Disclaimer: The Mass Effect Universe and everything in it belongs to BioWare.
A/N: A quick thank you to everyone who's put this story on their alert list, and to those who've left reviews! If you're curious to see Jack's outfit, just refer to an image of the DLC content that can be purchased for her, Thane, and Garrus.
[Six: Preparations]
Shepard for the first time in a long time awoke peacefully. He blinked away the grogginess and allowed the dim lighting of his cabin to flood in. It was time to get up. The clock he kept on his end table read 9:00AM. It was way later than he usually slept, so with a heavy yawn he turned onto his back, instantly looking for the form that slept by him all night.
Fornax was there. She wasn't.
Shepard rubbed his face then propped himself up into a sitting position. "Jack," he called out casually.
"Yeah?" her uninterested voice called back.
Shepard had to lean over a bit to look around at the open bathroom door, "I was just wondering if you were still around."
Jack smirked, applying the signature lipstick that made those luscious lips pop out even more. "Scared I'd hit it and quit it, Shepard?"
John leaned back onto his pillows and chuckled, closing his eyes for a moment. "I don't recall anything getting hit last night, Jack."
Without warning a small tube of lipstick hit him square between the eyes and with enough force for him to slightly jump in shock. "What the—"
"Don't be a dick. You know what I meant."
He rubbed the area with a soft grumble then put the tube on the nightstand beside him. He deserved that. "So did you sleep well last night?"
She nodded, finishing up with the mirror then returning to sit on the edge of the bed facing him. "Yeah, it was alright I guess."
"Good. I'm glad." He smiled at her with such sincerity it made Jack look away.
"Hey," she continued, "I've been up for about forty minutes so I put our clothes in the wash. They should pretty much be done by now. Just needa get em' from the dryer."
Shepard looked at her in awe, his tone obviously playful, "Doin' my laundry now, woman?"
"Shut the fuck up," she spat with sudden anger. "I just don't wanna' walk around with someone who smells like a Krogan just croaked up their ass."
He fanned the fire, "So you're planning to at least hang around me today then?"
Her eyes blazed, "If you want me to go then just fucking say so, Shepard!" She had gotten up and turned to leave and with as quick a reaction as he could afford he reached out to clasp her wrist gently, telling her exactly what he wanted. "No. I would love it very much if you would stay with me at least for a while more."
He'd never been that tender with words before. And he especially never used the word love in a sentence – in any context. Jack found herself swallowing lightly. She didn't turn to look at him, but she didn't pull her wrist away either. "Then quit dickin' around and just let me finish this, alright?"
He released her, smiling softly. "Alright."
xxxxxxx
The next thirty minutes passed slowly much to Shepard's delight.
Jack, although having just washed her old outfit, surprised Shepard when she wore the latest outfit they had acquired for her. Low cut, hip hugging blue jeans, heavy black boots with buckles up and past her knees, a black tank-top with a low 'U' shaped collar that was cut off beneath her bellybutton, and a trendy black matching vest. She decided to add a little kick to the clothing choice by putting on a long, black glove and bicep brace to her right arm as well as an expensive visor that concealed the emotions in her eyes well.
Shepard on the other hand, went with the simple choice of dark jeans, brown work boots, and a white zip up sweater that flattered his well toned torso. It was easier for him this way. He wouldn't have to lift his arms to take anything off.
Jack sat at his terminal and watched as he made his way to the bathroom and began to shave. She turned it on and began to fiddle around.
"So you gonna' finally visit Chakwas today? Or are you gonna' keep walking around whimpering like a hurt dog?"
Shepard half grinned as he worked the laser trimmer around his stubble. "Yeah, it was the first thing I was going to do today as a matter of fact."
"Good," she said, a hint of concern actually coming out. When she realized it she felt compelled to add, "…because you know, it gets old hearing you bitch bout'it."
He snorted as a wide smile crept onto his face. "I'm so sorry for showing human weakness, my Queen. It'll never happen again."
She turned to face him, facial expression as serious as it could be. "Damn right I'm the Queen and don't you ever forget it."
While he continued to carefully shave Jack decided to be nosey and go through current messages he had received. "The big lug did say to feel free and look around," she thought. With a few quick strokes she found herself inside his old messages. Some subject titles bored her as she ran over the titles in her head, "Distress signals, anomalies to investigate, thank you letters, directions from the Illusive man, requests from the alliance, blah, blah, blah,…Mordin's suggestions?" Jack opened the message.
*** [Recently Viewed Message] ***
[. . . . . . . One Moment Please. . . . . . . .]
