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Mass Effect: The Helldiver Saga, The Last Cycle	By : Veyron722skyhook Category: +M through R > Mass Effect Views: 6104 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Mass Effect or it's characters. They belong to Bioware and EA. No money/profit is made by me from this.

Chapter List
- 27
- 28
- 29
Hello, everyone! I'm back!

Hope you all had a good Christmas. It was good for me.

Tiny bit of apology that this chapter is one week late. I hadn't realised the first friday of 2014 was so soon; i thought I'd have more time. In the end i felt it was better to delay the chapter so that it wasn't rushed and was as good as I could get it.

So anyway, I should say that the identity theft storyline of the DLC is slightly darker this time round, mainly because Alpha face one of their oldest and dangerous enemies.

Also, some of the humour and funny bits were either cut or toned down. That's only for the story bit though. The shore leave and party bits remain unchanged.

Little more for me to say then. Other than that i hope you enjoy this, not only is the first chapter that starts to prepare you for Alpha Origins it's also the longest chapter ever at 35,654 words. (Not including the Author's notes)

Enjoy!

Oh, and before I forget, a big thanks to Legionaryprime, Mastermind4892, and SpectreFanchin10 for their contributions to this chapter. cheers to all of you! ;)

Chapter 28

The Return of Hellspawn

It had been a week now since the battle of Thessia. That time however had been put to good use.

Although they still hadn't found any leads, Alpha had at least managed to get many more races into the resistance and a lot more territory had been won back. Earth had also been re-secured. The Reapers were still attacking, but at least now the Alliance had a strong foothold and was managing to hold Earth.

Also noteworthy was Benezia's return which had come as a huge surprise to the Asari community. The biggest surprise of all however was that somehow, Aethyta had managed to get to see her old bond mate and as bizarre as it sounded, they were back together again. Liara had almost been unable to believe what had happened when she heard the news.

Something that had also come as good news, particularly to Austin and Sarah was that their mother was alive and well and was assisting with the Council. Even promoted to Rear Admiral. Both siblings were of course pleased that their mother was okay, and Matt was overjoyed to learn his wife was safe. The worry had been eating away at him for a while.

For now however, the Normandy had been given shore leave and was docked at the Citadel for maintenance and repairs.

Before Austin joined some of the others for their break though, he'd received a message from Anderson saying that he'd been left an apartment. Normally Alpha had their own place for unwinding, but unfortunately that had been one of the casualties of the Cerberus Coup. Apparently a Cerberus shuttle had crashed into it.

As Austin walked into the apartment, he found himself gazing at quite a size. This whole thing was twice as large as Alpha's former game room.

"Major, I've got Admiral Anderson one the QEC. Patching him through to you now." Said Traynor's voice.

Anderson's image appeared on the screen.

"Shepard."

"Admiral. How you holding up?" Austin asked.

"Day by day, Major." Anderson replied.

"Yeah." Austin replied understandingly. "Hackett sent me a message about this apartment."

"I want you to have it. Take it off my hands." Said Anderson.

"Are you serious?" Austin asked in surprise.

"I heard that the one you used to have got destroyed, so you need somewhere to recharge, clear your head. Kahlee wanted us to settle down there. Thing is, the longer I'm on Earth, the less I want to leave, even if we now have the upper hand." Said Austin. "And I want as few loose ends out there as possible. Like I said, you'd be doing me a favour."

"That's very generous of you Anderson. Thanks." Said Austin.

"It's practical. We need you in the best shape possible. Rested. Focused." Said Anderson.

"If you say so." Austin nodded.

"And make yourself at home, damn it. It's yours now."

"I'm sure I can manage."

There would be time to explore the apartment fully later. Right now though, Austin had some shore leave to enjoy. For starters, he'd received a message from Joker asking him to him in the sushi restaurant.

"Ah, Major Shepard. Your table is ready." Said the attendant.

Joker waved to him from the table and Austin sat down.

"Hey, Shepard. Not bad, huh? This sushi place is serious. Like "French guy at door" serious. Only had to save the galaxy twice to get a table here. You've seen the line outside?" said Joker. "But here I am, drink in hand. Best pilot in the universe and a rock star."

"Any news from the Normandy?" Austin asked.

"Ah, you know. Maintenance stuff. It's hard knowing a bunch of strangers are poking around in my ship. I mean… your ship." Said Joker. "What's with the case by the way?"

Austin had brought a metal looking case with him for some reason. Joker wasn't sure exactly what it was, but it did have an odd look to it.

"Oh, just something I carry around." Said Austin. "Anyway, let someone else do the work for once. Hackett's orders. You're on shore leave."

"Yeah, whether we like it or not." Said Joker.

"I'm sure you'll manage." Said Austin.

"I may need a drink that comes with an umbrella."

"I'm the leader of the Reaper Resistance. I can get you two umbrellas."

"Awesome use of power, boss." Said Joker. "So… your email said it was important?"

"My email? I'm here because I got a message from you." Said Austin, puzzled by this.

"The hell? I didn't send anything…"

At that moment an Alliance officer suddenly ran up to them. Dark skin and black hair. She looked in such a hurry that she bumped into a lot of people.

"Major! Excuse me. Sorry. Alliance business. Major, this is urgent!" she said.

"She better not want an autograph." Austin sighed.

"Major Shepard, Staff Analyst Maya Brooks. Alliance Intelligence. There are people trying to kill you." Said the officer.

"Yeah… I think he's aware of that." Said Joker.

"No, I don't mean the Takaal and the Reapers! I mean other people! New people! They're… It's…" said Brooks, trying to get her breath back. "Someone is trying to hack your account. Comm channels, personal records… They're targeting you."

"Big mistake." Said Austin coldly.

"Oh, man! There's the angry face." Joker sighed.

"From the top. Tell me everything, now." Said the Helldiver.

Before Brooks could continue however, several mercs dressed fully in black armour marched right past the line of people and into the restaurant.

"Excsue me! You don't have a reservation!" said the attendant before one of the mercs knocked him aside.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Tonight's performance is brought to you by random acts of violence." Said one of the mercs.

Gunfire erupted and everyone started run and scream as they fled.

"Get down!" said Austin, pushing the table over to give them cover.

"Man, I love show business." Said one of the mercs. "Spread out, boys! Find me Shepard!"

Something about these mercs was very familiar, but with everything going ona round him, Austin couldn't fully remember.

"Joker, kick the case to me!" he said as the mercs managed to drag Brooks away, not yet noticing that Austin was hiding behind the table.

"Why? It's just a case." Said Joker, slightly puzzled.

"JUST DO IT!" Austin yelled.

Joker simply shrugged and kicked the case over to Austin. As soon as the Helldiver's hand touched it, the case suddenly split into pieces, each one hovering and swarming around Austin as they pieces together to form his armour, cape and all. He didn't' have hi guns with him, but he had his sword at least. That was better than nothing.

"Joker, find the crew. I'll take care of this." He said.

He risked a quick glance from behind the table only for one of the mercs to spot him.

"There's the Helldiver!" he yelled, also noticing Joker who was in the process of leaving.

Austin quickly grabbed the merc and pulled him behind the table, sinking his omni blade in and taking the merc's pistol.

"You used me as bait?" said Joker in shock.

"Just go, Joker!" Austin yelled, rolling behind another table as the mercs opened fire.

"You used me as bait!" Joker yelled.

"And I'll use you as a shield if you don't shut up!" said Austin forcefully, nearly scaring the pilot.

The mercs it seemed had been unprepared for Austin to be in his armour, so the Helldiver was able to use the element of surprise to his advantage. It didn't take him long to kill the small platoon, but he knew there would be more eventually.

"Major, over here!"

Austin looked to see Brooks lying on the floor, a bullet wound in her stomach and blood pouring from it.

Right as Austin was about to help her however, he suddenly felt the floor collapse as a merc shot at it. Unable to take his weight in such a cracked state, the glass broke completely. Austin fell right through the fish tank and out of the restaurant itself. He was able to grab onto the sign, but it didn't' hold for long and he soon found himself falling several feet. Finally with a loud crash, he landed on a walkway, so hard that he felt he air go out of his lungs. He was most lucky that every bone in his body didn't break from that.

"Ow. I'm gonna feel that in the morning." He groaned, slowly getting up.

Without any current radio contact and with little firepower from the pistol he'd taken, Austin had very little options.

He knew however that there was a landing pad nearby in this part fo the Citadel though. That would do. If he could get there, he could contact the others.

Of course, the mercs knew he'd survived and were quickly on his tail.

After some time, Austin finally heard his radio crackle into life and a familiar voice greeted his ears.

"Shepard, this is Alaara. Are you alright?" said Alaara.

"I'm fine. But I'm under heavy fire." Austin replied, managing to avoid another shot as the mercs had him pinned down. "Something about these mercs is very familiar."

"We're patching into your video feed. See if we can identify them." Said Dell.

Austin took this moment to run to better cover as the mercs ceased fire to reload.

"Okay. We're getting feed." Said Dell. There was a long pause however when the feed cleared up. "But that's… It can't be! Are those…"

"HELLSPAWN TROOPS?! That's impossible. That organization died out years ago." Said Alaara, just as shocked as Dell was.

Now it all fell into place. Austin had known they were familiar, and now he knew why. But he found it hard believe. Hellspawn?! He was just as shocked and in disbelief as Alaara was. How could they be here?

"Apparently not." He said.

Liara's voice then joined the comm chat.

"Austin, this is Liara. I'm on my way. I should reach you soon."

After managing to fight his way through the markets, Austin finally managed to make it to the landing pad. As he entered in through the door, several Hellspawn troops suddenly flew past him. There in front of him stood Liara. Words alone couldn't' express how happy he was too see her right now

"Having a bad day, husband?" she asked, happy at least that her bond mate was still alive.

"You could say that." Austin replied.

"Landing pad is over there, but it's behind a locked gate." Said Liara.

"We should look for a control panel." Said Austin.

"I liked the outfit you were wearing earlier." Liara smiled, but quickly changed the subject when she felt Austin's puzzled gaze at her. "Errr, control panel. Right."

She then handed Austin all of his folded up weapons.

"You might be needing these too." She added.

"Thanks, love." Said Austin as he strapped them to his back and un-holstered his Revenant.

"I heard you fell through a fish tank." Said Liara.

"We'll talk about it later." Said Austin.

"A shame. I quite liked the restaurant." Said Liara, the teasing now obvious in her voice..

"We'll talk about it later." Austin said again, more sternly this time.

The control panel appeared to be inside an office of some kind, but the door was walked.

"Stand back. This might get messy." Said Austin as he raised his gun.

"One moment." Said Liara as she gently lowered his gun. She then gently tapped on the glass to the office. "Hello? Could you please open he gate?"

Rather surprisingly, it worked and the gates retracted.

"Thank you." Said Liara.

"Please leave!" said a Volus voice from within.

"Hmm, I didn't think of that." Austin shrugged.

"There's an C-sec shuttle." Said Liara.

As the shuttle gently hovered near their position however, Austin couldn't help but think something was wrong. Something didn't feel right.

"Wait a second…"

The shuttle's door then opened to reveal more Hellspawn troops.

Austin quickly pulled Liara out of the way as they took cover from the incoming fire. For a moment, it didn't look like they'd be able to get out of this one, but then…

CRASH!

A large Krogan figure suddenly burst out of the window above them and landed on the shuttle so hard that it crashed onto the pad. At was is this happened Austin suddenly noticed how familiar the Krogan was. It was Wrex!

Wrex then jumped onto the pad and charged into the shuttle, smashing one of the Hellspawn troops against the side. He then head-butted another and punched one more several times before then throwing him out of the shuttle. The one that he'd smashed against the side earlier tried to get up, but the Krogan simply kicked him out.

"Wrex?! What are you doing here?"

"Ah, just butting heads with the Council on Krogan expansion." Wrex replied.

More Hellspawn troops then dropped down from above and everyone reloaded.

"We got a way out of this?" Wrex asked.

"Relax, Wrex. I'm a professional." Said Austin.

"That's not a yes."

"It's not a no."

Another shuttle soon come into view. This time though it was a Hellhound, and Alpha was in it.

"I don't believe it. It's really them." Said Alaara in surprise as they covered Austin, Liar and Wrex as they retreated into thr dropship.

"It's Alpha! Take 'em out!" one of the Hellspawn troops yelled.

The troopers immediately opened fire, their rounds impacting and bouncing off the Hellhound's armour. As Wrex finally climbed on board, Ventra quickly sealed the dropship's door and it sped away.

The attack of course hadn't been a quiet event, so naturally all of the Normandy crew knew and they had all gone back to the apartment which as of now served as a safehouse.

"So what exactly is it that we're dealing with?" Tali asked.

"Hellspawn, as much as we wish it wasn't." Austin sighed.

"The Hellspawn? The terrorist organization you fought more than 15 years ago?" Griffin asked in surprise.

"The same." Said Alaara.

"Errr, hate to interrupt, but some of us still don't understand. We've not been in the Helldiver anywhere near as long as you have." Said Joker.

"Well, perhaps I can shed some light on the situation, monsieur." Said a voice.

Everyone looked to a nearby chair from where the voice had come from. A figure suddenly appeared out of nowhere as he de-cloaked. It was a Helldiver. He was sat very leisurely in the chair with a drink in one hand and his helmet removed. He had black hair and a moustache and spoke with a French accent.

His armour design wasn't heavily modified but he did have several cloth pieces hanging off his armour. Most especially at the back around the legs, one on the front and on on his right arm. This appearance had earned him the occasional name Wanderer as he had a somewhat drifter look to him.

"Gentlemen. Ladies." He acknowledged.

"You… double crossing, no good, backstabbing scumbag!" said Austin, marching right up to the figure. "You've got a lot of guts showing your face here, after what you pulled."

The Helldiver was left incredibly confused by this and indicated to himself in a questioning manner.

Austin the suddenly seized the Helldiver and pulled him out of the chair. For a moment, everyone thought the Major was going to give him a beating, but to everyone's surprise he suddenly hugged the Helldiver.

"Relax, Troy. I'm just messing with ya!" Austin laughed.

"You haven't changed." Said the Helldiver.

"So, you played dead again?" Austin asked as he released the Helldiver.

"I had too."

"Normally we would be furious with you… but it's damn good to see you." Austin smiled.

"Same, mon ami."

"Everyone, this is Troy Benning, a very old friend of Alpha's." said Austin, introducing the Helldiver to everyone.

"The master of disguise. I've heard many stories." Said Griffin.

Troy then noticed Hawk among the gang.

"Hawk. Good to see that you're alive. I feared that shot had killed you." He said.

"Wasn't without some loss." Said Hawk. "I lost an eye."

"Well, you look good." Said Troy.

"Not that I'm complaining, but what are you doing here?" Austin asked.

"Hellspawn resurfacing left me with little choice. I'd hoped to warn you, but I was too late. I guess we're just fortunate Miss Alliance here succeeded." Troy replied, indicating to Brooks in a rather uncaring manner.

"Miss Alliance has a name you know." Said Brooks crossly, but Troy ignored her.

"But why? More to the point, how can Hellspawn still exist?" Austin asked.

"I don't know, and that's what worries me." Said Troy.

"Excuse me, but can somebody tell us who the hell Hellspawn is?" said Wrex.

"Start from the beginning." Said Austin.

"Well, if they're going to know the whole story, they need to know about… him." Said Troy.

"Him?" Joker asked.

"The Commander, founder and leader of Hellspawn." Said Troy.

"Our arch enemy." Said Dash dramatically. He noticed everyone giving him a strange look though. "What? He was our arch enemy."

Some of the non human crew of the Normandy gave worried looks at each other and murmured slightly. Even Ashley and James looked concerned by the mention.

"Rings a bell, I'm guessing?" Austin asked.

"All of Citadel space knows the stories of the Commander. Even the Terminus systems know about him." Said Garrus.

"Even as far as the Migrant Fleet, we've heard of him. His cruelty knew no bounds." Said Tali.

"That's a mild understatement." Hawk groaned.

Miranda looked at Hawk's expression with concern. It almost looked as though he was remembering a painful memory.

"Hawk?"

"The Commander's the reason that happened, Miranda." Said Austin, indicating to the same eye that Hawk had lost. "He's the one who took Hawk's eye."

"Is that even possible? A non Helldiver doing that to a Helldiver?" James asked.

"Ah, but that's where the Alliance is wrong, James." Said Austin.

He then activated his omni tool and a projection of the Commander appeared on the table. To both Ashely and James' shock and horror… it was a Helldiver!

"Holy Shit! You mean to tell me that Hellspawn was formed and led by one of your own?!" James asked.

"Indeed. The first and only Helldiver to ever betray the Arkanes." Said Austin.

"But why?" Ashley asked.

"It's a long story." Said Troy.

"One that they deserve to know." Said Austin.

"Alright, but I'll warn you right now, this isn't a story for the faint of heart."

Troy then cleared his throat, and began.

"The Commander's real name was Bounty Rodriguez. Many years ago, a Batarian slave party stumbled upon a human colony. One of the Batarians raped a human women… and he unintentionally impregnated her. Despite the dangers to the child from cross species DNA outside of an Asari union, the mother could not find it in her heart to abort the child. At first, all appeared well and she had a very healthy human child. Over time however, things began to change. Though the boy was healthy and very smart, she could tell there was something wrong about him. He never cried and showed very little emotion. Dog's would always bark at him, before then fleeing in fear of the child's willingness to kill them if they didn't shut up. He never even said the phrase "I love you" towards her and would sometimes disappear for days before suddenly reappearing again. It was when Rodriguez was ten however that the damage truly began to show. While playing with many of the other children on the colony, a Turian child attempted to bully him. Bounty however turned the tables on the Turian and broke his spine. No one else had seen what happened, and since the Turian was left traumatized by the event it was assumed that he fell from a climbing frame. Bounty's mother however became suspicious when her son showed no emotion or concern to the Turian's accident. She was even more shocked when he said that he deserved it for being where he didn't belong. From that day, Bounty's hatred for anything not human began to show. He refused to make friends with any of the aliens living on the colony with him and often got into fights if ever one of them insulted or dared to try and pick on him. When Bounty had just turned 13 however, that was when things truly changed forever. The colony was invaded again by Batarian salvers, including Bounty's father. Recognizing the woman, the Batarian bragged about their last time together, not knowing that the son he had unintentionally fathered was nearby. Disgusted and infuriated to learn of his true parentage, Bounty burst into the room and snatched his father's gun from him. He then shot the Batarian in both legs and arms and made him suffer from blood loss before finally smashing his father's head in. Bounty expected that his mother would simply thank him for saving her, but he was wrong. She had seen how he enjoyed the torture and she could now truly see the monster she had once thought was her son. Frightened and angry, she attempted to kill him. The boy however stopped her. In defence, he cut his mother's arm off and then crushed her legs with a large pillar… which was on fire. He simply watched as his mother was burned alive, finding enjoyment in her screams. Just before she succumbed, he told her how much he hated her for not telling him what he was and that he would have rather died than live knowing he was the son of an alien, something he was disgusted by. However, Bounty no longer desired to end his own life. He had finally found something he enjoyed in life. His hatred for aliens also manifested as a desire that humanity had never come in contact with other races in the first place. When the other Batarian's arrived and saw the dead body of their leader, they prepared to kill the child. Once again however, Bounty turned the tables and killed them all, letting them all suffer by his hand and dying slow painful deaths. The rest of the remaining colonists witnessed this. While at first glad to see the salver's dead, they saw how much Bounty had enjoyed making them suffer. Leaving no witnesses, Bounty wiped out the colonists, giving only the human ones quick and painless deaths. The aliens, he tortured for days, finding new ways to prolong their suffering. When a Helldiver team finally arrived and saw Bounty as the only living one left, they believed he was the only survivor and that the Batarians had somehow turned on each other for an unknown reason. They later offered him a home on Arkadia and a chance to join the Helldivers when he was old enough. He accepted, and when he finally came of age he became a Helldiver, and was trained by Zartrack.

"Traumatized child turned into an inhuman monster. This sounds more like a legend than a story." Said Wrex.

"If it were, what would be the point in telling it to you?" Troy asked.

"Why'd he even join in the first place? He must've known the Helldivers were a multi species program." Jacob asked.

"No one knows. Even he himself didn't know. I guess it is just one of the universe's great mysteries." Austin shrugged. "Anyway. Troy, continue."

"As a Helldiver, Bounty buried his hatred for aliens deep down, although he insisted on being in a human only squad and never worked with aliens. Even Zartrack could tell there was something about his favourite student that wasn't right."

"I thought Shepard was his favourite?" Liara asked.

"This was before I even joined the Alliance, Liara." Austin explained. "Zartrack's had plenty of other favourites before me."

"Despite the monster he was, he became a very successful Helldiver. After many years, he eventually formed a spy network that helped the Helldiver acquire huge amounts of intel on the enemy that helped a great deal. However, in order to keep it going, it required funding and that was something Bounty did not have enough of at the rates he was receiving, and he refused to inform the Arkanes of the network for fear of compromising it altogether since only he knew about it."

"Let me guess. He used many illegal methods?" Garrus asked.

"That's one way of looking at it. He began stealing highly sensitive information from allied races and sold them to the highest bidder to keep the network funded. Eventually however, the Arkanes and Zartrack found out. Bounty attempted to escape, but Zartrack shot down the shuttle he was escaping on. He survived, but at a terrible cost. During the crash, his helmet became dislodged from his armour… and his face ended up in the fires."

"Ouch! That must've hurt." Said James.

"Beyond belief. His entire face was burned and disfigured by the fire and he suffered life threatening lung injuries, especially to his lungs due to breathing in the almost volcanic like air from the fires. Somehow though he survived, at the cost of having to be forced to rely on his suit to survive. Because only he had known about the spy network, the Arkanes hadn't been able to do anything. For the next 15 years, Bounty went into hiding and slowly reformed the spy network until it ceased to be a spy network altogether… and had become what it is today. He had only one thing on his mind from that day forward, revenge. Revenge against his own mentor who had unintentionally disfigured him, and the Helldivers themselves as he saw them as a blight upon the galaxy. When that happened, Rodriguez christened the organization Hellspawn, and on that same day, chose for himself the name Commander."

