Disclaimer: Mass Effect is copyright of Bioware. Many of the characters contained herein—Shepard included—are property of Bioware. Shepard is partially of my forging, since I am able to choose many of his reactions to events within the parameters of the game. The sequence of events and their outcomes are property of Bioware. The interpretations of and reactions to the events are largely my own. Ci-Ci is mine. Please do not repost this story or any parts of it herein. Always give credit where it is due. I owe the Mass Effect Wiki a great deal for helping me figure out timelines, details, and other such things that I did not pick up during the game.

I welcome constructive and/or encouraging reviews/critiques. Thank you for reading. Enjoy!

13 June 2185—Beckenstein, Boltzmann System, Serpent Nebula

Ariadne checked her make-up in the mirror program on her omni-tool. Again. She was nervous, though less about her performance and more about Shepard's. Aside from him gaping at her when she came down in her party dress (a short, black, backless, leather thing that hugged all of her curves with sophisticated class), he'd been trying his best to get into character. Kasumi had done a good job in setting up Solomon Gunn. He had a background that explained any of Shepard's attitudes, idiosyncrasies, or habits, giving him a fierce reputation and the right to expect people to fear him. Unlike Miranda, Kasumi had known Corinthia's version of Shepard, so she ensured that there was room enough to explain any "good" he might accidentally do.

Shepard put his hand over hers and disengaged her omni-tool. "You look great, Ariadne. I'll let you know if your lipstick smudges."

She smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Solomon."

Kasumi coughed conspicuously. "Alright, Shepard, let's go over this again."

Shepard shook his head. "I already know it all, Kasumi. How long before we get there?"

"Two minutes. I still want to hear it again."

Shepard rolled his eyes. "Ariadne and I go into the party. You follow, cloaked. We go see the safe and figure out what to do from there. Avoid getting caught."

"That's pretty basic, but it'll have to do," Kasumi murmured.

"There's nothing else to say. We avoid a fight if we can. Keep the men off Ariadne."

Ariadne snorted. "I can handle myself, thank you."

"I don't know if I should be grateful or not."

"Well, two years of fending off your competitors does make one rather good at ridding oneself of unwanted attentions."

"This I have to see..."

"And you will. Donovan Hock's been after me ever since he met me."

Shepard raised an eyebrow. "Can I ask how many people you've had to get rid of?"

"I lost count."

"Damn. I must be worth something, then."

"Just a little."

Kasumi landed the shuttle outside a large, white manor. Beckenstein was a beautiful planet, with green terrain, blue-purple skies, and a Eden-like habitat. It was reserved for the rich and powerful, meaning that most of the inhabitants were criminals attempting sophistication. Most them were Ariadne's clients, since she had become the premier art dealer in the galaxy.

Shepard exited first, offering Ariadne a hand and helping her out. She smiled at him. "Thank you, Solomon."

He kissed her hand, put his arm around her waist, and guided her towards the main entrance. He stopped as Hock's guards unloaded the statue of Saren. "Well, it wasn't damaged during that flight," Ariadne murmured.

"Hopefully he'll like it."

"Oh, I know he will. You should see the pieces he usually buys."

"Other people Shepard killed?"

"Well, people he would've if they were alive for him to kill."

"Hitler?"

"Try something more annoying."

"That girlfriend of his... Commander Corinthia."

Ariadne raised an eyebrow. "She was annoying? Funny. From what the records said, they were best friends."

"Well, even best friends can get under each others' skins sometimes."

A guard stopped them. "Your name."

"Solomon Gunn."

"And hers?"

"Oh, come now, Anthony, you remember me, don't you?" Ariadne said, her tone near seductive.

"Ms. Enig?" the guard stammered. "You... I don't see your name on the list."

"She's my guest," Shepard said lowly.

"And Donovan did say that I was always welcome," Ariadne added, "but, by all means, check. I'm sure he'll let me in. Besides, I know he loves surprises."

