4 comments/ 15668 views/ 18 favorites Mass Effect: Shards Ch. 01 By: MagicMouse On March 6th, 2012 video game developer BioWare released Mass Effect 3 in North America. It concluded the story of Commander Shepard, a human soldier pushed by fate into a desperate battle to save the galaxy from an ancient army known as the Reapers. It ended one of the most compelling dramas in the history of gaming, a saga that effectively ended the debate about the validity of video games as an artistic medium. Unfortunately for BioWare, Mass Effect 3 ignited a firestorm. The ending of Mass Effect 3 was, at least from a PR and business standpoint, an unmitigated disaster. For many fans of the game, the ending was a confused, unimaginative betrayal of the spirit of a story that many people (myself included) had invested hundreds of hours in. To many, it seemed that BioWare chose to destroy, or at least mortally wound, a galaxy that many had become attached to, a galaxy with such rich characters, compelling stories, and grand potential as had not been seen before in video games. To be sure, this was not the first time a game's ending had angered players. Indeed, some of the best games ever made had disappointing endings, such as Fallout 3 and Knights of the Old Republic 2 (another BioWare game). What made Mass Effect 3 so different is the truly, spectacularly, poor handling by BioWare of the initial criticism. Eventually, they released an updated version of the ending, which provided a significant improvement on the original ending, though the damage to BioWare's reputation had been done. I desperately do not want to get into that debate. It is this new and improved ending that I use as the basis for my story. I attempt to stick to canon (such as it exists), as established by the new endings, as closely as possible (with one big exception that will become obvious very shortly). To ground my readers that are familiar with Mass Effect, I assume Shepard was a shining beacon of hope, a great and noble leader who saved all that she could. I also assume she had relations only with Liara, and chose the "Control" ending in the final moments of Mass Effect 3. In other words, I assume she was my Commander Shepard (I am, after all, a bit of a sap). To those not familiar with Mass Effect: welcome to a brand new world. Enjoy. **** Homecoming The shuttle slid through space, coming closer and closer to the blue and green orb in front of it. It passed a massive vessel going in the other direction, a turian dreadnaught, as it approached. The kilometer long warship filled the small windows. Long black scars, burned into the metal hull, could be seen for miles. The turian's refused to have the damaged plates removed. They were badges of honor, as treasured as the clan markings on their faces, and they sent a message: I stood. The craft began to shake, gently at first, and then more violently, as it entered the outer atmosphere. Inside, its only passenger leaned forward, resting one elbow on her knee, pressing the other palm down on the other knee. "Two minutes out, ma'am" said the pilot. The girl only nodded, shifting to rest her weight onto the other elbow. In the window, the dark of space gradually gave way to a bright blue sky. Still, the girl did not look up. She leaned forward further, resting both elbows on her knees, meshing her fingers together and resting her head on them. "30 seconds." She leaned back, and closed her eyes, remembering what her mother had told her. "Remember what your father's homeworld has seen," she had said at the spaceport on Thessia. "It is a proud place, full of proud people, and they are right to be so proud. Their sacrifices saved us all, and they made great sacrifices," her kind blue eyes, shining in the lights of the crown jewel of the galaxy, had begun to well with tears. "When you see the burned husks of their cities, remember that they paid this price willingly. They turned and fought when so many others ran." "15 seconds," called the pilot. Her eyes opened and she stood, using her hands to push off of her knees. A short step forward, and she reached up to grasp the overhead bar in front of the door. The shuttle came to a stop with a soft jolt, and the door lifted. Cool, salty air blew across her skin as she emerged from the shuttle, perched atop a towering building. In front of her stood a figure she had only seen in holovids or extranet articles. She stepped down from the shuttle onto the rooftop landing pad and extended her hand. "It's good to meet you in person, Admiral Donnelly," she smiled. "Ma'am, trust me when I say the honor is mine. I knew your parents well," he said in a soft Irish accent, shaking her hand. His light brown hair was starting to turn grey, but his half smile and eager eyes made him look young. "That's why I'm here," she responded. Donnelly gestured to an elevator, and she stepped past him towards it. But as she passed him, she stopped, looking up into the sky. Atop the building stood a statue, cast in gleaming polished metals mined from across the galaxy. The statue was of a young woman, clad from the neck down in body armor. She had a sleek, angular face, a small, upturned nose, and messy, shoulder hair length blown by imaginary wind. The armor was sleek and form fitting, molded to fit her athletic figure. "N7" was emblazoned on the breast. The woman was standing, gazing off into the distance, a rifle in one hand, resting on her shoulder. There was air of power about the figure, of invincibility. Carved into the base of the statue was the woman's name: Alexis Athena Shepard. "Hey, Dad," the girl whispered to the universe as a single tear ran down her blue cheek. ****** The