"You were right. He makes the Illusive Man look sane in comparison." Said Miranda.

"He was our arch enemy for good reason." Said Sandra.

"You say that as if he isn't anymore." Said Kasumi.

"Because he's dead. I was there when it happened, I watched him die. There's no way he can still be alive, or behind this for that matter." Said Austin.

"How did he die?" Griffin asked. "Even on Arkadia there's a lot of scepticism of what happened that day when he managed to invade Arkadia before you stopped him."

"Many years ago, he forged a sword called Dark Excalibur. He made it using some strange tech he found. He called it dark biotics and it practically gave him biotic abilities without the use of an implant." Austin explained.

"I give you Helldivers credit, you certainly have some of the craziest enemies." Said Wrex.

"During our final battle I fired a rocket at his sword which impact and caused the weapon to somehow turn on him. His physical body was destroyed leaving his armour nothing but an empty shell." Said Austin.

"Well, that obviously hasn't stopped Hellspawn. Somehow they're alive and kicking, even if they don't have their old leader." Said Dash.

"First thing we need to do is find out how they're getting what they need. Without the Commander they'll have lost many of the connections they once had. They'll need to have allied with a weapons supplier to provide them with guns, and various other ways so that they can stay hidden. We find a link, we find out who's in charge." Said Troy.

"I managed to get this pistol off one of them." Said Austin.

Xun took it in her hands and examined it.

"Hmm, if my intel is correct, this comes from a casino owner named Elijah Khan. He's been suspected of using his profits to smuggle weapons onto the Citadel." She said. "Immediately after the attempt on Austin's life, Khan made an interesting call."

"I'm cutting you off! I'm returning your down payment now!" said Kahn's voice in the message

"What's the problem this time?" said a deeper and unknown voice.

"Turn on a vidscreen! When I sell a gun, I don't it showing up on the nightly news." Said Khan.

"It will not be linked to me." said the voice.

"Save it. Our association is terminated." Said Khan. "And if you even think about coming after me, I've got info on you ready for prime time, so you ponder that."

"If you truly knew who I was, you wouldn't be so quick to threaten me. Be warned. I do not stand for anyone daring to insult me and I never make threats unless I am serious. Back out, and the consequences will be severe." The voice warned.

"I won't give you my weapons when there's a risk they'll compromise me. This conversation is over. Khan out."

"So that's our identity thief." Said Troy.

"Looks like he's got an ID disguiser. Those things are a pain in the ass to get around." Said Garrus."

"Whoever that voice was, Kahn's nervous, and possibly foolish, enough to cut them loose. We can squeeze Kahn until a contact drops out." Said Austin.

"Easier said than done. He has a panic room inside the casino. A good place to hole up. EDI can give us programs to hack the door, but the cameras and guards complicate things." Said Liara.

"Yeah. We can't risk spooking him. We go in quiet. Small team. No gunplay." Said Austin.

"Mistress Xun, this evening the casino will be hosting a charity event to assist war refugees." Said Glyph, his dragon form slithering over the table.

"Purchase some tickets, Glyph, then call up a layout of the building." Said Xun.

"Score. So how close can you get? You don't usually put a back door in a panic room." Joker asked.

"This air shaft bypasses the security gate and ends up in storage. From there, the panic rooms door-camera can be disabled." Leena explained, pointing to the point on the plans.

"Still, we're talking about a casino. There's got to be alarms in that shaft." Said Ashley.

"I believe I have some countermeasures that may help. I'll know more once we're inside." Said Liara.

"Who will go in the shaft? They need to be small in size." Javik asked.

"Yeah, that's not me. Too many snacks of roast Varren leg." Said Wrex.

For a moment, Urz gave a slight whine.

"Don't worry, Urz." Said Austin, patting his Varren on the head.

Everyone's head then turned to Tali.

"I suspect my suit's built-in tech would be picked up by security sensors." Said the Quarian.

Then EDI.

"My presence in the casino would arouse suspicion. Mechs are not allowed since they can have cheating software."

"What you need is somebody trained in zero-emissions tech. No electronics, no metal that can be detected. Just undetectable polymers." Said Brooks.

She was about to volunteer but Troy spoke before she even got a chance.

"Well, you've got the right man. I've infiltrated more than a hundred bases in my line of work. And…" his form suddenly cloaked and a completely lifelike image of a woman in a party dress was projected over him. Even his voice changed. "I can infiltrate ranks."

"Wow. Where can I get one of those?" said Kasumi.

"I was referring to me." Said Brooks.

"This isn't a field trip, Miss Alliance. Like I'm going to let an Alliance stranger do my job for me." Said Troy.

"Stranger? I saved the Major's life." Brooks argued.

Austin, getting rather annoyed also by Brooks felt it best to settle this. Given the choice between the two, he knew who to pick without a second guess.

"That's enough, Brooks! You always second guess your superiors?" he sais sternly.

"Sir, no sir!" said Brroks, forced to cease her argument.

"Then it's settled. Troy, Liara and I will go into the casino." Said Austin.

"One last hurdle then to get inside." Said Liara.

"What's that?" Austin asked.

"Black tie required."

It felt strange to be on the red carpet of something with other people standing behind the rails. Austin of course had worn the same outfit that Kasumi had given to him 2 years ago during her heist. Liara meanwhile was dressed in a very nice white dress. White always did seem to go well with her blue skin.

"Major, keep dressing like this and you'll have to catch me when I swoon." She said, unable to resist admiring her husband's outfit.

Austin put his arm out and Liara linked hers with him as they proceeded into the casino with Troy in tow, still in his disguise, but now with dark tanned skin so that he would eb slightly less noticeable. He played his act well, but wasn't' fond of when other men tried to hit on him whenever he disguised himself as a female.

"I'll do more than catch you, love." He said suggestively, causing Liara to almost blush.

"Are you two…" Troy asked.

"We're married." Liara replied.

"Oh. Well congratulations. I'm sorry I missed the wedding." Said Troy.

"I'm more surprised you didn't already know that." Said Austin.

"Information and news can be a bit sparse when you're out in the field so much." Sai Troy. "Right. I'll head to the shaft."

In the meantime, Austin and Liara simply mingled with the crowd. They even tired to actually enjoy themselves for real.

"Shepard, I'm upstairs by the grate leading to the shaft. But there's a problem. Can you meet me?" Troy asked.

Both Liara and Austin joined the spy at the top of the stairs just in front of the grate.

"Okay. Just like we thought. There's an alarm on the grate." Said Troy.

"We'll have to bypass it." Said Austin.

"Here, take this. It's a resonance emitter lens. It should let you see security grids and wiring." Said Troy, handing the device to Austin.

"Good. I'll follow the wiring to a junction box, splice it, and disable the alarm." Austin nodded.

"Yeah, fingers crossed!"

"Okay. Follow the blue wiring." Said Liara. "In case it needs to be said, don't try to bypass a camera while you're being watched."

Austin quickly found the box. While Liara temporarily put a looped image onto the camera, Austin spliced in and disabled the grate's alarm.

"Good. I've got the grate open, and… in we go! Try to blend in. I'll keep you posted." Said Troy.

With time to pass, Austin looked around for something for him and Liara to do to pass the time. He then looked over at the dance floor. He gave Liara a suggestive look.

"Fancy a dance, Liara?" he asked.

"I thought you'd never ask." Liara smiled.

After some time of enjoying the dancing, Austin and Liara's fun was eventually interrupted by Troy over the radio.

"Shepard!"

"What is it?"

"There's a guard right below me." Said Troy.

"Don't panic. I'll get his attention." Said Austin.

They quickly made their way over to the guard Troy had mentioned and Austin started a conversation.

"Excuse me. I think I saw someone doing drugs in the men's room." He said.

"I see. Were you able to identify the substance used?" the guard asked.

"Red sand." Austin replied.

"Dispatch, we've got a sand-tripper in the bathrooms." Said the guard into his comm.

"Have they tried to compromise the games biotically?"

"Unknown at this time. Moving to confront, send backup." Said the guard. "We're taking care of it, sir. Appreciate the help."

The guard walked off.

"You're clear, Troy." Said Austin.

"Merci, Shepard. I'll see if I can get to the panic room." Said Troy.

"Kahn, you and I are going to have a talk." Said Austin.

As the chair turned however, it could now be seen that Khan wasn't moving at all. He was dead.

"What the hell?"

"I see this conversation will be strictly one-sided." Said Liara.

"There's a deletion order on the terminal." Said Troy.

"Damn it!"

"Everything's been wiped. I don't know if it was him, or the killer." Said Troy. Austin however worked on looking through the terminal. "What are you looking for?"

"Mistakes." Austin replied. "Thought so. Whoever it was had to do this fast. They wiped the terminal, but not the comm."

"Good. We can take the comm back to safe house and scan it." Said Austin.

Suddenly, the holo screen behind them lit up. The image was all distorted, obscuring the person's face completely. But the voice was recognized as the identity thief from before.

"Elijah. Come crawling back?" he said.

"Guess again?" said Austin.

"You! I see you've survived from flopping on the floor like a fish." Said the figure.

"Name a time and a place. Or you could hide behind voice disguises for the rest of your life." Said Austin.

"You're trying to rattle me so I slip up." Said the figure. "You have nothing. All you can do is wait from the hammer to fall."

"Bring a bigger hammer. Your last try was pathetic." Said Austin.

"I am going to make you suffer, Shepard. Everything you have and are will be mine. My revenge against you and your kind will be complete."

The call then ended abruptly.

"Damn! Not enough to trace the call." Troy cursed.

"We're not finished. Pull out the data drives."

Back at the safehouse, they were at least relieved to be back. Though most of that had been tense, it had been fun.

"That was fun. Well, not so much for the host." Said Liara.

"It wasn't a total loss. Troy, work with EDI to see if there's anything useful on those drives." Said Austin.

"I'll let you know what we find." Said Troy. "Before we do, may I have a quick word… in private."

"Sure."

They walked to the most secluded place in the apartment and made sure no one had followed them or was listening in.

"Is this about Brooks?" Austin asked.

"I don't trust her." Said Troy. "There's something about her that doesn't feel right."

"To be fair though, if she was a traitor, why warn me of the attack?" Austin asked.

"Sometimes it helps to make the people trust you instantly when you're a double agent. Trust me, I know." Said Troy.

"Well we don't have any proof at the moment, so for now we shouldn't start pointing fingers." Said Austin. "That doesn't mean I trust her though. I looked her up in the Alliance records, until a year ago, she didn't exist. Either she's risen up in the ranks very quickly, or…"

"Fake ID?"

"Maybe." Said Austin. "But we don't know anything yet. If we start fighting amongst ourselves, we'll only spell our own doom. But we'll keep an eye on her nonetheless."

"Anyway, let's get back to work." Said Troy.

"I think we've got something, Major." Said Brooks. She noticed Troy however giving her a look. "What? I'm not allowed to help?"

"Anyway, we've analysed those drives. I think we found something." Said Troy.

"Let's hear it." Said Austin.

"Though the data's root structure was erased, the logic integrity remains visible." Said EDI.

"EDI has an incredible talent for this stuff. I know she's an AI, but even still…" said Brooks.

"Back to the point." Troy interrupted. "We found an encrypted communication from a few days ago…"

"Hellspawn definitely bought a lot of guns. Like, big ones." Said Brooks

"Are you going to keep interrupting me?" Troy asked, somewhat irritated now.

"Sorry."

"You better be." Troy mumbled. "Anyway, yes. As Miss Alliance just said, Hellspawn's got an awful lot of firepower."

The holo table lit up to show an Atlas mech.

"Mechs too? What do they need with that kind of firepower?" Ashley asked.

"Well, have you seen how tough we all are?" said Dash.

"Mistress Xun, something has come up." Said Glyph.

"Let's hear it."

"The Citadel Archives have just gone into emergency lockdown. Whoever's hacking the Major's records is there right now!"

"What do we know about the place?" Austin asked.

"Council keeps sensitive historical information there. Real hush-hush. Even my old C-sec clearance never got me in." said Garrus.

"Then we'll find our own way in."

"These archives are huge. Almost as big as the ones on Arkadia. You 'll have plenty of ground cover. But I don't' know if we can bring everyone." Said Troy.

"And who says we can't?" Austin asked, his mouth curling into a confident smile. "All hands on deck for this one."

"Hell yeah, but uh, who gets to take point with you?" James asked.

"Pretty obvious, don't you think?" Austin asked rhetorically, looking around at Alpha.

"Just like the good old days." Troy smiled, seeing where this was going.

"Ha ha. The old band's back together again." Dash cheered.

"What's the best way into the archives?" Austin asked.

"The facility is located below the wards." Xun replied.

"Maybe a direct breach for maximum surprise?" Brooks suggested.

"Not a bad idea actually." Said Austin.

"Huh, you're not so annoying after all." Said Troy.

"Don't hang out with us too long though or you'll start making friends with Asari." Said Wrex.

"I heard that." Said Liara as the cars landed.

"The archives are somewhere below us. It could be tricky to get in there." Said Troy.

"Tricky is our middle name." said Dash. Everyone though gave him a look saying "Not really a good time for that saying." "What?"

"I think the better thing to say is it's our specialty." Said Griffin.

"Yes exactly. Specialty, that's what I said." Said Dash quickly.

"Whatever." Alaara sighed.

"That still doesn't change the difficulty we face." Said Sandra.

"It does now that you've got me." Said Griffin, holding up a charged.

The charge blasted a hole in the floor and Wrex and the other hopped down.

"Krogan first! See you at the party, princesses!" he said.

While Austin and Alpha took to the ground, everyone else was on high.

As they proceeded intot he first room however, they quickly saw several red sniper dots appearing on them.

"Not this again…" Austin sighed.

"Ambush!"

"Scatter and take cover!" Austin yelled as everyone sidled into cover to avoid Hellspawn's fire.

"Wooo! Just like old times." Said Dash, letting his pistols loose.

"I almost missed these guys." Said Kraan.

"Try to stay focused, people." Said Austin.

"Shepard's brought everyone!" said one of the troops

"Surround them!"

Suddenly, several figures suddenly appeared out of the darkness. Machines.

These were not mechs though, they were something entirely different. They stood at a towering height making them almost taller than a Helldiver ad were clad in torn red robes. They had no faces, instead they had some sort of large disc as a head, supported on mechanical arms attached the neck. In their hands, they wielded staffs very similar to the ones that EDI's clones had used.

The look and design was certainly odd, but it was because of this that it somehow gave them a creepy and intimidating look.

The machines surrounded them, all of their staffs pointing at them, ready to strike.

"That's not possible." Said Austin.

"What do you mean?" Liara asked.

"These are the Commander's elite guard. They stopped functioning when he died." Said Alaara, sounding just as worried.

"You are defeated and alone!" said one of the bodyguards as they all readied for a strike.

"Stop!" said a voice.

The guards obeyed and halted their attempted attack and resumed their warning stand, keeping their staff's simply trained on Alpha.

On the top level, Brooks suddenly appeared. She was struggling against the grip of a cloaked figure who had a gun pointed at her head.

Another figure then appeared out the shadows joined by several more Hellspawn troops. This one was enormous. Clearly human, but was almost as big as a Krogan, even without that massive bulging muscles.

He wore mostly just a tight fitting shirt with traditional body armour and a plain expressionless black mask that hid his entire face. Alpha recognized this one immediately. Hades, Hellspawn's second in command.

"Hades. Should've known you'd be behind this." Said Austin.

"He is but a loyal follower, Shepard." Said the cloaked figure, the voice being exactly the same as it had been in the messages. "Surrender, or your friend will be joining Khan."

Everyone very reluctantly stood down. The figure then released Brooks and threw her off the edge to the ground.

"I don't know how you managed to get control of Hellspawn, but whatever your planning it will fail. When the Helldivers find out about you, they'll hunt you down. There'll be nowhere for you to hide." Said Austin.

The figure remained silent for a moment. He then activated his omni tool as he spoke.

"Hide? Why would I hide? After all, Alpha Squad…"

Then his voice changed.

"…who'd know me better than you?"

The voice had now changed to an extremely deep and growling voice. Everyone completely froze. Even the non-Helldivers became unnerved by this new voice. Alpha Squad on the other hand seemed completely petrified. That voice… a voice they had not heard for more than 7 years and had hoped to never hear again.

The figure's cloak then deactivated, revealing his true form.

"Oh my god!"

Sure enough, there in front of them stood another Helldiver, and not just any Helldiver. None other than The Commander, Alpha Squad's arch enemy. There was no trickery of the eyes, this really was him.

The Commander had a very distinctive appearance for a Helldiver. True he wore the traditional Helldiver armour, but that was it.

He wore a black sleeveless long coat over his armour and a tight fitting black hood covered most of his helmet. His optic eyes glowed a dark and evil red compared to the others which didn't really have any colours in their optics, and he seemed to have a very deep breathing that sounded almost like the suit was breathing for him. He also carried 4 sub machine guns, two holstered into the strap across his chest, and the other two strapped to his thighs. All Helldivers knew to fear these guns. Even though all Helldivers had armour that could resist traditional rounds, The Commander, being very smart and intelligent, had modified his guns to be strong and deadly to break through a Helldiver's armour. That and he knew every chink and weak points that all Helldivers. Strapped next to each gun was an option silencer that be attached and removed should the Commander ever need to silence or de-silence his weapons. A large sword the same size as Excalibur was also worn on his side, the blade's end sticking out of a second gap that had been made in is coat. He also stood at over 2 metres. Even for a Helldiver, that was quite a tall height. He was only half a metre shorter than Hades, who stood at 2.5 metres.

"It can't be." Said Austin almost lost for words as he and the others gazed upon the leader of Hellspawn.

"It has been far too long, my old enemy. We meet again at last." Said the Commander.

The Helldiver traitor then jumped down onto the ground level, his weight denting the floor.

"What's the matter, Alpha? You look like you've seen a ghost." He said mockingly.

"How the hell are you still alive, Rodriguez?!" said Austin.

"It's Commander to you!" said Hades defensively.

"Stand down, Hades. I'll take it from here." The Commander ordered.

The muscled giant obeyed and stepped back, allowing the Commander to walk right up close to Austin. He was so close now that everyone could hear the loud breathing of his suit as it cycled air out of his damaged and almost dead lungs.

"You've made it this far. I suppose you've earned the right to know." He said, his deep terrifying voice causing everyone to shiver as it echoed through the halls.

"This is impossible. You died when your sword destroyed your body, I saw it happen!" said Austin.

"True my physical form was destroyed, but my mind was somehow preserved inside the sword. It was simply a matter of finding a new vessel to contain it." Said the Commander, patting the handle of Dark Excalibur as he talked.

There was silence as the Hellspawn leader left everyone to figure it out. Then it hit them.

"You cloned yourself, didn't you?" said Alaara.

"More my scientists cloned me, but yes. This body is a clone of my original." Said the Commander. "My mind however, completely un-tampered."

"Then why still wear your suit? You only still wore that because you couldn't survive without it." Austin asked.

"This suit does still have its uses. But sadly my clone body is not perfect. The DNA transfer eventually began to revert my form to it's original self. A few months after my… resurrection, my lungs started to suffer from infection, the skin on my face rotted away and so my eyes were lost with them. Still, even a body like this is preferable to being dead." Said the Commander temporarily turning his back to everyone before turning back to Austin again. "You of all people should know this."

"If you've been alive this long, then you know what's at stake here. There are bigger things happening out there than you and us." Said Austin.

"The Reapers matter not to me. In fact, nothing matters now… but my revenge on you, and the rest of your diseased kind, human and alien alike." Said the Commander. There was no hesitation whatsoever in his tone. He truly meant it.

"Why do this? The Helldivers seek to help the galaxy and keep the peace." Said Liara.

"The Helldivers are a corrupt disease to be purged!" said the Commander. "Unity. Only a fool would believe that humans and aliens could get along. Humanity is all there is, all there'll ever be. You aliens are nothing but filth, trying to find a place in a galaxy you don't' belong. This galaxy is infected. I will cleanse it."

"And you're the one to do that? You, a deranged psychopath?" Said Austin defensively.

"You're… pure evil." Said Liara, almost disgusted by what she'd heard The Commander say. Hearing that from anyone was one thing, but to hear this from a Helldiver was something else entirely, even if the Commander wasn't truly a Helldiver anymore.

"I'm necessary evil." Said the Commander.

"You won't win. Even if you kill us, you'll still have to deal with the entire resistance." Said Austin.

"That won't be a problem. Once I have what I came for, my revenge will be complete and I can die knowing that I will have doomed all the Helldivers to the fiery pits of hell." Said the Commander. "Besides, I have no intention of waging a war with your pitiful little army anyway."

The Hellspawn leader then turned his back to them and left for the door, his bodyguards and Hades following. Only some of the Hellspawn troops remained.

"Execute them. The story of Alpha Squad ends here." He said.

Quickly trying to think of a way out of this, Austin looked around for something. He then spotted the large model of the Citadel hanging above them, and he still had his plasma cannon.

Quickly activating the cannon he aimed at the model's strings and fired. The model fell and crashed into the troopers very hard. Alpha quickly used the distraction and snatched their weapons back up before then taking cover again as Hellspawn resumed their attack.

"We still got everyone?" Austin asked.

"Looks like it." Alaara replied.

"Where's the rest of the crew?"

"Other side."

"Having a little party up here! With bullets!" said Ashley.

"These primitives will make good sport!" said Javik.

"Terminating hostiles!" said EDI.

Quickly outnumbered by the small army of Helldivers, the Hellspawn troops were quickly overwhelmed

"We're clear. Now where'd the Commander go?" said Ventra.

"He's pushing into the archives. Stay in your groups!" said Austin. "And stay alert! He's killed more than a hundred Helldivers in his time, he'll wipe the floor with you if you're not careful."

"Huh, big place." Said Kraan as they entered the archives.

"What do you think the Commander is looking for in here?" Tali asked.

"At this point, anything's possible." Austin replied.

"How are we going to find anything in this place?" said Liara.

"Glyph?"

The VI quickly appeared and followed them.

"Yes, Major?"

"Track the target. Give me updates on their location." Said Austin.

"What is the nature of the target?" Glyph asked.