Anthony grinned dazedly and put his finger to his earpiece. Shepard leaned down and whispered, "Do I even want an explanation?"

Ariadne kissed his cheek lightly. "Let's just say that a bit of self-confidence can go a long way."

Shepard shook his head. "I don't know if I prefer this or the shy and nervous version."

"Well, you have all night to decide."

He shivered a the promise in her voice. "And if this takes all night?"

She winked. "We'll see."

"Ms. Enig, Mr. Gunn, you're welcome to go in, but only the two of you." Anthony pointed to Kasumi. "She stays out. No weapons other than personal ones, either."

Shepard looked back at Kasumi. Ariadne laughed. "Honestly, why would our driver come in with us? Ms. Takei was kind enough to give us a ride over from the Citadel. Thank you, Hitomi. I'll see you later, then? We'll finish discussing the plans for the new office."

"Of course, Ms. Enig," Kasumi answered, quickly getting into character. "Just let me know when you're ready to leave."

Shepard and Ariadne went inside. "Hitomi Takei?" he whispered.

"She works for me on the Citadel. She's my warehouse manager."

"You're joking."

"Not at all."

Hock's residence was nothing short of magnificent. A wall of windows overlooked Beckstein's countryside. Bookcases lined the walls, accented by tasteful art and sculpture, and two winding staircases went up to the second floor. The party was in full swing, with well-dressed thugs mingling with the women and various other guests in every corner possible. Hock stood at the center of it all, his white suit loudly identifying himself as the host, with a glass in his hand and a false smile on his lips.

"I don't like him already," Shepard muttered.

"Pretend that you do. You're a name in Omega's underworld, you know." Ariadne smiled widely. "Donovan."

"Ariadne!" Hock answered, his smile turning genuine for a brief moment. He spoke with an Afrikaans accent, had dark skin and hair, and looked very much like the weapons dealer and smuggler he was. He took her hands and kissed her cheeks. "I see you've finally accepted my invitation."

"Well, I had to give in eventually," she answered, all charm, "but I must admit that I had another reason."

"Oh? And what was that?" Hock's eyes were already on Shepard.

"Solomon Gunn," Shepard introduced, holding out his hand.

Hock shook it, never taking his eyes off Shepard. "Are you her escort?"

"Boyfriend."

Hock turned his attention to Ariadne. She blushed slightly and shrugged. "I know, who would have guessed? He came in to order a piece and we just kept talking and... Well, you understand, I'm sure."

Hock smiled, though his eyes were cold. "And here I believed it was impossible to win your heart."

Shepard shrugged. "Maybe you weren't using the right tactics."

"Oh? Dare I asked what worked for you?"

Shepard smirked. "Total disinterest."

Ariadne rolled her eyes. "That isn't exactly what I'd call your seduction method."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. I'd call it, 'shock and awe'."

"True... But it wouldn't have been a shock if you saw it coming, now, would it?"

Hock crossed his arms. "Well, I hope you know what you've gotten yourself into, Mr. Gunn."

"Not a clue," Shepard answered, winking. "But, all that said, thank you for the invitation. It seems that I'm moving... up in the world."

Hock inclined his head. "I always treat my clients well. How is the Cain working out for you?"

"Just great. Now, this is my gift." Shepard gestured at the statue of Saren as it passed them, heading towards Hock's vault.

Hock's eyes flashed greedily. "A true likeness... and this is Ariadne's work?"

Shepard nodded.

"This has to be one of your masterpieces," Hock murmured. "Though I still think your true gift is with painting. Tell me, is that one Perseus piece still available?"

"Indeed. Shall I arrange a viewing?"

"Please."

"I'll contact Mia to set up an appointment, then."

"I'd like you to show me... personally."

Shepard gritted his teeth jealously.

Ariadne smiled. "Unfortunately, I will not be in the Gallery for some time. I am currently setting up several other galleries and will be travelling between them. You understand, of course."

"Ah, but won't you make an exception for such a critical client as myself?"

