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The Ballad of the Pirate of Terminus	By : Nicker Category: +M through R > Mass Effect Views: 26022 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Mass Effect, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 11
- 12
- 13
Shepard arrived in the cargo bay just in time to see the battered shuttle touch the deck in a screech of metal and a shower of sparks. The damage was pretty extensive. Parts were falling off the spacecraft as it skidded to a halt. The Normandy’s mighty engines rumbled as the ship accelerated away, getting ready to make the short jump to Omega.
He watched as the shuttle powered down and nodded to Kaidan and Jacob who took up positions around the door, while Miranda shifted uneasily behind him, the chain leash tensing for a second in his grip. The door hissed open and promptly got stuck halfway, the mechanics giving up the struggle.
Vido Santiago climbed out, adjusting his gear and soon his two crewmembers followed. One was a battered old merc with scars and a sulky look, but the other made Shepard’s eyebrows run up his forehead. The slender woman was either wearing a thin, patterned top or she was really almost naked and tattooed up to her bald head. She practically prowled, her movements fluid, her eyes flashing excitedly and looked around with a smirk on her blood red lips. For a second everybody forgot to breathe and stared at her.
“Shepard! My friend! Thank you for coming to the rescue!” Santiago exclaimed and stepped closer with arms stretched wide to give Shepard a hug. “I am in your debt!”

Shepard reluctantly returned the greetings then quickly pushed him away with a disdained snarl.

“Santiago, you stupid bastard. What have you got yourself into this time?”

“This time?” Santiago tried to sound indignant, but his eyes caught sight of Miranda, and he all but forgot Shepard as he looked her over with hungry eyes. “Just one very stupid mistake.” He explained absently.
Jacob and Kaidan stopped staring at the tattooed girl, but now Santiago and his men were staring at his woman.

“Oh, my, what a sight for sore eyes, my friend!” Santiago shot a glance at Shepard. “You too, but this... even more gorgeous than I remember. Of course, last time she had more clothes on.” He snickered. She tried not to shiver.
The mercs stood quietly behind Santiago, looking around and shifting their weight on cramped legs. Shepard shot them another glance before nodding to his men, who lowered their weapons.

“All in due time, Santiago,” Shepard warned and waved at the Blue Suns leader and his company. “What happened?”

Santiago waved nonchalantly, but he seemed rattled and there was a stiffness to his moves.

“I’m afraid I had a disagreement with my staff.” He shrugged and tried to dismiss the incident. “They wanted to take over my operation. We got out, but just barely. I need to get to Omega before they turn my whole fucking crew against me!”
Santiago licked his lips, his gaze wandering back to Miranda. He seemed to be pondering something before he continued.

“I can tell you all about it until we get there. But I need a fucking drink.”

Shepard frowned, trying to determine how much he can trust the man. Santiago seemed to be in genuine trouble, and if it was true, he was already indebted to Shepard for the rescue. If he can help Santiago stay on top of the Blue Suns, he would be owing Shepard even more. Maybe he could turn his own string of bad luck around and forge a new partnership.
In any case, Shepard could make some profit out of it and solve at least one of his problems. He tugged Miranda forward, and held her by her shoulders, pulling her next to him.

“I can do better than that, isn’t that right, dear?” He licked her neck. “You could show my friend, Vido a good time, can’t you?”

“Y-yes,” she whispered.
Santiago grinned eagerly. He reached out to lift her chin up and look into her eyes.

“You are too generous, Shepard,” he said, licking his lips.

Shepard laughed. Santiago was too easy.

“Well, let’s discuss this in my office. I’m sure we can work something out.”

“Let’s, let’s,” Santiago nodded eagerly, shooting a glance back at his men. “You wait here.”

Shepard nodded and gave a gentle push to Miranda. “Show us the way, dear.”

The woman complied, starting to walk towards the elevators, ass swaying hypnotically, while Santiago threw an arm over Shepard’s shoulder, laughing as they followed.

“Would it be possible for her to suck me off, while we... negotiate?”

“Absolutely!”
* * *
Jack could barely contain herself from the moment the shuttle entered the Normandy. The plan was going well so far, and Zaeed seemed pleased that he had Santiago in his grip, although he was disappointed he couldn’t torture and kill him immediately. Using him as a bait was part of the deal, so he reluctantly held back. With Kai Leng’s help, they caught Santiago off-guard and raking up an impressive bodycount, they captured him.
Then they set the trap for the Normandy, making Santiago send out a call for help to Shepard. They prepped the shuttle to make it convincing that Santiago needed serious help and Jack and Zaeed posed as his remaining, loyal bodyguards. Williams and Kai Leng were hiding outside the shuttle, strapped to the underbelly of the ship and as soon as the Normandy loomed over the bait, they detached themselves from the shuttle and swiftly drifted to the hull of the ship before it opened its cargo doors. They needed a few minutes to make their way to their entry points, so Santiago had to buy them some time.
It started off as planned, the men making banter while Jack sized up the opposition. Williams showed pictures of all the known crewmembers and gave a few quick notes on their skills, so they knew exactly what they were up against.
She also showed a picture of Miranda, nervously, explaining her situation in as few words as possible. Jack still managed to get surprised when she saw her for the first time. The woman looked like a statue, a very, very hot, lingerie-clad statue. She had trouble not staring at those pale, flawless curves, round hips and full breasts, lean waists and long legs. Her bra and panties with the stockings and garter belt matched her black hair, highlighting all her best features. It drew attention to her like a sun capturing planets and comets.
It all made sense now, why Shepard would go through all the trouble and why Williams made it her purpose in life to get the woman back. Hell, even Jack wanted to jump her if she could. And that tattoo above her panties, that was the cherry on top. She was smoking hot.
Jack could also tell, that she was gone. Her eyes were vacant, and she was so docile, the only reason they needed the leash was as a fashion accessory. She wouldn’t try to run away. She was still very much graceful, but with that empty gaze, the spark missing from her eyes, it was a bit disappointing. Not good news for Williams.
Zaeed’s voice roused her from her thoughts.

“Um, boss,” he called after Santiago, keeping up the charade for as long as possible. “I think we should stay with the shuttle until we arrive. No need to bother the crew.”

There was a veiled warning in his voice that could pass off as wariness for the unsuspecting crew, but Massani was subtly warning Santiago to stick to the plan.
Santiago, however saw the opportunity to get out of the trap while still pretending to play along, staying close to Shepard.

“Nah, it’s fine. We’ll just have a little chat and I’ll be back,” he answered back over his shoulder, not taking his gaze off Miranda’s ass. “Relax, and see what you can do with the shuttle.”
Zaeed shot a glance towards Jack, signaling her to get ready. He started after Santiago slowly, trying to play it off as not trusting Shepard’s crew.

