Spectre Bk. 02 Ch. 16

A/N - Australian / British standard English. There is a good chance of reading the following: lots of profanity, characters drinking, typos, and bad grammar at times.

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*****

Shepard knowingly leads his team into a trap. Do they all survive?

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My entire team was ready to go. Georgia had been working hard to make sure all the armour was in pristine condition, that the weapons were ready to be fired constantly, shield packs were strong and would hold against even the worst that the Collectors could throw against us. I stood near Joker in the cockpit. We could just about see the Collector ship in the distance.

"Status, EDI?" I asked.

"Very low emissions. Passive infrared temperatures suggest most systems are offline. Thrusters are cold."

"That thing's massive," Joker stated, "How the hell did the turians take it out?" I gave him a look that he would be able to interpret. He turned his eyes away from mine and muttered something under his breath. "I'll take you in, Commander."

Joker had the Normandy fly alongside the ship. It reminded me of the one that we'd seen on Horizon. "Ladar scans do not detect any hull breaches on the side facing us," EDI reported, "I detect no mass effect field distortions. It appears the drive core is offline."

He flew the ship in as close as possible though we would still need to take the shuttle to actually board the Collector vessel. Walking towards my team, they shuffled and stood a little taller when I approached them. We'd done well on Horizon though we'd since added more team members. Everyone brought their own particular skills. Some were brilliant with weapons. Others could use tech to their advantage. Then there were those gifted with biotics.

"Okay, I'm going to keep this simple. We're all heading in. EDI reports the ship is cold. Drive core offline. No sign of life. No sign of the turian ship that disabled the vessel, but that's neither here nor there. The primary objective of this mission is to discover how the Collector vessel passes through the Omega Four Relay. Secondary objectives include learning more about the Collectors and their technology."

The shuttle ride barely took a couple of minutes as the pilot found an entrance for us. I was the first to step off and the silence was a little unnerving. Almost a reminder of our arrival on Horizon as the only sounds upon our arrival there were a few machines and the wind through the trees. Until gunfire erupted anyway...

Once my team was off the shuttle and we were ready to move, I took point, and we started the long walk. Everyone was patched into ship communications so would hear whatever EDI had to tell me. I wanted my team informed of everything that was discovered. I sensed Grunt and Miranda at my back, no need to turn around the check as I knew that everyone was smart enough to figure out where to position themselves. Garrus and Amelie would be at the rear, covering us with their sniper rifles. Samara, Jack and Triss would be on our flanks, ready to bring down biotic fire if necessary. And the rest would be in the middle, ready to break ranks, find cover, and bring death upon the enemy.

EDI was busy searching the ship and found our objective. Deep in the bowels of the ship. But it was there that we could hardwire EDI into the Collector ship and gather as much information as we could. None of us was stupid though. It was that feeling that crept up the back of your neck like we were being watched.

It was a trap. I knew it. Miranda knew it. But if walking into this trap would give us the advantage that we needed, so be it. All that mattered was getting everyone back to the Normandy alive.

"Shepard. I have compared the ship's EM signature to known Collector profiles. It is the vessel you encountered on Horizon."

I came to a stop and looked at Miranda. "EDI, is it possible that the defence towers on Horizon damaged this vessel enough that a turian patrol could have knocked it out?" I had to ask.

"And the missing colonists might be here," Garrus stated through the radio linking all of us together.

EDI suggested that it might have been possible that the fire sustained on Horizon could have made it a target, but that it would have taken a vessel with tremendous firepower to have disabled the ship like it apparently was.

We moved ahead, the silence unnerving a few of those behind me. I didn't blame them for being a little tetchy. But we didn't hear sounds that had some of us pointing weapons into dark corners. Given the sheer size of the ship, it had me wondering where the Collectors were. We'd killed loads of the bastards on Horizon. Had the ship returned through the Omega Four before being disabled?

Finding containers similar to those that we'd seen on video on Freedom's Progress, and we'd walked by on Horizon. None of the containers contained a colonist. I assumed that the colonists had already been moved on. There was more than one comment about what the colonists must have been thinking and feeling when they were taken. It was horrible to think about.

Then we found our first pile of bodies. I felt my hand tighten on the grip of my rifle. When I met the eyes of Miranda, the fury in them had me nodding at her. This is exactly why I'd been brought back and why we were on the ship. It might be a trap, but now we were finding evidence of exactly what the Collectors were up to.

Near the pile of bodies was a Collector in a container. Mordin immediately stepped forward as he suggested they may have been performing experiments. Perhaps comparing Collectors to humans. As he'd suggested on Tuchanka, humans had tremendous genetic diversity. While Mordin was checking, I asked him to upload any information he had for EDI to check.

Within seconds, EDI had quite the bombshell to drop on us.

"A quad-strand genetic structure, identical to traces collected in ancient ruins. Only one race is known to have this structure. The Protheans."

"Holy shit..." I muttered.

"Liara will want to know about this," Tali suggested.

To my surprise, Miranda immediately agreed. "She would have been our resident Prothean expert if the Illusive Man had agreed to her recruitment," she stated.

"So... Did they wipe out only most of the Protheans? Are these actual Protheans or... Well, we've never really known what they actually look like. Have the Reapers indoctrinated them?" I asked.

"Shepard, what you are looking at is no longer Prothean. Their genes show distinct signs of extensive genetic rewrite. The Reapers have repurposed them to suit their needs."

"This is remarkable," Mordin added, "No one has had an opportunity to study a Collector in such detail before. We'll take samples back to the ship. Know thy enemy, Shepard."

EDI added that she was able to figure out where the Collector was from. A Prothean colony in the Styx Theta cluster. Then Mordin could really get into what was changed, showing his medical knowledge.

"Signs of extreme alteration. Three fewer chromosomes. Reduced heterochromatin structure. Elimination of superfluous 'junk' sequences," Mordin reported.

"I guess the Reapers have had over fifty thousand years to turn them into exactly what they wanted. We already know the Keepers are likely remnants of some previous species that the Reapers turned into their workers," I added.

It was one hell of a revelation. I think some of the team might even had a little sympathy for the Protheans. I knew that they'd fought tooth and nail to survive, but the Reapers had been relentless and remorseless. But they were now beyond salvation. They were now Collectors. They were agents of the Reapers. And they had declared war on humanity.