"Perhaps. We will see if our schedules match. Thank you again for the invitation."

"Of course. Have a drink. Enjoy yourselves."

Shepard nodded, curtly said, "Mr. Hock," and guided Ariadne away. They went out onto the balcony, Ariadne leaning against the rail and Shepard standing before her. Though they both appeared to be surveying the scenery, they were really watching the party. Being in a place with so many 'bad' people without the ability to shoot anyone was unnerving. Ariadne caught Shepard's hand before he drew his pistol and started a killing spree.

"Easy," she murmured. "It'll be over soon."

"Is he always like that?" he asked, trying not to let his anger get to him (after all, someone else had been hitting on her in front of him and was NOT intimidated by Shepard's death-glare).

"Sleezily believing that he is seductive? Yes," Ariadne answered, watching Hock from over Shepard's shoulder. "The worst part is that he's actually one of the more subtle ones. He's also a true patron of the arts. He's bought more from me than anyone else and has contributed billions to various foundations."

"A criminal with a heart."

"I would put that label on you long before I would on him."

"Should I be grateful?"

"Yes."

"Then thank you."

"Alright, enough chatter," Kasumi radioed. "We need to find Hock's safe."

"Where are you?" Shepard murmured.

"Cloaked and watching. It's always fun to see Ariadne deal with men."

"Other men, you mean."

"No, just men. It's fun to see her deal with you, too."

"Stalker," Ariadne hissed. She straightened and walked past Shepard. "I know where his safe is. Follow me."

"You could've told us this sooner," Kasumi grumbled.

"You didn't ask."

The entrance to Hock's safe was subtly located beneath the main floor, behind a fountain and sculpture in a sunken walkway that no one used or paid any notice to. Shepard strolled in as if he had every right to be there. Saren's statue sat to his right. The Commander's fist clenched as all the memories flooded back. Ariadne put her hand on his arm. "Easy. He's dead and we'll shoot this thing later."

Kasumi materialized at their side. "Well, he's more cautious than you, Ariadne. He's got DNA scans, voice recognizer with rotating password, key-code..."

"You haven't seen his collection," Ariadne answered.

"You have?"

"He's bragged about it, though now that you mention it, I might have an easy way in..."

Shepard caught the glint in Ariadne's eye. "No," he ordered. "You are not going anywhere alone with him."

"As if I'd let him touch me."

"My way first," Shepard pressed.

"Alright. Good luck finding everything you need."

"I've had harder tasks."

"Correction: you have harder tasks."

"Don't remind me."

Ariadne held up her arm, her omni-tool coming to life. Shepard raised an eyebrow. "Do I want to know why that's working without your hard-suit computer?"

"Jewelry," she answered, pointing to her bracelet. "Amazing how small technology is, isn't it?" She waved her hand across the safe. "Mm, I could get us in without finding anything, but he would know what happened, which we don't want, do we, Kasumi?"

"No," the thief replied. "Though I'm curious how hard it would be to get in."

"Five minutes flat."

"Wow. You're better than I thought."

"I'm not as subtle as you are."

Shepard rolled his eyes. "So we have a plan B. For once in my life I don't want to get into a fight. So, shall we go get some DNA or whatever other shit we need?"

"Of course," Ariadne answered, letting Shepard escort her back to the party. "Want a drink?" she asked.

"Yes."

She kissed his cheek lightly and left.

"I need you to get Hock talking," Kasumi radioed. "We're going to need a sample so that we can reconstruct the password."

"Why didn't you do this earlier?" Shepard demanded.

"I didn't know! I'm sure you can find something to talk about."

Before Shepard could think of anything, Hock came over. "So, how long have you been with Ariadne?"

Shepard winced. Of all the subjects... "Two months or so. I can't remember exactly."

Hock smirked. "Don't tell her that."

"She'll remind me every so often and I surprise her frequently enough that it doesn't matter."

"You're a lucky man. I've been trying to make her go to dinner with me for almost a year. She is very intelligent and can talk her way out of anything."

