reason for the bartender's hasty retreat was now apparent to the bodyguard. "It's Shepard. I can even autograph it on your chestplate if you need help remembering it."
Also apparent was the asari's hellacious memories of the last time she was on Omega, running around as Aria's errand girl all for a piece of information that she needed. She had kept mentioning how the tasks were beneath her and how Aria should have had Shepard take care of such menial work. The more she protested, the more tasks Aria had given her.
Shepard continued. "Glad I ran into you though. I was wondering exactly which is your favorite store on the Citadel." She laughed. "Seems like you whored yourself out to all of them."
Vasir was not amused and chose to ignore the human, temporarily. She turned towards Liara. "Tela Vasir, Special Tactics and Recon."
Liara lowered her chin slightly in a respectful bow. "I am Liara T'Soni. It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance, Spectre."
"I know who you are and I really don't care who your mother is either. She has no pull with me." Vasir was clearly bitter about more than just Aria.
Shepard rolled her eyes. She had grown accustomed to the Spectre's bravado on Omega. "What do you want?"
"Who are you looking for?" Vasir lifted her chin, trying to look imposing.
Shepard shrugged. "No idea what you're talking about."
Her eyes furrowed. "You just asked the bartender if he had seen some associates of yours. Who are you looking for?"
"Mickey and Minnie. No, wait." She pointed her finger in the air. "Neo and Trinity. No, no, that's not it." Shepard slapped her own forehead. The overstated sarcasm was as apparent in her voice as it was on her face. "I got it. Mal and Inara, that's it!" She clicked her lips together.
"And here I was hoping you would've learned some manners from your companion." Vasir's one eye squinted for a moment as she glared at Liara, then back to Shepard. "Maybe I just need to haul you back to the Citadel on Spectre authority. It may help jar your memory."
"Yeeeeaaaaah ... and on the way there, be sure to stop by Omega and let Aria know you won't be needing her help for the next 500 years either." Shepard turned her back. "Fuck off, Vasir."
Shepard dismissed Vasir but Liara took her threat seriously. "That action would give credence to the rumor that Spectres regularly abuse their power. Surely you do not wish for that."
"Just like your mother I see." The arrogance in the Spectre's tone was exploding.
Shepard turned back around to see Vasir eyeing up Liara, sneering. She was quickly approaching that line Shepard had, the one no one should cross ... ever. She felt the anxiety building in her mate.
"No matter how well she taught you to act like a diplomat, I know what you are." She licked her lips and savored the momentary silence. "Now why don't you be a good little girl and tell me who you're looking for. I'm sure your mother wouldn't like you being hauled in either."
Shepard was not sure what Vasir had insinuated but it unnerved Liara even more. A few of the patrons seated at nearby tables had already begun to stare. Shepard grabbed Liara's hand and began to walk towards the door. "Come on, Liara. She's all talk."
Liara sounded genuinely polite. "Good day, Spectre."
Shepard only caught a brief glimpse of the salarian standing next to the entrance before she heard Vasir speak once more.
"Stuck up, pureblood bitch."
Her fist was clenched as soon as she let go of Liara's hand. In one fluid motion, Shepard turned around and stepped, her knuckles connecting with the purple lips of the Spectre in a tremendous pop. "Sign doesn't say anything about fists."
Vasir doubled over as navy blood dropped from her mouth sinking into the wooden floor. Her lips had already begun to swell. "You're under arrest."
"And she's just been pardoned. Leave her alone, Vasir. You asked for it." The salarian strode over, taking position near Liara. "Jondum Bau, also Special Tactics and Recon."
She was shocked to see her fellow Spectre in front of her. Vasir wiped her mouth with the back of her gloved hand. "Get lost, Bau. This monkey and her little pureblood owner are mine."
Shepard reeled her arm back once more before Liara grasped her elbow and a wave of calmness overtook her senses. She continued to seethe despite halting her attack and lowering her arm.
"Careful, Vasir. She looks like she may give you a black eye this time and I wouldn't want to have to yank you in for abusing your authority." Bau was as calm as can be - it seemed to unnerve the other Spectre. "Go cool your crest and while you're at it, the Council wants to speak to you, immediately."
She challenged him. "You can't do that." Blood trickled down her swollen lip.
"I can, and I will." His large eyes squinted.
Vasir spit at Shepard's feet and walked out without saying another word.