"Rouge Helldiver. Deformed face, accompanied by elite guard, wearing a log coat." Said Austin.

"Of course, Major."

"There they are! Alpha's still alive!" said more Hellspawn soldier.

"Take them down! I need more time to find the vault!" said the Commander through the radio.

"Major, the Commander is searching for something 200 metres ahead." Said Glyph.

"Got it." Said Austin.

"Dagger squad! I need more time to reach the vault!" said the Commander. "Keep Alpha back or I'll have your head! I don't care how many you lose!"

"Sheaprd, we're pinned down! We need your help!" said Garrus.

"We're on our way!" said Austin.

The squad quickly hurried to the others and provided cover fire while the non-Helldivers retreated to higher ground up the ladder.

"Go! We'll cover you!" said Austin. "Move!"

"That's cheating! We're on a ladder!" said Liara as Austin covered her.

As soon as the last one made it up, everyone opened fire in union, taking down every single Hellspawn trooper that got in their way.

"Wow! Great job, everyone." Said Austin, slightly surprised at the spectacle he'd just seen.

"That's why I love hanging out with you guys! Why shoot something once when you can shoot 46 more times?" said Wrex.

"The Commander can't be far. Keep up the pressure, and we'll try to surround him. Let's move."

Fighting their way through even more Hellspawn troops and even a mech, it did look as though they were catching up. As they were about to pass through one of the Iridium vaults though, a crackling signal from Troy could suddenly be heard over the radio.

"Shepard… Commander's… Can't maintain signal!"

"Troy? Troy!"

Alpha upped their pace. The second all of them were inside the vault however, it's shield suddenly engaged, trapping them inside.

"That can't' be good." Said Alaara.

"Anyone? The vault sealed us in." Austin said into his comm.

"Is there an override?" Liara asked.

"None that I can see." Said Leena.

"At every turn, you demonstrate the necessity for your extermination." Said the Commander, suddenly de-cloaking on the other side of the shield.

"Cortez? Anyone on this frequency?" said Austin, trying to reach anyone.

"The short answer is no. They're not." Said the Commander. "The longer answer involves your friends trapped in iridium vaults and forgotten for… well, forever."

"Others know about this. About you. The Alliance and the Helldiver will stop you." Said Austin.

"What do you think Staff Admiral Brooks? Will the Alliance stop us?" The Commander asked.

To everyone's surprise, Brooks then suddenly appeared from behind the Commander. She wasn't bound or anything.

"I wouldn't know. I don't actually work for them." She said.

She was about to put her arm smugly on the Commander's shoulder, but he grabbed it before she could.

"Touch me and I'll blow your head off." He said warningly.

"The minute… The second I get out of here, I'm going to take your head and mount it in the Normandy CIC, you fucking traitor!" said Austin angrily. "Then I'm going to mount his head next to yours! Then I'm going to take both your heads and space them out the airlock!"

"We'll help!" said Liara.

"You've certainly gotten better at sounding scarier, Shepard. I'll give you that much." The Commander laughed, unfazed by Austin's threat.

Brooks however looked slightly frightened by this. The Commander noticed this and suddenly hit her very hard and she fell to the floor, clutching her bruised cheek.

"Find your courage or I will have no further use for you! You understand?!" he almost yelled abusively.

Brooks almost looked terrified by this, but quickly nodded.

The door on the far side then opened and Hades marched in with Troy in his hand

"Oh, and I almost forgot. I should also thank you for bringing Troy out of hiding. He has just what I need." Said the Commander.

Hades threw the bound spy to the floor and the Commander pulled him onto his knees.

"If you would…" he said.

Brooks activated her omni tool and tore a device off of Troy's armour. She then threw Troy at the shield. Since it allowed entry from the outside, Troy passed right through it.

"You knew Troy was still alive, you only needed a way to trap him." Said Austin as he helped the spy up.

"And you've done a marvellous job helping me achieve that goal." Said the Commander as he fitted the device to his own suit. "Sadly it's time for me to eliminate loose ends."

To everyone's surprise, the Commander then used the device to change his appearance into none other than Austin himself.

"So this was your plan all along. Steal my identity." Said Austin bitterly.

"Oh, I'm doing more than that, Shepard. I'll be taking your fancy new ship too." Said the Commander.

He then walked up to the control panel and worked on accessing.

"What are you doing?" Austin asked.

"Setting things right. If I'm to get proper access to your ship, it needs to recognize me as you." Said the Commander. "Computer update record. Subject, Shepard."

"Accessing record. Please input new data."

The Commander inputted the new data and it scanned in.

"Data updated. Good day, Major Shepard."

"Now, if you'll excuse me, my new ship is waiting." Said the Commander.

The Hellspawn leader hauled Brooks forcefully to her feet and they all disappeared, leaving just the team stuck in the shield.

"I almost feel sorry for that woman for throwing her lot in with the Commander." Said Troy.

The vault they were trapped in then moved and sealed itself.

"How do we get out of here?" Griffin asked.

Austin wasn't too worried about this. He and Alpha had been stuck in far worse situations.

"Glyph?"

With everyone free, they hurried out fo the vaults. If they hurried they could hopefully intercept the Commander before he reached the Normandy. A Hellhound then flew done with Joker driving.

"I've got room for Shepard and Alpha and one other. And figure it out fast because another Shepard is stealing my ship!" he said.

Austin, Alpha, Wrex and Sarah all got in. Austin noticed however that everoyn else looked bit disappointed by this.

"What?"

"I wanted to come too." Said Ashley.

"As did I. Fifty thousand years later, and I rarely get picked." Said Javik.

"We'll be back for you. I promise."

"This is why I hate shore leave. I swear, you park the ship for five minutes…" Joekr sighed.

"Can you contact Citadel flight control and get them to deny the departure request?" said Austin.

"Tried. All the comm lines in the area are jammed… probably easier for them to steal my ship." Said Joker.

"We'll stop them."

EDI's voice then came over the intercom.

"Shepard, this is EDI. The Commander has entered the ship and is attempting to…"

Everything suddenly went static and there was only silence.

"EDI?"

"I'm okay!" EDI suddenly replied. Everyone was momentarily confused by this, especially because of the way EDI had sounded when she said that. "The Commander has disabled my control of the Normandy as well as all sensory input. I cannot lock him out or counteract his commands. I now have an increased desire for you to kill the Commander."

"Get in line." Said Austin.

"Well, whatever you do, hurry. If the Normandy gets to FTL, we may never see her again." Said Joker.

"That's not going to happen."

Soon they were close enough o be dropped enough and Joker landed.

"Okay, Citadel systems are targeting the dropship. Any closer and they open fire.

"Get back and pick up the others. ASAP." Said Austin.

"Troops ahead!" said Alaara.

The Hellspawn troopers immediately opened fire.

"They're going for the ship!"

"I thought they were supposed to be dead."

The second they rounded the corner, the door to the Normandy sealed itself. Outside, there was a familiar face lying against the wall. Sarah immediately ran up to the woman.

"SAMANTHA!"

Traynor groaned for a moment before she opened her eyes. She had an awful lot of bruises on her face and a black eye.

"Sarah?"

Sarah immediately pulled Traynor into a kiss and then helped her love up.

"Who did this?" she asked, almost furious that someone would dare do this to her Samantha.

"A Helldiver. I thought he was your brother." Traynor replied as Sarah worked on applying some medi-gel to her bruises. It helped reduce most of the swelling rather quickly.

"Are you alright?" Austin asked.

"A few scrapes and bruises. I'll live." Said Traynor. "What's going on here? They tried to kick me off the ship. Barely left me any time to grab my toothbrush."

"How did you know it wasn't me?" Austin asked, quite surprised that Traynor made it sound like she'd known from the start.

"I know you can't dismiss me without a proper disciplinary hearing. Also, he didn't act like you at all, and also his disguise fell when he got physical." Said Traynor.

"Hang on, all the things you could've grabbed, and you grabbed your toothbrush?" Austin asked in surprise.

"It's a Cision Pro Mark 4. It uses mass effect fields to break up plaque." Said Traynor.

Leena worked on trying to access the door, but no luck.

"It's sealed!" she cursed.

"Is there anyone still aboard who can help us?" Griffin asked.

"No. I was the only one left. Everyone else is on shore leave." Said Traynor.

"We need another way onto the ship, and we need it fast." Said Austin.

"There's an emergency exit hatch for evacuation. It should be right… here!" said Traynor as she uncovered said hatch.

"Manual lock, and it's only meant to be opened from the others side. Any ideas?" Austin asked.

"Triggering it would require extremely precise mass effect field manipulation." Said Troy.

Traynor then suddenly activated her toothbrush."

"I can't believe that actually worked." Said Troy, struggling a bit to crawl properly through the vents.

"If someone told me yesterday that a toothbrush was gonna save the Normandy, I'd have been very sceptical." said Austin.

The Commander stood before the galaxy map with Hades at his side. Withotu any more need for his disguise, he had disengaged.

"Commander! Just before take-off, Normandy registered a perimeter access alert. One of the security hatches." Said Brooks.

"Shepard." The Commander growled. "Where?"

"Unknown. When we shut down the AI, we disabled a lot of security systems. Shepard could be anywhere on the ship." Brooks replied nervously, hoping and praying the Commander didn't abusively hit her.

"I should never have listened to your pathetic plan!" the Commander almost yelled as he drew one of his guns and pointed it at her. "You're just lucky I don't think you're even worth wasting the ammunition."

"It's better this way, sir. Wouldn't you rather we finished Alpha ourselves?" said Hades.

"Good point, Hades." Said the Commander, seeing that his lieutenant had a very good point. "Find them! Slow them down!"

"Pretty sure we boke Traynor's toothbrush getting the hatch open. Remind me to reimburse her for that." Austin whispered as Alpha sneaked under the CIC.

"Not really fond of tight spaces." Said Liara.

"Didn't you spend decades at dig sites?" Austin asked.

"And then I got trapped in a Prothean bubble. I don't recommend it." Said Liara.

"I hope we didn't hit anything important!" said Leena.

"Shoot now! Worry later!" said Austin.

"That's from my quarters." Said Sarah.

"Is that also your hamster?" Austin asked, noticing Chester scurrying about in his little box.

Sarah noticed the little notice that had been put on Chester's box and she read out load.

"Please send this to an animal shelter for proper disposal as a warship is not an appropriate… Oh, that is not okay! He has just made this personal! No one messes with my hamster!" said Sarah crossly.

Agreeing with sister Austin and the others got into the elevator. It was a bit of a tight squeeze for all of them, but they managed.

"You ready?" asked Wrex.

"Absolutely!" Liara replied confidently.

"No worrying? No emotional concerns? You've grown up, T'soni." Said Wrex in surprise.

"Well, I recently discovered that I'm one quarter Krogan." Said Liara.

"Ha! I knew there was a reason I liked you." Wrex laughed.

The doors opened and everyone filed into the shuttle bay, their weapons at the ready.

At the moment, everything looked clear and there was no sign of anyone. But then the Commander suddenly appeared from behind one of the crates, firing several shots from one of his sub machine guns. Alpha was just able to dodge the shots.

"You don't give up, do you?!" he said.

"Nope!" Austin replied, taking cover behind one of the shuttle bay's consoles.

"What good will it do you? I've taken your identity, and soon I'm going to take your life." the Commander growled.

"You've made your presence known to us, and there are others who will continue to fight if we die here. You haven't thought this through properly. How's that big plan looking now?" Said Austin.

The Commander suddenly lunged from the side, his omni blade raised. Austin quickly activated his own omni blade and they clashed with one another.

Austin managed to kick the Commander back just as Brooks and his bodyguards joined the fray.

"After I kill you, I'll make sure your… alien filth is dealt with as all their kind should be… torture and death." The Commander groaned.

"You'll have to kill us first." Said Austin, drawing Excalibur.

"I plan to!" said the Commander, drawing his own sword out of his holster.

The dark red blade seemed to glow with a dark aura that had a most unwelcome feel to it. It just somehow felt evil by look. The sword looked almost identical to Austin's, but the blade had a more corrupted look to it and the hand grip was much longer and without a blade guard. The Commander often preferred to use it two handed compared to Austin who would use both one handed and two depending on the situation.

"Kill them all!" the Commander yelled.

All the Hellspawn troops and the elite guard attacked. Austin almost immediately went for the Commander and the duel began.

The Commander immediately swung a wide two handed strike at Austin which he dodged under. The Commander adjusted his wrist movements and brought Dark Excalibur up as Austin ducked onto his knees to avoid the swing. Taking advantage of this, the Commander brought his sword down. Austin was just in time able to block this attack by having the other end of his blade in his left hand. The Helldiver managed to push against the blade just enough that he could slip out of the way.

The Commander though quickly grabbed him and threw him against one of the cargo crates. The Helldiver was only just able to move in time before the Commander thrust forward, the dark biotic enhanced sword cutting right through the crate's metal.

Austin then did a twirl attack and attempted to slash from the side but the Commander blocked it with his own sword. He then pushed it away from him and head butted Austin hard, forcing the Helldiver back.

As the Commander attempted another thrust however, Austin quickly grabbed onto a Hellspawn trooper and threw him at his opponent. Unable to react in time, the trooper was impaled on the Commander's blade and died.

"Get off me!" he growled as he pushed the trooper uncaringly off his sword and resumed the fight.

Brooks went to fire at Austin while the Helldiver duelled the Commander, but a sudden punch knocked her back. Troy stood over her, cracking his knuckles ready for a fight.

"You want them? You'll have to go through me!" he said.

Brooks swung a kick at him, but he dodged it. Both opponents reached for their pistols and ran for cover as they fired at one another.

Austin had almost forgotten how much of a struggle The Commander had been for him back in the old days. His speed, his ferocity, his skill and the anger and hatred in each strike. Then of course there was the traits that Zartrack taught to his students.

"You've improved since we last met!" said the Commander, locking blades with Excalibur.

"You'll find I'm full of surprises." Said Austin as he made a swift swing.

The Commander however dodged under the attack and did a swift back flip, kicking Austin in the process as he jumped high enough to land on top of one of the cargo crates.

"Good. Twice the pride, double the fall."

Hades meanwhile was fighting with Kraan. The two giants of each side had always had a bit of a rivalry with each other.

"Getting slow, old Krogan. Peace has cost you your strength, victory has defeated you." He said, aiming for a hard punch to the head.

Before he could however, Griffin suddenly charged into him, knocking him hard against a crate.

"Well, you're a big fellow. This ought to be interesting." Said Hades is he picked himself up.

"I'm counting on it." Said Griffin.

At the same time, Kraan picked himself up and readied for another fight. Hades though was unfazed by this and banged his fists together challengingly.

Back with Austin and the Commander, Austin was attempting to fire at the Commander as the Hellspawn leader Ran along the cargo crates.

Finally managing to find a way up, Austin jumped onto cargo crate, then the next until he was about to reach the same level as the Commander.

The Hellspawn leader however was waiting for him and Austin found himself jumping up right into a punch that sent him back down the lower crate, hard. The Commander then jumped down, his sword aimed right at Austin.

The Helldiver was just able to move out of the way in time as Dark Excalibur thrust into the spot on the floor where his head had been.

The two exchanged more blows and parry's with each other as they tried to find an opening in the other's defence. A parry from the Commander allowed him an opening and he swung a leg at Austin, kicking him in the helmet and knocking him back against a crate.

The force of the Helldiver hitting the crate caused another crate to fall off and scrap, forcing the two opponents to duck.

Using the distraction to his advantage, Austin managed to land a kick on the Commander which supposedly knocked him right off the crate and too the floor. As Austin walked to the edge however, he was surprised to see the Commander suddenly hauled himself up and head-butted Austin hard.

The Helldiver was knocked back into a corner and another crate fell on his arm. His armour managed to stop his arm from breaking, but he was now essentially pinned.

The Commander slowly walked up to Austin, his blade sparking with dark biotics as it readied to taste Helldiver again after many long years.

"I've waited a long time for this, Shepard. This time, you loose!" he said, raising his sword.

Right as the sword swung down however, there was a loud clang as another sword blocked it. Liara had cast her own blade between them and was now blocking Dark Excalibur.

"Get away from my husband!" she said as she pushed the Commander off her and kicked him back.

"You and him? Ugh! I'm gonna be sick!" said the Commander with disgust. "Your screams of death will be music to what's left of my ears."

This comment angered Liara and she struck first. This did take the Commander by surprise as he was completely unprepared for the Asari's forwardness in this. He also hadn't expected Liara to have such skill.

"So, my old enemy's been giving his Asari whore lesson." Said the Commander.

Liara became even more angered by this and attempted a thrust. The Commander however parried it and backhanded Liara in the face. This however was quickly met with a punch form her.

Angered by this himself, the Commander's ferociousness increased and Liara was only just able to keep up. It was like fighting an evil clone of Austin.

The Commander then brought his blade down hard. Liara was only just able to block it, but the Commander's sheer strength forced her down onto her knees. With little options, the Asari used her biotics to pull another crate off of its rack and pulled it at them.

The Commander quickly noticed this and backed out of the way, as did Liara s the crate fell between them.

Both opponents then jumped onto the crate and continued their fight.

The Commander attempted to swing at Liara's legs but she flipped over it only for the Commander to then give her a dark biotic push form his word, knocking her back to the ground.

Rolling out of the way just in time as the Commander attempted to thrust into the ground, Liara was about to strike when the Commander suddenly swung so hard that the knocked the sword right out of the Liara's hand.

As the Hellspawn leader thrust forward however he suddenly felt his blade stop. Liara had thrown up a biotic field in her hands just in time and was blocking the Commander's sword. She could only hold on for so long though.

As the Commander started to push harder and harder against the biotic field, he suddenly noticed something out of the corner of his helmet's optics which served as replacement for his eyes due to the loss of his eyelids and therefore the loss of his eyeballs.

Austin had finally managed to get free and was charging right at the Commander. Unable to react in time, the Commander struggled against Austin as the Helldiver charged right into him and they fell over the rail to the Normandy's ramp, which was still partially open.

The two rolled around trying to kick the other off. The Commander eventually managed to get the upper hand and he kicked Austin off him. The Helldiver almost slid right off the ramp and into space, but he just managed to grab onto the edge.

The Commander meanwhile slowly picked hismelf up, now fully confident that he had Austin this time.

"Don't think you'll be coming back from the dead this time, Shepard!" he said, raising his sword for the final blow. "Any last words, Helldiver?"

"Not from me." Austin simply replied.

"COMMANDER!"

The Commander turned only for a blade to carve right through his chest.

Troy had picked up Excalibur and had run the Commander right through. The blood stained tip of the blade stuck out of the Commander's back.

"You once took from me the woman I loved. You will never rob anyone of anything ever again." He said.

Struggling against his injury, the Commander weakly lifted his sword to try and strike, but his grip failed him and the sword fell from his hand onto the hard metal floor of the ramp and he fell to his knees, clutching at Excalibur's blade.

"Commander, NO!" Hades yelled, falling to his knees.

The optics on the Commander's helmet flashed for a moment, then finally died as his suit went offline. The life left him and he went limp, still impaled on the sword.

Using his strength, Austin pulled himself up and grabbed the Commander's lifeless body.

"Get off my ship!"

He then pulled hard, hauling the Commander's body slowly off of Excalibur and throwing it out of the Normandy. As the body fell, the vaporizing protocol that all Helldiver suits carry activated and the Commander was completely vaporized as it fell until there was nothing left. After 15 years, it was now well and truly over.

"Fortunately, they weren't here long enough to do much real damage." Said Cortez. "Although I may need some help from James cleaning up the damage to the shuttle bay."

"Plus they overloaded the heat diffusion system firing at us." Said Joker. "Not sure if you noticed, but Shuttle guy here did some crazy stunt flying to keep us in one place."

"It's nice to fly something a little more manoeuvrable then the Hellhound." Said Cortez.

"How about you, EDI?" Austin asked into his comm.

"I am once again in control of the Normandy. Thank you for asking." EDI replied.

"Glad to hear it. What about the rest of Hellspawn? Any survivors?" Austina sked.

"Just some crappy ass pilot, and her." Said Joker, indicating to Brooks who was now in binds.

"I'll be more than happy to cooperate with the authorities." Said Brooks.

"Until you escape again." Said Austin bitterly.

"Escape? But I'm not a field agent." Said Brooks, still trying to sound innocent.

"Cut your crap act! You betrayed me in the middle of a war. You're completely ruthless." Said Austin.

"I was young and naive!"

This however was met with a very hard punch from Austin. It was so hard, it knocked out a tooth and she spat blood.

"You're pathetic!" he said bitterly. He then turned his back to Brooks.

"Admit it, Major. You'll miss me."

To everyone's surprise, Brooks then suddenly broke out of her restraints and ran. Troy attempted d to catch her, but had trouble keeping up.

Just when it looked like she was going to make it to the elevator, Austin unsheathed Excalibur and threw it at her. The blade spun and hit its target.

Brooks was overwhelmed by a huge amount of pain as the blade carved right through her, impaling her in the chest and she fell to her knees.

Austin slowly walked up behind her and took the blades in his hand, the movement of the blade causing Brooks to groan in pain, blood starting to pour form her mouth.

"I won't miss you at all, you crazy bitch." Austin snarled.

He then pulled the blade out at an agonizingly slow rate. As this happened, the life left Brooks and she fell to the floor.

As Austin looked at the body, he tried to think of one final thing to finish it off. Simply getting rid of the body was enough for a pathetic traitor like her. Then he remembered someone who'd be able to take care of this no problem.

"Urz… dinner time." He said.

The Varren lunged at Brooks' body and started feasting. Austin simply turned his back walked back to the group while Urz ate.

"Harsh, but she definitely deserved it." Said Troy.

"Did you mean to hit her, because that looked more like a warning shot." Said Garrus, causing a bit of laughter from everyone.

"Maintenance to the shuttle bay." Said Joker.

"No tear shed for her?" Griffin asked, noticing that Hades hadn't reacted to Brooks' death at all.

"Nah. She was an annoying bitch for us too." Hades replied.

"So what about you, Hades? Do we have to endure the manner of some ill conceived escape attempt from you too?" Austin asked, pointing the tip of his sword at Hades..