Shepard smirked. "The trick is to not let her talk."

"Oh, really? And how did that work for you?"

"She's here with me, isn't she?"

Hock chuckled. "So what did you do exactly?"

Shepard grabbed a drink from a passing server and raised it to his lips. "Grabbed her while she was still gaping at me and kissed the hell out of her."

Hock laughed. "And that worked?"

"She likes men with backbones."

"As your reputation precludes."

"Part of the business."

Hock eyed Ariadne. "And her?"

"Pleasure."

"Do you let the mix?"

"My pleasure is my business... She's a different kind."

"You can say that again."

"More," Kasumi urged quietly.

Ariadne felt Hock watching her and shuddered. "I hate that man..."

Kasumi nodded, though no one could see her. "Agreed."

"I know that you do. And you have a much better reason."

"I'm curious. What was your other plan?"

"Get Hock to show me his collection."

"As if Shepard would let you do that."

"I know, I know. That's why I didn't specify."

"You're going to do it, aren't you?"

"And you can sneak in with us, yes, and take what you need."

"And if we get into a fight?"

"We can handle ourselves." Ariadne went silent as someone passed. "You keep helping Shepard get what he needs. I'll arrange it so that we go down in a while, alright?"

"I don't know about this..." Kasumi whispered uneasily.

"We'll be fine. You'll see."

Hock burst into a monologue. Everyone turned to watch. Ariadne smirked as Shepard rolled his eyes. She joined him. "Quite the speech, Donovan."

Hock shrugged. "What can I say? Now, how do you like how I've displayed your works? I've had several comments on them all."

"Now's a good time to go find some DNA," Kasumi radioed. "He'll be distracted with Ariadne for a while."

Shepard kissed her temple, murmuring his intentions in her ear before leaving.

Hock's eyes followed Shepard incredulously. "I don't understand how a man like that got a girl like you."

"Well, every girl likes a bad boy." Ariadne winked.

"And I don't qualify?"

"Maybe five years ago you would have, but Solomon hasn't gotten your refinement yet. A diamond in the rough. A stolen and smuggled blood diamond in the rough," she corrected.

"And you don't care?"

"A diamond is still a diamond. Besides, have you seen his scars? Mm. He's a real Achilles."

"I should have known..."

"Don't be jealous, Donovan. You just aren't my type, I'm sorry."

"At least I am mostly legitimate. He's a mercenary. A brute."

"I have enough refinement for the both of us," Ariadne answered sternly. "Now, you mentioned my Perseus painting?"

Shepard climbed over some scaffolding towards Hock's room, only to see Ariadne there with Hock. Worse, the bastard was putting his best moves on her. It was hard to tell if she was aware of them and didn't care or if she was oblivious. Shepard thought the former (since she deftly slipped away from him whenever he moved dangerously close). Shepard removed the safety from his pistol. If Hock actually managed to touch her, he was getting a bullet in his head.

Next to Shepard, Kasumi rolled her eyes. "Here we go again..."

"This happens?" Shepard asked.

"In case you didn't notice, your girlfriend is sexy."

"I've always thought she was."

"Well, you may have thought that, but did you know that the rest of the world did?"

Shepard shrugged. "They usually stopped their advances after I gave them a glare."

"And you weren't there to scare them off this time."

"Fuck."

"Actually, it's rather amusing. Watch. He'll never get closer than six inches to her."

Sure enough, Ariadne was an expert at dodging unwanted attentions. No matter what Hock tried, she was always just out of reach. "No wonder why he wants her so badly," Shepard murmured.

Kasumi opened her omni-tool. "She needs to move."

"What the hell is she up to, anyway?"

"Getting us into the vault. I think." Kasumi put a finger to her ear, trying to listen more closely.

"... to leave my own party?" Hock was saying.

"You know you hate it as much as I do," Ariadne said, smiling.

"I'll need a good reason."

"Three original Enigs is a very good reason."