/[Retrieving Message]/
[Open] [Delete] [Save] [Mark as Unread] [Mark as Read]
Jack clicked Open.
[View Attachment]
[Download Vid]
/[[ Commander,
As stated I have sent a list of suggested items in attachment of message as well as electronic relationship aid vid. Also sent locations and prices of each individual product. As seeing partner is capable of high powered biotics, suggest purchasing biotic inhibitors first. Most important for obvious health concerns. Would not want pelvis to be detached in any sense: am sure would cause severe discomfort.
Jack raised an eyebrow, curiosity clearly at its peak. She read on.
Before attempting sexual intercourse, recommend stopping by medical lab to ascertain recommended oils and ointment for possible biotic burns. Once again, recommend extreme caution. Check label for contents. Would not want allergic reaction. Though am 92% sure should not cause harm.
Feel free to download and observe the vid I have provided.
Included are positions comfortable and pleasuring for both parties, as well as the possible benefits biotics could provide to sexual relationship. Includes: Still framed holos, follow along vids, and inventive suggestions for the mass effect field.
Enjoy
~Dr. Mordin Solus
/[[Message End]]/
Jack checked over her shoulder in a nonchalant manner, making sure Shepard was still busy with his shaving. He was. She stared at the "Download Vid" option as she bit her lower lip, "Eh. Why the fuck not." She casually clicked the link and watched as the tiny orange bar filled up quickly indicating it had already finished its download process.
Jack clicked 'open'. Inside were three possible options for: Still framed holos, follow along vids, and inventive uses for the mass effect field. She bit her lower lip a little harder as she clicked 'Inventive Uses for Mass Effect Fields'. Another small drop down box appeared. '[Demonstration Vid [BioticMale x NormFemale], Demonstration Vid [Biotic Female x NormMale], Demonstration Vid [BioticMale x BioticFemale], Word Manual, Techniques broken down, Reference links.'
"How much of this shit did Mordin send?" Jack was impressed at the amount of information presented to her as she eyed over each option carefully. She decided upon 'Demonstration Vid [BioticFemale x NormMale].'
The terminal screen went black for three seconds before the demonstration video began.
Jack couldn't help but tilt her head to the side as she watched, "That…I didn't know you could…" Her eyes began to widen as she slowly lifted up her visor and rested it on the top of her head to watch. It wasn't long before loud screams of ecstasy from both parties filled Shepard's room—the source from his terminal.
In the background a sharp 'Buzzzz' was heard followed by a loud 'FUCK'. Shepard has just burned his chin with the laser cutter. He threw it down into his sink and ran out into his bedroom. "What the he—" His eyes went wide, looking at the image on the screen then down to Jack who was completely immersed in its production.
"Shepard, did you know biotics could do this shit?" Her grin was wide, "I mean I've done some good stuff before…but this…this is good."
". Jack—no— how'd you get into that," he stuttered then took a deep breath trying to regain his wit.
Jack turned her head to look over her shoulder, but her eyes were still glued to the screen. "Ya' said I could look around whatever I wanted. I got curious about—" The woman in the vid release a low throaty moan. "…whoa."
Shepard blinked. He stared at the screen and found himself tilting his head much like Jack. After another minute the vid stopped, the screen went black, and then proceeded to revert to its options menu. The two stared at the terminal for another few moments before Jack turned in her chair to face him. She quirked a brow, "You're uh…bleeding there, champ." She wiggled a finger around her own chin to tell him where.
Shepard shook his head and looked at her. He reached to his chin and dabbed off some of his blood, "Awesome." He turned to get a piece of tissue from the bathroom then appeared back with it stuck to his face.
Though he wasn't happy about the circumstance, he was pleased to hear Jack…giggle?
"Remind me to ask you about these "suggestions" later. But for now let's go get you patched up," she stated in a tone that could have easy passed as happy.
Shepard contemplated her for a moment then smiled and nodded. "Right after you."
Jack hopped off her seat and firmly nodded once, the black visor that rested onto her head falling forward and into its proper place. She walked to the door and smashed the green button.
xxxxxxx
The pair took the rocking elevator to level three.
"If this shit breaks down with me in it I'm gonna be pissed, Shepard."
He let out a small chuckle, "Edi wouldn't let that happen. Besides, it's been working just fine all night and we're heading out to the Citadel today for some repairs and shopping."
Jack eyed him. "Shopping?"
