Sitting in the waiting room, I glanced around at all the well-dressed people sitting around me. I almost laughed to myself as I knew that my face didn't fit with any of these fellow officers. I hadn't shaved in a couple of days. I kept my hair close-cropped. And I knew that I had a certain look in my eyes. I met the eyes of many of the men and women. They quickly looked away. I knew what I looked like.

The meeting was taking place in secrecy. I'd been summoned by my superior and told to report to Arcturus. I packed my kit and caught the first available flight out. I didn't have many friends in the unit simply because many that I'd made relationships with were now dead. When I arrived on Arcturus, I was greeted by a couple of MPs who led me towards accommodation and told me to stay and wait until I was summoned. That had been a little over forty-eight hours ago.

A cute little blonde walked out of a nearby door and glanced around the room. "Lieutenant-Commander Shepard," she said.

I stood up and stretched my weary muscles before I approached her. She had to glance up at me which always made me chuckle. I wasn't obscenely tall, but I was six-two, rather broad and my short-sleeved shirt did nothing to hide my physique. She opened the door and gestured for me to enter. Three men were waiting for me, all of them standing behind the other side of the wide table. I recognised the three of them immediately.

Donnel Udina, the Alliance Systems Ambassador to the Citadel. Alliance Admiral Steven Hackett, Commander of the Fifth Fleet and a living legend amongst the Alliance servicemen and women. And Captain David Anderson, a man I knew well enough. Probably one of the closest people around that I'd consider a friend.

"Take a seat," Hackett told me after I saluted, a gesture Hackett and Anderson returned. "I'm sure you've been curious as to your reason being here, Lieutenant-Commander. We are currently looking for a candidate to be the new Executive Officer serving under Captain Anderson on board a new and somewhat experimental ship that has been designed and built. This position will include a promotion to Commander with the potential of a further promotion in the near future depending on the outcome of your service."

"But first we must get to know you first," Udina said, leaning forward and fixing me with a gaze, "We've got your service record here along with your life before joining the service. But we'd rather hear certain things from you."

"I've never hidden anything that I've done, sir," I replied.

"We know you didn't have the easiest time growing up. Care to answer a few questions about that?" Anderson asked.

"I can probably answer the questions without hearing them. Respectfully, sir. I was abandoned as a baby. Grew up in foster care, bouncing from home to home for my first twelve or so years. Got stuck with more than one creepy guy than I'd care to remember. Knew that adoption wasn't going to happen once I was a teenager, so I just upped and left one night. Packed my few belongings and hit the streets. I'd spent plenty of time on them already. I was considered a delinquent by the social worker in charge of my case."

"When did you commit your first crime?" Hackett wondered.

"Before I ended up on the streets? I was shoplifting from an early age. It didn't take long until I was running with a gang though. And by the time I was sixteen, I was running it. I've always been rather big and solid for my size. The streets are tough. It's dog-eat-dog. Turf wars and all that stupid shit. Cops did their best, but kids are quick and nimble. We also knew technology was where we could make credits. It's amazing what you can learn on the internet."

"Why did you kill him?" Anderson asked bluntly.

"I'm sure that you won't believe me if I said that it was an accident. But what happened is what led me to this very position right now. It was a pitched battle between two gangs. I was simply trying to get him off one of my boys. Things escalated from there and, well, two days later…"

"You fought off the cops but didn't kill anyone. That showed restraint," Hackett suggested, "Did you kill anyone else?"

"Not until you gave me a uniform and showed me how to kill efficiently. I'm not saying that I didn't spend a few years roughing people up. Caused broken bones and no end of bleeding. But the code was that we didn't kill our targets. We'd steal. We'd cause havoc. And we'd do anything we could to survive and get any credits that meant we could live. But murder? That was always a step too far, a line not to be crossed."

"We could discuss what happened on Elysium, Lieutenant, but I'm more interested in Torfan," Hackett stated, "In your mind, do the two events relate?"

"One hundred percent," I practically growled, "You've got my service record. You know what I've been sent to do ever since I graduated. The invasion of Elysium may have been led by a turian, but it was batarian boots on the ground causing destruction, killing indiscriminately."

"You earned numerous commendations for what you did on Elysium, Lieutenant," Udina said.

"I did though they were lessons learned with the men and women that I'd been serving with."

"The Roughnecks," Anderson informed, "Made up of some of the more interesting people to serve."

"You mean ex-criminals that had joined the Alliance instead of serving time in prison, sir," I retorted, "But I hide no ill will that I was given that choice. I was going to end up dead either way. Dead on the streets somewhere, or I might end up dead serving in this uniform."

"Anyway, back to Torfan… How would you describe the events, Lieutenant?" Hackett wondered.

"Can I put it bluntly, sir?" The two men in uniform shared a glance. Anderson even managed a smirk before they nodded in my direction. "It was an absolute clusterfuck from the moment we had boots on the ground, sir. But it was because it was a clusterfuck that allowed us to push home our advantage. But I'll never forget what I saw, sir. What they were doing to us humans. It wasn't just the slavery. It was the conditions. The obvious abuse and torture. And what they were doing to women…"

"Would you say that you committed murder, Lieutenant?" Udina wondered.

"No. I killed terrorists. If you wish, you may refer to them as enemy combatants. But the usual rules of war were not present. The Geneva Conventions once covered how war was conducted on Earth between nations. The Ilium Accords is an agreement between the Alliance and the Council regarding our conduct should a skirmish break out before the Council can get involved. And I'll tell you one thing. Everyone was an enemy combatant that day. There wasn't a single batarian I met that wasn't carrying a weapon."

"Did any of them attempt to surrender?" Udina asked pointedly.

I met his eyes and did my best not to smirk. "No."

