Updated due to a plot mistake found by Deceptigal - much love! I apologize for the repost but the stupid thing wasn't updating. Not sure if my cache isn't being cleared correctly or what, but it was pissing me off...

I'm not really accustomed to throwing in OC characters and wasn't planning on developing them much... however, I found some opportunity and figured "eh, why the hell not?". Not sure how anyone else feels about OC characters, specifically those that I've introduced, however I promise I'll try not to stray off into too many tangents with them. Happy reading and thanks for the reviews and follows!

Adam wrung his hands nervously as he glanced around at the many faceless quarians that had been lingering nearby since they'd entered the quarian flagship. He had seen very few quarians in his time, as they were a reclusive people, only leaving their fleet to acquire valuable things with which they could return. For that very reason, they typically carried the stereotype of being thieves and swindlers. "I can't believe we let you talk us into docking here."

"Why?" The quarians are our allies," Shepard stated, shrugging her shoulders dismissively. "Besides, what choice did we have?"

"I don't trust them," Nick said pointedly. "They're reclusive and sneaky."

Shepard arched an eyebrow at this. "Then why did you join Cerberus?"

"Because I was under the impression they were reclusive and sneaky for the good of humanity."

"Looks like that may have been a slight misconception…" Adam muttered.

"Seems like most of us had made that mistake at one point," Shepard grumbled, remembering how she had once operated under The Illusive Man's guidance. Though, to make up for it she did have some new allies, a new and improved Normandy, and functioning legs to kick Reaper ass. She smiled to herself thoughtfully. "Anyway, we're safe here. Tali and Legion are my friends and they've assured us safe passage. Besides, from what I hear I had gained quite a few supporters during my last visit to the fleet."

"If you were wearing that dress, I could see why," Adam commended, eyeing her up and down.

A warm blush rose up in her cheeks. She'd nearly forgotten that her state of dress had been less than practical for a soldier. Though, the restrictive and blister-inducing shoes should have been a strong reminder. Additionally, since her abduction she really hadn't had time to think about what, if anything, could still be lingering between her and her old flame. Though it was flattering that he seemingly still held some type of attraction for her, she wasn't even certain if she wanted to consider if anything still existed there. That part of her had been buried long ago, at his memorial service. And now things had changed, more than she could have ever imagined…

"C-Commander S-Shepard!" She turned toward a rather familiar voice. A quarian quickly approached them; one whose suit colors had strangely reminded her of muscle and bone. The moment he stopped before her, he began twisting his hands together in a nervous rhythm, instantly giving away his identity.

"Veetor?"

He nodded quickly in reply, his voice coming out stuttered and rushed. "Y-yes, Commander. You n-need to come with me!"

Shepard threw a questionable glance at the other two humans, unsure if this was something that had involved them as well.

"They should stay," he said quickly, motioning towards her companions. "Please, f-follow."

"Okay," she replied, somewhat relieved that they wouldn't be involved while she investigated whatever the nerve-wracked quarian wanted her to see. Leaving them behind, she fell at a steady trot beside him as he led her toward one of the airlock terminals. As they approached the terminal, she could hear a commotion up ahead. Rounding the next corner revealed a sight that filled her with both joy and a sense of fear. The Normandy team had boarded the quarian flagship, that much was clear. However, they were being held at gunpoint; most of which had been aimed at Saren.

"What's going on here?" Shepard demanded sternly. She suddenly felt very protective, like a den mother ready to pounce in between to protect her young. Most eyes drew towards her, but the ones that stood out the most were Saren's. They burned a brilliant blue as they took in her form and revealed a fierce longing that sent a chill up her spine.

Shepard clenched her jaw, resisting the strong urge to run to him. Right now, as an officer, she needed to keep her cool. There would be time later for a more… intimate reunion. "These people are my team and friends," she stated in an elevated voice. When the quarians hadn't budged she ground her teeth and barked out an order. "Lower your weapons! Now!"

"Commander, your team has Saren Arterius in their company." It was Han'Garrel. Always the troublemaker.

