Chapter 14
Light started to flutter back into the young quarian's eyes. She was in some sort of clothing establishment. She was surrounded by another quarian, an asari and the most beautiful redhead in the galaxy. She didn't realize that she had been muttering until the redhead placed her fingers over the young quarian's facemask.
"Are you okay Tali? You gave us quite the shock. Do you want us to a doctor? I wonder if Dr. Michel will make a house call." Zoe asked.
"No, Zoe, I am fine. I just need a few moments to get my bearings. I swear I just saw my dead mother come back to life. Not even the Great Zoe Shepard could perform such an impossible task but then again she never tried to either." Tali returned Zoe's touch as a gloved three fingers stroked Zoe's face.
"If I were more inclined to resort to violence, I would have struck down Rael'Zorah for what he did to me. I wish I really did kill me because there would have been no more pain. Rael unofficially exiled me because I had fallen in love with Rana during my pilgrimage. This was all before I was summoned back to the flotilla. I was nearly forced at gunpoint to marry Rael by both my father and his father. They called it good for both families. They were right in one aspect. If not for Rael and my coupling, the galaxy would have never been gifted my daughter. You have far exceeded my dreams for you, child. You are kind, loving, caring, intelligent, strong and loyal. There more accolades I could rest at your feet but I wouldn't want to embarrass you any longer. I am proud to be your mother." Meru couldn't keep tears from running down her shrouded cheeks.
"Why would father do such a thing? He might have been extremely traditional but he would never condemn a fellow quarian to exile without a formal trial and damning evidence." Tali said worryingly.
"Unfortunately, Tali, Rael was a master of subterfuge. The only one who truly knew what was going on in Rael's mind was Rael. He might have put up a great façade but below the surface was a bomb ready to explode. Your father is the prime example of the traditionalist quarian and a closet xenophobe. I can guess that what he couldn't force upon me has transferred to you. I bet he has ordered you to return to the fleet because he has arranged something I'm sure you'll love." Meru knew she was right when she saw Tali cringe. "I am truly sorry Tali. I wish I could say that he used to be a better man but I never knew that man. I am sorry you had to go up under his thumb. You can't force love onto anyone but intuition tells me that you have already found someone you cherish dearly."
"I have Mother and she is sitting right next to me. I would like to introduce you to Commander Zoe Shepard…"
"… The first human Spectre. Your record that is publically available is quite the legend." Meru turned to Xan'raha. "Is there time for me and these two to sneak away? It has been far too long that mother and daughter have been reacquainted."
"I would be a real evil person if I denied you something so precious. I can cover the store until Lu'mera our newest sales associate shows up for her shift. There is a lovely café just a block from here or you can use my apartment right upstairs which is convenient and quiet" Xan'raha said as she watched Meru and Zoe help Tali back to her feet. Xan'raha then led the trio passed a locked set of doors and up a small staircase. She punched in another code into an illuminated panel next to the metal door. The door slid open and Raha led the trio inside. "The place is yours for as long as you need it. The door self locks itself so you don't need to worry about that. Enjoy yourselves." Xan'raha turned and left the living quarters.
Meru led Tali and Zoe over to the living room and gestured for the two to sit down. She offered them both drinks but both declined. Meru let out a worried sigh. She had never in her wildest dreams thought that she would ever see her daughter again. "Tali, as difficult as this is for me, I can't even imagine how it is for you. So I ask that you let me tell you my side of the story first and then you may ask any and every question you have. Is that okay?"
She saw her daughter take in her words. It took Tali a few moments to respond. Meru knew that it took the hand of Zoe wrapped up into her daughter's hand that gave her daughter the support and courage to march on. Tali silently nodded affirmatively.
"I guess the best part is to start at the beginning. The marriage between Rael and me was pre-arranged by our parents and grandparents. It is one of our oldest traditions regardless of whether the two in question are actually compatible with each other. I couldn't voice my objections for they would fall upon deaf ears. I'm pretty sure that Rael's family handed over a good deal of credits to my family to complete the transaction. Rael knew from the moment he met me that this relationship was going to be a sham and he used it to his advantage. He sorely needed an heir but I borne him a beautiful intelligent wonderful daughter not a pigheaded mini clone of himself for a son. That was the beginning of the end. It was tolerable if he had just buried himself into his work but being an Admiral to his people meant that he had to present himself with the perfect image of what quarian life should be.' Meru took a moment to collect the swirling thoughts in her head.
"We had unfortunately grown up together. He had somehow learned one of my darker secrets. I am not like most quarian women. I prefer the comfort of other women to that of males. Somehow, he found out that I had linked my suit to my best friend Anora'Vanya vas Selani" Meru heard Tali gasp at the name of her best friend. "Yes Tali, I was best friends with the last quarian to be officially exiled. She wasn't a traitor nor did she ever give those bloodthirsty bastard batarians any information. She was exiled publically because Rael couldn't handle the fact that his wife had a female lover. She got the public banishment while mine was done in secret. What Rael did next though was I consider truly unforgivable. He told you I was dead. I was willing to forgive most of his bosh'tet ways but telling a young babe that her mother is dead was a line he shouldn't have crossed. Xan'raha found me while I drifted through the galaxy. She found out that I was quite good with suit making and taught me how make clothing for other species. It even seems that your friend is wearing one of my designs. What do you think of my work Ms. Shepard?"
"The quality of the material is exquisite. I have never felt something like this before." Zoe said.
