Loyalties:
Mass Effect Trilogy is a Bioware game. For any reference to the Official Game All rights are owned by Bioware. The Fan Fiction "Mass Effect At Dawn Again" is fruit of my imagination and my work, it is a free tribute, passionate and personal to a great video game. It is not allowed any use partial or total for profit and not.
Chapter 17
A chance to grab at once!
(Never even a second of sex!)
… Soon, we were aboard the Shuttle, with the new Pilot, Lt. Steve Cortez, at the controls. I felt right from the start he was a good guy. As for you, you already had won in a heartbeat all his esteem and respect ... along with his total admiration!
We needed the support of a very skilled soldier, capable of an endless firepower. So, you brought Lt. Vega, with us. James couldn't wait to fight by your side!
The Reapers, came in droves, also near Palaven, and its own largest Moon. The Planet was to fire and sword ... the Turian fleet's resistance was despairing ... the invasion was total!
I was watching from the orbit, as we approached aboard of shuttle. My eyes wide open were full of dismay! That terrifying spectacle, wrapped me in a great sense of helplessness, of consternation, for all those thousands of victims. I couldn't help but compare the devastation to which we were witnessing, with horrific events, which had involved the Earth, leaving you with ripped heart, and your soul made in pieces!
I felt explode back into my chest, all the despair and pain that I had shared with you, when you were on your Planet, massacred by the Reapers. I felt a great discomfort, a protective instinct, but irrepressible towards you. Coupled with a boundless sense of solidarity. The need of sharing your heartbreaking unease, which had also become mine!
I was wondering if Garrus was on Palaven. If he was in danger ... if he was still alive! I could not help but worry for him!
L: Oh no ... no ... Palaven!
James stared at me in disbelief. He seemed embarrassed by my reaction. He didn't know what to say. You explained to him, we had an old friend down there. While you were talking, even your voice could not hide the concern.
Turians got the strongest military in the galaxy, but the Reapers was obliterating it. They wiped them out, with no effort. Their supremacy was really overwhelming!
I felt suffocated by such a strength and cruelty exhibition. I felt within me the same helplessness sense that you experienced during the attack on Earth! It had never stopped hurting yet!
I wanted to share with you all that horror. I wished with all myself to stay close with you. To soothe your distress, my own! Although a sudden, I was afraid that, it was incurable!
L: By the Goddess! This is just like on Earth!
S: Yes!
L: Shepard ... I'm so sorry!
You looked down, sighing. You were pouring me your mood directly in the middle of the heart, when you said ...
S: Yeah, I know!
Lt. Cortez called your attention quickly because, land troops of the Reapers were attacking the shuttle, trying to prevent us from landing.
The time to act had come! Anger was blazing inside us, like a fire. Bullets bounced against the Kodjak's sides, hammering into our heads. The furious screams of enemies, scratched us, deeply hurt. Our survival instinct shouted strong within each of us. We had an irresistible impulse ... the unique and unstoppable need ... stop them!
S: James, open that hatch!
We cut through the enemies, angrily, crushing them in a matter of minutes! We had to get to the HQ as soon as possible, tracking down the Turian Primarch, getting him to come with us, on board the Normandy.
Their Base of Operations was not far away. General Corinthus, was waiting for us. He seemed very happy to see us ...
However, the General had to give us, worse than expected news! Our landing on Menae was starting on the wrong foot. The Primarch Fedorian had died just an hour before our arrival! Unfortunately, he had been shot down by the Reapers, while he was trying to leave the moon with his shuttle.
It was a serious problem for everyone that certainly would complicate the matter. Turians used Palaven's largest moon as an outpost to surround the enemy. However, the trick was proving useless because, the strength of the Reapers was such as make them immune of any kind of strategy. The General had lost more than 400 soldiers, just in the last half hour ... Primarch included!
Turian Hierarchy established a clear line of succession, but at that time, with losses so heavy, it was difficult to appoint a new Primarch.
That was up to the task of Palaven Command, which unfortunately, it was impossible to contact because, the Communications Tower had been knocked out. The area was infested with husks who prevented any attempt to repair.
We had to act, so the first thing we could do was groped to repair the Tower ...
When we reached the Communications Tower, you entrusted me with the task of repair it. In the meantime, you and James got my back, eliminating all husks who came out in force, to try stopping us.