horizon was a jagged edge of burnt and twisted steel. Where once a great city had stood, one of Earths famed super-metropolises, there was now a graveyard of smashed buildings. On a dry day, wind would blow dust across the barren landscape in great clouds. But when it rained, the ground turned to mud. Thick, grey mud, sometimes as deep as a man, and London had few dry days. Still, life sprang anew. Construction equipment was visible across the city, and each day the new buildings grew taller. Soon, they would eclipse the old, heralding a new beginning for Earth, and the galaxy. London was being rebuilt. "I hope your accommodations are to your liking, Ms. T'Soni," came a gravelly, low voice from behind her. She turned from the window and quickly rushed to the old man's side. "Here, let me help you," she offered, taking his arm gently. "I'm not that old," he said gruffly, but allowed her to help him to one of the chairs near the window. "Thank you, Athena," he said as he sat, gesturing to the other seat. "Thank you, Admiral Hackett, for agreeing to meet with me," she said as she sat down. "Ha!" he laughed. His white beard wrinkled skin stood in sharp contrast to his uniform, which looked to be brand new and freshly cleaned. Every button, badge, and cufflink shined against the dark blue fabric, and his breast was covered in a wall of medals. "First of all, call me Steven. Second, if you were alive in '86, you would realize that every person on this planet would gladly lay down their life for you. Although at my age, visiting someone is not that far removed from dying." "I did nothing. It was my father," she blushed, looking away. "You are a lot like her. And I don't just mean the name." Athena scoffed. "Yes, I know that I have her name. My mother told me that she wanted to make sure that everyone always knew that 'she lives on in me'," the girl sighed. "You have her eyes, did you know that? Bright, gleaming green eyes. God, in the right light, they practically glowed." "Yes, my mother has told me that many times," Athena said, looking back at the old soldier. "Like they do right now, in fact. I can see her in you. Anyone who knew your father can," he sighed as he leaned back in the chair. "You see, it's not about you. It's about her. When people look at you, they see her. Or at least a part of her." "That is why I came here," she said as she stood. "I am starting to mature. Commander Shepard is a part of me, and I want to know everything I can about that part. My mother suggested that I seek out the people who knew her best." "'Starting to mature'," he mused. "You're 19. To a human, that is an adult. It's hard to wrap the mind around how long your race lives." "To my people, I am barely more than a child." Hackett chuckled. "That mean you can't drink yet?" "Oh, no, I was speaking metaphorically. I'm just... naïve." "I see you have your mother's grasp of sarcasm. To your people, I'm a child. Hell, no human has ever lived long enough to be an 'adult'. Metaphorically. Besides, she wasn't much older during the Skyllian Blitz." "I know. That is why my mother told me that now was the time. And because she wanted me to meet the people who knew my father in person." "Well, you're in luck. It just so happens that one of them is on Earth right now. In fact, she's also here looking for someone." ****** "Where is she?" she asked, trying to stay calm. Her blood was boiling, and the man on the other side of the desk was walking a dangerous line. A line many had crossed and very few had come back from. Part of her mind screamed to lash out at him, and that part sent electrical impulses coursing through the network of element zero nodules throughout her body. "Look, you fuckin' cunt, I don't know who you think you are, but nobody comes into my office and disrespects me," he sneered, eying her up and down. It made her skin crawl, but she fought back her more aggressive impulses. "I don't know who you're talkin' about, but for the right price," he smiled, emphasizing the word "price", "I think I might be able to find somethin' out for you." "How much?" she asked, hoping she didn't get the answer she expected. He leaned back in the large executive chair, folding his hands behind his head, displaying his heavily muscled body. "Well, I have plenty of cash, but there are other things that a little slut like you can provide me with." The man stared at her breasts through her jacket, making no attempt to disguise his interest. "I'm full of surprises," she said, forcing a smile. As the impulses strengthened, the nodules began to give off dark energy. The energy was collected by implants in her body and focused into a field around her right hand. She balled the hand into a fist and slipped it under the desk to hide the dark blue-purple glow. "Tell me what you need, and I'll see what I can do." "That's what I like to hear!" he cried, clapping his hands down on the desk. "Well, then, come on over here, bitch, and I'll show you what an old slut like you is good for. Now, get on your knees and..." She snapped. "Where the fuck is she!" she screamed, leaping to her feet and slamming both hands onto his desk. Tattoos could just be seen creeping out of the sleeves of her jacket. The man jumped to his feet, snarling at her. "This is my office, whore! You get on your knees, or I swear to god, princess..." She cut him off with a guttural scream. The woman stopped any attempt to control her rage, and the field around her fist expanded over her whole body. She swung her arm to the side, and a mass effect field formed around the desk. She shaped it with her mind, distorting the mass of the area of space-time in the field, and the desk was