Chapter 19: Live free ...
Another month passed. Missions and obligations had kept the two apart for the most part and when they did get together, they were too tired for anything other than sleep. Jack continued her arduous training with Samara and had learned a lot. The asari was patient with the human biotic, but she was also amazed by the speed she picked up things in her tutelage. Though the Justicar wouldn't admit it openly, she believed that Zero possessed a power possibly greater than even hers, if harnessed and tamed.
On the other hand, the first human specter was far too busy on away missions with the rest of the crew. When he wasn't putting his life on the line for the sake of the galaxy, he spent most of his time recovering in the infirmary. He didn't mind getting new scars, nor Chakwas' constant concern, but his time was too precious to spend it patching himself up. The little time he had to himself, he'd usually consult with Liara. They needed something, anything, if they were to stand a chance against the Reapers.
After their latest endeavor, the Normandy was finally on its way to the Citadel. The commander woke up, his left side feeling heavy and numb. He had received a headbutt from a krogan there in their last mission. The previous day it just felt sore and the ice pack the doctor had placed on it seemed to have soothed him, but it looked like it must have been just temporary. He reached a hand out to rub his shoulder, but it came upon something that wasn't supposed to be there. It made him pull it back in surprise. The weird lump that had apparently grown on him hummed at his intrusion. Jack? He whispered softly. Another soft hum came his way. He grunted as softly as he could and tried to settle himself in a way that blood would flow again to his left side, without waking her up. Shepard thought of installing some mechanism that would notify him when she enters his room, but then he reminded himself that she even broke in, past C-Sec to find him. So he promptly kissed that idea goodbye.
Sleeping with Jack wasn't as comfortable as he had expected this time. She kicked and tossed and turned and more than once he jumped from his sleep at a shrill cry of 'I will destroy you'. Eventually, the specter just gave up and managed to worm his way out of bed. He had just sat on his terminal when a message popped up on his monitor. It read 'Just go with it' in bright flickering letters. It was definitely from Liara, although the message lacked the usual subtlety. He repeated it aloud to himself, more in disbelief than wonder.
Good morning, Shepard, EDI's voice resounded in the room.
The commander reprimanded her with a shush. Not so loud. Jack is sleeping, he scolded the AI.
Too late, he heard her grunt from the bed. And by the way, you fidget even more than your stupid hamster, when you're sleeping. There were a thing or two popping in Shepard's head that he would have liked to share. However, he knew better than that. From his experience, there were two things you just didn't do; first was stop a galactic invasion on your own and second was start a fight with your girlfriend and expect to win. Jack climbed out of bed and walked closer to where he was. She wore a dark black hoodie with a red stripe between two white ones going down her right arm, then N7 logo stitched on the right side of its chest. She was naked from waist down. Zero settled herself on the sofa located on the other side of his display case.
Is that my N7 hoodie? The specter inquired.
It was the only one that didn't have a Cerberus logo on it, she shrugged indifferently.
It's also the only thing you haven't torn apart in my closet, he remarked.
And? she asked, nonchalant.
The commander just shook his head in a resigned manner. Go ahead, EDI, he settled.
Yeoman Chambers asked me to inform you, regarding your reservation at the Ryuushei Sushi bar, she relayed on him.
My reservation at the Ryuushei Sushi bar? He wondered aloud, then remembered the flickering message on his monitor. Oh ... yeah. It's for tonight, right?
That is correct, the AI affirmed. The reservation is for two. Shall I inform them you will be going?
Yes. Yes, I will be going, the specter conveyed.
So, Jack started. Dinner for two. Who are you taking along?
Take a wild guess, he pitched at her.
Grunt would be a nice choice. He loves fish, she explained.
Oh yeah, Grunt, he admitted to himself. I should take him fishing someday. He shook his head, snapping out of his daydream. No, I'm taking you.
Me? To the fancy place that serves overpriced tiny fish portions? Is this your way of telling me I look fat? Jack quizzed him.
The commander laughed heartily. No, Jack. It's just that it's been a month since the two of us had, well, you know, he stammered.
So if you get laid, you take me to dinner at the most expensive place in the Citadel? she wondered. What would a blowjob get me? Hotdogs? she paused, waiting for an answer. If you're gonna say that it would get me your sausage between my two buns, I'm leaving and I'm taking my toothbrush.
I was gonna say a massage and breakfast in bed, he defended himself. Wait, you've brought your toothbrush? Was that your leather harness in my closet as well?
I had no place to hang it from, dumbass, she explained. And the toothbrush stays, unless you like tasting your cock when you kiss me. Shepard just bobbed his head in accordance.
Jack heard footsteps from the other side of the display case and then felt a pair of hands gently touch the back of her legs. What do you wanna do after dinner? he asked plainly.
I've been thinking of getting another tattoo. I've got just enough room on my ass for one more, she teased.
Don't you think you've got enough ink already? the specter kept rubbing her legs, slowly moving up to her hips.
You'll love this one, she promised. Zero bit her lower lip as Shepard's hands started fondling a spot that, if not for their relationship, would have been inappropriate. Still, he dropped his bold advance.