“I reckon it’d be better to stick together. And have fun later.”

Santiago chuckled as they reached the elevator and the doors opened. As they started to step in, he turned back towards Massani with a smirk. Jack flexed her arms, pretending to stretch her limbs, giving a good show to the two men, who tried not to stare too much, while balling her hands into fists.
“Boss, I really think we should stick together. I don’t trust these guys.”

Shepard chuckled as he reached for the button to close the doors.

“You’d all be dead already if we wanted to.”

“Yeah, he’s right. I trust Shepard,” Santiago replied nonchalantly.

“And we should rot here, while you have fun with that pussy? No fucking way.”

Shepard frowned and glanced at Santiago from the corner of his eyes.

“If this is the crew that saved your ass, you really are in deep shit,” he said and reached for the button to close the door.

“Ah, well,” Zaeed said, looking back at Jack. “Plan B, then.”
Jack grinned, and immediately let loose a shockwave in all direction. The idea was to get everybody off their feet and push Zaeed into the elevator with their targets. She succeeded in throwing off Jacob and Kaidan, but Zaeed slammed into the closing door, leaving a sizable dent in the metal, but not before getting a couple of shots into the elevator.
She dived for cover, focusing on Alenko and leaving the rest to Zaeed, who shook his head and gun in hand, turned around the corner of the elevator shaft. Shots were echoing in the cargo bay, Taylor showering the corner with bullets, where Zaeed was hiding. Alenko on the other hand started a game of hide and seek with Jack, between the crates. There wasn’t much space to lurk around, though, and Jack noticed the blue glow of Alenko’s biotic charge before she saw him. She smirked and jumped up, lifting herself on top of the crates before releasing a direct blast in his direction.
Alenko grunted and bouncing off a crate he slid out into open space. Jack immediately lifted him up, before he had a chance to recover and jumped down from the crates. With a motion of her hand she threw the man against another set of crates near a workbench.

Alenko grunted, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth while he hung, pinned. He smirked and looked around. “Ironic.” He muttered, realizing this was the place where he tortured Miranda.
Alenko looked at Jack as she approached, walking lightly, like a panther on the prowl. Her grin promised pain.

“I was told you are a bad little boy,” Jack purred, running her nails across his cheek not too lightly. She licked her lips.

Kaidan hissed and gritted his teeth.

“Just get it over with...”

“You wish,” Jack chuckled.
On the other end of the cargo bay, Zaeed had to keep Taylor at bay while watching the engineering room door and fire warning shots in their direction when they tried to get out. Jacob kept moving from cover to cover, trying to circle around and force him to fight without cover. After a minute or so of gunfire, the merc had enough of the game and with a frustrated snort he threw a flash bang grenade to the next piece of cover where Taylor was dashing to. Taylor saw the grenade bounce to a halt in front of him and started to steer clear of it, diving farther away from Zaeed and the grenade, but it was too late. He closed his eyes, but the explosion stunned him anyway, throwing him against a wall. By the time he could climb to his feet, he was already peppered with bullets.
“Massani! What’s happening?” He heard Williams’ voice coming in from the radio as he went to poke Taylor with his boot, making sure he’s dead.

“Had to switch to plan B,” he snarled, looking around. “Santiago made a dash for it and they are in the elevator.”

“Got it. We’re moving in. Proceed to the main deck.”

Zaeed heard a blood-curdling scream from somewhere, and chuckled, looking around.

“Jack!” he shouted. “Gotta keep moving, darling!”
Jack heard the shout and turned her head away from Alenko, her hands still glowing blue.

“Coming!” She replied and turned back towards Kaidan, who was still pinned to the crates with a biotic field. He was shivering from the shock of her latest gimmick of opening a warp field inside him. He spat blood. “Sorry, kid, I have to move on. It was fun while it lasted.” Jack grinned and leaned in to steal a kiss.
Alenko was wheezing hard now, he felt his lungs failing. He lifted his painful gaze at Jack.

“Thank you,” he whispered. Jack stared back at him with a look of disgust.

“Sick fuck!” She hissed. Then she lifted her high above the crates and pushed, sending Alenko flying across the cargo bay. He slammed into the hangar doors with a sickening crack and fell like a rock, splattering his brain on the floor.
By that time Jack was already bouncing towards Zaeed and gave him a big hug.

“This was great!” She cheered. “What’s next?”

“Check the engine room, and meet me at the stairs, we’re not letting Santiago get away.”
Jack nodded and ran off, sending the engineering door flying with a blast, as a sort of advance warning. She stepped in, glowing blue, bullets bouncing off her biotic shield. She turned towards the two men firing at her. In a second they were floating in the engineering deck, crying out in surprise and panic. Jack gave a little nudge to the biotic field, just enough so the forces started to pull the men towards the big, glowing forcefield of the Normandy drivecore. The engineers started to shout and beg in growing panic. Their fate was unavoidable. Jack ignored them, and quickly looked around.
She noticed the quarian girl in a corner, staring at her scared, but not making any moves. She was not trying to beg for her life. Williams warned them, that Tali was their mole, and they should spare her if she doesn’t fight back. Jack looked her over, bouncing up and down on her toes from the excitement, and grinned. She winked at the quarian and she was off, meeting Zaeed at the stairs.
***
Miranda yelped in surprise when the shockwave hit them, throwing her against the elevator wall. Santiago screamed as a bullet hit his side and he fell. Shepard jumped aside towards the control panel of the elevator but the biotic shockwave still slammed him into the corner. He grunted in annoyance and drew his gun, reaching for Miranda to pull her behind him. He noticed blood on her thigh and reached down to touch it. A bullet scraped her leg and she was so shocked, she just stared at him with wide, pleading eyes, letting out a tiny whimper when he touched her leg.
“Just a scratch.” He told her in a calming voice, before he turned his attention and his gun at Santiago.

The elevator stopped at the CiC deck, but nobody moved.

“Joker! Report!”

“Lost contact with Jacob and Kaidan, captain! No news from the--” A series of deep rumbles interrupted his answer, and the whole Normandy trembled under their feet.

“Joker!”

“Uh-- It looks like escape pods 1, 3, 5 and 2, 4, 6 have been ejected, sir!”

“What the--”
“They were not triggered by the crew, captain. I detect no activity in the escape pods.”

Shepard cursed.

“We’ve been set up. How long till we get to Omega?”

“We’re already within visual range, captain. Couple of minutes.”

“Step on it, then!” He turned his attention back to the whining, moaning Santiago, who pressed his hand to his wound, but a pool of blood was already collecting under him. “So. Santiago. How did this happen, hmm?”
“Shit, Shepard, I swear to God, I had nothing to do with it!” Vido whined. “I’m bleeding to death here. Get me some medigel or something.”

