A/N: I'm pretty sure that I'm setting a new record on this site for the most updates sent out in a short amount of time. But with the end of this arc of my story being so close I have the need to wrap it up and start on the next installment.
I won't leaving you waiting any more. Welcome to the beginning of the end! (I own nothing)
Alexander 'Maverick' Drake
August 21, 2183 - 12:55 hours
It had been a rough 24 hours. The Normandy had stopped at Arcturus station and dropped off Kaidan with the medical teams that had been waiting for them. They rushed him into surgery and the crew waited for the results.
Several hours passed. Since they were waiting for word from the Council about Ilos and the Conduit, the team hung around the Alliance station as one of their own was fighting for his life.
Alex sat with Jane the entire time until the lead doctor came out into the waiting room and told them that the implant replacement had been a success. Though it was going a long time before Kaidan would be ready to go back into combat again.
He told them it would be roughly six to eight months for the Lieutenant. He would have to go through rehab to get used to the L3 implant that replaced his burned out L2. But in the end he would be better than ever when he fully recovered.
Finally able to breathe easy again, the two Spectres returned to the ship after checking on the resting biotic. Joker had caught them as they entered the airlock and told them that the Council had gotten back to them. Saying that they were massing a large multi-species fleet to deal with the rogue Spectre.
Jane nodded and informed the pilot to head straight to the Citadel, that the Normandy would be at the head of that fleet when they went after Saren.
Alex watched her go shaking his head, "She's making a mistake...But I can't tell her the truth without exposing my mission." he thought clenching his fists. "Dammit this sucks!"
"You know if you think any harder you might short circuit." said Joker from the cockpit.
"Can it hop-along." said the nano soldier leaning against the wall and crossing his arms.
The pilot turned his chair, "What's got your screws twisted too tight? You've been on edge since you and Shepard spoke with the Council the other day."
"I think we're making a mistake going back to the Citadel. The Council's done nothing but ignore our intel and push the real threats aside." said Alex. "And I know for a fact that going back there will only give them a chance to hinder us again."
"Maybe. But going to Ilos without back up would be like walking into a firefight naked." said Joker. "Granted I can probably get us in with the Normandy's stealth systems without trouble and bail before the Geth can take us out. But it's good to check all of our bases before taking on a whole fleet solo."
Alex sighed; "I understand Joker. I really do. I just think that going there would be a waste of our time."
Joker shrugged, "Maybe things will work out. Who knows." he said turning back to the controls.
The nano soldier looked at the back of the pilot's chair and shook his head. "My instincts are never wrong Joker." he said before heading back to the CIC. The helmsmen shivering a little at the conviction in the man's tone.
X
It took them a few hours to jump back to Citadel Space. Alex had been silent almost the entire trip. Jane had tried to convince him that it was the best option for them to go by, but the nano soldier knew different.
Regardless, there wasn't any going back as the ship docked at the station and the team filed out to head to the Council chambers.
Reaching the Citadel Tower, Jane and Alex entered the Council chambers while the rest of the squad waited back in the atrium. Udina was waiting for them as the Councilors approached their podiums.
"Good work you two. Thanks to you, the Council's finally taking real action against Saren." said the Ambassador.
"The Ambassador is correct. If Saren is foolish enough to attack the Citadel, we will be ready for him." said Tevos.
"Patrols are stationed at every mass relay linking Citadel Space to the Terminus Systems." added Sparatus.
"You think a blockade's going to stop him?" said Jane gobsmacked. "He's on Ilos looking for the Conduit right now! What are you going to do about that?"
"Ilos is only accessible through the Mu Relay, deep inside the Terminus Systems, Commander. If we send a fleet in there, the only possible outcome is full-scale war." said Valern.
Udina turned to the two Spectres, "Now is the time for discretion. Saren's greatest weapon was secrecy. Exposed, he is no longer a threat. This is over."
"Are you really that fucking dense?" said Alex having already had enough. "We've shown you evidence, accurate intel and even video footage from our suits from key points in our mission. And still you think that what we have brought forward isn't enough to prove our claims?"
"It isn't enough for us to risk galactic war with the Terminus. You have to consider the backlash from such an action." said Tevos.
"If Saren reaches the Conduit, the only backlash is going to be the deaths of countless lives from your inactions." Alex pressed. "What the hell's it going to take? The damn Reapers kicking down the front fucking door before you actually decide to do something?"