Fortunately, the damage was not very serious, and within minutes I was able to fix it, restoring communications.
When we got back to HQ, General Corinthus was already seeking to get orders from his command. However, Turian Hierarchy was in chaos because of too many dead or missing! We urgently needed someone ... whoever would've been able to provide us with the Turian Fleet!
While we were discussing with the General, a familiar voice pleasantly interrupted our talk, filling us both with joy. Our dear friend Garrus Vakarian was alive, in good shape, and as always ready to offer all his help!
G: I'm on it, Shepard! We'll find you the Primarch!
S: Garrus!
... And, he had the look of a really big shot, in Turian's command line!
GC: Vakarian, Sir ... I didn't see you arrive ...
G: At ease, General!
You and Garrus very affectionately shook hands, treating yourself to a quick hug. Judging from how Garrus' scars were dancing and stretching out on his face, I could swear that, even Turians sometimes get a burst of joy, and they have to struggle hard to hold back the emotion!
S: Good to see you in one piece, old boy! The usual tough cookie, isn't it … Archangel?! I thought you'd be on Palaven!
G: You also are safe and sound, Shepard, as usual ... the best sound! I'm glad! When I learned of the Earth, I really hoped, eventually those jackasses would give back your ship to you, my "super tough" Commander! You know ... when you were under lock and key, I came to visit you, but .. they didn't even let me see you!
S: Oh, I know, Garrus. Thanks, you're a good friend ... as usual the best! Fear not, it wasn't because you're ugly as the hell! You know, they didn't allow me to see anyone, not even Liara! In any case, I really wanna an opportunity to get a holy three-day drunk, with you! Just like old times! Accidentally, you seem became something more than a rebel ex C-Sec! So, what are you doing here?!
G: Actually ... I'm the closest damn thing we have to an expert on Reaper forces, so I'm … advising!
James didn't know Garrus, yet. So, you introduced him as a hell of a soldier. A loyal friend who always had been at your side. Among other things, helping you stop the Collectors ...
I was very happy to see Garrus! I hoped he could join us. Garrus is a formidable soldier, but above all he is a good friend. Tall, bulky and stubborn one who never gives up! Our old Crew was slowly put back together. Our mood could only improve, for this!
The General Corinthus updated Garrus of the situation. Finally, he seemed to know who we had to looking for. The Command of Palaven decided to appoint Primarch another soldier, General Adrien Victus.
Garrus had fought alongside him in the morning. I also had already heard him. General Victus spent a lifetime in Army. He was very well known among the troops. General Victus was a leader out of the ordinary. He was really appreciated for his strategies nothing short of informal.
Victus was brave and shrewd. He knew bide his time before acting, getting the most gain with the least pain. More than once he had shown great self-confidence, and objectivity. Victus was not an ordinary person, even in Garrus opinion. Not a political, but not even the classic archetype of "Turian military style". Perhaps for this reason, the General could be the key factor, in attempt to build a solid alliance, between two Species bound together with the same terrible fate!
Well, our day was definitely improving! However, while we were about to move, Joker called you. He seemed very anxious ...
JK: we've got a situation on the Normandy, Commander! It's like she's possessed … shutting down systems, powering up weapons. I can't find the source!
Joker report sounded odd! That sort of irregularity, did not have much sense. I was afraid it might be any kind of anomaly introduced with data download from Cerberus machine. Something able to corrupt our standard operating routines.
The only way to be sure, it was the manually checking of systems from my terminal, searching for any potential bypass of security. In any case, we could not afford to risk any process block, right in the middle of a battle!
You looked at me in silence, without giving me a direct order. I knew, you'd never asked because, you promised! However, at that moment I was the only one who could try to understand what it was happening to the ship systems. My help would be much more valuable if I came back. So, it was me to ask you!
Of course, you felt relieved. So, I got your immediate permission. Luckily, you could always count on Garrus help.
General Victus, could be anywhere, even Garrus had not heard from him since they had left. While General Corinthus, tried to radio contact Victus, the sky was obscured by a creepy flying monster. It was a Harvester which was heading to the Airport. You tried to hit it with everything available. However, the creature didn't seem to worry about you. It was ignoring you. It was heading to its own primary target, where probably even Victus was going.
