A Difference Written In The Stars

by TheAcromantula

She was special. They told her that she was one of a kind. That she was a government secret never to be spoke about ever again. Just how far will a young Asari go to prove her worth in a seemly fickle galaxy. Join us in a reinterpretation of the Mass Effect world.

15. Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Zoe woke up to a sore back but beautiful blue arms wrapped around her body as warm air slowly tickled the hairs on her neck. She happened to in the one place in the entire galaxy where she felt safe. She didn't have any night terrors. She could feel Liara's nipples and large appendage pressing into her back and lower body. She wanted to tease her lover. Zoe somehow was able to spin her body one hundred and eighty degrees around without waking her lover. Zoe lined her slick puffy pink lips up with the swollen head of Liara's cock. She reached behind Liara and pinched her lover's rear. Liara involuntarily drove her hips forward and impaled Zoe. Liara's eyes flew open when Zoe pinched her ass. She then shuddered as she felt the slick heat surrounding her cock as she was buried in Zoe's furnace.

Zoe feathered kisses all along Liara's shoulders neck and lips. She gazed at her blue eyed beauty as she flexed and contorted her lower half to stimulate Liara even more. Zoe wanted to spend all day with Liara but that wasn't meant to be. They both felt the Citadel's docking clamps release the ship while Miranda's muffled voice could be heard over the ship's address system. Zoe questioned what that busty bitch was doing with the Normandy. She distinctly remembered not giving her new second in command any order to cast the Normandy off. Liara read Zoe's mind and rapidly increased her thrusting as Zoe wrapped her arms tightly around Liara hoping to brace herself from the violent pounding. Luckily for Zoe, Liara didn't last much longer. One final thrust later, Liara pulled her cock back so that the tip was just inside Zoe. Liara then went on to paint inside of Zoe's pussy with gobs and gobs of sticky blue cum. Zoe's body emitted a glow for a brief second.

Liara pulled her cock out and Zoe closed her legs immediately as she tried to trap as much as Liara's cum as possible. Zoe kissed her beautiful blue lover. There was no one in the galaxy that could make Zoe feel better when Zoe felt down. Zoe even felt like walking around fully naked after being with Liara. Zoe grabbed her bra and panties and quickly pulled them on. Zoe helped Liara pulled on her clothing before unlocking the back hatch of the Mako. The cool air of the cargo bay slipped inside the love nest. Liara climbed out first. She nearly fell into Garrus who had just walked around the backside of the tank pushing a cart full of tools. Getting a face full of big beautiful blue ass wasn't exactly what he expected would happen to him when he woke up to start his shift.

Garrus nearly lost it when Zoe climbed out of the tank next wearing only her form hugging underwear carrying her shredded clothing. She smiled at the lower discomfort she caused him. She did owe him a rain check after all. She walked over to the turian in turgid trouble and kissed his mandible and whispered to him that she wanted him soon. The turian in trouble nearly fell to the ground and Zoe couldn't help but chuckle as she helped back to his feet. She let Garrus get back to performing some needed maintenance on their tank. She joined Liara on the elevator. The duo turned heads as they made their way over to the galley. They saw Benezia and Atheyta sitting together eating breakfast. Both had relaxed smiles on their faces as they enjoy their fruit plate. They played with each others' hands like to young lovers intoxicated on each other. They thanked the Captain for the use of her cabin. They needed to be reacquainted after been estranged for so long apart.

Zoe told Liara she was going to put her uniform on and then join her again in moments. She retreated to her cabin. The room reeked of hot passionate pussy pounding sex. That wonderful aroma couldn't be masked by any form of air deodorizer. Off came the sexy little bra and panty set, she deposited them into her hamper. She opened her small closet and pulled out one of her daily Alliance issued uniforms. It was a day for boring and comfortable underwear. She mulled over what do about Miranda. Miranda had overstepped her authority with ordering the Normandy to push off from the Citadel docks. If she was to be treated as an official Alliance officer, then she should stand for official Alliance punishment. One or two nights in the ship's brig was an option rarely used on such advanced warships. The threat of a ship transfer was usually enough for any sailor to straighten up. She wanted to hear Miranda's reasoning before casting her punishment.

Her hair had grown passed her shoulders. She grabbed a quick hair tye from the nightstand and pulled her hair up into a quick ponytail. She made one or two minor adjustments to her outfit before exiting her cabin. Her form fitting uniform made Liara gasp for breath as Zoe entered the mess area. Zoe smirked at Liara's reaction. She sat down next to her lover and started to eat the breakfast Liara snagged for Zoe. Liara mentioned that she had to check in with any work she had to attend to in her office. She then leaned in and placed a kiss on Zoe's cheek before standing up from the table and returning her empty plate back to the kitchen staff. As soon as Liara left, Zoe's appetite left with her lover. She pushed her half eaten tray away. It was time for the captain of the ship to make her rounds. She felt her executive officer should join her. Zoe returned her tray and thanked the kitchen crew for their hard work. She did fill up a portable mug of piping hot black coffee. She knew she was going to need it.

She smiled as she saw a very bow legged entering the mess hall still wearing that big smile on her face. She might have to remind the ensign about the Alliance's dress code. That much about of ample cleavage shouldn't be on display as much as Zoe could appreciate quite the sight. She took her mug with her as she walked up the stairs and into the CIC where she saw Miranda with a datapad in her hand. She was wearing the appropriate Alliance uniform for the executive officer position. Zoe had to credit the woman for her attention to detail. She noticed Zoe and announced quite loudly that the Captain was on the deck. Zoe saluted her crew back. Zoe walked passed Miranda without even a passing glance as she made her way up to the cockpit. There was a palpable tension between Zoe and Miranda. Zoe walked into the cockpit and did something she rarely did. She sealed the cockpit doors closed.

Joker was surprised to hear the doors behind him close and lock themselves until he saw Zoe walking towards him. She didn't look extremely pleased either. That was the polite way to note that she was incredibly pissed and was about to let loose the dogs of hell. He knew why she came up into the cockpit. It was one of few places on the ship that could be isolated on a short notice. He was pretty sure she momentarily disabled the surveillance equipment before she let out one hell of a yell. She had her sidearm out and was waving it around like a person possessed. Joker set the Normandy on the course to the relay before activating his chair's automated swivel feature. Joker's chair turned around one hundred and eighty degrees.

"Zoe, you need to calm down. Most things in here don't react well to bullets." The latter sentence Joker delivered in a Scotch-Russian accent. That one line got Zoe to stop in her tracks. That line was from the one movie she loved growing up.

"Yeah… like me." Zoe replied back quietly. Joker knew how to take the winds out of anybody's sails when they needed it most. Zoe looked down at her hands and saw she had her pistol in her hand. She had no idea when she had grabbed for it. She quickly returned it to its rightful place.

"You okay Zoe? I've only seen you that pissed that one time Udina grabbed your ass" Zoe sent Joker a murderous look. Joker immediately back peddled his current train of thought.

"I had a wonderful morning nearly ruined by feeling the release of the docking clamps. I thought it was Alliance protocol that only the Captain of a vessel was the only one who could give the order to release said docking clamps for departure. It was a bit of an informal test to see how far my newest executive officer would test my patience. It seems I need to address the limitations of boundaries with my newest XO. Thank you Joker for setting me straight." Zoe turned around, unsealed the cockpit and then exited. She made a beeline for Miranda whom was standing just to the left of the galaxy map.

Miranda looked up when she heard someone approaching and smiled when she saw it was Zoe. That smile was not returned by her new commanding captain. "With me XO." Miranda quickly made her way over to Zoe's side. "It's now time for the official tour of the ship. It's merely a formality but it's something of a tradition in the Alliance." Zoe said as she led Miranda down the staircase to deck two.

She stopped at the landing in front of the elevator and faced the wall. Zoe then brought up her omni-tool and waved it in front of the wall. A door popped out from the wall with a small hiss. She was taking Miranda into one area of the ship that no one wanted to end up in. "This is the Normandy's brig. We really have no use for these days since everyone on this ship was handpicked by either Anderson or myself. Now some of those choices were not the best and I've had to transfer people off of this ship who weren't working out." The door to the brig silently closed behind Miranda. Without warning Zoe pushed Miranda hard into the small cell and activated the light blue force field that locked Miranda inside the cell.

"What is going on here? Who do you think you…" Miranda was extremely cross with Zoe who just interrupted the executive officer.

"I am Captain Zoe Shepard of the Alliance Navy. Nobody but me can give the orders to leave a port unless I give someone that expressed permission. Now I have to decide what to do with your insubordination. I am tempted to leave you locked behind this force field. Nobody but me knows you are in here not even the ship's virtual intelligence system. Unless I inform somebody, you could spend the last days of your life wasting away. That path would once again leave me shorthanded. I am tempted to throw a gag in your mouth, a collar around your neck with a leash attached. I cannot nor will I have my second in command not following established procedure. It sets a bad precedent. For the time being, I am going to let you stew in here for a few hours if not a couple days. My hope is you see my reasoning otherwise you'll be spaced out of the airlock." Zoe turned around, waved her onmi-tool at the door and the door lock's disengaged and the door slid open.

Miranda watched Zoe walk out of the brig. The door closed silently and the locks engaged. All Miranda heard was the sound of silence and it as driving her crazy. She collapsed against wall of the cell. She tried to bring up her onmi-tool but something was causing the device to function improperly. She was pretty sure that the ship had some sort of monitoring system linked to the ship's virtual intelligence that would alert the crew if she were to attempt something incredibly stupid. She wondered if it were possible to get a message to Dr. Chakwas. She knew something was wrong and needed an independent mind of the good doctor to confirm her suspicions. For the time being, Miranda Lawson was behind proverbial bars with no skeleton key. She was going to just have to wait it out.

Her thoughts turned to how Zoe looked when she took control. Miranda felt a flush cover her entire body. Zoe took charge and that was something that secretly turned Miranda on. She looked down and saw two hard points straining against the fabric of her new uniform. Her cock strained against her silky tight boxer briefs. She tried to deny herself any form of relief. She fought against her primal instincts but her primal instincts took over.

Her superior genetics had her fingers unbuttoning her blouse at a fevered pitch. Her heavy full breasts pressed up against her favorite silky crimson red bra. She shivered as she pinched her nipples hard. She then reached behind her back and unhooked her bra. She let it fall to the floor as one hand mauled her breast while the other slithered underneath her pants. Her hand wrapped around the trapped snake. The damned thing was trying to break free. Miranda had a few seconds to get her zipper down before the damn thing bent in an uncomfortable angle. Luckily Miranda had those extremely nimble fingers and her cock sprung out from its fabric prison.

