Illusive Man POV
Cerberus HQ
The moment is drawing nearer. Humanity is almost ready to take its rightful place as the galaxy's most dominant race. We will achieve all of our ambitions and rule as we were destined to. But I shouldn't rush into this; all good things come to those who wait. And I refuse to go down in History as the man who led humanity to the cusp of Galactic Dominance only to have it dissolve due to his own incompetence and impatience.
From the reports which Dr Chandana has fed me, the technology left behind by the Leviathans was surprisingly easy to decipher and replicate once we worked out how to create and distribute the neural signals from an external stimuli into an organic brain. We have almost perfected it and the tests on animals of rudimentary intelligence such as monkeys, mice and chimpanzees. The results have been very promising.
However this method is not perfect, it requires constant exposure in order to take full effect. It isn't anywhere near as effective as reaper indoctrination and Eric Shepard ensured that we could never prosper from the power the reapers left behind. And fortunately for us it isn't the only means of control we have at our disposal. There are far more traditional and conventional methods of absolute control like control chips inside biotic amps.
I have been side tracked so testing out these chips has fallen down the chain of importance. However they could prove to be crucial so I believe that now is the best time to see how much control we can exert on Subject Zero and Subject 29 Miranda Lawson as well as Mr Taylor and Kai Leng.
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June 15th 2189 CTD
Nate POV
It's been a few days since Rikki had arrived and she had been late just about every day. And each time I had to wait for her so she wouldn't get lost. Today our first lesson was weapons training and I doubt that Zaeed would be too pissed if I'm late. This time Garrus had decided to wait with me before going in since he didn't want me to be bored. I asked Jen if she wanted to say but she said she couldn't take much more of my face. That can be really annoying after a while but it doesn't outshine her good qualities.
"Why the fuck does she always do this?" I growled. She was always late and she was so fucking arrogant. She was also a total bitch. When someone complimented her she'd just say 'I know'. She rarely complimented anyone and when she did it was always backhanded. She showed no one any sort of respect to anyone. She has this aggression to her which makes her almost vicious. And she likes to flirt with me in front of Jen which means when she's around my lifespan shortens dramatically
"If you're so frustrated then let's head to class"
"I can't, I keep getting pulled out of form to wait for her, and besides this is her first weapons lesson and she doesn't know her way around"
"Even if we leave now it would take 10 minutes to get to the other side of the school" the Turian added "So heading there without her now would be pointless if she shows up" he pointed out. It would be a pain in the ass to have to walk back here
"You know you can head to class, I'm sure that Rikki won't be here for another few hours"
"Naah, no need. I've finished my project anyway"
"Oh yeah... your baby"
I could almost see the gleam in his eyes when I brought up his beloved M-92 Mantis. He has spent the better part of two years customizing it. He has spent a shit load of credits buying the necessary materials. He designed his own extended barrel which increased power however with the use of mass effect field and some quarian shit that Tali gave him. He has actually managed to make that barrel from ultralight materials so the gun is actually lighter than normal and has extra power. The magazine has been extended that it can hold extra thermal clips as well as an extra slot for ammo modifiers like shredder ammo and disruptor ammo. The scope has been fitted with thermal sensors so he can find anyone no matter what. Not to mention the fact that he has 'GARRUS VAKARIAN' inscribed on it's barrel.
"She's perfect Nate, there's nothing it can't do. Its range is 2km, 2 kilometres Nate. This thing can take a Krogan down in one shot"
"Still not as good as my Eviscerator" I bragged
The look he gave me was priceless; he looked as though I had grown 2 heads. "Are you on red sand?"
I snorted out a laugh "No but I can speak the truth"
"Whatever you're convoluted version of the truth might be" he then started coughing "bullshit"
"Ok Vakarian let's finish this right now. Who is the top ranked student in the school"
Before he could answer Rikki walked into the school, wearing a black leather jacket, and cuffed jeans. She also wore a Hiiipower t-shirt. The exact same one that I have on right now.
"You're earlier than usual" I quipped
"Yeah well the school called my house two hours ago to make sure I got here in time"
"Come on, we're already late. And besides you're already 6 months behind" I informed. She merely shrugged and followed Garrus and I. I constantly gave her directions so that she would remember her way here. But after a while I realised that she wasn't listening and stopped. Garrus of course had to make some smart mouth remark which caused her to chuckle. Is there a single person who hates Garrus?
"If this is worth my time then I might consider coming back" she informed. She's so fucking smug it makes me what to punch her
"Show up! Trust me you do not want Anderson on your case"
"You mean that washed up marine turned teacher"
I instinctively stepped in front of her ready to pin her against the wall but stopped myself "Believe me when I say this. David Anderson is the best teacher this shit-hole has. And he was a great marine"
"Then why isn't he out there with Admiral Hackett or Kahoku. Why isn't he leading our armies" she spat
I know exactly why. But I'm not gonna tell her that "He's here because he's helping to develop the galactic military. Not just that of the Alliance. He's building soldiers for tomorrow"
"What of the Alliance. Whilst we struggle to get a foothold in the galactic community, why is he helping the other races oppress us by making them stronger?" she got more emotional
"What the hell are you talking about?" why is she so passionate about this
Right as I asked that question I just happened to run into the one person who I never wanted to run into. A cold, evil, amoral, waste of scales who's shiny silver coat makes me sick.
