A/N: I apologize for the taking so long, but this chapter was not cooperative! I want to thank jediserenity82, Vorcha Girl, Kirabaros, Endrius, Jules Hawk, ela11, Vakaryan, Vicki, Estringe and skywalker-hiddleston for your reviews, they absolutely made my day! And I welcome my new followers as well (hope I haven't forgotten to PM anyone)! As always thank you Vorcha Girl for being my wonderful Beta and helping me smooth over some rough spots!

And now, without further delay, enjoy the next chapter! Oh yeah, the beginning is NSFW. :)

Chapter 29. Grounded

The next morning Nick woke feeling oddly refreshed, but … needy. It took her a moment to realize she had slept all night without any dreams or visions waking her up. Instead she felt almost euphoric. And then she remembered.

She had kissed Kaidan.

He had kissed her.

They had kissed - and it had been bliss.

The memory of that first kiss caused Nick to grin into her pillow, hugging it firmly as she relived his arms around her, his lips on hers, the taste of his kiss, the feel of his tongue sliding over hers. She wanted it all again. Her mind began to wander off, conjuring up images of what else she would like him to with his tongue, and her body reacted immediately.

Nick stifled a groan as arousal rushed through her.

She cupped her breasts and softly began kneading them, imaging Kaidan's warm, calloused hands doing the same thing before taking a rosy bud in his mouth, circling it with his tongue. Her breathing sped up and she ran her hands down her sides, the cool air in her cabin causing her nipples to pebble. Gently, she stroked the insides of her thighs andlet her legs fall open as she skimmed her fingertips through her pubic hair.

Nick closed her eyes and traced a finger along her opening, spreading the moisture that the memory of Kaidan's kiss has aroused. She gently circled the sensitive nub with teasing fingertips and trailed her other hand up along the scar under her ribcage up to her breasts. Her climax built, and, stifling a moan and biting her bottom lip, she dipped her fingers lower, sliding them slowly in and out of her core.

"Fuck," she groaned as her climax rushed over her and she shuddered with release.

Nick lay still as her orgasm subsided. A glance at her alarm clock told her she had roughly ten more minutes before she had to get up. Groaning, she swung her legs over the edge of the bed and sat up. She took a deep breath, stretched and dropped to the floor to exercise, counting each push-up under her breath.

Ten minutes later, showered and clean, she stepped into the mess with her hair pulled back in a regulation bun and her uniform immaculate as always. Her eyes wandered to the mess hall table and her heart did a small somersault when she saw Kaidan sitting there talking to Ashley, Tali and Garrus. Wrex and Liara were approaching the table from the other side, as was Joker on his crutches.

It was going to be crowded.

Shepard grabbed a mug of coffee and sat down on her usual seat next to Kaidan. "Lieutenant. Good to see you up and about. I'm a little surprised."

"Thank you, Commander. It's good to be up," he answered, smiling at her. "Medigel sure is a useful thing. I wouldn't be here without it."

Nick couldn't help but return the smile, though concern for him shot through her at his last comment. "Good thing we have medigel then."

"Oorah," Ashley and Kaidan replied emphatically.

Wrex walked by, sniffed the air and laughed. "Somebody sure is happy today."

"Yeah." Nick leaned back in her seat. "I think last night was the first night since, oh, Eden Prime that I didn't wake up from that damn vision burned in my brain. It was almost perfect."

"That's good to hear, Commander," Kaidan said and took a swallow of coffee.

Her eyes flicked to Kaidan and back to Wrex who continued to snicker. The krogan caught her eye and tipped his nose, giving her a knowing look. Shepard knew exactly what the krogan was playing at and she scowled at him.

Damn krogan and their sensitive noses.

Not much later Shepard stepped into the CIC and was greeted by Joker's voice over the intercom.

"We've got confirmation on those reinforcements, Commander. Looks like somebody read those mission reports I forwarded for you. Ambassador Udina wants us to report to the Citadel."

"It's about bloody time." Shepard snorted. "Joker, we're actually going to do what the Ambassador wants for a change. Get us back to the Citadel."

Several days and three mass relay jumps later the Normandy docked on the Citadel and Nick felt oddly apprehensive. So far the Council hadn't been very helpful but deep down she didn't trust them to change their stance; not after all the time they'd spent ignoring her. Standing at ease behind Joker she watched as he taxied the Normandy into dock with sure movements.

