Well hello everyone!

I'm still alive and kicking. I can finally starting to wrap things up in the next few chapters and I am excited!

I hope you guys enjoy this chapter and the final part of Christmas aboard the Normandy :p

I decided to write a mini tangent from two character perspectives. You'll begin to find out why in the future ;)

Mini references to Borderlands and Back to the Future.

Also catfight :3

Until next time :)

Christmas on board the Normandy: Part II

December 25, 2185

SSV Normandy SR-2 - CIC - Commander Alonso - 1600 hours

"I swear if anything goes wrong..." Miranda threatened as she walked along beside me towards the bridge. She had spent the last few hours getting the mess hall in order for tonight's Christmas Dinner. She stepped out of the Normandy and went to pick up what seemed to be two years worth of food, with the help from Amanda, Kasumi, Grunt and me of course. We managed to squeeze in the delicious food on the two separate dinner tables of the mess hall.

I had tried to sneak a piece of bread into my mouth but I was rewarded with a harsh slap and a glare from Miranda. I winced as the mark still burned on my cheek. She had even locked the remainder of the crew inside Port Observation, which I thought went a little overboard but I wasn't about to raise my voice and receive another slap or even worse punishment.

The clacking of Miranda's boots had been more intense these past few hours, meaning she was highly stressed and grumpy. Hope I don't say that aloud. Just as we arrived at the airlock to invite our final guests, I gently grabbed Miranda's petite wrists and turned her to face me. "Breathe." I caressed her cheek. "Give me a smile." When I got a glare instead, I leaned forward and gave my girlfriend a deep kiss. "That's better." I winked when I saw a small smile. I entered the code to the airlock and once it opened, Oriana Lawson and Danner Gossimah stood in front of us, the both of them with smiles on their faces.

"Commander." Oriana came forward and hugged me, doing the same to Miranda. "Hey sis, Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas to you too, Ori." Miranda returned the hug while Danner and I shook hands. The two twins broke their hugs before Miranda turned to look at Oriana's date. "Danner. Good to see you."

"Hello Miss Lawson." Danner smiled innocently. "Merry Christmas."

"Well," I gave Miranda a loving glance before turning to my guests, "food is going to get cold and the crew is probably dying from a mixture of alcohol poisoning and lack of oxygen. Shall we?"

"Wh-what?" Danner asked wide-eyed which caused Miranda to smirk as she walked beside me, giving my hand a gentle squeeze.

As everyone took their seats around the tables, I stroked Miranda's leg under the table. The both of us exchanged looks and began having a silent conversation. With a wink from the goddess next to me, it was over.

"I'd like to make a toast." Shepard stood up from her chair. She looked more sober than she was hours ago which relieved me. If she were to be giving a toast just as drunk as she was earlier... my face paled at the thought. Jane cleared her throat which snapped me out of it. "It's been almost three months since this whole thing started and so far, it feels like it's been a year. I've gotten to know many of you so well that I trust you all with my life. I may not like the organization we are working with but I have to admit, they do make an awesome ship."

The statement was met by agreeing chuckles.

"Cerberus has put together a great team as well. When I first stepped inside and saw our CO's dossiers, I was a little taken back. Crazed scientists, a Blue Suns mercenary, a Krogan warlord -even though we got a tankbred instead- an Asari Justicar, a mysterious thief, a deadly convict and a Drell hitman. I was a little cautious and wondered how this was going to work. As time went on, I saw a spark in each and every one you: The will to work together and watch each other's backs. We all have our weaknesses but there is always someone there to stand beside you."

The team looked at one another and nodded.

"I guess what I'm trying to say is that if there ever was a time where I needed someone to rely on, I would go to either one of you and I know you would have my back." Jane looked down at me and smiled. "Cerberus did one other thing which I can't help to be thankful for. They gave us our Captain. My best friend."

I gulped.

And Sappy Shepard makes her return. I bit back the desire to roll my eyes or groan and instead, listened to Jane's speech.

"I never would've thought that the Gods would give him back to me. I'm grateful that Cerberus did one thing right. I'm glad that there was someone smart enough that could do such a task." She turned to Miranda and gave her a grateful nod before turning back to me. "You're the best gift I could ever ask for."