"Nathan, why must you always look at me with such disgust?"
"You know damn well why Saren" I growled
"And who is this... thing" he gestured towards Rikki
"I'm a person not a thing you stupid bitch" Rikki retorted
"You had better watch that tongue of yours, unless you wish to see me cut it out" Saren took a step towards her but Garrus stepped in his way
"You're getting one chance Saren. Walk" Garrus threatened. Saren tried to stare Garrus down but Vakarian refused to back down
"I see I'm not wanted. I'll take my leave. Goodbye Nathan, I'll be seeing you and your friends later today" he predicted before jumping out of the open window.
What the hell did he mean; he'd be seeing me and my friends later today. Anything he has planned can't possibly lead to anything good.
"I take it that he's no friend of yours" Rikki grunted
"He's a waist of life" Garrus cussed
"Damn, all he's done is treat me as subhuman and speak to you as though you were retards. And I can already tell that you hate each other" she pointed out
"It takes a lot for me to hate someone. He's done a lot and then some. And you should stay the fuck away from him" I warned
"I'll do whatever the hell I want to"
"If you want to spend all of your time being a racist and trying to find ways to get rid of all humans on the Citadel. Then follow Saren out of the fucking window and be his bitch, someone he possess and let him hate you and use you. Unless that's what you want then listen to what I'm saying and stay away from Saren and his goons"
I could tell that what I had said had an effect on her. Her eyes had a familiar vacancy, followed by a stoic silence.
"We take the second left and then we reach the class" Garrus said snapping the two of us back into reality.
We made our way into the class. I explained why I was late to Zaeed and he simply waved me away saying that he didn't really care.
I took my seat next to Jack and behind Garrus. Rikki stood by Zaeed's desk as he explained the nature of our project. We're already half way through the year but some of us have already finished our projects. When you've done with your project you have to move on to another. It can be the same type of weapon but the modifications have to be different.
"Shepard, Jack come over 'ere" the former mercenary called
We both gave each other a confused look before getting out of our seats. "Okay, this is what is gonna happen. Since you and the crazy bitch have finished your shotgun"
"Listen Scarface! Keep calling me crazy bitch and I will finish the job that Santiago dick head started." Jack punched the desk
Why did Zaeed love poking at her? He even admitted it to himself that fucking with her could get him killed.
"Like father like son eh? Eric did always like the feisty ones" he laughed
"You were saying Zaeed" I interrupted not wanting him to continue down this conversations path
"Yeah I was saying. Since you've finished your shotgun, you need to start a new one. Since this one is your problem you may as well start your next project together. The three of ya"
"Like hell I'm working with her" Jack snarled
"Fine then, Nate you can work with Rikki and Jack can find herself a new partner" the veteran asserted
Jack and Zaeed had their own staring contest and neither of them seemed to back down so I had to intervene. I crouched down slightly and whispered into her ear "You aren't jealous are you?" I teased
"Course not, I just don't like her" she whispered back into my ear
"Why is that? Could it be because of the fact that we're always around each other"
"No way, I'd be more jealous of Rylee"
"Then why can't she work with us" I countered
"You know what fine. You can work with us." she sighed. Normally I felt a hint of pride whenever I manipulated someone, but this time I actually felt bad about doing it. And the fact that it's Jen that I'm manipulating... It just doesn't feel right.
Jen stormed off to her seat and I followed. However I also felt someone grabbing my ass and Rikki had a mischievous smirk. I growled at her and mouthed don't. This is exactly the thing that Jen was worried about. Why the hell did I take Zaeed's side?
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Meanwhile….
The majority of the students were sat at attention, listening to the Salarian professor speak about the cardiovascular system of humans and Asari, more specifically the cardiac cycle. Some of the class weren't really paying attention because they felt that they already knew everything that the good doctor was teaching.
"Quick overview. During atrial systole of the atria contract. Change in pressure causes atrioventricular valves to open. Blood forced into the ventricles. Ventricles then contract, change in pressure causes atrioventricular valves to close and semi lunar valves to open. Blood is then forced into the aorta or the pulmonary artery. Once this is complete, heart muscle relaxes and blood fills the heart with all of the valves open. This is called diastole. Any questions?" The Mordin asked
Thane, Rylee and Liara were taking interest in what was being said and took notes. Any blanks were filled by Thanes eidetic memory. Miranda and Kelly appeared to be bored. Miranda was enthralled by the book she was reading on using tech attacks. Whereas Kelly was busy texting whilst Mordin spoke. Someone had given her Dahlia Dantius' number and they had been flirting ever since.