hurled across the room and into the wall. Before the man could react, she had crossed the short distance between them, seizing him by the throat. Energy rolled off of her body in blue waves, distorting the air around her. "I ain't no princess, worm! My name is Jack!" she screamed into his face. Jack released his throat, but immediately struck him in the stomach with her other hand. The man was hurled backwards, shattering the 91st story window. With a lift of her hand, she caught him in a biotic field, suspending him high above the remains of Sydney. "Where is she?" she growled, stepping up to the edge. The wind whipped around her, blowing her black ponytail to the side and revealing more tattoos under her jacket. The door behind Jack opened and she turned, preparing to send his guards flying. To her surprise, a single asari stepped through the door. She was tall for an asari, and had familiar green eyes and upturned nose. "Excuse me, am I interrupting something?" she said innocently. "Jesus fuckin' Christ, lady, help me!" "Shut up," Jack sighed, and dropped him. "Do I know you?" she growled as the man screamed, falling towards the street. "You knew my father," she said, ignoring him. "From where?" Jack barked. "The Normandy." Finally, Jack recognized her. "No shit? I haven't seen you since... oh, almost forgot. Hang on a minute." Jack leaned out the window and stretched her arm out. Her biotic field caught the man a few floors before the he hit the ground, and she pulled him back up the building. "I need to have a little conversation with my friend here, then we can talk." "I can wait," she said pleasantly, taking a seat in one of the plush chairs in front of where the desk had been. After a few seconds, the man appeared again, dangling mid-air in a blue-purple biotic field. "Now, I am going to..." "New York! She's in New York! Please don't kill me, I'll do anything, please!" he blubbered. "Where in New York?" Jack snarled. "A place called Wharton's! It's a dive bar near Wall Street! I sold her to the owner, Tommy Wharton!" "Thank you. I'm sure the cops will be here soon to collect you. I think someone might have tipped them off to your little operation. Just a guess," laughed Jack. She jerked her hand back, sending him flying through the air and onto the floor. Jack turned to face Athena. "Now, I'm gonna buy you a drink," she grinned. "That would be lovely," smiled the asari, rising from the chair. As they walked past the man towards the door, Jack sniffed the air. "I think the little bitch shit himself." **** Outside, Jack hailed a cab. "I'm gettin' too old for this," she muttered as they waited. "I don't think that man would agree. What did he do, anyway?" "You just sat there and let me do that stuff to him, and you didn't know why? That doesn't sound like something Shepard's kid would do." "I was told not to get in your way," Athena answered honestly. "Oh yeah? By who?" "Everyone I have ever mentioned your name to. Besides, as soon as I saw the guards I knew he was no good. Mercenaries." "Yeah, that sounds more like Shepard," Jack snickered. The cab arrived, and they took a seat. "Nearest bar," she said. "Of course, ma'am," answered the driver VI. "Make that the spaceport," Athena said. "You don't want that drink?" said Jack, almost offended. "I thought you were looking for something in New York," she answered. "We can get a drink later." "Yeah, you're definitely Shepard's," she muttered before barking at the computer, "Driver, spaceport." "As you wish, ma'am." "So, are you going to tell what that man did?" Athena asked after a few moments of silence. "Huh? Oh, yeah, the weasel. He's a vulture. Made his fortune off reconstruction by providing 'companionship' for off-world contractors." "Prostitutes?" "Well, yeah, kid. What'd you think I meant, puppies?" Jack scoffed. "I didn't think that was illegal." "It isn't, except most of his girls are unregistered, underage, and unwilling," she replied. Athena noticed Jack's eyes narrow coldly. "Are you looking for one of them?" "All of them, but it started out as one." "Who?" "A student of mine. About a week ago, one of my students disappeared from Grissom Academy. You know Grissom Academy, right?" "An Alliance station, destroyed by the Reapers and rebuilt since. Houses a school for talented human biotics. You are the headmistress," the asari answered. Jack looked surprised. "Asari have excellent memories." "Figures. Anyway, one of my kids goes missing, no body, no break-in, nothing." "How do you know she didn't just leave?" "You don't 'just leave' an Alliance station, kid. Anyway, she had clearly been lured into a trap by someone she trusted." "How did you know?" Athena asked, still confused. "No way in hell some shit-head comes in and takes out one of my kids without someone dying. Would you stop interrupting?" "Sorry, go ahead." "So, we go through security footage until we find a security guard leading her into a utility closet. Last image of her we had, so we pulled in the security guard." Jack's eyes narrowed again. "Little pussy didn't even sit down before he started to spill. He led me here." "And now to New York?' "Yeah. And nobody better get between me and her." ****** From the spaceport, they boarded a shuttle to New York. The 20 minute flight went by silently, with Jack staring out the window and Athena staring at her. The stepped out of the shuttle into blistering heat. To Athena, the landscape looked like one of her mother's dig sites. The towering skeletons of skyscrapers filled the horizon, but the immediate area was as desolate as any desert. But instead of sand, the ground was layer upon layer of rubble. She lifted her foot, reading the sign