"It's not surprising. Most cannot tell the difference between asari and quarian silks except for the price tag. Quarian silk is four to five times more expensive to do its scarcity. Xan'raha's is the only store known in the entire galaxy that sells the material. I still have friends loyal to me back on the fleet. One of those friends is a cultivator of silk. Quarian suits need to be incredibly durable yet flexible. Silk in general is delicate so we Quarians really no use for it. The benefit of quarian silk is that it retains heat much better than its asari counterpart. Wearing against bare skin would feel quite pleasurable I imagine." Meru saw Zoe blush. Zoe must have found out about that tidbit. Meru then cast her illuminated eyes back to her daughter when her eyes caught on to something that didn't make any sense. There were buckles on Tali's suit that weren't tightened as they should be.
"Ta…Ta…Tali…your suit isn't fully secured." Meru gasped in surprised.
"You are not the only one who has a few secrets tucked away. Somehow in some strange way I have been cured of the plague that has been cursing our people for the last three hundred years." Meru next watched Tali do the unthinkable. Tali brought up her omni-tool. Meru then heard a hissing sound as the seals of Tali's face mask disengaged. Meru then saw something she hadn't seen in nearly nineteen years. Not since Tali was in her baby bubble. Tali was quite the beautiful baby but she turned into an absolutely stunning young woman.
"Come here child. I haven't seen you since your time in your bubble." Meru brought up her suited hand and stroked Tali's exposed cheek. Meru had tears slowly running down her shrouded face. She then pulled her daughter into a warm hug. She wanted to speak but words were quite elusive at the moment. Mother and daughter felt truly safe for the first time in many years when in each other's arms.
Zoe has tears in her eyes as she watched Tali and Meru. She was interrupted when she felt her omni-tool buzzing. She had received a message. She brought up the message. It was from Karin. She wanted Zoe to return to the Normandy as soon as possible. That put Zoe in a difficult position. She wanted to stay with Tali and her mother but her duties as a captain and commander that would unfortunately pull her away. Tali caught the pensive look in the commander's eyes.
"What is it Zoe?" Tali asked.
"Karin messaged me. She wants me to return to the Normandy as soon as possible. That's not entirely strange but she always gives a reason. Something just doesn't feel right about this Tali. I hate to pull you away from a reunion with your mother but I don't have any other backup that I implicitly trust. I…"
Meru interrupted Zoe. "It is okay Commander. Though we have been apart for many years, we have time to catch up at a later date. If she has sworn a loyalty to you then she should follow you back to your ship." Meru walked over to the far wall. She slid a portrait to the side and revealed a safe built into the wall. Meru punched in a long combination. The door unlocked and she pulled it open. She then pulled out two shiny pistols and two thermal clips from the safe. "I don't expect you two to use these but the mother in me tells me you might need them. It's always better to have something you don't need…"
"…Than to need something you do not have." Tali finished for her mother. "It's a universal standard." Tali said as she took one of the pistols loaded one of the clips and slipped it into one of her many pockets. Zoe took the other pistol and clip. She slid the clip into the pistol and made sure the gun was charged. She then slipped the gun on one of her leg harnesses. She made a few adjustments to her clothing to conceal the pistol better. Nearly having her ample cleavage popping out in front of Tali's mother wasn't something she planned but it just happened. Having weapons on the Citadel wasn't illegal for military personnel and C-SEC. It was just frowned upon having them out on display. Tali put her face mask back on and secured it. She then sealed her suit up. She wanted to keep the fact that she was cured a heavily guarded secret. If her people knew, she would turn into nothing more than a test subject for fleet scientists. Tali hugged her mother goodbye and promised to return as soon as she was able.
Zoe and Tali made their way out to the front of the store where Xan'raha told them she ordered a skycab for them and it should arrive in a few moments. Zoe and Tali made their way outside to the front of the store. There was a small covered alcove just off to the left. Zoe led Tali into this alcove. She whispered to the quarian that she wanted to kiss her. Tali quickly disengaged her mask. Tali leaped into Zoe's arms as the two battled with twisting tongues and roving hands. Tali had come out of her shell a bit when she pushed Zoe up against the wall. Tali then groped one of Zoe's confined twins. Zoe could feel the growing wet spot on her knickers as they heard a honk from a skycab that just arrived.
"That jackass has some nerve. Coming here before I get the chance to." Zoe grumbled as she and Tali did their best to become more presentable. She heard the hissing as Tali reattached her mask. The two emerged out from the alcove quickly and made their way over to the cab. Zoe opened the door and let Tali climb in then Zoe climbed in and closed the door. She told the driver to take them to C-SEC. There was a bonus if the driver could get them their safely and quickly. The ride to C-SEC was uneventful though Tali did hold Zoe's hand the whole way just out of view of the recording devices all skycabs came equipped with.
The ride to the C-SEC headquarters took just under fifteen minutes. It was rush hour after all. Zoe thought that the driver didn't take any real risks and either Tali or Zoe felt nauseous after the ride. So she tipped the driver an extra ten percent on the fare. Zoe and Tali both cleared through Citadel security quickly. Zoe nearly decked that rag sheet reporter Al-Jilani for ambushing her before Tali reined Zoe in. They quickly made their way over to the elevator that took them back up to where the Normandy was docked.
They passed through the Normandy's security check point. Tali said she was going to check in with Head Engineer Adams. Zoe made her way down to her cabin. She stripped down and saw the large damp spot on the front of her underwear before she pulled them off too. She picked up her dirty clothes and placed them her hamper. Zoe rummaged through her foot locker and pulled out a set of Alliance sweatpants and t-shirt. She decided against underwear this time. Chakwas needed to see her but she didn't want to smell like sex. It was one downside of shopping at Xan'raha's boutique. Zoe pulled on the clothes and then her shoes before making her way over to the Medical Bay.