DD:Hey sexy
KC:Hello babe
DD:How is your class going?
KC:We're doing revision. So it's pretty boring.
DD:Cool, so we can meet up
KC:I doubt my teacher would let me
DD:Just tell him you feel sick
KC:Okay, then where can we meet
DD:I'm headed for Room 92 in the academic wing
KC:OK, see you there xoxoxo ;)
Kelly turned her Omni-tool off and raised her hand, thus gaining the attention of Dr Solus.
"Miss Chambers?"
"Sorry to interrupt Dr. But I'm not feeling too great, can I head over to Dr Chakwas office" she lied
"What is wrong?"
"I have a headache and I'm feeling a bit disoriented"
"Do you wish someone to go with you?"
"No thanks, I don't want to interrupt their learning" Chambers continued to lie. Solus gestured for her to leave. She picked up her bags and exited the room.
She made her way to Room 92. It was fairly close to her biology room so it didn't take her very long to reach it. She stood in front of the room and took a deep breath before entering it.
When she opened the door she didn't find what she had expected to find. The moment she took a step in the room the door locked and two Turians blocked the way out. One of them pushed her forward and into the ground. She let out a high pitched squeal out of surprise and looked up in fear.
Inside the room wasn't only Dahlia Dantius, but also her sister Nassana, a line of Batarians including Balak and his crew. However the most prominent figure in the room was Saren Arterius. He sat in a chair in direct sight of the door. One leg crossed over the other and a perverse smile on his face.
"Good work Dahlia" Saren praised "Balak, I believe that you and your boys can take over from here" he got up from his seat and strolled over towards the door.
"Saren" Balak called, gaining the cold blooded Turians attention "Don't you want to join in, it should be fun"
Saren never bothered to turn around but instead kept his stare at the shut door. Had he turned around, he would have seen the look of absolute fear and dread on Kelly's fragile features. "I wouldn't desecrate myself by providing this... thing any sort of pleasure". He spat his usual brand of racism
Before he could leave he turned to Balak "Do as you wish with it. But keep it alive, Nathan Shepard needs to have a reminder of just who he is dealing with" he spat with a cold blooded smirk.
Saren's mind raced. 'You think you can look at me with eyes that hold so much disdain and get away with it. Vakarian, he had so much potential, when he first met Shepard I saw everything he could have been. The bad blood between the two was palpable and it was the way it should have been. But like everyone else that seems to come around Nathan he perverted them. At this stage none of his... thralls can be saved'
As the door opened Saren let out a slight chuckle. And the last image from the outside looking in. Was that of the Batarians approaching young Miss Chambers with lecherous smiles. They leered at her with an unnatural, tainted lust and she let out a scream. However before the scream could leave the room the door shut and all she could hear was the echo of her last hope.
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Nate POV
After an hour and half of mitigating any potential fight that could have broken out between Jen and Rikki. I was honestly saved by the bell. However since Rikki had nowhere else to go she decided to follow us to the tree like usual. The walk there was awkward since it was mostly filled with death glares from both sides and me standing in the middle. It got so bad that people actually steered clear of us.
When we did arrive at the tree, I was lucky enough to see that Thane, Liara, Javik and Rylee were already there and surprisingly enough so was Miranda was also there. She was speaking with Liara and Rylee whilst Thane and Kaidan sat side by side staring at the clouds. Javik was meditating and was floating from the ground in a similar way to Samara. Garrus, James, Tali and Jacob wanted to stay in class for lunch so they could finish their modifications of their weapons
I decided to join Kaidan and Thane. "What's up?"
"Nothing much... just staring at the clouds" Kaidan answered
"See anything interesting"
"I just saw one which looked like a Varren eating a piece of meat" Thane added
"Wow... you really are bored aren't you" I observed earning a small chuckle from the Drell
"There doesn't appear to be anything to do."
"Why don't you spar or something" I suggested
"As if I would stand a chance" Kaidan interjected
I don't really know what to do. Normally I'd just use my Omni-tool to search the net or play some games. But it just feels like I should be doing something.
I felt a shadow cast over me and from the shape I guessed that it was Turian. "Hey Garrus what do you think we should do?" I asked before turning around. On instinct I stood up and got into a defensive stance.
"Fuck off" I warned Saren who had Tarak in tow
Saren didn't even bother looking at me but instead turned his glare towards Thane. The Drell spent two weeks recovering from the blow to the back of the head "Well Drell, I assume that from our previous encounter you realise that I am not to be trifled with"
"It's funny, I seem to remember you running away" Thane mocked
Saren let out a slight growl "That must be your concussion talking, otherwise I think you'd remember me knocking you out" he bragged
I decided to intervene by stepping in front of Thane. "I told you to fuck off" I warned.
Saren then turned his attention to me for the first time. "You should really be more courteous to those who have something you desire Nathan" he sneered. I really hate the fact that he calls me by my full name. And he always says it in such a patronizing manner that makes me want to kill him.
