Mass Effect: Cry Out For a Hero

"Getting any readings from the planet, specifically geth signatures?"

Joker fiddled with his display but answered in the negative. I asked other crew members as they were all working on different systems. Pressly shook his head and suggested that weather was likely causing interference with our instruments.

We'd arrived in the Horse Head Nebula cluster a couple of hours ago and flew into the Pax System. I knew we were outside Council and Alliance space. It's why so many companies were now setting up on Noveria. They could contravene any lawful conventions and research matters that were outlawed elsewhere in the galaxy. I had no doubt they'd be stupid enough to continue research into Artificial Intelligence and eventually have the planet destroyed by it.

"Um, Commander, I can already tell that planetary defences are tracking us. And I bet they will have no problem blowing us out of the sky, Alliance ship or not."

"Take us in carefully, Joker. Open a channel to the planet."

Before I could get a word out, the traffic controller on the ground said that our ship was not a registered arrival and should leave immediately. I retorted by telling him my name, my rank and that I was a Council Spectre and that I would be landing. I heard chatter in the background as I knew that they'd be itching to blow me and my ship up. Having done plenty of reading since leaving the Citadel, I knew Noveria had a million secrets that they didn't want to be shared with the rest of the galaxy. I also knew that they wouldn't exactly roll out the welcome mat for us because of that.

We were cleared to land though warned that a welcoming party would be greeting us to establish our identities. I assumed as much and just cut the channel. My entire team was waiting nearby.

"Take us in, Joker. Nice and easy. I don't exactly want them to start firing at us when we're coming into dock. I have no doubt that I'm going to do something to really piss them off while I'm here."

"Aye, Commander. Though I don't think they'd be stupid enough to fire on a Council Spectre." I gave him a look as he glanced at me. "Well, then again, humans can be pretty fucking dumb, right?"

"Exactly. So again, let's not give them a reason to be colossally stupid."

Turning back to my team, I could see the wry amusement on the faces of Kaidan and Ashley. They would be used to dealing with this sort of shit by now. Wrex looked eager just to get off the ship. He'd told me stories about what it was like when you had a group of krogan on a small ship. It usually led to fighting. Liara was wearing some light body armour that Ashley found for her with a new sidearm at her hip. Tali was jittery though I knew that was from excitement. Garrus was his usual inscrutable self. I just couldn't read turian facial expressions yet. I figured that I'd learn the longer we were together.

"We're going to be receiving a rather warm welcome," I deadpanned, "In our favour is that I'm a Council Spectre. They can't exactly stop me going where I want. But I know that anyone in authority is going to throw whatever roadblock they can in my face. Keep your eyes peeled and we'll see what we can find. Reports are that there are geth on the planet. I have no idea what else we're going to find, but my gut feeling is that there is something here. I don't think Saren is, but something that'll help us bring that bastard down."

Magnetic clamps locked the Normandy in place. We passed through the airlock and out into fresh air. It was bitterly cold, feeling and hearing the wind whip through the docks. The only one that didn't seem bothered by it was Tali.

The welcoming committee was waiting nearby. Three of them. I was a little surprised to see that a turian was one of them though figured that those in charge on Noveria wanted good defensive options, and going to the turians for help did make sense.

"Hello, Commander. I am Captain Matsuo, Elanus Risk Control Services. We are responsible for all security matters pertaining to Port Hanshan and the entirety of those operating on Noveria."

"Commander Shepard. Council Spectre."

"I am not aware of any humans that have been a Council Spectre, Commander. That being the case, until we can confirm your identity and status, you will need to hand over your weapons and come with us."

I laughed. "Lady, if you think that you can detain me or take my weapons, you're dreaming."

I heard weapons being withdrawn behind me though I kept my hands free and loose. The turian and blonde woman to either side of Captain Matsuo had their weapons in hand just as quick though Captain Matsuo followed my example.

"Commander, this does not need to be a bloodbath. We simply cannot allow unidentified people to wander around while armed."

"He's not a Spectre, Captain. This is the Alliance playing their usual games," the blonde woman spat.

"Hush, Sergeant. I'm not going to accuse the Commander here is a liar without proof." She met my eyes again. "I'm afraid we're at an impasse, Commander. I will not allow you entry while you are still armed."

Before I could retort, another voice echoed over a loudspeaker that my identity was verified. I was a Council Spectre and would therefore be allowed access onto Port Hanshan for the time being. Captain Matsuo looked pleased though the blonde woman scowled in my direction. I had a feeling she just didn't like people in the Alliance. My armour was black with an N7 logo. Ashley and Kaidan both wore Alliance armour.

Captain Matsuo was at least polite to me as I walked past, wishing me a safe stay. I met her eyes and wondered if she meant more than a few simple words. The suspicion that I already had about the place had me cautious and I knew that this visit wasn't going to be easy.

I met the woman who intervened moments later at the official entry point. Introducing herself as Gianna Parasini, there was no missing the fact she was gorgeous. The dress she was wearing was almost moulded to her curves. With a name like hers, the Italian heritage was obvious. I was a little surprised to hear that she knew exactly who I was.

"Most people here don't care about what goes on elsewhere. As far as I'm concerned, you were big news, Commander…"

"Shepard, Miss Parasini."

She smiled and replied, "Well, call me Gianna then."