"Karin, I came as soon as I got your message." Zoe said.
"Well that is strange because I was just about to send you a message that I need to speak with you regarding Miss Williams."
The door to the medical bay slid open. Miranda walked in wearing an incredibly snug bodysuit that left little to the imagination. There was a noticeable soft bulge going down the right pant leg of the suit. "I apologize for all the cloak and dagger routine. Old habits are becoming increasingly hard to break after being a top agent for years. As for my message, I masked it with Karin's email. Liara informed me and her parents about the attack. I came to offer my services. Before I was Cerberus's top agent, I had just completed medical school and was hired by Cerberus to be a doctor. My boss felt that I was more useful in the research division that just patching up boneheaded flunkies after they failed their mission. Unfortunately, my first project with the company involved Miss Williams." Miranda had tears running down her cheeks as she silently wept.
"The really disturbing thing about this chip is that if anybody other than the person who implanted it tries to remove it, the chip is programmed to self destruct and it will kill Miss Williams. She was our only success. Every other test subject we implanted the chip into had to be eliminated because we couldn't subdue them. I thought nobody would ever figure out how to activate the chip. This surgery would be incredibly risky to begin with but with the added compilation that she must be awake and lucid during the procedure." Miranda explained.
"That's impossible then because every time we tried to sedate Miss Williams, her body was able to fight off the sedative. I believe her body is even trying to fight off the medically induced coma we had to put her in to get her under control. There is no way around that fact." Zoe saw the frenetic look on Karin's face.
"How can you even contemplate attempting such a surgery without informed consent? Miss Williams is in no position to give anybody consent. We should immediately contact her family. We are running out of time." Karin pleaded.
"Shepard, you are her commanding officer and chief of this vessel. Per Alliance regulations, that gives you the ability to make such a decision when she cannot." Miranda responded back.
"I had forgotten that Cerberus started off as a black operations project of the Alliance. Zoe you can't be seriously considering this option. This flies in the face of everything that honorable doctors hold sacred." Karin pleaded with Zoe.
Li, where are you? Can you drop whatever you are doing and come back to the Normandy? I have a crazy idea that needs the help from some people well trained in biotics and mind melding.
Mother, Father and I just wrapped up our clandestine meeting with Tevos. She was happy to know that both Benezia and Aethyta supported her even if it couldn't be as public as she would have liked. Does this plan of yours require all three members of the T'Soni Family?
At this point, I'll take all the help I can get. Somehow the rowdy spunky gunnery chief has wormed her way on to my good side. It would be quite a shame if she were to slip away into an incurable state of psychosis.
I think I have an idea of what you want to attempt. Where it is theoretically possible, nothing like it has ever been documented let alone been tested that I know of. I shall consult with my parents and see if they have any ideas. We shall be there soon.
"What if we were able to get consent from Ashley Karin? The idea I'm willing to try is getting Liara, Benezia or Aethyta to mend with Ashley. If we can reach her and get her consent will that assuage you in to assisting with the surgery?" Zoe was nearly on her knees pleading her case.
"You could have overturned my decision and forced me to assist Zoe. You chose not to because you trust my decision. I may be the chief medical officer but you are both Commander and Captain of this ship. In the eyes of the Alliance, you have the final say in regards to your subordinates for the time being. We all want what is best for Ashley. We all want for her to recover and return to normal." Karin sat down on the bed that Ashley rested.
There was a long period of silence that was only broken when the door to the medical bay slid open. In walked three beautiful Asari. Liara quickly made her way over to Zoe. She could feel the mental anguish the redheaded commander was going through. She placed her arms around Zoe and brought the weary commander into a warm hug. Benezia and Aethyta walked over to the bed that Ashley occupied.
"What is your prognosis Doctor?" Benezia asked as she looked over at Doctor Chakwas.
"She is currently in a medically induced coma but I am unsure how long that will last. She was able to fight off the last strong rounds of sedatives we gave her. I believe that that cause of my patient's problems stems from an implanted behavioral control chip to her brain. At this point, if the chip is not removed, Ashley will die either by being put down or the chip will fry her brain because it's not in control. I have no idea how to continue. According to Miranda, the only one who can remove the chip is the one who implanted it. It is some kind of defense mechanism. This is a type of surgery that we would need Ashley to be awake and coherent for. As soon as we wake her up, she turns incredibly violent. I wish there was a way we could reach her." Karin let out a long sigh as she turned her eyes down to the floor.
"That is exactly why I asked Liara, Benezia and Aethyta here. Hopefully they can devise a plan that would allow for a meld with Ashley so that we can reach her while Miranda performs the surgery. We could keep her exactly in the state she is currently in but through the meld Ash could give us the same real time feedback needed." Zoe explained.
"It is theoretically possible but the surgery would have to be under an hour at most. Melding with a race other than the asari can be incredibly draining for the one who initiates the meld." Benezia then turned to Miranda. "How long would you need for the surgery Miss Lawson?"
Miranda walked over one of the digital displays and linked her onmi-tool up with the display. She then brought up her notes from the original procedure. She studied her notes and the digital head scans and x-rays. "We are in luck. The chip actually sits on the outer surface of the brain. That was the mistake we made with the earlier test subjects. They tried to do deeper implantation. If the surgery didn't kill them, they always ended up like mindless husks. Anyways, the surgery should only take half an hour at most. I am ready to start whenever anybody else is ready."
