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

Chapter List
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Nihlus was quiet during the debriefing, standing at the window of Anderson’s office, while the humans went through the details of the failed operation. Garrus was there, too, lounging on the couch as always, also quiet, and Ashley had trouble dismissing the thought from her head that the two laconic turians were somehow related. She would have chuckled and teased Garrus with it, had it not been for the loss of Miranda and Jacob’s betrayal.
Anderson was not making it easy for her, constantly returning to the question: How did she miss Jacob Taylor’s loyalty, and who was responsible for the easy capture of agent Lawson. The issue of personal involvement also came up a couple of times especially about Ashley letting Miranda lead the operation. The conclusion remained the same: Ashley will be reassigned until the investigation is closed.
It took only half an hour, but it felt like five. When they went quiet, usually a time for contemplation and a little personal talk, Nihlus turned from the window and walked up to them.

“I believe my visit here has come to an early end, general Anderson. I will return to the Citadel and make my report. I will keep you informed.” He waited until Anderson stood up.

“I would prefer if you could stay as scheduled and take time for the evaluation,” Anderson said politely.

“There’s nothing more to evaluate, is there?”
Ashley felt blood rushing into her face and pressed her lips thin to stop herself from snapping back at the turian. That would only make her situation worse.

“Of course,” Anderson conceded and started walking to the door, but Nihlus lifted a hand again.

“I would like to have a few words with Lt. Commander Williams. On my way to the shuttle.”

Ashley frowned, looking back and forth between the turian and the general, baffled.

“Lt. Commander, walk with me, please.”

Anderson nodded in encouragement to the confused Ashley and let them get out first. Garrus was right behind them.
Nihlus shot a glance at the other turian, but made no motion to dismiss him as he started talking.

“It seems odd to see a fellow turian in an Alliance operation, commander,” Nihlus remarked.

Ashley shot a glance back at Garrus, walking a few steps behind them with Anderson, but he didn’t bat a mandible at the Spectre’s words.

“Garrus is not the only alien collaborating with us in military operations, spectre,” she replied defensively. “And it’s not just a diplomatic gesture, as I am sure you’re aware.”
Maybe not the best choice of words, but the turian seemed unfazed at her response.

“Indeed. Especially commendable from the granddaughter of the general who fought in the Relay 314 incident.”

Here we go, Ashley thought, letting out an exasperated sigh.

“I’m happy that you are familiar with my background, spectre. You can gloat over the fact of yet another Williams failure, but I don’t see what’s the point. Obviously I didn’t pass whatever test the Council sent you here to perform—”
“The Council didn’t send me here. I came to evaluate potential candidates for a Spectre status, commander. It’s a shame it has been a waste of time.”

Ashley stopped for a second to process the news. Nihlus looked her over and continued walking.

“Great,” she muttered and caught up with the turian. She opened her mouth to speak but the turian continued.
“So what is the nature of your relationship with agent Lawson?”

Ashley was caught completely off-guard with the sudden change of subject, even more awkward than the one before.

“It’s none— It’s strictly— It’s private” she stammered, digging herself deeper. She cleared her throat, pulling herself together as she tried to keep pace with the turian. “It did not affect my judgement in placing her in command of the operation—”

“I certainly hope so. As I understand, humans are prone to making emotional decisions if their mate is involved.”
“It is nothing like that!” Ashley exclaimed, her anger rising. Her voice was still controlled, but her patience was running out. There was only so much humiliation she could take right now. “Miranda— Agent Lawson volunteered. She planned the operation. In fact, I refused to let her lead the team—”

“And yet she did.”

“—She convinced me she was the best person for the job. Which was true. Otherwise it would have been Taylor.”

“Yes, Taylor. Still, the result is the same.”
Ashley took a deep breath and jumped in front of the turian to make him stop in his tracks.

“Are you finished rubbing my face in my failure, Spectre? I take full responsibility for the operation and you can’t make it worse for me. I already lost more than just my men, so let’s change the subject, shall we?”
“Lt. Commander!” Anderson warned her, stopping behind Nihlus. “Enough.”