"Shepard..." I frowned once tears began falling down Jane's face.

"To family!" Jane raised her glass and everyone in the room followed suit.

"To family!"

"Dig in everyone!"

Meanwhile...

Citadel - Council Tevos' Chamber - Councilor Tevos

"Madam Councilor."

I turned my head to the voice and saw Meilana, one of my guards, standing at the door. "Please, come in."

"I have a package that was delivered to me to give to you."

I looked at Meilana with confusion. A package? "What is it and who is it from?"

"I am not sure Madam Councilor. Some asari dropped it off a few minutes ago and made me promise not to look inside. An odd request but I am a woman of my word...I did however ran a scan, just to be safe. It's clean."

Hmm... I left the spot at the window and walked over to Meilana. "Thank you." I looked at the rectangular box in the Commando's hands. The box was black and had a white bow on top. The words 'Thea' written in the Asari language on a small purple slit of paper.

Strange. I said to myself but took the box from Meilana's hands. I looked up and asked, "Anything else I should know?"

"Nothing." Meilana shook her head and stood in attention.

"Thank you again, Meilana."

"My pleasure." Meilana bowed and walked briskly towards the exit, the door closing behind her.

I looked back down at the black box and tried to think who would send me this and why. "It certainly wouldn't be my daughter. She would have brought it to me herself." It's nobody from Thessia as they are too busy to be jealous of my position as Councilor. It couldn't be Charles as he wouldn't call me by my first name, as much as I keep reminding him. "Who could it be?" I went back to sit on my couch. I lied the box on table in front of me, where I continued to inspect it.

Don't be ridiculous. If it was a bomb, it would've gone off by now and Meilana ran a scan! I carefully opened the box and was faced with another note on a white sheet of paper.

The writing was strangely familiar and distant at the same time. I narrowed my eyes as the writing, trying to cross-eliminate the people I have met since I was born. It's a long list. I began reading the note instead.

'Hello Councilor.

It has been a long time since I've seen you in person. How much I miss those days. All the fun we had together. So much I regret the things I have done to you...the distrust I caused between you and your clan. Then there's-'

I have not seen this writing since...

'-Liselle. Goddess how much I miss her. How much I miss you. Your scent, your touch, your voice, your body. The things I would do to have the both of you here with me. But I know how much you despise this place...and how much you hate me for what happened.

I sent you a little gift. Apparently there's this human celebration called Christmas. Don't know what it is and don't much care for it except that people give gifts to the ones they love. I have kept this for so long and I finally want you to have it. If there was any way you can forgive me, you know what to do.

If not, then I guess I can live with it. I just want you to know that I am doing everything I can to avenge our little one. For her and for you.

For us.'

I placed the letter down and I couldn't help but feel angry. How dare she contact me! I don't want anything to do with her. Liselle is gone because of her!

I was ready to toss the box in the garbage when my eyes caught the glance of the gift.

"A picture." I quickly discarded the box and held the picture in my hands. It was a picture of my lover and a new-born Liselle in my arms.

I closed my eyes, feeling tears cascade down my cheeks as I remembered the moment of when the picture was taken. The day I gave birth to my first child. How long has she had this picture? Why had she never sent it to me? I opened my eyes, my breath whimpering as I saw the way we both looked at Liselle. The happiest moment of both of our lives.

I rested the picture on the table, stood up and walked towards the window, re-reading the letter in my mind.

'If there is any way you can forgive me, you know what to do.'

I activated my omni-tool and dialed the number I still had since that horrible day. A number I never thought I could call again.

After the second tone, I heard her voice. "Yes." The cold tone of her voice made my body shiver and the ache inside was almost unbearable.

"It's me." I said softly while closing my eyes and cursing at myself.

There was an inward gasp before I heard her whisper, "Thea..."

I bit my bottom lip as tears once more began falling down my cheeks. It felt so good to hear her voice. If only I could touch her and be touched by her. ButI wanted to yell at her until I was too tired to go on. Instead, I could only say her name.

"Aria..."