I heard Wrex start laughing behind me. "Okay, I'm taking bets. How long?"

"What's he talking about?" she wondered.

"Never mind. Gianna, there are a few reasons that I'm here though the most important is the rumour of geth activity. I'm guessing geth wouldn't just come through the front door here, so the question is have you had any unusual visitors recently? Or perhaps the sort of visitor that would provoke a similar sort of reaction to my arrival?"

"Let me check the logs."

"Anyone by the name of Saren Arterius? He's a fellow Spectre."

"No. No one by that name but let's see… Hmmm… Yes, right there as it was a little unusual. An asari matriarch by the name of Lady Benezia arrived recently."

"Goddess. Mother is here?" Liara whispered behind me.

"Where did she go?"

"It says here that she travelled straight towards Peak 15… Hmmm… With the weather out there, the entire area is under lockdown. The only person who may give you clearance to depart is Anoleis. He's the administrator and de facto person in charge of Port Hanshan. If you need to get anywhere except here, you'll need to go through him."

"And I'm guessing that he won't be cooperative?"

"While I won't lie and suggest watching you punch him in the face won't be amusing, it won't make him budge." She handed me a pile of cards. "This will grant you access to most areas of Port Hanshan. Your crew can also come and go though they will be monitored. Do you know how long you will be staying?"

"Well, as long as it takes to find Lady Benezia and find out why she's here."

"Very well. I'll leave you to it for now. Come to my office if you need anything else."

I watched her walk away, her hips swaying, the back of a dress moulded to her arse. Definitely Italian heritage. Wonderful curves. Turning back to my group, Liara almost looked ill. Asking if she was okay, she met my eyes with a determined gaze.

"She has answers, Shepard. We must find her. But… um…."

"I trust you, Liara. It's fine."

We spent a couple of hours getting the lay of the land, splitting up so we didn't look too conspicuous though it would have been obvious to even the untrained eye that we were not the local security. Nearly everyone kept their distance from us. I didn't really blame them. There were shops, cafes and bars, left with the feeling that many had been snowed in and were stuck in Port Hanshan away from their facilities elsewhere. I knew companies were spread far and wide, figuring that many would take air transport.

Once I was by myself, I wandered towards the administrative offices and found Gianna behind a desk. She saw me approaching and dazzled me with a smile. Maybe I'd made a decent first impression.

"I don't suppose Anoleis would be willing to speak to me right now?"

"I can certainly ask. I don't think he'd rightfully refuse to speak to a Council Spectre. Ever dealt with a salarian before?"

"Not without help."

"Well, I wish you good luck."

"Chances of getting a pass out of here?"

"Honestly? Zero. I'm sure you've noticed all the cameras around. Most of them are tracking you and your friends. If he lets you out of Port Hanshan, the powers that be can't watch you any longer. Do what you can but I wouldn't get your hopes up."

She was right about one thing. I didn't know how to deal with salarians. He talked at a mile a minute and, I'll admit, he talked rings around me. I did consider either punching him in his face or just shooting him, but I knew that would cause an incident and things would just get worse from there. He bluntly told me that I wouldn't be getting a pass to leave and that if I did try that my entire team would be arrested and held until those in charge decided what to do. When I suggested that my Spectre status trumped that, he just got this look on his face that I took as a silent warning.

"Fucking salarians," I muttered as I strode out of his office.

I was walking out of the area when I felt a hand on my forearm, turning to see Gianna behind me. She looked around and led me into a corner.

"No cameras are looking here but I don't have much time. Look, I heard your conversation with Anoleis. He's a slippery fucker and knows what he's doing. I can tell you this about Port Hanshan and Noveria in general. Nearly everyone is corrupt. However, Anoleis recently accused a turian, Lorik Qui'in, of corruption. Thing is, he's probably one of the few people on this planet that is clean. Look for him and see what he can offer in return. He's probably your only way out of here for now."

"And you?"

"Anoleis will no doubt be wondering why I let you in in the first place. Don't worry, I have no doubt this is all going to be rather entertaining. Life is rather dull in these parts."

Meeting with my team a few minutes later after messaging them to meet up, they all echoed the same thing. Corruption was rife. Everyone was playing the game, whether it was to make credits or gain the upper hand in a negotiation. Some were even dealing in weaponry and other matters that could have implications elsewhere in the galaxy.

"It's fucking lawless here, Skipper," Ashley stated, "I'm surprised the Alliance allows this to go unchecked."

"What's your next move, Commander?" Alenko asked.

"I'm to find a turian and find out if he can help me. Stay here for now and I'll find him. He's been arrested though hasn't been charged. Gianna sent me a description so hopefully I'll find him drowning his sorrows nearby."

I eventually found Lorik in one of the many bars with more than one empty glass in front of him. When he looked up and met my eyes, he didn't recognise me though he recognised the uniform. That seemed to sober him up immediately as he gestured to the empty chair across from him. Gesturing for a waitress, he ordered a drink before he looked at me.

"Won't look natural if you're not sharing a drink with me, Commander," he stated.

He spoke sense. If I was being watched, he would be as well. I ordered a beer and relaxed back in the chair. We made small talk about nothing in particular while waiting for our drinks. After we'd taken a sip of those drinks after arriving, we got down to business.

"I'm not exactly sure why you're here, Commander. I have kept abreast of the news though. Congratulations are in order. And if you're here, I'm guessing you're not to just take in the sights of Port Hanshan. You want out."