That was a lie. I knew it. He knew it. Hackett and Anderson knew it. But there were no witnesses to the fact I shot more than one batarian without a second thought. After what happened on Elysium, anyone who landed on Torfan went in with a bloodlust for revenge. Because that's what the mission was. Humanity's revenge. The turian in charge escaped, and we knew trying to get him would be difficult. But the batarians?

Ripe for slaughter. And they sent in the worst of the worst to get the job done. Ever seen the movie 'The Dirty Dozen'? We made them look like schoolchildren in comparison.

"How have you found N7 training?" Anderson asked.

"Invigorating," I replied, almost managing a smile, "Probably the most rewarding thing I've done in my life so far. I'm stronger and fitter than I've ever been, and I know that I'm being pushed far beyond what limits I thought I had. And I'm aware of the washout rate. It's why I won't allow myself to fail."

The rest of the interview was a more question-and-answer session. Most of it was about my service, but also questions about my opinions about certain matters that could see me perhaps being involved. I answered honestly to every question as I had nothing to hide.

When it was done, I stood and saluted again before I strolled out into the waiting room. A receptionist told me that my presence was no longer required and that I would be told the outcome of the interview within seventy-two hours. I would remain on Arcturus until then though I would now be free to roam about should I wish.

Lying back on my bed in the quarters that I'd been given three days later, there was a ding telling me that someone was at the door. No surprise to see two MPs waiting for me again.

"Am I under arrest?" I joked. I was still waiting for the day the hammer would fall on me and that the Alliance would charge me for crimes from what I did on Torfan.

"You're to pack your gear and come with us, Lieutenant. Captain Anderson has asked for you."

Little did I know how my life was going to change in the next few days.

*****

I'd graduated top of my class from N7 training. Those in charge recognised that I was one hell of a bastard, but I was one hell of a tough bastard. I'd earned the respect of my superiors and subordinates. When I was told by Captain Anderson that I had been selected as his Executive Officer to serve on the Normandy, and with it came a promotion to Commander, I allowed myself a small smile of satisfaction.

The ship was an experimental ship designed by humans and turians in a new spirit of cooperation. I didn't like batarians but I had nothing against the turians. I'd read up about the First Contact War and what happened was always bound to occur once humans started to spread out of Sol. It could have gone a hell of a lot worse knowing how militarised turian society was.

I met most of the crew in the days before we were due to fly out. There was Flight Lieutenant Jeff 'Joker' Moreau. Chief Navigator Charles Pressly. Chief Medical Officer Karin Chakwas. Chief Engineer Lieutenant Greg Adams. Staff Lieutenant Kaidan Alenko. And then there was our Commanding Officer, Captain David Anderson.

We were close for one particular reason as he was the man to recruit me. For some reason, my arrest had captured the attention of the Alliance. I'd earned a bit of notoriety running my gang, and some of the brass in the Alliance recruited people just like me. Wrong sort of the tracks. A rough edge to them. We were perfect candidates to be moulded into soldiers. Maybe it was because they thought we had little to live for so would be willing to die for the cause?

Just under fifty thousand people called Arcturus home and there was a large entertainment area full of restaurants, bars and other amenities to keep people millions of miles from home happy to be living on a space station. I knew that I couldn't head out, get drunk, and cause trouble. Not with my recent promotion and the fact my ship would be departing soon.

I found a small pub to perhaps sink a couple of drinks in peace and quiet. Most of the time, I was out with the guys and girls from the Roughnecks. We drank to excess, sometimes enjoyed a fight with idiots who thought fighting serving men and women would prove something, and then I'd end up fucking someone that I served alongside, fraternisation rules be damned, or I'd find a girl either willing to fuck or was happy to be paid for the time.

Sipping at my third glass of whiskey, some cheap brand that needed ice and a touch of water to make it somewhat palatable, I glanced to my left to see a rather gorgeous woman had taken a stool next to the empty one to my right. She had shoulder-length mahogany hair, a rather pale complexion that suggested life spent on a space station or a ship.

She ordered a vodka and orange and took a sip before she glanced my way and smiled. I immediately guessed at her age being somewhat similar to mine. She wore civilian clothing though most people on Arcturus were either in the service or in politics, at least in one form or another. I think I returned a smile though it wasn't always the most genuine of gestures.

I learned her name was Jane Shepard. That caused my jaw to drop before I did chuckle. "What's so funny?" she asked.

I offered my hand and introduced myself. "Mark Shepard though most people just call me Shepard," I replied.

She took the offered hand and that same smile returned. "Long lost siblings?"

"No idea. I do wonder if we share the same background. Orphan back on Earth."

"Mother serves in the military. I grew up in space."

"Captain Shepard? I've heard about her as I've been asked a few times if we're related. I've never been told if my surname was the one I was born with or just given it at the orphanage."

"Never been asked about me?"

"What's your ranking?"

"Lieutenant-Commander."

"Commander though my promotion to this rank is recent. But no, I've only ever been asked about Captain Hannah Shepard. She's your mother?"

"The one and only. She was the inspiration for my service."

We shared a little conversation until the penny seemed to drop and she met my eyes. Hers were almost emerald, sparkling in the low light of the few lights atop the bar. She rested a softer hand than I expected on my forearm. "Are you the Shepard?" she asked softly.

"What Shepard are you talking about? My life hasn't been easy and I'm sure the media has more than one name for someone like me. If you read the biography of my life so far."

"Well, from everything that I've heard or read over the past couple of years, you got by a couple of names. Some would call you the Defender of Elysium for your heroic actions that saved thousands of people from being taken as slaves. Others… Well, no one human but I'm aware that the batarians hate your very existence and call you the Butcher of Torfan."

I drained my glass and cleared my throat. "Well, I can assure you that hate is returned tenfold after everything I discovered on Torfan."

"Every single Alliance soldier supported what you did."

I gestured for fresh drinks as I met her eyes. "You might not say that if you knew some of the things I did."

