Chapter 3

Shepard dropped his gun, hearing it clatter against the ground as he knelt down next to Tali, gently picking her up and turning her over. When he saw the wound, he just sat there, staring, trying to work out what he was seeing.

There was no deep gash he was suspecting, no gash at all. There was a hole, where it seems the tip of the sword pierced her right on her ribs, but then only a scratch continued downward, nothing even reaching her skin. He was at a lost for words. He saw Davin strike her, and since it was meant for him, it was a good strong strike. It was fast though, and he was being pushed aside when it happened. Did he somehow miss something?

He heard a groan, and turned to see Davin moving, trying to get up on his elbows. Shepard gently laid Tali down, who was also stirring, and got up. He walked over, picked up his pistol, and walked over to Davin, aiming the gun at his forehead, ready to finish it.

"Wait Shepard!" Garrus yelled just as Shepard was putting pressure on the trigger, making him stop. But he kept the pressure he already had on his trigger as he looked up at Garrus. "What do you mean wait? Have you lost your mind?"

Garrus finally reached him, laying his hand on Shepard's gun. "You should already know that I am by now. But don't kill him."

Shepard just blinked at him, dumbfounded again. "Why the hell should I let him live? He was trying to kill us a few seconds ago, and he even struck Tali." Shepard saw James walk up out of the corner of his eye, keeping his eye on Davin, who was clutching his side.

"He wasn't aiming for her; she jumped in front of you. And he was only reacting to us killing his men, of course he struck back. Stop for a second Shepard. He is a very capable soldier. Why not let him live, and give him a second chance?"

Shepard was so confused by his friend's words that he moved his pistol away from Davin's head. "Why? What's gotten into you? Did you hit your head or something on your way here? We came to stop him and his mercenaries."

"Exactly, stop, not kill. We have accomplished that. His group has ceased fire and you have taken Davin down. There is no need to kill him."

Shepard was about to argue when he was interrupted. "Shepard, listen to Garrus." He turned and saw Tali standing again, hand over her wound. He was relieved to see her ok, but agitated as well. Why was she taking Garruses side?

"Why Tal? And are you ok?"

She nodded. "I'm fine Shepard. Shepard, if he had wanted to kill me, he could have. It was fast, so fast I don't know how he did it, but when he saw that I jumped in the way, he turned his blade so that only the side would hit me. He tried not to hit me at all."

Shepard didn't say anything, mulling it over.

"Finish it Commander Shepard."

Shepard looked down, surprised to see that it was Davin himself that had spoken. Shepard was just getting more confused by the second.

"You want to die Davin?"

Davin shook his head. "Of course not. But you are my enemy, and I accidently struck someone who was not involved. You have defeated me, and I have shamed myself. End it."

Shepard looked into his eyes, and saw no deceit, only honesty. Shepard holstered his gun, and offered his hand.

"No mercenary would worry about shaming himself or hitting someone innocent. Killing you now would basically be murder."

Davin looked like he felt; confused. But he took his hand anyway, letting Shepard pull him to his feet and groaning at the bullet in his side. Shepards aim was off, probably because of what happened to Tali.

Davin stood there awkwardly for a few seconds. "I…don't know what to say. When I came into battle and saw that you were fighting us, I was sure this was my last battle. I did not expect this."

Shepard chuckled. "Neither did I. But once Tali joined in, I had lost. Impossible to argue with that woman."

Tali scoffed, and Garrus chuckled. Davin even smiled. "I know what you mean. Well, I do know this; you have defeated me. I will tell my soldiers that we are surrendering." He spit. "If I had known Aria could call you to her aid, I would have never assaulted here…at least not this early."

Before Shepard could respond, he heard footsteps. He turned to see the rest of the Burning Locusts approaching them, weapons aimed at Shepard. They quickly formed a half-circle around the small group, very professional like. They were completely caught off guard, but he saw Edi and Ashley creep up behind the mercs, waiting for his signal to attack. But Davin beat him to it.

"Soldiers! Stand down!"

They looked confused, but they all lowered their guns in unison. Shepard gestured at Edi and Ashley, and they also lowered their guns, the same expression on their faces. Davin walked towards his team.

"We gave it a good run men, that we did. But once Commander Shepard joined the fray, we were doomed to lose. I've decided to surrender and spare our lives. I know it isn't something id usually do, but-"

"But sir!" one soldier interrupted, a Turian. "What do you mean? We have them surrounded, and they are defenseless!"

Davin shook his head. "Look behind you soldier."

They all turned and a few jumped, obviously not knowing Edi and Ashley were there. Edi smiled and Ashley waved at them.