"You're correct. I need to get to Peak 15."

"And I know Anoleis is not going to give someone like you a pass. Good news for you is that I have one that will get you out of here, no questions asked. Bad news for you is that I'm not giving it to you for free."

"I assumed as much. What do you need?"

"My name cleared. I have evidence that Anoleis is as crooked as they come. But I'm sure that I don't need to tell you that he's covered his tracks. That was until I started looking for evidence against him. And I got it. But before I could bring the hammer down, he had me arrested on a list of charges. All of them fake. Some of them were of the crimes he committed."

"Where's the evidence?"

"Locked up in my office at Synthetic Insights. It's under heavy guard right now. Spectre or not, I don't think they'll play ball. I'd hope that you could complete the job without killing anyone, but I know these guards. Some of them are major pricks and will be itching for a fight."

"I'll do what I can."

I groaned to myself as I walked away. I knew it wasn't going to be easy but I had a feeling this was just the start. Do this. Do that. Solve all our problems, then you can get on with what you're actually here to do. I must have had a face of thunder as I rejoined my team as I didn't miss the shared glances. I explained what we needed to do and suggested that I was going in numbers as I had a feeling that grabbing this data was going to set off a chain reaction of events.

Following signs for Synthetic Insights, I wasn't all that surprised to find the offices were currently under guard. There were only two guards, sharing more than one glance as they watched a group of heavily armed people approaching them in return.

"Commander Shepard. Council Spectre. You now have a choice. Let me through, walk away, and live another day. Or you can try and stop me…"

"We're not stupid, Commander. We were warned that you might head this way but I'm not dying for this," one of the guards said.

The offices were extensive, and it took a few minutes to find Lorik's office. We had to break into the safe, Tali proving her skills by opening the safe within a minute and grabbing what we needed. Nothing more than an OSD though I knew such things carried enormous loads of data. We weaved our way out of the offices to find a group of guards waiting for us. In the lead was the blonde woman who had met us upon our arrival.

"Tut, tut, Commander. Breaking and entering is a crime on Port Hanshan. And I can't let you leave with that data. Why, it would implicate me and all of my friends here. And we just can't have that."

"Should have known someone like you would be on the take, bitch," Ashley muttered behind me.

"Now, now. There's no need for name-calling. But I'm afraid we can't just let you walk out and leave with that information. And now that I've confessed that I'm guilty, well…"

I laughed at her. Then I took my sidearm from its holster and put a round through her head. As she dropped to the ground, chaos erupted as the other guards were armoured but none of them wore shields. I guess they never anticipated a heavily armed group to arrive and put up a fight. And it showed. They were disorganised, ill-equipped, and obviously relied on intimidation and threats rather than any actual skill.

"Fuck this," I stated as I holstered my weapon and strode towards the elevator. We were on our way to meet up with Lorik when I was stopped by Gianna, who had a rather amused look on her face.

"What is this I'm hearing about a gun battle, Shepard?"

"Gianna, I could try and bullshit you. Simple fact is that Lorik asked me to get him evidence and I wasn't going to allow some guards to stop me from getting it. Granted, I shot first…"

"Bitch deserved it. Should have shot her the first time we met," Ashley said.

"Look, before you hand over that evidence, I need you to meet with me. Can you do that?"

"When and where?"

"Tonight. The bar at Skadi Hotel. It's the best in Port Hanshan. I'll make it worth your while, I promise."

I almost sighed as I assumed that she was going to request a favour. But considering the rampant corruption, and the opportunity to well and truly nail Anoleis and perhaps numerous others, I finally nodded my agreement. "I'm going back to my ship and getting changed, at least. I don't want to spend all day in my armour."

Returning to the ship, I dismissed everyone else until I had the situation resolved. Now that I'd proven that I was willing to use force, if necessary, I knew that Captain Matsuo would see sense and have the guards give me a wide berth going forward. Anoleis had probably been informed and I did wonder what his reaction would be.

I dressed in my Alliance blues as always. To be honest, I still had little in the way of civilian clothing. Things had happened so quickly since Eden Prime that I just hadn't given it much thought. Ashley was waiting near the airlock dressed casually. I asked if she would spend time off the ship.

"Just wondering what your plans are with your new friend," she teased.

"I've got a feeling about what she wants from me."

"And not just your big dick?"

"Jesus, Ash…"

"Come on, Shepard. Wrex has been taking bets on your nailing her. Despite what you might think about yourself, you do have a certain rugged charm. And she probably hasn't met anyone like you with the type of men she's been surrounded by."

"Well, you might be right about that."

"I do love the dress blues on you, Shepard. Ever so handsome."

I shrugged my shoulders. "Don't have much in the way of casual stuff." She was wearing a tight t-shirt and shorts. "I like what you're wearing."

She smiled and stepped closer towards me. "Nothing underneath as well, Shepard," she whispered before brushing her lips against my cheek, "Have fun tonight."

Chuckling to myself as I watched her walk back towards the galaxy map, I walked off the ship and back into Port Hanshan. I found the hotel that Gianna told me about and ordered myself a drink before I relaxed back on a small couch. I sipped at my beer for a few minutes before Gianna walked in. She'd changed her clothes, and she was an absolute knockout. She noticed me and smiled in my direction before ordering her drink at the bar.