Shepard threw a glance over her shoulder. Her whole ground team was assembled in the airlock, waiting to spend several hours of leave on the Citadel before accompanying her to the Council. If they'd all be allowed in the chamber with her, that was. And first she wanted to report to Anderson. She turned her eyes to the front again as the Normandy came to a halt and the sound of the docking clamps attaching to the hull could be heard.

"Open the comm," Shepard instructed her helmsman. Joker flipped the switch and she addressed her crew. "This is the Commander speaking. As you've noticed we've docked at the Citadel. Those that aren't on duty report back to the Normandy by 1800. Those that are on duty, you'll get your shore leave the next time we dock. Over."

She looked at Joker. "Will you get all diagnostics run by 1800? I want this bird to be ready as soon as we're done with the Council."

"Don't worry, Commander. She'll be ready." Joker sounded slightly insulted at the suggestion he wouldn't be done with pre-flight diagnostics in time.

Shepard gave him a smile and clasped his shoulder carefully. "And next time you'll get some R&R as well."

"Yeah, yeah. Now go, and annoy the shit out of the Council." Her helmsman waved her away. "Alenko, come here a minute, will ya?"

Kaidan caught her eye shortly and they exchanged a small smile as they passed each other, brushing fingertips ever so lightly. Nick heart thudded faster at the small touch. She suppressed the grin that wanted to spread on her face and the urge to turn around and look after him. Instead she walked past the others and opened the airlock, wondering what Joker wanted to tell him. She stepped off of the ship and turned to face her ground team again.

"We have almost four hours before the Council is ready to see us. Stock up on whatever you need and make sure it's delivered before 1900." She saw Kaidan join them as she continued, "Williams, Alenko - you're with me for now. You'll get your R&R after we've reported to the Captain. Everybody else - I'll get in touch with you once I'm done at the Embassy. Dismissed."

She watched her alien crewmates leave and set off with Kaidan and Ashley following three steps behind her as per Alliance custom. As they stepped off the elevator Nick found herself face-to-face with Khalisah bint-Al Jilani.

"Commander Shepard! A word please!" the reporter called out to her.

Nick cursed. It was tempting to ignore the annoying woman, but Nick knew she could use the media, so long as she kept her temper under control. Her step faltered imperceptibly and Shepard took a deep breath. The hint of a spicy cologne filled her nose and she relaxed.

With Kaidan standing behind her she could handle Al-Jilani.

"Ms. Al-Jilani." There was a hint of icy civility in Shepard's voice.

The reporter dipped her head a fraction. "Indeed. Khalisah bint Sinan Al-Jilani, Westerlund News. Would you answer a few answers for our viewers?"

"It depends on the nature of the questions, but for now, yes," Shepard answered, standing at ease.

"Of course, Commander," the reporter responded silkily. Nick's fingers twitched, wanting to curl into a fist, but she just smiled at the woman in front of her. Al-Jilani went on. "Humans have been trying to gain the respect of the galactic community for twenty-six years. With that in mind, what are your feelings on being the first human Spectre?"

"The Spectres recruit only the best, so for me personally it's a great honor. But, at the end of the day, it's only another job."

"Some have compared your assignment with the Council 'throwing humanity a bone'. Have you encountered any situations where the Citadel asked you to put its interests above Earth's?"

"It's not that simple, Ms. Al-Jilani," Shepard told her firmly. "The Council is responsible for the concerns of the whole galactic community, not just Earths. We are one of many, but we're not forgotten."

"You really believe that, don't you?" The reporter arched an eyebrow at Shepard before continuing. "You've been given command over an advanced human warship for your mission. Is there anything you would like to tell us?"

"Actually, the Normandy was co-designed by human and turian engineers. I'm afraid I can't tell you anything about the innovations aboard. Classified." Shepard had a small smile on her face, but it didn't reach her eyes.

"So the turians have knowledge of the Normandy that is being kept secret from the Alliance public?" Before Shepard could reply the reporter asked the next question. "Do you think it was appropriate to hand the Earth's most advanced warship over to the Citadel?"

"The Normandy hasn't been handed over to anyone. Last I checked, I'm human, and so is my crew."