“Yeah, right. You got sucked into it.”

“You have no idea, man. These people are crazy! They killed dozens of my men and got me just to lay a trap for you, man!”

The elevator stopped and the doors opened to the sight of a very serious Vega, holding an assault rifle at them. Noticing Shepard he nodded and lowered the gun.
Shepard started to step out of the elevator, keeping Miranda behind him.

“And you led them onto my ship, you fucker. You couldn’t have fooled them, huh? Tell them you don’t know where I am, right? You piece of shit!”
“No, Shepard, I swear, they already knew--”

He couldn’t finish the sentence. Shepard pulled the trigger a second time, watching the mercenary leader collapse into a bloody heap before stepping out.

“Joker! Seal this deck!” He shouted as he started to pull Miranda with him towards the cockpit, Vega in tow, covering their way. “Show me something.” Shepard barked as soon as they got there.
Omega was already looming above them and they started their guided approach. They just had to wait.

“Can’t raise engineering. There was a fluctuation in the drive core, but it’s gone now.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Shepard snarled. “Show me the crew deck.”
Joker called up surveillance onto his panel. They saw intense firefight in the main hall. Two figures were holding out on the hallway to the escape pods. Unmarked armors, but very efficient fire team. Already there were a dozen bodies in the mess hall.
“Hmm, marine tactics,” Vega muttered. “Look at them lay down fire. These are not mercs.”
“They actually climbed in through the escape pod hatches.” Joker reported.

“Yeah,” Shepard said, lost in thought. This was too familiar. “Can you zoom in on them?”

Joker tapped a few keys and the angle changed to a camera closer to them. He enhanced the image.

“Oh, shit,” Joker exclaimed.
“Of course,” Shepard whispered. “Ashley.” He looked back over his shoulder at Miranda, who followed the events, but didn’t comprehend what was happening. She was standing behind Shepard, so she couldn’t see the monitors. “I guess your girlfriend wants you to disappear.” He snickered and looked out the cockpit windows. They were minutes away from docking at the hangar, the Normandy drifted into.

“Gotta hand it to them, to use my tactics against me.” He sighed, the sounds of shooting getting louder.
The situation was changing on the crew deck, people were floating in the air, flailing helplessly, blood spraying from their wounds. Some people turned their backs to Ashley and her teammate and started firing wildly at the new threat. It was a matter of minutes before they were finished.

“Joker. After we dock, you stay put and wait for my call. Open a comm link to our Blood Pack contact, tell them I have a business proposition.”

“Roger.”
“Come on, sweetheart, we’re going for a ride,” Shepard smirked and started to tug her along.

“L-like this?” Miranda stuttered.

“What’s your problem? Are you suddenly shy?”

“She’s right, captain.” Vega said. “It’s Omega. She would draw too much attention.”

“Fine,” Shepard grunted in annoyance. On their way to the hatch, he picked up a shirt from one of the chairs and threw it to her. “Put this on.”

He pushed her in front of him towards the hatch and looked back at Joker. “Be cool, Joker. I’ll come back for you.”
Joker nodded and turned back towards the console, watching the docking computer readouts. There was a clang as the docking claws attached to the Normandy. He powered down the engines and switched on the green exit light as soon as the docking walkway was pressurized.

“Go. Good luck!”
* * *
Ashley decided that this wasn’t the time to be subtle. As soon as they got the hatches to open, she started with a flash grenade, clearing her entrance and dropped in with guns blazing. The escape pods hallway was not the best place to get into a firefight, but Kai Leng and she decided to go for it, trusting the surprise element. That, and their army of two attitude got them to a defensible position unharmed, where they got pinned down by the crew. From there it was just a matter of time for them to pick off the enemy.
It would have taken long to fight their way out of there, but as she hoped, Zaeed and Jack barged in from behind and scattered the remaining resistance.

“What took you so long?” Kai Leng asked as he reloaded and stepped out into the mess hall.

“Well, I’m fucking sorry, but that bloody Santiago tried to wiggle his way out. We had to improvise.”

Kai Leng was not satisfied, but left it at that. Ashley was already on the move.

“Check these rooms and move on!” She barked impatiently and went for the captain’s quarters. She almost kicked in the door, then stepped aside and peeked in from her cover. Empty. Her heart sank. She did a quick sweep of the room, checking every corner just in case, but it was just a waste of time.
She let out a frustrated growl and joined the others near the stairs.

“Anything?”

“Just the doctor. She overdosed on something. I think she’s dead.” Jack said.

Ashley shrugged.

“Move out.”

They started for the CiC deck, but found their way blocked, blast doors were lowered across the stairs. The elevator was out of order, too.

“The vents,” Ashley said and they ran to the two service tunnels they were shown on the blueprint of the ship. While they opened the doors and climbed in, they heard the clangs and the engine powering down, which meant they arrived at Omega, faster than they thought.

“Shit!” Ashley hissed. “Garrus, are you there?”
There was some static crackling for a while. She repeated the call as they were climbing slowly in the vents.

“I hear you, Ash,” Garrus replied in his soothing voice.

“We couldn’t get to them in time. They should be exiting in any moment.”

“I will be waiting for them.”

“Follow them, Garrus and keep us posted. We will catch up with you.”

“Got it.”
They climbed out on the deserted CiC deck, weapons at the ready.

“We’ll check the back, find Santiago. Meet you at the docks.” Zaeed said. Ashley nodded, turning her attention at the CiC control centre. It was more impressive in life than on pictures and vids. Kai Leng flashed an approving smirk as well as they passed the stations and went forward.
When they reached the hatch, Ash signalled Kai Leng to go to the door and keep guard, while she went to the cockpit.

“Don’t fucking move!” she warned.

“Easy, easy!” Joker said, lifting his hands into the air and slowly turning around.

“Joker,” Ashley sighed. She was so disappointed when he defected with Shepard. He was a promising pilot.

“Hey, Williams,” Joker grinned, his hands raised. “I’m just the cripple in a seat, you know.”

“Don’t do anything stupid,” She warned as she started to back away.

“You know me...” he said cheerfully. Ashley backed out and turned towards the hatch to leave. Joker lowered his hands and just as Ashley took a step to walk away, he grabbed the pistol he kept in the chair panel and pulled the trigger.
Ashley screamed and fell from the shock of the impact, pain blossoming in her side. They had to shed most of their armor to climb through the vents. She reached for her dropped gun and crawled to the wall.

She stuck her gun out and started firing round after round towards the cockpit. After she ejected the thermal clip and popped in a new one, she rolled out and aimed at the pilot. It was not necessary, though. Joker was already dead, bleeding from several wounds.

“You stupid kid,” Ashley groaned, tears springing to her eyes. She dropped the gun and clutched her side.
Kai Leng was standing above her, surveying the situation.