"Not today." Said Hades. "I'll come quietly, but one day, I will avenge the Commander, you mark my words on that."

With the Normandy back in dock, everyone disembarked to find the rest of the crew waiting for them. Traynor, notching Sarah almost immediately ran up to her, right in the N7 marine's waiting arm.

"We'll have the Normandy back in shape in no time." Said Joker.

"Appreciate it." Said Austin.

"Is shore leave always like this?" EDI asked, earning a small chuckle from Austin.

"Come on. Maybe we can take actual time off. No explosions or anything. Just us." He said.

"Absolutely." Liara agreed.

"So after a hard day spent fighting your late arch enemy, you know what comes next?" Joker asked as they walked back into the apartment.

"A nap?" Austin replied.

"Please. We party down." Said Joker.

"Well, I gotta get going. Things to settle before I head back to Tuchanka. Always fires to put out when you're in charge, right?" said Wrex. "Let me know if you want to hang out or if you're having that party."

"See ya!" said Joker.

"Party, huh?" Austin asked.

"No pressure. No one's gonna make you throw a party." Said Joker.

"I'll need to think on that one, but admittedly that does sound like a good idea." Said Austin.

"I've channelled discretionary funds into your account for the purchase of any celebratory supplies, Major." Said Glyph.

Joker then activated his omni tool.

"Okay, EDI and Cortez and Traynor are in." he said.

"What?"

"I have also informed Mistress Xun about any potential upcoming celebrations." Said Glyph.

"I'm in charge of the guest list!" said Austin.

"Yeah, so there's no uninvited button on this thing." Said Joker.

"All right. But when it's time, I invite the rest." Said Austin.

"Cortez just invited James, so…"

"Fine."

"I'm going to go out and see how much trouble I can get into without snapping a femur."

"Members of your crew have also expressed interest in spending time with you, Major. You can check your private terminal for messages." Said Glyph. "If you require activities, Silverun strip has an arcade in addition to the casino. You have also been granted a complimentary pass to the combat simulator."

"Thanks, Glyph. Guess I should take some advantage of some shore leave myself." Said Austin.

Naturally of course, Liara was Austin's first choice to invite up and spend time with. As he finished drying himself from a shower he suddenly heard a piano playing.

Walking out of the bathroom, he saw Liara stood before the apartment's piano and she was playing a song on it.

Liara felt the presence of her bond mate behind her

"Austin." She smiled.

"I didn't know you could play." Said Austin as he finished pulling his shirt on.

"Actually, this is the only song I know." Said Liara.

"Why's that?" Austin asked.

"There was always something more important to do: a ruin to uncover, intel to gather. A Major to save."

"You couldn't sit still long enough."

"Could you?"

"Is there something special about this song?" Austin asked.

"On one of my first digs, a storm swept in. We were trapped inside. I was so restless: I wanted to get back to work." Liara explained. "One of the other archaeologists, Dr Olena, had this keyboard. She took it everywhere. She taught me to play this song while we waited."

"It's a good song." Austin smiled as he hugged Liara from behind.

"Thank you, Austin." Liara smiled. "I've always loved that song."

Austin then activated his omni tool.

"Do you mind? I know another song that this piano can play." He asked.

Liara simply nodded.

The piano's keys lit up and started to play themselves. The piano began playing the song "All Boundaries are Conventions."

"I love you so much." Liara smiled.

"I love you too." Austin smiled a she kissed Liara on the cheek.

As the song continued to play, their kiss began to get even more intimate and their hands started to roam their bodies.

Austin then took it a step further and began to remove the clasps on Liara's outfit. The Asari smiled as she allowed it to happen and then began to pull Austin's shirt off. They continued to kiss as the music played.

Liara then pushed Austin onto the couch and finished removing her outfit, presenting her nude form to him. Gently straddling him, Liara presented both her breats to him and he took one into his mouth.

Liara's body had gotten so adjusted to Shepard that at this point, whenever she started feeling any sense of arousal, she moaned as she started to feel an all too familiar growing... empty void, between her legs. Her azure felt so... empty, almost as it was missing something. An absence. This had likely been a sensation going on for months, and it certainly explained why she was always more than eager for Austin, why she was usually the one to make the suggestion: Any want or desire she had for him quickly develops into a NEED for him.

Austin's thrusts were hard but gentle and slow. They were simply enjoying the moment alone in a luxury apartment on a very comfortable sofa and with beautiful music playing in the background as they made love.

Austin gradually began to speed up and Liara's moans intensified. This only spurred her love on further. As Liara bounced on top of him, her large tits also bounced which only turned Austin on even more and he soon felt the cum making it's way up his shaft.

"Embrace...Ah!... Eternity!" Liara moaned.

Austin felt his mind connected to Liara and he began to fell her sensations and pleasure just as she felt his.

Connected to his mind, Liara could feel it too, gently sliding off him, she got down on her knees and took the hard penis in her hand and begin stroking, using her own wetness as lubricant. Each stroke emitted a wet squelch, but it still managed to sound erotic. Austin finally couldn't hold it in any longer and Liara opened her mouth.

Their relationship had gotten to the point where Liara's body was grown so accustomed to Austin that every time she tasted his cum, the taste automatically caused her body to orgasm.

The two simply cuddled each other, panting heavily.

"First time we've ever made love to music." said Liara.

"Was worth it though, right?" said Austin, gently caressing Liara's arm.

"Definitely." Liara smiled.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

Austin then invited James up. After all, the Alliance soldier had said he had something to show him.

"Hey, Loco." He said. "Nice place. Might not look so nice after throwing that party you were talking about."

"You wouldn't trash my new apartment, would you, James?" Austin joked.

"Me? No. Never." Said James as he joined Austin on the balcony.

"Nice view. But this place. It's just so… not what I'm used to."

"Which is?" Austin asked.

"I grew up on the beach on the Pacific. So, you know: water, sand… real air."

"You miss it?"

"Yeah. And the people…"

"So what's her name?"

"No! No… I stopped fraternizing when I joined the military. The two don't seem to go well together."

"Hasn't stopped you from being a shameless flirt."

"Yeah. Well, that's just my way. I don't mean anything by it."

"So anyway, you wanted to show me something?"

"Oh, shit. Right."

James then removed his shirt, revealing the n7 tattoo he now had.

"What do you think?" he asked.

"Suits you. When'd you get that done?"

"Just recently. You sister's deserves some thanks for encouraging em to join after I got forward an N7 commendation."

"Glad to hear it."

"Anyway… that's it. Just wanted to show you that bad boy. I gotta get back to the Normandy. Esteban wants my help working on the shuttle."

"Thanks for coming by, James." Said Austin as he hand James shook hands.

"This is gonna be a perfect place for a fiesta. Catch you later, Shep." Said James. Just as he neared the door however, he suddenly spotted something. "What the hell? No way."

Curious as to what James had discovered, Austin walked down the stairs and found the Alliance solder punching away at a punching bag. A whole array of gym equipment was also in the room.

"Didn't know this place had that." He said, quite impressed.

"You've been holding out on me!" said James. "You gonna watch, or you gonna join in?"

"Ah, why not? I could use the exercise." Austin shrugged as he went up to the pull up bar and took hold of it.

"You know, my record is 182. You think you can beat it?" James asked.

"I know Griffin has. Didn't he do 200?" said Austin.

"Yeah, but he's bigger than me. You and I are about the same size." Said James.

"You wanna bet 10 credits on it then?" Austin asked.

"Alright, you're on." Said James.

For a moment, Austin let go of the bar and then removed his shirt before jumping back up.

"Oh. Getting serious." Said James challenging as Austin began the pull ups.

Normally, Austin would've struggled to manage 182, but that was in the days a long time ago. These days he was a lot stronger now. The implants his suit installed into him when it resurrected him gave him some extra strength and also the works outs he'd done with Griffin had improved both his physique and his strength even more.

The more Austin did, the more surprised James looked. And then it happened, Austin reached the 182 target.

"Holy hell! You did it." Said the soldier.

Then to even more surprise from James, Austin kept going.

"Still going?! How are you doing that?!" he said, almost in shock.

"No idea." Austin groaned as he continued on.

Then, at 190, he finally stopped and let go of the bar.

"190. Gotta say, I almost don't believe it myself." Said James. "I… don't' know what to say. How you feeling?"

"Pretty good considering." Said Austin as he pulled his shirt back on.

"Damn. You still got it. Don't let anybody tell you different." Said James.

"I'm not old, you know." Said Austin.

"Never said you were, Loco." Said James. He then activated his omni tool. "Here's your 10 credits, and damn well deserved."

Next to be invited up was Miranda. It had been a while since Austin talked with her.

"Miranda, good to see you. How do you like the place?" Austin asked as he walked down the stairs and behind the apartment's bar.

"Not a part of town I'd normally associate you with, Shepard. I like it." Said Miranda. "Fix me something while you're back there, would you?"

"Sure, I've got just the thing." Said Austin as he poured two drinks. "So… pardon me for asking, but there's been some talking going around about you and Hawk. Something going on there?"

"I honestly don't know yet." Said Miranda. "He's a nice guy, he was there for me when I was down after you were injured… at the moment, I don't know."

"Well, for what it's worth, I'm happy for you. I hope it does work out if…" said Austin, but he noticed Miranda's look. "Yeah, you're right. I'm not the best at this, am I."

The two then walked up to the window.

"Aw, they shut down my favourite sushi place." Said Miranda.

"That's… a shame." Said Austin, trying to hide his embarrassment.

"Shepard, you didn't…" said Miranda.

"I did. Fell right through the fish tank. Damn nearly broke my back." Said Austin.

"How did you manage that?"

"It… exploded."

Miranda though gave Austin a look that said "I don't' believe you."

"Hey, it was the Commander's plan, not mine." Said Austin.

"Blowing up a fish tank shouldn't be part of anyone's plan." Said Miranda. "Although executing marine life seems to some sort of hobby with you. No wonder your arch enemy couldn't resist."

"It was the first step in taking over my whole life. We stopped it." Said Austin.

"Good thing, but why did he want your life? Why would anyone?" said Miranda. "All that running, jumping… gunfire. It's crazy."

"I'd describe it as "engaging" rather than dangerous." Said Austin.

"I'll drink to that." Miranda smiled.

"Trust me. I know all this isn't normal." Said Austin. "I do have a crazy life."

"That you do, my friend. That you do."

Next, Tali and Leena were invited up. The two Quarians almost treated each other like sisters now, especially seeing as Leena's mother was Tali's auntie.

Hey, got any plans for the evening?" Austin asked.

"No. We're as free as the dust in the solar wind." Said Tali. "You remember that line? From Fleet and Flotilla? Shalei and Bellicus."

"I don't think I've ever seen that film." Said Austin.

"What? You've never… How could you not have? Well, I know what we're doing tonight!" said Tali.

"But Shalei, we can never be together. I have my duty, and you have your people." Said the Turian in the film.

"Not tonight. Tonight, I'm as free as the dust in the solar wind." Said the Quarian.

"So you two have watched this a lot, huh?" Austin asked.

"Every time my friends and I had a sleepover. Keelah. So many feelings." Said Tali.

"Yeah, it's, uh… yeah. Definitely." Said Austin.

"When this is done, I'll send you links to extranet sites with some captioned animations." Said Leena.

"I want you to see behind this mask. I want you to see who I truly am." Said the Quarian.

"I already have." Said the Turian.

"She had an infection for three weeks after filming this scene." Tali explained.

"Totally worth it." Said Austin.

Austin headed out again, this time to see Javik. He waited in the wards for the Prothean to arrive.

"Enjoying your shore leave, Javik?" he asked.

"I have been asked to take part in a "vid." I am told it is a great honour and will boost morale for the war." Said Javik

"Who says it will?"

They walked onto what looked like a movie set.

"Ah, Major Shepard. I didn't realise you were coming. Perfect timing, perfect timing! You can play yourself." Said the Salarian director. "Attention: the Prothean is on set! Someone tell the stunt double he's demoted! We have the real Shepard now! All right! Places, everyone! Quickly! Quickly! Cue the backdrop! Roll cameras! And… action!"

"Major Shepard, thank you for coming. The urgent hour of doom which we all urgently face draws near. Urgently so." Said the actor playing the Salarian councillor. "But there is hope. The Council understands you recently found a Prothean in a refrigerator and defrosted him!"

"So are you guys just making this up or what?" Austin asked.

"Of course not! A writer wrote it, so it must be true!" the director whispered.

"You die now!" said the Vorcha.

"Not yet! That line come later!" the director hissed.

"The Vorcha councillor will kindly refrain from further interruptions!" said the Salarian.

"I believe I have been misinformed about the purpose of this "vid." Said Javik.

"Now then, oh wise Prothean elder, what wisdom of the ages can you share with us?" the Salarian asked.

"Salarian kidney is best served at room temperature. It is even better when the Salarian is still alive. The fear adds… spice." Said Javik.

"Prothean no like you!" said the Vorcha.

"Did someone say "Prothean?" said a voice. Austin turned to see a hanar join them. "This one is familiar with enkindling. This one has enkindled multiple females across the galaxy."

"Blasto, about time you showed up! The galaxy is under attack by Reapers. If only someone had warned us about them years ago." Said the volus.

"This one tried. This one was ignored. This one's efforts tell on obstructed auditory senses." Said Blasto.

"And now we've asked Major Shepard and his Prothean partner here to assist." Said the Volus.

"This one did not read that far into the script. This one does not share top billing." Said Blasto.

"Wait, what? But it's Blasto 7: Blasto Goes to War! Think of the children!" said the director.

"In my cycle, your kind were nothing more than appetizers. Would you prefer to be boiled or fried?" said Javik.

"Prothean no like you!" said the volus again.

"This one has found his motivation. Very well, Major Shepard and Prothean partner of undetermined ethnic origin, welcome to the Spectre Club." Said Blasto.

"You idiot! I quit being a Spectre years ago. You know what, Blasto? I think you're just a big stupid jellyfish. How did you ever become a Spectre?" said Austin, rather irritated by this now.

"I am not just a Spectre, I am an Ultra Spectre Elite 7000 Deluxe, now with less recoil and faster load time." Said Blasto, pointing two guns at Austin.

"Word of advice, don't point those guns at me." Austin warned.

"Where is the airlock so I may throw you out of it?" Javik sighed.

"We don't have a prop for that! Cue the sound effects! Change the backdrop!" said the director.

The scene now changed to a war zone and a small Reaper dropped down.

"Look! It's Sovereign's half-brother, Sluggard! And he's looking for some payback!" said the volus

"Bloody Hell! How can anyone possibly enjoy these films? They make even the most terrible Earth films look like classics in comparison." Austin sighed in his head. He was very glad he'd chosen to put his armour on and keep his helmet on

"Cue the stunt double!" said the director as a stunt double flung himself onto the set. "Your line! Say your line!"

"Oh, uh: You die now!" said the Vorcha.

"Oh no. The Vorcha Councillor is indoctrinated!" said the Salarian.

"This one is the hero of the Citadel. This one has an incendiary project with the councillors name on it. Vorcha scum, prepare for death." Said Blasto.

"This one wishes he was still frozen in the refrigerator." Javik interrupted, hitting the Vorcha with a biotic field, sending him flying. "May we go now, Major?"

"Strike the set! Tell casting we'll need a new Vorcha! Prepare for Blasto 8: Blasto Cures the Genophage!" said the director as they left.

With a bit of free time until he was due to have lunch with Traynor, Austin decided to simply wait around for a bit. As he was relaxing against one of the rails, he then spotted a familiar but surprising face.

"Your mine, you bastard. Goddamn it!"

"Zaeed?"

"Over here, Shepard. This thing is fucking impossible." Said Zaeed.

For some bizarre reason, Zaeed was playing the claw game. A bit unusual for someone like him.

"What are you doing?" Austin asked.

"There was a kid here, snivelling brat, spending all his credits, crying." Zaeed replied.

"So you thought you'd get a prize for him." said Austin.

"He asked. Looked simple enough—goddamn it!" Zaeed cursed as he lost another one.

"Where's the kid?" Austin asked.

"What do I care?"

"Isn't there something better we could go do?"

"What could possibly be more important than Zaeed Massani getting bested by some fucking kids game?"

"You really want one of those plushy toys?"

"Goddamn right, I do."

"Okay then."

"Credits."

"Sure, but even a bounty hunter's got to use his manners once in a while."

"Please."

Austin gave Zaeed some more credits and the bounty hunter had another go.

"Easy… Easy…" said Austin, but unfortunately, Zaeed dropped it just at the last minute.

"It's obviously rigged somehow." Said Zaeed.

"Rigged?"

" I'm gonna hunt down the shit-for-brains "inventor" of this crooked game and pull his inspiration out through his asshole." Said Zaeed crossly. "Probably some smart-ass, Salarian bastard. I'm going back in. Credits."

"Please try not to waste all my money." Said Austin, handing some more credits.

This time though, Zaeed succeeded and plushy Hanar toy slid out of the machine.

"All right."

"Well done." Said Austin.

Zaeed took the toy and looked at it for a moment. Then he did something rather surprising.

"Here, you have it." He said.

"Me? But…" Austin tried to say.

"The kids probably long gone by now. Besides, you and Liara have always said you'll have kids of your own one day. Consider that an early present for one of 'em."

Austin considered this for a moment. Zaeed did have a point. He and Liara often talked about having children after the war, and to be honest this would make a very nice toy for one of them.

"Thanks, Zaeed. That's very thoughtful of you." He said. "Okay. Where to?"

"How should I know? What do ya' feel like? Apollo's? Casino? More claw?" Zaeed suggested.

"But this time you play with your own damn credits." Said Austin.

"I'm man enough to pay for my own addictions, Shepard."

"Addictions? Already?"

"I'm an all-in kind of guy."

"I think I knew that about you."

Sometime later, it was now around the time Traynor was supposed to meet him for lunch. Minutes passed however, and he didn't' see her. As Austin walked up the stairs however he then spotted her.

She was sat at a holo table with a Salarian at the other end. Austin then noticed the holograms on top of the table. Several frigates and fighters surrounding a planet one ach side. One side coloured yellow, the other green.

As Austin walked up to Traynor, she won the game and the Salarian shook hands with her.

"Brilliant endgame." He said. "Excellent use of the By-Lucien Gambit."

"Is this… space-chess?" Austin asked.

"It's called Kepesh-Yakshi Blade of the Night Winds. The Asari have played it since… We were supposed to meet for lunch." Said Traynor, suddenly realizing. "I'm so sorry. I entered the tournament on a lark. I thought I'd be eliminated in the first few rounds."

"Oh, don't worry. You'll be free to join your friend in 20 moves or fewer." Said an Asari.

Traynor turned to face the Asari and they both glared at one another.

"T'Suzsa."

"Traynor. Would you like to just give me your frigates now? I always take them sooner or later."

"Polgara T'Suzsa. She's knocked me out of four tournaments." Traynor sighed/

"That was before you helped manage intel for a galactic war." Said Austin encouragingly.

"You're right. I've got a lot better since I came to the Normandy." Said Traynor.

"Which is a frigate by the way, so try not to lose it." Said Austin. "And Specialist…"

"Major?"

"Kick her ass."

"Roger that."

Traynor and T'Suzsa took their seats and began. T'Suzsa made the first attack, taking out one of Traynor's frigates, causing the game to shock her.

"Oh, damn it! Ah!"

"So much for your frigate. Neural feedback. It disincentives sacrificing pieces casually." Said T'Suzsa.

After sometime, Traynor had only one frigate, her homeworld and a fighter left.

"A few more centuries, Traynor, and you might be a challenge. You must not have that much time to practice now, living on that warship." Said T'Suzsa intimidatingly. "My people have more respect for the great thinkers. I'm able to live quite comfortably teaching Asari maidens tactics and strategy through this game."

"So, your job is playing games?" Austin asked, almost sounding like he'd laugh.

"Mentoring students in strategic and tactical simulations. Yes." Said T'Susza.

"Specialist Traynor helped us take down Cerberus. We're preparing our final assault on the Reapers and the Takaal thanks to her efforts." Said Austin.

"I'm sure she's a wonderful servicemen. But she just lost her last frigate." Said T'Suzsa as she took out Traynor's last frigate.

"Ah! Traded her last frigate actually, for your homeworld." Said Traynor.

Sure enough, when the comm specialist made her move, her fighter dodged right through the frigates and took out T'Suzsa homeworld directly. The whole shock caused the Asari to black out and she fell from her chair. The gathered audience clapped.

"Thanks, Shepard. And, I apologise again for missing lunch." Said Traynor.

"All for a good cause, Samantha. Carry on." Austin smiled proudly.

Austin headed back to the apartment and invited EDI up next.

"Shepard. I thought we could experience an afternoon of acquiring material possessions for our associates." Said the AI.

"Shopping? I guess we could. Did you have a place in mind?" Austin asked.

"Physical proximity is unnecessary. The extranet provides a greater variety of services while retaining entertainment value. Jeff had lent me his credit chit on the condition hat I enjoy myself and, quote, "live it up like a girly girl." Said EDI.

"So what's first then?"

"I believe Jeff would be surprised and pleased if I got him a gift. What would you recommend?" EDI asked.

"Start with something both of you can enjoy. What do you do together?" said Austin.

"We interact most closely when we are flying. It occurs to me that he does not have a skycar for traveling around the Presidium." Said EDI. She then accessed a datapad. "Here. "The 2187 Blackout has a top speed of 650 kilometres per hour, making it the most powerful sports skycar in its class."

"That sounds like it 'll get Joker's blood pumping." Austin chuckled.

"Five-year warranty. Replacement parts. All sales are final." Said EDI.

"No, wait!" Austin interrupted.

"I fail to see what is wrong." Said EDI.

"When you buy someone a present, it's best not to bankrupt them. You want a rental." Said Austin.

"I see. Perhaps for a day or a weekend, then." Said EDI.

"That sounds better." Said Austin. "Right then, who's next?"

"You are. Close your eyes." Said EDI.

Austin did so. When he opened them however, he was surprise to see EDI holding a ring in front of him.

"Uh… are you proposing to me?" he asked, confused.

"No. There is a jeweller on the Citadel who produces these. They're made from metals from each Council homeworld. Each metal compounds with the last, making the rings stronger. He calls them victory rings. Due to material shortages, only a few exist." EDI explained.