Drops of pre-cum leaked out from her tip and caught the harsh life of the prison cell. Miranda's mind was too far gone to care that she was masturbating inside the ship's brig. She had her hand wrapped around her the shaft of her fuck-stick. She held her hand still as she rocked her hips back and forth. Her large balls swung in time with her movement. Her libido was on overdrive. Her hips and hand moved in perfect time. Miranda's breasts swayed and bounced all over the place without the help of her expensive bra. She normally had exquisite stamina when it came to staying power. But she found herself nearing her climax within a minute of her ministrations. Her heart rate was racing as sweat slipped down her perfect face. Thrust after thrust, Miranda's resolve was slowly slipping away until rope after sticky white rope erupted from the tip of her cock. Her cum shot out across the cell and collided with the blue force field. The salty discharge of her cum caused the force field to fizzle out. She was surprised the Alliance would skimp on security. Then again this was a joint venture between two species each with obstinate governments.

Her logical mind finally returned as she returned her now limp best friend to the confines of her pants but not before she gave her cock a few good shakes. A few last bits of cum went flying after she shook her hose. Miranda picked up her red bra and put it on. The custom made garment was well worth the price. The blouse came next and lastly her Alliance jacket. She made sure that her uniform was prim and proper. As soon as she stepped outside of the cell, her omni-tool came to life. The cell must have had some sort of Faraday cage built into the walls. She then made quick work of the door lock. The door slid open silently only to reveal Zoe standing on the other side with her arms crossed and a smirk on her face.

"It took you long enough. Now I would never normally throw somebody in the brig. It's easier just to shoot someone for let's say impersonating an Alliance officer. That was merely a test of your situational thinking. It was rather interesting to watch but I don't think you were expecting that method to glitch out the force field. I did have another reason for that little demonstration. The Normandy is my ship as I am her captain. My word is the law on board unless there are mitigating circumstances. Let's also not forget why you are here. You are here because you asked me to help you. Do not overstep your place. Let's just remember that and we should be good. Now all Alliance personnel are subject to a full medical physical. Your first order from me is to visit Dr. Chakwas for that check up. Once I have received Chakwas's approval, we shall then get you situated into your new role as executive officer. Is there something you wanted to say XO?" Zoe explained.

"Just that I hope we can all forget about my misstep. I…"

Zoe cut Miranda off. She knew what her XO wanted to say. "I don't want you to forget your mistakes. If you forget your mistakes, you will be prone to make them again. Now I believe…" The Normandy's VI chimed in.

"Captian, you have an emergency message coming in from the Asari Councilor. I have routed the call into the secure communications room." The ship's VI cut out. Zoe was perplexed. Why would Tevos be calling her. She had just met with Mir'irlia yesterday. It must be incredibly important otherwise she would send a message and schedule a time and date to communicate.

"Thank you." Zoe sighed. "Well Miranda, duty calls once again. I expect you to return to your post. Keep me updated." Zoe quickly exited the small room and made her way on up to the operations deck. In a few seconds, she was in the Comm room before she activated the security protocols. Tevos's body materialized in front of the busty redhead.

"I apologize for the short notice Commander but I needed to get in contact with you as soon as I could. I have more news that the other councilors would take off my head if they found out." Zoe noticed the normally stoic and collected councilor wringing her hands nervously.

"It's ok you can tell me anything Ushri." Zoe responded with her signature smirk.

"How… What… who could have told you… it doesn't matter. What does matter is that a few moments ago I was in a meeting with the other councilors when Councilor Valern informed the rest of the council he had received an update from the Salarian STG group that had somehow tracked down Saren's base. I know that the salarians haven't landed on the surface yet but I assume they will be attempting to at some point. The update they did pass along was the electromagnetic scan of a ship that according to STG scientists there are no known galactic race could ever build. On a hunch, I asked a friend to compare the scanned data with the video from the Eden Prime distress call. They are in fact the same ship.I don't trust them. Sparactus is convinced that Saren can be brought back in. We both know better. Saren is passed the point of salvation. Unless you can move mountains and make him see the light, a burst of bullets might solve the problem. Your helmsman should be receiving the locked and confirmed coordinates shortly of Saren's supposed base on Virmire." Tevos lowered her voice to something rather sultry. "And the only time you may call me Ushri again, you and your bondmate better be sharing my bed with me with a unbelievably gorgeous male quarian." The secure connection went dead.

"Shepard to bridge."

"Go ahead Captain." Joker responded.

"You should have received a set of coordinates that points us to the Sentry Omega star cluster. The Hoc System is our next port of call. We are to depart as soon as possible. This place is mission critical so I am expecting you to get us there as soon as possible."

"Roger that Captain. We will be underway shortly. Joker out."

"VI, please alert Tali, Garrus, Wrex, our new XO, Dr. Chakwas, and Liara that I am calling a meeting of the ground team. Set the meeting in the next ten minutes.

"Of course Captain, the parties will be notified." The VI replied.

Zoe paced around the comm. room. Thoughts raced through the young captain's head. Doubt crept into her mind. Tevos had been the Zoe's silent champion on the Citadel Council. She hoped that Tevos wasn't setting her up. She was brought out of her inner turmoil when a set of warm hands and wet lips landed on Zoe's waist and cheek. Liara somehow had slipped into the briefing room when Zoe's mind was preoccupied.

"I share your turmoil love but Tevos hasn't steered us wrong yet. Now we will deal with whatever comes our way. You are our shining beacon in the coming darkness. I looked into the coordinates. It will take nearly forty eight hours. Give your briefing to the ground team. Mother and Father were able to secure private and anonymous passage on trusted family friend's freighter. They didn't even tell me they were leaving or where they were going but they did promise they would keep in contact as best they could." Zoe could hear the strain Liara had put on herself in her voice. "After the briefing let's retire to your cabin for the evening and just enjoy a quiet evening together." Liara knew exactly how to bring Zoe out of a funk. Liara then slipped her slender hand underneath Zoe's waistband, passed the slick bush of hair and teased Zoe's slick lips of her slit. Just as quickly as Liara slipped her fingers in she was forced to pull them back out when she heard the door slide open.

The first ground member was Tali. Zoe was pleasantly surprised that Tali was eager to sit in on a mission briefing so soon after the incident with Ash. Tali was however back in her enviro-suit. Zoe guessed that Tali was still dealing with what happened in her own way. Zoe planned on subtly looking out for Tali. Tali took her normal seat. The door slid opened and in walked Garrus, Wrex, Karin and Miranda. Zoe was pleased at the promptness of her team. The remaining members took the available seats left.

"Thank you all for coming on such short notice. I called this meeting because I have received a critical and time sensitive tip about Saren. It came from Councilor Tevos. First, I was summoned to her private residence yesterday. Apparently the salarians found a way to track Saren without being detected. Tevos was not sure if the salarians already had a strike team in place or not. I am assuming that if they aren't already there then they are in route just as we will be very shortly." Zoe brought up her omni-tool and pressed a few buttons on the little display. A large screen on the far wall flickered to life. The galactic map's rendering of Virmire appeared on the screen. The known information about the planet was displayed next to the rendering.

"This planet, Virmire, is the supposed location where Saren has his base. I want to trust Councilor Tevos but we will plan for as many different scenarios as possible. This could be a trap we are willingly flying into. Sparactus and Valern believe that Saren can be reigned in and brought back under the control of the council. All I am willing to give Saren is a bullet right between his two beady little eyes." Wrex barked out a laugh."We have just about two galactic days to prepare. I am still debating who I am taking with me because I am still debating on how we should approach this mission. I am leaning towards a stealth and sabotage soiree rather than a full out frontal assault. We have to assume that if this is Saren's base it will be heavily fortified with all types of defenses. We are talking about all forms of Geth units and mercenaries most likely Krogan. If that wasn't enough just moments ago, Tevos called the ship with an update. The salarians were able to scan an vessel with an unknown signature. On a hunch, she a friend compare the scan to the Eden Prime distress call. They match. If this mission wasn't dangerous on its own, it just became that much more complicated. If anybody has any comments, questions or concerns, the floor is yours to voice them." Zoe walked over next to Liara and turned around to face the rest of the ground team.

"My concern comes from where this lead comes from. I haven't had much success working with the Council. They and Executor Pallin stonewalled every attempt I made into my investigation of Saren. Let's just say trusting anything the council gives us makes me very nervous." Garrus's tone carried the mood in the room.

"I understand your concern. Normally I would be extremely wary of anything the council hands out. Humans haven't had the best reception for the council. This isn't the entire council. Councilor Tevos is giving us this information without the other councilors' knowledge. She is risking a lot by reaching out to us. It may not be a risk of life and death but still. If anybody else has a lead on Saren I'm all ears. He had a massive head start." Zoe replied.

"Whether the asari has sold us out or not I will be going in guns blazing if or more likely when you and your shadow strike team needs its asses to be rescued." Wrex grunted out.

"You are amazing in an all out fire fight Wrex. You have saved my own ass several times. I hope we can pull off a surgical strike. You are my back up insurance plan. I figured Saren has some krogan on his side but nothing like a seasoned battle master. You will be pulling my ass out of the fire if I need it. You and whoever else is on board the Normandy aside from Joker and Karin." Zoe smirked.

"Yes, you always need me around to patch your bullet bitten behind back up." Karin could dish out as much sass as Zoe. "I'm not really a fan of your risk taking tendencies but Saren must be stopped. I just wish you had some help but heavy is the head that wears the crown. Once more into the breach my friends…"

"I think you've been reading too much Shakespeare recently but your message is loud and clear. If there are no other concerns at this time, we have just under forty eight hours until we are orbiting above the surface of Virmire. You all are dismissed. Tali, Karin could you both hang back. I need a word with both you." Zoe watched Garrus, Wrex and Miranda get up and leave the room.

"I am surprised to see you up and about Tali. That means that Karin has physically cleared you for active duty because the last I saw you was back in the medical bay being treated." Karin was about to respond but Zoe shot her a look to be silent. Zoe wanted to Tali's explanation first. Tali nervously wringed her fingers together as Zoe waited for her quarian friend. It was exactly how Zoe remembered the first time Zoe came across Tali in a back alley of the Lower Wards on the Citadel.

"Tali, this room is secured and I know you trust me enough to tell me if anything were wrong." Zoe walked over to Tali. She had her arms and hands open to welcome Tali. It took Tali few moments but Tali did eventually allow Zoe to hug her. Zoe could hear Tali sobbing even though her suit's voice box was either broken or disabled. "It's okay Tali. You are amongst those who love you as a little sister and a valuable member of my team." Zoe then heard a hiss and felt something hit her stomach and then heard something clang against the metallic floor. Seconds later, Zoe felt hot wet moisture on her neck as Tali's smooth lips pressed into Zoe's flesh.

"Thank you again Zoe for everything. You have saved more than just my life more than once but you've also saved my sanity. Can you forgive me for running back into my suit?" Tali pleaded with Zoe.