Nihlus looked patiently at her. As far as she could tell, based on the time she spent in the company of Garrus, the turian was not gloating, and not trying to mock her. Then again, Garrus was not the talkative type. She stepped aside, letting Nihlus continue.

“Very well,” the turian said. “So what made you bring an ex C-Sec officer into your team?”

Ashley blinked, shaking her head in confusion, trying to follow the spectre’s train of thought. They walked on, and Nihlus was waiting patiently until she found her voice.
“Uh— We met on Elysium. He saved my life.”

“Ah, the incident you refer to as ‘The Skyllian Blitz’, yes. You are being modest. I read your file. Received the Star of Terra. Protecting civilians and organizing a resistance. Impressive achievement.”

Ashley was completely lost. At one moment she is being humiliated for her choices, the next she is being genuinely complimented. “Uh, thank you, I guess.”
“More elegant, than the Torfan incident two years later,” Nihlus continued. “I understand Shepard spearheaded that operation. Almost like he had a personal agenda against the batarians.”

Ashley blinked.

“You are not suggesting that he was taking revenge because I was—”

“Don’t be ridiculous, commander. Of course not,” Nihlus said, but Ashley had trouble believing his sincerity.

“Great, because for a moment, I thought you’re gonna take the next step and make a connection between his defection and me breaking up with him.”
Nihlus let out a soft chuckle.

“Did he?” the turian asked when they reached the docks.

Ashley was struggling to form an articulate response that did not involve expletives. She gave up, and closed her mouth, shaking her head.
Nihlus stopped at the gate, turning towards Ashley.

“Thank you, commander, that will be all. I will return to the Citadel and file my report. Good luck on your future assignments. Maybe we will have a chance to re-evaluate your performance at a later time.”

He nodded, dismissing her. Ashley put on a solemn face with great effort and managed to salute without looking too pissed off.

“Have a safe journey, spectre.”
Anderson also gave a salute and motioned for Ashley to walk away, while Nihlus waited. Garrus stayed with his fellow turian and the two of them started talking quietly. Out of earshot, Anderson stopped and turned back, motioning Ashley to wait with him.

“What just happened?” Ashley blurted out, but Anderson lifted a hand, signaling her to wait.
Garrus and Nihlus spoke for a few minutes, then they parted ways and as the spectre walked through the gate to his ship, the former C-Sec officer caught up with them. They stood there, watching the shuttle prepare to leave.
“What did he want?” Ashley asked.

“Nothing,” Garrus shrugged. “He asked about C-Sec. And Elysium. Nothing that’s not in the files.”

Ashley sighed. It didn’t make sense to her and she felt lost and felt like losing her mind.

“General, I know the protocol, but you can’t possibly expect me to stay away from the—” Ashley was desperate. With so much going on, she just started to feel the first signs of exhaustion and anxiety creeping up on her, threatening to overwhelm her.

“I know, Lt. Commander. We won’t close this operation down. We can’t afford it. And you’re our expert on Shepard.”
Ashley stared at Anderson, then shot a confused glance at Garrus, who just shrugged again.

“But you said— I mean, what was this all about, then?”

Anderson watched as the shuttle started to fire up its engines and prepared to take off.

“It was diplomacy, Williams. We danced around each other politely and now everybody is going to do the opposite.”

Ashley shook her head, trying to decode what this meant. Garrus chuckled softly.

“So I don’t back down, you’re not taking me off the operation and Nihlus knew this and is okay with it?”
“Of course I’m taking you off the operation. Officially. You’ve been compromised. Shepard may still have sources inside the Alliance. He will know if you keep going after him. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do it. We will just find another way. Probably a covert operation.”

Ashley nodded. She was determined not to let Miranda down and she would get her back no matter what. She was actually thinking about taking Garrus with her and go after Shepard alone. Still, there were questions.

“What about Nihlus?”

“He’s not Alliance. The Council doesn’t care about this case either. He will pretend he doesn’t care about what happens next, but he will most probably keep an eye on what are you going to do about this.”
“Why would he do that?” Ashley asked.