"Hmm, rare is nice. Unique is better." Said Austin.

"Are you… valuing me?" EDI asked.

"It's the thought that counts, and you had a good one. Were I not already married to Liara, this would've made an excellent ring for her." Said Austin.

"I have heard that expression. That's why I recorded a resonance map of my quantum bit arrays when I had the idea. If you read my extensive log files and extrapolate from my nitrogen-vacancy centres, you can visualise the thought precisely." Said EDI.

"That's a long way for a joke, EDI." Said Austin.

"Did I have you for a few seconds, there?" EDI asked, smiling.

"Not even close." Said Austin. "Who next?"

"I was thinking something for Liara. You know your wife better than anyone…"

The next crew member he'd be spending time with was Jack who had invited him to a session in the Armax Arsenal arena. Austin had to admit he was rather excited since he hadn't yet tried out the arena. He'd heard it was similar in a way to the simulator the Normandy had, but in a more competitive way.

"Hey. Glad you could make it. I've got us to set up." Said the Biotic convict.

"I am gonna beat you until candy comes out!" Jack taunted as she took down several Cerberus soldiers with a biotic warp. "Damn, it's nice to relax. Just cutting loose, not worrying about the kids…"

"It's worth the stress to watch the people you're commanding come into their own, though." Said Austin.

"Shut up." Said Jack.

"Who said I was talking about you?" said Austin.

Jack then threw a biotic attack at the Atlas Mech and it exploded. With that, the round ended.

"You know, if there is a god, that's what she sounds like. Just a big deep BWOMMM to let you know everything's gonna be okay. Thanks for coming, Shepard." Said Jack.

"Wouldn't have missed it. Say hello to Kelly for me." Said Austin.

With some free time, Austin decided to invite Jack up to the apartment.

"So what? A private cabin on a stealth warship isn't enough for you?" the convict chuckled.

"It was given to me. What are you doing?" Austin asked noticing that Jack was doing something.

"Calling Eezo." Jack replied.

"Eezo?"

A Varren suddenly ran in, and pounced on Austin. He seemed friendly though.

"Whoa! Easy boy!" said Austin as he managed to gently push the Varren off him. "Hey, Urz! Jack's brought you a friend to play with."

Sure enough, Urz hurried down the steps. The two Varren looked at each other for a moment. Then, rather than growl at one another, they started to play and run around with each other.

"Where'd you get him?" Austin asked.

"He's from Thessia. Naturally biotic from all the element zero." Said Jack. "The biotics make them short tempered, so a lot of them get abused or abandoned. Can you imagine someone doing that? I found him at a rescue place."

"Wanna play catch?" said Austin as he waved a frying pan in front of the two Varren. He then threw it. "Go fetch!"

Both Eezo and Urz ran after it and Eezo managed to catch ti first.

"I'm trying to teach him that it's okay to trust people. He started out really angry, but I've been giving him lots of love, and now he's a big old softy." Said Jack.

Eezo then hit Austin with a light biotic which caused him to stumble.

"Ooff!"

"What?"

"He seems like a good pet." Austin smiled, picking himself up.

"Yeah. Who's my badass biotic? Who's my badass biotic?" said Jack cooingly as she petted Eezo.

Austin simply smiled as Urz sat by his side and allowed Austin to stroke him on the head.

Now Austin had been forced to leave the apartment again due to a message he'd received regarding Krogan. Austin had a feeling it was either Wrex, Grunt or Kraan. He certainly hoped though they hadn't caused too much trouble, because he wouldn't be happy if they did.

"Officer, someone requested my presence concerning an incident with a Krogan?" he said.

"Right this way, Major." Said the C-sec officer.

Sure enough, the officer lead him to a familiar Krogan.

"So… Grunt. Anything you want to tell me about?" said Austin.

"This clown wants to take me to lockup. Figured I'd give you a call, straighten this out." Said Grunt.

"Major Shepard, I apologize for the intrusion. This Krogan insisted we contact you." Said the officer.

"It's okay. I vouch for him and I'll sign any paperwork you have." Said Austin.

"Yes, sir."

"What happened?" Austin asked.

"I don't know. Drank a bit, left the hospital, broke a few windows." Said Grunt.

"But you were in that hospital recovering from the Rachni encounter…" said Austin.

"Yeah. Didn't feel like sticking around." Said Grunt.

"Most people stick around long enough to, you know, heal."

"Most people aren't me."

"And why is C-sec here?"

"Guess they're precious about some broken glass."

"Before I sign you out… everybody walked away from this in one piece, right?"

"Sure, yeah, everybody's fine. Hospital's seen better days, though."

"Right. Tell me about the windows."

"A couple of squadmates broke me out for my birthday. Tried lowering me down the side of the building on a rope." "It didn't work out."

"It's your birthday?"

"No. I'm tank-bred, remember Anyway, we got some p[pictures on the Krogan memorial."

"In the Presidium?"

"Yeah. When C-sec got there, they were mad. Or maybe they were mad about their car being on fire. Can't remember."

"Why was it on fire?"

"I threw my bottle of ryncol at it. Pretty strong stuff… went up like a bonfire." "The C-sec guys jumped out. Then I figured they didn't want it, so I took it. We didn't get very far before they shut us down."

"Sprayed us down with riot foam. Didn't work so well on me."

"And why's that?"

"Cause I was on fire. You know, from the car? Coem on, Shepard. Keep up."

"Right, sorry. So how did they catch you?"

"Got hungry. Bought some noodles."

"Grunt, you apologise to the nice man for setting his car on fire."

"Fine. I'm sorry for setting your car on fire… and I won't do it again."

"Good. Now, Officer, I can pay for any damages that may have occurred."

"That's what you've been signing for, Major. You're lucky: Krogan. Don't let me catch you up here again." Said the officer.

"So… how were those noodles?"

"A little spicy."

"I love you, Grunt."

"Heh-heh-heh."

Next one up was Ashley and Griffin. They'd told him to meet them in the bar.

"I'm looking for Lieutenant Williams." He said to the bartender.

The bartender indicated to his left and Austin saw the couple.

"Thanks."

"There you are. Ready to see who's the real Soldier and who's the pretender?" said Ashley.

"Whatever you say Ashley. Line 'em up."

"I'm not carrying the loser out of here." Griffin reminded them.

"That's what I like to hear." Said Ashley. "Rules are simple. I take a shot, you take a shot. Hesitate? Game over."

"This shouldn't take too long then." Said Austin.

In truth he was referring to the fact that Ashley would win. He wasn't one for drinking games.

"Uh-huh. Glamorous and superstar Alliance marine first." Said Ashley as she downed her first drink. "Sorry-ass pretender next."

Austin however didn't touch the drink. He felt it better to just let Ashley win.

"What's this? The great and powerful Major Shepard can't keep up?" she asked.

"I didn't wanna destroy your fragile ego, Ashley. Sometimes you just gotta let the underdog have its day." Said Austin.

"Cut the crap, Major."

"I fear for your liver, Ash." Said Austin.

"You're just jealous." Said Ashley.

"Of what exactly?" said Austin.

Not wanting this to get out of hand, Griffin stepped between the two of them.

"Now now, you two. Let's not get into this too much. You'll end up accidently insulting each other if you're not careful." He said.

"Leave it to Mr Muscles to save the day." Said Ashley.

"What has gotten into you, Ash? You've only had one drink. Did someone spike it?" said Griffin.

Before this could continue however, a Batarian and Vorcha suddenly walked up to them.

"Hey! My friend here doesn't like Alliance types." Said the Batarian.

"Buddy, we're right in the middle of something." Said Ashley.

"I don't like Alliance types either." The Batarian added.

The three of them could now see where this was going.

"Rain check?"

"Yeah."

By the time they'd finished, both the Batarian and the Vorcha were knocked out.

"Sorry about the mess." Said Austin, tossing a tip to the bartender.

"Who do you think punched first?" Griffin asked.

"Don't. Don't start that with me." Said Austin sternly.

Jacob was next, and he had told Austin to meet him near the arcade.

"Hey, Shepard. Over here. Thanks for coming by. Good to see you. What's up?" he asked.

"Out for a little R&R. You?" Austin replied.

"Exactly. Same thing."

At that moment, two teenagers came up to Jacob.

"Hey, Jacob. I'm out of credits." Said one of them.

"Who're they?"

"They're from the Ex- Cerberus people we rescued. Their parents are MIA. Volunteered to take them on for the weekend while we were on leave, get their minds off things." Said Jacob. "What about us, Shepard? There's got to be a game of skill in there with our names on it."

"Let's do it." Said Austin.

"Great."

"This is your game of skill?" Austin asked as they walked into the arcade and up to the mech battle game.

"Now, Shepard, I'll try not to embarrass you." Said Jacob.

"Really? Trash talk? At Shattered Eezo?" said Austin.

"Hell, yeah! My pride is on the line. Also, these kids look up to me, so I have to take you down." Said Jacob.

"You take me down? I don't think so."

"Well, step up, Shepard. Although it might be tough, not having your squad to carry you."

"You're on."

"No pressure, Shepard. These people already idolize you, so when you choke, it won't matter."

"You're crowding me."

"Am I? My bad." Said Jacob. "Stand back, everyone. Shepard needs extra room to make the magic happen."

"Ready?" said Austin. "Let's do this."

"Glad none of your friends are here to see your humiliation."

The battle was quit e fierce one. Despite that Austin had never played this game though, he was finding it relatively easy. Within just a few minutes, he'd damaged Jacob's mech enough that the head exploded.

"Oh dear. You've lost your head." He said smugly.

"Yeah! Major Shepard wins!" the kids cheered.

"And that is how it's done, kids." Said Austin proudly.

"You couldn't just let me win? Just once?" Jacob sighed. "Come on, Shepard. Let's grab some food. I'm buying."

Retiring to his apartment, Austin saw that Samara was on the Citadel and decided to do some catching up with her.

"I came as quickly as I could. What's wrong?" said the Justicar as she entered.

"I didn't mean to worry you. When I say you were on the Citadel, I wanted to see you again." Said Austin.

"We've said our farewells, Shepard." Said Samara.

"Are we going to stand on formalities?" Austin asked as he walked up the window and the blinds retracted. "You know, these big picture windows remind me of our talks in the Normandy's observation lounge."

"This view doesn't have quite the same effect as a galaxy of stars, but I can see where it might make one sentimental. I also enjoyed our talks, Shepard. Very much." Said Samara.

"Hey, look what I found. An old issue of Justicar heroes, May 2140. I says that you personally lifted fifty refugees across raging floodplain on Nevos after smugglers blew up a dam." Said Austin as he took out a datapad.

"That "News source" has been known to exaggerate." Said Samara, slightly embarrassed.

"So you didn't "almost drown while saving a child who had been torn from her mother's grasp?" Austin asked.

"The smugglers were not so lucky that I survived." Said Samara.

"Are there more stories like this?" Austin asked.

"Perhaps. You might be amused by the June 2085 issue. "Justicar Samara: Cold-Blooded Justice Runs Hot. It is not so difficult for me to find stories of your exploits." Said Samara.

Austin managed to put his thoughts aside on what Samara had said about "runs hot" After that threesome he and Liar had been in with her, he felt it better not try and risk it happening again, especially with a party coming up.

The two then sat down on the sofa.

"I think that you are remarkable, Shepard." Said Samara. "When the vids sing your praises and call you hero, does it make you blush? Do you agree? What do you feel?"

"It's humbling. But honestly, if people feel I'm making a difference, that bolsters me, my team, my squad, and our efforts." Said Austin. "What now?"

"I am content as we are, Shepard. Let us sit a while longer, even if there is nothing to say."

Once again with free time, and with some more hours to kill until the party, Austin decided to explore for a bit and went to the casino.

As he was walking around however, he suddenly heard a familiar face among the crowds. Sure enough, in walked Kasumi accompanied by several aliens who were obviously thieves as well.

"Senek, hit the comms. Tiana, distract the bouncer. Urch, you take the vault. Avoid the thermal sensors—they trigger the lockdown." she said. "You'll hit motion sensors, and that'll alert the security. Vurk, steal a uniform. You go in as a security, fake the arrest…"

When Austin cleared the crowds however, Kasumi then saw him.

"Whoops. I seem to have the wrong casino." She said, turning to leave.

"Kasumi?"

"Take a walk, guys." Kasumi sighed.

The others nodded and left just her and Austin.

"I can explain?" she said.

"No need. I believe I hired you because you were the best damn thief in the galaxy." Said Austin.

"Sweet talker." Kasumi smiled.

"Are you hard up for credits, or is this to stay in practice?" Austin asked.

"People who can't get to the Citadel are having a rough time out there. This place has more money than it knows what to do with. It could help those refugees survive." Said Kasumi. As she spoke, she activated her omni tool and it made all the betting machines go haywire. "And it's not like the owners can spend it if the Reapers win."

"So you're robbing the rich to feed the poor." Said Austin.

"I'm doing what I do. Raiding Takaal bases and infiltrating Reaper-held locations is fun." "But I'm a thief. Stealing It's who I am. Without it, I…By the way, are you going to call security?" Kasumi.

"No. Go and have fun. But just don't get caught, okay?" Austin winked at her.

"Hey, come one. I never get caught." Said Kasumi. "Come on, guys! Show's on!"

"Excuse me. Is there a problem?" one of the guards asked as Kasumi walked off.

"No. No problem at all." Austin replied as Kasumi activated her cloak and vanished.

Cortez was up next, and he had told Austin to meet him in the wards. As Austin waited, he suddenly noticed the Hellhound slowly hover down and the side door opened. Austin stepped in and found Cortez already in the pilot's chair.

"Welcome aboard, Shepard." He said.

"So where are we going?" Austin asked.

"Activating external cameras."

Sure enough, the front of the cockpit changed to show the view of the Citadel outside.

"I didn't know this shuttle had virtual windows." Said Austin ins surprise.

"Bet there's more you don't know about this bird." Said Cortez.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Before mass effect fields, there was no such thing as internal dampeners."

"Yeah?"

"Here, feel this."

Cortez made the dropship hover upwards slightly and he actually felt gravity push down on him.

"Whoa."

"That, my friend, is unadulterated momentum. Want to really feel it?" said Cortez.

"Show me."

The Hellhound shot forward and then did several more climbs and descents. It even did a roll.

"See? Doesn't take much to pull a few G's. Back in the day, pilots would wear G-suits. It squeezes your body so that the blood stays in your head in tight manoeuvres. I'd wear a G-suit when flying my Trident. In a fighter it's common to transfer power from the inertial dampeners to other systems." Said Cortez.

"You miss flying fighters? Can't imagine you're too thrilled to be flying a shuttle." Said Austin.

"Hell no. I'm not just any shuttle pilot. I'm your shuttle pilot. Wouldn't have it any other way. When you're on the ground, weapon in hand, you're invincible. But when we're approaching an LZ, you're just another soldier. Vulnerable. Nothing you can do if we're shot down. Getting you to the ground alive is a responsibility I wouldn't trust to anyone else." Said Cortez.

"I'm fortunate to have you, Steve. We all are." Austin smiled.

"Anytime, Shepard."

While Austin was going about his business, Hawk had got a date lined up. Miranda had recently asked him to meet her in the casino for a night out. He had of course accepted given his attraction to the former Cerberus operative.

"Miranda."

"You clean up well, Hawk." Said Miranda. "Thought we might try an evening out."

"Sounds like you have time to catch your breath." Said Hawk.

"I do. Just… not used to it. Feeling a bit lost. It's kind of sad really." Said Miranda. "I got to thinking we need a break. No point saving the galaxy if we can't enjoy it once in a while."

"I have to say, I'm a bit surprised." Said Hawk.

"I thought you might be. I can be… severe." Said Miranda.

"You're focused. Believe me, I understand." Said Hawk.

"I was thinking about a talk I had with Shepard earlier. About having a normal life." Said Miranda. "Damn! I'm not very good at this. True is, Hawk, I'm not really good at being normal either. Bit of a disaster really."

"I get it. We just need a little practice." Said Hawk supportingly.

"Any ideas?"

"Oh… I might have a few." Said Hawk teasingly. He then walked up behind Miranda ad hugged her from behind. "Miranda, you're here… you're beautiful… and I have you to myself. So tonight, I'm just gonna be a regular guy taking his best sheela out on the town."

"No space heroes super spies or super soldiers?" Miranda asked.

"Nope. Just bright lights, few games and some very foolish choices. Agreed?" said Hawk.

"Agreed." Miranda replied. "I'm gonna need more wine."

"Get this woman more wine." Hawk demanded to a waiter.

"You're pretty sexy when you're pushy. What now?" Miranda asked.

"Let's spin the wheel, see what happens." Said Hawk.

"The odds are against us, you know?"

"Maybe. But I've got a good feeling about this."

Heading back to the apartment, Austin decided to invite Traynor up next. After all, congratulations were in order after she'd become the Kepesh-Yakshi champion and had a huge trophy with her.

"You sure you want to leave that here?" Austin asked.

"I can't very well bring it back to the Normandy. I'd have nowhere to put it." Said Traynor, placing the award on the table.

"This place is amazing. Put the prefabs back on Horizon to shame." She said as she walked up the stairs. She then noticed something unbelievably inviting in the bathroom. "And it has a hotub..."

"Go ahead." Austin sighed happily.

"Cheers!" said Traynor as she ran in. Quickly taking her clothes off until she was only in her underwear, she gently dipped herself in.

"Oh! This lovely, and good for the sinuses. I might not need my anti-histamine tonight." She sighed.

"Your what?" Austin asked, keeping his back turned.

"It's a pill. I'm allergic to dust, and cats, and public speaking." Said Traynor. "I take a proton pump inhibitor for my stomach too, and an inhaler for asthma."

"You have everything you need to stay healthy" Because I don't want to be the bearer of bad news to Sarah if something happens to you." Said Austin.

"You are sweet." Traynor smiled. "Anyway, just about. The only medication I can't find is supro-capsinol. My family doctor prescribed it for my headaches."

"Errr, that's a sugar pill. A placebo." Said Austin.

"That sneaky bastard. And now that you've told me, it probably wouldn't work anyway." "There was some scented bath oil out there somewhere. Could you grab it?" Traynor asked.

"Sure. Here you go." Austin replied as he handed Traynor the bottle.

"Thanks." She said. "Eyes are over here, and up here."

"I wasn't even looking." Said Austin innocently.

"Right." Traynor chuckled. "Hey, do you have a loofah?"

"A loofah." Said Austin questionably. "This was Anderson's apartment. I highly doubt he has a…"

"Found one!" said Traynor. "Somebody left an overnight bag with toiletries and massage oil and… you know, girly stuff. Do you know who K. Sander is? She has great tastes in adjustable massage ones."

"Hmmmm. Still feel as though something's missing from this." Austin thought to himself. He then activated his omni tool. "Sarah, would you mind coming up?"

Sarah walked in a few minutes later.

"You sounded like you needed something. What's up?" she asked.

"Well it's not me, truth be told. Someone else actually needs you for something." Said Austin.

Curious, Sarah walked up the staris. When she saw her girlfriend sitting in the hotub of course, she understood completely.

"You shouldn't have. She'll be thanking you even more for inviting me up." She smiled.

"Make it perfect for her. She deserves it." Said Austin supportively.

"What about you? We can sometimes be a little… you know." Sarah asked.

"I'll be out. I have some more things to do anyway." Said Austin. "Go ahead and have fun. Just try to splash around too much."

"You try telling that to her." Sarah chuckled.

Sarah slowly made her way inside. Traynor naturally assumed it was still Austin. Though she did wonder why she suddenly felt so happy all of a sudden.

"Is there a brush out there somewhere?" she asked. A small handle then appered in front and she took it. "Ah, thank you."

As she pulled the handle down however, a hand and then everything else followed. To both her surprise and delight, she found herself staring right into the voice of the one person she loved more than anything.

"Hello, darling." Sarah smiled, trying not laugh at her love's expression of surprise. "Thought you'd be enjoying a little bath without me?"

"Well… I hadn't realized…" Traynor tried to say. "How did you even know I was here?"

"A little bird tell me." Sarah winked.

Traynor just noticed as Austin was leaving. It didn't' take her long to work it out.

"You literally have the best brother, Sarah." She smiled.

"He may very well be your brother too… eventually." Sarah winked.

"Oh, I…" Traynor said nervously. She was a bit caught off guard with Sarah mentioning that. "It's a bit… early to be talking about that, isn't it?"

"Don't worry, sweetie. I wouldn't' dream of putting pressure on you." Said Sarah.

"Well, when you say it like that… Sometimes I like it when you put pressure on me." Traynor smiled.

"So do I."

The N7 began necking against Traynor's delicate jaw line. Tiny kisses and licks fluttered up and down the young girl's neck and occasionally strayed further upwards to nibble on her earlobe. To Sarah, this night was for her Samantha, and held no objection to the one-sided tender lovemaking. The delightful moans that continued to escape from Traynor's throat kept pulling at her heartstrings. Samantha was painfully adorable. Eventually though, when she was sure Traynor had been sufficiently warmed up, she went for something a bit more bold.

Lowering the specialist further back into her arms, she let her trail of caresses continue downwards, dipping into the hollow of Traynor's collarbone. Sarah's mouth licked slowly down the valley of the young girl's chest, teasingly avoiding contact with the trembling mounds on either side. Her nose pressed against the specialist's skin, inhaling the wonderful scent of her lover's body. She smelt gorgeous, like a subtle blend of nectar mixed in with the merest hints of peppermint and lavender.

Sarah decided her lover had suffered enough. Her sharp eyes glanced down towards Traynor's chest, particularly eyeing the underwear barrier separating her bosom from her touch. With a well-experienced move, Sarah effortlessly removed Traynor's lacy bra, an action that she had performed many times with her lover, enough that she had learned to do it in but a second with the merest flick of her finger against the clasp. Traynor tensed briefly, arching her back into an unintentionally alluring position. After quickly tossing the offending garment aside, the N7's mouth placed a teasing kiss between her firm breasts.

Traynor inhaled sharply. "Ahhhhhh..." she sighed, craning her head back as she was already losing herself in the euphoric and addictive sensations from her lover's touch.