"The fuck are you talking about?" Jack stood up and stood beside me
"Nathan, keep your pet in line. This conversation is between you and-" before Saren could even finish his sentence Jack had already socked him in the jaw with her biotics. I know that had to hurt.
"Call me a 'pet' again and your Batarian bitch over there be cleaning you off of the pavement" she seethed. I let out a smile knowing fully well that it pissed him off
"Nathan you do like your women to be... enthusiastic and fiery" he praised uncharacteristically
"You're last was the same... be careful that they don't share the same fate" he threatened in a low voice.
On instinct I raised my fist and attempted to punch him but he had already retreated 20 meters back with a biotic jump. "Tarak handle the situation" he ordered before continuing in the direction he was headed. I began to chase only to feel someone tugging at my jacket. It was Kaidan
"Leave him, right now we need to deal with Tarak and his men" he advised.
On the surface it appeared that he was alone. But if you scanned our area and looked carefully you could see that there were at least 11 others. The shadows were oddly shaped and I could see that they were breathing.
"Alright Tarak, what did your master send you to tell me" I cussed
"I don't like your attitude Shepard" he snarled. His four eyes becoming slits, clearly indicating that he wasn't amused
"And we don't like you either" Jack added
"Not very smart are you Shepard. Apologise if you ever want to find the red-head" he announced
What red-head. I don't know anyone who's a red-head apart from... I immediately turned around to face Rylee "WHERE'S KELLY"
Rylee's eyes shot open "I don't know. The last time that I saw her she was leaving class to head to Dr Chakwas"
"What was wrong with her" I inquired
"She said that she had a headache" she recalled. Shit that's the excuse Kelly uses whenever she wants to get out of class for a few minutes to talk. But she normally heads back
"When was that?"
"During Biology"
"I MEANT HOW LONG AGO" I yelled
"About 45 minutes ago"
I spun on my heel and faced Tarak "Where is she?"
"I don't know"
"Don't play games. Not now Tarak now tell me where the fuck KELLY IS UNLESS YOU WANT ME TO SHOVE YOUR OWN FOUR EYES SO FAR UP YOUR ASS YOU'LL BE USING THEM AS TEETH"
"I want that apology first before I even consider giving you that information" he chuckled "Besides Balak isn't quite finished with her yet. You humans are useful for something's aren't you"
Just as I was about to charge at him. Rylee put her hand in front of my chest. "Leave this one to me" she ordered. Storming over to Tarak. He held his arm up in as if to tell his boys to hold up
"Careful girl, for you have no idea who you are up against. I will break y-" Rylee had punched him in the stomach as he was about to finish his sentence. She straightened his arm out before punching his shoulder joint three times. I heard the click of someones' shoulder being dislocated and he let out a scream of pain. He was struggling for air and Rylee once again punched his stomach which only made it worse. With a low kick she kicked his knee and Tarak knelt down. She bent his arm in a natural position before forcing his fist to the ground behind his back.
"Talk now"
"Do you think I didn't plan for this? Come out and ATTACK" he hollered.
"Just how stupid do you think we are Tarak" I said. "In case you never noticed there were nine of us and look how many there are now" he questioned. When Nate had finished asking the question Taraks men had started flying all over the place. Only me, Jen, Thane and Rylee were still here. Javik, Rikki, Kaidan, Miranda and Liara were dealing with his men.
Rylee turned to Thane. "You can join in if you want"
"Very well." Rylee elbowed him in the face causing him to start bleeding profusely. Thane approached his other arm and instructed Rylee to back away before putting Tarak in a Kimura lock
"Tell me where Kelly is or else Thane breaks your arm and I break your ankle"
"Okay, okay... but let me go first" he begged
I stomped over to him and kicked the same knee Rylee kicked as hard as I could and since I was wearing combat boots it broke his knee. His shriek would have caught attention had I not covered his mouth "This isn't a negotiation. Tell me or I kill you"
Tarak began to cry and his sobs were soft. That was when I had realised that I was going too far. His tears actually touched me but my objective prevented me from letting him go "I won't repeat myself, where is Kelly"
"Saren never told me, he merely gave me a data pad" Tarak wept
"Where is this data pad" he pointed at his bag which was on the floor a few feet behind him. When we opened it the image horrified me. Kelly was naked and her makeup had run down her face. Her mascara was lining her cheeks and her lipstick was all over the place. She was bent over and behind her was a Batarian whose face conveyed a grotesque pleasure and there was also another Batarian lying underneath her. They couldn't be doing what I thought they were doing. Kelly was scared and her tears fuelled my anger. Any sympathy I may have had for Tarak disappeared and I broke his other knee.
"WHAT ROOM! NOW"
"I don't know, I really don't" he sobbed. As much as it made me sick I actually believed him. I scanned the photo to see if there was anything that could give me a hint as to where she was. I showed Rylee the picture and her hand immediately twisted thus making his ankle face east instead of north.