she had stepped on: Battery Park. "Finally, I can take this thing off," sighed Jack as she pulled her jacket off and tied it around her waist. She wore very little underneath, only a thin sleeveless shirt and bra visible underneath. Athena stared at her, examining the tattoos that covered her small body. "Not the time for gawking, kid," she said gruffly as she started off towards a veritable forest of construction equipment in the distance. "Right. Sorry," blushed the asari as she followed. The flat hellscape of the "park" gave way to a graveyard of buildings. Most were nothing more than piles of refuse, but a few skeletons still stood, towering reminders of destruction the Reapers caused. "By the Goddess," she whispered. "Yeah, this was once one of the most important cities on the planet." Jack sounded almost like a tour guide. "What happened?" "Uhh, Reapers," Jack said, looking back at her with a frown "I've seen a lot of Earth cities. London, Vancouver, Cape Town, Tokyo, Sydney, but none of them like this," Athena explained. "This ain't a city anymore," she growled, climbing up a small pile of building. "It's a mass grave pretending to be a construction site. New York was at the top of the Reapers list. They turned this place to ash in days. More than 40 million people, gone in less than two weeks," Jack said casually. "You seem very... detached," Athena observed anxiously. Jack grunted. "Yeah, well, you live a life like mine, you come to redefine loss, pain, suffering and death. You know how they say 'what does not kill you makes you stronger'?" "Nietzsche, a human philosopher. I'm familiar with his work," answered Athena. "He was the father of Nihilism, the idea that-" "I didn't ask for a book report, kid," Jack cut her off, stepping over a chunk of concrete sticking out of the ground. "Besides, he's an idiot. You make yourself stronger. What doesn't kill you just fucking hurts." "An interesting theory, but I think-" Jack spun around and grasped her by the throat, pushing her up against the wall of a ruined building and lifting her feet off the ground. "You ever been raped?" she snarled quietly. Athena shook her head, too shocked to speak. "Well, I have. Many times. And let me tell you, THEY didn't make me stronger. When THEY forced THEIR dicks in MY ass, THEY didn't do anything but hurt me." "I'm sorr-" "I don't care. I don't care if you're sorry. I don't care if you feel bad for me, because I don't. They made the mistake of leaving me alive when they were done. But they didn't make me stronger. I made me stronger, and I survived. I'm not strong because I survived, I survived because I'm strong. Mass Effect: Shards Ch. 01 "'What doesn't kill you makes you stronger'?" she continued, her voice dripping with a deep, venomous rage. "My ass. People say shit like that to make themselves feel better about fucking other people. They think that means that if they hurt someone, they're doing them a favor. They aren't. They're just hurting them. The people who get hurt make themselves strong." "What did you do?" Athena asked timidly. "I didn't make the same mistake they did," she hissed through clenched teeth before releasing her. "Now, 'cause your Shepard's kid, and 'cause I'm all reformed and shit, I won't beat the hell out of you. But don't think you can tell me about pain!" "Okay," Athena whispered. Jack turned to continue, but Athena put a hand on her shoulder. Jack looked back, and the hand went to her cheek. "My mother told me that my father always respected you. She used to say 'Jack is right now what the rest of us are going to be when this is over, and exactly the kind of person we need. Hell itself came for her, and she knocked its teeth in.'" "Is that true?" Jack asked quietly. Athena nodded, and continued. "She also said that you gave her hope, and she wanted to return the favor." Jack stared at her for a moment, and then turned to continue towards their destination. "Come on, we're almost there." ****** Jack and Athena stood at the edge of a large pit where heavy machinery was busy digging into the rubble. "I thought you said they were rebuilding," the asari commented. "You can't build on 50 meters of blown up city. They have to clear all the crap out before they can start building. Come on, Wharton's is below ground," Jack said as they descended a flight of stairs down into the pit, putting her jacket back on. "Why are you putting that on again?" Jack sighed in frustration. "Okay, kid, listen up. If you are going to go looking for the people who knew your mom-" "Father," Athena corrected her. "She had a pussy. She was your mom. Deal with it," Jack said. "Anyway, if you want to meet all your mom's friends, you're going to be going all over the galaxy. And the galaxy ain't a friendly place, so you gotta learn how to take care of yourself." "Okay." "First lesson, don't let people know any more about you than absolutely necessary. These tats I have? They tell a story, and anyone who can read them knows to watch their asses around me. I don't want them watching their asses." "Right. What should I do?" Athena asked curiously. "Act like a hot, naïve little piece of ass that doesn't know shit about the world. Just be yourself," she laughed. "Lesson two: always ask the bartender first. Come on." "I can handle myself," Athena said defensively. "We'll see, kid. This ain't gonna be a friendly exchange." Jack led her down some more stairs and opened a door with the words "Wharton's" stenciled on it. Athena was immediately assaulted by the combined smell of alcohol, urine, and vomit, making her gag. "You got this naïve thing down. There's the bar. Watch and learn kid." "That is rancid!" Athena