Book 2, Chapter 28 -- A Last Blowout
*****
The entire crew except Joker stood before me as I took position near the door. We'd just arrived on Illium for our last hurrah before heading off for the Omega Four. Once we left, there would be no deviations. Straight for the relay and the Collector homeworld. Whether we made it back or not, I still wasn't sure. The crew was ready. The ship was ready. I was ready. But everyone deserved at least a last day or two of peace before the possible end. Though I didn't want to die, and I didn't want anyone else to die, there was a possibility this would be a one-way trip, for any number of reasons.
"Don't do anything stupid," I warned, "I don't want to be bailing any of you out of jail or worse. Yes, go out, get drunk, eat your fill, get laid if you want. But be back on this ship in forty-eight hours' time. And I'd better not have to send our reminders either."
"Yes, sir," the crew stated in unison.
I stood back and gestured to the open door. "Good. Like to keep things short and simple. Go and enjoy yourselves otherwise and I'll see most of you shortly."
Garrus was one of the first to leave, as he'd organised transport for Chloe, and he knew she'd be waiting for him at the hotel he'd booked for them. Grunt wandered off, stating he'd head for a place that would cater to his needs regarding appetite for food and sex. Thane suggested he would walk the parks, seeking peace and quiet, Samara joining him, aware of the friendship forged due to their shared love for meditation. Miranda and Jacob walked off together, and I couldn't help smirk as they did. "You're going to be busy enough, Shepard. Jacob and I can have our own fun," she stated.
"Well, Jacob is a lucky man. No offers for a third man to join in?"
"If you're inclined to pop around, you can fuck my arse again if you want."
Jacob just met my eyes and started to laugh. "I do like this new side to her, Shepard."
"So do I. It's refreshing. You guys have fun."
Zaeed and Jack headed out next, Jack insisting it wasn't what it looked like. "We're going to drink and gamble," she stated.
"Yeah, just better not die before I can spend all the creds I'm going to win," the grizzled mercenary added.
"And you've got plenty of company, Shepard."
"You can always pop around if you want, Jack. I'm sure someone will give you attention."
"I'll think about it, Shepard. But I'm in a good place. Drinking and gambling is a fun way to spend a day."
Mordin said he'd head out but would likely end up back on the ship, continuing to work, stating he didn't particularly do relaxation. I didn't mind either way, long as he was happy to spend his last days this side of the Omega Four doing what he wanted. Tali was one of the last to walk off, happily announcing that Reegar would be arriving soon, and that she would be spending all her time with him. I knew she was already looking forward to the mission being over, so my intention was to do anything to ensure she made it back alive.
The ship was now relatively deserted. Joker was still in his chair though would be departing soon enough. That left me with Kelly and Kasumi, who were waiting for me by the galaxy map. "So it's us two and Shiala, with Emily and Gianna when the former arrives from the Citadel?" Kelly asked.
"Correct. Liara can't make it. She's far too busy with her own things. She now rents out her apartment on short term leases, Shiala getting first priority whenever she's on Illium, of course. So we have it for the next two nights to ourselves."
"Five women, Shepard. Can you handle that?" Kasumi asked, humour evident in her tone.
"Well, I'm thinking there's going to be a lot of cunni... pussy eating. Correct?"
Kelly and Kasumi shared a glance. "Though I think we'd all much prefer something else, I'm not going to turn down eating or having my pussy eaten," Kelly replied.
"I'll just grab my bag and then we can head out. There is a roster where around three people are unlucky enough to remain, though their shifts are short. Mordin will be on here eventually. Don't think Chakwas is doing much either."
"Maybe you should invite her, Shepard?" Kelly wondered. The thought made me chuckle. "You've slept with her, right?"
"I have. Not sure she'd be interested in another weekend of group sex."
"Fine. I'll ask her then. EDI, can you connect me to the med-bay?"
"At once, Miss Chambers. Connection established."
"Karin, it's Kelly. We're about to head out for the weekend and we were wondering if you'd like to join us for shore leave?"
There was silence for a few seconds. "
I'd be delighted, Kelly. Does it involve a certain CO of this vessel?"
"That is does, Karin. Him and now six women, if we include yourself."
"I'll pack a bag and meet you upstairs in ten minutes."
Kelly clicked off the link, turned to me and smiled. "My bag is next to yours on the bed, Shepard."
Ten minutes later, I was walking out of the ship with Kelly, Kasumi and Chakwas, no surprise that Shiala was already waiting for us at the docks, dropping the bags so I could give her a hug and one hell of a kiss, long enough that Kasumi jokingly cleared her throat and suggested we had plenty of time later.
Arriving at Liara's apartment a few minutes later, Shiala offered us a drink as I dumped our bags in the main bedroom. "Heard from Gianna?" I asked.
"She'll be here in a couple of hours, Shepard. While she would have loved meeting you at the docks, she does have responsibilities and all."