Spectre Bk 01 Ch 04

A/N - This will be the only chapter (so far) that will take any dialogue from the game. When you recognise it, I'm sure that you'll understand why I've done it.

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

Proofreading and editing suggestions provided by OhDave1. Any mistakes are still mine.

Comments are appreciated as always.

Feedback by email is always welcome. Enjoy chatting with anyone who likes my work.

*****

Shepard assists an asari consort with a personal matter.

*****

"What can you tell me about the Consort?" I asked, "And what is your position with her?"

Naira stopped and turned to face me. "I'm one of her many acolytes, Commander."

"Shepard. Call me Shepard."

"We provide many services for the residents of the Citadel. People from across the galaxy will fly to the Citadel to see her. She is incredibly influential and powerful in her own way. Those of us who work for her do so willingly as we learn from her."

We resumed walking through the Presidium. "Do only asari work for her?"

"No. We have taken on human females as acolytes in recent years."

"Naira, be honest with me. Is it just a fancy title for an influential asari to offer sex?"

Naira stopped again, still that same smile on her face. She stepped towards me, resting a hand on my chest. "Would it be wrong if it was only about sex? But not just the act itself but everything leading up to it and everything that happens afterwards. You do enjoy sex, don't you, Shepard?"

"I enjoyed some last night."

Naira's smile broadened. "I'm sure she was left a happy and satisfied woman, Shepard. I can sense that about you already. The fact that you would treat any lover correctly, ensure you are both left... satisfied in the end..." She turned and resumed walking. "Have you enjoyed sex with asari?"

"Just the one for the time being."

"Did you find it a different experience to being with a human?"

"In regard to the melding."

She stopped and I saw the surprise on her face. "You've melded already?"

"Sure. She asked as she wanted to learn more about me."

"I'm impressed, Shepard. Most humans are hesitant about melding with an asari. They worry about their secrets," she said as we resumed walking.

"I have nothing to hide as most of my secrets are out there anyway."

Walking into the Consort's chambers, the place was full of asari with a couple of human females within the group. Most of them were sitting around, conversing amongst each other, with only a couple of guests being entertained. Naira led me towards a hallway leading away from the main entertainment area past a series of closed doors. There was no missing the sounds of lovemaking behind a couple of them.

"What is your skill, Naira?"

She didn't pause though glanced my way. "My tongue, Shepard. I'm a wonderful conversationalist."

"Anything else?"

She knew I was teasing her, and the giggle was a delight. "Well, I've left more than one man incapable of speech once I'm done with him. And that is just through talking to him."

"Is there some sort of guest list?"

"For a Spectre, you will always have an open door to visit. Sha'ira would insist on it." We came to a stop at a closed door, Naira turning to face me. "Sha'ira is inside. The only request made is that you be honest with her. She is aware of your story, knows who you are already."

"Thanks."

She leaned up and kissed my cheek. "If you visit again soon, maybe I can show you how talented my tongue is?" Another soft kiss and a squeeze of my hand before she walked away. I watched her until she disappeared, not missing the fact that she turned back to smile at me a final time before she was around the corner.

Walking into Sha'ira's personal quarters, the lighting was low, what I would call mood lighting. More than enough to see the exquisite furnishing and erotic artwork on the walls. There was furniture off to my right upon which I could sit. What took pride of place was an enormous bed to my left. Sha'ira was relaxing back on it wearing what I would have considered a rather scandalous robe. Her long legs were bare, and the robe was loosely tied at her waist.

She smiled upon noticing me, sliding off the bed and walking barefoot towards me. She was tall though not reaching my eye-level. She was... absolutely gorgeous. I doubt she wore any make-up at all. Her eyes sparkled as they met mine, noticing how her eyes searched my face. Without a word, she ran a hand up one arm and then the other before she stroked my chest.

"Thank you for coming to see me, Commander," she cooed. Her voice was silk. Mesmerising. Hell, I figured out already how she had any man or woman doing whatever she wanted.

"You can call me Shepard, Ma'am."

Her laugh was melodic. "I am Sha'ira. Please call me that, Shepard. As I said, thank you for coming. I know you are a busy man and have a critical task at hand. The safety of the galaxy is at stake. By helping me, I know that I can help you." She stepped closer, feeling her large breasts pressing into my chest. I kept my arms at my side though wanted to rip off the rope and feel her skin. "I need your help, Shepard. It's a minor task but you are a Spectre. I know you will keep this matter private. Should it see the light of day..."

"What do you need?"