Bau clicked him omni once more and lowered his voice. "Now if you would like to accompany me to my ship, I believe we can help each other." When Shepard and Liara exchanged curious looks, he spoke again. "I know where your thief friends are."
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"Spirits! Shepard just punched Vasir!" Garrus was seated with his back against the wall, watching the vast room in front of him. He had seen the entire altercation and narrated along as it had proceeded. "Right in the mouth."
Jack had seated herself with her back to the room, drawstrings still pulled tightly on her hood. She perked up immediately and began to turn around but quickly stopped. "That's ballsy, even for Shepard."
"Keelah, this isn't good." Tali shook her head.
"Oh wait, is that Bau?" Garrus tilted his head. "Wish I could hear what's going on."
Garrus, Ashley, Tali, and Sam were all watching intently as Jack kept her face hidden from view. "Who's that? And what's happening? Uhhhhh." She quickly turned around for a few seconds.
Garrus watched intently as the events unfolded. "Bau is the most respected of the Spectres, always does things by the book. His team is entirely made up of ex-STG and rumor has it the salarians give him current STG anytime he requests it. No one messes with him unless they have a death wish." He clicked his mandibles. "And apparently, Vasir doesn't. She's leaving and doesn't look happy at all."
"Oh, I can't wait to hear what happened." Ashley shook her head. "Shepard's still lightning quick. Did you see how fast she spun around?"
Garrus' eyes remained firmly focused on his employers. "Yeah, remind me not to get on her bad side."
The bartender brought over the remainder of the drinks and a few extras. He had been avoiding the altercation, retrieving bottles from the back instead. "Can I git anything else for you folks?" When he didn't receive an answer, he left.
Shepard looked over at her crew, nodding her head and smiling while placing her arm around Liara.
Garrus nodded back, watching her and Liara leave with Bau. "Well, looks like he helped them but I think things are about to get even more complicated. Call it a hunch but, I think I know what's going on." Garrus told the story of his final days at C-Sec that led to his resignation. He had been following a lead that Vasir was working for the Shadow Broker, only to be told to drop the investigation. The morning that he quit, he paid a visit to Bau and told him everything he heard about Vasir's dealings. "With our friends missing, and these two Spectres in the same tiny town, well let's just say I hope Kasumi and Keiji are still alive."
The table became silent as everyone sipped their drinks. The implications of what Garrus had said hung in the air. More and more people had already entered the bar after another hard day's work. The locals all greeted each other as long time friends, with slaps on the back or vigorous hand shakes.
Finally, Ashley broke the silence. "Why the Shepard costume, Jack? Is it Halloween and no one told me? Hell, you don't even have any makeup on."
Jack pulled her sleeves down, trying to cover as much of her hands as possible. "I don't want to be recognized. And until Shepard decked a Spectre, I thought we were keeping a low profile. Hock will remember me, I guarantee it."
"You haven't been here in years, Jack. You really think you need the disguise?" Sam knew Jack was a memorable person before she even opened her mouth but over time, how many of the same people were still in Canton? She knew how colonists often got frustrated and moved on. "Unless you had all the tattoos back then, too?"
One of the locals had climbed on a table and began strumming a guitar. As soon as the first chord was struck, the bar went silent, as if they were expecting the song that was to follow. All eyes were focused on the singer.
Jack ... Jack ... The girl they call Jack.
Everyone at the table stopped and looked at each other, questioning the accuracy of what they had just heard. Jack's mouth dropped open - a complete look of horror overcame her face. The song continued.
She took from the rich and she gave to the poor
She stood up to the man and she gave him what for
Our love for her now, is true it's a fact
The entire bar joined in singing the next line, minus the crew still completely dumbfounded sitting in the back of the room.
The Hero of Canton, the girl they call Jack.
Jack gritted her teeth together, as if not opening her mouth made it look like she wasn't speaking. "This isn't fucking happening."
The song continued, heralding tales of the local heroine, the one who stood up to Donovan Hock. Could it be the very woman sitting at the table?
Samantha covered her mouth and giggled.
Ashley shook her head in disbelief. "This must be what going insane feels like."
"Is that about you?" Tali couldn't control the excitement in her voice. She sounded star-struck. "Jack?"
"No fucking way, can't be." She loosened the knot on her drawstrings and began to retie it. "As soon as this song's over, I'm going back to the ship. I knew this was a bad idea."
"Catchy tune at least." Garrus didn't know quite else what to say, he took a drink instead.