As Sarah's lips slowly ascended one of her lover's milky globes, she could feel the warmth that radiated freely from deep within Traynor's chest, coming straight from her galloping heart. It felt like the young girl's love muscle was doing acrobatic back flips of joy.

Her kisses finally found their way to her prize, alighting with infinite tenderness on Traynor's love-bud. Without further ado, Sarah slipped the erect nipple between her lips and suckled sweetly on the tip.

Traynor couldn't suppress the shriek of ecstasy that ripped from her throat like an unbridled beast. Looking down, she saw her lover's mouth clamped firmly across one of her breasts, those unfathomable caramel eyes still lovingly locked with her own. Sarah felt a delightful wave of bliss as the specialist moaned even louder and began to shake in rolling waves from head to toe. It was impossible for the specialist to maintain enough strength in her muscles to remain upright. Instead, she slumped back to the edge of the hot tub with a heavy sigh of pleasure, relaxing into the intoxicating sensations that coursed through her entire body.

Traynor unconsciously puffed her chest up in an effort to make greater contact with Sarah's lips, causing more delicious friction between the two women's abdomens and pressing her breasts against the smiling N7's face. The soft flesh was suffocating, but it just gave Sarah an excuse to reach and playfully massage her partner's chest. Switching to the other tip, she continued to caress Traynor's tender nipple between her lips with all the passion and determination of a starving woman presented with a feast. Sarah had long since memorized every erogenous spot on Traynor's body, and continued to toy with the specialist's most sensitive areas, working her torso like a master musician would play their instrument of choice.

Pride swelled in Sarah's heart as Traynor cried out an indecipherable phrase that included the N7's name several times. A dizzying thrill pulsed through her body, mingled with passionate and adoring love for the woman beneath her.

Traynor lost track of time. Seconds rolled into minutes and for all she knew, Sarah had been sweetly tormenting her for hours already. It didn't matter, nothing mattered but the intense, overwhelming feelings that Sarah's lips teased from her flesh wherever they made contact. Whether she was planting languid kisses across the firm mounds, or softly chafing the little nubbin on top with maddeningly tender nibbles, the specialist had been taken to another realm, where nothing but orgasmic pleasure existed.

It took nearly every ounce of willpower for Traynor to speak, but when she did, all she found she could say was the only word that existed in her mind.

"Sarah..." she moaned, feeling her spine tense and relax uncontrollably as pleasure surged down its length. She could hardly even see straight. She was on the very edge of release.

Sarah smiled softly into her lover's breast, knowing from experience that the time was right. With the most feather light touch possible, Sarah closed her teeth on Traynor's tender nipple. Ever. So. Gently...

The sheer pleasure caused Traynor to moan as she orgasmed, her screams of pleasure causing Sarah to shiver erotically. After the euphoric sensations abated, Traynor's boneless body collapsed back into Sarah's warm embrace. As her mind slowly woke up again, she couldn't help but wonder.

"How do you do this to me, Sarah? How is it that you can make me orgasm JUST from a little attention to my chest? She just doesn't know how much she affects me..."

Any future thoughts vanished instantly when Sarah leaned in and their lips connected. Instinctively, Traynor's mouth opened as she allowed Sarah's powerful tongue access as it lovingly caressed with her own. Traynor moaned at the contact, the intimate dance. After a full minute, their lips slowly separated. After their blissful kiss, Traynor felt the familiar sense of exhaustion from lovemaking with Sarah. Just one orgasm had all but wiped her out. Sarah smiled as she read it in Traynor's body language and decided to take it to their bed.

Sarah treated Traynor to another one of her teasing acts of drying Traynor's boneless body. However, unlike every other time, Sarah didn't do it on herself though, this night was for Traynor. It was because of this that Sarah had left her own underwear on for this.

She suddenly scooped her up in her arms and carried her towards the nearest bedroom room. Traynor let out a delighted gasp at this, losing herself in the sensation of being in the strong and warm arms of the beautiful woman who had hopelessly stolen her heart. Traynor nuzzled Sarah's neck on the way over, planting ticklish and loving kisses on her skin and whispering softly to her all the way, which only made her walk faster.

As Sarah gently laid her lover's boneless body down on the mattress, Traynor could only sigh happily in response, still struggling to form words. She did cast Sarah a sleepy, adoring glance as she snuggled into the pillows. But then she felt the mattress shift as Sarah sat between her legs instead of laying beside her. As Sarah bent over, Traynor caught a glimpse of one all-too familiar mischievous smile from the N7 before she had fitted her face into the slender nook of her neck and nibbled ever so gently on her pulse point. Once again, Sarah used her knowledge of every sensitive spot on Traynor's body and applied just the right amount of pressure. Almost instantly, a needy whine broke free from Traynor as a bolt of pleasure shot through her down to between her legs.

Traynor was no longer sleepy and content as she laid against the pillows. Instead, she was watching intently, and her bright eyes were even wider than usual. Just a minute before, Traynor had been completely satisfied. Her last orgasm had physically drained her to the point where she would have fallen into the deepest slumber a few seconds after her head hit the soft pillows. The only thing she had wanted was to curl up with Sarah and go to sleep, but now, sleep was the last thing on her mind. Now, Traynor just wanted to be under Sarah again, taking everything her lover offered her. The feeling of Sarah's curvy body on top of her own was incredible, though she could still feel the powerful and coiled muscles beneath her flawless skin.

Their eyes met and locked with each other, and they both saw all the passion and lust the other was holding in that instant. It was the sexiest thing they could have done without touching each other. Sarah lowered herself over the specialist and planted her lips on hers. She kissed her lips, down along her neck, just above her breasts and back up again, making Traynor swoon in ecstasy.

As Sarah kissed, licked, and nipped her way down Traynor's abdomen, the specialist couldn't help it as her thighs automatically spread for Sarah from muscle memory. She felt her delicate inner muscles stretch of their own accord and allow Sarah entrance, who only paused for the briefest moment before slipping in her powerful tongue.

Traynor instantly felt every nerve ending in her body catch fire. "SARAH!"

As always, Sarah's most talented tool when it came to lovemaking was her talented tongue. As she had just done, Sarah never failed to make Traynor immediately scream her name once she used it. It always worked wonders with her body, stirring sensations of pleasure and ecstasy from her body so unnaturally powerful that it nearly hurt. On multiple occasions, it had even caused her to pass out. And no matter how many times she had experienced it, it always astonished the poor girl how long and muscular it seemed. Flexible... strong... wet... intrusive... and always able to easily reach that one... special spot. Witch each time the two made love it became harder and harder for Traynor to hold back and in turn Sarah got better and better at bringing her to release. In an orgasmic trance, the young girl could only buck her hips wildly as great tsunamis of pleasure overcame her every muscle. Sarah's face was the only constant in her world, swimming like a heavenly vision through her tear-clouded eyes.

Finally she felt her orgasm happen and she cried out in pleasure, Sarah's tongue continuing to lap at her folds. Traynor whimpered slightly when Sarah started to withdraw from her body, her hips weakly lifting back up to take more of her love.

Spent from the orgasm the two simply lay on the bed, Traynor being cuddled lovingly by Sarah, the N7 soothing her with adoring words before sleep, promising how she'll always love and protect her. At the end, Traynor's last thought was...

"Whatever have I done to deserve such a woman like you, Sarah?"

"I could ask you the same, darling." Sarah smiled as Traynor rested her head on her favourite pillows.

"Remind to say a big thank you to your brother for inviting you up." said Traynor.

Sarah simpyl smiled and planted a kiss on Samantha's forehead.

"Say, if your bother does throw this party some of the others are talking about, will you dance?" Traynor asked.

"Maybe. But only if you're doing it too." said Sarah, giving a wink.

"Wouldn't dream of saying no, princess." Traynor smiled.

The two women intertwined their fingers with one another and then drew each other together in a deep kiss.

Leaving the Comm specialist and his sister to it, Austin headed to the bar. As he was about to order a drink, he spotted another rather familiar Krogan next to him.

"Wrex? What are you doing here?"

"Ugh… escaping." Wrex groaned as he brought his head down on the bar. "Ever since we cured the Genophage, it's been nothing but work."

"Council been riding you?" Austin asked.

"Bah! Not those Pyjak-slingers. No, it's the…" said Wrex, lowering his voice. "It's the females, Shepard. Now that they're fertile again… Ugh, I haven't slept in… I don't know how long."

"Can I get you two anything?" the Asari bartender asked.

"Two more drinks, and another bag of ice." Said Wrex.

"I would've thought you'd be enjoying the… perks of Krogan fertility." Said Austin.

"Enjoying it? There's a line of females outside my dwelling right now! Stretches on for as far as you can see. I had to sneak out my own bathroom window! Even then I was cornered by two more females on the ride from Tuchanka." Said Wrex.

"And it's just you? They're not spreading the love around?" Austin asked.

"Sure, but everyone wants their firstborn in generations to be strong and fit. I'm the leader of Clan Urdnot. I brought an end to the Genophage. Everyone wants a piece of me. And Bakara's no help at all. She encourages it! I'm telling you, Shepard. I'm in no shape to fight Reapers." Wrex groaned, once again putting his head on the bar.

"Considering everything we've been through, I can think of worse positions to be in." said Austin.

"Trust me, I've been in every position in the past few days. I don't know how you and Liara manage it." Wrex groaned.

Austin had to do his best not to laugh at that.

"Here are your drinks… and a bag of ice." Said the bartender.

Seeing where this was going, Austin turned his back while Wrex did what he had to with the ice.

"And I thought Mordin's procedure was painful…" the Krogan groaned. "Ah, well… Shit, Shepard. We sure have been through it, haven't we?"

"Still going through it." Said Austin.

"True. Well, here's to us! And to going through it." Said Wrex, raising his glass.

"I'll drink to that." Austin agreed, also raising his glass.

"Korbal!" said Wrex. "It means victory or death, roughly."

"Ah, but you can't die, Wrex…" said Austin. "You've got a family now. A really… big… family."

"More ice!" Wrex groaned.

Ventra and Garrus were next. They had told Austin to meet them in the Presidium.

"Shepard. Glad you came." Said Garrus.

"What'd you two have in mind?" Austin asked.

"Something that doesn't involve fighting Reapers." Said Ventra.

"I don't think they've conquered the bar yet." Austin suggested.

"We already scoped it out. But then Ventra and I thought of something much better that we can do with our shore leave. Something we'd actually remember." Said Garrus.

"So?"

"So, I had an idea…"

The skycar gently flew higher and higher until it was in the highest parts of the Presidium.

"Where we going?" Austin asked.

"Somewhere we're not supposed to." Said Garrus.

"Some things never change, do they?"

"Ever have that one thing you always wanted to before you died, Shepard?" Garrus asked.

"Too busy trying to live. What's yours?" Austin replied.

"The whole time I worked at C-sec, I'd stare up at the top of the Presidium and say to myself: I want to go up there." Said Garrus. "But I never did. There were 137 regulations telling me I couldn't."

"So you got them changed?" Austin asked.

"No. Now he just doesn't give a damn." Said Ventra.

The skycar finally set down and the three Helldivers stepped out.

"Figured its time to do something stupid just for the hell of it. Might be the last chance we ever get." Said Garrus. "A little busier than I imagined."

"How about a dive in the pool?" Austin suggested.

"You obviously haven't seen Turians swim. It's a lot of flailing and splashing interrupted by occasional bouts of drowning." Said Garrus.

"You're right. I'd just have to save your ass again." Said Austin.

"It makes up for all the times I pulled your ass out of the fire. Noveria, Feros, Ilos… We've had a hell of a ride, haven't we, Shepard?" said Garrus.

"I think that ride's been rough on you, Garrus—you've got a new scar every time I see you. Losing a step there in your old age?" Ventra joked.

"Raise your hand if you haven't been killed before." Said Garrus

"Touche." Austin shrugged.

"Times like these, you know who your real friends are. They're not the ones running around looking for an escape route. They're the ones who stand at your side through the worst of it, who never give up on you." Said Ventra. "We're both lucky to say we know someone like that."

"So am I." said Garrus. "Now, before we head back, there is one thing the three of us are going to settle once and for all…"

"Not saying you two don't know how to handle a gun. Just saying some of us know how to make it dance." Said Austin. "So let's find out who's really the best shot."

"Long as I get to use this." Said Ventra as he took out his bow and it unfolded.

"There are a few people in the galaxy who've seen us in action, Garrus. They seemed impressed." Said Austin.

"True, but that was before I joined Alpha." Said Garrus.

"All right, Vakarian, you're going down." Said Austin, readying his sniper.

"And don't worry. I loaded that gun with practice slugs for when you miss." Said Garrus.

Garrus threw the bottle and Austin fired. The bottle shatter it exploded.

"That was an easy one. Let you build your confidence." Said Garrus. "Long range, I wrote the book. Nobody alive can do this, not even Major Shepard and Ventra Prarken. Give me a tough one."

Austin took the bottle and threw it as hard as he could. Garrus nailed it within seconds.

"I said a tough one!" he said.

"My turn then." Said Ventra, daring the string back on his bow as an arrow flipped out of the bow's ammo pack.

"You sure you want to use arrows for this?" Austin asked.

"I always keep a pack of practice arrows with me should I ever feel the need." Said Ventra.

Garrus reached back and threw. Ventra realised the string and the arrow fired, smashing the bottle part as it shot right through.

"Heh. I could've done that one with my eyes closed." He laughed.

"Right. Step aside." Said Austin.

Garrus threw.

Austin felt it better to miss on purpose and let Garrus win. Be better if this was a good memory for Garrus after all.

He moved the gun to the side ever so slightly and fired. The shot missed.

"Oh blast!" he cursed as the bottle fell harmlessly into the water below.

"Looks like you're out, Shepard." Said Ventra. "Now it's you and me, Vakarian."

As Garrus went to pick up another bottle, Ventra lowered his voice.

"You missed on purpose, didn't you?" he asked.

"I didn't mind anyway. You know I'm not a sniper person." Said Austin. "Plus, might as well make this truly special for him."

"Think I should miss too?" Ventra asked.

"Well, that's up to you. Just bear in mind he's your friend." Austin replied.

Garrus threw the bottle and Ventra fired. The arrow missed by a few centimetres.

"I'm Garrus Vakarian, and this is my favourite spot on the Citadel!" Garrus cheered.

"It's windy up here." Ventra shrugged.

"Think I'm going to erect a monument right here—bronze this gun so the galaxy knows." Said Garrus.

"…that you're the king of the bottle shooters. Glad you're around, Garrus. Never know when the bottles might revolt." Said Austin.

Joker was next. Austin found him in the bar talking with the bartender, trying to get free drinks.

"I was here when Cerberus attacked, and I don't remember seeing you." Said the bartender. "I think I caught a glimpse of Major Shepard fighting over by the elevator bay, though."

"Well, yeah, Shepard was protecting the Council, but I had my own problems to deal with." Said Joker.

The pilot then went on to tell a somewhat hard to believe story about how he'd commandeered an Atlas Mech and taken down a whole army of Cerberus soldiers.

"And that's pretty much how it happened… which is why you should comp my drinks." Joker finished.

"No." said the bartender.

"Aw, come on!"

"I barely believe what they're saying about Shepard. You? I don't think so." Said the bartender.

"Okay, trying not to be offended there. Look, if Shepard were here…" said Joker, he then noticed Austin. "Uh, Shepard. Hi."

Austin was very tempted to tell the bartender the truth, because that really was a terrible lie. In the end though, he decided not to betray Joker. It was shore leave after all.

"I'm Major Shepard, and I'll vouch for my pilot." He said. "His story might be… a bit exaggerated, but he still helped. As the pilot of my ship, I'd say he deserves a round of drinks on the house… just this once."

"I… sorry, Major. I had no idea." Said the bartender. "Drinks are on me, Lieutenant."

"Uh… thanks, Major."

"You owe me big time for that, Joker, because you really are a terrible liar." Said Austin, just enough so that only Joker heard him.

"I'll pay you back. I promise." Said Joker.

"You better. I don't take kindly to people who break their word."

Before the party started, Austin had invited Sarah up quickly because of a message he'd received from their mother asking if the three of them could talk. Sarah of course had accepted without hesitation.

Once she arrived, Austin set up the link and they soon heard the welcome voice of Rear Admiral Hannah Shepard.

"Hannah Shepard here."

"Hi, Mom." Said Austin.

"Hi, Mom." Sarah repeated.

"Oh. It's so good to hear both your voices." Said Hannah, happy to hear the voices of her children.

"Same here. We've all been worried about you when we didn't hear any contact." Said Austin

"I know, and I'm sorry that I got you all worried. Still, at least you know now." Said Hannah.

"You heard from Dad?" Sarah asked.

"Yes. We spent almost an hour talking. He was overjoyed to know I was alive." Hannah replied.

"So anyway—is this just a social call?" Austin asked.

"I just felt I needed to—I think about you both every day. I try not to worry." Said Hannah. "The other day I was remembering the bedtime stories we used to make up. You had your own ship and crew. The stories were always filled with a adventure and danger."

"Oh, yeah. Huh. Haven't thought about that in a while." Austin smiled.

"Me neither. You'd always swoop in to punish he bad guys to save the day. So… there you are. Even when you were little, you dreamed of the life you have. And Sarah, well… I'd say that serving on the same ship as your brother is close enough." Said Hannah happily.

"Me too." Sarah smiled.

"Is that the reason you wanted us to call?" Austin asked.

"No… I just want you both to know that your father and I am proud of you. So proud." Said Hannah.

Finally, the time had come for the party. Austin had bought all the necessities, and all the arrangements were made. Inviting of course was no problem. He just invited everyone.

"What sort of party are you hoping to have tonight, Major? I could set things up for quiet conversation, or would you prefer a more energetic evening?" Glyph asked.

"Let's keep things relaxed… for now." Said Austin.

"Certainly, major. I'll ensure music remains at an appropriate volume and arrange for some refreshments. I will also modify my appearance to be more festive." Said Glyph.

"Hey. Come on in. Thanks for coming." Said Austin as he greeted everyone.

"Thanks for invite." Said Cortez.

"Make yourselves at home."

Liara then walked in, pausing briefly to give her husband a peck on the cheek.

"Enjoy yourself, love." He smiled.

"Oh, I'm sure I will." Said Liara.

"Happy to be here, Shepard." Said Kasumi as she walked in and disappeared.

There were unfortunately a few people who couldn't make it. Dr Chakwas had sent an apology for not being here due to some medical emergency according to Traynor, Kelly wasn't able to attend either since she wasn't on the Citadel at the time and was still back with the other students, Emily was also busy with a little story she was working on, something about an attempted Rouge Helldiver attack. Thane also was in no shape to attend the party, he still needed a lot of medical care after the injury Leng had given him. He had sent his apologies though. Austin had though of inviting Kolyatm but instead decided to let him be with his father. Mordin also couldn't attend due to urgent business he needed to take care of. He'd sent plenty of messages though.

Apart from that though, everyone else was present, even Dell and Sill had come.

Many of the guests got into little groups. The first one Austin decided to join consisted of James, Cortez, Ashley, Griffin and Jack. Eezo meanwhile was sitting on one of the chairs.

"Nice ink, but you got a long way to go to catch up." Said Jack.

"Nah, I just got this when I lost my squad a few years ago." Said James. "Hey, what's the story behind that? And… how far down does it go?"

"Tactful as always." Said Jack.

"What? Just wondering. I like tattoos!" said James.

Deciding to mingle, Austin sat down.

"Hey, Shepard. You gonna have a drink?" Jack asked.

"Sure. How's everyone doing?" said Austin.

"Great so far. This is really nice." Said Cortez.

"It's very… soothing." Said Austin.

"It's great." Said James.

"Quiet." Said Ashely.

"I'd almost think it was Christmas." Said Griffin.

"After the excitement of the mission, it's a good quiet, right?" James asked.

"Seriously? We could ramp it up a little, Shepard." Said Jack.

"The night is young, Jack. Be a little patient and your wish may be granted." Said Austin.

"I'm just happy to be kicking back." Said James.

"Not still embarrassed that Shepard beat your pull up record? I certainly know to watch my back from now on." Griffin joked.

"For once, I'm happy to let someone beat me. Shepard being stronger makes me want to follow him more." Said James.

"Hmm, interesting way of looking at it." Said Griffin.

"I trust everyone's having fun?" Austin asked.

"I'm relaxed, but fun? I think my kindergarten graduation was more fun than this." Said James.

"Very funny."

The next group consisted of Liara, Traynor, Garrus, Sarah, Samara, Tali and Dell.

"I can't get over the size of this apartment. The electric bill alone could've paid for my college tuition." Said Traynor.

"Or funded the war." Said Liara.

"Or made a nice down payment on one of those Atlas mechs. Always wanted one." Said Garrus.

"You do know we have our own versions of those, right?" said Dell.

"True. But I hear you have to get extra training and need a license to use them." Said Garrus.

"That's only really for the big ones. The ones that are the size of those Atlas mechs can be used by any Helldiver." Said Dell. "And no, I am not getting you one. Not when there's a chance Dash could get his hands on it. Last time that happened, it wasn't pleasant."

"Or the money could put an air conditioner in this suit. You have no idea how hot it gets." Said Tali.

Austin joined the crowd and leant against the cabinet next to Liara, who rested her head against his shoulder.

"So Shepard, you can serve this swill, but can you drink it?" Garrus asked.

"I try not to overdo it. 90% of the time it's had me waking up in bed with very unlikely people." Said Austin.

"Thank you for reminding me." Samara sighed.

"You and Samara and Liara?! Damn, Bro!" said Sarah.

"Laugh it up, Sarah."

"Are we sure the Normandy is still there? Has anyone else tried to steal it?" Traynor asked.

"Stealing the Normandy. Now there's an idea." Said Kasumi, briefly uncloaking before disappearing again.

"Wait. What? Who…"

"Darling, do you still have your toothbrush?" Sarah asked.

"We can always-hic!-get another Normandy. Call up-hic!-the Arkanes and ask them to pleeeeeease build us the SR-4." Said Tali, hiccupping due to her drunkenness.

"But wouldn't that require you to change your name?" Samara asked. "Tali Zorah Von Normandy SR-4?"