"Yes," the reporter admitted. "But you do work for the Citadel now. Speaking of your new job, did the Council order you to sabotage human research concern on Noveria?"

Shepard curled her hand into a fist behind her back. "The Council had nothing to do with it. There was an accident at one of the labs and unfortunately the only way of dealing with the situation was to blow up the hot labs. That's all I can say."

"I … see," Al-Jilani glanced at her data pad. "Do you think humanity will ever get the respect it deserves from the galactic community?"

"Respect is a funny thing. You just said 'get the respect we deserve'. People always think they deserve respect, but that's not how it works," Shepard replied softly, shaking her head. "The hard truth is, respect is earned. You have to work for it. So the real question is Can we earn it?. Of course we can, but it will take time. As you said earlier, we've only been part of the galactic community for twenty-six years. That isn't such a long time considering how old the Council is."

"You're an idealist, Commander. I hope you're right. One last question. Rumors say you're tracking a rogue Spectre named Saren. Do you have any comment on the subject?"

Shepard straightened her shoulders and gave Al-Jilani a tight smile that didn't reach her eyes. "The Council appointed me to bring him in. That is all I have to say about this." Her tone made clear that it was useless for the reporter to pursue the subject.

Khalisah Al-Jilani scowled at her for a moment, but quickly regained her composure. "Thank you for your time, Commander."

Shepard nodded curtly, and stepped away, followed closely by her squadmates. They walked to the elevator to the Embassies. As soon as the doors closed Shepard exhaled noisily.

"Shepard?" Kaidan asked tentatively. "You okay?"

Nick turned to him. "You have no idea how much self-control it took me not to make Al-Jilani eat her data pad. I can't stand that woman." She turned her eyes to the front. They stood silently for a moment and Nick could feel the curious glances at her back. She sighed, and elaborated. "She reported about Akuze and said little in favor of the Alliance military. Or myself."

"What did she write about you, Skipper?" Ashley inquired just as the elevator doors opened.

They stepped into the Presidium commons and Shepard led the way to the railing around the lake. She waited until Kaidan and Ashley stood next to her, each on one side.

"I made Lieutenant shortly before Akuze and it was my first larger mission as squadron leader," Shepard began quietly, looking over the lake. "She claimed the Alliance made a mistake by sending a task force under the command of an 'inexperienced officer' to investigate the disappearance of the colonists. Then she called me an 'attention seeking military brat' who just happened to get the mission because I'd been incredibly lucky on Elysium."

A quiet "Whoa" from Ashley was the only response and Nick turned her head to look at Kaidan. He wasn't looking at her, but his clenched jaw was enough to tell her he was upset about Al-Jilani's defamatory reports. He must have felt her gazing at him because he turned his and met her gaze, eyes dark with anger.

Shepard smiled at him and her heart fluttered when he returned the smile.

"This interview must've been very frustrating for her then," Kaidan stated after a short moment. Nick raised her eyebrows questioningly. "Well," he began, holding her eyes, "if she was looking to harm your reputation you pulled away the ground under her feet by staying polite despite her insinuating questions."

Her smile widened to a grin and she clasped his shoulder. "You might be right. I like the way you think, Lieutenant."

"Should I leave you two alone?" Ashley asked with a smirk.

"No, Chief, we're going to report to the captain now." Shepard pushed herself away from the railing and walked towards the Embassies.

To their surprise they found the doors of the human embassy locked. Shepard swore before turning on her heels and going back to the front desk.

"I need to speak to Captain Anderson," she informed the asari clerk.

"I'm sorry, Commander," the clerk replied. "Captain Anderson and the ambassador are in an important meeting. They can't be disturbed."

Shepard leaned forward. "I was told I would be able to contact the captain at all times."

The asari returned her look and repeated what she had said before. Shepard took a deep breath and left without another word. She took a few steps and opened her omnitool. After typing something in she said, "We have several hours before the Council wants to see us. I don't know about you two, but I'm ready for some R and R."

"R and R sounds perfect," Kaidan answered. "But how will you inform the Captain of our findings?"

Nick smiled at him and tipped the side of her nose with her finger. "You forget that I've known Anderson all my life. He's something between an older brother and an uncle. I just sent a message to his private account. And before you ask, we have a ... code. He doesn't even necessarily have to read my message, just the subject."