"There is one concern I have that nobody else has mentioned. Ashley was not only physically raped by Tela Vasir. She was also forced to endure a mind meld against her will. We are incredibly lucky Ashley is so strong willed. Forced melds can destroy weaker minds." Liara said. "I mention this because it should be me who melds with Ashley. If I cannot gain her trust, I doubt another asari will be able to and we might as well as put a bullet between her eyes. It would be far more merciful than to let her suffer any longer. I would recommend using the Trinity method for bonding." Liara heard both of her parents gasp at the mention of the trinity bond.
"There were reasons that form of melding was banned by the matriarch council." Aethyta's gravelly voice rang out.
"Both of my parents who ardently can't stand the Matriarch Council are lecturing me about one of its laws. I would find this situation amusing albeit a tad hypocritical. This would be the perfect way to maintain the power level needed with you two powerful matrons supplementing my own power. If anybody else has any better ideas speak now because we are running out of time." Liara said trying to keep an annoyed look off of her face. Liara wanted to gently meld with Ashley to see if it was even possible to make a connection with the brunette. She turned towards Ashley and placed her hand on Ash's forehead. She made sure that nobody could see her face before her eyes turned black and she whispered embrace eternity.
Liara entered a world of mental chaos. There were loud noises and bright flashes of light coming from multiple directions. Off in the distance, Liara saw Ashley curled up into the fetal position. Liara made her way over to the brunette but was nailed and knocked to the ground by some unseen force. Liara charged up her biotics and whipped around. Her hands had blue balls of pure energy charged and ready to let loose. There was nobody around. She had to get to Ashley. She believed that it was Ashley's fear or some other defense mechanism. She could see the young brunette was visually shaking.
Liara released her biotic charge and quickly broke out into a sprint. She was able to dodge several other attacks Ashley's mind tried to dish out. Liara was smarter and quicker than whatever Ashley's mind could throw at the very flexible asari. Within seconds, Liara was at Ashley's side. She pulled the shivering human into her warm embrace. "Ash sweet Ashley, it's Liara. Can you hear me?"
Ash responded back sounding like a young high pitched scared child. "Liara, is that you? How is any of this possible?"
"I will explain it all to you later but time is of the essence sweetie. I have Karin and her assistant waiting for you to give consent. They want to take all of your pain and suffering away. All we need is your approval. I am here to act as your intermediary. They have to operate on your head but if they wake you up you will become incredibly violent. This seems to be the best way to help you. I will let them know to begin." Liara explained.
"I am incredibly scared. What the hell is wrong with me?" Ashley pleaded out.
"I wish I had the time to give you the full answer but we don't have the time. Ash, we are racing against the clock. You attacked Tali in the showers and sexually assaulted her. We know you didn't mean to attack her but If we don't correct the problem you could do more damage to yourself or others. I need your consent for the surgery to go ahead. This surgery could kill you or leave you with little to no brain function at all. Your body would just be an empty but living shell."
"You have my consent. I want to risk it if there is a chance I can apologize to Tali."
Love, tell Karin and Miranda to begin. I have gotten Ash's consent. Time is of the essence. I can tell Ash doesn't have much longer before her mind is beyond saving. Also tell my parents to begin the trinity bond. I'll apologize after Ash is in recovery.
Will do Li. Let's save our favorite gunny. Zoe dropped back from her mental link with her bond mate. "Liara has made contact with Ashley. You might disagree with her methods but she got results. Now I will act as a go between. Rely anything through me and Liara will tell Ashley and report back. Please begin the surgery. Ash's condition is deteriorating quicker than we expected." Zoe then turned to the two asari in the room. "Liara told me you two should begin that trinity bonding and she asked for your forgiveness ahead of time."
"That girl has the T'Soni stubbornness and the genes from her boneheaded krogan of a grandfather. Luckily, she was a lot smarter than her grandfather." Aethyta said as she started to disrobe. She licked her lips as she watched Benezia pull off that skin tight purple Armali silk dress. Benezia took her daughter's front with her hands glowing blue. Benezia waved her hands and Liara's shirt ripped open. She placed her hands upon her daughter's large chest causing Liara's breasts to glow. Aethyta did the same but then grabbed Liara's large rear.
I can see why the Matriarch council wanted to outlaw this way of bonding. It is incredibly addicting with the influx of extra power. Liara sounded like a young school girl.
Focus Li, you are the link between Ash, Karin and Miranda. Is Ashley ready to go? We don't know if she will feel any pain or not. We will try to make this as quick as possible. Zoe heard Ashley's painful cry through the bond. Zoe looked up and saw Miranda make an incision on the pretty brunette.
Miranda then pulled back the flap of skin made by the incision. There was the state of the art chip right where she left it. She had to disable the kill-switch before it went off. With a pair of the smallest tweezers on the market, Miranda delicately as possible pulled out the wire to the power supply. The small green LED turned off dimmed out as the power supply was removed. Miranda led out a sigh of relief. Now all that she had to do was remove the chip. At least Ashley's brain wouldn't fry.
Karin looked over at Ashley. "Zoe, could you ask Ashley how she's doing?"
"I could Karin but I don't think we will get a good response. She is in a lot of pain. Liara is broadcasting everything that she is witnessing." Zoe replied sadly.
"It's a good thing I am done. I just closed up the wound. It should heal nicely. This little bastard caused so many problems." She held up a Petri dish with a small silvery dot covered in blood with two tiny wires sticking out from the bottom.
"Liara is holding Ash in her arms and Ashley's pain is starting to dissipate. She will probably wake up with a terrible headache but this is incredible news. Liara tells me that she will comfort Ash a few more minutes but I believe we are done here." Zoe had a massive smile on her face,
"Commander, I was passed a message from Tevos. She would like to meet with you at your earliest convenience. She wanted to meet with you and you alone. She gave me the address and pass codes that will get you into her private residence." Aethyta said as she pulled her clothing back on.