SSV Normandy SR-2 - Crew Deck - Port Observation - Garrus Vakarian - 2000 hours

"Boy I need a drink." I drawled to myself as I stepped into the room. "Oh...Tali, why aren't you out there with the rest of us?"

"Hm?" Tali turned from staring out into the Illium sun that was hiding behind the large skyscrapers. "Oh, hey Garrus. I just wanted a break. It's a bit noisy."

I couldn't help but chuckle at the comment. "You, complaining about noise? I remember you couldn't sleep for almost two weeks on the original Normandy because you thought it was quiet. Heh, my you have changed."

"I guess we all have..." Her voice sounded soft and sad.

"Something wrong?" I walked over to her and as soon as she did, she started crying.

"I miss father..." Tali's small body crashed into mine and my breath hitched.

Great, what I am going to do now? I asked myself as Tali shook from tears. I slowly wrapped my arms around her and said, "I wish I could do something to help you, Tali."

"Having you hear is all I need." Tali's voice purred as I felt her arms wrap tighter around my waist.

What? "I...I-I'll stay here as long as you need."

"Thank you, Garrus. You've been a really good friend to me after all these years."

"...My pleasure." This is heavy. I wish I was Calibrating right now...

SSV Normandy SR-2 - Crew Deck - Mess Hall - Operative Lawson - 2400 hours

"Hey Miranda." A familiar voice called. I looked up from the book that was given to me by Liara and stared up into Kasumi's dark eyes. Her hands moved from behind her back and presented me with-

"Wh-what are you doing with my omni-tool? How did you take it from me in the first place?" I snarled at her, snatching my omni-tool from her small Japanese hands and putting it on.

Kasumi smiled mischievously. "A thief never tells her secrets. I put in some stuff in there that you might like. Nothing inappropriate, of course." She giggled.

I'll run a scan later. I told myself.

"Oh and don't bother running a scan. I made sure my stuff is untraceable. I designed it myself, you know!" Kasumi smiled before she disappeared into thin air.

Damn it!

"Hey! You got gifts!"

I sighed once my Commander sat beside me, his festive attitude is already reaching my breaking point. "Of course I did. Some are just pathetic excuses for gifts." I pointed at the small pile next to me while searching through my omni-tool for hidden cameras Kasumi might have planted. Various weapon and tech mods that I could have easily could purchase myself. Not that I wanted them anyways. Still the book Liara got me was...thoughtful to say the least: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Ori's gift was nice as well. An omni-piano that is now conveniently located up in my boyfriend's room. It has been years since I played piano and I'm glad I could have the option to play now. If I ever find the time for it, of course.

"Now now, don't be grouchy." Charlie leaned to the side and nudged his shoulder with mine, causing me to huff and cross my arms.

I turned to him and asked, "Where are your gifts?"

"Upstairs in my closet. Don't want anyone to steal them." He glanced at Kasumi who was gladly talking with Joker and Garrus. "Doubt that will stop her." He muttered.

"Where's your other girlfriend?" I glared at him, though more playfully than I wanted. I still was upset that the Alliance officer aboard the ship and I was even angrier that my Chuck welcomed her with open arms. At least she isn't here. Or so I though. She could be snooping around. "I should probably go look for her and see that she isn't snooping in my office and reporting to her precious Alliance."

"She's not my girlfriend. You are." He whispered. "And she's talking with Tali and Amanda right now."

"So you are stalking her." I pressed.

"Stop that." His face turned sad and looked down. "I just-"

I reached for his hand and gave it a squeeze. "Sorry, I didn't mean that."

He shrugged and didn't say a word about it, looking out into the mess hall. "Your sister seems to be having fun with the crew." His lips curled into a small smile. "Hope she finds friends here."

"So do I." I looked over at my sister and couldn't help but smile as she laughed along with his bloody boyfriend, Zaeed, Thane, Gabby, Ken and Samara. "I haven't seen Jack anywhere."

Charlie hummed as he took in the words. "Yeah, you're right. Where is she?"

"Behind you."

Chuck and I jumped and flared our biotics as we watched Jack collapse on the ground laughing. My Commander dropped his biotics while I was more reluctant to do so. "Having fun scaring people?" He stepped in front of me. I know well enough he was glaring at the petulant child by the tone of his voice.