"Doesn't matter. Just like Elysium, you were protecting humanity. And we all know what the batarians are capable of. We know what they're up to. Their nose has been out of joint ever since the Council allowed us to start expanding near their space."

Fresh drinks were placed in front of us, clinking glasses and enjoying a sip of each. We continued to make small talk as we discussed our careers. She was impressed to hear that I was an N7 as every soldier was aware of how gruelling the program was. She admitted to being happy in her position though hoped to progress in the years to come. I asked about her family. She admitted her parents were divorced and she spent far more time in the company of her mother, despite the fact she was constantly serving on ships. No other siblings and she was single.

After a few more drinks, we ended up in a club that was playing a mixture of turns. All of it was human though clubs across various human worlds and space stations would play music from across the galaxy. Some of it was familiar. Others… were not…

The music grew slower as the night wore on. She didn't hesitate in stepping into my body, her eyes lifting towards mine as her hands rested on my back. I could feel the strength in her arms as I gave her a gentle squeeze in return, moving my hands down towards her arse.

"Are you taking liberties, Shepard?"

"You know it's really fucking weird that we have the same last name. The only relief is that we don't look the same… Your mother… You know…"

The almost-asked question made her chuckle. "No, Shepard. I'm definitely not your sister." I sighed with relief as she rested her head against my chest as we continued to sway with the music. "Saying that, I don't fuck on the first date." I laughed at the blunt remark. "What I would like to be is a confidant though, if you'd like one."

"Guess I am going to be spending a lot of time on a ship in the near future."

"I have an inkling what you might think of yourself because of certain things, but I'll say this. You've done what you needed to do. First to survive. And then to protect humanity, ordinary people and those who are serving."

We stayed until it was early the next morning, Jane leading me by hand to a residential complex. She explained that her mother had her own apartment on Arcturus but that she would make use of it when her mother wasn't around. She opened the front door and glanced back with another smile, asking if I wanted to come in for a drink.

Sitting back on the couch in the living room, she returned from the kitchen with a bottle of liquor and a pair of glasses. She kicked off her shoes and curled her legs once she was sat next to me. We continued to make small talk though as we consumed liquor, things did grow rather personal. I admitted that I simply wasn't someone for relationships.

"A string of broken hearts?" she half-joked.

"Nothing like that. Once I was in the service, I was all in. Completely committed. And to be honest, given my upbringing and then my service, I just didn't think that getting involved in anything long-term would be a good idea."

"You get involved with those in your squad?"

I couldn't help smirking. "Regularly, to be honest. No better way to blow off steam than to get naked with a fit young woman and have some fun. You?"

"I knew serving would make romance difficult. You know, having heard and read about you… I would have thought you to be a little more arrogant, Shepard. There is a confidence about you, but when I saw you in the bar, you were away with your thoughts. And I just thought you were handsome anyway."

That made me laugh before I shuffled closer to her. Silence descended before she practically leapt on me. Within seconds, she was straddling my lap and her face broke out in a grin as she would have felt something solid underneath her. My hands moved quickly to remove her jacket before I slid them underneath the shirt she was wearing.

"I thought you said…"

"We're just making out, Shepard."

We were down to our underwear rather quickly as we stood up and she walked backwards, leading me towards the bedroom. Low lighting came on as we tumbled onto the bed together, quickly removing her bra to reveal a pair of wonderfully perky breasts. Her body was tight and defined, soft moans as my mouth moved down to her breasts, taking a very pink and hard nipple into my mouth as I felt her back arch underneath me.

"Fuck," she whispered, "It's been a while, Shepard."

I glanced up to see her green eyes gazing down at me. The desire in them had me grinning as I moved from one breast to the other, earning numerous moans of pleasure while my other hand moved down to between her legs. The thin fabric of her panties was soaked through already, earning a whimper as I felt her up over the fabric.

Kissing down her body, I couldn't help but marvel at her body, a reminder of the women that I'd been with in my own unit. They were all fitness personified and also willing to fuck at the drop of a hat. Once I reached the band of her panties, she moved her legs so I could easily slide them off. Spreading her legs for me, she was almost completely bare, just a small strip of pubic hair leading to her pussy.

"Shepard…" I met her eyes, and the wanton need made me grin. "Fuck me."

"I enjoy…"

"Next time. I just need to be fucked tonight."

"I thought you didn't fuck on the first date?"

"Got to be honest… I said that to convince myself. I knew within thirty seconds that you'd be inside me by the end of the night."

Her eyes lit up when I slid off my underwear as the one thing that I'd always been complimented about was my size. Not huge but I knew that I was packing something generous. Women didn't want a cock bashing their cervix constantly. That shit hurt. But if it was long enough though nice and thick, then they would usually enjoy a rather good time.

I leaned up as I placed my cock against her, leaning down to give her a soft kiss. I enjoyed how her eyes sparkled, her face changing as I slowly slid my cock inside her. Her pussy was like a furnace and felt it immediately grip my cock tightly.

"Fuck," she growled, kissing me harder, "This would be so wrong if you were my brother, Shepard…"

I stopped, met her eyes, and managed to chuckle. "It would certainly take some explaining to certain people if she walked in later this morning."

Once I was buried, it was amazing how quickly our bodies moved together. Her fingers ended up caressing my back as I gently thrust away. She would have felt the scars that were on my back and chest. I knew she'd probably ask about the tattoos as well. I liked that she was ever so eager to kiss me, keeping her moans at least a little quieter. I figured the neighbours wouldn't want to be woken up by people fucking.

"Damn," I grunted which made her smile, moving her legs so she was spread even wider, "Think I'll have to put in for R&R more often…"

"Fuck me!" she cried.

I gave her what she wanted, feeling her fingers dig into my back. It had been a little while since the last time that I'd been intimate with a woman, so it wasn't long before I felt that feeling. Warning her that I was close, I released her legs and felt them wrap around me. I raised an eyebrow, making me chuckle when she assured me that she was safe, and she needed me to cum inside her.