"It's Vas Normandy. Hic!- "Von" means "one who has a weak bladder," which seems appropriate right about now." Said Tali.

"We've seen a lot of good times on the old girl." Said Garrus.

"That we have." Liara agreed.

"Indeed." Said Samara.

"Here, here." Tali agreed.

"Never had more fun." Sarah smiled.

"Some of you more than others. I'm just honoured to have squeaked in… And to have met the love of my life." Said Traynor, smiling at her lover as she hugged her from behind.

"The feelings mutual, Sam." Said Sarah, planting a kiss on her lover's cheek.

Austin decided to propose a toast and raised his glass.

"To the Normandy!" He said.

"And to falling in love with the ship's captain and marrying him." Liara smiled as she and Austin kissed. "This is nice. I don't spend much time with everyone like this. As friends. I'm glad we could do this. Of course, if you wanted to steal me away later, I wouldn't say no."

Right as they stopped kissing though, Austin suddenly felt something hit his neck and he pulled out what looked like a practice dart. He looked around, trying to see who'd fired it, but couldn't see anyone. He was tempted to think Kasumi, but it didn't seem like something that she would do.

Then he temporarily spotted Troy appear then disappear for a split second. The Major and made a mental note to be careful who he talked to, especially since Troy was know to do a lot of excessive things when drunk.

Most of Alpha, Xun, and Sill meanwhile were in the lounge area.

"I've always wondered. What happens if you sneeze in your helmets?" Sill asked.

"What kind of question is that?" said Dash in surprise.

"I'm curious." Said Sill.

"It's a bit of a strange question though." Said Xun.

"It must be awkward though. I mean, you've got this holo interface and then behind that a visual image of what's outside, then when you sneeze you've got it all messed up." Said Sill.

"Well, wouldn't you know? I mean, you sometimes wear helmet when you're doing some work on the Normandy." Said Xun.

"I wouldn't, actually." Said Sill. "Arkanes can't get common colds, so therefore we don't sneeze. Not a lot of people know that."

"Even when around someone who has got a cold?" Alaara asked.

"Yep. Something about our anatomy makes us immune to a few human diseases and illnesses." Said Sill.

"What about allergies?" Sandra asked.

"We don't have those either." Said Sill. "Anyway, that still doesn't answer my question."

"Well truth to be told, Helldivers can't sneeze." Said Troy, suddenly appearing. "When we get our suits fitted, we're injected with some special serums which give small strength increases and also bolsters our immune systems. Makes us less likely to get diseases or fall ill. Including, making us immune to common colds."

"Oh. Well, that's a shame." Said Sill.

"It's more a relief in my opinion." Said Xun. "If someone had a really bad cold and a blocked up nose and sneezed in their helmet, it would be a right mess."

"Eww! I didn't think of that." Said Sill.

"Kids." Alaara sighed.

"Everyone playing nice, I assume?" Austin asked as he sat down.

"Boring conversations. Nothing much." Said Kraan.

"Aw! Is my curiosity boring you?" said Sill teasingly.

At that, Kraan actually fell asleep, much to everyone's surprise.

"Wow. Never seen that before." said Dash in surprise. He was trying to sound innocent, but everyone could see what he was trying to hide.

"Dash, did you spike his drink again?" Austin asked.

"I couldn't help it." Dash laughed.

He's gonna kill you when he wakes up, you know." Said Leena.

"He'll have to catch me first." Said Dash. "And people say I'm slow. Wait a minute… that was an insult!"

Everyone couldn't help but chuckle or laugh at this.

"Hey, Shepard, are we gonna watch a film at all at this party?" Jet asked.

"I don't know yet. Why do you ask?" Austin replied.

"Because I want to recommend Top Gun for us to watch." Said Jet.

"Favourite of yours?" Austin asked.

"Favourite? I bloody grew up with that film. Hell, that film was one of the main contributing factors of why I became a pilot in the first place." Said Jet.

"So we owe it to Tom Cruise to you being here?" Dash joked.

"And me saving your life back on Ilos."Jet added.

"Ilos? Jet that was 5 years ago." Said Austin, slightly confused.

"You don't remember an atmospheric fighter that saved you from that Thresher Maw husk?" Jet asked.

"That was you?" Sandra asked.

"Yeah. Where do you think I go this medal from?" said Jet, indicating to the medal of honour engraved on the left breast plate of her armour. "Something I've just realised. If it hadn't been for me, none of us would be here."

"Here, here." Dash agreed. I think this woman deserves a little reward for that. Free drink? Something like that?"

"I'm just honoured to have joined this squad. It's not often that a pilot like me gets to join a legendary multispecies squad that fought and took down Hellspawn." Said Jet.

"You'd have loved the old days, especially that time when we escaped them in the Hellraiser. That was fun." Said Dash.

"Fun? I threw up all over one of the seats because of your driving." Said Sandra.

"Told you to take those pills." Said Alaara.

"I miss the Hellraiser. Why don't we ever use it anymore?" Dash asked. "I mean we still rightfully own it and keep it on Arkadia, but we've never brought it aboard the Normandy."

"2 reasons. Number 1, we haven't really had any missions that require it to be used and Number 2, you're driving scares us too much." Said Sandra.

"Come on. Live a little." Said Dash.

"We'd like to live a lot, Dash. That's why we're not letting you behind the wheel of another rover." Said Ventra. "Only the Rumbler, because admittedly that is the coolest vehicle."

"Spoilsports. All of you." Dash sighed.

As Austin looked around, he noticed that someone seemed to be missing.

"Has anyone seen Troy?" he asked.

At that moment he suddenly felt another prick in his neck and he pulled another practice dart out.

"I'm over here." Troy whispered as he appeared and disappeared against Austin's' shoulder as he looked in the direction.

"Despite Dash's slightly mental mind… I'd say we've had a quite a life." Said Leena.

"Indeed. I wouldn't wish for another squad, especially after all we've been through." Said Austin.

"And I've never had better friends." Said Xun.

"To Alpha." Said Ventra, raising his drink.

"And to falling in love with the Squad's sexy second in command." Said Sandra as she snuggled against Alaara.

"And to also falling in love with one of the most handsome Turians I've ever met." Leena added.

Upstairs meanwhile was another group consisting of Zaeed, Javik, Wrex and Grunt.

"So which is strongest? You, or the tank bred?" Javik asked.

"Yeah, I'm plenty curious myself." Said Zaeed.

"What'd I miss?" Austin asked, joining the conversation.

"The Prothean here wants to know who would win in a fight between me and Wrex." Said Grunt.

"You gotta admit, Shepard, it's a good question." Said Zaeed.

"It *is* a good question." Austin agreed.

"No it's not. Baby Pyjak here wouldn't stand a chance." Said Wrex.

"Don't listen to this fossil. The only thing he could defeat is a glass of warm milk." Said Grunt.

"Ha! I got head lice bigger than you, Junior."

"You boys done talkin'?" asked Zaeed.

"Yeah." Said Grunt. "Only one way to settle this."

He then suddenly head-butted Wrex hard.

"Ha! Now the party's starting!" the older Krogan cheered. He then head-butted Grunt back.

"Another time, guys. I don't have time to buy new furniture." Said Austin.

"Aw, just when it was getting good." Said Wrex.

"Yeah. You got lucky." Said Grunt.

"So, Liara, is this the T'Soni-Shepard love next? I hope we're not interrupting anything you two might've been… planning." Said Garrus.

"Whatever the species, males never change. Do they?" Liara asked.

"Surely we're not all that bad." Said Austin.

"You, my love, are an exception." Said Liara.

"Perhaps it's a good thing we Asari don't have any." Said Samara.

"Traynor, do people ever have a hard time understanding your accent?" Tali asked.

"I wish they did! Something about an English accent says, "I'm available, please hit on me," even when I'm not on Earth." Said Traynor.

"That gets me wondering. You have an English accent, and the two Shepards have British accents. What's the difference?" Dell asked.

"Is this a riddle, or a joke?" said Sarah.

"I'm just asking out of curiosity." Dell shrugged.

"I'll be honest and say I haven't the faintest idea. They both sound the same in my opinion." Austin shrugged.

"Isn't it that British sound more posh?" Traynor asked.

"That's a common misconception. Only very rich British people talk like that." Said Sarah.

"Well, you have a rather rich brother." Said Traynor.

"Even so, I really doubt I'd talk posh. Can you even imagine me speaking like that? Would just sound silly." Said Austin.

"Well… you did speak like that once to infiltrate a Hellspawn base." Said Sarah.

"Just when I thought I'd buried that horrible memory." Austin sighed.

"If I had a credit for every amorous attempt I've had to reject over the centuries, I could purchase the Citadel." Said Samara.

"When I was an archaeology student, I found galactic dialects to be fascinating. All of the phonetic variants…" said Liara.

"Liara, this is a party. The only dialect I want to hear from you is-Hic!- *inebriated Asari.* said Tali.

"I must admit, I still feel like something of an outsider. You all have such a history with Shepard." Said Traynor.

"It's mostly a lot of running and shooting and usually, somewhere in there, a button needs pushing. But Shepard always hogs that part." Said Garrus.

"Yes, a history of close calls, narrow escapes, and more near-death encounters than I care to remember." Said Liara.

"Working with Shepard reminded me of my younger days running with mercenaries, blowing things up with mercenaries, and occasionally sleeping with mercenaries." Said Samara.

"I remember first meeting Shepard. All I kept thinking was. "I hope he took a shower, because my filter needs replacing, and humans carry a lot of germs." Said Tali.

"And five years later, here you are, drinking her alcohol through a straw. I'd call that progress." Said Liara.

"Emergency induction port!" Tali corrected her.

"Do you think the Takaal and the Arkanes are related somehow?" Ventra asked.

"What makes you say that?" Sill replied.

"Well, think about it. Both are similar to insects, you both have some of the most advanced tech in the galaxy, and you've both originally remained hidden from galactic society." Said Leena.

"That's more about similarities, not relation." Said Sill. "But I can assure you, my people are not related to the Takaal. Our anatomies are very different. They have four legs for crying out load."

"You can walk on walls like they can." Sandra reminded her.

"Yeah, but I need a harness and grav boots to do that." Sill argued.

"I don't think there is any relationship between the two. Besides, their species are separated by 65 million years. It's practically impossible unless the Arkanes are descendants, and there's a 100 to 1 chance of that being right." said Austin supportingly.

"See? Shepard understands." said Sill.

"Alright, I suppose you're right. But still, you can't deny the similarities." said Alaara.

"Just pure coincidence." said Sill.

"I'm just saying though, there's a fine line between coincidence and... Oh, what's the word?" Sandra tried to say.

"Fate?" Xun suggested.

"No, I think she meant to say fact." said Leena.

"It doesn't matter. The point is, my species aren't related to our enemy. And even if we were, we'd still fight them. If we don't, they'll wipe us all out." said Sill.

"No argument there." said Jet.

"Your guests appear to be getting rowdy, Major. Would you like me to change the intensity of the atmosphere?" asked Glyph.

"The party's just getting started. Let's turn it up." Said Austin.

"At your service, Major."

After that, the party started to become a lot more energetic.

"Shhhhuuuuuuuuuuum. Shhhhuuuuuuuuuuuuummmmmmm." Said Tali very drunkenly as she tried to do some kind of impression of the normandy. "Of course the SR3 is much bigger, so they upgraded the ventilation system. More of a wuhwuhwuhwuhwuhwuh."

"That's… actually what it sounds like." Jacob laughed.

"I'll have to take her word for it. She works on it way more than Dad and I do." Sill shrugged.

"There is a lot more space now." Said Liara.

"But if you move further up, it's more of tktuh-tktuh-tktuh." Said Tali.

Dell found it very difficult not to laugh.

"A what?" he managed to say without bursting into laughter.

"You have to imagine my arms are the wings." said Tali.

"Ah, of course. Over by the med bay." Sill chuckled.

"What are you guys talking about?" Austin asked.

"Tali was acting out the differences between the original Normandy and the SR-3. Said James.

"Acting?"

"I may have recorded it, and that recording may already have six million extranet hits and a fan site." Said Kasumi, once again appearing then disappearing.

"You better hope I never find you!" said Tali.

"Yeah, but which one's better?" James asked.

"The SR-3 is harder to perform. Does that make it better or worse?" said Tali.

"Come on! The SR3's way cooler. It's twice the size of the SR2, has way more weapons, more advanced technology and it has wings that move like those on an X-Wing." said Sill.

"X what?" Liara asked.

"X-wing, from Star Wars." said Sill, hoping that would ring a bell. But nothing. "Okay, basically, some of the wings change their angles to combat mode for better firepower and speed."

"There, was that so hard to say?" said Tali.

"Yes."

"We wouldn't have had the SR-3 or even the SR-2 for that matter if it hadn't been for the original Normandy." Said Austin.

"It was a great ship." Said Tali.

"I'll never forget the times we had on it." Said Liara, remembering that was how she and Austin had met and it was where they'd first become bond mates.

"It made the quietest little sounds. A sort of shhhuuuuuummmmm. Shhhuuuuuummmmmmm." Tali repeated.

"The first Normandy brought us together. I don't know where I'd be without it." Said Liara.

"You would probably still be stuck inside that Prothean energy ball." Said Tali.

"What?"

"When Austin first met Liara, she was trapped inside a… What was it again?"

"It was a Prothean security device. I hit something I wasn't supposed to." Said Liara.

"I'll act it out: Can you hear me out there?! I'm trapped. I need help!" I'm in a bubble!" said Tali.

"That's funny." Jacob laughed.

"No it isn't!" said Liara.

"Especially since I had battle the Terror Geth hand to hand after I rescued her from that." Said Austin.

"Shhhhuuuuuuuuuuuuuuummmmm. Shuuuuuuuuuuuuuummmmmm. You know what I'm talking about. Wuhwuhwuhwuhwuhwuh."

"Hmm, that's a good impression. Might use that for undercover work." said Troy, temporarily flashing as he appears then disappeared very quickly.

"Okay, that's not funny, Mr French." said James. He then changed the subject. "So, mantis girl, what do Arkanes actually eat? so FAR, i haven't seen you eat any of the food."

"Mantis girl?" said Sill, sounding rather insulted.

"What? i didn't mean that as an insult. It's just your kind look like earthen mantis'" said James.

"We don't' like being compared to or called mantis'." Dell explained. "We consider it what you humans call "Racist."

"Oh. Sorry. I didn't know." James apologised.

"No harm done, and i know you didn't mean that in an offensive way anyway." said Sill. "Though does it really hurt to use my name?"

"James has a bit of a thing for nicknames." said Austin.

"Fair enough." said Sill. "Anyway, to answer your question, we eat what you eat. I've only not touched the food yet cause i'm not hungry."

"Really? I thought you'd have special foods like Quarians and Turians do." said James.

"funny you should say that though, because we can actually eat dextro foods as well." said Dell. "We tend not to though because it gives us indigestion."

"It has it's advantages though. If we were stranded in a desert with only dextro foods, that would at least mean we could survive, even if it was uncomfortable." said Sill.

Grunt meanwhile was doing the job of bouncer and was constantly dismissing anyone who tried to get in.

"I heard there's a big party in there! Can we come in?"

"No, you can't. Go away." Said Grunt, dismissing them.

"How's it going over here?" Austin asked.

"You can't come in." said Grunt as he dismissed another guest. "It's going good."

"I see that. Anyone interesting trying to get in?" Austin asked.

"Not really, no." said Grunt. "Get lost."

"Can I try that?" Austin asked.

"Sure. Press the button and say "no."

"Private party. So, no. You cannot come in." said Austin.

"Great work." Said Grunt.

"Felt good. Thanks."

"No! See? Easy."

"Keep up the good work."

"Will do." Said Grunt. "I told you already: No!"

Austin found Zaeed and Samara stood in front of one of the apartment's art paintings.

"Hey, sweetheart. We never really talked about it, but you and me have a lot in common." Said Zaeed,

"We do?" Samara replied.

"Course we do. We're both hunters, right?"

"I suppose we are. And?"

"And… well… And we're both good lookin?"

"Hello, Shepard. Zaeed was just keeping me company." Said Samara as Austin joined them.

"You admiring the art?" he asked.

"Beauty as they is in the eye of the beholder. Hey, beautiful?" said Zaeed.

"What do you think, Samara?"

"Hang on, hang on. Don't get all snooty on me, I didn't' say I didn't like it. I do like it actually."

"If I'm completely honest, I'm not sure what it is. I like the way the colours blend… and the depth of the… Actually, I have no idea what I'm saying." Said Samara.

"It makes me feel uneasy, like when you're alone in the dark lying in wait and the cold wind brushes across your face like the kiss of death." Said Zaeed.

"You are a complicated individual, Zaeed Massani." Said Samara.

"You bet your sweet ass."

Jack and Miranda meanwhile were sat at one of the two bars. Austin could only hope they didn't get into another fight again.

Surprisingly, everyone seemed completely to Alaara and Sandra who were kissing on the sofa. No nakedness yet, fortunately.

"So… you're leading the Grissom Academy students." She said.

"Yeah? That a problem?" said Jack.

"Just a surprise. You psych profile suggested you were mainly interested in yourself." Said Miranda.

"You're telling me I'm only interested in myself? Oh, that's just fucking perfect. Did it occur to you that maybe I'm trying to grow as a goddamn person? And for your information, I do actually care about someone other than myself. Kelly for example." Said Jack.

"Oh, I could tell you were growing. I assumed it was… whatever that is you're wearing." Said Miranda.

"Oh, these? Well, yeah, they were strapped down with a leather belt before. It's kind of stupid move to show off your rack in the middle of a maximum-security prison ship." Said Jack.

"I've never had the pleasure."

"You'd never survive. You might break a nail."

"You have no idea what I'm capable of."

"You're a spoiled rick girl cheerleader."

"Victim."

"Test-tube clone princess."

"I think it's past your bedtime."

"Oh, did I hit a nerve? I didn't get to read your psych profile."

Austin decided to intervene before this got too out of hand.

"Ladies, I see we've all gotten enough to drink." He said. He kept his arms crossed so that the two women know he was being serious and saying "Don't even think about it." Without saying it.

"Relax, Shepard. I'm not gonna smear the walls with her this time." Said Jack.

"And I couldn't possibly think of anything worse to do to her than that haircut." Said Miranda.

"Hey, cheerleader, my hair and I've been fighting brutes, marauders and Takaal soldier on the front lines of this war. Meanwhile, you got your big bubbly butt kicked by some guy with a sword." Said Jack.

"Swords are just as good as guns, Jack." Austin reminded her.

"When they use ones like yours, yes. I'm simply stating that Leng had weak swords compared to your Excalibur and he managed to kick the cheerleader's ass with it." Said Jack.

"You see, Shepard? Best of friends." Said Miranda.

"Honestly, I thought it might help if you two just kissed and got it over with." Said Austin.

"What?"

"I mean this is all just sexual tension, right? Two powerful biotics, forceful personalities, confident in their sexuality…"

"Oh my god." Miranda sighed.

"I'm ready to record. I'm pretty sure there's a market for this." Said Kasumi.

"Kasumi, I will find you, and I will hurt you badly. Ugh, I need another drink." Said Jack.

"One for me, too. No ice." Miranda agreed.

Liara, James, Ashley, Griffin, Jacob and Alaara meanwhile were having a debate on biotics and physical strength.

"Absolutely, biotics are impressive, I'm not saying they aren't." said James.

"You're just saying that they're not that impressive." Said Liara.

"I'm not saying anything! I'm just saying… aw, shit."

"No, it's fine. I'm sure no one here is insulted." Said Liara sarcastically.

"Maybe."

"What are you trying to say, James?" Austin asked.

"I'm just saying… What I'm trying to say is… I mean, check out these guns."

"Mine are bigger, you know." Said Griffin.

"Think we'd rather you didn't go there, boys." Said Ashley."

"Biotics can't give you the kind of fine instrument, the peak physical form, that you see before you." Said James.

"Okay, you work for it. I get that." Said Jacob.

"Well, we can enlarge certain areas in a union." Said Alaara.

"I am just going to keep quiet on that subject." Said Liara."

"I'll have you know that my physical conditioning is top rate."

"I mean it, check me out."

"Hmm, not sure if I can tell just by looking." Said Ashley.

"Come on in closer. Don't be shy." Said James.

"I'm within punching distance, you know." Griffin reminded James.

"Relax, Griff. I didn't mean it in that way." Said James.

"Everyone playing nice, I assume?" Austin asked.

"Of course, Austin. James was just explaining how physical conditioning trumps biotics." Said Liara.

"Really? You going there, James?"

"Com on, Loco! You have to go with me on this one. Biotics are strong but unpredictable-all that cooling down…" said James.

"Shepard, where did you find this guy?" Jacob chuckled.

"I wouldn't call my biotics unpredictable. I don't think the Reapers would either." Said Alaara.

"A person can improve their physique. But biotics? They are what they are." Said James.

"He's joking. Right, James? I mean, what's your point exactly?"

"Okay, okay. Maybe it's not conditioning exactly. Maybe it's just the condition of one James Vega." Said James.

"I think I am actually going to agree with James on this one. Us big guys never have to cool down. In fact, the hotter the better." Said Griffin.

"Hilarious." Said Jacob.

"Just hush and do some sit ups." Kasumi whispered.

"Kasumi…"

"Just looking!" said the thief as she vanished again.

"Goddess." Liara sighed."

"James, Griffin, this is a no-brainer. Biotics win hands down. We're talking about harnessing dark energy, here." Said Austin.

"Yeah, I hear you." James sighed.

"Look around you. That had to be an argument you couldn't win." Said Austin.

"It's okay, man." Said Jacob.

"Yeah, well… you win some, you lose some." James shrugged.

"Ashley, you couldn't back me up?" Griffin asked.

"Not without closer inspection." Ashely smiled as she hugged Griffin's arm a bit tighter.

"Hmm, I think I could make that happen."

"Okay, then."

"Okay! More drinks? Snacks? Help yourselves." Said Austin.

EDI, Traynor and Tali meanwhile were sat in the lounge area. Sill was also sat next to Tali, but she'd fallen asleep while listening to her music player.