“I’ll be fine,” Ashley panted, fishing for the field medikit on her belt. “Go. Keep in touch with Garrus.”

Kai Leng shot her another glance, watching as she ripped open the medpack. Then he nodded and dashed off after Shepard.
Ashley sat up and panting with the pain she tore up her shirt on her side and doused the wound in all the medigel she had in the pack, hissing and cursing as the cool substance seeped into the profusely bleeding wound. She put some gauze and tape on it and waited a few seconds to catch her breath, focus and stand up.
She cried out as the wound stretched but managed to stagger off the ship, clutching her side with one hand. It wasn’t gonna heal properly, if she kept moving, but she couldn’t wait. There was no way she drops out of the chase before she could meet eye to eye with Shepard. Knowing she will regret it later, she made her way into the bowels of Omega.
* * *
Shepard was fuming as they pushed through the Omega crowd, annoyed for every second they lost. He pushed and shoved along with Vega, dragging Miranda behind them, who seemed totally lost and didn’t know what was happening. Soon they reached the end of the crowd and moved into more scarcely populated streets. The knocking of Miranda’s heels were echoing in the streets. Heads started to turn and look at them.

“Take those heels off,” Shepard hissed. Miranda let go of the shirt where she clutched it close over her chest and quickly took off the heels. Even this, she did with a certain grace. She didn’t say a word, just held the shoes in one hand and clutched the shirt closed again over her body.
They found a small maintenance vehicle, which Vega quickly jacked and sat into the driver’s seat. Shepard and Miranda climbed onto the back and Vega was off. The vehicle was terribly slow, but they were still faster than on foot.
Shepard exhaled, leaning back against the cockpit and rubbed his forehead. He laughed, shaking his head and looked up at Miranda.

“Unbelievable. I fucking don’t believe it. All along it was you. Not Ashley, not the Alliance, not Torfan, not even Liara but you.”

Miranda blinked, looking back at him. She was listening but didn’t understand what he was trying to say.
“Who would have thought.” Shepard continued, still shaking his head incredulously. “Ever since you entered the picture, nothing goes according to plan. Starting with the way we broke up with Ashley. That was the last straw.”

She tried to follow his thoughts, but the names were not familiar. She had trouble remembering things, or concentrating for that matter, but she sensed that this was very serious and she needed to pay attention. Shepard was working himself up, and that could become dangerous.
“And then things went smoothly until we found YOU on that damn ship! Miranda fucking Lawson! Do you even know that you are the reason for all that’s happened until now?”

“I-I am sorry,” she replied automatically. She didn’t understand what was her fault, but the way he said it, it must be true.
Shepard snorted in disdain and shook his head.

“No, of course you don’t.” He grabbed the leash and pulled her closer to him to look into her face. Her dull eyes made him even more frustrated. “You’re a curse! You confused Liara and look how that ended. She even reverted back before... Fuck! And then you made Kaidan relapse. I should have let him kill you.”

She tried to look into his eyes, to see why he was so mad at him, but tears fogged her vision and her lips started to curl downward.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, and cautiously put a hand on his crotch, trying to rub it gently. He pushed her hand away with a growl.

“The fights between the crew. Strife! And now this,” he waved around him as the vehicle ambled along filthy, dark streets. “You even managed to bring out the beast from Ashley. My crew is gone.”

She was starting to panic as Shepard pulled her even closer, grabbing her jaw and looking into her eyes.

“I see now, that it’s all because of you. Your mere presence seems to throw the universe in disorder. Chaos follows you and you don’t even know it. You have no idea what are you doing to the world around you, huh?”
She shook her head frantically in his grasp. He was right, she had no idea. She hoped he was convinced enough not to blame more on her. “I’m sorry.”

Shepard slapped her on the cheek and let her drop away.

“Sorry. Well, I’m finished with you. I should have got rid of you much sooner. Hopefully it’s not too late now.”
* * *
Ashley staggered through the crowded plaza, every bump into a passerby sending a shockwave of pain through her torso. She had to clutch her gun tight not to drop it from the pain.

“Garrus— Kai Leng— Report.” She croaked after stopping to rest in one of the side streets on the other side of the plaza.

“They reached the Gozu District,” Garrus replied, panting. “I’m following them on foot.”

“Getting closer, too,” Kai Leng said. “I think they’re going to meet someone.”

“Think so, too,” Ashley gasped. “Wait until they meet their contact. I’ll try to catch up.”

“You’ll never make it on foot,” Kai Leng said.

“Take a shuttle to Gozu Plaza,” Garrus said immediately. “I can guide you to the meet from there.”

Ashley sighed. She knew Kai Leng was right. She would never make it there on foot at all. She was already sweating and catching her breath took longer than usual. Her wound kept bleeding.

“All right! I’ll see you there.” She signed off.

She looked around with feverish eyes until she saw a landing platform where a shuttle was just arriving. She pushed herself away from the wall with a groan and started to make her way along the edge of the plaza.
* * *
Miranda kept begging to him for the rest of the trip not to sell her. She was crying and pleading, promising to be good and try better, even tried to open his pants to show her dedication, but Shepard just kept pushing her away with growing frustration.
He had to admit, even now she was persistent, and getting desperate by the minute, to the point of disregarding her own safety. When he slapped her on the face, she still came back, stroking his chest, his shoulder, wanting to hold him and kiss him. After the second or third hit she changed tactics and wanted to get punished so she could redeem her “sin.”
In the end, he had to hold her down, clasping her arms to her sides and hold her tight to prevent her from harming herself. She wouldn’t sell for the right price if she wasn’t flawless. By the time they arrived at the meeting point, she was exhausted and he was fuming.
It was an irregularly shaped plaza with houses along two sides and one street running into it, and the rest of the circular shape was railings with a view of one of Omega’s many, gigantic ventilation shafts that reached up into the foggy heavens and the even foggier depths.
They arrived first. Vega stopped the vehicle near the railing and got out, drawing his rifle, quickly sweeping the place for any movement. It was thankfully deserted.
Shepard jumped off the back of the car and dragged Miranda down, holding her by the arms. She could barely stand anyway, knees buckling with every step, but he didn’t trust her not to try and make a dive for it. He kept looking around, walking in a small circle while Miranda was still whispering “I’ll be good, I promise, I can do better, please,” over and over again, staring into space. The place was quiet.

“So this is it, eh, Loco?” Vega declared, almost cheerful. “The last stand?”

“Hopefully not,” Shepard said, scanning the place.

“Still.” Vega shrugged, not lowering the rifle from his shoulder. “We had a good run, no?”

Shepard chuckled. “I suppose we did.”