"That's enough Maverick!" growled Sparatus. "We made you a Spectre, don't make us regret our decision."
"I'm already regretting it." the nano soldier growled back. "Even after all of this time you still refuse to see what's right in front of your face. You let fear of the unknown cloud your judgement and that will end up costing us all dearly."
Jane grabbed his arm, shaking her head to let him know he needed to calm down. "One ship going into the Terminus Systems won't start a war. We can be discreet." she said changing back to the priority at hand.
"You detonated a nuclear device on Virmire. I wouldn't call that discreet!" said Sparatus.
"Your unique styles have served you both well in the Traverse. We recognize that. But Ilos requires a deft touch. We have the situation under control." said Tevos.
"If Saren finds the Conduit then we lose everything!" Jane exclaimed. "We have to get to Ilos before he can locate it!"
"Ambassador Udina, it appears that Commander Shepard and Maverick are not willing to let this go." said Sparatus crossing his arms.
"There are serious political implications here." started Udina. "Humanity's made great gains thanks to you both. But now you're becoming more trouble than you're worth."
Alex got in Udina's face, "You bastard. I knew you'd pull this shit! You don't care about anything other than improving Humanity's image. You'd sacrifice innocent lives just to come out on top!"
"You'd better back off Maverick. Just because you act like some kind of a hero doesn't mean you can speak to me that way. If it were my choice you'd be locked in an Alliance facility to learn just how exactly you're the way you are." hissed the Ambassador.
Alex saw red, grabbing Udina by his shirt and hoisting him off the ground like he was an insect. "You think you will be alive long enough to see them cart me off? Humanity will be looking for a new Ambassador before they got within 10 meters." he hissed dangerously.
Udina glared back at the crimson visor despite the fear creeping up within him. "Release me, or I swear the last thing you will ever see is the inside of a jail cell."
A hand gently held the nano soldier's arm. He looked down and saw Jane shaking her head again. "It's not worth it." she said before casting a glare at the Ambassador.
Sending one last glare at Udina, Alex set him back on his feet and took a step back.
Udina straightened his suit, "Your jobs are done. We've locked out all the Normandy's primary systems when you arrived. Until further notice, you're grounded." he said with finality as he turned to the Council.
"Your making a mistake." said Jane.
Udina turned to them, "I think it's time for you and your team to leave, Commander. This no longer concerns either of you. The Council can handle this. With my help of course." he said with a sense of smugness that made the Commander want to knock his head off.
Jane looked to Alex before heading for the stairs. The Post-Human looked at the Council and shook his head. "I can't believe I saved such nearsighted fools." he said loud enough for them to hear before following after the Commander.
X
Commander Jane Shepard
SSV Normandy - Crew Deck
August 21, 2183 - 16:02 hours
Never before had she felt so defeated. She had faced unbelievable odds, held off a large Batarian force with only a small militia until help arrived, overcame N7 training at the top of her class, and became one of the first two Human Spectres. Even surviving a beacon that was meant only for the mind of an ancient race long extinct.
But the once unstoppable Commander Shepard had been stamped out of the fight by worthless politics. Just like Anderson before her.
Jane sat on the floor of the crew deck, back against a row of lockers with her legs drawn up to her chest. Arms crossed on top of her knees as she stared at the far wall.
The Council was dooming them all. The moment Saren found the Conduit it was game over. Why didn't she listen to Alex and go straight to Ilos instead of heading to the Citadel. He'd been right, the Councilors screwed them over again despite everything they both gave to them. She shook her head at her own stupidity in thinking they would actually do something to help them.
Footsteps caught her attention. She looked up to see Alex standing over her wearing an Alliance uniform, his grey eyes looking into her green ones. Not with discontent, but with understanding. "You okay?" he asked putting his hands in his pockets.
Jane shook her head, "No, I'm not. You were right. Dammit, why the hell didn't I take you on your word? We'd be out there stopping Saren right now instead of being on lockdown." she said banging her head lightly against the lockers behind her.
Alex sighed; "You know this is the part where a lot of people would say 'I told you so'. But that's not important. What we need to do is think about our next course of action."
The Commander looked up at him with raised eyebrows, "We've been grounded Alex. And what's worse is that Saren's getting closer to the Conduit as we speak. If he finds it than we're all dead!"
"That's why we're going to find a way out of this." said Alex strongly. "As a team."
Jane shook her head, "I don't know how we can. After everything we've done they just shut us down like this. What can we do?"