"It would be totally wrong if I was just about to cum in my sister," I whispered into her ear.

She managed a laugh between the moans. "Maybe we're like distant cousins or something?"

"Bah, that's not as fun or as kinky."

I felt her clutch me tightly when I finally erupted inside her. I grunted, growled and swore as I unloaded, only resting and coming to a stop once I had nothing left to give her. I turned my head and left a soft kiss on her lips, enjoying the easy smile that appeared on her face.

It didn't take long for me to get hard again, enjoying watching Jane riding my cock. She had a perfect body. Great set of tits. Toned tummy and arms. And her legs… I wasn't much of a leg man, but hers were sensational. She spun around while riding me to show off her pert arse and defined back, pulling her back so I could run my hands down the front of her body until I could fondle her pussy.

She came more than once while riding me before she slid off, ending on her hands and knees. I took great delight in slapping her arse while I fucked her harder, and I think she enjoyed another orgasm when I unloaded inside her for a second time.

After showering to wash away the sweat and other bodily secretions, we laid back in bed, Jane lying on her side and resting against me. "I know we might not see each other often, but would you like to see each other again?" I asked.

I felt her soft lips on my cheek. "Absolutely. We'll keep in touch and just see where we are."

"Jane… I've never been a one-woman man. As I said…"

"I'm not expecting anything except your company every so often, Shepard. I'm focused more on my career. I have no interest in a family of my own. My life will be about career and service."

"That works for me then."

The next morning, she made us both a coffee before we dressed to leave for the day. Before walking out of the apartment, she stopped me so we could share one last kiss. And it was one hell of a last kiss. Good enough that she pressed her body into mine and would have felt my erection. The look in her eyes suggested that she was thinking about the bedroom rather than her office.

Returning to the Normandy as the ship was in the final stages of preparation to depart, I spent most of my time either keeping fit or in consultation with Captain Anderson about the ship, its role in the Alliance Navy and the future that would bring. I had an inkling there was something that he wasn't telling me, but I was his subordinate and not privy to all the information.

Two days later, we departed Arcturus. There had already been numerous test drills, but Captain Anderson wanted to put the ship through its paces for a couple of weeks before we would finally get onto the job required. I was no engineer but did take an interest in how the ship worked. The experimental drive core. The fact the ship could 'run silent'. A frigate wasn't exactly the largest ship, and we didn't need a big crew, so things were not too cramped on board. Only the captain had his own quarters. Even the XO had to bunk with the rest.

There had been no fanfare when we departed Arcturus as all the razzamatazz had occurred when the ship had been unveiled. It was only when we were hailed by a turian frigate and took a turian soldier aboard that I finally learned what was going on. We'd departed earlier than planned due to the discovery of a Prothean artefact on one of our colony worlds by the name of Eden Prime. As for the turian soldier, his name was Nihlus. He was a Council Spectre and was accompanying us for two reasons. One, the Council had received the same news about the Prothean artefact. And two… I was being assessed as a candidate to become a Council Spectre. A first for humanity.

When I asked Anderson about that, he had a knowing smirk. "Spectres can do whatever is necessary to achieve their goal. They have very few if any rules placed upon them by the Council. The Alliance know all about your background, Shepard. You're the type of soldier who will get shit done."

"Whatever the cost?" I had to ask.

"I know that you'd do your best to minimise civilian casualties."

I met his eyes, and he knew that I would. I was a bastard, but I didn't want innocent people to die. Well, innocent humans… And maybe a few of the other galactic races. I'd had little to do with what we'd once termed 'aliens' simply as I hadn't been near their space very often. Never visited the Citadel nor any other homeworld of the asari or turians, for example. I think people still called them aliens though we now use the term 'race' or 'species'.

"Is that what the meeting was about, sir?" I had to ask, "It wasn't just about the posting to this ship?"

"There was a dual purpose, but it does explain why Ambassador Udina was in the meeting. Your name has been submitted to the Council as humanity's candidate for the next intake of Spectre recruits. Given your track record, there were very few in the service who came close."

"And the Council are not worried about events on my record such as Torfan?"

"They consider it a matter between humanity and the batarians. They would rather we don't go to war with the batarians, and they do warn us about our expansion into areas of space that are outside Council Space. The batarians have complained to the Council more than once about our activities, but I know that the Council are more supportive of us than them. I think they see our military power as an advantage to have onside, in addition to the fact we don't flagrantly deal in the slave trade."

"What can you tell me about Nihlus?"

"Firstly, you'll be working alongside him as he assesses your candidacy. I don't know him well, but what I've learned is that he's one of the best. It's why he was selected to watch you." Anderson paused and leaned back in his chair. "Getting a human into the Spectres will be the first step towards humanity getting a seat on the Council. The major stumbling block is the asari. Given their long lives, they play the long game. The turians respect us as a military force but think we're still too green. Civilised, but prone to being brutes."

"Says the militarised people with the largest military in the galaxy."

He shrugged before continuing. "The salarians… To be honest, no one knows what they're thinking most of the time. But if we get the asari on our side, then I reckon the turians will follow them, and the salarians will simply use us to their advantage."

"So, what you're saying is that there is pressure on my shoulders?"

"I'll be honest. Yes, there is a lot of pressure though I'm sure you're used to that by now. What should make you feel better is that the entire Alliance brass has thrown their support behind you. Yes, you have a couple of marks on your record given certain events, but they also know those marks make you the perfect candidate. The turians will probably respect you immediately for how you deal with things. The salarians will be inscrutable as always though will try and get you on their side. As for the asari…"

"Use the fact that they seem very interested in human males?"

That made Anderson chuckle. "Always use an advantage."