Sitting next to me on the couch, the slit of her dress was right up to her thigh, giving me a fantastic view of a bronzed calf and thigh. The top was cut just enough to give a hint of cleavage, the pendant of a necklace giving a subtle direction as to where a man such as myself might like to look. She'd applied faint make-up, but the fact she'd released her hair from the tight bun enhanced her beauty even further.

After placing her drink down on the small table in front of us, she turned her body towards me. "Gianna Parasini. Noveria Internal Affairs."

"You're a cop?"

"A bloody good one, Shepard. But I've been working on Anoleis for six months and he's a slippery motherfucker. Trying to get just a sniff of evidence against him has been next to impossible. The Executive Board were suspicious of his activities and sent me in to investigate. They've been growing impatient, and I thought we had him with Lorik's evidence until Anoleis fucked him. The evidence you gained won't be sufficient. I know Anoleis will be able to talk his way out of it. I need Lorik to testify to the Board."

"And what do you need me to do?"

"Convince Lorik. He's a businessman first, but like all turians, he's served in the military and still maintains that rigid structure regarding his outlook on life. You reckon that you could appeal to that?"

"I can give it a go."

"Good. You can handle that tomorrow. Tonight, you're my date."

I couldn't hold back the smirk as I sipped at my drink. "I am, am I?"

"I've been working on this case for six months. I'm single and lonely here, Shepard. There isn't a single man worth a damn. Then you come striding in and I'm just standing there at first with far too many thoughts, all of them good."

"So if it's been six months on this case, then…"

"A year, Shepard. At least a year. A girl has needs, you know?"

"I appreciate your honesty. It's probably what I enjoy most about the women I meet nowadays."

"I know you won't be here long. I'm not stupid. But I know all about you, Shepard. I think the list of women who don't know all about you would be rather short. I'm just wondering if the myth matches the man."

"I think most of what you've read is probably true. You want to get dinner and talk?"

"I'd like that a lot. I know a lovely little restaurant nearby. Import all their food from Earth. Or… Well, my apartment isn't too far away, and I can cook a mean lasagna. I'll just put on an apron while doing that, so I don't ruin my dress."

"I can't remember the last time I had a home-cooked meal."

"Come with me then."

Due to the constant snow on the ground, Port Hanshan was linked by a series of underground tunnels that led towards other residential, commercial and entertainment complexes. Gianna held my hand tightly as we strolled along, mostly discussing her case and her thoughts about life on Port Hanshan. Her apartment was rather simple. A small living room and kitchen area and a bedroom with attached bathroom. She admitted to not needing anything more as she didn't spend much time at home.

After taking off my jacket, I joined her at the kitchen bar as she told me that any time that she did spend at home, she spent it cooking. She usually cooked on a Sunday and made enough to survive the week. "It's the Italian heritage," she told me as I watched her prepare our dinner, "Although I'd have to go back a few generations for someone actually born in Italy. Kind of like people who consider themselves Irish, yet the last ancestor born there was one hundred years ago."

With dinner, she prepared some garlic bread, and she suggested a wine that would go best with the lasagna. I didn't drink wine all that often though knew it was sometimes fantastic with certain dishes. She had a small table where we could eat, and I made her smile when I couldn't help the noises that escaped my mouth as I enjoyed her meal.

"Glad you like it," she said softly.

"Food is excellent. I think it's the company that is better."

"I'm not sure if that's incredibly sweet or a cheesy line, Shepard."

"It can be both as long as I mean it."

Cleaning up was easy as she had a small dishwasher, grabbing another bottle of wine and perching ourselves on the single lounge in the living room. She slid out of her heels and positioned herself close to me. As she knew about my life, I was curious about hers. And to be honest, I enjoyed listening to her. I'd already figured out that she was forthright in her opinions.

"Grew up poor in all honesty," she admitted, "Single mother. Father disappeared not long after I was born. We had help though life was tough. But I was a good kid at school and excelled in most subjects. I always wanted to be a cop while I was growing up. Mum supported me in whatever I wanted to do. I couldn't get into C-Sec. At the time that I was applying for jobs, they were not hiring. This job in Noveria came up and I leapt at the chance."

"Is it everything you expected?"

"Sort of, I guess. There are next to no murders on Noveria, at least. Nothing too dark and grisly involving dead bodies or other crimes that send a shiver up your spine. The crimes here are all white-collar. No one is hurt, it's just fraud, embezzlement, corruption, that sort of thing. I still collar the criminal most of the time and can feel satisfied with my efforts."

"But, as you said, single and lonely?"

"Put that down to a list of shitty ex-boyfriends. And to be honest, even in this day and age, men hesitate being in a relationship with a cop."

She put her glass down on the coffee table and turned towards me, taking my glass and placing it next to hers. I wasn't blind to the attraction and leaned forward to kiss her. She kissed me back immediately though I could feel that she wanted to take this slow. I enjoyed making out with a beautiful woman like most men and Gianna was incredibly responsive. I gently ran my fingers over her body, making her smile when my fingers moved to the back of her dress and found the zipper.

I lowered that to reveal a lacey black bra, Gianna standing up to lower the dress to the floor. Her legs were bare, a small back of black lacey panties, and she quickly slid out of her heels before she smiled and straddled my lap. The heels had definitely provided height. On my lap with my hands at her waist, she was much smaller than I was.