"Shepard, is this true? This is Saren?" A purple-hued helmet flashed among the group. Tali… Of course she would have been here to greet the Normandy's crew. They were her friends, after all. Even behind the mask she could tell the quarian was waiting – hoping – for her to say 'no', that this wasn't the nemesis they had once hunted together.

"Yes, Tali. This is Saren," Shepard replied, her eyes burning with a fierce green glow as she moved to Saren's side. The soft hitch of his breath, as she approached, was not lost on her. The abrupt sensation of his fingers, lightly stroking against hers, filled her with an intense feeling of comfort and yearning. "He helped me to escape Earth when it fell to the Reapers. Since then, he has joined my team."

"Joined? With you?" Tali bowed her head in exasperation. "Keelah…"

Garrel stepped forward, the faint pale illumination from his eyes apparent through his mask as he stared down the commander. "Commander Shepard, I don't care what Saren Arterius has done to redeem himself in your mind. I still don't want this… criminal aboard our ship!"

"It's not only your decision to make, Garrel!" Tali snapped, shocking most by her outburst. "It's a decision for all the Admirals, including me."

"Don't worry, Admirals," Saren cut in, his expression indiscernible. "I don't plan on staying."

"Good to hear," Admiral Garrel replied with smug approval. "Tali, I trust you'll keep a watchful eye on our… guests." With a sweep of his hand, the other quarians lowered their weapons and followed him from the terminal.

"Admiral Tali'Zorah, hmm?" Garrus asked, flashing his teeth in a proud grin.

"Yeah…" Tali replied. Her bashful hand motions clearly gave away that she was blushing beneath her helmet.

"Soon to be, Admiral Tali'Reegar too, from what I hear…" Shepard shot the quarian a knowing wink.

"Does that mean what I think it does?" Ashley questioned excitedly.

Tali fidgeted uncomfortably. "Well… I uh..."

A smile crossed Shepard's lips as she watched the wayward quarian fidget with embarrassment. Her attempts to avoid the incoming questioning will not prove fruitful. Just like old times…

"Jane!" a man's voice echoed through the terminal.

Adam; she had forgotten about him… Shepard felt a chill run up her spine as the turian standing beside her tensed and the fingers that had been caressing hers went unsettlingly rigid. A low growl emanated deep in his chest. "Saren…" she whispered trying to calm him. It was clear that he immediately recognized Adam as the man from Purgatory; the one who had led her to her capture. She'd need a chance to explain before things got hairy.

"Everything alright?" Adam asked as he approached, the doctor close behind. "We saw a bunch of armed quarians coming from here. I thought they-"

Shepard's hands couldn't grasp Saren fast enough as he charged by. Her fingers slipped across his armor and, in less than a second, he was out of reach. Her heart pounded in her chest as she watched the enraged turian charge the shocked human. Her feet reacted quickly, but the rest of her body was being held back by a strong force. Her gaze snapped back to meet a hard stare from Garrus.

"Let go, Garrus! That's an order!" Shepard shouted, trying to tug her arm from the other turian's tight grip.

"Don't get in the middle, Shepard. You'll be ripped apart," Garrus replied calmly. He had seen the blind rage in the other turian's face. If she got in the middle, he may not see her until it's too late. He didn't know this human that provoked such anger in Saren, but what he did know was that he wasn't willing to risk Shepard to save him.

It all happened so fast that Adam didn't have time to consider what he had done to provoke the turian. He did, however, manage to dodge the slash of claws which had nearly taken off his face. It was definitely a close call. Though he'd never faced a turian in close combat, he'd heard stories. Very few of those stories had ended well for anyone… except the turians, that is. The next swipe nicked his arm. The sensation was that of razor-sharp metal slicing through his flesh. The failed attempt to escape the third strike, sent him stumbling backwards, tripping over his feet until his backside hit the floor with a thud that likely only he could hear. A towering shadow loomed over him as the alien pursued forward, claws outstretched and teeth bared. His startling blue eyes glowed intensely, drawing a chill up his spine. His mind finally catching up to his body, he considered his attacker. It was the turian he had seen with Jane. Saren.