"Convenient, Skipper."

"It is. I just hope he has a chance to check his messages and reply," Shepard said thoughtfully as she glanced at her omnitool with a frown and closed it. "Anyway, I'm heading to the Wards. There are a few shops I want to check and maybe grab a bite to eat. You're welcome to join me." She looked at them waiting for a response. Kaidan gestured her to lead the way and they set off.

"We're officially off duty, right?" Ashley asked innocently as they stepped off of the shuttle at the lower Wards Rapid Transport terminal and put an arm around Kaidan's shoulders. He shot her a short glance and rolled his eyes.

"Aren't you ever going to stop pestering us, Ash?" he asked, shaking his head with a smirk.

"Oooh! So it's 'us' now. Tell me all the details!"

Nick glimpsed at them over her shoulder. There was this easy camaraderie between those two again and she felt another surge of envy. On a sudden impulse she swung around and hooked her arm under Kaidan's as they walked through the lower Wards. Peeking around him she looked at Ashley.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, Ash."

The friendly banter between them was suddenly interrupted by a voice they'd heard once before.

"Commander Shepard!"

Nick looked around and saw the frantic waving figure of Conrad Verner.

"Oh, for fucks sake," she groaned and let go of Kaidan's arm, as did Ashley. "I'll take care of this." With a quick step she went over to the enthusiastic fan. "Conrad, is there something you want? I'm a little busy."

"Commander," Verner could barely contain his excitement. "You need help against Saren, right? I thought maybe you could recruit me? To be a Spectre?" He faltered as he saw Shepard's expression.

"Are you fucking serious?!" Shepard took a deep breath. "Conrad, listen. I appreciate your offer, but I don't think that's a good idea."

"I'd be right there with you, Commander! Together we could show the Council what humanity is capable of. I - "

"No, Conrad. I can't just sign you up as a Spectre. I was evaluated for years before I was officially asked to join. And what does your wife think of your notion? Does she even know about it?" Shepard shook her head. "We all have responsibilities. Yours is to keep your family safe. Mine is to hunt down Saren with my crew. And sometimes I have to remember that I can't save all I'm responsible for." She hesitated, a pained expression fleeting over her face. "Are you willing to sacrifice someone important to you to do the mission?"

With a crestfallen look Conrad stepped back. "I ... think I know what you mean. Thank you, Commander. I'll think about what you said." He walked away.

Shepard took another deep breath as she watched him leave.

"Let's move," she said quietly, her playful mood dissipating slowly.

After visiting a number of vendors they made their way to meet the Council. They met Tali, Garrus and Liara on the way, taking the elevator up to the Council chamber together. To Shepard's surprise Wrex was already waiting at the foot of the steps.

Ambassador Udina was awaiting them and signaled for Shepard to join him on the pedestal. She viewed her crew and then asked Kaidan and Garrus to join her as she went up the last flight of stairs.

Udina turned to face Shepard. "The Council has finally agreed to take action against Saren. Well done, Commander."

The asari councilor dipped her head in acknowledgement. "The ambassador is right. If Saren is foolish enough to attack the Citadel - as you believe - we will be ready for him." Tevos looked at the turian councilor to continue.

"Patrols are stationed at every mass relay linking Citadel space to the Terminus Systems." Sparatus explained.

Shepard shifted uneasily. "And what about Ilos? That's where Saren is right now, looking for the Conduit and that's where we should be! A blockade isn't going to be enough."

"Ilos is only accessible through the Mu relay, deep in the Terminus Systems, Commander," the salarian councilor said in a condescending tone. "If we take the fleet there we risk a full-scale war."

"Now is the time for discretion, Commander," Udina commented. "Saren's greatest weapon was secrecy. Exposed he is no longer a threat. This is over."

The was nothing but contempt in Shepard's face as she swivelled around to glare at the human ambassador. "Saren is only a lackey. Sovereign is the real threat! We should worry about the Reapers. You must understand that. And secrecy isn't his greatest weapon, the Conduit is!"

The look on Tevos face was almost pitying. "You are the only one that has seen the Reapers. And then only in visions. We won't invade the Terminus Systems because of a dream."