Garrus was trembling with excitement, but he tried in every way to restrain his impatience, not to let you guess, he was dying to come with you! He wanted nothing more than ... you asked him! You threw him an accomplice glance, as he was no longer able to hold off his scars, once again! You felt excited by the presence of Garrus. You were very happy to have him back. You could feel its safe step behind you. Its faithful presence get your back, and it was all you needed, to make you feel optimistic. You looked at Garrus who was caressing his rifle, and suddenly your mission began to seem to you, a little less impossible.
However, to reach General Victus was really long and laborious because of the Reapers who guarded every street, and every communication way. Everywhere it was swarming by husks, marauders, cannibals and brutes which absorbed all your energy.
However, the new Primarch was too important to us. So, you had no intention of stopping you. You had only one possible option, find Victus and get him on board of the Normandy, no matter the price! Despite the overwhelming supremacy of the enemy. Despite the General had no plans to leave his men. Even when he refused to give up the battle.
Your arguments never stopped to be sadly convincing. The Earth had already faced Palaven's fate, and it had been left alone! If Victus didn't want also Palaven fell down on its own, he could do just one thing … come with you!
The new Primarch was first and foremost a soldier. He felt on his skin the overwhelming superiority of the Reapers, just like you! Victus knew, the Turian army alone would never be able to resist for long.
So, he promised the full support of the Turian Fleet, and every soldier still able to wield a weapon. However, in return, he asked you to ... convince the Krogans to join us, deploying their army to the aid of Palaven!
It seemed an impossible feat, but you couldn't pay any attention! So, you grabbed the chance at once, and Primarch Victus agreed to follow you aboard of Normandy!
… Liara raises Shepard's hand, resting the back to her lips, by drawing the outline with kisses. She compress it to her own cheek, by sliding within of her neck, and pressing it tenderly on it, as she smiles to herself. Then, Liara speaks to Shepard in amused tone ...
L: Eh, you know Emy? I was thinking back to my father! She believed that you ... well, that our relationship was just a matter of sex for you! Do you know how she called it? "Just a pleasant distraction! An exciting adventure with a fascinating Asari beauty!"... By the Goddess! So, here is what she thought of you ... about Us!
Then, Liara's tone becomes more serious. She cannot hide a little bit of concern, a breath of nostalgia ...
L: Oh, Shepard! Who knows where my father will be! I've received no further news of her! She looks totally freak out, I know, but ... I'm sure she isn't like it sounds! I feel something very deep in her. How can I say? There's a bond which binds us intimately that is not yet broken. She cares about me. She loves me! You know, I clearly sensed that day on the Citadel! When you're better, I want you help me find her, Emily because, I want to know my father better! I need to understand a few things!
Finally, Liara's voice slowly regains good mood ...
L: I really hope, she's still alive! I wish to let her know that, I love her and ... eh, eh, there was never even a second of sex between us! To tell the truth, in the beginning, it was me to put pressure on you, remember? Conversely, you wanted to wait, don't make me rush. You had to be sure that, make my first "fusion of love" with you, it was what I really wanted. Maybe, if my father knew, she would think that, her daughter is a bad lot who tried in every way to seduce the charming Commander Shepard, isn't it?!
Liara gets up smiling, as she leans on Shepard's brow. She greets her with a kiss, a caress on the face, another kiss, then Liara laughs again ...
L: Eh, eh ... Ok, kidding enough! It's late, I let you rest. Good night, my Soul, see you tomorrow.
… Even Aethyta smiles, crossing the curious gaze of Karin. Then, she hides her face with her hands, opening the fingers after a few seconds, checking the amused expression of her mate who says ...
K: I think there's a certain Matriarch here who must give me a bunch of explanations!
Aethyta hides her face again. Her voice is amused, but Karin perceives also a thin thread of embarrassment ...
A: Oh please my Sugary don't rage! I already feel a fucking idiot enough, believe me!
Karin is very curious to know some details about Aethyta's past. She cannot resist in front of such a tasty opportunity. So, Karin takes advantage of very playful atmosphere which arisen between them, continuing to joke ...
K: You know, my Sweetie? I have a new experimental truth serum, just finished to synthesize. Strong stuff! So ... don't compel me using!
A: Eh eh eh, okay, okay, all right ... I'll tell you! Liara was referring to when I met Shepard on the Citadel, remember? I've already talked about!