"I'm guessing it's not been as long for you, Shepard…"

"Want to know?" I was a little surprised when she nodded. "Well, a couple of nights ago, I shared a rather nice experience with two asari. Ever heard of the Consort of the Citadel?"

"I have."

"Well, she wanted to meet me and requested help with a task. She had an acolyte, Naira. Let's just say that she was a big fan of mine."

She kissed me again as my fingers caressed the soft skin on her back. She had a beautiful olive complexion. Her eyes gazed into mine whenever were looked at each other with a sincerity that made me grin. When I undid the clasp of her bra, she had no problem showing off her breasts. They were probably C's and lovely. She knew what I wanted next and slid off her panties, revealing a dark strip of hair above her pussy. I was amused that she was naked and on my lap while I was still dressed, continuing to make out. I could sense a slight air of desperation to make love. I knew how it felt to go so long without being intimate with someone when I was growing up.

Standing up, she hooked her legs around me as I carried her towards her bedroom, Gianna helping off my shirt as I slipped off my shoes and socks. Once I was as naked as her, I watched her eyes light up as my cock was now hard and ready. She slid back on the bed and slowly spread her legs, her pussy glistening with excitement. I inhaled her scent and growled which made her giggle, kissing up her body until our mouths met again.

After giving her body attention, I moved my head to between her legs and tasted her. She grabbed a pillow and propped up her head to watch me, gazing up at her as my tongue slowly figured out how she liked it.

"Fuck," she moaned, "Fuck… Fuck… Fuck yes, Shepard…"

I had a hand wrapped around her thigh to keep her in place, my tongue running up and down her slit and ever so gently rubbing her clit every so often. I always enjoyed the first time with a new lover, figuring out what she liked. Some woman couldn't handle too much attention on their clit, preferring the focus elsewhere. Others loved to have their clit teased continuously. When it came to sliding in fingers, once I found that special spot, it was usually the best way to give them one hell of an orgasm.

"Last couple of guys refused to eat pussy," she moaned, her finger raking over my head, "I'm glad you did it straight away."

"I always eat pussy if it's on offer."

Her first orgasm arrived a couple of minutes later. That was only through using my tongue as she wasn't shy in telling me exactly how she liked it. When I slid a pair of fingers inside her as she was coming down from her high, I felt her pussy grip them as she cried out.

"Fuck yes!"

Her hips were moving in time with my fingers, my tongue slowly working her clit at the same time. I felt her shudder every so often as I knew she was going to orgasm again rather quickly. Gazing up into her face, her eyes were now closed as her lips remained parted, breathing deeply, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

"Oh fuck!" she whimpered, "Oh fuck, Shepard… Oh fuck… What are you doing to me…"

She came again and it felt more powerful than her last one. I remained relentless as I wanted to leave the next morning with her smiling. Realising that I wasn't going to stop, she lifted her head and her eyes towards me. She begged me not to stop until she was begging me to. When I just smiled and continued, her head flopped back on the pillow and she moaned loudly.

I think she nearly passed out in the end because it was a weak hand that tried to push my head away. I gently removed my fingers and kissed down one of her thighs before lifting myself up to her side, Gianna rolling to face me. Her fingers caressed my face as she searched my eyes.

"Girl is bound to get feelings if you treat her like that all the time. I mean… Wow, Shepard…"

Her hand ended up caressing my cock and when she rolled onto her back, I went with her and teased her to start before I felt her pussy start to accept me. We groaned together as I gently slid inside her, feeling her fingers run up and then dig into my back as she whimpered before I kissed her. It didn't take long until we figured out how to move together, Gianna folding her legs back to press them against me. The next thrust made her whimper as I felt even deeper than before.

"Oh god," she moaned into my ear, "So good, Shepard. So fucking good."

"So are you. Don't feel sorry for the men here though."

"Glad you arrived. How long can you stay?" I would have liked to say far longer than I probably would. She seemed to understand and wrapped her legs around me. "Cum in me, Shepard. Don't worry, I'm totally safe."

I pumped her a little faster as my orgasm approached. I felt her legs tighten at the same time, our mouths rarely parting. We ended up moaning together that broke the kiss as we couldn't help chuckling at the same time. The look in her eyes was one of such happiness in that moment. I kept my eyes on hers as I felt my orgasm approaching.

When I did cum, she closed her eyes and whimpered. I made the usual grunts as I buried my cock again and again, savouring the feeling of being inside a beautiful woman again. I always knew that it could be the last time considering the life I led. I savoured each time and wanted to make it memorable for her as well.

We spent the next couple of hours having fun. I was surprised when she used her mouth to get me hard again though I didn't complain as her head bobbed up and down on my cock, her eyes constantly looking up into mine. Once she was satisfied that I was ready to go again, she climbed on and rode herself to more than one orgasm again. She started to laugh, admitting she hadn't cum that much in a single night in far too long.

"I usually just jill off long enough to enjoy a hard one and then I go to sleep," she added.

Lying together much later that evening, or the next morning after I checked the time, Gianna was moulded against my side, running my fingers up and down her side. She sighed happily as I kissed her forehead.

"I'll admit that I didn't expect my welcome here to end like this," I said.

"I was in two minds when I made the offer to meet me at the hotel bar. Part of me though that I just keep it business-like. But I felt such an immediate attraction that part of me knew that I'd be stupid to not at least try."