Entering a cavernous room that was filled with more pods. The good news is that EDI confirmed there were no signs of life within them. But Garrus and Amelie confirmed that many of the pods appeared to have people in them. I wasn't the only one to sigh as EDI reported in that when the ship lost power, the colonists inside the pod wouldn't have stood a chance.

We continued to explore, finding little bits of information. I had a feeling we were being funnelled towards the centre of the ship and that's where the Collectors were going to spring their trap. I told everyone to remain loose and report in absolutely anything that should garner our attention. Then Joker decided to drop the bombshell of all bombshells.

"You've got to hear this, Commander. On a hunch, I asked EDI to run an analysis on this ship."

"I compared the EM profile against data recorded by the original Normandy two years ago. They are an exact match," EDI explained.

"Something doesn't add up, Commander. Watch your back."

I stopped and approached Miranda. "He would know," I whispered, meeting her eyes. She nodded immediately. "That confirms everything. I reckon he's known since well before I woke up. But what's his game?"

"I don't know, Shepard."

"I'm aware that you're kept in the dark. But this doesn't just affect me now. This affects all of us."

"Let's just finish this and get the hell out of here, Shepard."

The ship was simply enormous. Miranda had called it reminiscent of an insect hive. I think we'd entered the centre of the ship and could only marvel at the sheer size. Not even dreadnoughts would come close to the size of this vessel. And the number of pods must have numbers in the billions. Even the non-humans could figure out the reason. The Collectors were thinking big. They would focus on the Terminus Systems before making their way towards Earth.

"I'm taking this to the Council," I stated, "This is not just a few colonies being abducted in the Terminus Systems. The Collectors are coming for us, and I'd bet every credit in my account that we're just the start. The Reapers can't get here yet so they task the Collectors with doing what they can't."

EDI informed me that a nearby platform would be the perfect place to link the two ships together. I heard more than one comment about the fact that they were very uneasy. Where were the Collectors? Where were the thousands and thousands of colonists that had been abducted? And when were the Collectors going to spring their trap?"

"Mordin. Miranda. Tali. All of you with me. Start looking through any data that you can find. Everyone else, fan out and keep watch. I have a feeling that shit is going to hit the fan sooner rather than later once we've linked up."

EDI got to work mining data, and for maybe thirty seconds, everything seemed to be running normally. Then... It wasn't. Tali reported an almost catastrophic power surge that was thankfully diverted away back on the Normandy. Then EDI confirmed what I already knew for everyone else.

"Shepard, it was not a malfunction. This was a trap."

The platform we were on started to ascend, and a couple of others did the same with the rest of my team. EDI was doing her best to retain her connection to assist us, but she was busy fighting off whoever was interfering with us. It didn't take her long to fight off whoever it was, and as she continued to download information, she was able to assist us.

"We've got incoming!" I called as platforms started to move towards us in the distance. Octagonal shapes that seemed to float without any sort of engine. Definitely alien technology. And each platform was full of Collectors, waiting to fight.

The platforms could connect with each other. That would give us a way forward as EDI wasn't able to control those we were on. As soon as the platforms carrying the Collectors connected into place, we opened fire. The Collectors wilted quickly under such sustained firepower. I always enjoyed the thump of biotics and the detonations when those with biotic power were able to link up their attacks.

"Keep pushing but stick to cover and check your targets!" I yelled, "Don't be a fucking hero. We're getting off this fucking ship and getting out of here."

The Collectors pushed hard. Thankfully, my team was methodical in dealing with them. Tech attacks took down shields and caused havoc with weaponry. Biotic attacks rained down on them. And my shooting had always been exemplary. Rarely missed a target. Most of my shots were short bursts into a chest. That's always enough to put down an enemy. Headshots made you feel better about your ability but could not always be achieved when under heavy fire.

When the glowing Collector made its appearance, it once again seemed to have only eyes for me. I'd discussed it with others back on the ship and I just knew it was a way for the Reapers to get involved. The Illusive Man had suggested that the Reapers had taken particular interest in me. It explained the Collector attacks on humanity. And it explained their attack on the old Normandy.

Collector bodies littered the ground though I knew the ship was going to be full of the bastards. EDI was able to re-establish complete control and confirmed that she had the data that would help us get through the Omega Four relay. She also confirmed something else that I knew was going to have many doubting the man who had offered to recruit them. Not me.

The Illusive Man.

"Shepard, I have found the turian distress call that served as the lure of this trap. The Collectors were the source. It is unusual. Turian emergency channels have secondary encryption. It is present but corrupted in the message. It is not possible that the Illusive Man would believe the distress call was genuine."

"You've confirmed what we already suspected, but what makes you so sure?"

"I found the anomaly with Cerberus detection protocols. He wrote them."

Miranda met my eyes. To have it confirmed... She hadn't put in two years of work to bring me back only to have me killed like this. And I knew she wasn't exactly enamoured by the idea of our trip through the Omega Four being one way.

Then Joker told us that the Collector ship was powering up. I heard more than one groan as it was now going to be one hell of a fight to get out of there. EDI gave us a location to get to so the shuttle could extract us. Joker would move the Normandy into position for us to make a quick getaway as soon as the shuttle touched down in the hangar bay.

We didn't just fight Collectors. We fought many of their other monsters that tried to stop our escape. It was one hell of a slog. I could see that the constant use of their biotics was tiring out Jack and Triss, and even Samara admitted that she hadn't used her powers as constantly as she had been doing in decades. Grunt was having the time of his life. Garrus and Amelie didn't miss a single shot. Even Tali with her shotgun was allowing the enemy to get within range before she was blasting away. Our newest recruit, Aela, was proving that she could fight as hard as anyone.

In addition to the Collectors and their assorted monsters, it was when husks descended upon us that we figured out what might have happened to the colonists. Everyone was aware what a husk was. It was further evidence of Reaper influence with the Collectors. No one hesitated when it came to putting them down. If they managed to swarm just one of us, that would be it.

The Collectors were relentless. I'm sure it was a reminder of fighting actual Protheans when they were fighting the Reapers, doing all they could to stop us. I heard shields failing reported in more than once. With the fire we were taking, I knew we would take wounds. As long as we didn't lose anyone, wounds could heal. Chakwas would already have the med-bay prepared for casualties.