K: hmm, go ahead ...
A: Well, that specimen of human beauty seemed also a good girl! I knew she had performed heroic deeds, but I also believed the stories, Asari Government had circulated about her! You know, the affiliation to Cerberus, the actions as terrorist, the Alfa Relay explosion ... well, that kind of bullshit! So, it was not clear, what to expect from such a hottie and dangerous, girl!
Oh, shit Karin, you know it! I was afraid that Shepard was taking the piss with Liara. She could get sex and profit from my little chick! So, I was very blunt with Shepard, trying to seem hardass! I spoke straight. I told her, I was the father of Liara, and I didn't come for charity work because, I knew that my daughter was one of the biggest Intel brokers in the galaxy, and she got some shady connections, including ... a girlfriend, who used to work for Cerberus!
Shepard didn't flinch! She didn't seem scared or daunted by me, for nothing. Oh, fuck! And what I was expecting from such a badass girl!? In response, she crossed her arms calmly and nicely, wondering if by chance, I was threatening her! So, I tried to put on her some fear. Oh Sugar, I know my stuff! I can be very dangerous if I want! So, I raised my voice, and I told her ...
A: I'm no commando, but I've had a thousand years to learn to fight dirty. Nobody messes with my girl! … Anyway, you combine her work with Benezia, and ... well, the Matriarchs might've ordered a hit if I hadn't agreed to keep an eye on her.
Shepard reacted in so protective way, and ... so did I!
S: that's not going to happen!
A: no argument here. I only took these crap jobs to keep the Matriarchs happy that she's under control!
Suddenly, Shepard's tone became very determined. She merely cast a menacing glance, piercing me. I felt put myself completely naked. I realized that she was not joking. Ha! By the balls of the great Kredak! Eventually, she was scaring me! It was very clear what she meant!
S: just as long as we're clear. Nobody messes with my girl!
However, Liara's serenity was the most important thing. I had no intention to let me scare. I had the opportunity to realize once and for all, what Shepard felt for Liara. So ... I didn't have scruple to ask ...
A: Yeah, right! Your girl or rather ... your own fabulous sex toy!? Hey! I've seen the way you look at her, Commander! Surprised your panties haven't caught fire yet!
Shepard didn't seem at all embarrassed, or upset. She threw me a defiant grin, as she added in smugly air ...
S: Oh, Yeah! ... Actually, Liara is the most arousing creature in the whole damn galaxy! But ... fear not! Fire danger is not real. I usually take off my panties well before it happens! However ... in the event, you were asking ... I am madly in love with Liara!
A: ah, ah. Well, maybe you're good enough for her … after all!
Well, to be honest, I didn't expect that Shepard would express an attachment so indisputable towards Liara. I was pleasantly surprised, but my paternal instinct wasn't completely reassured, yet. Shepard was very quiet anyway. She never lost her temper, despite my continuous attempts to get a rise out of her. She told me, to boot, Liara would love to meet me, speaking with me!
I was left speechless! Athame, Oh my favorite goddess! Oh, I was about to pass out by excitement, Karin! The mere thought of talking to my daughter sent me out of mind!
Shepard sat down at the table with Liara, and after a few minutes, she came speaking! Holy crap! Just if I think, I want to cry! Oh, you know, it was amazing! It was the first time we talked since she was a very very little girl!
Liara stood for a long, conversing with me. She asked about her mother. She wanted to know if I loved Benezia, and why It was over. The reasons why I left them high and dry.
Oh, Could Athame zap me! Liara thought, it was me to leave her because I didn't want a pureblood daughter! Ah, what a bullshit! I told her, I never ever would've abandoned her!
A: Hey, my little! I would never leave my lovely baby, I swear! Let alone for such a stupid reason! However, you're not a pureblood Liara. My dad was a Krogan that makes you a quarter Krogan!
Liara had spent her life thinking about being a pureblood. Sometimes, she had suffered a lot for this! So, she naturally needed to be reassured. Therefore, I joked a bit with her. I also needed to play down a bit. I could barely stand up for the thrill!
L: that's not how it works!
A: I'm a thousand years old. I've had kids with Hanar. Don't tell me how Asari reproduction works.
L: wait … I have a half sister who's part Hanar?
A: I thought that wasn't how it worked ... but no, I was kidding! Just to get out this result my ... a quarter Krogan daughter!