Shepard clenched her fists. "It wasn't a dream. It was a goddamn vision burned into my mind by a prothean beacon. On Virmire was another beacon and it gave us missing fragments of the vision!"

"As we've said before, Saren is a master manipulator. The Conduit is surely only a ruse, a distraction from his real plan to attack the Citadel," The salarian stated.

"The fuck it is!" Shepard snarled at the dalatrass and exhaled slowly, regaining her composure. "Send me after him. One ship going into the Terminus Systems won't start a war." She paused. "I can be discreet."

Sparatus huffed. "You detonated a nuclear device on Virmire! I wouldn't call that discreet."

Before Shepard could answer the asari Councilor spoke. "Your style served you well in the Traverse, Commander. We recognize that. But Ilos requires a deft touch. We have the situation under control."

"Under control?! Are you fucking kidding me? No, you don't!" Shepard nearly growled. "If Saren finds the Conduit we're all screwed. We have to get to Ilos!"

The turian Councilor turned towards Udina. "Ambassador Udina, I get the feeling Commander Shepard isn't willing to let this go."

"There are serious political implications, Commander. And while humanity has made great gains thanks to you, now you're becoming more trouble than you're worth." Udina's voice rang loudly in her ears.

"You bastard," Kaidan growled. "You're selling us out!" He took a step forward, but a hand signal from Shepard stopped him in his tracks. Bristling, he assumed his earlier position.

Udina threw a withering glance at Kaidan as he stepped away from Shepard and her crewmates. "It's just politics. You've done your job, Shepard, now let me do mine. We've locked out the Normandy's primary systems. Until further notice you're grounded."

Shepard walked close to the human ambassador. "You son of a bitch. Nobody stabs me in the back. Nobody." Her voice was laced with ice, as was the look she cast at the Council. "You are making a grievous mistake." She turned her back on them and marched down the stairs without sparing the councilors another glance. Her squadmates followed silently, all disgusted by the treatment their claims had received.

Nick was still seething when they returned to the Normandy. She felt like punching something, but first she had to try to appeal to the brass. Somebody had to realize that this was wrong.

"Joker, get me a connection to Admiral Hackett ASAP!" she barked as she passed through the CIC, sweeping through the Normandy like a hurricane. "And put it through to my cabin!"

Joker turned to Kaidan and the others as they passed him. "Would somebody tell me what the hell is going on?"

Kaidan doubled back to the helm, looking grim. "Try getting us away from dock. Go ahead. Try."

Joker punched in the command, but his board remained red. "What the ... ?"

"We're grounded," Kaidan answered through clenched teeth. "Udina sold us out and we're locked down." He gave Joker a quick summary of the meeting with the Council. Kaidan nodded towards the comm. "And now you should probably get that connection to the brass up before Shepard gets really mad."

With a sigh he leaned back against the bulkhead, eyes closed. "I've never seen her this upset. I'm certain Udina missed being punched by a hair's breadth." He held up his hand, thumb and index finger barely touching. "Or being shot. Honestly, he would've deserved it."

Kaidan pushed himself away from the bulkhead. "And now I need something to eat."

Contemplating what had happened in the Council chamber Kaidan sat in the mess hall picking at his food a short time later. No matter how he turned the events around in his head he could neither understand the Council nor the human ambassador.

Ashley, Garrus and Wrex suddenly appeared, along with some of the engineers.

"Spirits, good thing Shepard isn't a biotic. She'd probably have punched a hole in the hull otherwise," Garrus said as they came around the corner.

Kaidan turned halfway around on his seat. "What's she doing?"

"Wrecking the punching bag," Ashley offered. "And blasting metal from her omnitool."

Kaidan stared at his plate. "Maybe she needs a sparring partner," he suggested.

"Lieutenant, if your are considering sparring with the Commander, you can forget about it right now." Dr. Chakwas' voice sounded from the medbay, followed shortly by the woman herself. She looked at him sternly and Kaidan held up his hands. "You'll be doing shipside duty for a month if you even think about sparring."

"I didn't say I wanted to. I just thought a sparring partner might be more challenging than just the punching bag," he defended himself.