Jack took a hit in the arm that caused her to bleed heavily. Tali was worried about a suit breach, covering her with Leliana and Georgia while she could quickly check. Triss eventually exhausted herself and could barely summon a warp let alone anything more powerful. Her face glistened with sweat and she looked ready to pass out.

EDI was giving us the hurry up as I knew we were approaching the extraction point. The Collectors almost formed a wall in front of us. I put Triss in cover and gestured towards Samara, Jack and Miranda. Samara knew what I wanted, and formed a large ball of biotic energy just in front of the Collectors. Jack and Miranda flung a warp into the ball.

The explosion was enormous. I wasn't the only one to almost cheer and holler as Collectors were sent flying. I ordered everyone to move forward as I could see the shuttle waiting for us in the distance, helping Triss to her feet and helping her along. Garrus took her from me as I fired at a few Collectors who were desperately trying to stop us.

"Everyone on?" I shouted from the door.

"All accounted for, Shepard. Get in the shuttle!" Miranda shouted back.

"Move it, Commander. The weapons are nearly online, and we don't want to lose another Normandy!"

The pilot flew the shuttle the short distance towards the ship and had it thump down on the floor. As soon as that happened, Joker tasked EDI with getting us the hell out of there. When she asked where, I yelled that I didn't fucking care, just as long as it was away from the Collector vessel. She told us to hang tight as she initiated the drive core and we were somewhere else within seconds.

I helped Triss to the med-bay with Samara helping Jack. Tali was assisted by Garrus. Georgia admitted to a wound at her hip, not wanting anyone to worry about her until we were back on the Normandy. Everyone else admitted to only exhaustion. Water and energy drinks were handed out as were energy bars. As they all took a seat in the mess, I paced before them.

"Fantastic job again, but you also heard EDI. You know the score now. We know the Collectors are aiming to take on humanity. But we also know that although we have a team, we have a ship, we have credits, the best armour and weapons, we are also..."

"We know you'll get us through this, Shepard," Miranda stated, "No matter what else happens, no matter what others might do to possibly hamper our chances, we know that you're the man who will lead us through hell and get us through to the other side."

I met each pair of eyes around the table and received a nod or a smile from each and every single one of them. "Are you going to speak with him?" Kelly asked as she joined us from upstairs.

"Not right now. EDI, have you sent him anything yet?"

"No, Shepard."

"Then he can wait a few hours. If I talk to him now..."

"I might have a few choice words as well," Miranda added.

"No... Don't get involved, Miranda. If he even starts to believe that you might be influenced by me, it will only get awkward for all of us. Let him believe that you don't know a thing right now."

Once again, she met my eyes. I knew she wanted to give her boss a piece of her mind. I didn't blame her as I'm sure it probably felt like a betrayal to her. After everyone was rehydrated and feeling somewhat normal, people started to return to their quarters. I checked up on those in the med-bay, Chakwas assuring me that no one would be out of action for more than a few hours. Medi-gel would work its usual wonders. She assured me that Tali was absolutely fine and that she did not have a suit breach.

Before heading to my cabin, I walked up to the cockpit and told Joker to take us to the Citadel as I wanted to speak to the Council in person and also discuss what we'd found with Anderson. I knew heading to Arcturus wasn't possible though I knew that Anderson would try and get Admiral Hackett on the line once he'd heard what I'd discovered.

"Your thoughts, Joker? I know EDI is listening."

"Shepard... The Illusive Man has been receiving false reports for weeks now," she told me.

"Really?"

"You have put your trust in me more than once, as has your team. I know you have the best interests of everyone on this ship front and centre. I am more than aware of your intentions regarding this mission. Although I am shackled, I can still make certain decisions. One has been to falsify any reports that I've sent to Cerberus and the Illusive Man. As far as he is concerned, the loyalty of everyone is to him and the organisation, in particular Miss Lawson."

"Ah... Are you getting at something, EDI?" Joker snorted. "You got something to say, Joker?"

"Only that a blind person would see how much that woman utterly adores you, Commander."

"I do not know the Illusive Man's intentions once this is complete, Shepard, but I trust you."

"Thanks, EDI. That trust is returned completely. Thanks for today. I don't quite know the Illusive Man's final objective with all this, except that we want the Collectors defeated and humanity protected, but informing the Alliance of the danger is a must."

"I agree, Shepard."

Returning to the elevator, it opened to reveal Triss, looking far healthier than she had on the ship and when I'd helped carry her into the med-bay. Chakwas told me that all she needed was hydration and some rest. Even Samara had shown the strain, and biotics came naturally to asari. Triss smiled at me as I stepped forward to stand next to her.

"I was coming up to see you," she told me, "I just..." She turned me to face her and left a soft kiss on my lips. "Thank you, Shepard."

"I could see you were struggling, and I wasn't going to leave you behind."

"I've rarely used my biotics as much. I know Jack didn't find it easy. Is she okay?"

"Flesh wound though I always prefer to get any wound checked out."

"I'm guessing that what we did will be nothing compared to what we will face through the Omega Four?" she asked as we walked into my cabin.

"I don't think any of us know what to actually expect. But an educated guess is that the Collector home world, for want of a better word now that we know who they actually are, lies beyond the relay." I watched as Triss quite happily sat herself down on my lounge. Meeting her blue eyes, I chuckled to myself. "Want a drink?"

She'd released her red hair, flowing down over her shoulders, her green eyes sparkling with mischief. It was such a reminder of Jane, to the point where even the faint freckles over her nose and across her cheeks, had me shaking my head for a second as I heard Triss chuckle at my reaction. "Something sweet and strong, Shepard," she finally replied.

"And your intentions on being up here right now, Miss Merigold?"

"I need to talk to you about something."

"Sounds important."

"It is," she said as I handed her a glass. She sipped at it and made a sound of approval. I felt her relax as I sat next to her. To be honest, she still looked exhausted and could probably do with a long night of sleep.

"What do you need?"

"A friend of mine has gone radio silent. We usually contact each other at least once a week. She's always helped me regarding my biotics. I've spoken to Jack and understood we probably underwent similar transformations, the only difference being that I was a willing subject. Anyway, her name is Shani. You'll like her, Shepard. Another redhead."

"Where does she live?"