"Wait, this is a physiotherapy room. Look at the posters"
"Physiotherapy, that means she's between rooms 86-97" Liara added
"Javik, Jack the two of you can charge right". The two of them nodded. "Good, grab two people and let's head there now". I immediately grabbed Thane and Rylee and Charged in the direction of room 86.
No this can't happen again, losing Talitha to this was painful enough. I can't lose Kelly to this and if I do lose her then the council can go and fuck themselves. Saren would be dead within a week and I would do it with a smile on my face.
When the others arrived I decided to hand out orders "11 rooms 9 people. We can find her immediately"
I opened room 86 and to my frustration I found nothing. I exited the room to see Rikki entering room 92. She immediately charged in with her biotics "ROOM 92" I bellowed and ran as fast as I could to towards the room.
As I approached the door a Batarian was running out of the room with his trousers around his knees. I plastered him up against the wall and punched him in the balls. Upon entering the room spotted Balak trying to escape out of the window. Rikki pulled him into the sky and slammed him into the ground. The ground was lined with unconscious Batarians and Turians.
"AARGH" Rikki's scream was primal as she proceeded to continuously slam Balak into the ground. She then focused her biotics around his throat and began to choke him like she was Darth Vader. Whilst he choked she jumped and punched him with her biotics in the dick. He began to wretch as though he was going to throw up. But his asphyxia prevented him from doing so. She then threw him out of the window.
I couldn't help but smile as I saw the rapist getting what he deserved. But then my father's words then came into my mind. "A man who allows someone to die is just as guilty of murder as the man who commits the crime". "DAMMIT OLDMAN" I roared. Balak deserves to die for what he's done. Why couldn't you have let me let him die!
I cursed him once again as I dived towards the window. I threw a biotic pull towards Balak and hoped it would reach him before he hit the ground. Luckily it did and I dropped him carefully on the ground.
Rylee and Liara walked into the room and saw the carnage. How the hell did Rikki manage to do this much damage in seconds. But more importantly we need to find Kelly.
I scanned the room and was shocked by what I found. Kelly was totally naked lying on the floor. They had cut her wrists and calves but the lacerations were shallow so she didn't lose much blood. The way she laid on the floor allowed me to get a good look at her neck and left shoulder blade. Her shoulder was covered in bite marks, a way of trying to leave their physical mark as well as psychological. Her usually pale skin was red particularly at her neck. They had been strangling her as well as all of the other sordid things that came to their sick minds.
Kelly sat up and tentatively scanned the room for hostiles. When she caught a glimpse of me she yelped. She hugged herself as a protective barrier and that caused my heart to sink. I needed to find her clothes maybe that could make her feel better. I tried to find them but I couldn't. All that I found was torn fabric and her shoes. Luckily she still had her jacket.
Rylee spotted the jacket and ran over to her to give it back to her but Kelly immediately jumped. Rylee was about to touch her and she screamed. This caused Rylee to immediately retract her. She began to cry great heaving sobs, intense, crying in abject misery and intermittent sobs tears rolling down her cheeks, devastated, pink eyes, red in the face, seemingly endless flow of tears.
I couldn't help it and neither could most in the room. My eyes began to sting as I saw the state of one of my best friends. I began to think of what Kelly has done for me ever since I had met her. She had been my rock, she had been a calming influence whenever my nightmares had gotten out of control. Those nights texting her sometimes for the entire night. Garrus was the one who kicked me up the ass when I needed it and she was the soft touch who allowed me to feel sorry for myself. I never told her directly what was bothering but she assumed that it was about Talitha. It was a good enough excuse for me to pour out my emotions. A lone tear fell down my cheek but it was soon followed by a quiet cascade.
I tried looking away so that she wouldn't see me like this. As I turned I noticed that almost everyone was in tears. Rylee and Liara were the most obvious about it whereas Miranda was far more discreet about it. She had turned around but she was constantly rubbing her eyes, whilst Kaidan was attempting to keep a straight face but failed. Jack had a grim expression on her face and even Javik appeared moved. Rikki remained focused on the window but her sly glances gave away her emotion. We all felt pity for this poor girl.
"Thane... call Dr Chakwas, tell her to get here immediately. Level Alpha" my voice was so defeated that I thought he might not have registered my instruction but he nodded and exited the room, heading for the emergency contact port.
My Omni-tool started to ping. I looked at it and saw that I had 3 missed calls. All from Samantha Traynor. Shit not now, of all the times in the world why did she have to call now. I ignored the call and walked out of the room. I slid down the wall and let out a sigh of frustration.
Jen soon followed and she sight beside me. We both stared into each other's eyes. Without even speaking we both knew that neither of us wanted to talk. She rested her head on my shoulder and I draped my arm around her. I stared at the green wall in front of me for what seemed like hours. My mind was totally blank, there was nothing going through it.
I heard footsteps coming towards us. I lazily turned my neck to see Dr Chakwas coming towards us with Anderson in tow. They had an urgency to their stride.