"Does anybody else find that incredibly strange. I find this really bizarre. Did she give a reason as to why she wanted to meet me? Secondly did you get this message from Tevos herself?" Zoe inquired.
"No this came from her personal assistant. Teveem M'Doora. This is rather strange behavior for Mir'irlia but strange summed up Mir'irlia's childhood. She never did things in the normal way. I would have somebody accompany you to Tevos's place just to be on the safe side." Aethyta responded.
"I will go with you Zoe." Miranda said.
"I thought you were keeping yourself rather hidden from Cerberus."
"Cerberus's next best agent and assassin has been taken care off. He got really cocky and lost his head. I am always careful Zoe. Harper isn't didn't get to be the head of the organization by being an idiot. He probably knows that Leng is dead. He would be foolish to task anybody else to chase after me." Miranda replied. "One skycar ride isn't going to hurt me then it is right back here to the Normandy for me. I would like to monitor Miss Williams. She is my patient after all."
"Benezia &Aethyta, Liara could show you to her cabin but I wouldn't recommend staying there. It's a tiny cot that is surrounded by a ton of computer screens. If you prefer my cabin instead it is just across the way. I will key you two into my cabin's security system. This is a military vessel after all. There isn't much room for those creature comforts we all enjoy." Zoe brought up her omni-tool. She took two quick pictures off Benezia and Aethyta's faces. "There now the door should open automatically. Miranda, I will you meet you at the airlock when you are ready."
Zoe saw Aethyta lean over and whisper something to Benezia. Benezia swatted at Aethyta but Zoe could see a familiar glint in Benezia's eyes. Zoe smiled to herself. In her mind, those two definitely deserved every moment they could steal away. She also saw Miranda working on something with her onmi-tool. Zoe led Benezia and Aethyta over to her cabin. They both thanked Zoe and were both naked before the door even closed and locked. Zoe swore she heard moaning already. It was then that Zoe brought up her onmi-tool and turned on every privacy and security setting she had installed on her cabin.
She made her way to the crew bathroom. She was about to meet the most important asari on the Citadel. Tevos may not be the head of the Asari but one does not go to meet an important diplomat looking like a scruffy looking ruffian. She then went to her locker just outside of the medical bay. She stored her dress blues in this locker but she also stored a few sets of casual clothes that could pass for nearly formal. She grabbed a pair of black slacks and cream colored sleeveless sweater that hugged Zoe's generous curves. She looked around and saw that the immediate area was clear. She quickly pulled off her old clothes and then quickly pulled on the pants and sweater. She didn't notice a very bothered turian who had just emerged from his little hidey hole in the forward gun battery. If she did, she would have flashed him. She knew he had a huge crush on her but she couldn't return his feeling to the fullest extent. She would never turn down giving him a blow job or a chance to fire that large rifle he carried around but it would never get any deeper than that.
Zoe then applied a dash of makeup and adjusted her hair. She put on hint of her favorite lipstick and puckered her lips together making sure that it was applied evenly. Zoe was pleased with her look and then made her way up the airlock. She looked over to the airlock door and saw Miranda's jaw nearly on the floor.
"Miranda, what's wrong? Why has your jaw suddenly become severely dislocated?"
"Zoe… you look absolutely stunning. This is probably just a business meeting but who knows it might be a good thing if you become intimate with the asari councilor. She is very powerful not just for the asari but for the entire galaxy. If you can sway her to your side, it would be quite the victory."
"Miranda, I highly doubt this will lead anywhere down that path."
Miranda pushed the button to open up the airlock and the two friends walked inside. The exterior door to the Normandy slid open. Zoe was incredibly surprised to see a very expensive looking private skycar. "I thought you could ride to this meeting in style for once. Those Citadel taxis are unbelievably dirty. This however is a rented private car that is ours for the evening. As for it landing right next to the Normandy, what is the point of being a fake Alliance Admiral if I can't abuse the perks this once?"
Miranda opened up the door to the private back seat and offered Zoe her hand in helping the commander into the skycar. Miranda then got in and closed the door behind her. She then told their driver where they were headed. She then raised the privacy screen as the skycar took off from the impromptu landing zone. Their destination appeared on a screen against the divider along with the estimated arrival time. Even in the twenty second century with faster than light travel, a slower mode of transportation was a hidden luxury. Zoe heard Miranda unzip something. She looked over and got quite the eyeful. There was a large rock hard cock protruding out from Miranda's cat-suit.
"Mah…Mah…Miranda? What exactly is going on?" Zoe asked slightly startled by such a sight.
"Do you have any idea how hot it gets inside the cat-suit for Mr. Big? I have to let him out every so often just so he can breathe. As for him being incredibly hard, I have to blame you for that. We both saw how amazing you look in that simple yet beautiful outfit and we couldn't help ourselves. Would you like to give it a squeeze?" Miranda let out a giggle as she shook it back and forth. The pre-cum hit the divider wall when she shook her giant meat stick around. Miranda was shocked when Zoe leaned over and stole a kiss from the sultry black haired vixen.
"On any other night, I would gladly indulge with you Miranda. I hope you keep that offer open really, really soon but getting protein stains out of this cashmere sweater before my meeting with Tevos will be very difficult. You may be incredibly gifted but even you have some limitations. I'm glad to see our talk has softened you up a bit." Zoe watched as Miranda stuffed her soft yet ridiculously thick cock back inside her cat-suit.