gagged, following behind Jack as the human strode into the bar. Loud music pounded at her ears, and she fought the urge to cover them. The lights strobed, giving the writhing throngs of dancers an eerie, almost supernatural appearance. Along the walls were a series of stages, each featuring one or two dancers in various states of undress. Jack tapped her arm and pointed. Through a door in the back, Athena could see into a darkly lit room guarded by a pair of mercenaries. She saw a short, fat man pass the guards, and was greeted by another man. They shook hands, and the second man gestured to someone. A young girl appeared, no older than 16, her head down in shame and fear. The fat man took her arm and they disappeared into the room. "That's where we're headed. Play along and look down at the ground." "Uhh, okay." Athena stammered. "And don't talk," Jack added, pushing Athena in front of her. They worked their way up to the guards, Jack pushing Athena roughly ahead of her. When they neared the guards, Jack pushed her to the ground. "Move it, bitch. Got some merchandise for Mr. Wharton," she said to the guards. "Hold it!" one yelled, holding a hand out. "You got an appointment?" "No." "They you don't go in. Now-" "Wait," interrupted a man from inside the room. "Let them in." "Yes, sir, Mr. Wharton. You can go in, but watch yourself," the guard said, eyeing Jack suspiciously. Jack smiled back at him as she dragged Athena into the room. The room was darkly lit, with a number of chairs and couches in a waiting area. Several staircases led down, and Athena could hear faint crying coming from down some of them. "I understand you have something for me?" said the man who had greeted the fat man. He was tall and thin, with scraggly hair and a scar on his face. "I want a trade." "What kind of trade," said Wharton, suspiciously. "You got a new girl a few days ago. She's 20, average height, thin, black haired Asian girl. Name's Takara," Jack explained "I might have seen a girl like that," Wharton said. "What are you offering?" "The rarest thing in the galaxy: an asari virgin." Athena's blood ran cold. She didn't know what Jack was doing, and wasn't even sure this was a ploy. Wharton thought for a moment, then yelled over his shoulder. "Get me the new meat," he shouted. "Show me the asari." "Not until I see Takara." "Very well," Wharton sighed. After a few minutes, a muscular man appeared, holding a leash, half-dragging a young woman behind him. She was wearing a skin-tight black latex dress, leaving nothing to the imagination. She glanced up, and her eyes lit as soon as she saw Jack. "Ma'am? Is that you?" "Yeah, it's me. You okay?" Jack replied. The girl hung her head in reply. "Guess not. Hey, Athena, here's the next lesson: when you put someone down, make sure they stay that way." Without warning, Jack's arm shot forward, and a biotic wave rippled through the air, tossing the man with the leash into the wall. "Guards!" Wharton shouted, before running for the stairs. Jack followed him, grabbing a pistol from the unconscious guard. "Get Takara out of here! I'm gonna deal with this little bitch myself. Meet me at Alliance Command!" Jack yelled to Athena before running after Wharton. "Wait, that's it? She left us!" Athena cried, turning to Takara. "What do we do now?" "Come back here so I can rip you in half, you little shit!" Jack yelled from down the hall. "Are you kidding? We get the hell out of here!" she said. "Oh hell, get down!" Takara grabbed Athena and pulled her behind a bar as the guards entered, drawing their weapons. "Shit!" The guards unloaded their clips into the bar, destroying the stools and sending glass showering onto the two women. "Oh, Goddess," Athena cried, shutting her eyes. "Get this collar off me!" yelled Takara. "What?" "The collar, get it off! It inhibits my biotic abilities." Athena struggled with it, but to no avail. "I can't get it off." "Then you have to deal with them." "What?! I can't fight!" cried Athena. "You're asari! Just toss them around or something." "I'm 19! I can barely lift a pebble!" "I'm 20, do something!" Takara cried desperately as the guards opened fire again, beginning to move around the bar. Then, Athena noticed a small pistol behind the bar. She grabbed it and, pressing her back against the bar, closed her eye and concentrated. She waited for the fire to stop, and sprang to her feet. As her head climbed above the bar, she raised the pistol, sweeping it in a wide arc in front of her, staring down the sight with both eyes. Two heads appeared in the sights, one after the other, and she squeezed the trigger once each time. Two bodies slumped to the floor. "Holy shit!" Takara gasped as she peeked over the bar. She stood, placing a hand unconsciously on Athena's shoulder, causing her to jump in surprise. "Hey, take it easy. How did you do that?" "My mother taught me." "But she didn't teach you how to use biotics?" "Well, she did, but not on a person." "It's the same thing!" Takara cried. "Well, I..." her voice trailed off. "What if they had shields?" Athena's eyes widened. "I didn't think of that." ****** As the sun began to set, Athena poked her head out of the collapsed tunnel and looked around. Seeing no signs of life, she ducked back into the ruined subway station, pulling a large sheet of metal back over the remains of the entrance. She clicked on her omni-tool light and used it to see while she crawled back down through the small passage back to the main chamber. A few meters ahead of her, the tunnel opened up into the remains of a small waiting room. The room contained a few rows of seats, many covered with debris. The stairwell down to the boarding platform had