Alex rolled his shoulders, "Endure, Jane. They may have taken us out of the game but it's far from over." he looked down at his fellow Spectre and spoke with a tone she had never heard before. "The question is what are you going to do Commander? Is this how the galaxy will fade? With one of it's best sitting on the ground letting those assholes walk over her?"
"Is this the final act of valor of the great Commander Shepard? The Lioness of Elysium? Hero of the Blitz? One of the two first Human Spectres?" he pushed on. "Not on my watch."
Jane looked up at him, warmth filling her chest as the conviction in his words. "You really think we can do this?" she asked.
He smiled, "You remember when I had you guys watch those Batman vids a while back? Let me quote something I took to heart." he held out his hand to her. "Why do we fall?"
The Commander found her self smiling back as she grasped the hand. "So we can pick ourselves back up." she replied as Alex hoisted her to her feet.
Having been sitting for a while, Jane lost her footing and stumbled forward. Alex caught her before she could fall, her chest pressed tight against his as he helped keep her stable. It was then that she truly saw the size difference between them. The nano soldier stood tall and broad over her petite and athletic 5'8'' frame.
His arms being around her filled the red-head with warmth and safety she hadn't felt since her family was alive. She knew that no matter what happened in the outside world she could escape it in this embrace.
Jade-green eyes met steel-grey. Whatever resolve Jane had left in her to keep their relationship platonic snapped. Their faces drew together, lips not even an inch apart as their eyes slid closed.
'Uh, sorry to interrupt you guys. But I just got a message from Captain Anderson.' said Joker over the intercom making them pause.
Jane let out a frustrated breath while Alex chuckled. "Were you spying on us, helmsmen?" asked the Post-Human at the ceiling.
'No...just knew you both were on the ship and figured I'd pass the message on.' came the reply. 'The Captain said to meet him at Flux. That club down in the wards.'
Alex nodded, "I know the place. Thanks Joker." he looked back at Jane. "Guess we better go meet with the Captain."
Jane nodded, still a little flustered about what almost happened. "R-Right. Better suit up and see what he wants." she turned to leave but felt a large hand grasp around her wrist. She looked back to see Alex grinning before he pulled her back to him like before.
She went to say something but the words died instantly when she felt his lips over her own. Her face heated up in moments as her eyes slid closed, arms going around the Post-Human's shoulders as she kissed him back.
It lasted nearly a minute, but all the pent up emotions that had gone on between them was released in that one kiss. Jane's toes curled inside her boots while Alex squeezed her hips as their bodies pressed closer together; both craving more contact from the other as their lips moved in sync.
They separated panting for air. Jane noticed that at some point Alex had pressed her up against the lockers, her body sandwiched comfortably between his body and the wall.
She ran her hands over the back of his neck and head as she tried to slow her heart rate. "Alex...I...wow..." she said still a little out of breath.
The nano soldier grinned again, "Glad you approve. Now I think that Anderson is waiting for us. We shouldn't disappoint." he leaned forward and gave her a smaller kiss that took what little breath she had left away. "But I intend on coming back to this...soon." he said in a tone that made her knees a little weak.
Alex turned and headed for his quarters to suit up. Jane watched him go, her cheeks still dusted pink as her heart hammered against her chest. There was just no fighting it anymore, and Jane didn't bother to anymore.
X
Alexander 'Maverick' Drake
Flux Bar & Club - Upper Wards
August 21, 2183 - 16:35 hours
Alex, Jane, Benezia and Garrus all entered Flux and found Captain Anderson sitting at a table toward the back of the club. "I'm glad you came. I heard what happened." he said as they approached the table.
"They pulled us off the mission. Just like when they forced you to give up the Normandy." said Jane taking a seat across from him.
"I know. I'm sorry. I wanted to warn you, but there was no way to get a message to you before you docked." said Anderson. "I know your both pissed off right now, but you can't give up. They think this is over, but we all know it's not. You have to go to Ilos. You have to stop Saren from using the Conduit!"
"The only ship that can get us into the Terminus Systems undetected is grounded." said Alex. "And sadly, my VI can't hack Citadel Control without there being serious drawbacks."
"If we can override the Ambassador's orders we can get them to bring the Normandy back online. You can be in the Terminus Systems before anyone even knows you're gone." said the Captain.
"We steal the Normandy then you're the one holding the bag, Captain." said Jane.
"And if Saren finds the Conduit, life as we know it is over. The Reapers will destroy us. Humans, Asari, everybody." countered Anderson. "You're the only ones that can stop him. So I'll do whatever it takes to get you on the Normandy and off this station."