She took from the rich and she gave to the poor
She stood up to the man and she gave him what for
Something caught Tali's attention as her eyes followed the figure of a dark skinned man approaching. "Keelah, what is with this bosh'tet? First Omega, then Earth, and now here?" Her foot was still tapping along with the beat of the song.
Before Jacob could even open his mouth, Jack looked at him straight in the eye and pointed at the door.
Our love for her now, is true it's a fact
The Hero of Canton, the girl they call Jack.
His eyes bugged out and he ran towards the exit.
Now here is what separates heroines
From common folk like you and I
Jack went on a tirade
She tossed a grenade
And blew that dam sky high
"Grenades? This must be about you, Jack! What happened?" Tali was literally jumping out of her seat with excitement.
Jack sighed and began recounting the story. She had been hired as a mercenary to help deliver some 'property' to Donovan Hock. When Hock realized that her employer had tried to defraud him with a forged painting, a gun fight broke out and Jack barely made it to the shuttle with only two other mercs. The guards had been loading rocket launchers as the craft began lift off and Jack tossed down all six grenades she had strapped to her chest, breaking the dam in Hock's lake. "When the fucker moved in, he dammed up the river that the farmers were using to water their crops. Then he was overcharging them for water. I tossed the grenades when we were trying to get away and they hit the dam and all the land around it - blew it to bits. I guess the farmers were happy."
Our love for her now, is true it's a fact
The Hero of Canton, the girl they call Jack.
"Yeah I guess they were." Ashley still couldn't believe her ears. She had known Jack a long time. Friendly enough if she liked you, crazy as anyone could be, but a folk hero? "We need to get out of here and tell Shepard and Liara, everything."
Garrus directed everyone to the closest exit, a side entrance leading out of the building. Once in the fresh air, he looked around to make sure no one else was close. "Alright, sending Shepard and Kaidan messages to let them know we're returning to the ship. Let's head out this way."
As they rounded the corner, Garrus tried to reassure Jack. She was more nervous than a hanar at a sushi bar. "Relax. No one's gonna remember your face, except maybe Hock and he's sitting at his mansion."
"Uhh, I think it's possible they might."
Jack pulled down her hood to get a better view, oblivious to everything else around her.
Before them stood a moving hologram of a human female throwing a grenade and then making an obscene gesture involving her middle finger. The image repeated in slow motion, each time rotating its angle to give all viewers front perspective. The woman depicted in the holo had a shaved head and endless tattoos covering her arms and torso.
"Now this would be the perfect time to swear, Sam."
"Bloody fucking hell ..."
Jacob stood proudly at the front of a large crowd of colonists on the other side of the projection. They mob started the cheering, clapping, and chanting. "Jack! Jack! Jack!"
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Liara looked at the time. She had already crawled under the soft comforter and was staring at the wall when she realized that Shepard had been gone for longer than expected. She longed for the closeness they regularly shared, tonight more than she ever had before. She had faith in Shepard's planning and believed in her crew. Yet worry still plagued her thoughts.
After the couple had spoken with Bau, they were equally hopeful and concerned. Bau told them very little except that Kasumi and Keiji had been captured by Donovan Hock who was going to collect on the bounty the Shadow Broker held on their heads. When Shepard asked Bau why he did not utilize his position to free them, the only reason he provided was that he was investigating a much more serious matter. 'I need you to rescue them so I can chase another lead.'
Shepard and Liara would be given pardons for all actions taken place on Chasca if they were 'interested' in rescuing their friends. All it took was one glance between the duo to give him their answer. Bau believed Keiji and Kasumi were still alive. They had to act quickly.
After returning to the ship and learning about Jack's new found popularity, Shepard's tactical mind clicked. She gathered Garrus, Ashley, and Kaidan to discuss logistics, tweak any needed changes, and then they called the crew together. Once again, Liara had given the option for anyone to sit out who chose to, and once again all declined.
The sound of the elevator echoed outside her door as she felt Shepard getting close. She smiled. As the door to the bedroom swished open, a very soaked Shepard appeared, one hand hidden behind her back. Her jet black hair curled up as it always did when wet while her clothes stuck her small frame. She was smiling despite the shivers wracking her body. "I brought you something." Shepard brought her hand from behind her back. She was holding a half dozen wild flowers as her hand shook.