collapsed, blocking the only other way into the room. Takara sat in a corner, trying to get her collar off with a handful of tools she found in a toolbox. "Any luck?" Athena asked, getting to her feet and dusting herself off. "No, it won't come off. I have to get it off," Takara said anxiously, pulling desperately at the collar. Her smooth, long black hair was a tangled mess from running through the ruined city from Wharton's men. Athena knelt next to her and pulled the human's hands away, examining the collar. She hesitated in releasing her hand, feeling them tremble in her own hands. "Let me take a look," she said soothingly as she activated her omni-tool. Athena examined the device for a few minutes before giving up. "I can't get off. We have to find somebody with more technical skills to get it off." "No, I can't wait. I can't! Get if off!" Takara cried, starting to panic. Athena squeezed her hands tightly, trying to comfort her. "Relax, you're going to be fine. We'll get it off," she whispered. "No, no, no, I need it off. I can't do anything with it on, I can't stop them from making me..." she trailed off, starting to cry. Athena lifted Takara's chin and their lips were suddenly together. Electricity passed between them, and their pulses raced. When Athena realized what happened, she pulled back. Their lips parted briefly, but Takara grabbed the back of her neck and pulled her back, lying back against the wall and pulling Athena onto her. Athena grasped Takara hands and was able to pry her hands off her and break the kiss. "What are you doing?" she gasped, catching her breath. "Please, please don't stop," Takara begged. "They beat me, and they humiliated me, and they... used me. And then they left me alone. I don't want to be alone. I can't be alone, not with this collar on, not while I'm defenseless." "You're never defenseless." "Please!" "I've never done this before," Athena protested. "I don't care!" Takara screamed, startling Athena." I don't care if you haven't done this before, or if you have someone else, or if you don't like humans, or whatever. Please, just make me not hurt." Athena simply stared at her, thinking. Takara slowly leaned forward, creeping closer and closer, desperate for contact. Finally, their lips touched again. This time, Athena did not resist. Instead, she placed her hands on Takara's shoulders and pulled the dress down. The rubbery material peeled off Takara's skin, and Athena ran her hands over the human's back. On Takara's lower back, Athena felt ridges, hot and damp. She pulled her hands back. They had traces of red liquid on them. "Are those?" she asked, breaking their kiss. "I fought back. They whipped me," Takara breathed before pressing her lips to the asari's again. Athena's lips parted, and she felt a warm, wet mass invade her mouth. The sensation was strange, but the taste was intoxicating. Sweet, salty, and sour all at once, it drove Athena mad. She sucked greedily on Takara's tongue, massaging it with her own. Takara's hands climbed up her back, over the skin on her back, and over the tips of the ridges at the back of her head, sending jolts of pleasure through her. Athena felt herself become damp between her legs and shuddered. "Ohh," she moaned, pulling back, her eyes closed tightly from the powerful sensations. "Are you okay?" asked Takara, worried that she had hurt her. "Ohh, yes. The ridges and neck are sensitive areas," she moaned. "Same for humans," Takara giggled. "Yes, I know. My mother told me that my father was very sensitive there." "Your father was human? I didn't think many asari had human fathers," Takara said. "They don't," Athena blushed, looking away. "Who was your father?" "My father was... a soldier. She fought and... died in the war. Sort of," Athena replied hesitantly. "Hey, it's okay. You don't have to tell me," Takara smiled as she ran her hand over the top of Athena's head. The blue skin had a scaly appearance, but was silky smooth to the touch. Vertical ridges formed near the top of the head, and grew back into semi-rigid crests in place of hair. It gave the asari face a sleek, innocent appearance The asari raised her arms, and Takara pulled the shirt up and off. Tossing it aside, Takara let her hands roam over the bare skin of Athena's breasts. They were a bit small, but firm and round, with small, dark purple nipples. Her skin looked almost scaled, with light blue-purple patches separated by tiny darker areas, barely a hair's width. But despite the vaguely scaly appearance, it was perfectly smooth, silky and soft, and warm to the touch. Takara stood, looking down at Athena, and slowly pulled the rest of her dress off, revealing lightly tanned, brown, smooth skin and well-toned, athletic body. "Wow," muttered Athena unconsciously, bringing a smile to Takara's face. "Like what you see?" she cooed happily. "Not all of it," Athena growled when she noticed a red welt on her thighs. "What?" Takara recoiled in horror. "I told you they... you didn't say anything. It wasn't my fault!" she yelled, backing against the wall and trying to cover herself up. "No, no, that's not what I meant," Athena explained, standing herself. "I don't like what they did to you," she said quietly, clasping her hands on Takara's upper arms. "I think you are lovely. I don't blame you." Takara relaxed, closing her eyes "I'm sorry. I just... I don't know, panicked I guess." "It's okay," Athena smiled, pulling her pants and shoes off and tossing them on the growing pile of clothes. "Now, come here, beautiful." Takara melted into her arms, kissing her blue lips passionately. Athena pushed her tongue into Takara's mouth exploring the new sensations. Athena felt a hand