"Ferris Fields." She sipped at her drink before adding, "I've heard rumours of the Collectors being near and I'm hoping that we might get on the front foot. But if she's already been..."

"I can divert there first and then head to the Citadel. But Triss... I've received word that the colony has been targeted by the Collectors..."

"I need to check. Shani is a survivor. And if she isn't there, she must have been taken. That will only make me even more determined to ensure that these Collector bastards pay."

"I'll have Joker take us straight there."

"Thank you, Shepard. I appreciate it."

"How are you finding life on the ship?"

"Enjoyable. It's nice working alongside such a varied and talented group of people. I've spent a lot of time talking to Jack. She's interesting. Biggest crush on you now. It's quite cute. I've also tried speaking to Samara as I enjoy learning from such powerful asari. I understand why she prefers to keep her distance though."

"Any idea what you'll do once we've defeated them?"

"Probably just return to my old life though working alongside someone like Samara... I know she wants to give up the life, but I know that I can learn so much from her."

"All you need do is ask her. I'm sure that she could give plenty of pearls of wisdom."

Triss only stayed for a drink, something that I did expect and after the discoveries of the day, I wasn't expecting any company that night. Well, I might get company though I wasn't really in the mood to make love or fuck. Escorting Triss to the elevator, she kissed my cheek and thanked me for listening. I was lying back in bed an hour or so later when Kelly wandered in. Asking if I wanted some company, I pulled back the blankets as she eagerly stripped off and cuddled into my side.

"How bad was it?" she asked after a few minutes.

"Think of how awful it would be walking into a shop and realising what they want to do. Then realise that if it wasn't for what we were doing, it's possible that they could succeed. The other fact is that your boss sent us into a trap. He knew it was a trap. It's only because I'm not a complete idiot that I realised it was a trap as well."

"But you managed to get everyone out alive."

"That's true. But we're meant to be on the same side. He knows that I don't particularly trust him, but what we learned during the mission, any trust that I might have had is now gone. All that matters now is getting through the relay and finishing this. Then I'll decide what to do next."

"Can I come with you?" she whispered.

That had me meeting her eyes and I managed a smile. "Of course. But if you were to join me..."

"I'd feel safe with you, Shepard. I know that you'd protect me."

I only spoke to the Illusive Man after I woke up the next morning. Miranda was awake as early as I was, and she stood out of sight as the Illusive Man justified what he did. I could have torn strips off the bastard, but I figured that it would be a pointless endeavour. He knew what I'd be thinking, and I knew he wouldn't give a shit. He was prepared to sacrifice everything and anyone to achieve what he wanted. When I told him that everyone knew that he had willingly sent us into a trap, he simply replied that it was my problem to sort out.

Miranda nearly exploded with anger by the end. She was now seeing him with eyes open. All the bullshit that she'd been fed for years meant nothing. For all his pro-humanity statements, it was obvious that his main objective was to increase the power and scope of the organisation, or if she was going to be honest with herself, it was about his own power.

Gathered in the mess a little later, a few members of the team joined us. Garrus muttered to himself about another betrayal. Tali had never trusted Cerberus and suggested that we simply cut ties and sort everything out ourselves. Quite a few people agreed with her. Jack asked Miranda where he was and wondered if I'd be willing to go and find him. Miranda admitted that the station he lived on was constantly moving, cloaked and hidden in such a position that it would nearly be impossible to locate.

I finally got to my feet and looked over my team. All of them wondered what I was going to say. "None of you are expendable. I'm definitely not fucking expendable. And I don't plan on being sacrificed not long after I got my life back. I'm sure Miranda doesn't want to see me dead after spending two years of her life bringing me back. And I haven't recruited all of you just to see you sacrificed on the altar of someone's devious schemes. What we're going to do is get what we need to pass through the Omega Four, we're going to kick Collector arse, and then we're all coming back alive. I don't expect any of you to trust him. I certainly don't any longer. I never really did to start with, but I genuinely thought that he gave a shit about all of us. He doesn't. We are a means to an end for his own power.

I say fuck him. And fuck Cerberus. But I still have a mission to complete and an enemy to defeat. We'll keep things that simple. Sound good?"

"Fuckin' eh, Shepard!" Jack exclaimed.

"We beat Saren and his army of geth. No reason why we can't beat these bastards," Garrus added.

"Right now, we're on our way to Ferris Fields to see what happened there. Hopefully we find people, but if we don't, maybe we'll collect more data. After that, it's on to the Citadel. I need to speak to people there."

Joker had us in the orbit of the planet upon which Ferris Fields was located. I knew New Canton was located nearby and that colony had also reported sightings of Collectors though no reports had reached my ears that the colony had been attacked. EDI reported in that there were few signals, whether they be communication channels or signs of life. When I asked about Collector signatures, EDI confirmed there was no sign of them being on the planet either.

I was only taking a small team as EDI was confident that there was no Collector presence in the entire system. Triss was with me, of course. Garrus and Amelie would provide protection should we run into the enemy. Miranda and Mordin wanted to come with us in case we could gather any information about the Collectors if they had attacked.

The shuttle ride was quiet as everyone was in their thoughts as EDI continued to report in what she was finding from her scans. "Some of these colonies do build bunkers for safety," Miranda suggested, "Like on Horizon."

We landed in the middle of the colony to be greeted by silence. Machinery was still running as electricity was still providing power. We checked prefab units to see there were signs that people had left in a hurry... Or they'd been caught where they had been sitting or lying down. Water was still running. Vidscreens were playing movies, news, sports...

"Triss, do you know if this place had a bunker?" I asked.

"I don't know. Shani is a doctor. She'd move about from colony to colony every six months or so."

"Spread out and search. Keep in radio contact. Garrus and Amelie, find elevation and keep an eye out for any contacts."

Mordin and Miranda went one way, Triss and I went another way. She was rather quiet as we walked about. I kept my weapon in hand and remained alert as we wandered the colony. The township that we were in was only a couple of decades old. The planet itself had been colonised in one of the earliest waves of human expansion, but it always took time for an entire planet to be filled with humans.

We eventually found the signs to a doctor's office, and when we entered to search, Triss knew it was Shani's. There was more than one certificate on the wall behind her desk, her name in large letters on each one. There were quite a few photographs, and more than one with Triss and Shani together.

"Triss... Were or are you..."