"Tali, there is nothing to forgive because you did nothing wrong. You suffered through a traumatic event and you haven't really taken any time off. I have been keeping tabs on all of the extra hours you have been working before you were attacked. I have half a mind to put you on very restricted duty and Karin would back me up in a second. Tali you have to take care of yourself or you will wear yourself out very quickly. This mission demands that each one of us be at our best. I would for us to chat. Could you meet me in my cabin? I have a few issues I need Karin's advice on." Tali silently stepped away from Zoe. She then picked up her face mask up off of the floor and made her way to the exit.

Zoe turned to the only medical professional she ever trusted. "Karin, I was wonder if you had heard anything about Ash."

"She slept through the night and by my estimates should wake up some time later today. However, the brain is a tricky organ. I have been monitoring her throughout the night. She looked at peace for I would say the first time in a long time. My report should be in your inbox. I recommended at least three day of light duty. She would have to pass a qualifier to regain her active combat status. But I am very pleased with the results our gunny has shown so far." Karin smiled as she passed on the information.

"I agree with your recommendations. She shall be restricted to light duties until she passes both a physical and psychological screening. Who knows what that blasted chip did to her personality. We could be looking at a completely different Ashley. I hope it's not true but the brain works in mysterious mystical ways. Thank you again Karin for sticking by your patient."

"I would do the same for you in a heartbeat. You and Ashley feel like the girls I wished I was blessed with." Karin tried to keep her eyes tearless but she lost that battle as she wrapped Zoe up in a hug. "I should head back down to my lair. Stop by if you can before you head off on your mission." Zoe watched the incredibly sexy silver fox sway her body out of the comm. room. Zoe had very inappropriate thoughts about the woman who was almost her mother.

Zoe tried thinking about anything else. She did notice that Garrus had She pulled up her omni-tool and pinged the omni-tool of her favorite turian marksman. That was odd. Garrus had hidden himself in one of the small storage rooms just off of the engine room. She walked over to the video wall and brought up the ship's surveillance system. She tracked Garrus from the conference room as he quickly moved from deck to deck. She watched him seclude himself away in that small storage room. He quickly removed his bulky jumpsuit and out popped his large hard fleshly rifle.

His talons gracefully wrapped around his turgid member. Zoe would have thought Garrus would have taken his time in his ministrations but Garrus was quite bothered by something. A devilish thought popped into her head. She brought up her omni-tool and her hacking program. She typed in several commands which led her to Garrus's omni-tool. It took a few minutes but she was able to slip passed his nearly top notch security system and lifted the do not disturb setting. She then brought up the communicator and decided to toy with her turian.

"Ohh baby mama likes that massive cock… uhhhh stroke it for mama. That's it baby. You'll slide in to mama's tight slick pussy. Bend me over the galaxy map and fuck me silly. Pound that big turian dick into me baby." Zoe smiled as Garrus was moaning her name as he pumped his slippery hard cock. "Uhhh fuck me fuck me fuck me GARRUS!" Zoe's cheeks were flush as sweat ran down her cheek. She was just as hot and bothered as her turian friend. Zoe slipped her hand into her pants and found her center. She spread her legs slightly apart and drove her fingers home. She pinched her clit and shuddered as a shattering orgasm rocked her sculpted body. "That's it Garrus, right there. That's my favorite spot. Ram that big cock deep inside me."

She looked up just in time to see what looked like a lavender colored fluid erupted up from Garrus's cock. Zoe cooed as she watched Garrus shot sticky string after sticky string. She was impressed at each species' ability to ejaculate with such vigor. She could have watched the security footage of Wrex and Aypri but she was pretty sure that Wrex liked to leave his seed deep inside. "I hope this can hold you over until we get some time to ourselves to cum together in person. Maybe after our mission on Virmire, you can take me out on a date."

"Wha… wha…what about Liara? You two are together are you not?" Garrus stammered out.

"She likes to share as long as she is there. She likes to join in my merriment." Zoe replied.

"What about Tali and Ashley?" Garrus shot back.

It wasn't something she boasted about but she didn't keep it a secret. "How did you know about them?"

"We turians may not have noses like you humans but I picked up both of their scents on your body on separate occasions. It's okay. I don't judge. It just reminds me about the wild nights before I joined C-SEC. It was an all turian affair mind you but boy you would have fit right in. There was this one turian who I was quite smitten with by the name of Nyreen. She and I were supposed to be in the same class at the C-SEC Training Academy. We both served in the same unit in the Turian military. It was her idea to join up with C-SEC but she got cold feet at the last minute. I haven't seen her in quite some time. You remind of her."

"I guess I'm flattered but that is for another time. Have you figured out how you are going to make it up to the showers on the deck above you covered in lavender colored cum? If you need some help keep your comm. line open." Zoe almost giggled as she teased Garrus.

"I'll have to hold it against you. You'll never be able to resist. How's it looking outside this tiny little store room?" Garrus asked.

"Both hallways in engineering are clear. Adams is at his usual post and nobody is in the cargo hold. You are clear. I'll send the elevator down to meet you. Have fun not be caught by anybody." Zoe closed the connection between her and Garrus. She brought up the elevator command system and sent the elevator down to the cargo bay. She watched a cum covered Garrus quickly made his way to the elevator. He next emerged on deck two and made a beeline to the crew bathrooms. She could picture him washing away his cum. Garrus had that very muscular very beautiful body. Zoe had other places to be and other people to see.

Zoe made her way out from the conference room and down to her cabin. Tali was sitting on Zoe's small couch. Tali saw Zoe enter and she smiled. She pulled off her mask and tossed it aside. She smiled again and flashed Zoe that shiny silvery smile. Zoe locked her cabin down. It had been a rather stressful morning. It was nice to see Tali smiling once again. Zoe wanted a shower. She pulled off every bit of clothing. She told Tali she needed to speak with her after her shower.

It was a no frills quick shower to refresh herself. Zoe toweled herself off and then placed her towel back on the heated drying rack. She exited her small bathroom and threw herself down onto her bed. She waved Tali to come and join her on the bed. Tali was hesitant at first but a few moment later Zoe watched Tali saunter over to the bed swaying her sexy hips with every step. For once, Tali gave Zoe a hug as she climbed into Zoe's bed. Zoe loved running her hands through Tali's long silky hair. Zoe heard a few snaps and zippers as Tali started to take off her suit. She helped Tali pull her suit of her sexy slender body.

Tali loved feeling Zoe's warm skin on her own skin. She slid on top of Zoe and let her hands cup the redhead's large breasts. Zoe gasped as she felt Tali's textured fingers pinched her nipples. Tali leaned in and teased Zoe's lips with her long tongue. Tali's tongue slithered back to her mouth. She knew that Zoe had something on her mind. It was the quarian way to clear any business before engaging in pleasure personal pursuits.

"Zoe, you asked me to your cabin for a reason. Now that we are both more comfortable, what is on your mind? Then we can get back to our hope to be regularly scheduled programming." Tali then leaned back in and licked Zoe's cheek.

"You know Councilor Tevos called me away yesterday to inform me. She gave me that information on Saren, yes but she did have a request for me. She knows how close you are to me. She told me that she was very close to a quarian years ago before she was named to the council. He was killed before their relationship had a chance. She asked me really to ask you if you know of any quarians who would be interested in an asari who is on the verge of the matriarch stage of her life."

"That was not what I was expecting Zoe."

"I know. Neither was I but I had to at the very least ask you if you did know of anyone. You are all mine and I am not giving you up for anything." This time Zoe leaned up and nibbled on Tali's neck.

"Ahhhh right there Zoe." Tali gasped out. She squirmed under Zoe's ministrations. She then pushed back from Zoe. "I can think of two quarians who might be worthy enough for Councilor Tevos to contact. Do you have an idea of what she might be looking for?"

"She did give me a few traits she that appeals to her. She wants someone like who she fell in love with. She is drawn to people willing to put everything on the line to protect others. They should be taller than her. That might be a challenge because she is rather tall herself. I think she wants what all people want in a partner one who is honest caring and loyal. Is there anybody who could fit that tall order?" Zoe stroked Tali's cheek.

"There are two of my kind I can think of that could be potential suitors. One potential suitor is from my ship. He is Kir'Yaedor Vas Rayya. Kir is a few years older than me but we went through basic training together. The other would be Kal'Reegar Vas Neema. He was my training officer. I have stayed in touch with both since we took separate paths in life. As far as I know, both are currently unattached or under any contracts to wed. I will make subtle inquires and I will let you know if they are receptive to the idea of an asari companion. Now where were we…?" Tali giggled as she pulled the bed covers over their heads.

He stood and looked out over the red supergiant Anadius as solar flares arced across the absolute blackness of space. He reached into his pocket and pulled out an empty pack of cigarettes. He grimaced as a craving struck a nerve deep within. He looked over at his wet bar and saw nothing but ghosts and empty bottles. He tried going cold turkey to eliminate his dependence on nicotine and alcohol. It was a battle he would not win. He brought up his communicator, ordered to whoever was on the other end to bring a pack of his favorites, a bottle of bourbon and a very attractive blonde.

A statuesque blonde whose white corset strained against her heavenly globes walked into his office carrying a silver tray with a bottle of bourbon, a crystal lowball glass and a pack of cigarettes. She was several steps away from him when he told her to put the tray over on the wet bar. He silently walked up behind her while he pulled out his switchblade combat knife. With one swipe of his blade, her corset fell to the floor. He was on her before she knew what was going on. His strong arms had his blade to her throat. He forcibly moved her over to his favorite area of his office and threw her across the room towards his private area. She crashed on the floor. There were several large welts already starting to mar her creamy smooth skin.

He brought out his omni-tool and charged up an overload. His omni-tool beeped that the charge was ready. He pressed the button and the electrical discharge coursed through the blonde's body. Her limbs flopped around due to uncontrollable spasms. He smiled at the terror she saw in her face as she looked back at him. That was right before those same eyes rolled back into her head as she lost consciousness. This feeling was far better the nicotine and the alcohol infused together with a hotshot of heroin. To him, there was no higher feeling than holding someone else's life in his hands.

It took her a few minutes for the convulsions to subside. He told her if she wanted to live she would crawl over to the large bed. He told her she had less than a minute before blood would stain his polished floor. Her muscles fought her every inch as she pulled herself across the floor to his bed. Her once perfect hair was now a frazzled mess. She silently counted down from sixty in her head. She smiled a small victory as she made it on to his bed with seven seconds remaining. It was a short lived victory as she felt the cold steel of his knife cut away the last piece of clothing she still had on. He tossed her matching white thong off of his bed. He then pressed a button on his omni-tool. She heard the sound of small doors sliding open but couldn't see where these doors were located. The next thing she knew all four of her limbs were secured to chains. As those same chains tightened, her body was lifted up off of the bed.

He turned around and walked back to the wet bar. He cracked the seal on the bottle, pour himself a glass and brought the glass and his pack of cigarettes over to his chair. After placing his drink down and lighting up a cigarette, he called for his newly appointed second in command to enter. A woman wearing a very low cut uniform entered his office. He didn't look up from his display as he addressed her.