"I guess it wasn't meant to be for our driver had gotten us here to our destination far quicker than even I expected. I guess I get to be the bait and get out of the car first." Miranda said before she pushed the button to open the door. The beauty with raven tresses climbed out and quickly drew her sidearm. She swept the immediate area outside of the very posh apartment building and inside the lobby. There were no signs of danger so she motioned to Zoe that it was safe to proceed. The second Zoe stuck an arm outside of the limo, a shot from a sniper's rifle rang out and struck the side of the limo.
Miranda tracked back the shot to the roof of the building across the plaza. She saw the outline of a target. She lined up her shot and squeezed the trigger. A round flew out of her pistol. She tracked the rounds purple glow up to the roof where it struck the target in the head. The target's head exploded with brain matter and blood as the mass accelerated round burrowed through.
Zoe saw Miranda fire at where the shot came from. Zoe darted from the limo under her cloak to the lobby. She cloaked herself as soon as she heard the shot ring out. Zoe was pretty sure that she wouldn't need any weapons but even the great Commander Shepard can be mistaken. Miranda joined Zoe in the lobby and the duo rode the elevator up to the penthouse level. Zoe looked at the message Aethyta passed on and saw that Tevos's place was the penthouse on the left side of the building.
Zoe reached the door first and knocked on the door. The door slid open after a few moments revealing a short asari with beautiful white tribal tattoos on her face wearing a very tight silk half jacket and nothing else. "Ohh, Commander, I wasn't expecting you to bring a friend but giving the gunfire I just heard I am glad you did. There are many people who would kill us both if they knew we were meeting. Goddess, somebody has already taken a shot at you. I'm glad you did decide to bring a friend. She is welcome to stay but the matters I wish to discuss I wish to remain between us. But where are my manners, would you like to come in? You've come all this way in such a short amount of time. Would you like a drink? I just uncorked a vintage bottle of Thessian Red. Would you and your friend like to join me?" Mir'irlia asked as she invited Miranda and Zoe inside.
"It would be rather rude to refuse such an offer of a vintage thessia red." Miranda said.
"Excellent, the main sitting room is just ahead or you can walk past that out onto the rooftop terrace. I will be but a minute" Mir'irlia said before she headed into the kitchen. Zoe and Miranda made their way down the hallway and out into the large living room. Tevos's style was a mix of opulent mixed with minimalistic touches. There weren't a lot of things here but everything was definitely above Zoe's pay grade.
Mir'irlia entered the room carrying a tray of what had to be made of platinum. The tray had three glasses of wine and the bottle. She placed the tray down on the low table in front of two luxurious couches. Miranda and Zoe took the one of the left. Mir'irlia passed out the glasses of wine before she sat down across from the two ladies.
"Have a taste. It's had time to breathe. It's quite delicious with notes of Thessian lavender. It smells as good as is tastes." Mir'irlia brought her glass up to her lips and took a sip. It really was a shame the vineyard that made this particular wine was destroyed in a massive fire. It was becoming more expensive to find and acquire. She watched both Commander Shepard and her guest enjoy their wine.
Mir'irlia placed her glass on the side table. It was time to get down to business. "Well, while we are here, please call me Mir'irlia or Lia if you prefer. I have a bit of a lead in your search for the traitor Saren. My fellow councilors would call for my removal or my head if they knew I was giving you this information. Sparatus would probably pull his sidearm on me. He and Saren are from the same clan. He has been defending that idiot for years. Valern is more practical but still doesn't like secrets being given away without receiving something in return. He is quite the slippery salarian to say at the very least."
"We received an emergency broadcast from one of our special recon teams. Each council race has these teams and the councilors have access to them from time to time. Anyways, a salarian team was sent to the planet of Virmire in the Hoc star cluster in the Sentry Omega system. The message they sent back was badly corrupted with interference. That team was sent out by Valern in hopes of learning Saren's location. I would guess they found something worth reporting back." Mir'irlia brought up her omni-tool and transferred over the star chart coordinates for Virmire. Zoe's onmi-tool beeps with the receipt of a message.
"How long has this special infiltration unit been dispatched to Virmire? Will they need reinforcements? Supplies? Medics? Doctors?" Miranda inquired.
"As I said earlier Miss Lawson, the message the council received was nearly incomprehensible. If we had more information, we would have acted. If it were an all turian squad, Sparatus would have sent in an entire fleet for a rescue mission. However that would be the wrong solution. Valern and I looked to you and your ship. You and the Normandy could slip in unnoticed and access the situation. These days, you are one of the most worthy of the title of SPECTRE. I would love to revoke some of credentials for some of our current members but the vote has to be unanimous. That only happens when there is undeniable and damning evidence presented to the council. I would recommend that you act as soon as possible. Saren is unpredictable at the best of times but if pushed to move quickly he can make mistakes. Your captain Anderson has experienced that first hand."
"We shall head to Virmire as soon as we are able. Hopefully the Normandy will be fully stocked and fuelled up by then."
"I appreciate your quickness. Miss Lawson, I'm sorry to have to ask you to step outside into the hallway or close yourself off in my bedroom. I have an extremely personal matter to discuss with Shepard. My bedroom is just down that hall." Mir'irlia pointed down a side hallway. Miranda nodded. She took her wine glass with her as she got up from the couch.
Mir'irlia lowered her voice. "Zoe, would you please join me out on the terrace." Mir'irlia stood up and made her way out to her private terrace. She brought her glass and the bottle with her. Lia made her way over to her private hot tub. It was her one true splurge. It almost mimicked the hot springs near her childhood back on Thessia. She placed her glass and the bottle into their appropriate built in holders. Mir'irlia then tugged her robe loose and let it fall to the floor. She turned on the jets before she slid into the steaming water. She let out a pleasurable moan as the hot water caressed her bare body.