"As I said, we have been defeated. Second in command, Garth, step forward!"

A Krogan stepped forward, a scar across his eye and wielding a shotgun, to no ones surprise.

"Yes Commander Kecker."

Davin walked to him and laid a hand on his shoulder. "I trained you guys well, and you have become a fine soldier. I am handing my command of the Burning Locusts to you, Garth."

The Krogans eyes grew wide. "But what will you do sir?"

Davin looked back at Shepard, and Shepard already guessed what he was going to say before he even said it. "If Commander Shepard will allow it, I will go under his command. Wherever he goes, trouble seems to follow, and it sounds like the place I need to be."

Today is just full of surprises. Shepard thought as he sighed. "I don't see why not. You're a fine soldier, and I have a feeling this isn't the last problem I'm going to have. Now that the reaper threat is gone, the galaxy can go back to hating and trying to kill each other. I'm going to have my hands full most likely. Just don't try to kill me, and NEVER strike my girlfriend again."

Everyone chuckled, and Davin grinned. "Noted." He was silent for a moment, and then said, "Now, if it isn't too much trouble, can I get some medi-gel or something? I was only shot, so no rush or anything."

"How are you holding up?" Shepard asked, grabbing hold of Tali's hand. They were back on the Normandy, and he had both Tali and Davin taken to the medical wing to be looked at. It was at moments like this that he wished Mordin was alive, and it made him a little sad. But he shook it off and went to the medical wing. No use dwelling on the past.

Aria had been none too pleased to learn that Shepard let Davin live, but once he made it clear he wasn't changing his mind and that Omega was hers again, she dropped it and headed off, without even a thank you. It was nothing new, and he wasn't even fazed by it.

"I'm fine Shepard. You worry too much." She answered, squeezing his hand. "It was a minor wound, and ill probably get a small fever from it, nothing too bad."

He sighed in relief, smiling. "I'm glad. I should be pissed that you left the ship when you promised not too, but as long as you're ok I'll let it go."

She giggled. "Please, you know you can't stay mad at me Shepard."

He squeezed her hand, smiling. "No, not really."

"You guys know I'm here as well right?" Davin said, reminding them. "If you could leave the gooey stuff for later, I'd appreciate it. Makes me miss my wife."

Shepard looked over and saw Dr. Karin leaning over Davin, looking at the bullet wound. "A wife huh. What is her name?"

Davin looked like he wasn't going to answer, but said "Her name was Vara'vas White Hawk.

Tali gasped. "She is a Quarian!"

He nodded, smiling. But Shepard saw that the smile didn't reach his eyes. It was a sad smile. "Correction, she was. But yes, she was a Quarian. A damn good Quarian."

Tali squeezed Shepards hand again. "I'm sorry to hear that. It's so amazing to see any other species with a Quarian. Most species look down on us as a lesser species."

He could hear old anger in her voice as she said it. She almost lost her life because a clerk, instead of believing her, called her a suit rat and threatened to throw her out. That was the day he first met her, and he was pretty sure she would never forget it.

To his surprise, He saw Davin's eyes darken. "My wife was one of the most amazing people I have ever meant, with more courage and kindness than any other species. If anyone ever insults a quarian on front of me, I'll rip their throat out."

They sat in an awkward silence for a few seconds, and then Davin hissed as Dr. Karin pulled the remains of Shepard's bullet out of him, letting it platter in a tray. "There, that's taken care of." She announced. "Just some stitches and you'll be as good as new."

Davin growled his response, breaking the ice and causing all of them to laugh. Shepard heard the door open and saw Garrus walk in.

"Garrus, anything new?" Shepard asked.

"Why, now that you ask, yes." Garrus replied. "Admiral Hackett requests you speak with him. Says it's about Cerberus."

He shook his head. He was getting tired of Cerberus already. He had killed the Illusive Man and destroyed all of their bases, yet they still found a way to annoy him. He got up, squeezing Tali's hand one more time before heading out with Garrus.

"Cerberus again huh. Seems there is no end to them." Shepard said as they walked towards the com room. Garrus nodded in agreement. "It would seem like that, but from what I was informed, these are the last surviving members of Cerberus. Admiral Hackett will fill you in on the details, but I'm pretty sure this is the last mission we will have against them."

Shepard nodded as they reached the com room. He walked up and tapped on the hologram control panel, making an image of General Hackett appear. He looked the same as he always did; old, sturdy, and a soldier to the core.

Shepard saluted. "General Hackett. I heard you wanted to speak to me?"