We arrived in orbit of Eden Prime and I knew things were going sideways when we received a transmission from the ground that did not bode well for what should have been a simple collection job. Trying to raise anyone else planet side after that transmission was fruitless, Anderson ordered us to prepare for action.

Things were about to get more interesting. Little did I know at the time that this was only the beginning…

*****

The dreams were vivid though I didn't recognise any of the combatants. The scenes of devastation and of slaughter were the stuff of nightmares. It was an annihilation. Whatever they were, it would have sent a chill down the spine of anyone. They appeared to be unstoppable, and those who were fighting them seemed to realise that this would be their destruction.

When I finally opened my eyes, I was greeted by the concerned gaze of Doctor Chakwas. She immediately smiled upon seeing my blue eyes. I noticed that hers were green, just like Jane's, and she kept her silver-lined hair relatively short.

"You know, Doc, I won't complain if I wake up to this view every morning," I teased.

She immediately blushed though I could sense that she appreciated the compliment. If she thought that an older woman wouldn't appeal to me, she didn't know much about my sexual history. Not that she'd have any reason to except for asking about any STI's during my medical.

"How are you feeling, Commander?" she asked.

"One hell of a headache. And given that I'm back on the ship, I'm guessing I was carried back."

"You were out cold, Commander. Something about connecting with the beacon. Lieutenant Alenko and Chief Williams…"

"She's okay?"

"Okay and feeling guilty about what happened. She blames herself for your condition. Can you sit up for me?"

I did as she asked, feeling woozy for a few seconds. She checked my eyes, and took my temperature and blood pressure before I slid off the bed. I took a couple of seconds to gain my balance before I followed her over to her desk. She mentioned something about rapid eye movement that suggested dreams. When I replied that they were nightmares, she asked me to explain.

"I'm not entirely sure, but it definitely has something to do with the beacon. I couldn't make a lot of sense out of most of it, but whatever it was… I'm not sure if it was a warning or simply a recording of a long-forgotten battle."

"I'll put that in my report, Commander. But your vitals are all as normal. Captain Anderson would like to see your report once you're up and about. Can you remember everything that happened?"

"Everything up to the beacon. Was Jenkins retrieved?"

"He was, Commander. His body will be returned to Eden Prime for burial once the situation has been calmed on the ground."

"And how was Chief Williams otherwise?"

"A couple of minor wounds. She was more worried about you."

I was inundated with attention once I walked out into the mess hall. I assured everyone that I was feeling fine and that I needed to get started on preparing my report for Captain Anderson. I knew shit was going to hit the fan about the fact that Spectre Nihlus had been killed and the beacon had been destroyed. I did take a few moments to speak to Chief Williams. She had all the appearances of a no-nonsense, take no bullshit sort of woman. Just the sort I liked, to be honest. Her brown hair was tied back in a bun. She had a gorgeous pair of dark brown eyes. When her eyes met mine, she managed a slight smile before she showed her genuine, heartfelt concern for me. When she tried blaming herself, I cut that off immediately.

"None of us had any experience with a Prothean beacon nor how it would react to our presence. The most important thing is that I'm fine though the mission went to shit." I paused before I leaned closer. "And I know you suffered losses on Eden Prime too, Chief. You need to talk about it, I know the doctor will lend an ear. And although you're not a direct subordinate given your status; I can lend an ear. And I reckon Lieutenant Alenko hovering nearby might do the same."

"Thank you, sir."

"No problem. Now I have a report to write, and I can only imagine how the Council is going to react to this debacle."

I didn't have my own room though I did have my own desk. The mission had started well enough in that we made it to the ground safely. But Private Jenkins had been killed within minutes of our landing, his shields failing immediately before he was almost ripped apart by fire from a pair of drones. Chief Williams was retreating as she was fighting back against geth.

Geth? Now that was a concern. Humanity had nothing to do with them since our arrival on the galactic stage. We'd been warned by the Council about what they were and the fact they killed anyone who encroached on their space without hesitation. So, what the hell were they doing on Eden Prime?

Don't know but the implications were a worry.

I knew the mission had gone to shit when we found Nihlus dead on the ground. The fact he'd been shot in the back of the head suggested an execution. A dock worker who had taken cover nearby mentioned another turian by the name of Saren. Why was another turian on Eden Prime? The dock worker suggested that Nihlus seemed to know Saren. He almost confirmed that Saren had executed Nihlus.

After that, it was a slog of a firefight against a bunch of geth. We also noticed a strange ship taking off in the distance, wondering if it was a geth ship or something else entirely. But I put that to the back of my mind as we finally made it to the beacon. Chief Williams had somehow activated it upon approaching it. Not her fault, and it was only after I'd managed to save her that I made a connection with it.

In the end, the mission was a complete debacle. We'd lost a fine young soldier. I hadn't known Private Jenkins very long but there had been no missing the enthusiasm. Most of the defensive forces on Eden Prime had been wiped out. The clean-up on the planet was going to take months and there would be far too many funeral services in the coming weeks. No idea what the plan for Chief Williams would be going forward as her entire unit had been wiped out.

I presented my report to Captain Anderson. I stood at ease though with my arms behind my back as he read it over.

"I don't blame you for any of this, Shepard," he said when he finished reading it, "But are you sure about this regarding Saren?"

"The dock worker we interrogated was adamant that Nihlus mentioned the name Saren before he was shot, sir."

Anderson placed the report on his desk and pinched the bridge of his nose. "This complicates matters considerably then."

"Why's that, sir?"

"Saren is a Spectre. Don't ask me yet how I know, I'll explain it later. The Council will question why Saren would execute Nihlus in such a manner. Trust me on this, we might have some support in getting a Spectre, perhaps even working our way forward to becoming a member of the Council. But any slip-up and they will see what happened on Eden Prime as a massive one, as a sign that we're not ready for any of the responsibilities."

"So, what do we do?"