"What's so urgent that the two of us need to be here?" Dr Chakwas demanded
I merely turned my head to the room
I heard the doctor gasp at the sight before her. Anderson muttered oh my God. They stood there for a few seconds before entering the room. I would have gotten up and followed if I didn't feel so... lost.
Anderson had entrusted me with the responsibility of keeping my friends safe and I've let him down. Freaking hell why the hell do I keep fucking up. I growled before taking my fist and punching my forehead repeatedly. The pain was oddly refreshing and calming so I increased the power which I did it as well as the frequency. Jack grabbed my fist and struggled to stop me before she decided to do the only thing that could have prevented me from harming myself. She kissed me. In an instant all of the frustration had disappeared and was replaced by lust, all I wanted was her. When she pulled away I had to fight the urge to jump at her.
"Why the fuck do you have to hurt yourself when you're in pain?" she demanded
"What?"
"You always hurt yourself whenever you feel emotional pain. Just because physical pain is easier to deal with doesn't make it the best choice" she said
"Jack just drop it"
"Don't call me Jack when it's the two of us" she warned
"OK Jen so what's you're oh so great piece of wisdom" I irked.
She let out a slight snarl before answering my question "Stop punching yourself. That kind of pain doesn't help anyone"
"Really, you're one to talk. Look at all those tattoos, bet you found those real useful. Don't act like it never hurt" I spat before realising what I just said. I was about to offer her an apology but she had already socked me on the jaw.
"You're a real piece of shit you know that Shepard" she seethed before running away
Shit! Why am I such a dumbass? She was trying to help and I reacted by being an asshole. Here I am trying to show her I'm different from the other guys who've been in her life and I say that in one of the few moments where she's trying to help someone. If I saw her doing the same thing and I probably would have said the same exact thing.
I need to stop feeling sorry for myself, it's really starting to piss me off
"Nice going there smooth talker" Rikki smirked leaning against the doorway however the smirk seemed forced
"Not now Rikki"
"What's the matter Shepard, did you and the missus have a fight"
I grabbed her and forced her up against the locker with force "Don't push me"
She had a blank expression on her face, but wasn't squirming or uncomfortable by what I was doing. She was used to this sort of thing "You have the eyes of a killer, your girlfriend too. But the difference is the attitude. You have one of a killer with a conscience. Whose blood is on your hands" she analysed.
I let go of her with one hand and used in to drill a hole through the locker "Do yourself a favour and shut up" I threatened. She's really starting to get under my skin
I smirked "You're calling me a killer, what happened with you and Balak"
"Who?"
"The Batarian you threw out of the window but not before beating the shit out of him"
Her eyes hardened and she looked as though she were going to kill me "People like him deserve to die. Him and every Batarian in the room deserve a fate worse than death" she said in a cold manner. It was something I had never seen from her before. The immediate change in attitude caused me to let her go
"Care to explain how you took out all of those Batarians in seconds"
"It's called flare"
"That explains that now why did you throw Balak out the window"
Her biotics flared and she knocked me on my ass. "MIND YOUR FUCKING BUSINESS". By the time I'd gotten a hold of my bearings she was gone. Great now I'm 2 for 2
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Jack POV
God damned, dick brained, shit eating, hypocritical, Boy Scout ASSHOLE. Who the fuck does he think he is to start talking about my ink. Trying to get in my head and mess with it. Not misunderstanding like I used to, that was done out of pure spite. If I go back to his place I am going to rip his balls off and sell it to a Krogan.
"AAAARRRRGGGGH" I screamed. That shit head knows how to screw with my head and get under my skin. All I did was try to snap him out of his pity fest and get him to grow a pair and stop feeling sorry for himself. What does he do? He... he... he... AARRRRGH
I heard footsteps coming this was so I jumped towards the ceiling. If dumbass has come to apologize or even try and talk to me, then he is going to die.
It wasn't dumbass which made me feel sort of funny. Am I disappointed? Nah, can't be it's probably nothing. It was the boy scouts new gal pal. She looked pissed off as hell, wonder what got her panties in a bunch. She took out a cigarette and began smoking it sighing out of relief when she exhaled.
I decided to drop behind her, I had hoped that I could land without a sound like Kasumi but that's almost impossible to do in combat boots. I landed with a loud thud and she took up a defensive stance.
"Relax, it's just me"
"Urrgh" she scoffed. No wonder he doesn't like her
"What? Are you gonna report me for smoking"
"Why the fuck should I care"
She looked at me with a mixture of approval and disinterest. After taking a whiff of the smoke I began to wonder exactly why I stopped. That was before I got a look at her black painted nails, the edges has a yellow tinge. Oh yeah, it fucks you up.
"Your boyfriends an asshole, I wanna kill him"
"Get in line" I folded my arms
"What did he do to...?" I began to feel myself losing my consciousness. Not like I'm passing out but that I was losing control of my body. Slowly my mind started going blank. What the fuck is going on?
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Nate POV
Kelly was given a sedative so that she would fall asleep. The building was cleared and so was the path to the emergency exit so she could be taken to Huerta Memorial. I was still lying where Rikki had left me.