I've been meaning to ask. I know you have nicknames for Miranda, EDI, Tali, Garrus and me. Do you have any for the others as well? he quizzed.
Sure do, she exclaimed. One for each.
Oh really? So what do you call Mordin? the specter inquired.
Crackers, she stated.
Yeah, I guess he does fit the mad scientist motif, the commander conceded. Alright, how about Samara?
Battletits.
What? Why? he wondered. Jack twisted her upper torso to the side just a bit and placed her hands over her chest, mimicking a pair of large orbs. Oh, right, he agreed. And Grunt?
He's my pup.
Pup, he repeated confused.
Yeah, he's cute, she explained.
I don't think I'd use cute as a word to describe a 300 pound krogan death machine, he objected.
That's one of his finer qualities, she elaborated.
Whatever, he dismissed with a wave of his arms. What about Thane?
Eh, he's just a frog, she sounded disinterested.
I was expecting something more creative, he replied, rather let down. Zaeed?
Grumpy Grizzles.
Shepard laughed, as the mercenary certainly fit the description. That's what I was waiting for. And Jacob?
Zero paused for a moment, thinking about it. Jacob, she said finally, coming up short.
The specter frowned. Yeah, he's not that interesting. Shepard took a small intermission from his chat, as he focused mostly on rubbing Jack's legs, but his expression had switched to a more serious one. Are you still fixed on killing Miranda? he found the courage to ask.
She gnarled her frustration at the mention of the cheerleader's name. Especially at a time like this, all she wanted, was for the commander's thoughts to be all about her, not some flimsy bimbo brunette. Why did you have to go and bring her up? And I was having a good day, for once. Fuck!
She's part of my crew. I need to know that she's safe while she's on board, he clarified, as if that would cheer the psychotic biotic up.
She simply shook her head in return. I'm not going to smear the mess hall with her blood, Shepard. As much as I hate to admit it, she's capable and if it ever came down to a fight, she knows terrain tactics that would make my biotic powers useless. Until I can outsmart and corner her, she's safe.
Then you're not planning on letting up, the commander concluded.
Jack replied with a sigh. She has her uses. And she could be helpful in the war with the Reapers, she admitted. I'm not giving her a free pass, but I'm not going to try anything until this blows over.
That's more than I could ask for, he acknowledged.
You're goddamn right it is, she affirmed.
The dinning room attendant immediately recognized his esteemed guest, as soon as he got in the line of the Ryuushei sushi bar and beckoned him forward. The commander was dressed in a formal outfit, befitting a man of his stature. He had chosen an official alliance suit, the likes of which he had seen before on other high ranks, such as rear admiral Mikhailovich and admiral Hackett. It was, however, when he saw his escort that the maitre d' felt a paramount need to, well, puke his guts out. She was a woman of short stature, her head was clean shaven and even had a tasteless tattoo going around it, from side to side. From what he could make of it, her face was scared, though she had thankfully hid it behind a large visor. He assumed that the poor woman had probably lost an eye as well in her escapades with the commander and wore it out of tact, not to scare the rest of the patrons away.
This trainwreck of an escort, however, didn't nearly stop insulting his vision with her face, but with her entire existence. The tight leather vest that she had zipped up wasn't nigh enough to hide the rows upon rows of tattoos and scars that marred her body, not to mention her selection of clothing as well. In the name of all that was holy, this woman had actually shown up in plain jeans and military boots. Still, he reasoned with himself, it was his job to usher them to their seats and make sure their evening was comfortable and pleasant. Even if they were practically asking too much. So he started off as he always did, welcoming them with a fake smile. Right this way, commander, he beckoned them in and showed them to their table.
I don't like it here. People are glaring at me, like I'm some kind of circus animal, Jack protested.
We're not here for them. Just ignore them and try and have a good time, he reminded her.
Not with everybody staring like that. I can't shake it off. What if Cerberus found out and are here to get me? What if the fucking cheerleader tipped them off, her paranoid instincts kicked in.
Miranda quit Cerberus when she agreed to destroy the Collector base, remember? She's done giving reports to the Illusive Man, the commander objected.
I'm telling you, Shepard, there's something really wrong here. I can feel it, I got, she paused, then proceeded to scratch her arms, ants crawling under my skin, it's ...
Jack, he snapped at her as his arm reached for hers, nearly slapping all the fine crockery from their table. I'm right here. Nothing's going to happen.
Zero remembered to breath again, taking in a few deeper than usual ones in the process. I'm sorry, she pleaded. It's just that I'm not used to being put up for display like that.
You don't have to apologize. I understand, but these people are just looking at your tattoos, he explained.
Think they like what they see? Zero finally eased up into a smile even.
I'm sure there's going to be a lot of traffic in the tattoo parlors tonight. Too many spoiled rich girls will make ill decisions concerning their private parts and ink, he joked and she laughed in accordance. See? This is nice, he prompted.
It's a bit too quiet for my taste, Jack clarified. She crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair, but I hear their wine selection is top notch.
The specter took the hint and stopped one of the waiters as he was passing by their table. Excuse me, can me and my date get a glass of wine?
Certainly, sir. Anything particular in mind? the waiter was obligated to ask.