“Well, you know what they say— It’s better to burn out than to fade—”

There was a sharp rumble and a small shuttle rose from the depth of the ventilation shaft, cutting off Vega’s words. They both aimed their weapon at the shuttle as it drifted over the plaza and started to touch down. It had a Blood Pack insignia welded to the cockpit.
The shuttle touched down not too gently, blowing dust and debris into the air that whirled around them like a small storm until it started to slowly settle. The door hissed open and a heavily armored krogan jumped out, with two vorcha in tow. Vega started to back off to get into a better position in case things turned ugly.
Shepard hissed as he recognized the krogan. He quickly forced a grin on his face.

“Garm himself! I never thought I’d see you out here, you paranoid bastard!” He greeted the merc cheerfully.

Garm rumbled, which was the equivalent of a krogan chuckle and shook Shepard’s hand.

“I had to see this myself, Shepard! I heard so much about this... merchandise of yours.” He reached out to Miranda to lift her chin up and turn her head left and right.
Miranda was frozen in place, her legs almost giving out from the fear, her eyes wide with panic. She shivered visibly, and shot a bewildered glance at Shepard.

“Please, Shepard. I’ll be good. Please don’t,” she whined, which made the krogan laugh. He started to peel off the shirt from her shoulders to expose more flesh with a satisfied growl.

“So how come you wanna part with this beauty? I heard she was not for sale.”

“Ah, I wouldn’t sell her to anyone,” Shepard said. “The thing is, she was too hot to handle. Making the crew fight each other. Too much trouble. It started to not worth it.”
* * *
Ashley staggered out of the shuttle, her legs already cramped, her muscles trembling. She cannibalized the shuttle’s first aid kit to try and stop the bleeding, but from the feel of it, the bullet was still lodged inside her somewhere, as every move painfully reminded her. Garrus sent the location to her omnitool and she started following the signal through the winding walkways and alleys, trying to hurry as much as she could, while she listened on the comm between Garrus and Kai Leng.
“I don’t see Liara with them,” Garrus said.

“She wasn’t on the ship either,” Kai Leng replied.

“That’s odd. Be on the lookout. She’s a strong biotic.” Pause. “I’m in position above them. Got them in my sight.”

“They still didn’t see me. I’m on street level, making my way to a better firing position.”

“Wait for it. Something’s coming.”
Ashley stumbled up a flight of stairs, sweat stinging her eyes. She started blinking to clear her vision. Her wound was bleeding again, it soaked through her bandages. Her hand was slippery, too, she had to grip her gun tighter. She stumbled along the wall, leaning on it for support, dodging trash and various debris. Breathing was becoming a challenge. She tried to focus on the chatter to know the situation when she walked into it.
“Blood Pack.” Garrus said. “Go now, the dust will cover you.”

“Gotcha.” Then “In position.”

“I see you... fuck!”

“What is it?” Ashley groaned. She never heard Garrus curse. It sounded bad.

“Garm! That freakish bastard!”

“How bad?”

“Local Blood Pack leader. Shot him in the head once. Still alive.”

“That’s not good.”

“Uh, Ash. ETA?”
“I don’t know. Couple of minutes.” She tried to sound confident. Her panic rising, she tried to walk faster.

“You want to hurry.”

“What’s happening?”

“Shepard is trying to sell Miranda to him.”

“Shit! Garrus,” she gasped. “If you have a clear shot, you take it. Don’t wait for me.”

“Heard you. I’ve got a clear line of sight on Garm. Kai Leng, you need to finish him off. One shot will not be enough.”

“Just give me the signal.”
They both went quiet, which just made it all the more unbearable for Ashley. According to the omnitool, she was still four blocks away. She felt so powerless, she wanted to cry. Letting out a grunt she gathered her remaining strength and quickened her steps.

“Almost there. Talk to me!”

“Uh, they’re, um, negotiating.”

Ashley snarled. “Can you take them out now?”

“They’re very close together—”

“Take the damn shot at first chance, Garrus!”
She saw the plaza in the distance, two blocks ahead at the end of the street. She saw the rear of the shuttle, but she couldn’t see the people. It was so close! She moaned in frustration and leaning on the wall she started jogging, her vision starting to blur and every step making her grunt.

“I see the plaza,” she gasped.

“Gotcha. You’ll need to run diversion. We’ll be vulnerable until Garm is down.”

“Give me thirty seconds.”
Time passed painfully slow. She lifted her gun, but she wasn’t sure of her aim. Uninjured, she could easily lay down some covering fire, but now she had trouble focusing. It changed in the second she could make out the shapes in front of the shuttle. Her heart started to race as she identified Miranda, standing right in front of Shepard, the krogan looming over her. It was almost too much to bear. She haven’t seen her for months, and she didn’t know how much she missed her. But seeing her like this, almost naked, poked and prodded like meat, it hurt her even more.
She realized she was snarling. She let go of her wound and supported her wrist with her bloody hand. She was too far but she couldn’t wait.

“I’m ready. In three... two... one...”

She pulled the trigger.

All hell broke loose.
* * *
Vega yelped in surprise as something bit into his calf. The next second he heard the shots and bullets whizzing past him, bouncing off the car and the shuttle.

The next second Garm’s head seemed to explode, a spray of blood showering Miranda and Shepard. The krogan roared in frustration, turning towards the shot.

“ARCHANGEL!” He roared.

Shepard dove for cover behind their stolen vehicle, yanking Miranda with him. Vega returned fire towards the street, where someone was approaching, while limping for cover, which was not easy in the middle of the square.

At the same second, an assault rifle barked and showered the krogan from another direction, punching holes in his armor and limbs and head. The vorchas snarled and scattered, a sniper taking out one of them before it had time to go for cover.

Shepard pulled his gun and returned fire towards the window where he spotted the shooter.
Vega spun around towards the rifleman, a murky shadow under an archway. He started shooting, but he was caught in the crossfire. The pistol from the street never stopped shooting at him and before Vega could decide where to duck, another shot hit him in the neck, then in the arm. Several other, pointless shots bounced off his armor, but it was already finished. He stared at the apparition emerging from the street, a bloody, screaming witch with one fucking pistol, the muzzle still flaring as she kept pumping shots into him.

“Fucking Lola...” he gurgled, spitting blood before collapsing.
Meanwhile the shuttle was powering up, the pilot panicking. Kai Leng laid down suppressing fire on Shepard’s cover, giving Garrus an opportunity to take up a new position and prevent Shepard from jumping into the shuttle and escape.
As soon as the vehicle tilted and drifted over the shaft, Kai Leng shouted into the comm.