"Where are we on Operation FireFox?" He asked his second in command.

"Our agent in place hasn't checked in for quite a time. It unusual for him." She responded. She tried to hide her uneasiness behind her silky tone.

"Assume the worse that he has either been compromised or killed. Shepard has closed ranks of those around her. I will also assume that Leng has been disposed of. There have been murmurs of an attack on the T'Soni estate but that the T'Soni family made it out unscathed. Let's switch gears about dealing with Shepard and her den of dykes. She will either work for us or she will be terminated. There are other matters that demands my attention. Set up meetings with Udina , Hackett, Mikhailovich and the rest of the Brass. Perhaps they can muzzle that bitch better than a bullet. Also arrange a meeting with Henry Lawson, Gavin Archer and Brynn Cole, I have a few ideas I want to run by them. Now if there is nothing else, I have to get back to more pressing matters." His second was halfway out of his office before he finished speaking. She heard feminine screams coming though the walls that was supposed to be soundproof. She decided to visit the cafeteria. She didn't want to be reminded of what could happen to her if she displeased him.

Warmth unimaginable yet immensely tangible warmth cradled her body and she could come up with a compelling reason to ever leave this warmth even if the ship was on fire. The ship's VI was calling out her name but she didn't want to respond. There was a heavenly body draped over her. She groaned as she wrapped her arm around Tali and gave the gorgeous quarian a kiss. She thanked the goddesses above for the gift of Tali to her life. Zoe called out to the VI and asked what the problem was that the new XO couldn't handle. The VI relayed that the problem was the new XO and Chief Williams. Zoe cursed which woke up a beautifully sleeping Tali.

Zoe assured Tali that she would be returning as soon as it was possible. Zoe didn't even bother dressing in her uniform. She through on one of her workout shirts and her gym shorts. She ignored the cool metal on her feet as she emerged from her cabin to hear shouting somewhere in the mess hall. She walked over and saw Ash had apparently woken up and had a pistol pointed at Miranda. They were shouting at each other. That gave Zoe an opportunity to bring up her omni-tool. She brought out her overload function and targeted the heat sink Ash's pistol. A burst came seconds later, the resulting shockwave made Ash immediately drop the pistol. Zoe was already in motion by the time Ash realized what had happened. Zoe picked up the pistol and secured it away.

"Just what the hell is going on here? I am very lucky to get a few hours of shut eye without something going tits up. I guess today is just not one of those days." Zoe's breasts swayed with every motion she made without her compression shirt or bra. Both Miranda and Ash couldn't take their eyes off of the fiery redhead. "Well Miranda, you've already spent time in the ship's brig. I'm surprised that you would want a second helping of Alliance hospitality."

"It's not my story to tell but I will tell you what I know. I was making my rounds around deck two checking in with every department. I had just finished my briefing with Dr. Chakwas when my stomach told me to head to the mess hall. The next thing I know I am staring down the barrel of a pistol." Zoe could tell that Miranda wasn't lying but Miranda was a professional liar. The security footage would tell her what really happened.

Zoe just looked in Ash's direction. The busty brunette was still in her hospital gown. Zoe could see Ash's huge ass barely being covered by the flimsy material. "It's her Zoe. I will remember that voice for the rest of my life. She was there. She led this experiment on Alliance soldiers. I am the only one from my first unit who survived those experiments. How can she be walking around in an Alliance uniform? She should be hanging from a noose or at the very least rotting behind bars for what she has done against her fellow humans." Zoe caught a brief look of hurt from Miranda before her XO suppressed that emotion.

"I know she worked on that project that tested on fellow soldiers. She is also the only one who could have saved your life. I would rather have you standing beside me breathing and alive than having to stand over your coffin to watch a fellow marine be laid to rest. Think of your sisters and your mother standing beside me crying over you. It's not a pretty picture. Yes, she worked for a terrible organization. But she has put her life on the line in coming over to our side. She is a valuable resource that would give us great insight into a known enemy to the Council. We all have to make sacrifices Ash. Now would you kindly head back to your bunk and either go back to sleep or have Karin give you a full physical and a psych evaluation. Both are mandatory if you want to rejoin the ground team. No ifs ands or your butt will be stuck on the bench. Now if you two are done trying to kill each other, I would like to get a few more hours of sleep." Zoe turned on her heels and beat it quickly back to her cabin.

The door to her cabin slid open but there wasn't a beautiful and very naked quarian waiting for Zoe as she returned. Tali must have sneaked out while Zoe was dealing with those two dunderheads. She saw the steam coming from her bathroom. Seconds later a beautiful and naked blue beauty stepped out from her shower. Her cock was hard and it bounced with each step she took. Zoe turned around and locked down her room before she ripped off her shirt. She ran over to Li was on her knees in ten seconds flat. She planted kiss after kiss on the big blue cock. Zoe felt Liara gently place her hands on Zoe's head. Liara guided Zoe's head and slowly slid her cock in and out of Zoe's mouth. She had already primed her cannon in the shower and didn't take much to pull her trigger. Zoe's mouth filled up with hot sticky cum. She swallowed every last drop Liara offered up. "Love, thank you for taking care of me in my time of need."

"I just wish you had more ammo in your magazine. You are certainly addicting." Zoe said as she stood up. She planted kisses as she went up.

"Have you ever known me to ever be out of ammo? You just get that sexy ass of your onto your bed and see if you can coax out a few more rounds." The sex oozed in every word that slipped out from Liara's mouth. She watched Zoe climb up on the bed. Zoe wagged her rear in Liara's direction. Liara noticed more small patches of blue scaly skin on Zoe's back side. Her bond mate's transformation was progressing. Liara wrapped her hand around her shaft. Her fleshy torpedo returned to full power with a few strokes. Liara walked over to the luxurious bed. Zoe backed her rear to the edge of the bed. She wiggled it back and forth tempting her blue bombshell.

Liara stepped up to the edge of the bed where the tip of her cock pressed up against Zoe's perineum. Liara was unsure which hole she wanted to invade first. Zoe's pussy was clearly ready. She could see spots on the silk sheets from Zoe's leakage. She used the head of her cock and scooped up as much of Zoe's juice and lathered her purple head with it. Liara then lined the head up with Zoe's pucker. Liara gently pushed the head of her cock into Zoe's ass. Zoe groaned out loud as she felt a huge invader plundering her pucker. Zoe gripped the sheets as Liara drove her rod in nearly splitting her in two.

Zoe felt two warm loving hands on her breasts and two large breasts on her back as she held up both her own weight and the added weight from Liara. Zoe was one tough as nails marine and didn't mind the added weight. She grunted out again when Liara bottomed out. Liara sped up. Each thrust drove that huge cock in and out of Zoe's ass. Liara's breath was ragged when she grunted out "Embrace Eternity" as she slipped into a meld. She embraced Zoe inside their shared meld, something caught Liara's eye. A swirling aura of purple had gotten bigger since the last time they had melded. Their baby was getting bigger. She pointed that out to Zoe and Zoe flashed a smile Liara had only seen when Zoe learned she was going to be a mother. Liara felt her pleasure their mixed pleasure growing through the bond.

There was something else in the bond. Three small very faint auras were also swirling around in their bond. Zoe couldn't explain them. The lights in their bond exploded in every color of the rainbow. They had reached completion. Liara backed out of the meld for a second. She pulled her cock out from Zoe's ass. She quickly cleaned her pleasure piston and then slid it into Zoe's pussy. She slipped back into the meld. Melding with Zoe was becoming easier. It was another sign of Zoe's transformation. Waves of pleasure filled up every bit of the bond. They were both close and it didn't take for either lover to reach another peak. It was this peak that had left them both drained. They both slipped out from their bond to find that Liara had collapsed on top of Zoe. Both were covered in swear yet both couldn't be happier.

When Liara climbed up on top of Zoe, she noticed more blue scales. Some were on her back with more on her rear. Was their lovemaking accelerating the transformation? This was cutting edge genetics that only few could even contemplate let alone understand. The only person who could possibly try to explain was the same person might have an idea of what's going on was the same person who created Liara in the first place. There was no way in hell Liara was ever contacting that evil woman ever. Liara felt warm arms wrap around her. She looked down and saw two gorgeous green eyes looking back at her. Zoe then did the unthinkable. She quickly rolled Liara down onto the bed.

Zoe could sense her lover's unease and was trying to lighten the mood. They had just enjoyed three rounds of incredible sex. There was no reason for her to feeling unpleasant thoughts. "I saw more of those blue scales on your body Zoe. You had just a few splotches on your rear. When I first reemerged from our meld, I saw your perfect rear and your scrumptious back. The patches are larger and have spread northward. It just caused me a few moments of concern. I am worried that our lovemaking is accelerating your transformation. It cause a brief moment of worry. Then I thought of the only person who could possibly give us any idea of what's going on is the same person who made me what I am. That is one person I would never want to be alone in a room with."

"Our lovemaking is one possible reason to the acceleration or…" Zoe hands rubbed her stomach. "…Could it be this little bundle of joy growing inside of me? Our baby who mostly be born as an asari so it's possible to assume that our baby will change me in some way to protect her as she develops. Karin is both an expert of human and asari physiology. There is nobody else I would trust more than her to help us along. You said she is practically my mother. We will go to see her after Virmire. We should be there soon. We both need to keep our eyes focused on the mission because Saren will not stop." Zoe climbed up off of the bed.

Her large tits swung back and forth. They felt heavier than they ever had in the past. A quick squeeze revealed a drop of milk. She wasn't supposed to be lactating this early in her pregnancy. Zoe pulled her bathrobe. She unlocked her cabin and then made her way out to the mess hall. She saw Karin sitting at table. The silver haired fox looked up and saw a disheveled captain walking out from her cabin. They caught each other's gaze. Zoe tilted her head in the direction of the Med Bay. Karin nodded her head. She finished up her meal and disposed of her tray. She quickly made her way over to the Med Bay

"Zoe, is everything okay?" Karin asked.

Zoe turned around and locked down the med bay. The window shuttered deployed."You know about what is happening to me? Due to reasons outside of my control, I am slowly turning into an asari."

"I am still stunned as to how this transformation is possible but yes I know you are slowly turning into as asari." Karin said as she sat down at her terminal but she didn't bring up Zoe's official medical file. She pulled up a file under the name of Anna Pascell. It was the false name Karin made up right after Zoe and Tali came to her. It was how she was going to chart every new issue that came up for Zoe.

"Then how do you explain this?" Zoe dropped the bathrobe. Karin gasped as Zoe spun around. Her eyes first took in the blue scales on Zoe's rear and back but gasped when Zoe turned back around. Zoe was not small in the chest but Karin swore that her surrogate daughter was as big as if not bigger than her own breasts.

"You have to be the same size as me if not bigger. How is this possible? Your last physical has your bust size at a natural 34D. If I had to guess you are pushing an F cup." Karin said.