"You two are fucking hilarious. The look on your faces." Jack snickered while standing up and resting her elbows on the kitchen counter.

"This isn't funny, Jack!" I growled, slamming my fits near her hand. Jack didn't budge.

"Whoa, keep your Cerberus slut on the leash Commander," Jack grinned as my anger doubled, "I was just having a bit of fun! Relax, Cheerleader."

Fucking bitch.

"Just because I'm in a happy mood right now doesn't mean I will-"

"Yeah yeah, whatever." Jack rolled her eyes at her Commanding Officer and continued. "I was only here for the food and for this." Jack reached for something behind her back and tossed it into the counter. A black box slid towards my fingers and I blinked a few times, looking at it.

"What is it?" Chuck and I asked in unison. I looked at Jack quizzically but found her gaze neutral.

"It's my gift to you, Cheerleader." Jack spoke calmly.

"A gift." My brows rose incredulously, "I don't believe you." I looked down. "You got me a gift." The question came out matter-of-factly.

"I...that's very thoughtful, Jack." Chuck smiled softly.

"Whatever just OPEN THE FUCKING GIFT OR I'LL TAKE IT BACK MYSELF!"

That got everyone in the room to stop their respectful conversations to look our way. I looked back down at the package and sighed, not wanting to ruin anyone's night. I gently removed the lid and my eyes widened with embarrassment.

"JACK!" Chuck yelled. "WHAT THE FUCK!"

The bald girl broke into another fit of laughter and I looked at the long and thick vibrator that...looked used. Anger spewed within me and I flared my biotics and jumped over the counter. "You're going to die, JACK!" The both of us were rolling on the floor exchanging punches for only a few seconds before Chuck and Garrus intervened.

"Let 'em go at it!" I could hear Grunt roar in laughter. "I love a good catfight."

"Not now, Grunt!" I heard someone say behind me. I looked back behind me and saw Chuck's face. "Stop it, Miri."

"Let go! I need to kill her." I managed to get free with the help of my biotics and charged towards Jack and Garrus. I tossed the Turian aside and went back to my assault on that psychotic bitch. I landed on top of her and jabbed her ribs before going on the attack of her face. Jack pushed me with her biotics, sending me over the kitchen counter. I quickly stood and launched Jack through the medbay windows, sending glass and medical equipment tumbling on the ground. I hopped over the broken window with a fistful of biotic energy ready to beat down on Jack's unconscious body when I heard Chuck order,

"Grunt, Zaeed, Samara don't fucking just stand there! Help me out!"

"Damn it, come on Grunt." I hear the mercenary's voice through my rage.

"You're no fun, Dad."

Within seconds I was over the giant Krogan's shoulders while Garrus, Zaeed and Chuck secured Jack. I wanted to fight back but clearly, I was outmatched. "Samara, take Jack down to the brig. I'll deal with her later." I heard Chuck's voice approach me and my captor. "Set her down." Grunt did so and I was met by Chuck's fierce hazel eyes. "You need to cool off."

"And you need to get off of my back. I was about to end this when you intervened." I glared back. From over his shoulder's I saw Ori's looking at me with a frown. My gaze faltered and I looked down. I cursed myself and bit the inside of my lip. I know better than this.

"Grunt, give us a minute." Grunt grunted and stomped his way back to the party.

I quickly spoke. "Look, I'm sorry. Jack pressed my buttons and I couldn't take it anymore."

"Hey..." Chuck lifted my chin with his finger and kissed me on the lips. "Don't worry about it. I would've snapped too if I was in your position. I'll speak with Jack. I've just about had enough of her rebellious attitude."

"Want me to be there?"

"No, I think I can handle her." He offered me a wicked smile. "So, a vibrator huh? Didn't see that one coming." He chuckled and I glared at his poor attempt to humor me.

"That is not funny."

"What? Come on! It's a little funny." He winked.

"You're so bloody immature." I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. I looked into his eyes and saw curiosity in them. "Don't you even think about using it in our bed!" I said in a hushed tone. "It looks used."