“Garrus! The pilot! Now!” He started firing at the cockpit right away, distracting the pilot until the familiar rumble of the high-powered rifle echoed over the area. The shuttle tilted sharply and started to sink in an uncontrolled dive, out of sight.
It all happened in less than two minutes and suddenly, the plaza was silent again. Ashley ejected her thermal clip and jammed in a new one, aiming it at Shepard’s cover. She was standing on wobbly legs, bloody and dirty, blinking hard to clear her vision frequently, her skin shining from sweat, eyes dark and face pale, but her hand was steady. She took on a ghastly appearance. She was the angel of vengeance.

“Shepard! Come out! It’s over!” She shouted, slowly moving to the right in a large circle around his cover.
Kai Leng appeared from the archway, nodding to her, and training his rifle at the same cover he also started to move towards the street, taking up Ashley’s original position.
“We got you surrounded! Fucking come out!” She screamed. She fired a warning shot at his cover, followed by another shot from Kai Leng, just to let him know they were there.
That worked. Shepard stepped out, using Miranda as cover. Ashley’s heart sank. Miranda looked rattled, eyes darting left and right, lost all composure. She was shuffling nervously and seemed completely disoriented. She was in lingerie, which she would have admired in any other circumstance, but now it just added insult to injury. And that tattoo, Shepard’s mark... She wanted to scream.
“Okay, honey! You got me!” Shepard shouted, his eyes searching the windows, trying to find the sniper. “Now what’s gonna happen, huh? Are you gonna shoot the hostage? Remember your training?”
Ashley gritted her teeth.

“No clear shot,” Garrus whispered into the comm. “Keep moving to the right.”

Ashley took a step, but Shepard didn’t follow, keeping Kai Leng in his sight, too.

“You let her go and you get a fair trial! That’s the offer!” Ashley shouted back.

“Not good enough, Ash! You need to sweeten the deal!”

“What the fuck do you want?”

“To get out of here alive?” Shepard replied with a snort.
“Mercs approaching from the street!” came the warning from Garrus.

“Got it!” Kai Leng said and started to pull back into the street, looking for a good spot.
Ashley was left alone on the square with Shepard and Miranda.

“Poetic, isn’t it?” Shepard asked.

Ashley pressed her lips together. She had no comeback, she didn’t want to waste time and she had to clench her jaws so her teeth wouldn’t clatter from the cold shiver she was feeling. It was the blood loss, she knew. She didn’t have much time.

“You don’t have much time,” Shepard echoed her thoughts, nodding at her bloody torso. “That’s a nasty wound.”
Ashley started to shuffle to the right, making an effort to keep her gun aimed at him. She needed to ignore Miranda for now, otherwise she would just lose it. She avoided her terrified gaze as much as she could.

“Keep moving” Garrus whispered in her ear.

“Yeah, Joker was stupid.” She spat.
Shepard tensed. It must have hurt him because he shook Miranda, making her gasp and changed position, pressing his head to her neck to keep himself in cover. He snarled in frustration, squeezing Miranda’s hand harder.

“Yeah, his blood is on you, too!” Ashley pounced on. “Just like Kaidan’s. And Tali’s.” She knew it was a lie, but she had to press on. “Where did you ditch Liara, huh?”
“Don’t get smart with me, Ash!” Shepard snarled, following her moves, shuffling Miranda in front of her. “Your girlfriend here was just as much fun!”

Miranda stared at Ashley, listening to their conversation and she knew she should be feeling something, that woman should look familiar but she couldn’t place it. Of course, she was thin and pale now, with dark eyes and a bloody side, so it was not easy to recognise her. She kept her gaze on Ashley’s gun like it was a snake hypnotizing her.
And then the shooting started. Everybody turned into that direction, the shots echoing down the street. Kai Leng opened fire on the approaching mercs, cutting down three before they knew what hit them. The response was even more intense, a dozen different type of guns peppering Kai Leng’s cover with bullets.
Only Ashley knew it was coming and she didn’t look. She used the few seconds of distraction making a couple of steps to the right and fired a single shot that whizzed past Miranda’s head and almost scraped Shepard’s neck.
He snapped his head back instantly, pushing Miranda a bit to the side from the sudden movement and lifted his gun at Ashley with a smirk. Ashley’s hand was trembling, and her aim dipped, the gun lowering just an inch.

“A mistake. You were always a lousy shot.” He said and pulled the trigger.
Ashley grunted as the shot went through her left arm, clean this time. She was too slow to dodge. At the same time there was a familiar, deep rumble as Garrus’ rifle fired and Shepard’s shoulder exploded in a cloud of bones and blood. He staggered back with a scream, letting go of Miranda, who collapsed immediately, leaving him exposed.

“All yours, sister,” Garrus growled in Ashley’s earpiece and turned his attention towards the mercs, picking off targets to help Kai Leng and feeding him what he saw.
Shepard still stood, wobbling, his eyes wide from shock, his right shoulder a mangled mess, his arm dangling limp by his side, held in place by his shirt only.

He looked up at Ashley.
“Well.” He smiled. “This is embarrassing.”

Ashley stared into his eyes and snarled.

“Rot in Hell.” And she pulled the trigger.
Her aim was off, hitting his thigh instead, making Shepard groan in pain and drop to his knees. Ashley grabbed the gun steadily in both hands, pressed her lips thin and fired again.
This time she hit him square in the chest.

“Broke— my— heart—” Shepard gurgled and toppled back.
The gunfire was still loud from the street, and Garrus and Kai Leng were talking on the radio, but Ashley couldn’t hear it. She felt all strength leaving her and she fell to her knees with a moan. She had to close her eyes for a few seconds, head bent down and take a few deep breaths. She was shivering.

“Miranda,” she whispered, looking up suddenly. She was not done yet. Dragging her gun her injured left hand, crawling on her knees and her right hand she made her way to where Miranda lay. She was unconscious, and covered in krogan and human blood.
Ashley fell back, sitting on the floor of the plaza and with her last strength, she pulled Miranda into her lap. She felt tears springing to her eyes. It was so long ago that she held her in her arms, it was almost unreal. It pained Ashley to see her like this. The anguish was almost unbearable. She peeled off the shirt from her arms and started to wipe Miranda’s face clean from all the blood and dirt, sobbing in relief, letting her tears fall on her soft, warm skin. She carefully went across her lips and brushed her hair out of her face.
Even though mercenaries were pushing in from the street and she should be looking for cover, even though she felt numbness spreading in her side and all along her left arm, wiping Miranda’s face was the most important thing in her life.
Miranda’s eyelids fluttered and slowly opened, her ice-blue eyes staring back at her. Ashley wiped her tears away, cradling her face in her hand.

“Hey,” Ashley whispered and tried to smile. Gunshots were still echoing in the background. “Are you okay?”

Miranda looked around confused, trying to remember where she was and what happened. She looked down at herself, then back at Ashley.

“Y-yes, I think,” she mumbled.