"I've instructed Joker to take us to the Citadel so we can report to the Council in person. Ambassador Udina has been notified. He's not happy, but I will present your report to him and then he can deal with the Council. They might wish to speak to you in person. I'll let you know about that."

"Chief Williams, sir?"

"I've already contacted the Alliance brass about keeping her on board. Your opinion?"

"She was excellent in her support to complete the mission, sir. I would have recommended her recruitment."

"Good." He leaned back in his chair. "Williams… I might have to pull her file and see if she's related to him. How good was she, Shepard?"

"Honestly? She's far too good to be a Gunnery Chief, sir. Her expertise with weaponry. Her tactical prowess. Her grit and determination."

"And how are you feeling after your experience with the beacon?"

"Headache but I'll live, sir. How long until we're at the Citadel?"

"Bit of a journey through a few relays. Joker will announce when we're on approach. Dress blues for when we meet with the ambassador and then the Council."

"Of course, sir."

"Dismissed, for now, Shepard."

I saluted and walked out of his quarters and returned to the mess as I was absolutely starving. The food served on a ship was generally better than some of the slop the serving man or woman would receive in other areas of service. While I ate, I didn't miss the fact that most of my subordinates kept their distance and it likely wasn't due to what happened on Eden Prime. I'd noticed it from the moment that I'd walked onto the ship after I was recruited. I knew about my reputation. Not based on what happened on Elysium, but on what I did on Torfan.

After eating, I headed to the cargo bay as gym equipment was kept there as Anderson wanted to make sure that no one would get lazy. I was joined by a couple of crew members who were off duty, including a rather attractive blonde wearing a sports bra and pair of small shorts that were moulded to a rather pert bottom. I didn't stare though that didn't mean I didn't take more than one glance.

It was early morning ship-time when the Normandy exited the mass relay, and the Citadel was in the distance. I'd heard from others on the ship that practically no one except Captain Anderson had ever visited the enormous space station. I was aware of its history, apparently built by the Protheans and the centre of their empire. Or that's what people thought.

"All staff will be granted shore leave during our stay on the Citadel," Anderson told us over the comm, "You are representatives of the Alliance Navy; therefore I expect you to behave as one would expect."

Only a skeleton crew would remain on the Normandy while I gathered with Anderson outside with Lieutenant Alenko and Chief Williams. He told us that he would visit Udina first and that we would have to wait to meet the Council. It was evening time, Citadel-time, and the Council wouldn't agree to meet us until the next morning, if they didn't delay us further.

"Don't go to any of the Wards just yet," he added, "But I would also expect a quick departure depending on the outcome of the meeting. The one thing we're lacking is real evidence against Saren. It's going to be your word against his, Shepard."

I almost snorted as I knew what he was saying. The Council were going to back their own man. I kept silent and we saluted Anderson as he wandered off. Kaidan and Ashley turned to look at me. "Any ideas, Commander?" Kaidan asked.

"Might as well just wander around until Anderson gives us a call. I'm assuming that enjoying a drink isn't something we should do if I end up meeting with the Council later," I replied.

The Presidium was where the wealthy and influential inhabitants of the space station, and perhaps across the galaxy, called home. It was rather beautiful with far more greenery than I would have expected. It was filled with plenty of asari and all of them were gorgeous on first appearance. We saw a few turians and salarians about. And to prove it was the centre of commerce and trade, there were volus shopkeepers and bankers, known around the galaxy as being the galaxy's merchants.

We hovered around the embassy area, finding a coffee shop where we could sit back, enjoy a hot drink and simply watch the world go by.

"What do you think will happen, Commander?" Ashley wondered, "Think they'll deny it all?"

I took a sip of my drink and considered the question. "Probably should have dragged the dock worker back to the ship, see if he could provide an accurate description of this Saren."

"I'm just wondering why he attacked the colony," Kaidan questioned aloud, "And that ship which seemed to be his. Wasn't like any sort of ship that I've ever seen before. Was it a geth ship or something else?"

"Probably one of those turians that still hates humans," Ashley suggested, "I know there are plenty of humans out there that'll never trust them in return. Hell, I think a lot of people don't trust anyone outside of humanity. On their end, they're just like everyone else. Their primary concern is their own species."

"Given this some thought, Chief?" I asked.

"I'm a Williams, sir. Trust me, I know how certain people feel." I kept my eyes on her and waited for her to continue. The penny had dropped already but I wondered if she would be honest. I glanced at Kaidan, and he had a blank look so I think he didn't put two and two together. "My grandfather was General Williams, Commander of the Shanxi garrison. The first and only human commander to surrender to an alien force. The stigma has followed my family ever since."

"I read that he… died in disgrace," Alenko muttered, "But I've never heard the full story."

"It was surrender or watch everyone under his command die," Ashley retorted, "The turians made tactics used back on Earth seem mild in comparison. The bombardment was absolutely brutal. Thousands of innocents were slaughtered during their assault. He had no choice but to surrender to save those he could. Yet he was the only one blamed for what happened, and his life was ruined because of it. And not just his life. My uncle… Let's just say that his reputation was one thing, but I know for a fact that the Alliance ensured he never rose too far."

"And it's the same for you," I said, "Because it's obvious to me that you're far too skilled for your position, Chief."

That earned a tight smile. "Thank you for saying that, sir. But I knew what I was in for when I signed up to serve. My uncle tried to talk me out of it given what happened to him, but I was adamant that I won't let my name stop me."

I was surprised that my Omni-tool lit up on my left wrist, a message from Anderson ordering us to the Alliance Embassy immediately. The three of us shared a surprised look before we were up and walking briskly towards the embassy area. The human receptionist looked up and knew who we were immediately, gesturing for us to enter.

Udina looked at us as we approached. He managed to retain a neutral look on his face though I could read body language enough. He wasn't a happy man.

"It might be late at night, but the Council are willing to meet with us immediately as they want answers," he told me, "Anderson has given me your full report. I hope you're right about this Saren, Commander."