Hackett returned the salute, and they lowered their arms. "Yes, Commander Shepard. I know it's early, but I have a mission for you. We have tracked what is left of Cerberus to a small base on a planet in the Annos Basin. It was well hidden, but we tracked one of their shuttles to find it. There are only a handful of them left, yet they continue to resist instead of surrendering. I remember how much trouble they gave you during the time you were recruiting for the war, so I wanted to see if you wanted to help either change their minds about surrendering, or finish them off if that is no longer an option.

Shepard mulled it over. "I appreciate the offer, but it doesn't really seem like I am needed. Is there something you're not telling me general?"

Hackett laughed. "Perceptive as ever commander. It isn't exactly me keeping information from you, but Cerberus is desperate, and they had gotten a lot of knowledge out of the horrible tests they ran with Reaper technology. We do not know what surprises are in store, so I wanted to send some more experienced soldiers to make sure nothing goes wrong, and you are on the top of my list."

Shepard thought it over, and nodded. Why not? Cerberus had already proven to be a threat to the entire galaxy, and if there was any way Shepard could help stop them, he would assist. "You have my support general. I'll help you end Cerberus once and for all."

Hackett smiled. "I'll send you the coordinates. I feel much better with you helping out commander. Hackett out" and with that his image disappeared.

Shepard stretched, yawning. He didn't realize how tired he was until now. His soreness was starting to settle, so he decided this would be as good as time as any to take a nap until they got to the Cerberus base. He walked into the main room with the galaxy map and spotted Specialist Traynor. "Ah Traynor, I was just looking for you. General Hackett is going to send you some coordinates. Give them to Joker. We have another mission to do already it seems."

She smiled, always optimistic. "Yes commander. Glad we survived to get another mission."

He couldn't help but smile back. "And I'm glad you decided to stay with the Normandy. You helped me a lot during the war. I won't forget that Traynor."

She responded by beaming and went back to work. He walked into the elevator, pushing the top floor button and leaning against the wall.

A hot shower and his soft bed sounded amazing right now.

Tali played with her hands nervously, sitting on Shepard's bed. She had been here a few times before, but she never got used to it. Her heart raced every time she set foot in here, and she always felt anxious. It was the fact that it was Shepard's personal room, and it would be just them. She blushed as she remembered the last time she was here. It was before the assault on the Illusive Man's base, and she had found Shepard sitting on the bed where she was now, holding his face. She could easily see how much the war was affecting him; he didn't have a mask to hide behind like she did. She comforted him and spent the night. He was gentle as he always was, never pushing it farther than what she allowed. As a result, they had not gone all the way yet, and even the thought of having sex made her face get hot. But she was thinking of changing that tonight. Because of her wound, Dr. Karin had pumped her full of drugs and antibiotics. Her immune system had actually improved from the first two times she had spent the night with Shepard, and she did not even get a fever like she thought she would. So, since she her immune system had already improved and she had been given antibiotics, she decided now was the perfect time to try it. She kept being reminded of how fragile life is, and she could lose him at any moment. So why wait?

She was so lost in her thoughts that she almost fell off of the bed when she heard the elevator reach this floor, announcing "Arrived at floor one" loudly. She tried to regain her composure, but her face started getting hot again. Will he be upset that she is here? No, Keelah he had never been angry before. Will he see how flustered she was? Even though she had her mask on still, she acted completely different in his room than she did in public. She was still shy, but she wasn't as nervous when she was with him out in the open. She was finally getting used to him. But she wasn't used to them alone yet.

She had no more time to think as the door opened and he entered the room. He looked tired, and didn't notice her until he got to his bed. He saw her and stopped, rubbing his eyes as if he thought he was seeing things. It actually made her giggle, almost making her forget how nervous she was.

"Tal? What are you doing here? Is it ok for you to be up here? What did Dr. Karin say-"she interrupted him by placing a finger on his lips. She was still blushing, but for some reason she felt very bold suddenly, either from how flustered he from her being here, or from the drugs, she did not know. But she was going to do this before she lost this confidence.

"I'm fine Shepard. The wound is already taken care of, and thanks to Dr. Karin, I did not even get sick. My immune system is strong right now, and I was feeling lonely…so, I decided to…come up here." Dammit. She was already losing her confidence and getting nervous again. Keelah, why couldn't she just act normal? He must find her weird or odd.

But, surprising her as he always did, he laughed. He placed his hands on her hips and pulled her closer, making her face get hot again and making her feel lightheaded. Oh Keelah.

"I'm actually glad. I was going to send you a message after I took a shower, asking if you wanted to come up, but you beat me to it." He smiled and gave her a very seductive look, making her lose all thought completely. "Now what am I to do with you Tal?"