"That's not the only surprise you might find if you give me a full physical. There also is this." Zoe gave her left breast a squeeze and a stream of milk shot out from her nipple."

"You.. you… you're lactating… but… that means… your…"

"Pregnant, yes and before you ask your next question. Liara is the father. You know I could never ever stand to be with a man. Despite everything that is going on in my life, the thought of carrying my bond mate's child has become the beacon of light in these dark times even more than Liara's love. Am I actually glowing or is it all in my head." Zoe picked up the robe from the floor and tried to cover up her growing body as best she could.

"I would like to give you a full workup for your pregnancy but this is an Alliance Frigate and not a OB-GYN doctor's office. I do not stock any of the necessary human pre-natal vitamins or formulas let alone one of mixed parentage. We are certainly in uncharted waters here. Would you like to conduct a full physical? I would like to collect some samples at the very least. I've opened a separate file so I can track any new developments in your life. I've put the highest levels of security and encryption on this file. It's set to destroy itself if someone tried to move it or copy it from its current location."

Zoe walked over to the examination table. She tossed the bathrobe on to the second exam table. Karin walked over to Zoe and powered up the scanner. She then walked over her supply cabinets and pulled out a few sampling tubes, a needle, and a few other bits. Karin walked back over to Zoe and placed the supplies onto a small cart.

"I'll first take a sample of your blood." Karin picked up the surgical tubing she had brought over. She told Zoe to make a fist as she tied the tubing around Zoe's left arm. Karin was one of the best when it came taking blood samples. She slipped her needle in without causing Zoe any discomfort. She filled up two phials of blood quickly and then pulled off the surgical tubing. Karin placed the tubes on the tray. "Next, is it okay if I have a sample of your breast milk?" Zoe nodded. Karin handed Zoe a small cup with a small lid. Zoe put the cup up to her nipple and gently squeezed. She nearly filled up the small cup with a whitish blue liquid. Zoe put the lid on the cup and handed the cup back to Karin. They heard a series of beeps. The scanner was ready.

Karin brought the scanning unit's arm over to Zoe. She started the scanning at Zoe's feet and slowly moved the scanner forwards. Karin made two full passes over Zoe's entire body before returning the scanner to its home. The dual computer screens displayed the scans of Zoe's body. Karin looked at the screens and smiled. Her scanner detected the new growth within Zoe's womb. She pointed that out to Zoe. Karin estimated that Zoe was about two weeks along. The scans also showed Karin that Zoe's body had indeed grown. She had bulked up not in the chest area. Zoe's muscle mass had increased as well. Karin told Zoe that this transformation is making her healthier than in the past. Karin allowed Zoe to dress while she wrote down her notes. Karin gave Zoe a clean bill of health for her and her child. Karin also told Zoe she would stock up on everything that the mother and child would need. Karin also recommended that Zoe take in a full breakfast.

Zoe saw that Liara had emerged from Zoe's cabin. She was sitting at the mess table with steaming cup of either tea or coffee. Liara was a fan of a very rare and very expensive blend of tea. Zoe could smiell it from here. Zoe wouldn't describe the aroma a bouquet of roses. Luckily, the mess hall was clear. Zoe went to the refrigerator and pulled out one of the premade meals the cook made for her. Zoe had kept odd hours and usually missed the posted meal times. She reheated the standard breakfast and the sat down next to Liara. Liara smiled at the added company.

"Karin was quite surprised with my new enhancements. She said I could give her a run in the bust department." Liara nearly spat out the sip of tea she had in her mouth. Zoe chuckled at her bond mate's antics.

"That's not surprising. My DNA is either mixing in with yours or is overriding your own genetic code. You are turning into a T'Soni. Better call up Xan'raha and schedule an appointment for a fitting. Not many things will fit like they used to. I'm guessing you will almost be as big as my mother was by the time it's all said and done. I will be as big as my mother to once I enter my matron phase. I must say you look even more beautiful than that first day you pulled me out from that prothean dig site." Liara pulled Zoe hand to her lips and placed a gentle kiss upon her lover's fingers. "I still thank the goddesses every night before I go to sleep and every morning when I wake up for have you in my life."

"You aren't getting too sappy on me are you? I need that big beautiful brain as much as I need the rest of you as sharp and ready for anything and everything. We should be nearly over Virmire. VI… what is our current location in relation to Virmire?"

"We are about to enter the Hoc System of the Sentry Omega star cluster. Our current ETA to Virmire is just over ninety minutes."

"Would you tell alert the ground team to start preparations for a stealth approach? Tell Garrus andTali they are going to be with me," Zoe instructed.

"Right away Captain." The VI responded.

Zoe looked over to see a look of hurt and worry on her love's face. "I can see you are quite worried about me love but you distract me and we are all need to be on our game. I am relying you are our XO for tactical back up. You guys will be our eyes in the sky. Please don't fight me on this love." Zoe patted Liara's hand.

"I would argue with you till I am blue in the face but that would be quite the short argument. I will acquiesce to your request. I am still nervous about working with Miranda. In light of the revelation about the experimentations Miranda led, I am having second thoughts about her. Her knowledge may be valuable but she comes with a checkered past." Liara's hand was trembling with apprehension. "Out of all of our skirmishes, this one has me the most worried and I cannot figure out why."

"I am just as nervous and uneasy as you are. I think it's because we are now going to parents. Let's go out there and finish what we started." Zoe leaned over and kissed Liara. Zoe finished her breakfast and returned her tray to the receptacle. Zoe then walked back to her cabin. She had slipped in to her pre mission mentality. She took a quick shower, and then dressed in black hip hugging bikini briefs with a matching black compression shirt. She did a few jumping jacks to make sure everything stayed in its relative place. She then pulled on her compression pants and then her combat boots. She unlocked her armor locker. Her newest purchase of SPECTRE stealth armor was finally ready after she had applied her enhancements. It was state of the art and fit her perfectly. The armor's skin was designed to mimic a chameleon. This armor didn't come cheap. It put a serious dent into her coffers but this armor was definitely worth it. She picked up the matching helmet and walked out of her cabin.

Zoe walked over to her small arms locker and felt two arms wrap her up. "That has to be the sexiest suit of armor ever created. If I could restrain you to your cabin I would. Then I would tear that armor off you piece by piece. Then of course I would then have to replace it. I know that armor didn't come cheap." Liara reached passed Zoe and pulled out Zoe's pistol. She handed the pistol to Zoe who attached the sidearm to her hip.

"I love you Liara. It grows bigger every day. I will come back to you. If I don't, you just have to hunt me down and drag me back." Zoe kissed Liara before making her way to the elevator and down to the cargo bay.

Ash didn't take Zoe advice. She had spent the last few hours stripping every weapon in the Normandy's armory down and gave them all a proper cleaning. She then calibrated every one of her own weapons to her liking. She was about start it all over again when the armory's terminal chimed. It was Dr. Chakwas calling. Ash had been putting off speaking about every trauma she had gone through as a soldier. Somebody was finally calling to collect. A message popped up on the screen.

I do not care if you are covered in grime and gun oil. I will sideline you from active operations if you refuse to chat.I make a great cup of chamomile.

Ash sighed out loud. She was busted and now Copper Karin had her crosshairs set on the fiery brunette. Ash did love going out on missions with the team. She missed being part of a team. She saw the crew of the Normandy as her second family. She wasn't being true to her family if she was sidelined. She sucked up her pride and made her way to over the elevator. The door opened up and Ash saw Miranda as the elevator doors slid open. Ash immediately tilted her head down and just barreled her way into the elevator. Miranda stepped out of the brunette bull's way and into the cargo bay. Ash slammed her fist on the up button and the door quickly closed. The brunette bull stormed out of the elevator and into the med bay.

"You wanted to talk then let's talk." Ash said angrily as she hopped up on to exam table.

"Are you sure? You seem incredibly agitated and I wouldn't want to provoke you any further. That would be very cruel. Yes, you need both a physical and a mental evaluation before I can clear you for duty but charging in here like a bull is telling me that you are not fit for active duty." Karin spun around in her chair.

Ash took several deep breathes trying to calm herself. "After I got your message, I had every intention of coming to talk to you Doc. I don't want to let my second family down by being on the sidelines. I ran into Miranda as she got off the elevator and I got very angry at the sight of her. You've seen my file. I have been through a lot but I said the right things to the right people who cleared me. It was merely rubberstamping. I think I'm close to my breaking point Doc. You just might have to put me on the bench by the end of this chat. Where would you like to begin?" Ash leaned back onto the exam table. She didn't want to bare her soul sitting up.

Karin locked down the med bay before she did anything. "I am not going to take any notes nor will anything you tell me in here will stay between us and nowhere near your service file. My first question would have been how are you but I can tell you are stressed. I think your problem is how to properly handle your stress and emotions. There is no doubt in my mind that you are a survivor. Surviving all that what you've been through and still able to walk and talk is impressive. Most people rely on someone special to help them get through stress. I think you were on your way to finding that with Miranda." Karin saw Ash clench her fists at the mention of Miranda's name.

"Are you more angry at her or at yourself?"

"She may have saved my life and I am grateful for that but at the same swing of the stick she was responsible for the implantation of that chip in the first place. I remember her right before I was operated on the first time. I am ashamed at what I did to Tali. She reminded me of my little sister Sarah. I am devastated to find out that I sexually assaulted Tali even if I am not fully to blame. It grates on my soul everyday that I could do something so evil. After everything I've been through, was I selected for this implantation due to my past? Yes before what happened with Tali, I felt I was getting closer to Miranda. I am unsure if I can be intimate with her after learning of what she did." Ash sat up from the exam table feeling a bit lighter.

"You look like you feel lighter Ashley. As I tell Zoe, bottling it up inside will either cause you to blow up on the inside or explode externally. If I could force you all to just talk about it, I would but I know that's an uphill battle. I will clear you for active duty with a heavy string attached. You must meet with me to chat on a regular basis. I think it will do you a world of good. I know because it works for me. I routinely talk with a very good friend about what troubles me. Do we have a deal Ashley?" Karin asked.

"How often would you recommend me to show up? People might start to talk if I'm seen always coming in here."

"You shouldn't pay any mind to what other people think. It's your mind, your body and your soul. To hell with what anybody else might think or say. If once a week works for you, my door is always open but failure to show up will have you riding the bench. You should start to gear up. I'll let Zoe know you are cleared the mission." Karin saw a huge smile on Ash's face as the gunnery sergeant leapt up off the table. Karin lifted the lockdown and Ashley charged out the med bay. All those images of young big bouncing breasts fired up Karin's libido. She got up, grabbed her large towel and headed to the crew shower.