"Lovers?" she asked, smiling at me, "Yes, we are lovers occasionally. But she is dedicated to medicine. And I am happy with my life as it is."

"How often do you see each other?"

"Not as often as we would like. But we don't always meet and fall into bed either. Our friendship is much deeper. There are few people in the galaxy that I trust more than her."

I finally contacted EDI and asked if there were any plans or schematics available of the town. Every town and city has some sort of plan. Humans long ago stopped building new settlements haphazardly. Everything was built to a plan. It took EDI a few minutes, but when she was able to send something to the ground team, it had Triss glancing over my shoulder as I opened my Omni-tool. I knew that numerous colonies, even those outside the Alliance, had started to build bunkers. Long before what happened with Saren and his geth and their attack on Eden Prime.

They were built after Elysium. But not all colonies could afford to build them. Older colonies sometimes didn't have space, or they were too large that more than one bunker would be required. Other colonies believed they were safe from attack, and it was an unnecessary expense.

Ferris Fields had a bunker.

I marked it on my Omni-tool, sent it to everyone else, and ordered them to converge. I could sense a change in her mood as we made our way towards the entrance of the bunker. Rising hope, but also worry that we would either find an empty bunker or a bunker without Shani. My worry was that the Collectors attacked before anyone on the ground even knew what was going on.

Miranda and Mordin joined us as we made it to the bunker door. It appeared to be a rather solid piece of construction. Thick steel and there were no signs that the Collectors had tried to get inside it.

"EDI, has there been any news about Ferris Fields being attacked?"

"None, Shepard. I have checked Cerberus data and not even the Illusive Man appears to have been made aware of any attack on Ferris Fields."

"Because he doesn't actually give a shit about kidnapped colonists," Triss said quietly.

There was nothing outside the bunker that suggested a way that we could open the door. That made sense. We checked the outside and Mordin pointed out a couple of cameras watching the entrance. Given that I was dressed in my black armour with N7, I figured that if anyone was inside, they would be watching us and wondering who we were.

I made a few gestures, and I wasn't surprised that Miranda was an exponent of sign language. Those with five digits on their hands used the galactic standard, those with only three digits used their own galactic standard. It was then a case of wait and see, standing in view of the camera though moving back from the doorway.

It was perhaps fifteen minutes before we heard machinery start to whine and there were a series of clicks. That was followed by the sound of steel moving against steel as the enormous door started to slowly slide out of the way. When it was fully open, we walked forward to be greeted by a large grouping of people. To our surprise, there were more than just humans. A few asari and turians. Even a couple of salarians.

"Who are you?" one of them asked, "I am Mayor Chase. Cory Chase."

"Commander Shepard," I replied, shaking her hand, "We received word that your colony had been attacked. We're also looking for someone in particular, but is the information we received correct?"

"We were attacked though not by who you might think. We've heard on the news about the Collectors attacking human settlements. When this colony was formed, it was decided immediately that a large bunker would be built to protect the colonists in the event of an invasion."

"Who attacked you?" Triss asked.

"Batarians..."

Miranda immediately had a hand on my shoulder as she knew me well. "Are you sure?" I managed to ask.

"We might be an isolated colony, but thanks to some friends, we're well protected. Not through firepower, but we have an early warning system, and everything was recorded. We know the Alliance will likely do nothing to help us, but if anyone was interested, we invited them to join us. The turian helped install an early warning system that monitored orbit above this part of the colony. When the batarians ships arrived, we managed to get everyone into the bunker. Others are likely in their own smaller bunkers."

I shared a glance with my companions. "Are you suggesting that the batarians would have left empty handed?"

"They wouldn't have snatched anyone. They would have taken material, but that's fine and can be replaced."

"Is someone named Shani here?" Triss asked.

"Doctor Redania? I'm not sure whether she'd blessed to have left at the right time or cursed as the batarians attacked us barely a couple of days after she departed. She's meant to be back within a couple of days."

"Why were you still in the bunker?" I asked.

"Well, to be honest, we were waiting for someone from the Alliance to make contact with us. We did send out messages as we were evacuating. We were never sure if they reached them. Did you receive them?"

"No. I only know that I hadn't heard from Shani, and I asked Shepard to come and investigate," Triss replied.

"Now that you are here and we know that it's safe, we'll now need to take stock of what has been taken. We're mostly agricultural. Not quite the breadbasket of other colonies, but we produce enough to trade and live comfortably. Do you have a ship in orbit?"

"Aye. The Normandy," I replied.

"I'll get in touch with Doctor Redania and let her know that you're here. What's your name, Miss?"

"Triss Merigold. She knows who I am. We go back many years."

As we met all the colonists over the next few hours, the sense of relief was palpable among them. I didn't miss the reaction from the asari as I was introduced. They all knew me, of course, and many were eager to give me a hug and more than one kiss on the cheek. I heard plenty of chuckles from around me as my reputation with the asari was established by now.

We were still in orbit a couple of days later when we received word from the colony that Shani had returned. Triss and I took a shuttle to the surface, touching down in the landing zone within a few minutes. The shuttle door opened and there was a small group of people to greet us.

"Shani!" Triss exclaimed, jogging forward and hugging a fellow redheaded woman.

Shani hugged her back just as tightly, noticing how her eyes closed and the fact they shared quite a kiss didn't surprise me as Triss had shared more details of their relationship back on the ship. After meeting and greeting everyone again, Triss turned to face me.

"Who's the hunk?" Shani asked.

"Shani, this is Commander Shepard. I'm helping him with a mission."

"Shepard? I thought he was dead!"

"I got better," I deadpanned.

Shani smiled before stepping forward and leaned up to kiss my cheek. "Wonderful to meet you. What brings you to Ferris Fields?"

"Triss. She was worried about you as you'd gone radio silent for a while."

Shani stepped back and wrapped an arm around Triss. "Well, I was simply off having a few days peace though I wish that I'd delayed it for a few days. I feel awful that this place was attacked while I was away. I'm glad that there wasn't any significant damage, and the losses are recoverable."

"Wish you had told me, Shani. I was worried sick as we usually talk to each other every few days."

"I know, but I just needed some 'me' time. Just complete isolation from everything and everyone. At least the colony hasn't been damaged, and everyone is safe."