Jane nodded seriously, "I won't forget this, Captain. I promise."
"How do you plan to unlock the Normandy's systems?" asked Benezia.
"I can unlock the Normandy from one of the consoles in the Citadel Control Center. You'll have a few minutes before anyone realizes what's happened." said Anderson.
"That's a restricted area patrolled by armed guards. How will you get in?" asked Garrus.
"Leave that to me. Just make sure you're on the Normandy when the systems come back online." said the Captain.
Alex shook his head, "You're going to get yourself killed. A safer option would be to use the terminal in Udina's office to override the lockdown."
Anderson nodded at the idea, "You're right. If I'm lucky he won't be there. If he is I'll just have to come up with something."
"You could be charged with treason, Anderson." said Jane.
"We don't have a lot of options. I break into the Ambassador's computer, or I take my chances with the patrols in Citadel Control." replied the Captain.
"Your safest route would be to use Udina's computer. Better to be safe doing that than dead." said Alex.
Benezia stepped close to the table, "I will assist the Captain in any way I can. Having the two of us unlock the Normandy's systems will improve the odds." she said honestly.
"You're already on thin ice with the Council for joining Saren. Whether you were in your right state of mind or not, it won't look good on your part." Anderson said to the Matriarch.
"I still have much to atone for, Captain. And making sure that Saren and Sovereign fail in their mission takes priority." said Benezia before turning to Alex and Jane. "Just please, look out for my daughter."
Jane nodded, "We promise."
Anderson stood next to the elder Asari, "Are you two ready to get the hell off this station?"
"Let's go put this asshole down." said Alex with Jane and Garrus nodding in agreement as they headed back to the ship.
X
Udina sat in his office working on his terminal when his door opened. Anderson and Benezia both walking inside as the Ambassador looked up. "Anderson? What are you-?" Benezia held out her hand and froze him in stasis as Anderson crossed the room and started hacking the terminal.
"What are you doing! You're going to regret this Anderson you traitor!" Udina said outraged.
The Captain glanced at him before delivering a hard right cross that knocked the Ambassador out cold. "I've wanted to do that for a long time." he said as he went back to unlocking the Normandy.
X
On the Normandy, Joker, Alex and Jane all looked at the ship's controls. Waiting for the red light on the board to turn green signifying their release.
The light switched green, the ship shook when magnetic clamps released and the ship. "Get us out of here Joker!" ordered Jane as the pilot's hands flew across the controls. The Normandy powered up and flew out of the docking area of the Citadel. Slipping past the massing fleet and into the waiting mass relay before they figured out what happened.
"We're clear guys. Aw man, no one's following us. I was hoping the Council would send some ships after us. Give me a chance to really put the Normandy through her paces." said Joker.
"Saren's still out there. Maybe you can play hide and seek with Sovereign." said Alex smirking.
Joker rolled his eyes, "You know, it doesn't seem like much fun when you say it. We should be at Ilos within the next five hours. I'll let you know when were a few minutes out."
The two Spectres nodded before heading into the CIC. "Stealing the Normandy and running from the Citadel fleet. Seems like a bad case of role reversal." said Jane.
Alex shrugged, "Maybe, but it does give you a good dose of adrenaline don't it."
Jane smirked, "I guess. You help hijack an Alliance vessel for all the girls?" she asked winking at him.
"Just the ones that challenge me." he said back with a grin he had a feeling the Commander could see through his visor. "We better go make sure the crew's ready for this. Once we get there it'll be an all out war to stop Saren from reaching the Conduit."
Jane nodded as the two split up to make sure everything was ready for when they hit the Prothean world.
X
Commander Jane Shepard
SSV Normandy - Private Quarters
August 21, 2183 - 19:18 hours
Jane sat at her desk, going over a few last minute details of the coming siege of Ilos. She and Alex had spent the last couple hours checking on the crew and the supplies they had for when they hit planet side.
The plan was for them to be dropped in the Mako, the Normandy's stealth systems would help them slip through any fleet blockade the Geth would have set up on Saren's behalf giving them a chance to get planet-side without trouble.
Ashley was pissed that her injury prevented her from going with them. So she resigned to making sure the team's weapons were in peak condition for the mission. Garrus had been more than happy to help the Gunnery Chief in her tasks.