The Normandy orbited Virmire still in stealth mode. Several large geth gunships patrolled the black space above. Inside the ship, Zoe was about to start the tactical briefing in the Cargo Bay. Zoe and three of her squad were going to deploy in the Mako. According to the ship's scans of the surface topography, there was only one way into Saren's base. There was alterative HALO insertion but only Zoe was trained for that type of work. The scans also showed a large heat signature just outside of the main base. Somehow the salarians slipped by the geth or sustained heavy losses trying to break through the geth's defenses. Zoe smiled that Ash was cleared for active duty.

"I just had a change to my plans. I will now be making a high altitude low opening solo entry. A shuttle would be shredded to pieces by those massive anti-aircraft guns. Those cannons are designed to take down large ships. My radar profile will be small enough to slip through their defense network. It also gives me the opportunity to test out the latest from Alliance R&D one of my friends was able to smuggle out for me." Zoe walked over to a large wooden box. She cracked open the top and pushed the top off. She then pulled out a slim rectangle about three feet long by a foot wide. She saw her crew wearing looks of skepticism. She smirked at their disbelief.

She then placed the small rectangle on the floor. She then stepped on the rectangle and heard a clicking sound. Her boots' magnetic locking system locked her boots on to the rectangle. Zoe then brought up her omni-tool and called up a specific program. Two blue flashes shot out of the top and bottom and the board lifted up off of the floor. She heard gasps as she gracefully zipped around the cargo bay.

"Holy shit Shepard, how did you get your hands on Amanda McFly's secret project?" Ash spat out gleefully.

Zoe shot her a smirk. "I never kiss and tell unless you ask very nicely. She is an old friend of the family though and a genius with applied physics. I wish she could join us but she wouldn't step foot outside her lab and the Alliance would shoot me if I tried any attempt to steal her away. Amanda contacted me and knew I was into extreme sports. I am her first and only call when she needs someone to put her invention through the final stages with rigorous field testing." Zoe landed back on the ground and deactivated the board and its magnetic locks. The board automatically resized itself down to its original form. Amanda also modified the board so that it could affixed to Zoe's back for easier storage on Zoe's armor with the same magnet locks that held her feet in place.

"I will be jumping out from at least twenty thousand feet. Our scans will guide my descent. I am aiming for the elevated second building to the north. There looks to be a flat roof or landing pad away from everything else. I'd bet its Saren's private landing pad. He couldn't be seen landing anywhere else that his lesser would use. I hate to think I'd use my crew as an added distraction along with the salarians but that is pretty much the plan. Anybody who wants to join the ground team is welcome. I know I'm changing plans on the fly but we need to adapt to Saren. I am going to test our newest member with command of the ground team. If she screws up, just remember to properly dispose of the body. Alright mount up, we are approaching my drop zone. Joker will drop the ground team about a few miles away and y'all will have to fight your way in. I wish you all good luck. You are the best damn crew, I could have ever asked for me." Zoe smiled.

"…But you never asked for us." Tali said which caused Zoe to smile back even brighter.

Pure exhilaration and freedom as she free fell from the Normandy. Zoe flipped and spun as she screamed in ecstasy as she surfed the sky. Zoe's armor and board blended into the sky. She was invisible to the naked eye but she couldn't mask her heat signature as well as the Normandy. The suit did help but it wasn't perfect or foolproof. She had hit terminal velocity and started lining up her approach to the launch pad. Her altimeter's alert beacon started going off. She deployed her suits' built in retro thrusters. Her hover board landed roughly on the launch pad. She was barely able to stop the board before shooting off the edge of the launch pad. It would have been a long drop down the jagged rocks and crashing waves below.

Zoe stored the hover board on her back then quickly drew her Locust submachine gun. She took the ramp down from the launch pad. She encountered a glass sliding door with a biometric lock. If anybody but Zoe or Tali came across this lock, they would probably have to shoot the glass to gain access. Zoe however brought up her omni-tool and several of her proprietarily programs. She started up her programs and groaned. This lock was state of the art. This was going to take awhile. She had reached the five minute mark and was surprised that her actions hadn't been detected yet. A minute later, she heard the lock chimed and watched the door slide open. The door opened up into a large spacious office with desk that overlooked a wall of glass windows showing off the panoramic ocean views. On a closer inspection, there was an asari cowering under the desk in fear.

Zoe holstered her weapon. She knew that most asari were proficient with biotics but was going give this one a chance. "You can come out now. I'm not here to hurt you specifically. Plus I'm sure that desk couldn't stop one of my hammerhead rounds let alone a full clip." Zoe watched the asari slowly poke her head out over the top of the desk. The asari had unusual teal blue hue to her skin with horizontal white lines running up all of her crests. "Who are you and what is going on here?"

"I am Talezia Thanoptis. I am Saren's personal assistant. My sister Rana is the head neurologist here at this facility." Taleiza wringed her hands nervously as she saw how many weapons Zoe brought with her.

"This isn't Saren's main base of operations then is it?"

"It is his personal base for researching various projects but no I do not believe he keeps a main base. If I had to guess his main base would be like yours Commander Shepard. I would bet your ship is your main base just as Saren's ship would be to him. If you are looking for him, you are already too late. He left this morning and set the whole research plant's remote self destruction system to its current armed state." Talezia explained.

"You are telling me that there is some massive explosive somewhere here at this place and it has already been armed." Zoe said worriedly.

"Well nobody can access it because it is buried beneath the building and there is no way that I know of that will disable or dismantle the bomb. My best hope is that you take any survivors with you. I will remain here. We have done terrible things here and I was party to them even if I didn't participate in the actual experiments themselves I was still privy to the information and did nothing to stop them. There is still time before the bomb goes into countdown mode. I remember Saren saying that if he ever had to use the system, it wouldn't go into the countdown mode until his ship reached the relay. That's at the very least a day's flight on the fastest conventional ship. The countdown is set for an hour. So you've got six maybes seven hours before the system detonates. Let's just say that this planet won't be habitable for the next fifty thousand years give or take a millennium or two." Talezia heard Zoe curse almost silently.

"If you are so sure about going down with your ship, you should at least not let the information collected here go down with you. The galaxy should know about the atrocities you claim happened here." Zoe watched Talezia walk over to the desk and leaned over to start typing on an illuminated keyboard. Zoe then saw Talezia load what looked like and OSD into the terminal. Talezia then walked back over to Zoe and handed her the drive.

"This is everything I was granted access to including all of my sister's files on her study of indoctrination. Not to mention Doctor Droyas's work on the genophage. It really wasn't a cure but a cloning program that produced a slew of mind controlled krogan warriors main used as cannon fodder. Another one of Saren's ideas he thought was brilliant." Talezia said after she handed Zoe the disc.

"Is there anything else I should know about this place? Are there any other places that Saren might keep or hide away anything he would deem valuable?" Zoe asked as she pocketed the OSD.

"Saren kept a private vault one level below his office. If you were able to get passed the door lock to the launch pad then the vault lock will be no challenge for you. Just take the elevator down one level. I have never been inside the vault. The security system was keyed to Saren only." Zoe walked over to the elevator. The door slid open and Zoe walked in and turned around to see Talezia holding a pistol to her temple. The elevator door closed before Zoe could stop the asari from pulling the trigger. It was another senseless death whose blood stained Saren's hands.

A short ride down the elevator shaft, Zoe found herself standing in front of a large and very thick metal door. She felt a pull coming from the inside which was strange because she thought that would have been impossible. Zoe brought up her adaptive security breaking program that made quick work of the door lock after already cracking a similar lock earlier. The door slowly slid open and Zoe's jaw dropped when she saw a Prothean beacon in the center of the vault. She could see the beacon emanating that green hue as it powered up. Zoe was drawn to its power. Saren had a fully working prothean beacon. Did he find this one before or after his outing to Eden Prime?

Zoe walked over to the beacon and the beacon recognized her presence. Just as before back on Eden Prime, Zoe was levitated off the floor. Her brain felt that stabbing pain as the visions of death, destruction and doom filled her inner eyes. These images were far clearer than the ones from the first beacon. These beacons were left as a sort of warning to who ever came across them. Zoe recognized the large metallic like massive insect like ships. They looked just like Saren's ship. This wasn't good at all. Zoe regained full control of her mind and body as she floated back down to the floor. She felt a gentle feeling coming through her connection with Liara.

Li, this whole place is rigged to explode in a mushroom cloud of epic proportions. We need to get out of here as soon as possible. I am giving an order through you to relay this to the rest of the crew. What is the status of our team?

The Mako is on the verge or complete disintegration despite the best efforts of both Garrus, Tali, and all the spare omni-getl we could scrap together. Despite all of that we were able to limp into the Salarians Camp. There were just a few salarians left led by a Major Kirrahee. He told us that he faced no geth until his men tried to infiltrate Saren's base.

Yes, they were allowed to approach with minimal contact. Saren knew they were coming and set a trap for them. I ran into Saren's second in command here. I have documentation on pretty much everything that went on here and will need yours and the rest of the team's help in deciphering it. There has to be something we can use. Is there anything else?

There was a long and very wearying pregnant pause between Zoe's question and Liara's response. Sure, Zoe could disrespect Liara's privacy and view any of her latest memories but lovers and bond mates had to trust each other to make a healthy relationship work.

We had to call in the Normandy for an emergency medical evacuation. Joker was able to slip the ship in through planet defense cannons but The Normandy is now grounded here at the camp until the system is shut down. Karin is currently in surgery with Miranda and it doesn't look good.

WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED OUT THERE!

I will only tell you if you promise never to use that language with that tone with me ever again.

I promise.

We were getting a briefing from Major Kirrahee about what his team had discovered about Saren's experiments. When Wrex found out that Saren might have found a cure for the genophage, he stormed off as he was charging up his shotgun. Ashley and Miranda followed Wrex in order to calm him down. I am not sure what was said but Wrex leveled his gun at Ash's stomach and pulled the trigger. It was only due to Miranda's quick reflexes that saved Ashley's life. She shoved Ash out of the way as she right after throwing up her personal barrier. No barrier could withstand a blast from a Claymore shotgun at that close of a range without sustaining serious injury.

What about Wrex?

I drilled him with an overcharged throw and sent him flying into a rock wall. He is currently unconscious but no worse for wear.

Well I have news for Wrex. His cure is nothing more than a cloning program that heavily brainwashes its creations. It's no cure. It's just another abomination let loose by scientists thinking they could play like a Goddess. I'll see what I can do about the defense cannons from here. I am praying for Miranda and I will be there as soon as I can. Shoot Wrex if you have to but I would rather not put you in that position. I love you blue.

Not as much as I love you Red.

Zoe smiled as she felt Liara pull back from her mind. It was then when she looked over at an illuminated display passed the prothean beacon that she saw a glowing representation of Sovereign. Zoe cautiously approached the terminal.

YOU ARE NOT SAREN BUT YOU SHARE THE SIMILAR FEELING. YOU TOOK SOMETHING FROM ME AND I WILL COME TO TAKE BACK WHAT IS MINE.