slide down her stomach between them, moving slowly down to cup her bald pussy. It rubbed slowly, pressing with the palm against her clit as the fingers played with her soft, delicate lips, causing her throw her head back in silent pleasure. Takara lowered her head, nibbling on Athena's neck and shoulder, one hand on the asari's pussy, one wrapped around her hips, pulling her close. Because it was underground, the room had been spared most of the morning heat, but as the day drew to a close, it was becoming increasingly hot, covering both of their bodies in a thin layer of sweat. In the dim light of a scavenged lamp, the two women's naked bodies glistened, rubbing slowly against each other as their moans and sighs filled the room. Takara pushed Athena slowly backwards until they collapsed onto the make-shift bed of pillows they had scavenged from a nearby building. Unsure of what would please her lover, Takara did what she would have done with a human. She broke the kiss, replacing her lips with a single finger as she slid her body down Athena's. Staring into those green eyes, Takara gently sucked Athena's small, tender lips into her mouth, savoring the sweet, heavy taste of her arousal. "Oh, Goddess!" cried Athena loudly, collapsing back onto the pillows. "Oh, that's wonderful!" Takara wrapped her arms under Athena's hips, pulling the asari towards her as she sucked greedily on her pussy. Lying on her chest between Athena's thighs, Takara settled into a rhythm of sucking, licking, and nibbling, unconsciously bringing her legs up behind her and crossing them at the ankles. Athena watched her legs swing back and forth playfully as Takara pleasured her, letting the sensations wash over her body. Takara released Athena lips, only to lock her mouth around the small blue clit, lashing at it with her tongue, pausing occasionally to rub with her hands while she took long, slow licks of Athena's pussy. Takara felt the body underneath her start to rock back and forth as Athena's muscles tightened. She quickened her pace, trying to quickly push Athena over the edge. When she finally succeeded, Athena clenched her eyes shut as her body shook, waves of heat flowing over her. She arched her back, but Takara held her hips firmly, never breaking contact with her clit. Takara watched as the blue skin began to glow ever so faintly. The light was a bluish purple, pulsing in waves from her center outward. Each new wave brought a jolt pleasure to Takara's body unlike any she had felt before. As Athena's orgasms subsided Takara crawled up her body, coming to a rest next to her on the pillows. Throwing an arm across Athena, Takara kissed her softly, first on the neck, moving up until she reached blue lips. Athena's lids opened, revealing solid black eyes. Takara gasped in surprise as Athena blinked, her eyes returning to their normal emerald green. "Are you up for more?" Takara asked. She wasn't sure how much stamina asari had, and suddenly realized that she may have worn Athena out. "Of course. Why wouldn't I be?" Athena asked in surprise. "Humans can't do this forever. Especially men," laughed Takara. "I was afraid you might be done for the night." "Are we?" "Oh, no," Takara smiled, pushing her thigh between Athena's legs. She pressed her body forward, rubbing her thigh against Athena's mound, and her own groin against the blue flesh of Athena's stomach. Pleasant sensation flooded Athena's mind, different from those she experienced before, but equally as powerful. "Takara," she whispered. Takara looked down, a blissful expression on her face. "Hmm?" "Kiss me," she begged. "Of course," Takara smiled before lightly pressing her lips against Athena's. Takara felt a jolt as their lips met. A very literal jolt. "Oh, god, what was that?" she asked, breathing heavily. Athena raised her head, kissing Takara's ear before speaking. "Our nervous systems are synchronizing," she whispered, almost too quiet to hear. Nonetheless, the words echoed through Takara's mind, like she had said them herself. "Look." Takara pulled back and looked into Athena's eyes. They were jet black again. "This is how we reproduce. Don't panic, I not going to become pregnant, but I could, if I wanted to, and if you surrendered your mind to me." "Why do I feel like this?" "When our nervous system's link, signals will cross back and forth." Athena shuddered as Takara's hand squeezed her breast. "I did not expect it to be so intense, though." "It's incredible," Takara smiled, pressing her hips into Athena's. She could feel the pressure in her stomach building, her body starting to twitch. "You're close," Athena whispered, grasping Takara's ass and pulling. "I can feel it." "So are you," Takara replied in a shaky voice, her pace quickening. She ground hard into Athena, driving herself higher, desperate for release. The asari lifted her head, planting soft kisses on her neck. Takara's face contorted in silent ecstasy, and she peaked. "Oh, god, yes, I'm coming!" she screamed, hands clenching and releasing of their own accord. She cried out franticly as waves of energy returned, flowing over Athena. At first, the ripples caused sensation only on her skin, but gradually, the penetrated deeper and deeper into Takara's body, consuming her entirely. Athena reached up and cupped her face in both hands, crushing their lips together. When they made contact, Takara reached a new level of pleasure. Her whole body tingled and shook, powerful waves of intense pleasure rolling over her. Mass Effect: Shards Ch. 01 "I feel you," Takara squealed quietly. Athena wrapped her arms around the human woman, clinging tightly to her as she quivered. The pleasure was self-perpetuating, lasting