She saw the curvaceous commander make her way out on to the terrace. She noted that Zoe moved just like one of those exotic asari dancers. "Would you care to join me Zoe? The water might be a tad hot for your skin but it quite relaxing." Zoe nodded before her hand reached down and grabbed the hem of her sweater. The redhead pulled the sweater over her head and placed it down onto one the chairs near the hot tub. Mir'irlia drank in Zoe's beautifully sculpted body. The redhead removed the shiny black bra that held up her large perfect ivory orbs. Zoe next removed her black slacks and hip hugged black underwear. Mir'irlia loved the large red mane of hair between Zoe's legs.
Zoe let out a quiet yelp as she slipped into the bubbling cauldron of a hot tub. Her skin felt like it was on fire but her muscles relished the hot bubbling water. It has been a long hard demanding week fraught with interruptions of warfare and violence. She looked over at Tevos. The tops of Mir'irlia's large breasts were sticking up above the white foam of the bubbling water. This hot tub wasn't the biggest that Zoe had ever been in but it was certainly the hottest. It took a good ten minutes for her body to completely acclimate to the water. Mir'irlia moved from sitting across from Zoe to sitting right next to her.
"Zoe the reason I asked you out into the hot tub is because I have a personal request for you. I needed to see you without clothes on to see if you had any antique recording devices on your person and in the hot tub so that you couldn't use an omni-tool. If any evidence of this meeting got out, we would both be ruined."
"What could this quest possibly entail that you would have to resort to such clandestine measures?" Zoe asked.
"I first need to give you a small history lesson. During my maiden years, I had left Thessia angry at my parents and a growing bloodlust that hadn't been seen in my people in over a thousand years. I wandered the galaxy as a freelancing mercenary. It was the only way I could keep my lust under control that was until I met the most amazing quarian who was on his pilgrimage. He saved me from a vicious pack of wild varren that had snuck up on me while I was patching myself up after taking down a squad of batarian slavers. He was one the most skilled fighters I have ever known in my entire life. That's saying something after being nearly six hundred years old."
"What is this all about Mir'irlia?" Zoe asked.
"His name was Rah'Sarul nar Vaehala. I am not asking to find him because he was killed six months into our courtship. No, my request is a tad stranger. I was impressed with how your quarian friend Tali held her composure during Saren's trial. She even fired back a few remarks I really wanted to laugh at. I would like to find someone like Rah again even if I am also very attracted to you Zoe. You are quite attractive and your prowess on the battlefield can only matched by one justicar. You have enough estrogen in your immediate circle."
"Thank you for the compliments Mir'irlia. I have to say I find your facial marking rather erotic. I wish Liara had them." Zoe replied.
"Unfortunately, these are special to my bloodline. They are different to every asari Zoe. What do you think about my request? Is it crazy? Do you think I am crazy for wanting something so menial?" Zoe could see tears waiting to escape Mir'irlia's eyes. Zoe pulled the elder asari into her arms. That broke the dam that was holding back Tevos's tears. Mir'irlia broke down for the first time since Rah died right in front of her. The normally composed and controlled asari wept in Zoe's arms.
"Shhh…shhh…there there. It will be okay." Zoe remembered how her mother used to calm her down after a nightmare. What surprised Zoe was that Mir'irlia's lips latched on to one of Zoe's nipples. The asari councilor was nursing herself on Zoe's breast yet it didn't feel erotic as it normally should have. After almost a half an hour, Mir'irlia finally found some composure.
"Thank you for not forcing me away during my time of grief. Suckling is part of that calming process."
"I wasn't going to ask. As for your dilemma, it perfectly natural for any species to seek out those who make us feel special. I am lucky that I found that in a few ladies that like to call me a friend. You have given me a challenging quest. Send me a secure message on what you are looking for. I have a few quarian friends that might help me out but I cannot make any promises. They are quite protective of their own people especially towards outsiders."
"Once again Zoe, I must thank you for coming on such short notice." Mir'irlia yawned unexpectedly. "Oh, Commander, I suppose it has been a long day of me. The downside of thirty six hour days completely drains even the strongest warriors. Even with a handful of assistants, my job is never done. I have probably missed several important calls from a number of annoying persons. Zoe, this has been quite relaxing but I doubt we will ever get to do this again." Mir'irlia opened up one of hot tub's side panels and pulled out a large towel. "I hope you don't mind but I would like to turn in. There is another large warm towel for you in this cabinet." Mir'irlia stood up and then wrapped the towel around her shapely body before she stepped out. The asari made her way back into her penthouse.
The water in the hot tub had lost most of its heat. The cool recycled air of the Citadel wafted across Zoe's shoulders. It caused the redhead to shiver. She quickly stood up, grabbed the remaining towel from the warming cabinet and wrapped the warm blue towel around her body. She climbed out of the tub. She then picked up the pile of clothes and then made her way back into the penthouse. She quickly dressed as she saw Miranda walking out from the hallway that led to the bedrooms. It took Zoe just a few minutes to quickly put on her outfit. She was fully dressed by the time her friend had reached her.
"The Asari Councilor has excellent taste in undergarments and toys." Miranda reported.
"Why would you snoop on such a high ranking official?" Zoe retorted.
"It's second nature I suppose. Would you tell a lion not to chase down a gazelle?"