"I thought you were an absolute knockout the moment we met."

"So the dress worked this evening?"

"Sealed the deal in my eyes. I would have been very disappointed if I'd gone back to the ship alone."

"Yet I bet there's got to be at least one woman on there who would have fucked you to make you happy again, right?"

"Maybe. I haven't actually been with anyone on the ship."

"Yet…"

"Yeah, you're right. I won't say probably as I know it'll happen eventually."

"They're going to be very lucky women when it does happen."

"I know that I'm not here long, but would you like to keep in contact?"

"I'd love that, Shepard. I mean, I'd love another night like this. More than one, to be honest. But if we can keep in contact, at least that means there's a chance of it happening."

We woke up together in the morning and made love a final time before we showered together. I put on the same clothes as the previous night while she selected a different dress for work. After doing her hair and applying some make-up, we walked out of her apartment towards one of the entertainment quarters where we could get a simple but filling breakfast.

It was there we parted as she knew that being seen constantly in my company would raise suspicions. I returned to the ship to change clothes, joining the team in the mess.

"Fuck her?" Wrex asked bluntly. I sighed but nodded my head. "Pay up, Vakarian. I told you he was going to nail that broad."

"Skipper works fast," Ashley stated. Again, not a hint of jealousy on her face. I was surprised at how relieved that made me feel.

I was surprised when Tali handed over a credit chit as well. When she noticed my look, she shrugged. "I thought you were just going to discuss business," she admitted.

I noticed Kaidan didn't hand over anything and asked if he placed a bet. He looked a little guilty before nodding though I chuckled. "Glad you had faith in me, Kaidan."

"I wasn't oblivious to her interest in you, Commander. Anyway, what's the plan for today?"

I explained what I had discussed with Gianna the previous evening regarding the case. I had to find Lorik and convince him to testify against Anoleis. If he did, I knew Gianna would be able to arrest Anoleis, have him charged and then the court case could begin. I just had to find the turian again…

Thankfully, Gianna was on the ball and told me that she'd seen him out and about, more than likely finding a different bar to drown his sorrows. I immediately thought it was eerily similar to the situation with General Septimus. At least he could return to work once his name was cleared.

I gave Lorik enough time to relax before I strolled into the bar, ordered myself a beer, and joined him at his table. He wasn't all that surprised to see me but before he could ask about the evidence, I took the bull by the horns.

"I need you to testify against Anoleis," I said.

"Why would I want to do that?"

"Because there is more to this than just the fake corruption charges against you. Let's be honest here Lorik. The whole place stinks of corruption and at the very top is Anoleis. Bring him down and the whole thing might just come crashing down, and a businessman such as yourself might just come out of it smelling of roses."

"Roses?"

"Flower back on Earth. Lovely smell. It means you'll be triumphant. But for all of that to happen, you need to testify. Crucify that bastard in the courtroom. Make sure every dirty little secret of his is exposed. Destroy him."

He leaned back in his chair and gave my words some thought. "I'm not the only one with an axe to grind against that slimy bastard," he finally said, "You think if I testify, it might encourage others to do so?"

"Absolutely. It always takes one brave soul to make the first move."

"And I'll come out on top you think?"

"There is no doubting how dirty Anoleis is. And he can't and won't be doing it alone. When he falls, a whole lot of people will be going down with him. That's going to leave places to fill. And while I know nothing about this Executive Board, you testifying to help them will surely help you in the future."

"When you put it that way, Shepard."

We shook hands as he gave me his word that he would testify. And I knew what that meant to a turian. They'd rather die than fall back on their word. Finishing our drinks, he asked about my reason for being on Noveria. I admitted that I was there in my role as a Spectre. I wasn't sure what he might have known about Saren so was rather vague about any great details though when I mentioned Saren, I did notice his eyes narrow.

"I'll be honest about one thing. I know the Hierarchy has been growing increasingly suspicious of his activities in recent years, but they are hamstrung by the fact that he's a Spectre and almost untouchable."

"Well, he's been disavowed. The Council have cut him loose."

"That won't stop him. He's resourceful, determined, and incredibly dangerous. I wish you well against him, Shepard, but he will prove to be a formidable opponent. He earned his reputation in the service. Brutal, but he achieved results. It's why he was chosen."

Those words were still ringing in my ears when we parted ways a little later. I strolled to the administrative sector again, finding Gianna sat behind her desk, typing away though I did wonder how she'd managed to fool Anoleis for so long. Her eyes looked up hopefully at me as I stood before her desk.

"Lorik has agreed to testify. He's confident that when he does, others might step forward with evidence of their own."

Gianna smiled as she stood up and lifted the hem of her dress, taking a concealed pistol from her thigh. "Want to come and see a show?"

"I'd love to."

It's fair to say that Anoleis did attempt to prevent his arrest. He stupidly reached into a desk drawer to reveal a pistol. Gianna slammed his hand in the drawer before taking his head and smashing it into the desk. I chuckled as I watched her drag him out of his chair and force him onto the ground.

"You're under arrest, Anoleis. I could attempt to list all the charges against you, but they are extensive. And as we're not on Earth or elsewhere, I don't have to read you any rights."

Anoleis looked up and noticed me watching. "Shepard! You're a Spectre. Do something. I can pay you. Lots of credits. More than you imagine. Just get rid of her."