“Because he’s a Spectre,” Garrus replied. “ He joined the Spectres for the same reasons I quit C-Sec. To get things done.” Ashley turned towards Garrus in surprise. The turian chuckled. “And he has some of your attitude towards authority. But unlike Saren, he doesn’t hate humans and has more common sense. Less ruthless, too.”

Ashley turned towards Anderson, who was nodding as Garrus spoke. Turning his gaze at the departing shuttle, he allowed himself an encouraging smile.
“Nihlus has an agenda. He wants to see a human spectre. And I intend to give him one, Lt. Commander Williams.” He looked at Ashley and put a hand on her shoulder.

Ashley shuddered at the touch. She should have been grateful for the gesture, but the closeness and the human touch only made her more aware of Miranda’s predicament. When she saw her on the screen— Eyes red, probably from crying, shaken up, naked. God, what was she going through?!

She suddenly felt very tired.

“Go home, commander. Get some rest. We’ll meet in my office tomorrow and figure something out.”
Ashley nodded, not looking at Anderson. She stared out after the shrinking silhouette of the shuttle, but she was looking for the Normandy. Somewhere out there— She nodded again, blinked a couple of times and saluted Anderson. She turned and started walk away. Garrus moved, too, but Anderson put a hand on his shoulder, shaking his head.
Ashley walked briskly, going faster and faster until she almost ran. She felt panic creeping up on her, a building pressure in her chest, her vision narrowing and the air getting thinner. She was gasping for air by the time she reached the apartment she shared with Miranda, and barely made it inside. She started to tear off her clothes on her way to the shower, finishing undressing under the running cold water.
Finally she let go, and allowed panic and desperation to take over.
* * * * *
Vega was quick and proficient with the tattoo. It was embarrassing enough to be lying on a table like a piece of work and Miranda had to press her lips together pretty hard to control her emotions. She covered her breasts with her hands at least, while Vega “accidentally” groped her sex while he worked, poking between her folds through the holes of the fishnet panties. She tried not to twitch, but it didn’t always work. Vega talked a lot, but at least time passed faster. She only answered if it was absolutely necessary, even then, only in short sentences.
Her abdomen was getting hot and all the little pricks melded into a constant, sharp poking sensation as the tattoo took shape. She closed her eyes, a few teardrops escaping. It felt like getting branded. Like cattle. Not to mention the ink ruining her spotless skin.
“Done. Stand up, Blanca.” Vega patted her thigh. “I think it turned out pretty good. Check it out.”

She sat up, her skin feeling sensitive, but she didn’t look. She shot a cold gaze at the marine and said nothing. Vega shrugged. “Suit yourself, princess.”
He sent a message to Liara on the comm and the asari came running in a few minutes, excited like a schoolgirl. Until then it was an awkward silence, Vega leering at her, complimenting her “assets,” Miranda trying to ignore him, folding her arms in front of her chest.
Liara slowed down at the workbench, eyes wide in wonderment, looking at the logo on her tight, flat belly, letting out a small sigh. She reached for it.

“Can I—?” she asked Vega almost reverently. The marine laughed and nodded.

“Careful, it’s still sensitive.”

Liara giggled and ran her petite blue fingers along the ink, the skin blushed red around it. Miranda shivered, looking away in disgust as she was examined.

“Pret-ty.”

“So what, now she’s like the ship’s bitch?”

Liara scowled, looking sternly at Vega and wrapping the chain leash around her hand protectively.

“She’s mine,” the asari said. “Mine to play with.” She added in a cheerful tone and she started to drag Miranda with her, wiggling her fingers at Vega. “Thanks, Vega. Bye-e!”
“Where are we going, Liara?” Miranda asked as she stumbled after her in her heels, trying to retain some resemblance of dignity.