Miranda exited the room and was followed closely by Kaidan. She took the seat just to my left and Kaidan to my right. "So do you want to explain the yelling?"
"Not really no"
"Sorry you misinterpreted what I said. What happened?" she was more direct this time.
"I got pissed and pissed Jack and Rikki off. Jack punched me and Rikki threw me into the lockers"
"That would explain the blood running down your arm" Alenko observer
"Gold star for Kaidan" I mocked.
"I know you too well for this shit to work on me Nate, I'm not going away" he asserted
"I wouldn't make promises I can't keep if I were you. I'm 2 for 2 and on a hot streak."
"I know that what happened to Kelly is on your mind but that doesn't mean you can be an ass" he scowled.
I don't know what was up with me but I was determined to piss the two of them off. "So when are the two of you gonna get it on"
To my amusement it caused Miranda's jaw to drop. "What!"
"I mean you've been spending a lot of time together lately, I mean it's obvious that Kaidan likes you" I stated this time with Kaidan giving me a look that could kill
"Kaidan has always been frigid, explains why he's still a virgin. I mean Miranda you are a beautiful woman and that can intimidate a guy." I continued. Kaidan's biotics started to flare whilst Miranda tensed up
"Kaidan you have a tough act to follow. The last guy who caught Miranda's eye was this handsome devil who was..." for the third time in 15 minutes I was hit by a biotic attack. Kaidan punched me in the stomach causing me to lose some of the oxygen in my lungs.
I stood up still holding my stomach and focused my biotics into my fist. "You really want to do this huh?" I warned cracking my muscles and loosening up the muscles in my hand
Kaidan took up a fighting posture and allowed his biotics to show. He wasn't going to back down and neither was I.
"Nate! What is the matter with you" Miranda was horrified by my actions. But I saw her eyes going blank before becoming these lifeless husks. What used to be dark, chocolate brown turned into blackness.
She strutted over to Kaidan, swaying her hips with a purpose. She pushed her chest up and tantalisingly touched Kaidan's chin "So you want me" she said in voice I had never heard before. She was seducing him
Kaidan gulped but didn't say a word "It's okay if you do" she moved her lips within Kaidan's. She maintained that distance whilst altering her stare from his eyes to his lips. It must be killing him not to just kiss her right now. I know that I don't have that much self-control
She whispered into his ear "The next move is yours"
Without even thinking him closed the gap between their lips. She ran her hands down his back and he ran his through her hair. Their moans were erotic, a sound I never associated with Kaidan. He pressed her up against the locker. And her hands found their way to his ass
"NATE" I heard a familiar voice
"Jack what are you doing here"
"Please call me Jennifer" she begged. What the fuck is going on
"What's going on?"
"I am so sorry about punching you on the jaw. It wasn't the least bit lady like"
"Lady like?"
"Neither are these tattoo's nor is the string of profanity I always launch in your direction" she was articulating her words and she hasn't sworn at me yet
"Who are you and what have you done with my girlfriend?"
She looked genuinely hurt by my words "Oh no... You're mad at me. Please don't leave me. Please, please, please" she pleaded getting on the ground clinging to my leg
"Get off of me"
"Never! I will keep this up until you love me the way I love you" she declared. That cause a shiver to run down my spine and goose bumps to run down my arm. My body had shut down for a second just at the mention of that word. THIS ISN'T JEN!
As I was about to retaliate I felt her shivering on my leg before looking around as though she were lost "Where am I and why the fuck am I on the floor"
Kaidan and Miranda had finally decided to break apart for air. Miranda had a lustful smile on her face. But that lust evaporated at the same time Jack asked why she was on the floor. After staring at his lips and realising just how close the two of them were to each other her cheeks turned a deep shade of scarlet.
She gently pushed Kaidan away "What's going on?"
"What?" he responded
Jen stood up off the ground and dusted herself off. I pulled Kaidan into a private corner so I could talk to him "Do you know what just happened?" I whispered
"No! One minute we're making out then the next she's acting like nothing's happened" he answered "Do you think their screwing with us?" he suggested
"I doubt it. Jack would never say any of those words to me as a joke. And does Miri really strike you as the type of girl to do that for the sake of it" I explained
"Guess you're right. But that still doesn't explain anything"
"I would ask... but I don't think that either of them want to talk to us right now" he observed. Jen and Miranda were walking away... together. They were even talking together without threatening each other. This is serious
"I guess we'll just have to find out later"
"Oh yeah, why did she ask you to call her Jennifer" Kaidan wondered
"I'll explain it to you later"
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I had a conversation with Anderson about my behaviour. I laid out everything that I had done, ranging from Rikki to Kaidan. He reamed me out about it, went on about me being a leader and that what I did was only mitigated by what happened to Kelly. And in spite of that I shouldn't have lashed out at them like that. I had already apologised to Kaidan at school and he reluctantly accepted my apology.