"Nihlus was clearly executed, Ambassador. Lieutenant Alenko and Chief Williams can testify to that fact. And given that Nihlus was a Spectre, only another Spectre could get the drop on him." I paused before I glanced at Anderson. "Unless the Council somehow manage to think that we did it?"

"They won't think that," Anderson assured me, "But we're being called in as the Council has managed to make contact with Saren. They will hear his side and then ask for our report. It will be up to them to decide. They may ask us for more proof if they cannot come to a decision immediately."

Udina and Anderson told me to wait so they could discuss events with the Council before Saren and I would be given a chance to give our version of accounts. The three of us walked towards the Council Tower where the Council Chambers were located near the top. I did wonder if my companions thought I was nervous. I wasn't feeling any nerves. I knew there was a very good chance that my report would be dismissed.

Anderson eventually sent me a quick message to get to the Council Chambers pronto. The elevator ride-up provided a spectacular view of the Presidium. Walking out of the elevator, following signs that would lead us to the main chamber where the Council would meet us, we were stopped by a turian. I was naturally cautious due to the events currently underway.

"Commander Shepard?" he asked.

"Yeah. And you are?"

"Garrus Vakarian. I wanted to speak to you before you meet with the Council. I'm aware of the report you made regarding Saren's attack on Eden Prime. I was asked to investigate it by Executor Pallin."

"What did you find?"

I think he almost scoffed. "Stonewalled wherever I started to look in all honesty, Commander. Something stinks here. I know Saren by reputation. Pulling something like this on Eden Prime? I wouldn't put it past him. I just can't figure out why."

"Any reason why he'd be interested in a Prothean beacon?" Alenko asked.

"The only one that I can think of is to embarrass humanity. Truth be told, he hates humans. Stems from what you call the First Contact War. He lost family during the battle."

"What do you need from me?"

"Nothing yet, Commander. Just that there are those here who know that Saren is dirty. But given that he's practically untouchable, and he can just invoke his Spectre status to cover up his crimes, you're going to need some ironclad evidence to have the Council turn on one of their own."

"Thanks for the warning."

Garrus was right, of course. Saren denied our accusations, and even though my report was thorough and backed by both Lieutenant Alenko and Chief Williams, Saren had answers that seemed to satisfy the Council. Anderson seemed to have a surprisingly bitter feud with Saren as their argument got rather personal. Udina did his best to argue the case, I'll give him that.

But it was all for naught. We didn't have enough evidence. My report might have been based on fact, but it wasn't enough. Udina was unhappy and was still moaning when we returned to the embassy, talking about how humanity would never get a fair deal as long as we were not members of the Council. He looked ready to turn his ire on me. I gave him a look that suggested that might not be a good idea. He wasn't in the chain of command, and I knew that my reputation worked in my favour at certain times.

He decided to give Anderson a few curt words though they lacked any real passion. Noticing my curious look, Anderson explained a few things. He'd been the first human to be submitted as a Spectre candidate twenty years earlier. And that was where the feud with Saren began. The turian didn't believe that humanity was ready or worthy of making the achievement so quickly. And given his distaste for humanity, he did everything possible to thwart Anderson's recruitment.

"But we do have a lead," I suggested once we sat around his desk, Kaidan and Ashley standing nearby though I knew they'd be eavesdropping. "I ran into a turian before entering the meeting. Garrus Vakarian…"

Udina nodded immediately. "He was the C-Sec officer that the Council had investigating Saren. I know Executor Pallin would be doing everything in his power to bring down Saren. Hates the very idea of the Spectres. You think you can track him down, Commander?"

"I don't see why not. I'll ask Pallin and go from there."

"Are you one hundred percent sure that Saren is guilty?" Udina asked. I could have thrown the question back in his face. But I'm not stupid. We couldn't face the Council again just to be embarrassed. We needed to be sure. The evidence needed to be irrefutable.

"Saren was there, Ambassador. I didn't see him myself, but we have an eyewitness, and we also have history. I don't exactly know why he wanted the beacon, but I categorically believe that he was there on Eden Prime to prevent us from completing our mission. He killed Nihlus to make us look stupid. It's obvious that he has an axe to grind against humanity and will do all he can to prevent us from ever having a Spectre and perhaps one day making it onto the Council."

Udina leaned back in his chair, Anderson waiting for the reply. Udina finally cleared his throat and leaned forward. "Do whatever you must, Commander. I'm aware of your record. I know you'll do what is necessary though without collateral. Do that now. If anyone stands in your way, deal with them though try and stay on the right side of the law."

"I'm not sure what Saren is up to. It's clear he's up to something, and I'm not sure of the timeframe," Anderson added, "The ship will remain prepped and ready in case we need a quick exit."

"I'll look for Vakarian and go from there," I replied, "I'll see what evidence he found and might even talk to Pallin."

"He's aware of your Spectre candidacy so don't expect too much help from him. But while he might not know much about you, I know he had a feud with Saren. Use that to your advantage," Udina suggested.

I checked the time and was surprised to see that hours had passed since we'd docked on the Citadel, and by ship-time, it was well after midnight. We agreed to get some shut-eye and start looking into the main issues the next morning. Doctor Chakwas asked me to step into the med-bay for a quick check-up, worried about any lingering issues after my contact with the beacon. She gave me a clean bill of health, gently warning me to visit should I suffer further headaches or other problems.

Before heading to bed, I found Chief Williams in the mess nursing a mug of something warm. She managed a tight grin as I sat opposite her with my own hot drink.

"What's that?" she asked.

I glanced around before I leaned closer and whispered, "Don't tell anyone, but the Butcher enjoys the occasional hot chocolate." That earned a small chuckle. "You okay?" I had to ask, "Divulged some personal information earlier."

"Just thought you should know, sir."

"Call me Shepard. We're off the clock right now."