“Grab a bite. Show you around.” Liara chattered. They took the stairs, passing by some of the crew members, who greeted Liara and stared at Miranda, making comments and lewd remarks. One even dared to cup a feel of her breast. Miranda slapped the hand away and glared at the guy, who backed off by reflex from her authoritative glare. Liara scowled at that and tugged Miranda away. She couldn’t tell if the asari was mad at her or at the crewman. There were a few off-duty men lingering in the mess hall, too, who looked up curiously as they entered, Liara prancing her around proudly, walking her in a circle around the table, saying hi to the guys.
Miranda started to blush, more from the frustration of it all, that she was powerless to do anything about the whole ordeal. She won’t try to cover herself and shrink away like a shy little mouse, that would just make them enjoy her humiliation even more. But if she was too nonchalant, it would make her look like she loved this. So she was doing what she did best, glare at them with a stern face, hoping it would protect her a little. It didn’t, but there was nothing she could do. Even if she managed to overpower Liara and hold her hostage, there was nowhere to go. And she didn’t know, what else the collar could do to her apart from dampening her biotics, making a tiny little buzz in the back of her head that was just enough to bother her, like a constant ringing in her ear.
Liara made small talk with the crew, being very pleasant with them, while she was petting Miranda, fiddling with her hair, stroking her midriff, carefully avoiding the tattoo. The crew made remarks about her, most popular being her ass, and then her breasts, complimenting on her tattoo as well. Liara was beaming with pride, grabbing Miranda’s ass greedily once or twice, making her wince.
“So, Liara, when can we play with her?” teased one of the crewmen, licking his lips lewdly, sipping his drink.
Liara grimaced, pulling Miranda away. “Mine!” she mewled. The men chuckled around the table.

“Well, you know, if you change your mind--”

“She looks hungry. Did you feed her?” The other crewman asked.

Liara spun around to look at Miranda, eyes going wide again.

“Totally forgot!” she sighed, biting her lower lip as she was pondering. After a few seconds, she started smiling and gave sharp tugs to the leash. “Sit!” she purred, yanking Miranda down, forcing her to kneel on the floor. Miranda dropped on her knees with a painful groan, breasts bouncing to the amusement of the crewmen. She stared angrily up at her. Liara tilted her head in disapproval at her glare and slapped her on the cheek, making Miranda’s head snap to the side, the approving murmurs of the crewmen indicating that the movement made her breasts jingle again. “Bad kitty!”
“You gonna train her, Liara?” asked one of the men.

Liara let out an exasperated sigh, rolling her eyes and looking at the crewman over her shoulder.

“Of course, stupid!” she tugged at the chain. “You will see, in a few weeks, she will be a nice little kitty.” She tussled Miranda’s hair. “She’s so cute, I could just eat her up right here!” she cooed, grabbing a fistful of hair to lift her face. “Are you hungry, pet?”
Miranda glared at her, and wanted to tell her to screw herself, but the truth was, she WAS hungry, but mostly, she just wanted to drink, just to wash Vega’s taste off her lips. It has been more than an hour since he used her mouth and the taste was making her queasy.
“I— I’m thirsty.” Miranda conceded. A small defeat, just to get what she wanted.

Liara beamed. She spun to the table and picked up one of the mugs in front of one crewman. He opened his mouth to protest, but gave up with a sigh. Liara turned towards Miranda, who reached for the mug.

Liara frowned and pulled the mug away. “Nu-huh!” she shook her head. “Hands behind your back, kitten! Open your mouth!”
Miranda frowned, pressing her lips together again to stop herself from complaining. This was not exactly what she was hoping. She glared at Liara in frustration, who stared back with a friendly smile, but her eyes were flashing darkly. After a few more seconds, Miranda slowly obeyed, opening her mouth a little.
The crewmen watched eagerly, and Liara smiled proudly as she lowered the mug to Miranda’s lips, tilting it slowly. Warm, milky coffee trickled into Miranda’s mouth, who tried to hide her relief and started to drink. Liara didn’t stop, and the coffee started to trickle down from the corner of her mouth, along her neck towards her chest. The crewmen gulped audibly, following the creamy drops trickle down her skin. This was quickly getting worse, she thought. At least she could wash the bad taste from her mouth.
“Thank you, Jenkins,” Liara purred, putting the mug back in front of the crewman, yanking on Miranda’s chain. “You too, pet.” She nodded towards the man.