Nick glanced from his friend to the infuriated male turian. Adam was obviously at a disadvantage, and this alien aimed to rip him apart. Finally deciding that it was time to intervene, he dipped in and swiped the pistol from the turian's side. However, the alien's reaction was much faster than the doctor had anticipated and he received a rather shocking blow to the shoulder. The strike successfully knocked the gun from his hands and threw his body against the metal terminal wall.

For a moment, Adam's gaze met Jane's. Though brief, it was long enough to see the presence of fear and concern. That look shook him. Perhaps it was the memories that it unveiled, or maybe it was the stirring of emotions that had lain dormant for years. Either way, it had given him courage, or made him incredibly stupid – he wasn't sure which – because he soon found himself on his feet and locking eyes with the fierce turian. Saren stalked close enough that he could feel his hot breath on his face, see the unnatural structure of his plating, and the metallic gleam of his teeth. Glowing eyes revealed a synthetic pattern that was unlike any Adam had ever seen from any cybernetics. Deep down he wondered what had attracted his Jane to this… creature.

"Give me a reason why I shouldn't tear you apart where you stand!" Saren snarled, even more angered by the human's scrutinizing demeanor.

"Because he helped me to escape Cerberus's ship," Shepard stated, quickly stepping up behind Saren. She was relieved she was able to struggle free of Garrus's protective hold. By the look in Adam's stare, she knew he wasn't about to stand down. Likewise, there was no way in hell Saren would ever consider it himself.

Saren spun around to face her. "If he hadn't led you to them in the first place—"

Shepard raised a hand to cup his face, pressing her thumb against his mouth to silence him. She pretended not to see Adam flinch at the intimate action. "We've all made our mistakes, Saren. But as you well know, people can change."

"She's right. We're done with Cerberus. Right, Nick?" Adam shifted his attention to the doctor who remained crouched against the wall, wiping his glasses with a corner of his jacket.

"Indeed," the doctor replied, returning his glasses to their resting place on his head.

"So what exactly do you propose we do with these... humans?" Saren asked her.

Shepard shrugged. "The only reasonable option is to take them with us to the Citadel."

Saren reeled back, bristling at her response. "You want them aboard the Normandy?" he snarled.

"What else are we supposed to do with them?

"The airlock is a viable option."

Shepard scowled, crossing her arms over her chest.

"What is he to you anyway?" Saren demanded, motioning towards the human who stood still behind him.

She opened and closed her mouth, trying to formulate an answer that wouldn't anger her bond mate any further. Typically quick of tongue, she couldn't seem to compose a reply. What was he to her? "I don't think this is the right time to discuss this."

"I see…" Saren growled, shifting his menacing gaze to Adam. "If he touches you, he dies." Baring his teeth in a final warning, he stalked off towards the Normandy.

Shepard hesitated the moment he brushed by her, deciding whether or not to follow him or stay. But, responsibility quickly overtook rash thinking and determined that it was in her best interest to deal with him later. Right now she was faced with keeping peace among the rest of her team and the quarian fleet. Not to mention the geth… she added as a final thought upon finding Legion making his way down the terminal.

"Shepard-Commander," Legion greeted.

"Legion!" Shepard replied, giving him a friendly hand-shake upon his arrival, of which he had returned with the ease of one accustomed to such a greeting. It seemed that living among organics was certainly having an effect. She braved a brief glance over her shoulder as Saren disappeared into the airlock before turning her attention fully to her geth companion. "I'm pleasantly impressed that the quarians and geth are finally getting along."

"It hasn't been easy," Tali said. "Much of the fleet was against the idea of a treaty with the geth."

"And now?"

"There are still incidents…" Tali admitted, bowing her head in shame. "However, less now that the geth have been helping us to rebuild our homeworld."

"Really? You're rebuilding Rannoch? That's great to hear!"

"Since Shepard-Commander had released the geth from the taint of the heretics, we have been able to focus on repairing the rift between us and The Creators." Legion's photoreceptor twitched in what one might've deemed to be excitement.

"I'm glad we made the right choice." From the corner of her eye she caught Adam staring at her with interest. A blush rose up in her cheeks as she admitted that his attentions were going to be quite distracting. "Ash?"