"I very much doubt that she would fall for the same act twice. She thought she was able to sway Saren back to the side of rational thought but instead the control over Saren couldn't be broken. If the race of machines that you belong to claim to be all powerful enough to destroy every dominant race every fifty thousand years, why would they need puppets to make it easier? That is an emotion machines aren't capable of truly comprehending. You are merely an extermination service for whoever created you. Everyone has a creator. You are merely an outdated solution to a problem beyond any one's comprehension. Perhaps there can be another way. Life finds a way. Life can find a new way." There was a long pause that surprised Zoe. Did Sovereign really take her words seriously? She found that hard to believe. Then again she is turning into an asari. Was it outside the realm of possibilities that a machine could feel? Sovereign did eventually did respond.

THIS COMMUNICATION IS OVER. The screen that projected Sovereign's image went black.

Zoe was surprised that Sovereign didn't fire back more of his vitriolic rhetoric. She walked over to the blank console and tried to power it up but Sovereign must have fried the console's internal components when it disconnected itself from the console. Zoe was hoping that Saren kept even more in his vault. There were a few relics on the shelves but nothing that stood out. There was no chance that she was going to get aboard Saren's ship. Zoe turned around and started sprinting for the door. The vault door was slowly closing. Luckily for Zoe, the heavy door took a long time to open. She slipped between the closing crack between the door and the steel wall. She believed a sigh of relief and pressed the elevator button.

Zoe walked over to the large desk in the middle of the room. Saren's assistant was still logged into the terminal. Zoe quickly made her way through the base's systems. The security was minimal at best with her new executive clearance. She shut down the whole AA gun system. Zoe took out a spare OSD she always carried around with her and loaded it into the terminal. Zoe cloned every other file she could access. After the file transfers were completed, Zoe set the terminal to fry its hard drive. It seemed like overkill when Sovereign claimed that the whole facility was sitting atop a massive bomb that may or may not go off soon.

Within a few moments, Zoe was on the launch pad. She pulled out the hover board, dropped it on the floor, and stepped on it. She felt her mag boots locked into place. The board powered itself up and Zoe zipped along the top of the facility when something caught her eye. A geth drop ship was decelerating out from the sky. The ground team was about to get an unwelcomed surprise. Within thirty seconds the ship was hovering over the base camp. Zoe landed on the edge of the roof and quickly disengaged the board while pulling out her sniper rifle off of her back. She immediately charged the weapon as she took a position behind the ledge and aimed her weapon at the large Geth Prime that had just landed from the ship. A second later, her rifle chirped that it was ready. She let loose a power tungsten hammerhead round. The head of the Prime exploded with silver liquid as the body dropped to the deck.

Zoe quickly reloaded and then targeted a Geth Juggernaut who was firing upon Liara. Luckily, Liara's barrier was stronger than whatever that Geth could shell out at her lover. Zoe took aim and drilled the geth in the head. The rest of the squad was able to clear out the remaining geth until a geth armature leapt out of the drop ship. Zoe took aim and fired an overcharged round into the head of the armature. The geth unit's shields absorbed most of the force from Zoe's round but Garrus finished the armature off after Zoe drained its shields. The drop ship flew away after the last geth was put down. Zoe picked herself up off of the surface of the roof and put her sniper rifle back on to her back. It automatically resized itself and magnetically locked itself in place. She locked the hover board on to her feet and floated down to the ground where Liara ran into Zoe nearly knocking the marine to the ground.

"Easy there cowgirl, where is the stampede?" Zoe gasped out loud as Liara planted kiss after kiss all over Zoe's face. Zoe could feel te strain of Liara's member even through Liara's light armor. "Easy Liara we don't have a bed but I don't mind if you want to nail me in public."

"I don't care where but it better be really soon. Keep an asari waiting is worse than facing down a squad of asari commandos without any back up. It is also certainly not as messy either." Liara wanted to slip her hand between Zoe's legs but Zoe's armor was sealed tight. "I'd rip that armor to shreds but then I'd have to buy it for you again. Before or after the mission debriefing? I'll leave that up to you."

"What about Miranda? Ashley?"

"Miranda was taking to the med bay straightaway. Ashley was holding her hand the entire time. It was rather romantic as well as shocking. Wrex is still as you see him in that heap over there." Liara pointed over to Wrex crumpled up against the facility. "I do not know of Miranda's status but I know she's in Karin's tender hands. I should not have to remind you that you have been in those hands before too. What did you encounter? It seemed you made quick work of whatever you came across."

"I came across Saren's assistant as I told you. She gave me all the research data that she claimed to get her hands on. I'm not sure if I believe her but you can comb through the OSD she provided me. I went back to her terminal and cloned everything I could access. She ended her life with a shot from a pistol just as the doors to the elevator closed. This whole mission just seems like a waste." Zoe just reveled in Liara's closeness and warmth. Zoe pulled back from Liara to make an announcement. "Let's mount up and head back to the Normandy. Anybody who wants off of this planet before the facility self destructs is welcome to join us in our cargo bay."

Zoe embraced Liara's hand as the duo made their way up the open cargo bay loading ramp when just out of sight Zoe grabbed a handful of Liara's large plump rear and gave it a firm squeeze. She leaned in and whispered to her blue lover, "I'd have let you fuck me into the ground with waves crashing on us cooling us down if this planet wasn't under the threat of nuclear annihilation." She then passed on the two OSD disks to Liara. "See what you can find out from these data dumps. I know you have the computing power at your fingertips. So find me when you are ready and wear something bright."

Zoe left the blue beauty breathless and heart rate skyrocketing as she walked over to the elevator. Zoe took the lift up one level and made her way over to her weapons locker. She unlocked her locker and stored her weapons away. Zoe turned around and saw a silent Ash sitting alone at one of the tables in the mess hall. Ash was still in her armor and it was covered in blood. A knot grew in Zoe's gut. She knew that she had to question the younger soldier about what had happened today that caused Miranda to end up in the Med Bay undergoing life saving surgery. Zoe didn't say anything to the young marine as she walked over to the mess and made herself a hot quick cup of tea. Zoe wasn't a fan but she hoped Ash would accept it.

"Would you care for this cup of tea and some company?" Zoe asked as she wore a warm smile. Zoe put the mug of tea down on the table in front of Ash. The marine didn't break her solemn stare off into the distance. Zoe didn't want to give Ash an order but a commanding officer does what she has to when the times call for it. Ash came to Zoe's rescue when she reached out and took hold of the steaming mug of tea. Zoe could see that Ash's hand was trembling. That trembling hand brought the mug up to her lips and to blew the rising steam away before she took a quick sip.

"It is your ship Captain. Feel free to take a seat." Ash couldn't look Zoe in the eye and that worried Zoe.

"I just wanted to check in Ash but if you want your space, I have a mountain of virtual paperwork I haven't even gotten started on." Zoe started to get up when Ash's hand latched on to Zoe's shoulder. It was then that Zoe saw Ash's big doe brown eyes that were on the verge of tears. "Let us use my cabin if you need to but I don't think it is a good idea to have this discussion out here." Then Zoe saw that indignant fire ignite in those same brown ideas. Her eyes were an instant detector and Zoe knew she had sad the wrong thing. "On second thought, that paperwork is calling my name."

Zoe got up to leave and Ash leapt up from her seat and pulled Zoe in to an awkward embrace. Ash planted kiss after kiss on Zoe's cheeks, lips and neck. Zoe didn't have the heart to return them or the courage to push Ash away. "Ash… Ash… Ash…please stop." Ash wouldn't stop. Zoe could see the tears streaming down the busty brunette's face. Zoe knew Ash was in a bad place mentally. She should have restricted Ash's duty but her heart said that was counterproductive. Zoe threw herself into her work whenever things got tough and it did help. Maybe Zoe just got lucky and never reached her breaking point. Zoe had to push Ash gently but sternly away.

Ash didn't take the rejection well. She tried to fight but Zoe was taller and had at least fifty pounds on the gunnery chief. "Why are you fighting me Sierra? You and I are perfect for each other. You are my first and only true love." Zoe now believed Ash was having a psychotic episode. This was not a good thing and the only trained medical personnel were both in the med bay which was locked down.

Liara, I need your help. I think Ash suffered some form of mental breakdown. She is calling me Sierra and alluded to that we were made for each other. I don't think I can talk her down without escalating her delusions. Once again our luck strikes again.

I had just picked out the most beautiful yellow outfit. Be there in thirty seconds. Keep her busy until I can place her in a stasis field.

I'll do my best.

"Why are you not listening to me Sierra? I trusted you. I bore my soul to you and then you skipped into bed with our best friend? Julio Vega was just a meathead with a barely a pulse. But that was the tip of the iceberg. Your next escapade had you laid all three Renakk sisters. I thought you had self respect and self worth but you threw in with those space sluts. Not even the lowliest bordellos would hire them. I would have taken you back if you had been honest…" Ash didn't get to finish her tirade. She froze in place encased in a white glow. Zoe exhaled a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding in.

"Why is it always one step forward then three to four steps backwards for us? I swear I am one more fuck up away from turning the Normandy into a pirate ship and giving the Council and the Alliance the finger."

"Does that make you Grace O'Malley and me Anne Bonny?"

"Have a fancy for human pirates?"

"No not really, I just find their gritty yet gorgeous outfits while toting swords and pistols incredibly erotic. Of course I like the romanticized version of piracy. To this very day, real piracy still is a very bloody yet a profitable business." They heard a lock disengaging and a door sliding open. It was Karin and her scrubs were covered in blood. She made her way right to the mess hall for a fresh hot cup of tea. It wasn't until she turned around to head back to her office when she saw Ashley frozen in place with Liara and Zoe standing off to the side.

"Would either of you like to offer up an explanation as to why Miss Williams is frozen in time in what looks like a strong stasis field?" Zoe couldn't take her eyes off of Karin's large covered bust covered in blood. Liara spoke up first.

"Zoe asked me to look into some OSDs she had recovered from the mission. I had just uploaded the disks when Zoe contacted me to assist her in dealing with Ashley. She was calling Zoe Sierra. I am guessing that Sierra was one of Ashley's ex lovers. It seems to me that Ashley is projecting a past traumatic incident in her mind and onto Zoe. It seems the trauma of today has triggered another pain filled memory from her past to resurface."

"I had my reservations as to granting Ash my permission to join the ground team today. She seemed so happy and optimistic when she heard she was cleared. I am now revoking my clearance. I haven't encountered a live stasis field on a patient in quite some time. I don't have a sedative ready. She will just pick up where she left off when you release the field right?" Liara nodded. Karin turned to Zoe. "I think you need to slap some sense into our gunnery chief." Zoe looked at Karin with disbelief.

"Look it's not the best solution but it might work with better results than have to sedate her. I don't always rely on powerful drugs. Look if it doesn't work I will sedate her." Karin said.