"I'd rather have something else."

She deftly avoiding him stroking her cheek. "That remains strictly off the menu, even for Solomon."

"Maybe something less trying?"

"Three Enigs."

"One and a kiss."

"Three."

"Two and a hug."

"Three."

"This isn't negotiating."

She shrugged. "Maybe not for you, but I heard you had the David and I want it."

"It will cost you."

She smirked. "Three—"

Hock grabbed her shoulders. "Don't make me do something I'll regret."

"Let. Me. Go," she hissed through clenched teeth.

"Why not? Didn't he just take what he wanted?"

"You have no idea who you're dealing with."

"Neither do you."

Ariadne grabbed one of his wrists, twisted out of his grip, and wrenched his arm around behind him. "Artist or not, I do know how to defend myself."

Hock wrenched away, rubbing his shoulder. "I was not referring to myself. I was referring to Mr. Gunn. He is not who he says he is."

Ariadne crossed her arms. "Is that so? You know taht I do a background check on every single one of my clients."

"That man is Lieutenant Commander John Shepard of the Alliance Military and the Council Spectres."

Ariadne raised an eyebrow. "Shepard was killed in action two years ago by the geth."

"Apparently that wasn't true. He's alive." Hock tossed a datapad at her. "See for yourself."

Ariadne glanced at it. It was a picture of the Normandy docking on Omega, with Shepard walking around (looking nothing short of evil incarnate) with Miranda and Jacob at his side. There was no mistaking him. Ariadne faked shock. "It can't be..."

"Now do you understand?"

She turned her shock into a smirk. "And you think I'd have a problem with this?"

"What?" Hock asked darkly.

"Shepard was the sexiest man in the galaxy two years ago. Frankly, I still agree." Ariadne put the datapad back in Hock's hands. "So maybe he needs a new identity and took a new job. I don't care one bit. Now, I'd sill like to see the Michelangelo."

"You aren't going to give up on that, are you?"

"No. Three of my pieces just to see it. Any of your choice."

"Any five and you have a deal."

"Three is more than enough for a glance."

"Four."

"Deal."

Kasumi blinked. "She just got us into the vault."

Shepard was shaking. It had taken every fiber of his being to not shoot Hock when he'd grabbed Ariadne, but she'd been in the way. "I'm going to kill that bastard."

Kasumi bit her lip and clenched a fist. She wanted to do the same thing, though she had never voiced that desire to anyone. "You get back to the party. I'll find us some DNA."

Shepard nodded and snuck back into the party. He quickly cornered Ariadne, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her (depsite her feeble and half-hearted protests).

She sighed when he pulled away. "You saw, then, didn't you?"

"I'm glad no one else has a chance."

"It doesn't help that he's ugly." She bit her lip. "Did you hear, too?"

"No. Why?"

"He knows it's you. That you're Shepard."

"How is this a problem?"

"Because it means he's suspicious to start with. I'm going to see if I can get him to let you come, too, alright?"

"Bat your eyelashes some more?"

She ran a finger along his cheek. "Let me do this and, I promise you, your lips are going to be numb when I'm finished with you later."

"Just my lips?"

She rolled her eyes. "The best you're going to get is that I'll still be in this dress."

"I'll take that."

"What else were you expecting?"

"A massage?"

"Alright. Make-out session and a massage."

"Good."

Hock came up. "Ah, Mr. Gunn. Ms. Enig requested to see my personal collection of art. Would you care to join us?"

Shepard narrowed his eyes, detecting something else in Hock's voice. If they went like this, Shepard wouldn't be able to arm himself. Then again, why was he complaining? He was biotic, and a damned good one. He had Ci-Ci and Kasumi. Maybe the Saren piece would be inside already...

Shepard smiled and nodded. "Of course. Ariadne says that you have a better collection than she does."

"My collection is mostly my own stuff," she interjected.

"If you don't mind waiting until the majority of the guests have departed,.." Hock said.