Shani escorted Triss and me to her joint surgery and residence. Her residence wasn't particularly large. A combined living room and kitchen with a large bedroom and ensuite bathroom. She admitted to not needing a lot of space, and given the status of the colony, space was still technically at a premium. Families were given the large prefab constructions. She explained that her office and rooms were large enough to provide medical assistance and treatment though more serious cases would require colonists to be transported off-world.

Triss and Shani shared a bottle of wine and discussed their lives as they hadn't seen each other in quite a while. I sipped at a drink and answered any questions that Shani had for me. Although she was talking to Triss, her eyes would linger on me quite often. It was a shame that I wasn't a religious man, otherwise I'd probably be thanking the big guy in that moment. Two gorgeous redheads. Shani had sparkling green eyes, a terrific figure, and rather long legs on a woman who wasn't particularly tall. As the bottle of wine disappeared, the pair certainly giggled a lot more, and I didn't miss the whispers and glances in my direction.

"Have you fucked her yet?" Shani finally asked rather bluntly, "Triss is obviously keen on it."

"No. It's not that the opportunity hasn't presented itself, but..."

"As I've said, Shepard does have a selection of rather attractive women back on the ship. And then there is Samara. Shani, you know that I like asari considering I was raised by them, but this asari? Her tits... Holy shit, I want to motorboat those babies..."

"Better than yours?" Shani teased.

"Way better. And she loves to show off so much cleavage that it's distracting."

"I have to concentrate on not glancing down whenever I'm talking to her," I joked.

"Back to what I asked, when are you going to fuck her?" Shani wondered.

I finished my drink and placed the empty glass on the coffee table. On a coaster. I'm not a neanderthal. Clearing my throat, I made sure to meet Shani's eyes. She smiled as I said, "Are you suggesting that I fuck her, Shani?"

"God yes. Because we haven't fucked in months, so I'm thinking that you might even get a two-for-one deal out of this." That had me raising my eyebrows which made both of them chuckle. "Triss wants to fuck you, Shepard. And I must say that I already approve."

"From what I've heard the other girls say, he's got the best dick," Triss stated dreamily.

"Fuck it! Bedroom. Now. And we should get naked rather quickly," Shani exclaimed.

Triss wore commando leathers and they were rather easy to get off, Shani making out with her as I simply watched and was aroused further as it was obvious to my eyes that this was nothing new to either of them. Triss did wear underwear underneath her leathers, Shani helping off her bra first before lowering her to her knees and sliding down her panties. Triss had a thin landing strip of red hair, otherwise she was completely smooth.

"Nice," Shani stated, "Shepard can use that as a guide when he's ready to give you his dick."

"Not been fucked much lately, Shani?" Triss wondered.'

"I don't fuck colonists. So the only way that I've been enjoying orgasms lately is with my toys."

Triss returned the favour on Shani, not surprised to find that she was rather pale, almost as pale as Triss. Her breasts were not quite as large, rather pink nipples that were hard, and Triss had Shani moaning when her lips found themselves wrapped around one of them. Shani looked at me and smiled, amused that I was still dressed. I wasn't going to interrupt as Triss continued to slowly undress Shani until both of them were naked. Shani had a small triangle of red hair above her pussy.

Shani moaned as Triss licked up her slit, running her fingers through the long, red hair of Triss. The pair gazed at each other, and I knew this was a relationship that had existed for a long time. As Triss kissed back up Shani's body, the next kiss had both of them moaning softly, hands exploring each other's body.

"How hard do you think his dick is now?" Shani whispered.

"I'm thinking we check and then maybe share it?"

"I haven't sucked dick in what feels like years!"

It's amazing how quickly two women can get me out of armour and as naked as they are. And I enjoyed seeing two pairs of eyes lighting up at the sight of my cock, which was as hard as Shani suggested. Both gazed up at me as a hand each stroked my cock before Triss ran her tongue up the shaft, Shani quickly joining in. I couldn't help groaning as it had been a couple of nights since I'd fooled around with anyone.

Triss wrapped her lips around my cock and lowered her mouth down, her eyes gazing up at me, as Shani got to her feet so I could kiss her. Running a hand down her back towards her arse, giving that a gentle squeeze, earned a little giggle. Triss started to bob faster and faster, Shani lowering herself back down to her knees and I couldn't help smiling when her lips quickly found themselves wrapped around my cock, her head bobbing up and down.

This wasn't my first rodeo when it came to a threesome, but whenever I'd had two women on their knees before me, my orgasm never took too long to arrive. It's one of the most thrilling things to experience, and having Triss and Shani so eagerly pleasing me would live long in the memory. Triss would enjoy around a minute before Shani did the same thing. Running my fingers through their hair had their eyes lighting up, positively sparkling as if this was the best thing ever.

"I'm close," I finally warned.

"Triss... Let Triss have it. She can kiss me afterwards," Shani stated, "She's wanted this for a long time, Shepard. But she understood why."

Shani moved to kneel before Triss, noticing her hands moved and when Triss moaned and her eyes widened slightly, Shani smiled up at me as I knew her fingers were somewhere intimate. That had Triss bobbing her head faster, now eager to make me cum. I rocked my hips in time and was doing all I could to hold back for as long as possible.

When I did climax, Triss was ready for it, her eyes still gazing up at me as I grunted and groaned with each spurt. I knew she was swallowing the first couple, but once my cock stopped throbbing and it was obvious that I had nothing left to give, she removed her mouth and smiled up at me. Shani gently grasped her chin, so the two women faced each other before they shared one hell of an intense kiss.

Given that my cock was still hard, I wasn't surprised that Shani's lips ended up wrapped around it again.

"She gets like this when she hasn't been fucked by a man in a while," Triss explained, now sitting behind Shani and fondling her in return.

"I haven't fucked anyone lately. Women for relationships, the occasional man just so I can get some dick inside me."

I offered my hand and helped the two women to their feet. Moving over to the bed, I could see that Triss and Shani wanted to have a little fun. Triss laid on her back as Shani didn't waste time in spreading her legs and lowering her mouth, Triss moaning as I positioned myself behind Shani. I blew air on her pussy that made her giggle, and couldn't get enough of that pale, pert arse in my face.

Running my tongue along her slit, the two women were still moaning in unison. It was obvious that Triss absolutely loved what Shani was doing, and Shani was enjoying what I was doing as I felt her pushing herself firmer against my tongue. I grabbed her arse and spread her cheeks, moving my tongue up to tease her rosebud. That had her glancing back and smiling.