The doctor hmpfed, not seeming very convinced by his statement. He ignored Ashley's grin and the low chuckles from Garrus and Wrex and brought his empty tray to the galley. Kaidan felt their gazes boring into his back as he walked past the table towards the elevator, making his shoulders tingle. He knew he shouldn't spar and he wasn't going to, but maybe Shepard would talk to him.

He took a deep breath as he stepped onto the elevator and punched the button down to the cargo bay. The thought of being alone with Shepard was exciting, like the rush before doing something dangerous. Or the rush of ... he shook himself.

He was greeted by the sound of music blaring through the cargo hold - loud, fast, and aggressive - before the doors had opened all the way. Kaidan heart rate sped up at sight of Shepard in a N7 tank top and sweats. His tongue darted out to moisten dry lips and he slowly wandered to the makeshift gym.

"Shepard, are you okay?" he asked, watching her pummel the equipment with hard blows and cursed himself instantly; of course she wasn't okay.

"Alenko, I swear if you ever ask me such a stupid question again I'll have you flat on your back on the other side of the cargo bay. Biotic or not." She cast a short glance at him before turning her attention back to the punching bag. "And I thought we were past the last name basis by now."

"Yes. I guess we are," he said smiling as he stepped within her range. "There has to be something we can do. After all, we're under Alliance authority. Maybe we could appeal to the Brass?"

Nick stopped the bag from swinging and shook her head. "I already tried that. Official channels are closed. Hell, I practically begged Hackett to use his influence to get us out of here and all he told me was that the Council supersedes the Alliance here." She let out an annoyed snort and dropped to the ground to do sit-ups. "We're stuck here."

"So we're just supposed to sit back and watch the Reapers roll in? Best seats in the house, huh?" He watched her closely.

Nick's eyes darted up to meet his. "Somebody else can have the best bloody seats. I could really use your help thinking of a way to get us to Ilos, because this isn't over."

"My help, huh?" He smirked and took another step towards her, forcing her to put her head back in order to look at him.

"C'mon, Kaidan," she rolled her eyes at him.

"You know I'm here for you," he said softly. "But what exactly are we? Are we the pride of the fleet? Valued agents or just peons?"

"Depends on who you ask," Shepard answered, looking around for a towel. Kaidan spotted it and handed it to her. He watched as she dried off the sweat, his eyes following the towel as she patted it down the column of her throat.

"Yeah," he replied roughly. "The Council doesn't seem to agree. I was worried you were going to shoot them."

"Believe me, I was tempted."

"You'll think of something. You always do. That's one thing I lo- appreciate about you," he corrected quickly, hoping she hadn't noticed the slip of his tongue.

Nick lay the towel on the floor and grinned up at him. "Here we are, scheming to save the galaxy, and you're sweet talking me."

"Maybe I just need practice. I'd say we have the time now." He held out his hand to help her up.

She took hold of his hand and he pulled just as she pushed herself up, sending her crashing into him. Her body collided with his and he wrapped his free arm around her, her hand sliding from his shoulder slowly down to his chest. His eyes widened briefly in surprise before tightening his hold on her.

"Feeling bold, Alenko?" she purred.

"Maybe a little," he responded with a lopsided smirk and leaned in to kiss her.

Her lips were soft and welcoming, they parted lightly at his touch and he deepened the kiss. Her scent, a mixture of sweat, gun-oil, and spices, filled his nose. How could she always smell so good? Her arms wrapped around him and he pulled her even closer.

"Sorry to interrupt, Commander. Got a message from Captain Anderson. He said to meet him at Flux." Joker's voice came from the speaker and they broke their kiss. Kaidan closed his eyes briefly to hide his annoyance at the pilot.

"How'd you know where I was?" Nick asked, eying the speaker suspiciously.

"I didn't; just knew you were on the ship and decided to pass the message on."

"Uh-huh. Thanks, Joker. Tell him I'm on my way," she answered, looking at Kaidan, who stepped back.

"Think he listened in?" Kaidan asked quietly.

"Do you really have to ask?" Nick replied.

"No," he laughed. "Not really. Well, I guess you'd better go."

Nick pulled him close again. "You're coming with me. We're going on a date," she whispered against his lips before pressing her lips onto his. She pulled back slowly, smiling for the first time since reaching the Citadel.

A/N: I hope you enjoyed it. Reviews are welcome! :)