"Oh, no, of course not," Ariadne answered, smiling.

"He's up to something," Shepard muttered as soon as he was gone. "We're going ahead with my plan."

"As if it's any better."

"At least I'll have an assault rifle and not have to stop that guy from panting down your neck."

"Fine. Shoot things. Blow things up. Be a man."

He grinned. "As you wish."

Shepard pulled on his armor. Ariande kept watch at the door, her omni-tool open. "I don't like this," she whispered. "Hock's disappeared again."

"Fuck him," Shepard answered. "And I'm speaking metaphorically. Don't you dare take that as an order."

"I know that!"

"Just checking!"

Ariadne rolled her eyes. "Men..."

Kasumi took a deep breath. "This is it."

Ariadne squeezed her friend's hand. "You'll be alright."

Kasumi nodded, not really hearing. She was just stealing another piece of art. Data. Technology. It wasn't about Keiji. It wasn't about revenge. It wasn't...

Shepard locked his gloves into place. "Let's go. You gonna be okay, Ci-Ci?"

Ariadne glanced at the door. "Yeah... no. I want to see what's in here." She darted through the vault door after Kasumi and Shepard.

"Please tell me I won't regret this," Shepard muttered.

"You won't," Corinthia answered.

"No more Ariadne? I was just getting used to it."

"Nah. I wanna see how long I can last in this dress and these heels."

Shepard rolled his eyes. "I almost liked her better."

"All... most..." Corinthia trailed off when she saw Hock's collection. "Fuck me..."

In brief, Hock had everything but the Mona Lisa. He had the David, the head of the Statue of Liberty, Prothean works, turian sculpture, a massive ogre that looked suspiciously familiar, and a pedastol with weapons. Shepard went there instantly, though Corinthia was left staring at the David. "Stupid terrorists, breaking art like this," she muttered, eyeing its lack of nose, arm, and... goods.

Kasumi picked up a two inch by two inch box—an older neural implant that stored extra memory called a Grey Box. "I've got it. Let's go."

Corinthia looked around. "But I haven't seen everything yet!"

Shepard shook his head. "Yeah, well, you're coming back later, remember?"

"Oh, yeah. Right. I forgot about that."

Hock laughter filled the room. Corinthia and Shepard exchanged glances. "Shit."

SSV Normandy SR-2, en route to the Citadel

Kasumi stared out at the stars, her visor playing Keiji's last message to her over and over. It was all she had left of him, all she would ever be able to keep of him... Somewhere in his heart, despite the dangerous information that the Grey Box contained, Shepard had found it in his heart to let her keep it. Kasumi knew that he understood and knew almost exactly how she felt (though she doubted anyone could feel as miserable as she was), but he also had a golden streak in him that would make him do something like take that last part of Keiji away because it was dangerous.

Then again, why had she been scared at all? Shepard was dating a schizophrenic, split-personality, hacking and artistic genius that just so happened to be the only reason he was good at all. Kasumi had seen him without Ci-Ci and, though it was attractive in a bad-boy kind of way, it was frightening. Despite his gruff and almost emotionless exterior, he knew exactly what love meant to those that truly felt it.

Corinthia hugged Kasumi and kissed the top of her head. "How ya feeling?"

"Alright," Kasumi answered truthfully. "Better than I expected. At least that bastard Hock is dead."

"Did it make you feel better?"

"A little."

"When are you going to stalk Jacob next?"

Kasumi smirked. "Tomorrow. I love Keiji, but, mm, Jacob is fine. Aren't you supposed to be with Shepard?"

"He needs to yell at the Illusive Man about something." Corinthia shrugged and fell back onto her bed. "He's also deciding where we're going next first. I think it's Tuchanka."

"The Krogan homeworld?"

"Yep. I'm excited."

"Seriously?"

"I could see a baby krogan! They're SO adorable!"

Kasumi rubbed her temples. "I really hope you and Shepard have children. I think the combination of the both of you is going to be about perfect."