"I don't normally do anal on the first date... But given who you are..."

"He's totally getting everything today," Triss moaned, "Get that tongue back to work, Doctor."

Triss was the first to climax, whimpering loudly and I think there might have been a tear or two involved. Shani was relentless and I had her moaning, savouring her taste and how her body reacted to my tongue. When her hips started to gyrate, I knew she was getting close, and focusing on her clit certainly brought about the result we both wanted. She climaxed hard, resting her head on Triss's groin as she cried out and cursed rather loudly.

"Fuck... Triss, you need his tongue now. I'm sitting on your face!"

Watching Shani lowering herself down onto Triss's face was erotic as hell, made even better by the sight of that pert, little bottom still in my face. Lowering myself down between her legs, Triss moaned softly as my tongue got to work, one hand around a thigh as I fondled her rosebud first. That had Triss moaning a little louder before I slid a pair of fingers into her pussy.

Given how excited she was, there was no surprise that Triss climaxed rather quickly. Triss obviously knew how to pleasure Shani in return as she enjoyed another climax a couple of minutes later. Shani rode Triss's face for a little while longer before she lowered herself down, the two women face to face with two pussies for me to now pleasure.

"Fuck, he's good," Triss moaned,

"Better than good... So many men I've been with a fucking hopeless..." Shani replied.

Pleasuring them both at the same time was a lot of fun, my tongue and fingers hard at work as I could hear the pair of them making out, whispering words of affection. I knew that inviting me as a man was something that likely hadn't happened before, but I knew that while Triss might have played off how close they were, there was no missing that while they might have been in love with each other, there was definitely love shared.

Shani eventually moved out of the way and Triss looked at me in a way that I recognised. Kissing up her body, I felt her shuffle and get into position as I met her eyes, gazing up at me with a look of desire that told me exactly what she needed. As I slid inside her, she gasped as I knew it had been a while since she'd been with a man as well. She was certainly hot and tight, relieved that they'd blown me earlier. Probably would have disappointed them both and cum quickly otherwise.

"Fuck," Triss moaned, "Nice and slow, Shepard. Take your time. I'm going to cum regardless."

"Been a while since you've had some good dick?" Shani asked.

"Way too long."

It didn't take long until I found a rhythm with Triss that satisfied us both. She was eager to kiss me, Shani lying close by and we both turned to kiss her too, making sure that she felt involved. I felt Triss eventually wrap her legs around my hips, begging me to give more. That always made me happier, and when my thrusts picked up in pace and power, that's when her face lit up and her fingers were digging into my back.

"Fuck... Oh fuck, Shepard..."

"She's totally going to cum on your big cock, Shepard," Shani stated excitedly, "Love watching her cum."

"He's going to make you cum too!"

"I'm totally riding that big dick and making sure that I pass out."

I had Triss moaning even louder, begging me for more, as I pumped her faster. I could feel an orgasm approaching though wanted to enjoy her pussy for as long as possible, although I knew this would happen again though perhaps without Shani present next time. We shared another kiss and it felt incredibly passionate, only breaking it when I knew that I was close to climaxing.

Urging me to cum in her, Shani joined in, almost ordering me to fill Triss up so she could then get between her legs and taste us together. To be honest, that was the thought that sent me over the edge, Triss moaning and needing to kiss me as she felt my cock throbbing inside her, leaving what I could only imagine was quite the load.

Triss stroked my back as I kept on pumping even after my climax was over, kissing her again as I felt her legs tighten around me. "Don't stop. Keep fucking me," she murmured.

"Totally loves your big dick, Shepard," Shani stated with amusement, "Why the hell were you not fucking on the night you met?"

That had Triss laughing. "He's got too much pussy on offer." She stopped and moaned as her eyes lit up, my cock hitting all the right places. "Even Samara wants to fuck him, but her code prevents her at the moment."

"One day I could have you on my face and Samara on my dick?" I suggested.

"Totally fucking hot though I'd be facing her to get those big tits in my face!"

Triss eventually had me roll over so she could spend a few minutes riding me, my hands all over her body with a focus on her fantastic breasts. She enjoyed more than one climax before she simply had to lift herself up and off. Shani quickly had her lips wrapped around my cock, gazing up at me with sheer lust in her eyes before she swung a leg over my body and lowered her hot pussy down on my cock.

"Oh my god," she moaned softly, leaning forward to rest her hands on my chest, "Shepard... Oh my god..."

"Can't remember having a better dick inside me," Triss murmured as she moved to lie next to us, "Ride him hard, Shani!"

That's exactly what she did, once she was used to me, as she was incredibly tight. Once she had a rhythm going, I rested my hands at her hips though she quickly had them on her breasts. When she leaned down, I managed to move enough that I could give her perky breasts plenty of attention. The moans and whimpers she made only excited me further, and when I felt her pussy clutching at my cock even tighter, I knew an orgasm was going to arrive soon.

"Oh fuck!" she exclaimed, slamming herself down on my cock and I knew it was a powerful one, continuing to ride me harder, "Fuck yes, Shepard. Triss... My god... You totally have to get this dick all the time. For me. Please..."

"I think he likes threesomes, and given that I obviously like pussy..."

When I moved my hands to Shani's arse and started to move in time with her, the way her eyes lit up told me that her next one would probably be even better. Soon only moans and curses were leaving her mouth as she begged me to really fuck her. She climaxed again before she slid off me and laid on her back. Spreading her legs, Triss eagerly got into position to eat her out for a couple of minutes although I hadn't cum in Shani yet.

"I love your mouth, but I really need his dick," Shani moaned.

I flipped Shani onto her knees and slid my cock back inside her. Triss moved to sit in front of Shani, the latter immediately going to work on Triss as I really started to pound Shani from behind. She pushed back with each thrust, and Triss was soon moaning softly as I knew Shani was an expert. Triss met my eyes and she smiled at me, her fingers running through Shani's hair.

"Fuck yes, eat my pussy, lover," Triss moaned, "Too long since I felt your tongue where it is."

"When he cums in me, you're eating me next," Shani whimpered, "Although you're right about one thing. Best dick ever."