Shepard remembered that he hadn't even touched the menu. How about I leave that up to you? he proposed.
Of course, sir, I have just the thing, he exclaimed, reassuringly, before resuming his work. The commander just extended his thanks in a nod.
Just one glass? Zero argued.
It's for starters, he settled, throwing his arms up. Shepard's omni-tool came to life.
What is it now? the bald woman quizzed.
I'm not sure, he sounded as surprised as she did. He fiddled with it for a moment. Come in, Joker, he ordered but all that came back to him was a series of static with the words frequencies, jammed and alliance thrown in. Damn it, the specter cursed, snapping his head at the annoyance. I'm going to head back, he informed Jack.
I'm coming with you, she beckoned, jumping from her seat.
I'm sure it's nothing, he dismissed. Just wait here, I'll be back asap, he tried to sound as reassuring as he possibly could. He dropped a chit on the table, before leaving. Order anything you want, this should cover it, he concluded and darted out of the restaurant.
Zero, still dumbfounded over the whole predicament, simply stared at the credit chit on the table and tried to imagine a night filled with a harem of batarian male whores. Unfortunately for her, they all seemed to have Shepard's face imprinted on them and that sorta spoiled her fun. Fucking boy scout, she vented.
It took her a while, but Jack had finally become comfortable in this quiet little place. Every now and then, she would pick up a conversation from a nearby table about how a date would propose getting a tattoo in one of the least exposed parts of her body. The explanation they'd give on what the tattoo would depict and where it would be placed often made Zero smile and she found herself amused. Or maybe it was the 4 bottle of wine she was going through. A monitor seemed to turn to life, not far from there, a man in a neat suit and tidy brown hair was talking about a rather serious matter.
We take you live to Citadel docking bay D24 where alliance marines have started an infiltration operation. Our Westerlund News correspondent, Khalisah Bint Sinan al-Jilani, is on the scene, Khalisah? the man turned to the side, as if he would be facing her directly, the image zoomed out and then into a small window, that showed a number of marines in a blockade around a ship.
Docking bay D24? Jack snapped, jumping off her seat. That's where the Normandy is ...
Jacqueline Nought? a female voice coming from behind her interrupted her train of thought. Zero turned around to face the woman that had called her out with a rather unusual name. She had blonde hair and light skin, brilliant blue eyes that matched the color of her alliance uniform.
What did you call me? the biotic flared, as intrigued as she felt threatened.
You probably don't remember me, but we've met before, the woman said.
I know who you are, snowflake. You're Kalhee Sanders. We met on Grissom when we dropped off David Archer, Zero elaborated, her body flashed with lightning. Are we going to have a problem?
I'm here to make a proposition, Kalhee clarified. We've recently been tasked with training a group of, she fumbled for the word, gifted individuals. A certain number of people exposed to eezo.
Why don't you flat out say biotics? Jack accused her, but the blue light that surrounded her, had finally dissipated.
The word biotic is still used with much distrust. It signifies mutation. When implied that these people were simply exposed to element zero, it means that it was not their intention, an accident. Causes a lot less discomfort, the blond alliance officer enlightened her. The fact remains, these children are in need of an instructor and we've been informed by reliable sources that you are the most potent human biotic alive. The alliance believes that we could both benefit from such a partnership.
You're barking up the wrong tree, snowflake. I'm not teacher material, Jack denied her.
It's a shame, the officer frowned. You'll find that most of your allies have fled by now and your commander will soon be in our custody. Alliance has the resources to come after you, subject Zero. And even if we don't get you, then Cerberus will. However, if you work with us, we will offer you a place of residence, a clean criminal record and protection from para-military organizations, her negotiating effort was rather blunt. She opened up her jacket and with a slow and dramatic motion, as she retrieved a datapad, then flung it on the biotic's table. The specifics are here. My door, the alliance's door, is open for you Jack. But it won't stay like that forever. Kalhee turned around and left the restaurant, leaving a still fumbling Jack behind her.
It's Shepard! Commander Shepard! The marines have apprehended him and are leading him away. We'll try to get a statement. Commander Shepard! The woman from Westerlund news was shouting at the top of her lungs. Zero had no doubt, as the camera closed in on him, that it was indeed Shepard. The marines halted their march as he struggled in front of the camera. Commander Shepard, this is Khalisah al-Jilani, Westerlund news. Any statements for our viewers?
The commander looked at the camera, visibly fighting the marines that were trying to lead him away. If you're watching this, you know who you are. Stay alive. Wherever you may be, I will find you, he prompted, that charming smile she had grown so fond of, nestled on his lips once more.
Jack knew that her world had just crumbled. The Normandy had been repossessed by the Alliance, all her crew mates, as Kalhee had informed her, had already fled to whatever direction and Shepard was in custody. For some unexplained reason, though, she felt like her path was set. Jack sunk in her chair, taking another glass of wine in her one hand, the alliance datapad on the other. She took one last look at the monitor, now showing the Normandy's door open as the marines entered, Shepard's words echoing in her ears. Dumbass, she replied with a smile, as if he was still there.
*This may require a revision on my part, so stay tuned for corrections. We've got one more chapter to go.