"What's wrong, you two?" Austin asked as he sat down.

"I am asking Specialist Traynor why she found my voice sexually attractive." EDI replied.

"This is really good cheese, Shepard. I put some in through the filters. Is it organic?" said Tali, rather ignoring the subject.

"On one occasion, you said you wanted to, quote, pin my voice against the wall and run your tongue along its collarbone." Said EDI.

"Well, there's some context here that… you were talking about quantum entanglement, and… I didn't know you were an AI!" said Traynor.

"There's some kind of herb in the cheese that I can't quite place. Is it sage or basil?" said Tali.

"Anyway, I was just joking. You know, this was before I'd met Sarah and fallen in love with her." Said Traynor.

"Really? My diagnostics suggested that you were genuinely aroused." Said EDI.

"It's really rare to get herbed dextro cheeses. The Turians never bother." Said Tali.

"You have diagnostics? Cerberus programmed you to check body language?" Traynor asked.

"I get more reliable results measuring pupil dilation and thermal readings of erogenous zones." Said EDI.

"Oh, good lord." Traynor sighed.

"Wait, this is dextro cheese, right? Keelah, did I forget to scan the cheese? This is why I don't drink!" said Tali.

"Fair's fair, Traynor. EDI has a right to ask about what you said." Said Austin.

"I was very interesting in Traynor's ability to develop sexual feelings for what was at the time, a bodiless voice." Said EDI.

"You are all terrible." Traynor sighed. "EDI, I apologize for saying that I wanted to roll naked with your voice in satin sheets."

"Oh, I was not offended. In fact, it was flattering." Said EDI.

"Even the part where I wanted to grab your voice by the hair and nibble my way down its back?" Traynor asked.

"I do not in fact remember you saying that, Samantha." Said EDI.

"Oh. I must've said that to Sarah then. Never mind!"

"Don't mind me, I'm just trying to run a toxin treatment program… so I don't die." Said Tali.

"Your guests appear to be enjoying themselves, Major. What shall I do now?" Glyph asked.

"Let's turn up the music and get people dancing." Said Austin.

"Very good, Major. I have had little opportunity to use my bounce and spin functionality."

After that, pretty much everyone started dancing. Some of the more hard-core crew like Kraan, Wrex, Zaeed and Javik however were reluctant to do so.

"Jeff?"

"Yes, EDI?"

"At social events like this, it is customary to dance with friends or loved ones! Would you dance with me?" EDI asked.

"It's gonna take a lot more than a polite request to make that happen, EDI." Said Joker.

"I have recordings of you talking in your sleep that would make for a highly amusing extranet video." EDI warned him.

"Okay, that's cheating." Said Joker.

"So he won't dance with, huh?" Austin asked.

"Hello, Shepard. He will not." Said EDI.

"Well, I will." Austin suggested.

At this, Joker burst into laughter and didn't' stop for nearly a minute. Eventually, Austin got tired of it and he accessed his omni tool.

"Joker!" he said forcefully, his voice sounding like the Commander.

That shut Joker up and he nervously sat back down.

"That's better. I was being serious." Said Austin.

"Seriously though, don't go there." Said Joker.

"Well, then maybe you should dance with her." Said Austin.

"Other people are dancing, Jeff." Said EDI.

"Yes, they are. And I am sitting here enjoying my drink." Said Joker.

"Joker…"

"No."

"Come on."

"No!"

"Seriously?"

"Ugh… fine!"

Joker reluctantly stood up and began dancing with EDI.

Some of the others meanwhile were in the main room, dancing. Even Jack was dancing while she knelt on the table. Sarah meanwhile was dancing with Traynor whiel Alaara was dancing with Sandra. Sill had even taken it a step further by bringing her harness and mag boots along. Right now she was dancing while hanging upside down from the ceiling. Dell was simply watching. He wasn't much of a dancing person, but it did make him happy to see his daughter having fun with everyone else.

"Woohoo!"

"You should bring out those moves more often, Sam." Said Sarah.

"This is unexpected-and fun." Said Samara.

"I'm always amazed humans can dance, with the way your legs bend." Said Garrus.

"The way our legs bend?"

"Yes, you and the Asari. I'm surprised you don't tip over!"

"I don't tip over until I've found company, dog-legs. Till then, watch and learn!" said Cortez.

"Hey, Sill. Is that harness for safety?" Jack asked.

"Technically, yes. It's the boots that keep me up here." said Sill.

"Aren't you gonna get sick eventually though?" Traynor asked.

"Nope, that's the benefit of having a very fast digestive system that has a contracting opening. Holds everything in very nicely. plus, I've been doing this for years." said Sill.

Liara then came up behind Austin and stood next to him.

"May I have this dance, Liara?" Austin offered.

"How can I say no." Liara smiled.

The two walked hand in hand into the group and began dancing.

"Hah! Captain and wife on deck." Cortez cheered.

"Glad you both could join us." Said Sarah.

"Has she always been like this?" Traynor asked.

"Sarah always loves a good party." Austin smiled.

"I'm more surprised to see you and Liara dancing." Said Traynor

"Austin is saving the galaxy. You have to forgive a few eccentrics." Said Tali.

"It's… very enthusiastic." Said Traynor as Sarah twirled her around.

"It's impressive." Said Samara.

"Reminds me of the wedding. That was quite a weekend." Sill smiled, still dancing upside down. "First time I did karaoke."

"We should record this and broadcast it for the Reapers. They'll either run away, melt down, or fall in love." Said Garrus.

"Good to see some things don't change." Said Jack.

"Well, I like it, Major. It's good to see you cut loose now and then!" said Cortez.

"Thank you all for your loyalty and support!" said Austin.

Almost an hour later, Austin finally felt it best to take a break. He planned to try and take a quick nap before returning. As he neared the bedroom however, he suddenly heard something.

"And the boxers or brief's question is finally answered!"

He rounded the corner and found Kasumi going through his drawers.

"Oh, hey, Shep." She said.

"You're going through my drawers?" Austin asked.

"I go through everyone's drawers." Kasumi replied.

"Can't you just mingle and have fun, like a normal person?" Austin asked.

"Why would I want to do that?" Kasumi replied. "By the way, you have excellent tast in underwear, and so does Liara."

"Glad you could make it, Kasumi." Austin sighed.

"Thanks. I'm having a really good time." Said Kasumi.

"By your very strange standards." Said Austin.

"Yep!"

Returning to the party, Austin found Liara, James, Jacob, Miranda, Ashley and Griffin together again.

"Could not." Said James.

"Could too." Liara argued.

"You've seen biotics in action." Said Miranda

"I could float you off this balcony without breaking a sweat." Said Liara. She did now sound as though she'd had quite a few drinks.

"Oh, I know you could, but do you have the cojones to actually do it? Any of you?" said James.

"What a guy. Buckle up, brother." Said Jacob.

At that, Liara gently lifted James up with very little difficulty.

"What's up?" Austin asked.

"Just demonstrating a little biotic supremacy." Said Miranda.

"You okay, James?" Austin asked.

"Yeah, this is trippy! I'm kinda buzzing all over." Said James.

"Exactly. Nice, right? I can feel that way on a whim." Said Jacob.

"Do you find it relaxing?"

"Uh, kinda. Among other things."

"Looks good on you."

"I'm glad you lost that bet, Vega. When's my turn?" Ashley asked.

"Careful… I need my full crew back when the night's over." Said Austin.

"Okay, you've had your fun. Put me down now." Said James.

Liara let James drop.

Austin had seen Tali vanish into the restroom, but she hadn't come out for a while.

"Tali, are you okay?" he asked, knocking gently on the door.

The door opened to reveal Tali lying on the floor.

"Yep! You want to see my tattoo?" she replied drunkenly.

"I don't think you have a tattoo, Tali." Said Austin.

"It's a hologram. Omni-tattoo. Omni-tat? Omni-too. Under the suit. You know, for me." Said the Quarian. "You want to know what it is? You wanna know It's a pretty bird made of rainbows. It's flying out of the eyehole of a skull being held in the mouth of a thresher maw with a naked woman holding a sword on its back. Because I'm hard-core. Like Eezo and Urz. Jack suggested it."

"Remind me to talk to Jack in the morning." Said Austin. "Where'd you get the omni-tattoo, anyway?"

"Down in the lower wards, near the bottom." Said Tali.

"I meant where on your body." Said Austin. He had a feeling that he knew what Tali was going to say though.

"So did I! Yeah, I heard that one from Liara." Tali laughed.

"Get some rest, Tali."

Leena and Ventra meanwhile it seemed had vanished from the party. As Austin was walking around trying to find them however, he found a piece of Leena's suit lying outside one of the bedroom doors... which was looked. He could also hear some faint humbling coming from within.

"You like it?" he heard Ventra say.

"Hmm, very nice. That'll certainly make this night something to remember." Leena replied. "Quite big as well."

"You bet it's big. It needs to be." said Ventra. "Wouldn't be much good if it wasn't."

Austin had to say, he never thought he would've heard this sort of talk from the two, even if they were now married.

"How much is in it?" Leena asked.

"A lot." said Ventra.

"Mmm, tasty." said Leena.

Not wanting to linger too long, Austin felt it best to just knock and give the piece back so that Leena wasn't left looking for a piece of armour.

He knocked gently and waited for a reply.

"Can't answer right now. Busy." said Leena.

"You've left a piece of your suit outside, Leena." said Austin.

"Oh. He's right, I have." said Leena.

"Hang on. we'll open the door." said Ventra.

Austin was about to object, but too late. The door swung open. As the Helldiver prepared to avert his gaze however a rather different sight greeted his eyes. Both Ventra and Leena were completely clothed and were stood before what was unmistakably a piñata in the shape of a Reaper. Leena also had her mask off and appeared to be eating a small bit of the candy left over that wasn't stuffed inside.

"Oh."

"Ah, there's my mask. Thank you, Shepard." said Leena as Austin handed her the bit of suit.

"What do you think? Like it?" Ventra asked.

"Yeah. It's... quite nice." said Austin.

"Is something wrong?" Leena asked.

"Sorry. It's just... I overheard some of your talk from inside and it sounded like you were..." said Austin embarrassingly.

At this, both Ventra and Leena burst into laughter.

"Don't worry, Shepard. We don't get to that until the party's over." said Leena.

"So when is everyone else gonna see this?" Austin asked.

"In a few minutes. Just have to a men few adjustments, then it's ready for the party." said Ventra.

"Seems a bit fat." said Leena as Austin left, trying not to let the pictures come back into his mind as he heard them.

"It needs to be. Otherwise the stuff won't come out." said Ventra.

"It's not gonna be sticky, is it?

"If it's hot, maybe."

"Well, it tastes nice. that's what matters."

Austin headed back to the group to find James, Jacob and Griffin all doing push ups while Ashley, Liara, Miranda and Hawk watched.

"One hundred and sixty." James groaned.

"Anyone counting? Miranda?" asked Jacob.

"Absolutely. I think you're just fantastic." Said Miranda. "How many have I done?"

"Keep going!" said Liara.

"What's up?"

"Just demonstrating a little physical supremacy." Said James, pushing up.

"But can you do that with a drink and snack in each hand?" Austin asked.

"Sure. Uh! Wow." James groaned.

"Why is Griffin lapping you?" Hawk asked in surprise.

"Don't act so surprised." Said Griffin.

"Jacob is showing you up. How come?" Miranda asked.

"What do you mean? This is my thing, baby." Said Jacob.

"Seem a little slow tonight, James." Said Austin.

At that moment, Kasumi suddenly appeared. She'd been sitting on James, which had caused the Alliance soldier to slow.

"Well, nobody's perfect." She said. "How's it going on your end?"

James finally gave way and collapsed.

"Okay, now. Let's find a more fun way to get sweaty." He said.

Sill was still out on the dance floor with a few others who'd now joined. Alaara and Sandra were doing a lot of very erotic moves, almost like those a stripper would do, Jet was doing some unbelievably fast and lively dance with Dash and Xun had joined in too and was using her fan. Traynor and Sarah were still dancing, they though were taking it gentle and were sticking to romantic.

"Everyone having fun?" Austin asked.

"Yeah! This party's slamming!" Sill cheered

"Mmmmm, really hot in this place." Alaara moaned.

"No undressing around the others." said Austin.

"I agree. I'd rather you weren't flashing your tits." said Xun.

"I wouldn't mind." said Traynor. in fairness, she did sound a bit drunk.

"You know, there is a poker table in the other room. If we lock the door..." Sandra suggested.

"Well, I'll pass on that." said Austin.

"Me too." Sill agreed.

"Aw come on! You've got six tits after all. Why hide them?" said Alaara drunkly.

"Six? Okay, now you're really drunk." said Sill.

"My wife has a very dirty mind." said Alaara.

"And you love it." said Alaara seductively as she tried to pull down the zipper on Sandra's outfit, but the human stopped her.

"I could do this all night!" said Dash, twirling Jet around zoo fast she was a blur.

"Take my breath away." said Jet.

What happened next, took everyone by surprise. Dash suddenly took Jet in his arms and kissed her. At first, the pilot was taken aback, but she quickly settled into it.

"Wooooooo! Look at him go!" Alaara cheered.

"I think that's very sweet. Dash deserves someone like her." said Xun.

"Two speed freaks in love. God help us." said Sarah, but she was still happy to see this."

Dash and Jet finally stopped for air.

"That enough for you?" Dash winked.

"Well, there are more... effective ways." said Jet.

"Save that for later, you two." said Austin. "Still, it's about time."

"Thanks for all your support." Dash smiled.

"Just don't get Jet singing any top guns songs." said Traynor.

"At least not without me." Sill added.

"Thank you for inviting us, Shepard." said Xun. "I haven't had this much fund in a long time."

"I'm glad you're all having fun." Austin smiled.

"You're the best, Bro." Sarah smiled.

Dell meanwhile, Austin found in the kitchen and he appeared to working on the stove.

"Dell, what are you doing?"

"Kraan woke up a minute earlier and tried to cook himself something. He ended up head butting the stove in frustration." said Dell.

"Where is Kraan?" Austin asked.

"He's in the lounge, trying to regain his senses. I think he also keeps saying "Kill Dash." said Dell.

"Why am I not surprised?" Austin asked rhetorically as he noticed the Krogan Helldiver moving around dizzily in the lounge. "You seen Troy at all?"

At that moment however another practice dart hit him in the neck.

"Enjoying yourself, I see." said Austin as Troy's disguise dropped and he stopped being a hair.

"I feel a little drunk." Troy laughed.

"Can't you just mingle with everyone?"

"Maybe. It wouldn't hurt to take it clam and talky to people again, I'll admit." said Troy.

"By the way, thanks again for your help with Hellspawn." said Austin.

"You're welcome." Troy nodded.

The party was definitely in full swing now. While everyone was in the mood, Austin then had an idea.

"Hey, everyone! Come over here for a minute." He said. "Let's get a photo to remember this. Arrange yourselves on the sofa."

"An excellent suggestion, Shepard." Said EDI.

"Great idea! I want a copy!" said Liara.

"Make way, make way." said Wrex.

"Thanks for coming, everyone. Here's to us!" said Austin. "Ready, Glyph?"

"Of course. If you could all please direct your attention this way…" said the VI.

"Okay. Everyone say "Normandy." Said Austin.

"Normandy!" Everyone said.

Austin and Liara gently woke from their sleep. They could not deny it had been one hell of a night.

"Oooh, what a night… but look who's here." Austin smiled.

"Is it morning already?" Liara groaned.

"Yeah. And it's a perfect one. I love watching you wake up." Austin smiled as he and Liara kissed. "Let's see if anyone else is up."

Everyone else looked mostly okay. Some were at worst very hungover. Tali it seemed was one of them as she was sat on one of the beds and groaning.

"I… am going… to die." She said. "I didn't know you could get through that many toxin filters in one night."

"Did we break anything last night? I don't' suppose you need anything around here… calibrated. Yeah, okay. Maybe I should just stop saying that word, but only if Liara stops saying "by the goddess." Said Garrus. "Good thing this place has extra bathrooms. Miranda takes forever to do her hair. You'd think with her genes she wouldn't' need to."

"Shepard. Good morning! I want to thank you for inviting me here. It was good to see everyone again. I hope you enjoyed your evening as well." Said Samara.

"Morning, Shep. You went all out with the breakfast supplies. I didn't know you could get real milk on the Citadel. I had some. Thought it was soy. I'm not really lactose intolerant. I just don't pull up with lactose's stupid drama. By the way, thanks. That was a lot of fun." Said Kasumi.

For a moment, Austin was left confused about what had happened to Alaara and Sandra as he hadn't seen them t all this morning. His question however was quickly answered when he saw the two walk out of the bathroom, completely naked and looking rather sticky.

"We had a sick night, Bitches" Alaara groaned.

"So last night. We didn't… do anything, did we? I'm checking extranet suites. No hits yet, so maybe I just imagined that last part." Said Traynor.

"I'm almost sure someone was recording us, though." Said Sarah.

"Oh, I should probably talk to EDI. Or alternatively, I should never talk to EDI ever again." Said Traynor.

"Shepard! Griffin and I were just going to lift some weights. Wanna join?" Jacob asked as he was doing crunches in the gym while Jack did pull ups and Griffin did weights. "I feel fantastic. How 'bout everyone else?"

"Hey. You look like shit." said Jack. "You know the best part of an overcharged biotic amp? No hangovers!"

"Hope I didn't accidently fight into a fight with anyone last night. Kraan's already cross with me after I beat him at arm wrestling." Said Griffin.

Ashley, Miranda, Hawk James and Grunt meanwhile were in the kitchen. James and Hawk were even cooking.

"Austin. Morning. I need a floor to curl up on." Said Ashley.

I see everyone survived the festivities, more or less." Said Miranda.

"Okay… who wants eggs?" James asked.

"Bacon, anyone?" said Hawk.

"I think I broke my head on something last night." Said Grunt.

Troy meanwhile was passed out in the lounge, splayed all over the betting table. Still, at least everyone knew he was here.

The rest of Alpha were around too. Most were okay, but a few had very major hangovers. Kraan was very cross that Dash had spiked his drink, but a headache prevented him from doing anything.

Dash though had at least paid the price for this since Jet had accidentally got drunk and had challenged the scout to a run around the apartment. It had ended with Dash having a really sore private area after the two had crashed into each other. Right now, he was in the hot tub trying to calm the pain.

Jet meanwhile had an icepack on her head to reduce the swell.

"Remind me never to challenge Dash to a race." she said.

"Never play Dash, especially for money. He's an absolute demon." said Austin.

"Now you tell me." Jet sighed, wincing as she pressed the ice pack harder against her bump.

Ventra and Leena meanwhile it seemed had been sensible. Leena however had been spending a lot of time int he bathroom, but her husband assured Austin that it was simply because she was taking a deacon shower since she'd removed her suit last night.

Xun had been quite sensible too and was already checking with glyph to make sure there weren't any videos of the party out on the extranet.

"I'm pretty sure there must've been someone. This place has very huge windows after all." she said.

"What's realyl important as that we had fun." said Austin.

"No argument there, old friend." said Xun.

Dell and Sill meanwhile were working on fixing the light switches after Troy had fiddled with them while drunk last night and caused a blackout.

"Remind me to have a word with that spy when he wakes up." said Dell.

"No one tried to flirt with me last night, did they?" said Sill. "I don't wanna suddenly get loads of messages forms someone asking if I remembered "that night"

"Some neighbours came by last night to complain about the noise. I put their bodies in the building incinerator." said EDI. "That was a joke."

"Mornin, Shepard. I hope you slept well." said Cortez. "I would have thought all those tequila shots with James would have prepared me for last night. Wish it never ended."

"Shepard. Good to see you up." said Zaeed. "Hope I didn't wake anyone up with my snoring. I go like a buzz saw since i got my nose broke. By the way, you're almost out of bacon. Our bacon, anyway, There's still some of that dextro shit int he freezer. I saved you three strips. Figured it was fair payback for all the times you saved mine, right?"

"Been awhile since I hit the hard stuff. About time!" said Wrex. "You live past 700, you start paying for a night like that the next morning. Hah..."

"Hey, Major. Hell of a night. So I've managed not to throw up. Feeling pretty good about that." said Joker. "If everyone could just not talk so loudly, that would be great. or close the cupboards too loud. Or walk too loud. Just think quiet thoughts."

It was finally time to head back out. The break had been good while it lasted though. Now they could all go back out there fully reenergised and ready for whatever was thrown at them.

"I guess it's back to the fight." Said Liara, gently holding her husband's hand.

"At least we threw one hell of a party. I'm still feeling tired." Said Austin.

"You may be right. But whatever happens, I know you'll see this through. And I'll be right there with you." Said Liara. "We've been through a lot, haven't we? But it's been a good ride."

"The best." Austin smiled. He then turned to Troy who was waiting to say goodbye.

"You can count on my help when the time comes, mon ami." He said.

"We could use a man like you on the Normandy, Troy." Austin offered.

"I'm not one for ship life, Shepard. Besides, I hear Xun's looking for more agents." Said Troy.

"You take care of yourself out there, old friend."

"Bon voyage, Shepard. Give 'em hell."

Far, far away, a mysterious figure observed everything. She had just watched the whole thing, including the party.

Something about it awakened feelings she had not felt for millions of years. Feelings of… happiness and peace. And it made her ask a question that she had asked herself many times, but this time she asked it with a hint of hope.

"Could the prophecies have really been true?"

Her contemplation however was interrupted by an announcement from one of her subjects.

"Your majesty, an urgent matter has come up. One of the eyes has been discovered."

In case it wasn't already obvious, Leviathan is next. That will also mark the beginning of the final battle as that is when the secret of the catalyst will finally be revealed and an even greater secret is uncovered, for we find out who it is that has been watching from the shadows that refer to these prophecies.

Hope also the Commander made a good impression. He's Alpha arch enemy after all and he will definitely have a massive role in Alpha Origins. In case anyone didn't notice, he's based off the Helldiver picture, Bounty (hence his name) and also his bodyguards are based off the picture of the same name.

Until next week! Please do leave review, even if they are short! :)

Happy new year, and can I just say it's great to be back.
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Mass Effect: The Helldiver Saga, The Last Cycle