Zoe looked over at Liara who nodded. Liara then stopped feeding power to the stasis field. It took several minutes for the stasis field to fade and for Ashley to regain her composure. She collapsed to the ground and dry heaved a few times. Her body shook as the marine tried to get to her feet.

"What is the hell is wrong with you marine? Are you laying down on the job?" Zoe blurted out just inches from Ash's face.

Ashley jumped up and stood ramrod straight with her hand saluting her commanding officer.

"Do you know who I am marine?" Zoe asked.

"Sir, you are Captain Zoe Shepard sir. You are first Human SPECTRE appointed by the Citadel Council who is also the decorated N7 operative to date."

"That's a good sign that she isn't calling Zoe somebody else." Karin noted to Liara.

"Do you know where you are?" Zoe called out.

"I am currently standing on deck two of the SSV Normandy. I'm in the passageway between the mess hall and the med bay.

"She knows where she is down to the exact location. It is another good sign." Karin muttered to Liara.

"Good, good marine, I just have one more question for you. Just who is Sierra to you?" Karin was surprised that Zoe would ask something so personal. That question could potentially cause Ashley to slip back into her state of delusion.

"She was someone who I got very close a very long time ago. She took a few of my firsts. She bears a striking resemblance to you Captain. She also hurt me very deeply." Zoe could see Ash's body trembling. It was time to stop this.

"I thank you for your candor marine. However I am forced to place you on injured reserve restricted to light duty until further notice pending a full mental examination. You are clearly not fit for combat duty. I hope you can accept these new orders. Since your knowledge of weapons is maybe rivaled by only Vakarian's, I am promoting you to the Normandy's Master of Arms. Your new job duties include maintaining the Normandy's arsenal and working with the quartermaster on acquiring and installing the latest ammo and tech upgrades. If you clear your evaluation with anything less than a perfect score, you will not be rejoining the ground team. You are dismissed marine."

"Aye Aye sir. Thank you sir." Ash turned around in one fluid motion and made her way to the elevator. Once the brunette was out of sight, Karin waved Zoe over.

"That was impressive Zoe. I thought she would have slipped into another state of delusion."

"I believe that putting her in stasis caused her to somehow reset her mind. Other than that I have no idea what I was doing. I guess I just wanted see if she recognized me and where she was. I took a risk in asking her about Sierra but she handled it well. How is Miranda?"

"In short, Miranda may not live through the night. The next twenty four hours are critical. The barrier did save her life but that blast from that shotgun still did a number on her body. There was no shrapnel but the concussive blast from the shockwave caused massive internal injuries. In blocking Ashley from the blast with her back, Miranda even with her barrier maxed out sustained several fractures to several vertebrae. These fractures are pressing up against her spinal cord. I have done all I can with her but I am not board certified neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon. It would be prudent to take her to a hospital or trauma center. On the plus size, Miranda's body has regenerating abilities that I've never seen before. If anybody can survive this I would put my money on either her or you Zoe. You two are incredibly stubborn. If she can make it through the next twenty four to forty eight hours, she has a damn good chance of making it through."

"Is it your recommendation that we take her to the Citadel for further care. It will take at least that long to reach the Citadel even at full power. I don't think she would be save anywhere on the Citadel. She has more powerful enemies than me and I've got ancient aliens and a brainwashed turian. Maybe I'll stop them with big poofy black hair and strange wild hand gestures. Let's keep her under observation for now and you'll keep me informed. At this point, we have no further leads we might as well head back to the nexus of the galaxy. VI?" Zoe asked.

"Yes Captain? What can I assist you with?" The Normandy's VI chimed in.

"Is every one of the crew on board?" Zoe asked.

"Every member of your crew is aboard including a few salarians who are not affiliated with the crew. The ship's VI responded.

"Alert Joker that our new destination is back to the Citadel."

"Right away Captain, it shall be done."

"Liara and I were going were going to open up a bottle of Thessian Red Karin. Would you like to join us? There is always room for one more in my cabin." Zoe asked her chief medical officer.

Karin brought up her omni tool and logged into her terminal. She wanted to check Miranda's vitals. The busty black haired beauty vitals were strong. That surprised Karin. Miranda was a miracle of healing. Karin decided that she could step away from the med bay for a few moments. "As long as it's a small glass and there is no funny business, I shall join you two."

The three amigos walked into Zoe's cabin. Liara knew where Zoe kept her dwindling store of booze. There was only one bottle of Thessia red and a bottle of bourbon left. While Liara opened up the bottle, Zoe fished out three glasses from the galley. She returned quickly with three clean glasses. Zoe handed the glasses off to Liara who placed them down on Zoe's desk. The wine needed at least ten minutes to breathe. Zoe was still clad in her new armor. Zoe had no qualms about undressing in front of others why should not be any different.

She stretched out in front Liara and Karin as she tried to assuage her tense muscles. "I'd love to put a hot tub somewhere on board. Do you think anybody would raise hell if I put in a small hot tub somewhere on the ship or a steam room? That would make relaxing after missions that much easier and enjoyable."

"You'd never get anything done if you put in a hot tub. Plus you would have to hire somebody to clean that soon to be Petri dish because I know I'm certainly not cleaning it." Karin then took a sip from her glass of wine. She liked the sweet yet dry flavor of the wine as it passed her lips. She didn't realize how tired until she felt the wine take a quick hold of her senses. Thoughts of a stretching and very athletic yet very naked Zoe stoked a fire deep within the silver fox. She couldn't deny that Zoe and Liara were made for each other and a pang of loneliness raced through her body. Her generally loose fitting clothing felt incredibly restrictive as she watched Zoe progress through some very advanced yoga poses.

Liara subtlety watched Karin shamelessly ogle Zoe as she logged into her computer network through her omni-tool. She knew what Zoe was doing. Karin told Zoe not to do something. The inner child that lived inside the serious soldier was going to do the exact opposite. It was easy when Zoe was a natural seductress. She chuckled to herself watching Karin getting hot and bothered. Karin licked her lips as Zoe stretched out and exposed her secret garden to the silver fox. Karin was amazed at Zoe's large breasts being almost able to defy gravity. Karin unconsciously loosened the fasteners to her scrubs. Liara caught a glimpse of a black comfortable bra inside Karin's uniform. Liara knew Zoe had won and Karin would be joining them very soon.

Zoe picked herself up off of the metal floor. She smiled as her eyes caught a small pool of her arousal. She then looked over to where Karin was sitting and saw the opening she was looking for. It was time to play.

"You know Karin, I've kept a secret from you for over twenty years." Zoe said as she sauntered over to the small couch. "Do you remember when you took me to that beach resort on Sirona?" Karin nodded. It was when the Dreadnought she and Zoe's mother were stationed on. "My mother couldn't be bothered to leave the ship even when the rest of the crew was given a week long holiday pass. You found me wandering the ship just outside the on board hospital. You told me that wandering the halls could be dangerous but you said it so kindly with love and respect. Then you went on and did something incredible, you took me to my first beach outing. I have to tell you that seeing you in that amazing bathing suit of yours was the first time I felt the urge. I had the biggest crush on you Karin till I met my first mistake. I know you've been lonely for so long. It's your eyes that always give you away."

Zoe gently placed her hand on the far side of Karin's head and drew the silver fox in for a kiss. Zoe marveled at how soft Karin's dusty rose lips were. She swore that Karin would have pushed her daughter in all but blood away. Zoe's words must have hit very close to home. It was very cruel what her mother did to Karin that some nights Zoe dreamt of plunging her combat knife through her own mother's heart. Karin felt empowered by Zoe's words enough to bring one of her hands up to cup one of Zoe's bountiful breasts. Zoe moaned at Karin's skilled ministrations. Zoe let Karin lead. She could feel her sliver fox's confidence growing if ever so slowly. That bit of confidence was elusive and fleeting. Zoe felt that warm hand leave her breast just as Karin's lips backed away.

Karin wanted to jump up from Zoe's warm welcoming embrace but fatigue and that sweet intoxicating wine had wrapped their chains around her body. "Zoe, my heart is telling me to stay wrapped up within your arms. My brain is telling me to run away back to my life of lonely life of celibacy and solitude. You and Liara, I have never seen a more perfectly matched pairing. You two balance each other out perfectly including all of your faults. I know you are capable of loving and opening your heart. I've seen the noticeable changes in Tali, Ashley, and Miranda to name a few. Who would want be with an old busty betty like me?"

Zoe leaned back into Karin and planted a large kiss on those dusty rose lips. "How dare you call yourself an old busty betty. I cannot fault you for being busty. They are real and they are spectacular. Me and Liara will always welcome you if you want to join us. We are going to retire soon. You are welcome to join us if you so choose." Zoe took a chance and pulled open Karin's bloody scrubs and pulled off the soiled linens. She wasn't surprised that Karin didn't fight her advances. A sensible yet stylish black bra held back two massive breasts. Zoe's fingers ghosted over the two points of Karin's hard nipples which causes a moan to slip out passed Karin's lips.

Zoe got up off of her small couch, turned around and offered her hand to Karin. She helped her silver fox up on her feet. Zoe took up opportunity to take in Karin's supple but strong legs. Karin was in her sixties and still looked like a supermodel. Zoe nodded at Liara. Liara brought up her onmi-tool and music started coming out of from somewhere. It was a simple number but Zoe wordlessly asked Karin if she wanted to dance. The doctor silently accepted Zoe's request. Karin and Zoe slowly waltzed around Zoe's cabin. Neither were master dancers but nobody's toes were crushed by a misplaced step.

The song ended with Karin's back facing Zoe's bed. Without any warning, Zoe pushed Karin backwards. Karin's breasts broke free from their practical prison. Three seconds later, Zoe climbed on top of Karin planting kisses on the silver fox. Zoe wrapped her lips around Karin's hard left nipple. Zoe took one her hands and slipped it underneath Karin's scrubs. The deceiving doctor had nothing on underneath her flimsy pants. Zoe was surprised that she didn't find a large silver bush. Karin must have trimmed it down recently. Her fingers traced a familiar shape. Her silver fox had a stylized Z cut out from her bush.

"You really are surprising Karin. You start off with not wearing any panties but then raise the stakes by creating a silver Z. Are you laying out a welcome mat for me?" Zoe chuckled before she latched her lips back on to the hard nipple.

"I've moved on from the nesting mother that you didn't know you needed. Somehow you wormed your way passed my defenses. I do have a request." Karin smiled as she heard Zoe's lips leave her nipple with a satisfied pop.

"Ohh what is that my sexy silver fox?" Zoe responded back.

"I'd like you to stop what you are doing. We both know that my body is enjoying your ministrations but I really just want to be held tonight as I fall asleep. That is something you cannot get inside our sleeping pods. I haven't had arms wrapped around me in a very long time. Please Zoe?"

Zoe didn't respond with words but she snuggled up next to Karin and wrapped her arms around the stomach of the shorter woman and pulled Karin back into her warm embrace.