Chuck grinned and caught me by the hips. "I bet you couldn't handle it." He teased. "You can barely handle me."

"Your challenge isn't going to work." I pushed him away from me.

"Well it was worth a shot." He shrugged before grabbing my hand. "Let's forget about Jack for now and hang out with your sister."

"Randa, are you okay?" Ori frowned once my Commander guided me back to the party. "What happened?"

"Don't worry. As you can see, I am perfectly fine." I gave my beloved sister a smile.

"Your sister is a very strong woman." Liara reached an arm across Ori's shoulder and gave her a squeeze.

"Hey Liara, where's Shepard? I haven't seen her in a few hours. What gives?" Chuck asked.

"I...am not quite sure, Charles." Liara chuckled. "I haven't seen her for a few hours either. I'm sure she's alright though."

"Commander Shepard is not aboard the ship." EDI's voice rang above us.

"What?" I asked. "Where is she?"

"Location...unknown."

Illium - Lower Streets - Commander Shepard - 2350 hours

I slowly opened my eyes and was greeted by bright lights and I couldn't help myself from closing them again.

"How are you feeling?" I heard a hyper voice speak to me. I turned my head away from the lights and opened my eyes. The salarian surgeon in a white lab coat and white surgical mask looked at me and asked, "Any side effects?" I sat up and looked around and noticed no difference, which I had expected since I have done this once before. I stepped off the operating table and walked over to the mirror. I smiled brightly and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Everything is perfect." I leaned forward and inspected at my vibrant green eyes I had long before. The dark blue color is completely gone. I'll miss those eyes. I said somberly, but right now I couldn't be happier. I ran my hands through the fiery red hair and my smile grew. Everything is back to normal now. I turned back to the surgeon and nodded. "Great work as always, Doctor Zed." I handed him a credit chit, plus a bonus and left towards my cab. I weaved through traffic until I made my way towards the Nos Astra trading floor where even though it was past to midnight, it didn't stop people from busying the streets.

"Welcome back, Commander Shepard." EDI called out once I stepped into the bridge of the Normandy.

"Thanks. Is everyone asleep? Where's Liara?"

"Yes. Doctor T'Soni is in your quarters. She is currently resting."

"Thanks. That is all."

"Logging you out, Shepard."

A grin appeared on my lips as soon as I stepped into my quarters. As EDI said, my lover was fast asleep. "And naked." I purred as I got into bed, quickly stripping off my clothes as well. My hands traced up and down Liara's wonderful curves and I smiled when she responded by shifting in her sleep. I straddled her left leg as I leaned down to kiss the ridges on her neck.

Liara moaned delightfully that made my insides tingle. "Liara..." I whispered before biting the bottom of her lips, causing her to stir.

"Shepard?" Her eyes looked up at me and gasped. "Shepard! What happened to you? Why are-red..." Liara swallowed hard and shook her head, as if she was dreaming. "Goddess, is this why you were gone so long? I was worried."

"I thought it was time." I explained simply as her eyes looked into my old greens and her hands ran through my red hair. "You're the first one who has seen it...besides EDI." I bit my lip as I cupped my lover's breasts, gaining a soft moan from her. "Now, lie down and relax."

Liara did so without question. I flashed a grin as I leaned down to seal my lips with Liara's until we both needed air. My lips traveled down to her breasts and I suckled and bit on the now-hardened bud.

"Shepard..." I looked up to see a pleasured look on Liara's face, whimpering and writhing around on the bed. And so I continued my slow journey south to her naval where I began leaving searing hot kisses around the cute belly button.

"Stay still." I ordered as I sat up and left the bed. Liara was about to protest but I simply gave her a grin that said to wait. I ran over to my drawer on the far right wall from the door. I reached for a small vibrator and quickly went back and joined a flushed Liara as she looked at what I was holding. I crawled into bed and spread her beautiful legs as well as the lips there and was pleased to see them filled with fluids. My head sank down and tasted the sweet juice with the tip of my tongue. My lips sound found themselves stuck to the hardened clit as one fingered plunged the entrance.

"Yes!" Liara hissed with appreciation and I continued my ministrations for awhile before adding my middle finger. "Toy." She pleaded incoherently. "Please!"