"A lion is just looking for its next meal. You on the other hand just couldn't help yourself to potential sensitive information. I know you can be very discreet but still you really should work on breaking that habit." Zoe said before she and Miranda made their way back to the hallway with the elevator. They rode the elevator down to the ground floor. The hired skycar was still there. Miranda opened up the door and let Zoe climb into the car. Miranda wanted to have her way with Zoe but Zoe sat as far away from Miranda as possible. Zoe crossed her legs and pulled up her omni-tool. Miranda slid her way across over to Zoe and tried gently grab at Zoe's breast. Faster than a bolt of lightning, Zoe drew her sidearm and pressed it up against Miranda's head. "Just what the fuck do you think you are doing?" Zoe growled out.
Miranda let out a whimper as she felt the cold metal of Zoe's pistol pressed. Despite that she had a gun to her head; Miranda couldn't have been more turned on. Her hard nipples strained against her catsuit. A little secret Miranda Lawson never wanted to leak out was that she was extremely sexually submissive. "Zoe, please don't dominate me. I will just turn me on even faster. I won't lie to you. I wanted to play with you, I wanted to big puffy lips wrapped around my swollen cock giving me the best blowjob I've ever had."
"After meeting with Tevos, I just feel drained as if my tank has completely run dry. We are shipping out to investigate Virmire as soon as possible. I think it would be best if I just abstain from anything sexual for a few hours." Zoe removed her pistol from Miranda's temple and returned it to her holster. The rest of the ride was bathed in awkward silence. The skycar landed on the public landing pad to the Citadel's launch bay terminus.
Before opening the door Zoe turned to Miranda. She kept her tone emotionless and professional. "I just heard back from Anderson. I reached out to him in hoping I could owe him a huge favor if he granted me one. I asked that your Alliance persona be transferred to the Normandy. This might also keep TIM intrigued if he were to hear you've been placed on the Normandy. Send him a message somehow saying that you have to appear to distance yourself from Cerberus in order to gain my trust. His ego might be satiated knowing you were able to fool me into trusting you. I have already sent out a ship-wide email officially announcing you as my Executive Officer. You have the ability to disciple as you see fit if you encounter any grumbling within reason of course. As your first official tasks, I have a mountain of reports that need review and co-authorization from my second in command. Lieutenant Alenko may come to you. My hope is he will not but be on your guard." She tossed Miranda an ID card. "This gives you access to all places on the Normandy except two: Liara's office and my cabin. I am heading to my cabin to turn in for the night. Since we are still docked until tomorrow morning you have the deck. The evening shift is yours. Consider this a meet and greet for you and the new crew Admiral."
"If I am to be assuming Wannos's personality again, I can't be wearing this catsuit. I will need to also lock down her apartment here on the Citadel. It's where I kept all of my Alliance uniforms. Looser fitting pants will certainly be welcome change." Miranda pressed the button for the skycar door to close itself.
Zoe made her way onto the ship. She always shivered as she went through the decontamination cycle but smiled when she saw a very welcome and very comforting blue face greeting her. Liara pulled Zoe in for a warm hug. "Thank you Li, without even knowing it you have calmed my frayed nerves."
"I won't lie to you Zoe. I was listening in the whole time you were away from me and with Miranda. I applaud your restraint and your quick decision making ability. I also have a theory. I believe Miranda is in the same boat as Ashley was. However Miranda's chip has worked perfectly until recently. I doubt her chip would have allowed her to defect at all if the chip were still working properly. I think the chip is old and on the brink of frying her mind. The only way to know for certain is to get her to be scanned by Karin. It's either that or she has some abnormal reactions with her unique condition. It would be best to keep watch over her for the time being. I will do my best." Liara said as they made their way down to crew deck.
"I've left her with instructions but really I am first keeping her as my glorified secretary for the time being. Now I just want stay in your arms for the rest of the night with no interruptions. Our next target is Virmire. There is no way in hell I am chasing after Saren on less than a full nights rest wrapped up in your arms. Hopefully it will be quite the restful night." Zoe said.
"So your nightmares have returned have they?"
"No but I believe they will tonight. I think something with the incident with Miranda will have triggered something within my subconscious. I need to be in top mental form for every mission or someone could be killed because I lacked the mental acuity to spot the danger beforehand. Oh and remind me to speak with Tali . I need to get her opinion on something." The door to Zoe's cabin silently slid open. Zoe and Liara stopped in their tracks as they saw Athetya railing Benezia with a glowing blue see through cock. Benezia had some form of gag stuffed into her mouth muffling her loud moaning. The two lovers were too focused on each other to notice two silent intruders. Liara and Zoe reserved themselves out of her own cabin. There weren't many other spots for sleeping on board except for the sleeping capsules. Then Zoe had a brainwave. It may not be the most comfortable space on board but it could accommodate.
Zoe grabbed Liara's hand and led Liara over to the elevator. They took the elevator down to the cargo bay and walked hand in hand over to the Mako. Zoe saw that neither Garrus nor Wrex were around. She popped the back hatch the Mako and climbed in. She powered on the internal climate control system and set the temperature to a nice balmy setting. Liara climbed in behind her. Apparently Liara had gone over to the quartermaster and requested two sleeping bags and several pillows. She had already locked the hatch when Zoe had returned.
Liara had set up the sleeping bags into a make shift bed on the floor. Liara was quite naked and encouraged Zoe to join her. Zoe pulled off the thin clothes she had and tossed them aside before join Liara's embrace on the floor. Zoe quickly fell asleep as Liara hummed an ancient asari lullaby in Zoe's ear. Liara covered them both in one of the sleeping bags right before she fell asleep herself.