“You’re gonna be alright,” Ashley said, laughing in relief. Her head felt heavy. She wanted to sleep, but something told her, not yet.
Miranda still looked at her with confused eyes, and slowly, dreamily, reached up to cup her cheek, frowning, racking her brain. Her touch was electric, making Ashley laugh and weep at the same time, grabbing her hand and pressing it to her cheek, kissing her palm.

“You remember me, baby?” Ashley asked, looking into her eyes.

Miranda slowly shook her head, but kept touching her. “I—” she whispered. She looked more confused, the escaped thoughts bothering her. She was fighting to remember.
“Let me help you” Ashley whispered and leaned over, pressing her lips against hers.
She closed her eyes tight and let out a desperate sigh, caressing Miranda’s cheek while she kissed her, licking her lips open with small nibbles, waiting for her reaction. Miranda tentatively let her in, every touch less cautious and more welcoming. When their tongues finally met and they could taste each other, Ashley felt Miranda going tense, her hand pressing hard against her cheek. Her whole body froze, back arching like she received a jolt and her eyes snapped open and stared at Ashley with total surprise.
Ashley didn’t care, her eyes still closed, tears streaming down her face, lost in the kiss she hungered for for so long, she caressed her face and let out a long sigh.
“Ashley,” Miranda whispered into her lips, not breaking the kiss, her gaze softening. “My god...”
And finally, Ashley Williams could let go. She sobbed in relief, pulling away to see her, and the surprised expression on her face before hugging her eagerly.

“I got you, babe. I got you.” She whispered, rocking her gently. “Everything will be fine.”

“I-I forgot—” Miranda muttered, still disoriented, but she felt that this was somehow right.

“It’s all right.” Ashley mumbled into her hair as she looked out over the plaza.
The sounds of the world returned to her in an instant. Blue Suns mercenaries were marching into the plaza from the street.

“...Get to cover! Ash!” Garrus was shouting into her earpiece. “...Cornered into the building. Can’t help you!”
Holding Miranda close to her chest with one hand, Ashley fumbled for her gun, and slowly lifted it towards the approaching crew. There was sparse gunfire coming from one of the buildings. A mercenary fell out screaming from a third floor window.
They were trapped, sitting in the middle of the plaza. A batarian stepped forward and tilting his head, looked over at Ashley and Miranda.

“Really? You wanna fight?”

Ashley didn’t reply, but kept her trembling gun pointed at him. She was so close.

“Done!” Garrus reported over the comm. “Kai Leng is taking up a position downstairs. I’m above. There are too many of them. Can’t get you out of there safely.”
“So? What will it be?” the batarian asked. Ashley did not budge. She was not going to lose Miranda again. Ever.
A shotgun shot rang from behind and a mercenary dropped. There was some commotion at the back of the lines, but eventually it settled and the crew parted.

“Tarak you pathetic little four-eyed cocksucker!” rumbled the familiar voice of Zaeed. “Stand down or I’ll have to fucking shoot you in the back!”

The batarian turned back with a surprise. “Zaeed?”

“Aye.” He threw something at the feet of the batarian, who bent down and picked it up suspiciously. “That’s what’s left of Santiago.”

Zaeed turned back towards the mercenaries.

“Gentlemen. You filthy motherfuckers, you sorry bastards, you. The Blue Suns is under new management as of today, by yours truly.”
Tarak gasped and let the cut off hand drop to the floor.

“Holy shit, Massani!”

Zaeed turned on his heels towards the batarian.

“Exactly, Tarak. So. What will it be, you disgusting frog? Wanna stay the Suns leader on Omega, or shall I just put you down like a rabid dog?”
Ashley watched the exchange with a heavy head, trying hard to stay conscious, holding onto Miranda like her life depended on it. She felt Miranda’s touch on her arms and she looked down at the questioning gaze of those beautiful blue eyes. She had to smile.

“It’s fine. Relax,” she whispered and looked up again.
The batarian relented and holstered his weapon.

“Whatever you say... boss.”

“Attaboy.” Zaeed patted his shoulder. “Get ready to move out. She’s with me.”

“But the others— They killed twenty—”

“Collateral damage, Tarak. Price of ignorance.” Zaeed grumbled. “I’ll tell you later.”
“More incoming!” Garrus warned on the comm and before Ashley had a chance to try and move into cover, Blood Pack vorchas scrambled up the railing from the vent and spread out, while a squad of krogan blocked the street exit. The Blue Suns were trapped in plaza, the two women in the middle of it all.

“Bloody hell,” Zaeed muttered and stepped forward towards the approaching krogan.

“This is Blood Pack territory! You are trespassing, Blue Suns. You will pay for this with your lives!”
“Tell him Archangel killed Garm. He is the new leader.” Garrus suggested over the comm. “Or I could take him out, too.” He offered smugly.
Zaeed quickly looked around and noticed the dead krogan. He poked a thumb at the corpse.

“Isn’t that your former boss, huh? Garm?” Zaeed shouted back defiantly. The Blood Pack mercs started to grumble and snarl in anger, getting nervous with their guns. “Archangel did you a favor, my friend! Congratulations on your promotion!”
The krogan boss growled and stomped angrily.

“Are you in allegiance with the vigilante Archangel?”
“You should probably say no,” Garrus suggested with a little glee in his voice.

“I don’t give a fuck about that Archangel bloke!” Zaeed spat. “This was between them. We had nothing to do with it.”
“Except you are trespassing!”

“Bullshit! This is disputed territory! And we moved in because we heard the fight and you didn’t come. You sell protection in Gozu but where were you?!” Tarak shouted back defiantly.
Ashley could still follow the conversation but she was getting sleepy now, and it was harder to keep focused. She was so cold and Miranda’s touch was so warm on her cold skin, it made her shiver. She had to hold on for her, until this was over.
Angry voices were rising from the ranks of both merc groups, insults and arguments flying back and forth. It was slowly getting out of hand. While Zaeed could probably calm his people down, the Blood Pack just realized they lost their leader. Ashley held on to Miranda tighter, rocking back and forth gently, gripping her gun tightly.
“We need to get you out of there,” Ashley heard Garrus’ voice. “This will get ugly.”
Before it could, however, there was a mighty, high-pitched noise and a gunship descended on the plaza from above, bearing the symbol of Omega. Aria’s personal craft hovered over them, turrets pointing at the commotion.
“Hello boys!” Aria’s voice rang loud and clear through the PA system of the gunship. The pilot was making sure the guns passed over every target. “Playtime is over! Put your dicks away nicely and play hide-and-go-fuck-yourselves somewhere else.”
The argument died down immediately. The Blue Suns stayed together until the vorcha and the krogan left, taking their fallen with them. Zaeed nodded to Tarak.