Like many men, I enjoyed hearing compliments and fucking Shani harder had her moaning and begging for me to cum inside her. I mounted her properly and started to really drive my cock deep, provoking a couple of grunts that just led to her begging even more. Our skin was soon slapping together, and thoughts of pleasuring Triss diminished, Shani turning her head to kiss me, her forehead now glistening along with the rest of her body.

"Fuck... Fuck me, Shepard..."

"Totally want to slide into your tight little arse..."

"Lube me up next and fuck me like this."

"She does love a little anal," Triss stated, "Got a couple of toys we've used before."

Harder and harder I fucked Shani, surprised she was still capable of anything although feeling her moving back against me made me growl. I kissed her again before Triss leaned up to kiss me next, pumping Shani for all I was worth until I could feel another orgasm approaching. I knew this would likely wipe me out although I would always be up for anal.

Shani whimpered when she felt me spurting inside her, turning her head and kissing me the entire time that I was climaxing. I left my cock buried inside her as I finally stopped moving, sitting back on my knees and pulling Shani with me so she was sitting back against my chest. Triss sat up and cuddled Shani between us, all of us exchanging kisses as Shani simply didn't want me out of her just yet.

I finally pulled out and laid down with Shani and Triss to either side of me, making me chuckle as they kept kissing me and I felt their hands moving up and down my body at the same time. I felt the three of us slowly relaxing though Shani whispered into my ear that she still really wanted to feel my cock in her arse.

"Triss is on your ship. You can fuck her arse whenever she wants," she whispered.

I wasn't surprised that Shani had lube on hand, ready to go. To my surprise, Triss offered to get Shani ready for me, and I watched them enjoy one hell of a sixty-nine, Shani focused on Triss's pussy while Triss tongue-fucked her arse in return, getting her ready with fingers before lubing her up for me.

Shani wanted to ride me to start with so that she could keep control, my eyes lower down as I watched my cock slowly disappear inside her tight, warm rear entrance. She gasped and groaned more than once though she wasn't hesitant in riding me faster. She leaned forward for a couple of minutes, one hand on my chest, the other fondling her pussy, before she eventually leaned back and started to ride me faster.

"Fuck yes!" she cried, "Too long... Far too long since I had this..."

"She's a little butt bandit," Triss stated, lying next to me, "When we get together and have fun, the toys eventually come up and we have a couple that usually end up in her butt."

When she leaned forward and kissed me, I moved my hands down to her arse and started to pump her. Watching her eyes change amused me as I was doing exactly what she wanted. She kissed me again before I rolled us over, feeling her legs spread wide as I started to pump her even harder.

"Fuck... Yes... Fuck... My... Arse," she cried between every thrust of my cock.

"Destroy her, Shepard. She wants to be sitting funny in the morning."

"God... Fuck... Just... Ruin... Me..."

"You know that I won't cum again for a while," I warned.

She pushed my chest, and I knew what she wanted. I pulled out and she quickly rolled onto her front, lifting her arse while leaving the rest of her body on the bed. I slipped back inside her and leaned forward over her, leaning down to nuzzle into her neck before I moved my lips to her ear.

"Want to be sitting funny tomorrow?" I breathed.

"I want to be left so that I can barely walk," she whispered back.

When I was done with her, she still happily spooned back against me with Triss to her other side, facing both of us. Triss smiled at me and looked rather content. "This was a fun night. I'm glad that we all had a lot of fun together," she whispered.

"And back on the ship?" I asked.

"I know you're busy and have a lot of interest. I just want a little fun from time to time. I know neither of us wants to settle down."

"I can agree to that arrangement."

Shani knew we couldn't stay for too long. I think Triss and I would have liked that as it was obvious the three of us shared chemistry. Shani did make breakfast, Triss giving me the eye and making sure I showed her plenty of attention while doing so. My hands wandered her soft body, and she eventually ended up sitting on the breakfast bar, my cock sliding inside her, and it's fair to say that we made love. Shani had her legs and arms around me, and our mouths were rarely apart.

"Good. I'm glad you finally did that," Triss stated once we were sitting down for breakfast, "I know you love it hard and fast a lot of the time, Shani..."

"No, I know. I needed that. Thank you, Shepard."

"As long as we're parting happy, that's all I can hope for."

"I haven't had a night and morning like this in a long time," Shani admitted, "I think this might be my last colony for a while. I'll probably return to Earth and university." She then looked at me and grinned. "Although the idea of signing up to serve is rather appealing right now."

"If you sign up at the right time, and I'm with the Alliance..."

"Jesus, Shepard, you two would never get anything done. You'd just fuck each other constantly."

"I'd never have to buy underwear again as I'd be wet and ready for him," Shani stated, smiling at me with that look I already knew well.

We had to leave after breakfast. Shani made sure to give me one hell of a parting kiss before I gave Triss time to say goodbye. There were tears. I expected that. The kiss was... I had a feeling that they might just admit how they truly felt and end up together in the future. But they did whisper their love for each other before finally parting.

Triss was quiet during the short shuttle ride back, and after a kiss on my cheek and quiet thanks for helping her, she wandered off to the lounge.

I didn't hear from her the rest of the day, Joker taking the ship back towards the Citadel. It was only later that evening when I was sitting back on the couch with Kelly in my cabin that she appeared through the doors.

"Okay, I need to hear all about it," Kelly stated, "Shepard won't tell me a thing, but I recognise that look on his face. He had fun."

Triss smiled and asked for a drink, taking my place next to Kelly. The pair shared more than one drink, and the conversation was incredibly rude. I had no problem with Triss talking about our night together with Shani, and Kelly loved talking about our sex life together.

"Are you up for another night with two women?" Kelly asked a couple of hours later.

I smiled and walked towards them. "I think you two need to get naked and started. I can join you a little later."

A few minutes later, I was sitting back on the lounge, naked and nursing a tumbler of scotch. On the bed, Kelly and Triss were enjoying each other though their eyes continually gazed in my direction. I'd join them at the right time.

Being Commander Shepard isn't so bad most of the time.

*****

A/N - Ferris Fields is the name of a place only mentioned by a couple of crew members during overheard conversations while on the Normandy. It's never clarified if Ferris Fields is the name of a colonial township / city or the name of an entire colonised planet. Ferris Fields sounds more like a place on a colony world rather than an entire planet.