"I'm sure you are aware of the services that I and my acolytes provide by now. Yes, there is sex, but it is more than that. Males and females of any species come to my chambers for comfort, for peace, to have their minds and hearts healed. Sometimes they just want a person that they can talk to, take the weight off their shoulders. Others are here for more physical reasons."

"I've learned very quickly about how open the asari can be about sex."

"Sex is pleasurable. It can be fun. It is a way of opening one's heart to another. Sex takes on many forms. Sex can be used as a form of diplomacy. I'm sure Kira..."

"You know about that?"

She laughed again, probably at my expense though I didn't mind. "We are close friends and she simply needed to share with me what you shared with her that evening. I haven't seen her like that in a long time, Shepard. You touched her heart. Yet I'm sure you can see how she used sex with you."

"I'm not completely stupid. I'd have been monumentally stupid to turn down a night of lovemaking with her."

"I'll be sure to tell her that. I know she thinks of you fondly and hopes for more time with you in the future." She paused her hand as it moved. "She didn't lie, Shepard. She has never been intimate with a Spectre. I know you believed her, but I know Kira. She never lies. I promise you that. She will... She will use anything to her advantage, for the Council and her people, but she will never lie to you."

"Do you lie, Sha'ira?"

"No. If I lied and people learned that I lied, my career as a consort would be over immediately. But I know that I also keep the secrets of those who visit me, particularly if they are open to melding with me."

"Is that what you're offering?"

The smile was so warm that I couldn't stop smiling at her in return. "Let me tell you about the task first and we can worry about that later." She took my hand and led me over to one of the couches. I felt myself sink down into it as she sat next to me, curling her legs underneath her. Part of her robe fell away, almost exposing one of her breasts.

"Naira, can you please bring in drinks for us please," she requested after opening her omni-tool. Sha'ira was pressed against me when Naira walked in a few minutes later with a tray. She placed them down and smiled at both of us. "Do you think she's pretty, Shepard?"

"Gorgeous, Sha'ira."

Naira's smile widened. "Good. Once you complete my task, you may come and visit Naira whenever you wish. She will be delighted to pleasure the first human Spectre. Maybe when you complete the task you would like a preview of how talented she is?"

"I'd be a fool to deny that opportunity."

When Naira disappeared, we sipped at our drinks. It wasn't alcoholic, more of a fruit-based drink. Delicious. I made a noise of approval that made Sha'ira smile. Placing the glasses down on the table, she turned towards me again, hand resting on my chest, fingers stroking up and down.

"You are formidable, Shepard. I have read your dossier already. Part of me wishes to meld with you now... But I will only do that later while you're inside me." If I'd been taking a drink, I'd have spat it out. "I am being upfront though it will not be payment for services rendered. I merely wish to enjoy an intimate moment with the man who will change history, not just for his own people, but for the galaxy as a whole."

"What's the task?"

"I have a friend. He's a turian. A general in their army. His name is Septimus. We have been friendly for many years. I have been a confidant and a shoulder upon which he can lean. I have given him advice in return. He has always known that what we share is surface level. That I am merely providing an outlet, that this is a job in many ways. I love it and will always love it, but in the end, he was only ever a client though I did consider him a close friend."

"And I'm guessing that he's assumed your relationship is something more?"

Sha'ira looked away and I knew the sadness was genuine. Or she was an incredible actor. "He confessed that he'd fallen in love with me," she said softly, "He is not the first person to do that and perhaps won't be the last. I respect Septimus but I do not have those sorts of feelings for anyone. I cannot allow them."

"Anything else I need to know?"

"After I rejected his advances, he threatened to destroy me. I did not reply at the time as I knew it came from a place of rejection and heartbreak. I felt great sorrow that I hurt him in such a way." She wiped her cheeks, and I knew in that moment that her sadness was genuine. Only the best of actors can cry on demand, and her aura did speak of heartbreak in return. She was hurt to have hurt a close friend though I understood why she'd had to do so. "I believe he has started to spread false rumours that I have been spilling the secrets of other people. If people start to believe those rumours, it could destroy me. I can't allow that to happen."

"You're too important?"

"Not just me, Shepard. All of my acolytes provide important services to so many people. If that is lost, where and who will the people turn to?"

"Okay. I think I have enough to go on. Where will I find him?"

"I've received word that he's spending a lot of time at Chora's Den. He's constantly drunk. Belligerent. Rude. Behaviour unbecoming of a turian in such a respected position. I would like you to speak to him, Shepard. Once he knows that I've sent a Spectre to speak to him, maybe he'll see sense and stop these false rumours."

"Okay, let me find Septimus and talk to him."

"If the rumours have spread..."

"I'll do what I can."