“Get the bodies and fall back to base. I’ll meet you there later.”

Tarak nodded and motioned the others, who moved to obey as soon as the Blood Pack was out of sight.
Meanwhile the gunship landed and the cockpit opened, Aria climbing out from behind the pilot and landed gracefully on the plaza. Zaeed stepped back to give them room to talk. He was not involved in this.

“You make quite the noise, Commander Williams,” Aria declared, surveying the damage. “And you have powerful friends.”

Ashley was too tired to deal with this. She shook her head, breathing heavily and taking an effort to look into Aria’s eyes.

“Not my intention.” She nodded towards Shepard. “Job done. Getting out of here.” She managed.
Aria shot a disdainful glance at Shepard’s corpse.

“He was beginning to be a lot of trouble,” she remarked before focusing her attention back at the women, notably running her gaze over Miranda. “But I can see why all of you went to all this trouble.”
The ruler of Omega smiled and licked her lips as she stepped closer.

“What an exquisite little flower,” Aria mused and Miranda shuddered. “You have very good taste, Williams, I give you that.” She laughed, sending one more sultry look towards Miranda before returning her attention to Ashley, seemingly oblivious of her physical condition. “And you got rid of Garm and Shepard, so I guess we are even.” She strolled back to the gunship and turned back to her before climbing in. “You have safe passage off Omega. Don’t stay too long!”
“Wait!” Ashley croaked. She shouldn’t be doing this. She should be seeking a doctor, not risk even more and bargain with a criminal. She figured she didn’t have much time anyway. The cold was seeping into her bones.

Aria looked at her curiously. Ashley swallowed and licked her lips.

“I can do better.” She panted. “I make— Archangel disappear,” she had to stop to catch her breath. Aria was listening. “And I— get to ask— a favor in return.”
“Well played,” Garrus chuckled into her earpiece.

Aria almost snorted. She struck a pose where she tilted her hip and rested a hand on her waist.

“I underestimated you, Williams,” the Queen of Omega smirked. “Very well!” She climbed back into the cockpit, behind the pilot. “Next time you visit Omega, I’ll buy you a drink. Don’t come often.”
The gunship engines roared to life and it gently lifted off, then started rising faster and faster up the vent.
Ashley let out a relieved sigh and looked at Miranda with an exhausted smile.

Miranda must have been watching her all the time and some memories might have returned, because she was crying now, holding onto her arm with a strong grip. Miranda saw how much pain she was in and what willpower she needed to keep it together.

“I’m sorry I forgot—” she whimpered, squeezing her arm stronger.

Ashley shook her head. “It’s okay, baby. The important thing is, that you’re safe,” she whispered, caressing her cheek.
She felt light, and the cold was not bothering her any more. The warmth that was Miranda in her lap was enough for her. She did it. Shepard was dead, Miranda was safe, and nothing else mattered. If the world ended right now, she would be happy. She was happy. And cold. And dizzy. She needed to close her eyes for a second. Just for a little while. Miranda was safe. She could rest a little bit now. Just a little bit of sleep. She saw Miranda’s beautiful face and she smiled and watched the world go white, her face melting into the blinding light that seemed to be radiating from her.
She smiled and closed her eyes and she felt light and she fell.

INTERMEZZO
Jack strolled along the empty CiC deck, looking around and musing at the consoles, workstations, the impressive hologram of the galaxy. She ran her fingers along the backs of the seats, the consoles, whichever she passed by. She was walking lightly, taking her time, lost in thoughts.
Zaeed rushed after the Alliance people as soon as they found Santiago dead in the elevator. He was not even annoyed that Shepard got to him before Zaeed could finish the job. In fact, he found the fate of his rival amusing.

“Are you coming?” The old merc shouted back halfway down the corridor.

Jack shrugged, looking a little bored.

“Nah, go ahead. I’ll hang around here,” she replied in a dreamy voice.

Zaeed nodded and dashed again, then his steps slowed down at the intersection before the cockpit. He slowly turned back and looked at Jack. He frowned.

“Are you okay, darling?” He asked curiously.

She just shrugged, eyes unfocused as she stared through the galaxy holo.

“Mmm hmm.”

Zaeed pondered, tilting his head at the tattooed biotic.

“You’re not coming with me,” he said quietly. It wasn’t a question.

Jack looked at him from halfway across the CiC deck, but didn’t reply. It was all in her eyes.
Zaeed sighed, bowing his head for a few seconds before looking up at her with a smile. He opened his arms.

“Come here.”

Jack sauntered up to him with a bit of a guilty expression, biting her lip. She knew he knew. She slipped into his embrace smoothly and rested her head on his shoulder.

“Well, we had a good fucking run, didn’t we?” he murmured. Jack hugged him tighter, eyes fogging up. She pulled away and looked at him, nodding quietly. The old merc smirked. “I had a great time.”

She chuckled.

“Me too. But I can’t follow you there.” She waved at the general direction of Omega with one hand, resting her other hand on his shoulder. “That’s not my world.”

“I know,” the battered old merc smirked. He patted her cheek. “You’re a fucking force of nature, Jack.”

She snorted in laughter and gave a peck of a kiss to his cheek.

“Get the fuck out of here.”

And Zaeed winked and left. She has been wondering the corridor ever since, looking into the cockpit. She dragged the corpse of the pilot off the chair and threw him down at the wall. The body landed with a few sickening cracks that made Jack grimace. She also noticed the pool of blood around the corner to the hatch. Since there was no body, she figured it was either Williams or Kai Leng who got hit. Or maybe one of the crew, who managed to drag himself away.
She stood behind the pilot’s seat, leaning on the back and stared out the windows. She heard footsteps behind her. Cautious, soft steps. Harmless. She looked back over her shoulder. It was the quarian girl, with a pale faced redhead with a leg wound leaning on her. The two stopped in their tracks. Jack’s biotics flared up which made the other two tense.
“You’re— Tali, right?”

The quarian nodded quietly.

“And you’re— Kathy or something.”

“K-Kelly.”

“My name is Jack.”

The two didn’t know what to say. Jack looked back and forth between them and the pilot seat.

“So. Tali. Is this piece of shit spaceworthy?”

Tali carefully edged closer, pulling the limping Kelly with her. She did a quick check of the lights and readouts.

“Looks like. A bit shot up but nothing serious.”

Jack grinned.

“Do you know how to fly this thing?”

The quarian snorted indignantly.

“Of course.”

Jack laughed.

“So what do you say, girls. Do you want to get the fuck out of here?”
Jack, the Pirate Queen of Terminus. She liked the sound of that.

A/N: we're not finished yet. stay tuned for the Epilogue and feel free to comment and review. Thanks.
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The Ballad of the Pirate of Terminus