There was a satisfying pop and gushyness when my lips and fingered parted from her folds. I grabbed the vibrator and set it on the lowest settings. "You mean this?" I asked coyly, gaining a nod. "Tell me where you want it." Liara began playing with herself in response. I simply stared at the sight of her, begging for me to play with her. God, she turns me on so much.

"I need release." She moaned as she slid two fingers inside of herself. "I need you, Commander."

She knows which buttons to press. I shuttered with delight and I soon found myself touching myself in return. Liara's blue eyes traveled down and saw the desire in them. "You sure you want the toy? Or is there -" I slid another finger and moaned, "something else that you want, Doctor." Liara shuttered in return and nodded. I placed the vibrator on my nightstand but I doubted we would be using it tonight. In the morning is probably another story. I grinned to myself as Liara wrapped her legs around my hips. The both of us gasped as we felt each other's wetness. "God, I want you so bad. To be inside of that beautiful mind...as one and come together."

"Always, Shepard. Make love with me. Embrace Eternity!"

December 26, 2185

SSV Normandy SR-2 - Captain's Cabin - Commander Alonso - 0500 hours

"FUCK!" I groaned as Miranda's nails dug into my chest as we both reached an orgasm. Our biotics died out and the both of us cuddled, filled with a thin layer of sweat and breathing heavily from another long workout.

"Sorry." She took a deep breath and gave me a soft kiss.

"Don't be." I shrugged, grinning shortly after. "I like a little rough play. Shower?" Miranda nodded and the both of us hopped into a shower. I made sure I cleaned her well, gaining a roll of the eyes when I lathered her breasts with soap suds. "I'm heading down to the brig and talk with Jack."

"You sure you don't want me to help? Good cop, bad cop."

I chuckled as my hands traveled along her perfect body. "I'll be fine. She has the Cerberus chokers on. She couldn't do a thing to me."

"Even more of a reason for me to join you." Miranda snarled, "I'm not finished with her."

"Miri stop that."

"Why are you always protecting her? She isn't a victim!" With her anger recoiled towards me, I withdrew my hands.

"Look you know what happened to her. All she needs is an attitude adjustment. A...new direction. I think I can help her with that. Look, I get it, you hate her guts but you know better. Don't let her get to you and don't be mad at me."

We finished our shower in silence. Great. I sighed as Miranda finished first and climbed out. "If not me then take Shepard. She's more subtle." The door to the bathroom closed behind her and I took in her suggestion.

"EDI, wake up Shepard and tell her to meet me in the elevator in five."

"As you wish."

I quickly slipped into my bottoms and stepped out of my bathroom, finding Miranda on my desk, fully dressed in her catsuit. "Miri, I-"

"Don't talk. I'm busy."

I frowned at the coldness. Months before I would've shuttered or gotten into some argument with her but now, I simply did what she was told. I walked to the drawer, picked out a black shirt and headed out, passing by a furious-looking Miranda.

The elevator stopped at the CIC and once the elevator door opened, Ashley stood in front of me. "Commander." She saluted and I gave a nod.

"Lieutenant." I greeted back as she stepped in. "How was the rest of the party?"

"Fun actually. It's been awhile since I've had a break. The crew seems nice for the most part... the Krogan gave me the creeps though. The guy is huge!"

I chuckled as I pressed the button for the crew deck. "He can throw you around like a rag doll if he could. I'm sure you two will get along well enough once he sees you fight."

"I'll keep that in mind, Commander."

"What, you aren't going to call me skipper like you do with Shepard?" I teased, crossing my arms as I leaned on my hip.

The door opened once more and I turned my head, doing a double-take. The fuck? "Shepard?"

The redhead with green eyes grinned and winked. "Morning." She stood between Ashley and me and I couldn't help myself but stare. "Something wrong, Commander?" Jane grinned and turned to Ashley who was staring as well. "What's everyone staring at?" Jane asked with mock-exasperation.

"Your hair is red." Ashley began.

"And you have green eyes." I finished.

"Yeah... and? They have always been that way. So, you asked for me Charlie?"