"Goddess, Jaye." Liara jumped out of bed and ran over to her love, "You are completely drenched." She quickly took the flowers from Shepard and placed them on the desk before grabbing a towel that had been tossed on the floor from their earlier shower. She draped it on Shepard's head and began to soak up the water from her hair.
"It's raining outside. B-but I ..." Shepard looked offended. "D-don't you like them?" Her teeth began to chatter.
"Take your clothes off. You are freezing." Liara left the towel lying on top of her lover's head and grabbed the bottom of her shirt, lifting it over her head, taking the towel with it. "Take your bra off." Liara began unbuttoning Shepard's pants, sliding them down with her boxers as Shepard slowly slid her sports bra over her head.
Shepard stepped out of the pile of wet clothes that had accumulated at her feet and remained still. "I got them for you." Despite the shivering, she seemed oblivious to the fact that she was freezing. Her eyes drooped like a sad puppy.
Liara sighed and smiled, grabbing her love by the hand. "Of course I love them. But please, crawl into bed and warm up."
Shepard felt the heat of Liara's touch and realized exactly how cold she truly felt. She dove under the comforter as Liara moved to the other side and crawled in behind her, pulling the blanket up to their chins.
"And I love you. Thank you." Liara kissed the back of Shepard's shoulder, trying to transfer as much body heat as she could. "But why did you go out in the rain? Surely it could have waited until tomorrow. You knew how much the temperature had dropped once the sun went down."
Shepard finally stopped shivering. She wrapped Liara's arm with her own. "I haven't given you flowers since our first date and saw these earlier." She gathered her thoughts for a moment. "Kasumi was the one who told me to bring you flowers. I was thinking about her and it reminded me. I didn't want to wait." Shepard turned over to face her love. After a deep and labored breath, she continued. "I hope they're okay."
Liara kissed her lover gently, leaning their foreheads together. "Bau is sure they are alive since the bounty states as much. We will get them out, love."
A weak smile formed on Shepard's face, it was almost forced. "I know. I mean, this is an assault. Me and Ash have been in this position before but you and Traynor haven't. I know it's the best plan we have but," she paused a moment, "you know me. I worry."
"We do not have to go through with this. We can change our minds still." Liara moved the wet and matted hair that was stuck to Shepard's forehead. "Tell me what you are thinking."
"No, we have to do this. I don't think either of us could live with knowing we just let them go." Shepard turned on her back, staring at the ceiling, lifting her arm and pulling Liara in close.
Liara snuggled. "But ...?"
"But I'm still me and I still have this urge to lock you on the ship in orbit while anything dangerous is happening." Shepard nuzzed her nose between Liara's crests.
"I know and I have the same urge to protect you as well." Liara sighed. "But we are a team and we both know that we have to do this together. You trust me, correct?"
"Of course I do. Your biotics are strong, we can sense each other which helps a ton, and we think alike. But I'm also your bodyguard. I have a job."
Liara lifted her head and turned Shepard's chin to meet her gaze. "You stopped taking Benezia's money a long time ago. That is no longer your title." She brushed Shepard's lips with her thumb. "You do not work for me, you work with me. We are a team."
Shepard turned her gaze back to the ceiling. "Good luck getting me to give up this protective streak I have." She exhaled with an audible stream of air swooshing from her lips.
Liara ran her fingertips over Shepard's pale skin until she rested her hand between Shepard's breasts. "As long as we are honest with each other and make decisions together, that is what is important. If we keep that promise, we can work through anything." She knew her caresses always calmed Shepard.
"Well then," she sighed once more, "I'm honestly worried about tomorrow."
"I am as well." Liara joined their consciousness. 'But we will get them out and everyone will be safe. I truly believe that.'
'I know, I can feel your confidence.'
Both Shepard and Liara relaxed while soaking in the comfort of their meld. Each of their thoughts began to skip around as their worries drifted away. A stray through slipped from Shepard's mind which caused Liara to giggle.
'Yes, I really do love the flowers. I never before had someone do things for me just to make me feel loved and you do it all the time.'
'Well, I never loved anyone before you either, so we're even.'
'Yes, we make a good team.'
'The best.'
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A/N: I have been asked before about Jacob and if he is there for plot reasons. No, he's not. He's pure comic relief to give a break to readers during tense chapters, give a laugh because I like to laugh, or in this case, actually fill a role from the episode itself.
I believe SpiritWolf71 refers to him as "The Cheese Man" of Buffy fame.