Liara had been upset that her mother chose to stay behind and help Anderson make sure they escaped. But was more than happy to help them take Saren down once and for all.
Everyone was ready. And so was she.
The door to her room opened making her turn around. Alex leaned against the door frame wearing a casual black t-shirt and jeans, a small smile on his face as he looked in her direction. "Hay." he said lowly.
"Hay." replied Jane closing down her terminal and standing.
Alex walked into the room, closing and locking the door behind him. "We've got two hours before we hit Ilos. I thought you could use some company." he said standing in front of her.
Jane's thoughts were running wild. Ever since they kissed she found it hard to keep how she felt in check. She had been so unsure of how she felt and how to go about it that she just tried to keep it all buried. But the more time went on the more her defenses were chipped away.
Alex Drake was a strong, compassionate, and enigmatic man. Once he put his mind and heart to something he couldn't be stopped. It was all of this, his skills on the battlefield, and his kindness when he was off of it that attracted her to him.
There was no on in the Traverse like him, and no one else she would ever feel this way about. The time they'd spent together, and the intense kiss they shared made her realize what her feelings truly meant about the man standing before her.
"Alex." she said drawing a little closer to him. "Do you remember the talk we had after Noveria? About the way I feel about you?" her voice shook a little. Whether from excitement or fear it was hard to tell.
"I remember." replied the nano soldier with a small smile.
"I was...I was afraid to tell you the truth because I've never...felt this way about someone." she admitted. "It's not something I'm used to. Not since Mindoir."
She stood right in front of him, raising her hand and putting it on his chest. "But ever since I met you, things have been different. I can't stop thinking about everything we've been through together. How similar we are. And how much I want to be around you. It's all new to me, but I really like it."
Alex reached up and held her hand in his, "I've felt the same way, Jane. With everything that's happened to me I never thought I'd meet someone who would understand. Someone I could confide in. Someone I could trust with everything. It's all new to me too, but I'd like to explore it more...with you." he said with an emotion in his eyes that got Jane's blood pumping.
"I'd...I'd like that." said the Commander smiling brightly. "Where should we start?"
Alex's eyes turned smoldering as he held her cheek with his other hand, "How about, right here." he said kissing her.
Jane's arms went around his neck and deepened their contact, his arms going around her waist and lifting her high enough off the floor so that her legs went around his hips. A familiar position for them both even though one had trouble remembering it.
The kiss quickly turned into a full blown make out session. Alex pressed Jane into the wall as their tongues fought for dominance; hips grinding against one another causing noises of pleasure to come out of them both.
Pulling away from her lips, Alex trailed kisses down the side of her pale neck. The Commander gasped when he touched a very sensitive spot just under her ear as he left a trail of fire with his mouth. "Alex..." she sighed as her nails clawed at his back.
The nano soldier's hands went from her hips up her shirt, Jane gasped again when she felt him touch the skin of her stomach and sides. She leaned back, grabbing the hem of her shirt and pulling it over her head revealing a tight black bra before attacking his lips again.
They moved away from the wall and collapsed on the bed. Jane on top straddling Alex's waist as the temperature in the room started going up.
Jane leaned back allowing Alex to remove his own shirt. "Are you sure about this Jane?" he asked running his hands up her sides.
She shivered at the contact before smiling lustfully down at the Post-Human. "These could be our last moments. I want to make the best of every minute we might have left." she said reaching behind her back and undoing her bra. Her breasts sprang free as she tossed the garment aside before going back to Alex's lips.
Overcoming his shock, Alex rolled them over so that he was on top. Jane's legs wrapping around his hips again without breaking their lips apart.
They came up for air and looked into each other's eyes as they panted for breath. An array of emotions flowed from both of them. They could feel the connection between them become stronger than they ever did before.
Alex stroked the side of her face along the scar on her cheek, "Your beautiful Jane." he whispered with such admiration that she was struck speechless.
Tears brimmed in Jane's eyes as she held his face in her hands. "I...I think I'm in love with you Alex..." she said with her voice shaking with unbridled emotion.
Shock came across Alex's face, but it quickly turned gently. "I think I'm in love with you too." he said without hesitation. They shared another kiss, words no longer needing to be spoken.
They say that actions speak louder than words. And the two Spectres had a lot to say to one another.
A/N: This chapter was brought to you by the people who love watching politics get punched and hot space lovin! The fight for the fate of the galaxy has begun, and Ilos is on deck so you know chaos is sure to follow. I've got a good roll going and I intend to see it to the end.