"He's not going to agree because I'm sure his cum was still running down my thigh as I sat down for work this morning."

She stood up and lifted him up off the ground. Blowing hair out of her face, I offered to follow her. I didn't think he'd get away though I did worry that any of his allies might try and intervene. ECRS provided security and I guess would be considered the police force. As we walked along, Gianna explained that Internal Affairs was run directly by the Executive Board though had their own offices nearby.

It wasn't a large force, no more than a dozen or so people on first appearances. Applause started when she walked in with Anoleis, walking him towards a nearby cell and pushing him into it.

"Cool off for a little while, Anoleis. I'd get used to these surroundings. The Executive Board will be interested in your excuses for ripping them off. Frankly, I think a cell might keep you safe once people realise what you've been doing to them."

After receiving congratulations from all her colleagues, I joined her at her desk. It was relatively clean as she admitted to not having sat at it all that often in recent months. She pulled a bottle of liquor from her drawer and a pair of shot glasses.

"I've been waiting for this moment," she told me while pouring.

"Is it too early to ask what you'll be doing next?"

"Honestly? I need a vacation. This was my longest assignment in a line of assignments stretching back a few years. I'll meet with the Executive Board shortly and talk with them about what I do next. The good news is that I'm not always bound to Noveria. The Executive Board have various agreements with similar planets that don't always operate inside the boundaries of galactic law."

We knocked back our drinks before she poured another one for us both. "Am I free to go to Peak 15 now?"

She smiled and opened her drawer, sliding a card across to me. "That'll get you out of here. Lady Benezia has been up there for a while now. The storm ongoing has been relentless for over a week. The weather is always awful here, it's why everything is practically underground. It's possible she's been trapped up there which is why there's been no note of a return."

"How long will it take to get there?"

"By air, not very long. But as that won't be possible, ground transport will take at least a day. To be honest, Shepard, I wouldn't want to be driving out there. Most routes will likely be impassable. Any roads that are open won't be direct to where you want to go. But I also understand the sense of urgency there is about getting there."

We sipped at the liquor, enjoying the slight burn down my throat. "What'll happen to him?" I asked, gesturing with my head.

"He'll be spending the rest of his short life behind bars. Even someone like him won't be able to talk his way out of this." She took my glass and put everything back in her drawer as I slipped the card into my pocket. "Fuck it, want to get out of here?"

"Want a tour of my ship and meet my crew?"

"Sure. I've got nothing going on now until I hear from the Board."

Most of my crew was still on board the ship when I walked on with Gianna. Pressly was captivated by her immediately. Walking downstairs, I found most of the crew hanging around the mess, no doubt waiting for me to return with news about our departure for Peak 15. Ashley was immediately welcoming, again thankful that she showed not a hint of jealousy. Wrex looked at her, looked at me, and then said rather simply, "Very nice, Shepard."

She met the rest of the crew before I showed her around the ship, eventually ending up in my quarters. Looking at the bed, she asked, "Fucked anyone in here yet?"

"Not had the opportunity so far."

"When will you leave for Peak 15?"

"Leaving now is probably too late in the day. I'm guessing the sun, when it's up, doesn't provide light for too long. I'm already figuring that we will be relying on our instruments for most of our way there. If we leave early tomorrow morning, that will give us the day to get there."

"Well, if you're not leaving, think you can come to mine for one more night? Bring your things and you can meet your team in the garage. It's not far from my apartment."

That's exactly what I chose to do. I left instructions with Pressly and Kaidan about the next morning and what time we should meet. I decided to just dress in my armour and take what supplies I needed before I left with Gianna for her apartment. As soon as the door closed behind us, she was eagerly getting me out of that same armour as quickly as possible.

"It's early afternoon," she moaned while we made out while stripping off, "I've got the rest of today and tonight to spend with you. I'm taking advantage of it."

"Need to eat," I suggested in the middle of kissing her.

"Freezer. Enough to feed us both. We'll need it for what I have planned. I'm going to drain you something fierce."

When I thought about it, I'd only been intimate with Jane more than once in the recent few weeks. Being with a woman for consecutive nights? It had been even longer. And it was amazing how normal it felt, to be intimate with the same woman. If our first night was good, the second night was even better. We were still learning about each other at the same time, but there was also familiarity. Unlike the previous night, it started with a blowjob, Gianna on her knees, ever so eager to make me cum. When I finally did, she took the entire load in her mouth and swallowed.

"I knew that would make you happy," she told me as she moved up onto the bed, "And I was sure that you'd return the favour."

"Want to sit on my face?"

She took delight in that idea, and I enjoyed watching her lower her pussy to my mouth. She was soon bucking wildly as my tongue got to work, and what made her squeal slightly was my finger gently playing with her backdoor. I didn't expect anal from anyone though I always loved to tease. She seemed to enjoy it though my focus was her pussy. She eventually turned around and I felt her lips around my cock again while I managed to remain focused on making her orgasm.

I didn't cum again in her mouth, waiting until she moved off my face, savouring the sight of my cock disappearing inside her once again.

"Okay, not only the best cock on Noveria, but probably the best cock in… Well…"

We only left the bedroom to reheat some food, eating together naked on the couch, before we returned to the bedroom to continue our antics. We had a lot of fun together, and we made each other laugh. When it finally reached the point that she was feeling tender, and I'd cum enough that getting hard was difficult, we agreed to shower together before getting into bed.