"Then I'm Ash…" She sipped at her drink and met my eyes. "Think the Council will actually do anything about Saren?"

"I don't think they'll have a choice if we have the evidence. That means we've got to find it. First thing tomorrow, I'll go speak to Pallin then try and find this Vakarian. Hopefully he won't be hard to find. Then it's about building a case… Jesus wept, sounds like I'm a detective rather than a marine."

Her eyes moved to the artwork on my left arm which was visible from my elbow to wrist though it travelled up under my shirt to my shoulder. On my right arm, the artwork only went from shoulder to elbow so was barely visible. I saw her eyes before she asked, "Any of it mean something?"

"Some of it represents Elysium. Some of it represents Torfan. Then there's my service and my life on the streets before that."

"I remember reading an article about you a while ago. You were rather blunt about your upbringing."

"Nothing to hide. I figured that I might as well put it all out there to see so the media couldn't come after me later about shit that happened years ago. I also didn't want anyone feeling sorry for me. Last thing I need is anyone's pity. I was lucky that the Alliance did see something in me otherwise I'd have ended up in jail and probably back on the streets."

"What do you think about Udina?"

I couldn't hold back the scoff that earned a light chuckle in return. "Self-serving politician. I'll use him to my advantage. I've met plenty of people like him in the service."

"And the captain?"

"Good man. Good leader. I was surprised about the fact he was one of the first Spectre candidates, but that just proves how good he is."

I was lying back in my bunk that evening. The only privacy provided was a curtain. I was dozing off when I heard my Omni-tool lightly chime to let me know that a message had come in. I opened it up and felt myself smiling.

JS: You've ruined me, Shepard. I'm lying back here on my bed, and I can't sleep because I keep thinking about… Well, you… Or at least what you did to me the other night.

I had to take a little time to think of how to reply. She knew that I wasn't interested in romance. I knew she wasn't either. She had suggested occasionally meeting up for a little fun. I think she was just teasing me.

Shep: There are ways you could drift off, you know…

It wasn't long until there was a reply. Even on the other side of the galaxy, messaging was instantaneous.

JS: Well, I do have a toy or two that might remind me of you in a certain way. Damn it, Shepard, I haven't had dick that good in forever.

Shep: Jane, you're a dynamo yourself. I'm just disappointed that you stopped me from doing something else.

JS: I think if you did that, I'd have chained you to my bed.

Shep: There are worse fates in life.

Silence for a couple of minutes before there was a ding to tell me a picture file had arrived. I opened it to see Jane sitting on the floor in front of her bed. Legs were spread to show off a glistening pussy. Her nipples were hard and her breasts were as perky as I could remember. The look in her eyes as she stared into the mirror was one of a woman needing some sort of release.

JS: Just a little something for you to remember me by.

Shep: I'm currently in a three-tier bunk, Jane. Send me too many of them and I'll be off to the bathroom for relief of my own.

JS: I know you're probably busy, but when you have some proper R&R…

Shep: Chances are my life is going to get interesting. Maybe I could head there. Or maybe you could make it to the Citadel?

JS: Only ever been there once. You know I'm a desk jockey, unlike my mother. I just like to keep in top shape.

Shep: And it showed when we were together. Terrific stamina.

JS: Totally needed to enjoy your dick for as long as I could manage.

Shep: I'll keep in touch about meeting up again. Not sure when I'll be in the area again. Might be in and around the Citadel more often going forward.

JS: I'll definitely keep you notified if I find myself over that way. Might even try and get a temporary posting there if you're going to be around for a while. Give you my door code and everything.

Shep: You'd be lying back, ready for me?

JS: Don't even say hello. Just give me that dick again.

Shep: I'll keep you posted. I'd better get some shut-eye for now.

JS: I'll have a little private time and try and sleep. Talk to you later.

Fifteen minutes later, my omni-tool dinged again. This time it was a video. It was of Jane now resting on the floor on her knees, a dildo clearly inside her. One hand was fondling her pussy, the other gently playing with a nipple. She was riding the dildo faster and faster. What turned me on the most was how she moaned my name while riding the dildo. She'd obviously started filming close to her orgasm as it arrived within a couple of minutes.

The real turn-on was her removing the dildo from her pussy, staring straight into the camera, and sucking the dildo clean. "Next time we're together, I'm definitely doing this to you," she stated before winking at the camera, "And I think you'll be polite enough to return the favour."

I guess that I was still smiling at breakfast the next morning as Kaidan looked at me a couple of times before he started chuckling. I glanced back at him with a stern look, and he fell silent.

"Spit it out," I said.

"You look, well, pleased or even happy, sir. Not seen that side of you yet."

"Get good news or something last night, sir?" Ashley wondered.

"Just spent time messaging a friend."

Kaidan and Ashley shared a look before they both returned their eyes to me. "Is that friend a woman?" Ashely asked casually. I wasn't blind. She was curious as to if I was single. She certainly wouldn't be the first woman in uniform that I'd had fun with.

"It is… We met on Arcturus. She's still there. We're just talking. Nothing more."

Finishing our breakfast, I told the pair to head down to the armoury so we could kit up. They were a little surprised at the order so as we were assembling ourselves in our armour, I thought it wise to explain.

"I have no doubt that Saren has a vast network of spies and associates who are willing to do his bidding. There's no doubt he's influential and powerful. And given what he knows, I reckon he would have activated assets on the Citadel in an attempt to stop us. Whether we end up in pitched battles or not, I don't know. But I won't go unprepared."

"Right you are, sir," Kaidan stated, "What's the first objective?"

"I had a quick word with Anderson before joining you down here. He mentioned a C-Sec officer by the name of Harkin. We find him, we'll find Vakarian. After that, we follow the breadcrumbs until we get the information that we need."

Once we were armoured and armed, the three of us returned to the Citadel to begin the search.