Then, I chaffed her a little, saying that if she felt the urge to head butt something, it was genetic. I begged her didn't go all her blood rage on me. Liara kept repeating that she never wanted to head butt anything. Oh, it was very fun! Then, we talked about her mother ...
L: you loved her?
A: Of course I loved her ... oh, so much! For more than a century. Your mother and I, we have wanted you a lot, Liara! However, when Benezia was offered an important office as Asari Government's Ambassador, things changed between us. Your mother was smart, and she loved to talk. Oh fucking shit! Nobody deserved that position more than her! It was a very delicate job, purely political that she loved! The fact we were married, however, became a handicap for Benezia very soon ...
L: but … why?
A: sex appeal. Most species only pay attention if they want to have sex with you. So, if you want to entertain high-level diplomatic relations, you've to be prepared to use all your charm. In order to achieve your goals, you've to be available ... mysterious. You can't be the wise counselor when you're married!
So, I told Liara, there was only one reason why her mother decided to send our marriage to hell ... to follow a fucking damn career!
A: Benezia decided our marriage was much less exciting than her career, Liara! One day she told me, she was leaving. That it was over, and I had not try to stop her that ... I would never see my daughter!
L: Oh, it's terrible father! But, why did you not tried to stop her?
A: Because I was desperately in love with her, my dear child! However, I couldn't force her to love me! Our relationship had turned into a fucking hell! I wouldn't let you grow up in such an unstable climate, brimful with bickering and disharmony. So, I let her go, even if with her, it was leaving the best part of me! Despite the pain, not to see you grow up it was nothing less than … crushing!
L: But ... that's not true! Those aren't mutually exclusive. There are many Councelors married, and even Shepard listens to me!
A: Yeah, and how many times have you thrown her on the bed, and peeled her out of her uniform?
Oh, Athame! Liara was very embarrassed. Sometimes she's so shy, talking about sex! She doesn't look like an Asari! Oh well, certainly she bears no likeness to me! Poor girl had completely purple cheeks. She didn't know which way to look! However, she retorted with assurance, saying ...
L: do you have make it sound so ... tawdry? Shepard and I are in love! ... Our relationship is ... well, so deep! Has nothing to do with sex!
Of course, I was worried about her. So, I tried to investigate further, but I did nothing but increase her embarrassment. She said nothing more!
A: Yeah, right! ... Hey little chick, I've seen how she looks at you!
L: Oh please, cut it out! Anyway, none of your business!
A: By Athame, Karin! Shepard and Liara had got the "Perfect Fusion," and I was trying to suggest there was nothing but sex between them?! Oh, my daughter must've thought, her father is a total jackass! Anyway ... as you already know my Sugary, my opinion about Shepard is radically changed since then!
Karin smiles, her voice is captivating and mischievous. The playful tone immediately catches the senses of Aethyta who relaxes herself, and pleasantly covers Karin's back ...
K: Well, you know? I think we can forgive you for this great blunder, my esteemed Matriarch. After all ... you were working in a bar!
Aethyta gets up, holding back a laugh. She grabs Karin for a hand, drawing her closer. Aethyta leans to Karin's lips with a tender kiss, as she is clasping Karin in her own arms with intensity. Karin reciprocate embrace of Aethyta who approaches her lips to Karin's ear, touching it with an intriguing smile as she whispers ...
A: hey, wait a moment ... what are you implying?
Karin searches for Aethyta's lips again, and gently kisses her, as she caresses Aethyta's back. Finally, Karin looks for Aethyta's cheeks with her own fingers, gently stroking them even more, answering in seductive tone ...
K: Well, you always can confide to Liara that ... that day you were totally drunk!
Aethyta laughs, as her eyes light up with craving. Her hands run towards the zip on Karin's uniform. Aethyta's lips glide slow along Karin's neck. They fall down, covering with small kisses the bare skin of Karin's shoulder, arousing it with chills, as Aethyta's voice become more and more sexy ...
A: hmm, yeah ... a lot of fun indeed! ... But now, you've something to make up for! ...
Karin smiles as slides down the zipper on Aethyta's back. Karin's lips reciprocate every kiss on Aethyta's shoulder, while she whispers in very mellow voice ...
K: Oh, well ... not I told? I love so much, making it up to you!
To be continue ….