She tried to unscramble her thoughts to think of a response. Was it getting hotter in here, or was it just her? She almost freaked out, but she made herself calm down. She placed her hands on his chest and said, "I…can think of a few things you can do with me…"

He laughed. "God, you're too cute Tali. But are you sure?"

She was zoning out looking at him and almost didn't hear the question. When she did, she fumbled for an answer. "Why, of c-course I'm sure. I wouldn't be up here if I wasn't. Why, am I giving off an unsure vibe? I can try-"He cut her off by pulling unlatching the ports connected to her mask and gently lifting it off.

She was bombarded by all the scents in the room at once, making her feel dizzy, and even the low lighting made her squint her eyes until they adjusted. She probably would have fallen over, had Shepard not had a firm grip of her hips, keeping her upright. After she recovered, she notice one scent different than the rest; Shepards. He gave off a musky, masculine scent that was driving her insane.

She looked up at his face, no mask obscuring her vision in the slightest, and couldn't find any words to say. Turns out she needed no words, as he slowly leaned in and kissed her. She felt like electricity ran throughout her face when his lips met hers, and she lost all thought again. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him as close as possible, wanting more. He complied, sliding his tongue across her lips, giving her tingles, and sliding it into her mouth. She was shy at first, and then got more comfortable, sliding her tongue along his. As their tongues danced, she started pulling at his shirt, wanting it off. He broke off to laugh and help her, lifting his shirt over his head and throwing it to the side. She admired his body, running her hands slowly down his chest along every muscle. She felt herself getting turned on, and started getting warm in a place besides her face. She gently pushed on his chest, making him sit down. He grinned, raising an eyebrow at her.

She smiled back. All nervousness gone, she slowly started unlatching and unzipping her suit, until she could slowly peel it off. She took all of it off until she was naked. She felt the cold air hit her skin and nipples, giving her goose bumps and making her nipples hard. She shivered, forgetting how cold it was outside of her suit, until she saw Shepard. It was his turn to admire her body, and he did not waste the chance, looking her up and down slowly, his eyes saying what his body wanted to do. She started to blush, and then she saw a bump in his pants start growing, making her blush twice as hard.

He pulled her on top of him and started exploring her body, sliding his hands slowly up her thighs and stomach, traveling up her ribs to her breasts, sending electricity throughout her entire body. He gently rubbed her breasts, and it was all she could do not to moan and even his slight touch. When he squeezed them, she could not hold back any longer, moaning softly, feeling her hips automatically move and grind against his cock, which had grown considerably hard. When he started gently rubbing her nipples, she moaned much loader, scratching his chest hard, barely being able to hold back, and feeling herself get wet.

He then surprised her by rolling her over onto her back. She lay there, panting and still feeling tingles throughout her body even though he had stopped touching her. He stood up and pushed his pants down, revealing his upright member, and got back on top of her. Just the act of him getting on top of her made her get hot all over again, and she pulled his mouth to hers, biting his lip and pushing her tongue into his mouth. He replied in kind, playing with her tongue as he slowly rubbed her breasts. Then his hand started sliding slowly down her body, following the curve of her hips to her thighs. He gently pushed between them and started rubbing her clit. She moaned loudly into his mouth, grabbing him and grinding back against his fingers. She felt so much electricity and pleasure from this that she didn't think it would get any better, and he proved her wrong by sliding two fingers slowly inside of her. She arched her back, scratching his back hard and pulling her lips away from his, moaning very loudly as he slowly pushed his fingers in and out if her. The pleasure from this was so much, she didn't know if she could handle it. Then he goes and makes it better by kissing down her neck to lick and nibble on her nipples at the same time, making her experience pleasure until she stiffened against his fingers, reaching her climax.

She lay back again, panting, her entire body tingling with pleasure. Then he moved her legs and got in between them. He looked at her, smiling, and asked one last time, "Are you positive Tal?"

She could only nod in response and bite her lip.

She must have looked seductive, because he grinned and gripped her shoulders. She grabbed his arms hard as he slowly pushed his hard cock inside of her, making her scream. She didn't think he was going to fit all of the way at first, but he slowly thrusted it all of the way in, giving her pain and pleasure she had never felt before. He started to slowly thrust his cock in and out of her, and the pain lessened, being replaced by pure pleasure. He started going faster, making her bite his shoulder hard to muffle her scream as she grinded along with him, feeling as if her entire body was vibrating with pleasure as they kept going faster and faster until they both came, making her scream in pleasure.

"Oh John." She managed to say as he pulled out of her. She felt more tired than she had in her entire life. He lay besides her, panting as well, and she snuggled up to him, the happiest Quarian in the world at the moment, and fell asleep.

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