for what seemed an eternity. Climaxes came and went, rendering both of them incoherent masses of sweating flesh. Eventually, the sensations began to overwhelm Takara, becoming almost painful. "It's too much," Athena whispered. The sensations began to subside, and their hearts raced as they slowly came down from their mutual ecstasy. Takara collapsed on top of Athena, panting for breath. "Are you okay?" "Umm-hmm," she nodded groggily. Takara sluggishly raised her head from Athena's chest, gazing into those green gems. "Thank you." "For what?" "Making me feel loved," she whispered. Athena simply pulled Takara's head against her chest and closed her eyes. ****** Athena was jolted awake by a loud crash at the entrance to the room. She was on her back, with Takara face down on top of her, resting her head on the soft blue pillows. She lay silently, holding her breath, listening for any sign of an intruder. There was a loud scraping, and a narrow shaft of light poured in from the entrance. "Takara, Takara, wake up!" she whispered, shaking the warm body on top of her. "Hmm... what?" Takara sighed softly, at last waking up. "Get up, someone found us!" "Huh?" "Wharton's men, they found us!" Athena cried desperately. The mention of her captor's name caused a surge of adrenaline through Takara. She jumped to her feet and raced to put her clothes on while Athena did the same. "Ma'am, I think I hear something in there!" yelled a voice from outside. "Fuck," Takara muttered under her breath. "Outta the way, Private," said a gravely female voice, before something blocked the light coming into the room. Athena grabbed the pistol and pulled Takara behind a row of seats, peeking over the top. A lone figure appeared, crawling out of the tunnel. As soon as it stood, Athena recognized the figure. "Jack!" "Boss?" "I thought I told you two to meet me at Alliance Command. What the fu...," she paused, catching herself. "What happened, ya get lost?" "Wharton's men chased us. We hid in here," Athena answered. "Right," Jack sighed sarcastically, "I know what happened. Come on, let's get outta this crap hole." Athena and Takara followed Jack back through the tunnel. A small team of Alliance Marines were gathered outside next to a shuttle. "After you two 'hid' instead of going where you were supposed to, Hackett called out the dogs to find you," she said, climbing into the shuttle "We were waiting for daybreak before moving on," Athena explained as they took their seats. "What the hell were you waitin' for day for?" Jack cried. "Ya move at night when you're being chased. God, you really do have a lot to learn." She then leaned in closer to whisper in Athena's ear, "Like how to pretend that you aren't fucking my student." "How did you-" Athena gasped, but Takara cut her off. "Hey, boss, I really gotta get this damn collar off," she whined, pulling at the metal device. "Don't worry, the techs in London will be able to get that off, easy." ****** "I'm sorry, ma'am, but we can't remove it safely." "What?" screamed Takara, tears welling in her eyes. Hid her face on Athena's chest and sobbed. "What do you mean you can't get it off? Grab a torch and cut," Jack snarled at the technician. They were in an examination room in the Alliance infirmary in London. The young engineer had been examining Takara's collar for more than two hours while she sat on the table, Athena holding her hand a Jack leaning against the wall impatiently. "If it was that simple, I would have had it off two hours ago," he explained. "The device is designed to be tamper resistant. It has a built in explosive designed to kill there wearer if removed incorrectly." "Oh, god," Takara cried into Athena's chest. The asari did her best to comfort her. "So, what? It never comes off?" "It comes off, I just can't do it. I have never seen tech like this before. It's totally unlike anything else I've ever seen." "Reaper?" "Maybe, but I don't think so. You need to have an expert look at this." "You're supposed to be the fuckin' expert!" Jack screamed angrily at him before storming out of the room. Athena followed her, pulling Takara along. They found Jack leaning against the wall, staring at nothing. "We're gonna have to get that drink some other time. Come on, Takara, let's go." Jack pulled Takara away from Athena and started towards the exit. "Wait, I'm coming with you!" "I don't think so, kid. This is gonna get ugly, and you aren't like your mother. Father. Whatever, you aren't like Shepard." Takara's head shot up. "Your Shepard's daughter?" she exclaimed, looking at Athena. "Takara, go to the shuttle. I'll meet you there," Jack ordered. "But, I-" "Now!" she snapped. Takara nodded and walked off down the hall. When she was out of earshot, Jack turned to Athena. "Look, kid, there is no way some second-rate flesh peddler gets his hands on tech like that collar. Someone else wanted my kid, and I'm gonna find out who. You'd only slow me down, and I can't have that." "I can help," Athena protested, but Jack turned to leave. "Go home, kid. Read a book if ya want to know more about Shepard." "I can help, Jennifer." Jack froze. "What did you just say?" she asked quietly, not looking back. "I said I can help." "No, the name. What name did you call me?" "Jennifer. Your first name." "Only three people besides me know that name. One's dead. Liara is another. I assume she told you." "Yes. She can find out anything. Let me come with you, and she will help." Jack stared at her for a minute. "Come on," she said as she turned to leave. "Where are we going?" "To find the only other person that knows my name." In the shadows of the hallway, a pair of eyes watched them depart. "Interesting."