John leaned back against the elevator wall and nodded. "Yep. Gotta get a new armor suit, take Tali and Miranda to shop for parts, restock on all necessities, and see if there's a new display program for EDI. I wanna give her a better holo. She's been stuck as that—"
"- giant bumpy blue eyeball on a stick?" Jack cut him off.
Shepard laughed. "—Exactly."
Jack was somewhat pleased she evoked that emotion from him. "Is it alright if I wander around when we dock?"
Shepard raised a brow and considered her words. "I didn't take you as one for sightseeing."
"I ain't. Just wanna' get off this ship for a bit."
He grinned, "Fair enough."
xxxxxxx
When the elevator doors opened, it revealed a surprisingly calm level three deck. People were casually talking at tables, eating breakfast, or discussing work that had to be done and methods in which to complete their tasks. Everyone tried their best to not eyeball the pair as they made their way to the Med Bay. Those that were unsuccessful in their attempts to not stare only got an eyeful of Jack growling at them.
That made them get back to their own business.
"What the fuck is everyone staring at," she muttered under her breath, staying somewhat close to Shepard's side.
He grinned at her, simply shrugging and saying, "Well shit, with you being so damn pretty and all—"
Shepard didn't get to finish his sentence before a clenched fist closed in hard on his shoulder. He winced. "Come on, I need to get this thing checked out," he said, making his way through the bay doors and rubbing the soon to be bruise.
Inside Dr. Chakwas was sitting at her terminal and reviewing each newly released patient's record. Better safe than sorry.
Jack hopped up on a medical bed and wiped her itching nose. "Sup', Doc?"
Chakwas jumped a bit, never having heard her doors open. "Oh good heavens you startled me." She took a calming breath, "Commander? Jack? What can I do for the both of you?"
Shepard smiled at the doctor before clearing his throat to talk, "It's just me actually. I think I may have cracked a rib or two yesterday."
Chakwas stood from her seat and walked up to Shepard. "Can you remove your shirt for me," she had asked in her strangely comforting accent.
He nodded, unzipping his sweater and letting it fall down his arms to where he just caught and gripped it in his hands. Jack admired the view from the back. She wasn't going to deny that when Cerberus rebuilt him, they rebuilt him the right way. His back was gorgeous even with all those large pinkish scars. And his stomach? It was flat as it could possibly be and hard enough to sand down a wooden plank. Were it any other kind of woman they would have most likely swooned. But Jack? She just gave a cock of the head and a mischievous smile.
Chakwas frowned at her commander, "You should have come to see me sooner, John." She went over the area with tender hands.
He cringed, hoping not to hear Jack say—she chimed in, "Told you."
He rolled his eyes. "Yeah. You did."
Shepard looked over the doctor. "Sorry…it was just so busy yesterday. The crew, you included, had gone through so much already. They needed the medical attention more."
Chakwas shook her head, "And we are your crew; if our commander expires from a collapsing lung who would want us then, John? What ship would be board and call home?" She eyeballed him. "See where I'm going with this?"
He chuckled lightly, "I do; Point taken and thank you."
Jack had a sudden look of panic strike her facial expression. Thank God for her visor. "…die? A-are his breathers okay?"
Shepard looked over to her and raised a brow. "Careful there Jack, or you just might sound concerned for me."
Dr. Chakwas shook her head, allowing small chuckle to leave her lips. "No my dear, he's quit alright I believe. It was just a figure of speech. Now, let's just toss him onto the scanner now shall we?"
Jack got up and walked over, clasping his arm and getting ready to quite literally toss him. The action was surprisingly innocent. She just wanted to help.
John eyed her. "Jack?"
"Yeah?"
"…what are you doing?"
"She said that we needed to toss you…on…" she released him and looked away, not allowing them to see the slight pink that came to her cheeks. "Nevermind." She walked out of the med bay without saying anything further.
"Jack," Shepard began to call out, but Chakwas stopped him.
"Leave her be, John. She's most likely just embarrassed. She'll cool over. But it was rather…cute."
Shepard snickered. "Yeah, it was."
Chakwas helped him into the body scanner. He had been right: two cracked ribs. After a few minutes the good doctor had ointment spread across the bruise and a firm wrap around his midsection. She handed a small bottle of pills to aid in the healing process then patted him on the shoulder, "All set and ready to go, Commander. And please, next time if something bothers you come see me as soon as possible."
Shepard wrapped her up in a hug, lifting her lightly off the ground which sent her in a girlish squeal of delight. "Commander, stop! You'll hurt yourself!"
It did hurt. He didn't care. Shepard whirled her around once then smiled. "Thank you."