Miranda licked her lips to get the last drops of the coffee, and then reluctantly, she turned towards the crewman. “Thank you.” She said quietly.
“Don’t mention it, kitten,” Jenkins grinned and reached out with a finger to wipe off the wet trail of the coffee from her chest. Miranda jerked away, making Jenklins chuckle and Liara snarl. The asari tugged at the leash and dragged her on her feet.
Miranda grimaced painfully as she tried to stand up, but it wasn’t too graceful. She was starting to wonder if maybe she should be doing something, fighting back or mouthing off. It was hard to tell, the buzzing of the collar was a constant source of discomfort. In any case, she was smart enough to know that fighting back was not productive at this point. She had too little information.
Feigning obedience was not an option either. She couldn’t play it convincingly, Shepard would see through her anyway. She had to wait and see. These thoughts ran through her mind while they walked up another set of stairs, onto the command deck. She was immediately focused again, when she realized that this was the busiest place on the ship. Shepard was standing on the bridge, in front of a holomap, a redhead assistant at his side, and various people sitting and standing at consoles and monitors.
Liara cooed a hello as they entered and Shepard looked up from the console with a smile, that turned into a frown. The redhead standing next to him stared in surprise at Miranda, before she managed to control herself. She turned back to her terminal quickly.

“Liara, doll! You shouldn’t bring her up here!” Shepard chided the asari maiden as he stepped off the bridge, meeting them halfway. Miranda folded her arms in front of her torso. “You will distract the guys, prancing her around like that,” Shepard said quietly, nodding at the people. He looked at Miranda with curious eyes.
Miranda tried to look back with a confident, angry stare, but the attention she was getting made her blush deeply and shuffle nervously.

“I know, baby! I just wanted to show you the tattoo,” Liara purred, stroking Shepard’s shoulder with her fingertips. She tried to sound apologetic, but was not convincing. “Vega did the tat. She’s sooo pretty now, look!” she grabbed Miranda’s shoulders and stood behind her, pressing herself to her back. Miranda staggered, while Shepard took a step back to take in the sight. Liara’s hands ran down from her shoulders to her arms, firmly pulling them away from her torso and holding them next to her side.
Shepard’s gaze lingered over Miranda’s body, his lips twitching into an amused smile. His eyes flashed hungry, before locking in on her tattoo. Miranda really started to feel uncomfortable, his gaze was unnerving her. She tried not to shiver.
Shepard took a quick look at the crew from the corner of his eye. Everybody was openly staring at the view. He stepped closer and pressed his palm gently on the tattoo, feeling the warmth of her skin, her firm, flat midriff. He also felt her slight trembling. He looked up into her eyes, locking his gaze with her.

“Just lovely,” he said in a low voice. Miranda felt her mouth getting dry. “It may seem odd, but it fits you, Miranda. It just highlights perfection. Puts a symbol on it. You’ll get to like it.” He was staring into her eyes the whole time, his voice quiet, confident. Liara felt the effect, too, she shivered with pleasure, rubbing her body against Miranda’s back. She purred at Shepard.
He shot a gaze at the asari maiden and pulled his palm away from Miranda’s abdomen. She just realized that she was holding her breath back. The memory of his touch was warm on her skin. She wanted to say something, something snappy, defying him, but she couldn’t trust her voice. Anything she could have said, would make her look weaker, make him laugh at her. She didn’t want to give him any more satisfaction.
The collar, the leash, the tattoo... The way Liara behaved, it all meant he would want to break her. Get into her head. Make her his pet. Miranda clenched her jaw and didn’t reply. He could feel her shivers, but her gaze was steady. Shepard chuckled softly as he stepped back. And Miranda understood: it was only a matter of time, before he will succeed. Eventually she will run out of strength to resist.
Feeling all those eyes on her, Liara’s groping and Shepard’s quiet promise, she took a deep breath and straightened up. She decided they would have to work real hard to get what they want from her.
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The Ballad of the Pirate of Terminus