Mass Effect: After the Smoke Falls

Few new (and shocking) turn of events part 1

Shepard got dressed into full  casual attire and walked downstairs and saw the Robert, Liara, and Garrus were already there. Robert stood up. “John.” He walked up to Shepard and hugged him, much to his surprise.

Shepard returned the hug. “What did I do to deserve that?”

Robert stood back and smiled. “You took a chance on me; The Alliance promoted me to Commander. I’m in command of a new ship.”

“Really? Which one?” Shepard asked.

Garrus coughed. “Well it’s not really a new ship. Primarch Victus needed my help back at Palaven so he gave me command of a cruiser so I gave. . . “

“. . . command of the Normandy SR-2 to Robert?” Shepard asked.

“Yeah that sums it up. I don’t know why I had to drag it out but the Normandy needs Commander Shepard and since you’re an Admiral now, I gave it to your brother. It’ll be like you never left.”

Shepard smiled at Robert and held out his hand. “Congratulations, Commander.”

“Thank you Admiral Shepard.” Robert took the outstretched hand and shook it. Then something No one saw coming happened. Liara grabbed Robert by the shoulders, turned him around, and kissed him on the mouth. Shepard’s eyes went wide, Garrus’s open mouth resembled a hissing cats, and Robert didn’t know what the heck happened. Liara pulled away and blushed.

“Well, um, I don’t know what came over me just then.” She looked down at the floor. “I’m sorry about that, Robert.”

Robert kissed her. “It’s ok Liara.”

Shepard walked over to Garrus, who’s mouth was still hanging wide open. “Did I just see-?“

“Yeah.”

“But Liara-?“

“I had no idea she’d do something like that.”

“Same here.” Shepard and Garrus just stood there as Robert and Liara stood there practically glued together.  There were footsteps from the stairs and Tali came down, wearing her suit with Shepard’s N7 hoodie over it. Her hair was still tangled from the “dance” Shepard and she had a few hours before and she looked happy but tired. She noticed Liara and Robert and did  three things; gaped, smirked, and tapped Liara on the shoulder. The couple parted and looked at her.

“Tali?” Liara asked. “You look. . .”

“Like shit? Actually no I feel great; I just didn’t tidy up yet from a few hours ago.”

Robert was confused. “What happened a few hours ago?”

“Let’s just say that it was a lot louder than the flotilla.” Tali smirked as she walked over to Shepard and wrapped her arms around his torso.

Liara and Garrus got it, but Robert was still dumbfounded from Liara kissing him that he was a bit behind. “What?”

“Admirals Tali and Shepard had sexual physical contact a few hours before you arrived, Commander.” Orion said.

Tali and Shepard both looked at each other, and then they both sighed. “Thank you, Orion.” They all shared a quick laugh from that when the door opened. They looked and saw Wrex and Grunt walk in.

“You didn’t start the party until I got here? I’m flattered Shepard.” Wrex said.

Grunt sniffed the air. “You’re right about that , Clan leader. Don’t smell any alcohol yet.”

Wrex laughed. “You’re a blood varren you know that Grunt?” He turned to Shepard and Garrus. “He could smell out a Turians ass from a pile of Thresher Maw crap.”

“Well good to know if I end up going through one of those worms digestive tracts.” Garrus sighed as he rubbed his neck. 

A few hours later more of the crew (Joker, EDI, James, Kaidan, and even Elena came in) “What’s she doing here?” Shepard asked, his voice stern.

Kaidan raised his hands. “She’s pleaded guilty to the courts and agreed to reveal any information that she picked up on Cerberus’s plans. In return I’m basically her parole officer for a few months.”

Shepard looked at Elena. “I’m taking Kaidans word. But if you try anything-“

“You’ll kill me? I know I’d do the same. I am you after all.” Elena said. Shepard nodded, understanding that she regretted what she had done completely.

“Well I have a few words for the bitch.” Said a voice. They turned and saw Jack walking towards them. Most of her burns were healed, but the tattoos on the right side of her face and torso were replaced with fake skin and her amputated arm was replaced with what looked like a Geth one. Shepard had unpleasant flashbacks to Saren, since he had the same prosthetic arm which caused him to be a beacon for Sovereigns assault. Jack’s biotic Aura flared around her. “Because of you I lost my arm, half of my fucking tattoos, and all my trust.” She reared her arm, but instead of striking down Elena she let her arm lower and the aura died. “But fuck it, I forgive you. Gonna be awhile before I let you out of my sight.”

“The Jack I knew back during the Collector Attacks would’ve killed her.” Garrus said. “You really have grown up haven’t you.”

Jack smirked. “Guess Shepard’s goody two shoes act did rub off on me.”  She nodded at the assembled group. “Come on is this supposed to be a party? Lets kick it up!”