Spooned against me after we dried off, she was playing with the fingers of my right hand as she held it against her chest. I heard her sigh and sensed she was content. My left hand stroked that space between her breasts and groin. Soft, smooth skin. Absolutely perfect.

I woke the next morning to find Gianna snuggled against me. My alarm had woken me up and although I insisted that she stay in bed, she wanted to escort me to the garage to say farewell. She was amused as I assembled myself in my armour as I knew it made me look taller and broader. I was also heavily armed. Assault rifle on my back. Shotgun at my lower back. Pistol at my hip. Grenades to the other side. As for Gianna, she slipped on a t-shirt and long pants, adding a large coat to keep away the chill.

We attracted attention again when walking together towards the garage. My armour was black, a red and white stripe down my right arm, the N7 logo prominent on my chest. There was no Alliance symbol, not that it would have mattered. Most humans would have known what N7 meant. I was a marine and I was dangerous.

My team was waiting for me near the garage. I showed my pass to the guard and he allowed us entrance. Thankfully there were vehicles, and we were pleased to find a Mako. As the team mounted up, I gave Gianna a gentle hug as I didn't want to hurt her with my armour.

"Be safe, Shepard," she said softly before kissing my cheek.

"I'll make sure to stop by when we get back before we have to leave."

"Good. Maybe I can cook you dinner again?"

"Do you make a good bolognaise?"

"I love it and yes, I do. If you get back safely, I'll make you dinner and be ready for something else afterwards."

"All the more reason to ensure I survive then."

"Hey, Shepard. I'm freezing my arse off in here. Kiss her, say goodbye, and let's get going!" Wrex yelled out from inside the Mako.

"I'd better go," I said before I kissed her. That sort of kiss a man and woman share before either of them ships off into danger. When I pulled back, I was dazzled by the smile. In a way, it reminded me of that smile Naira had for me when I left her. I guess feelings do develop quickly sometimes.

As soon as I was behind the wheel of the Mako, I put Gianna out of my mind. Ashley and Kaidan were in their usual positions. Tali reported in that shields were up and healthy. As I inched the Mako forward towards the garage door, it opened to reveal a snowbound landscape. Mountains stretched for as far as the eye could see. The wind was howling and it was a veritable blizzard. It was going to be awful once we were outside.

"Garrus, I'm going to need navigation here. I can just about make out the road ahead. The lights are for the edge. What I need you to do is report in anything that might be waiting for us. Ash, same thing. Heat signatures. Energy signatures. If it's out there, it's probably not friendly."

"Copy, Commander," they replied in unison.

"Tali, take care of those shields. You did well on Therum. Do that again and you'll keep us safe."

"I'll do my best, Commander."

"That's all I ever ask."

"Okay, let's do this."

The conditions were awful. The temperature in the Mako dropped considerably within minutes. I cranked the heater but that barely did anything to help with the cold. I was driving nearly blind, barely able to see the blinking lights along the side of the mountain road. I kept my speed slow so I could stop quickly if necessary. The first couple of hours required intense concentration though at least we didn't run into anything or anyone.

Then we ran into the geth and that confirmed our worst fears. I was surprised that we hadn't run into them back in Port Hanshan, assuming Benezia had taken most of them to Peak 15 and left some behind to protect her. Thankfully, most of them were only single-unit bipedal machines though those armed with rocket launchers did cause a little concern. I heard the machine gun firing while Ashley called out hits whenever the cannon fired.

The sun barely provided any light and certainly no warmth. The snow was relentless, and I did worry that the Mako would get stuck more than once as it was difficult to maintain traction. And the sheer number of geth that we ran into the closer we must have been getting to Peak 15 increased our concerns as to what we were going to find.

It took hours and I knew those of us concentrating were starting to feel the strain. Tali was incredibly busy as the number of geth increased and although I avoided the rockets, the small arms fire continuously damaged our shields. The machine gun and cannon fire was incessant as I drove the Mako forward. Reaching a long tunnel that gave us a respite from the snow and cold, it was a possible trap. I floored it and headed straight for a group of geth ahead.

Everyone heard the crunch of the Mako slamming into them, bouncing around in our seats. Wrex was having a grand old time behind me. Tali took simple delight in knowing that we were eliminating a lot of geth. Although the conditions didn't relent, Garrus finally reported in that we were approaching a structure that provided enormous energy signatures. I gazed through the snow, and I finally saw something ahead that suggested that our destination was close.

Geth were lined up outside in some sort of final stand. I brought the Mako to a halt and allowed my colleagues to light them up. Once they were all dead, I drove the Mako into the garage and we wiped out the few units that had been waiting inside for us. Once Garrus reported in that the outside was clear, we assembled outside, stretching out weary muscles from behind sat confined in the Mako for so many hours.

My eyes fell on Liara. "Are you ready for this?" I asked her.

"I'm ready, Shepard. I'm not sure why she's here and doing this, but we must find out. She has information about Saren that could be critical to this mission."

"Good. The rest of you, check your weapons." Everyone did so as we would not be going anywhere unarmed from this point forward. Once everyone confirmed that their weapon was in working order, I gave the order to move.

None of us had a clue what we were going to find on that isolated mountain peak.