"Yes, Skipper?" Ashley asked, stepping forward.

"These two men helped me escape from Cerberus's ship. In return we'll be escorting them to the Citadel where they'll be free to go. Would you do me a favor and find them a place to stay for a few days?"

"Of course," Ashley replied, her voice flat and unrevealing.

"Adam, Nick, please follow the Lieutenant Commander. I'll check in with you later."

"Thanks, Jane." Adam flashed a smile at her that would have once melted her heart. Now, she wasn't sure.

While Shepard continued to catch up on some of the facts regarding the geth and quarian relations, Garrus nudged Tali in the side. "So… Kal'Reegar, huh?"

"Garrus... I've still got a shotgun," she warned, playfully tapping her weapon.

Ashley walked silently, the two survivors from Cerberus's ship following a few feet behind. The commander's words lingered in her mind. The single fact that these people saved Shepard's life was the only reason she wasn't going to complain about bringing them aboard. They'd stay in Port Observation until they reached the Citadel. This placement would allow for limited need of wandering since they had easy access to restrooms, mess, and infirmary. The only thing they'd need to worry about is the close proximity to Saren's room, but she wasn't going to make that her problem.

"This is the mess," she told them, indicating to the couple of tables and decently-sized kitchen. "We don't have a cook so, if you use the kitchen, you clean it. And that's the med bay." She pointed towards the medical room that took residence to their right. "Dr. Chakwas is our medical professional."

One of the men perked up at the mention of Chakwas' name. "Karin Chakwas?"

"Um…" Ashley's cheeks burned in embarrassment when she realized she never actually knew the doctor's first name despite traveling with her for what seemed like an eon. "That might be the same Chakwas. Why, do you know her?"

The man smiled slightly, as if remembering a distant memory. "We attended med school together. After much debate we both decided to join the military, but lost touch shortly after."

"Well, the doctor is pretty busy so I'd rather you not disturb her unless you've lost a leg," she bit out with a little more attitude than was probably necessary. But, the fact that this man left the Alliance to join Cerberus made her sick. Pulling her arm close against her body, she resisted the urge to slug him. Didn't he realize how many soldiers were lost due to Cerberus's extreme ideals? Being a doctor, was he not involved with any of the horrifying tests performed on human beings? Though, she supposed not all members of the organization were privy to went on in each individual project. Still, she couldn't convince herself to find it much of an excuse… "I'll show you to your quarters, now. You'll be staying in Port Observation." She spun on her heels, beckoning them to follow.

Adam glanced at Nick as they began following the woman out of the mess. Giving him a little nudge, he nodded towards the infirmary.

Taking a hint, Nick met his friend's implication with a little smirk and took that very opportunity to slip away. His feet anxiously guided him towards the infirmary, however, his heart beat in such a disquieting rhythm that he wondered why he was acting so rashly. Perhaps it was the fact that the woman behind that door was the nearest link to his old life; the life before Cerberus. Back then, things were less complicated… or were they? He swallowed thickly, sweeping a clammy hand through dark hair as he approached the door. There was only one way to find out. Holding his breath he took the step that set off the door sensors, sending it swishing open to reveal a bright medical room. A woman with short, greying hair sat at a desk, her back to him. After a moment she stopped what she was doing, set down her pen, and spun her chair to greet who had entered.

For a moment she peered at him, confused, unsure of who was this man who was keeping her med bay door ajar. Then, as if being struck by sudden revelation, pale blue eyes widened in surprise and she nearly fell as she stumbled to her feet. She knew this man! He was older than she remembered, which really wasn't a surprise as she was no spring chicken herself. He'd aged well, however, and showed very little signs of grey in his raven hair. After all these years, the man who existed only in numerous fleeting thoughts was standing before her. "Nicholas?"

A nostalgic smile tugged at Nick's lips as he looked upon the woman from his youth. Even despite her greying blonde hair and tired eyes, she hadn't really changed much, and he wondered if she could have been thinking the same of him. The curiosity it awakened made him feel somewhat awkward and school boyish. "It's been a long time, Karin." It was the only thing he could think to say that didn't make him feel overly foolish.