Chakwas adjust her suit and fixed her hair, "Any time, John."
Shepard turned to leave the bay, dressing himself as he did so.
"Oh Commander," Chakwas interrupted, "Will we be arriving at the Citadel today?"
He turned around and nodded, "I was just about to go speak with Tali regarding the engine. Why?"
Chakwas grinned. "I feel the need for another bottle of brandy."
The Commander let out an amused laugh, "You'd better get two."
xxxxxxx
When Shepard had arrived at the engineering deck he saw them hard at work playing cards. Legion hovered above Kenneth and Gabby observing in fascination. The Commander leaned against the wall and shook his head. "Working hard?"
Kenneth nearly jumped out of his skin, standing up lightning fast and pulling Gabby up behind him. "Commander! It's not what it looks like."
Shepard looked at the cards spilled around the table.
Kenneth winced. "Okay maybe it is what it looks like. But it's all in good fun and we've finished altering the specifications to the engine and core!"
Gabby spoke up, "Shut up Kenneth, you're talking to the Commander to much."
Kenneth pursed his lips and squint his eyes, not wanting to speak anymore.
Shepard laughed at the pair, "Relax you two. I just came down to see if everything was ready. There was never a doubt in my mind that you all would get it done."
They seemed to relax.
Legion looked up to Shepard. "Shepard Commander, if it was the Creator that you sought then you have missed your opportunity. She is consuming her daily morning essentials and has left to her quarters to complete the task."
Kenneth shot a glance at Legion then leaned in to mutter to Gabby, "Why couldn't he just say 'breakfast'."
Gabby grinned.
Shepard nodded, "Thanks, Legion. I'll leave her be then and just make my way to the cockpit. Be listening for the announcement."
"Shepard Commander."
"Commander." The pair nodded their goodbyes as Shepard left, going back up to Deck two and towards the Cockpit.
xxxxxxx
When Shepard entered the pit, he couldn't help but laugh at the scene before him. Joker was attempting to work on Edi's sense of humor. Her holo stared back blankly at the piolet as Joker rubbed his eyes then swiveled his chair to face the Commander. "Hey, Commander. I was just trying to improve on Edi's social behavior. It's not working out as planned."
Shepard shook his head, "Are you sure you're the one that should be helping with that?"
Joker glared lightly, "Hey. I'm a pretty good person to have at party – and don't you forget that!"
The Commander raised his hands, "Alright, alright. So…what have you been working on exactly?"
Edi turned her holo to face John. "Would the Commander like to hear a joke?"
Shepard blinked. "I…uh, sure?"
Joker groaned, "We were just talking about timing Edi! You can't just ask someone if they—"
Edi cut him off, "The Commander has agreed to my proposition. I do not see a problem, Jeff."
Joker mumbled under his breath, "Shocking."
Edi fixed her 'sight' once again on Shepard. "Is the Commander ready for the joke?"
Shepard grinned, leaning against the frame of the cockpit's entrance. "Go for it, Edi."
"A rare but still practicing human Buddhist walks up to a—"
"Edi!" joker gasped out, hands flailing in the air, "…don't just go out spitting random bits of information in a joke! It's suppose to be direct and to—"
Shepard waved him off, "Let her say it, Joker. This is actually kind of interesting."
Joker growled.
EDI acknowledged. "Thank you Commander."
"Continue, please."
"As I was saying: A rare but still practicing human Buddhist walks up to an interactive food vendor. The Buddhist points at the selection he wishes to consume and says, 'Make me one with everything.' "
There was a moment of complete silence and then, much to Edi's artificial delight, Shepard began to laugh out loud. Even Joker couldn't help but let out a chuckle – which was soon covered with a cough.
"Edi! I'd most definitely say you're coming along."
"Thank you, Commander."
Joker rolled his eyes, "Yeah so it was a decent joke, I'll give you that."
"Thank you, Jeff."
Shepard exhaled, finally remembering what it was he came to say. "Ah yes, the engine seems to be ready to go for our departure. Joker, make way for the Citadel – but take it easy."
"AyeAye Commander, setting course for the Citadel."
"Edi, make an announcement to the ship for me."
Throughout the Normandy Edi's voice rang out, "We are beginning our course to The Citadel. Upon docking, Commander Shepard would like to see his squad by the entrance and ready to go. He will give further instruction when docking. Have a good afternoon, Normandy crew. Destination arrival in one hour."
[End Six: Preparations]
A/N: Lmao. I really hope you got that joke. I know it makes me laugh. But then again I could just be really, really lame.