I shook my head clear from the confusion. Must have done some sort of surgery or something. I guess that explains why she was gone most of last night. "I'm going to talk to Jack about her behavior last night and I need your help with this one."

Jane nodded but shrugged, "Sure but what did she do?"

I took a quick look to the brunette in the elevator and gulped. "Uhh, I'll discuss it in private." To which I gained a glare from Ashley but thankfully, didn't press on.

Eventually, Williams got off from the elevator, leaving just the two of us alone. "So, what happened?" Jane asked as we walked towards the brig.

I gently grabbed Jane's arm and brought her closer to me. "Jack gave Miranda a very...interesting gift." I whispered, taking a look up and down the hall for eavesdroppers, "A vibrator."

Jane blinked for a few moments before her cheeks turned a bright pink. "What?"

I felt my own cheeks burning from embarrassment. "Yeah...We need to do something with Jack. Can you help me?"

"Y-yeah, I can help you. I agree, she needs to change." There was something weird that was going on in Shepard's mind. I studied her until she looked at me. "What?"

"You were totally thinking of something really weird...or dirty."

To which Jane blushed again. "I wasn't!"

I sighed deeply and rolled my eyes. "Perv. Come on."

So we made our way toward the brig, where two officers stood by and kept watch.

"Great, the Queen of the Girlscouts is here too... and with different hair." Jack laughed, "Now you look even more like a dyke."

"Jack, I'm disappointed." Jane ignored the insult.

"Boohoo! Cry me a river." Jack said nonchalantly. I growled and gave the guard a cold stair, making him leave rather quickly. "I see you have your slut's glare. How did she like my present?" Jack grinned at me.

I flared my biotics and threw her up against the wall and held her there while I deactivated the biotic force field. "You, Jane and I are going to have a little talk."

"What are you going to do?" Jack got free of my biotics and poked my chest with her finger. "Cerberus did all the sick torturing the entire fucking galaxy could come up with. Might as well bore me to death."

"Jack, what Cerberus did was wrong. We all get that," Jane began, "but you need to put the past behind you. Whoever was in charge back on Pragia is dead, Jack. You need to start thinking of the future."

"Fuck you, Shepard." The young woman snarled. "Why the fuck do you care so much anyways?"

"Because we both know you can be so much more." I started and Jane nodded.

"We both have seen you in action. You are one of the strongest human biotics in the entire galaxy. Don't waste it on something you have no longer have any control of. I'm sure you've learned from both of us as well. Take what you have learned and turn it into something positive."

"Like what?" Jack's anger softened and decided to take a seat on the cell's cot.

"That is entirely up to you. You have so many options out there you don't even know." I smiled softly. "If you want, after this mission is over of course, Jane and I can speak to someone from the Alliance. I'm sure they can find a place for you."

"The Alliance?" Jack scoffed, "Why would I go there?"

"The Alliance has programs, schools actually, for biotics. I'm sure you'll learn stuff while you're there. He'll you could become a teacher if you put your mind to it. The choice is yours...if you want it."

"At least think about it." Shepard beamed a smile. "Both of us are happy to help you move on."

As we made our way out, Jack called us again. "Why?"

Jane and I exchanged glances. Jane nodded and left, leaving me alone with the young biotic.

"Scoot." I ordered before I sat next to her in the cot. "I get what it's like being alone and not having someone there for you. I met Jane and I wasn't sure whether or not she hung out with me because she felt sorry for me or because she enjoyed my company. As time went on, the more I thought of the latter. We became friends and soon trusted one another. By the time we joined the Alliance, I knew every move she would make before she made it." I looked into her brown eyes and smiled. "I guess what I'm trying to say is that you can trust us. Not just Jane and I but the crew as well." There was a long pause, letting Jack take in everything I said before I began again. "I know that 'Family' isn't a word in your vocabulary but I hope you know that we all consider you that way. We all want you to succeed and do great things." I put a hand on her shoulder and give it a squeeze. "Thank about what we just talked about alright? If and when you're ready, you know where to find us." I stood up and began taking my leave.

"Hey..." Jack called softly before a small smile crept up on her lips. "Thanks... and I will."

I smiled in return and nodded. "Anytime."