I didn't have Rikki's number so I couldn't call her nor did I know where she lived. But I did know where Miranda and Jen lived so... Now I have to apologise to them. I've stood outside Miri's room for 2 minutes wondering if I should go now. I was surprised when the door opened. There was no one at the door so I walked in.
"You could have knocked instead of standing outside my room like a fish" she smiled
"How did you know I was out here?"
"Ori called me and told me"
"Her and Jade are getting a little too good at not being noticed for my liking"
"Blame Jack and your mother constantly playing hide and seek with them"
"It's just a kid's game"
"I'm not saying it's a bad thing. Now if you're looking for an argument then leave. I've made more than enough of that today" she dismissed
"I came here to apologise for being an ass... but if you'd rather I left" I made my way to the door with a cheeky smirk
"So you behave like an ass to apologise for being an ass" she cocked an eyebrow
"Paradoxical aren't I"
"More like stupid. You'll need more than an unappealing smile and subpar looks to get me to forgive you" she smirked
"Ouch! You wound my fragile heart" I held my hands to my chest
I never noticed someone enter the room "Getting real nice and cushy the two of you are. Maybe you could paint her nails and she can suck your dick" Jen was looking at Miranda's shelf and inspecting the objects which lined it.
"Good to see you Jack. It would be even better to see you leave" Miranda spat
"Watch your mouth cheerleader before I shove my fucking fist up your ass and remove your teeth"
"Here I thought that you were becoming a civilised creature"
"I'll civilise your ass in a minute"
"Not very witty. I guess jealousy does reduce intelligence"
"What would I be jealous of your fake tits or your plastic ass?"
"Everything I have is natural. But I guess you wouldn't know that being a Varren trapped in a boy's body"
"If I could interject before you tear a whole in the Citadel. Both of you calm down and Jen follow me before one of the two of you say something you might later regret"
Jack used her biotics to push half of the contents of the shelf onto the floor before walking out. Really petty, almost as though they were flirting. Maybe there may be some sexual tension between the two. If either of them could hear me think then I'd be a smear on the wall.
"Stop thinking about the cheerleader and me getting it on Shepard, not if you like your cock where it is" Jen threatened with her hand near my dick.
"I wasn't..."
"Lie to me so blatantly and it's the last words you'll say"
"Won't happen again Ma'am" I saluted
She folded her arms and puffed "Ass hole"
I wrapped my arms around her and kissed the top of her head. "I'm sorry" I whispered
"Forget about it Nate. I get it, you were pissed off and angry..."
"But that doesn't make it okay" I interrupted.
"If you'd let me finish then maybe I could explain"
"Sorry"
She sighed "As I was saying; it's not as if I've never lashed out at you when I got pissy"
"Wow, that's not at all what I was expecting. To be honest I'm a little..."
"What? Surprised that the crazy tattooed bitch could actually do something right and was capable of being sensible"
"No..." I shifted uncomfortably "I was going to say happy and a little proud"
"Oh..." The surprise on her face was evident as well as the blush that stained her cheeks. She turned away to face the other direction and muttered "Yeah, yeah whatever"
I couldn't help but smile as she grabbed my hand and started to guide me "Where are we going"
"Just shut up and follow me."
She led me into my room and took off her socks showing black painted nails with little skulls on them which were actually really cute. She went into my armoury to do something. I decided to put my white vest on along with a plain black bottom. I laid on the bed and closed my eyes. I felt someone climb into bed and turned to see her. She was facing me wearing one of my old OVO shirts along with one of my pair of grey and light red striped boxers. Since the waist was too big she used some string to cinch them up tight.
"Arms" she ordered and I put arms around her.
"Sheets" she said and I pulled the sheets over our bodies
"Lips" she smiled and I placed a gentle kiss on her lips and in an instant she was fast asleep. And I soon followed.
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Illusive Man POV
Cerberus HQ
I've just received word on what has happened to young Kelly Chambers. The chief of Medicine at Huerta Memorial informed me of the nature of her injuries. And one of the student's at the Institute informed me as to the nature of the attack and Kai Leng was sent to deal with those who committed this great atrocity.
No one seems to care that a young human girl was violated, some even applaud what has happened and claimed it was in the name of justice considering Cerberus' actions.
It is apparently clear that the plan needs to be accelerated before more humans are forced to suffer. I will not be in the same league as those Council Swine who are paralysed by indecision and seem to be capable of doing nothing but converting Oxygen to Carbon dioxide.
"Eva" I called out to the beautiful woman who stood at the entrance.
I took a sip of my bourbon and inhaled my cigarette. The ecstasy as well as the calm allowed me to see that I was making the correct decision. "Tell Dr Chandana to accelerate his research and finish the project within the next month. And tell General Petrovsky to finish his plan quickly."
"Jack are you sure about this" she asked
"I am certain. We have the technology and superior knowledge. Victory is certain" I declared
"As you wish" she left the room to fulfil my orders
A new age is dawning.
One which will be led by Humanity and Cerberus!