She snuggled against me tighter, her head resting on my chest. "Thank you, Shepard," she said softly as her hand moved down towards the bottom of my shirt, feeling her hand move underneath it and up my chest, "You're incredibly warm."

"Well, having a semi-naked asari against me will do that to a man."

I enjoyed feeling her soft fingers on my skin before she eventually removed her hand. I turned my head to meet her eyes gazing back at me. Her interest and curiosity were evident. I wasn't blind to what was going on, using all her charms to make me agreeable. When she pulled away, I knew that it was time to go, finishing off the rest of my drink before I stood up. I offered my hand and Sha'ira didn't release it as we walked towards the door.

"Please don't hurt anyone, Shepard. Septimus is not a cruel or evil man. He is heartbroken. Simply make him see sense."

"I won't hurt anyone."

She kissed my cheek before opening the door. "I'll be waiting for your return, Shepard."

"I'll be as quick though as thorough as I can."

Naira was waiting for me at the end of the hallway. I stopped before her as she smiled at me again. "I can't wait to entertain you in the future, Shepard," she said, "Sha'ira selected me specifically for that reason. She knew..."

"That I'd find you delightful?"

"If Sha'ira entertains you later, I hope she invites me to join you both. Sha'ira does take delight in watching her acolytes at work."

Putting a hand at her hip, I guided her backwards until her back was pressed against the wall. She bit her bottom lip as I pressed against her. The gasp she made before she smiled would have made me smile though I kept my features neutral. Taking her left hand, I lifted it and pressed that against the wall.

"Shepard..." she whispered.

"You do know that you and Shai'ra have spent the last hour or so arousing me considerably." Leaning closer, our lips were almost touching as I watched her eyes. The desire wasn't faked. I knew she was attracted to me. I was as equally attracted in return. "Maybe I can come visit you each time I visit the Citadel?"

"Just give me warning so I'm free for as long as you need."

"And if I wanted you to join me if I were to visit, say, Councillor Tevos?"

"I'd love it if you fucked me in front of her." She paused and blushed before lifting her eyes back towards me. "I don't lie, Shepard," she whispered, "I've read everything I can about you. I'd love to meld with you when we make love the first time."

"You might not like everything you learn."

"I won't care." She paused before leaning in to make sure our lips met. Her tongue slid into my mouth rather quickly. The only thing that stopped the kiss from turning into something else was the sound of a cleared throat, breaking the kiss to see Sha'ira in the doorway to her quarters. "Sorry, Ma'am," Naira said softly.

"No apologies necessary. I can understand how you distracted our friend. But he does have a job to complete, Naira."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"I distracted her just as much. But you're right, I should go. Lovely to meet you for the first time, Sha'ira. And I'll definitely see you later as well, Naira."

Naira closed her eyes when I caressed her cheek before I let her go and walked away. Probably for the best, otherwise I would never have left. Strolling through the entertainment area, I walked outside and needed to stop, taking a few short breaths to calm myself. I had no idea what was going on in my life at the moment. The interest being shown in me by so many women was something that I'd never experienced before. I had read about the asari and their reputation. I don't think it was a negative thing to use whatever they had to their advantage.

Approaching Chora's Den a few minutes later, there was now a turian on the door armed with a weapon. He noticed me approaching and recognised me immediately.

"Commander," he stated with a nod, "New owners took over rather quickly."

"Guess you heard about the ruckus?"

"You did a lot of people a favour by eliminating Fist. The girls inside are far happier with the new owners. They take home more of their tips and are not forced to entertain punters that make them nervous."

"Is General Septimus inside?"

I'd had little to do with turians so I still didn't recognise their facial reactions. "Yeah, he's inside, Commander. Drunk again. It's embarrassing."

"What's his background?"

"Fought numerous campaigns against the krogan. Been awarded more medals than most other serving turian males. He's retired and should be a living legend, but word has been spreading about how he's been living his life."

"I'm here to solve that issue, or so I hope. Don't worry, no guns or fists. We're just going to have a conversation."

I wanted a clear head so didn't purchase a drink when I walked in. I did take note of the gorgeous asari cavorting on the podium above the bar. A couple of human females were walking about with trays of drinks, most of them scantily clad. The place was filled with various species, amused to see that even a volus or two were taking in the entertainment on offer.

"Septimus?" I asked an asari who was walking by.

She gestured with her head. "The drunk over there with a dancer in front of him. At least he tips well."

I walked towards him, his eyes barely focused on the beautiful asari in front of him. When he noticed me approaching, he seemed to recognise me immediately as I noticed the sigh and sag back into the chair.

"Ma'am, I think your dancing is done right now," I said, offering my hand to the asari. She took it as I helped her down from the small podium, "I think our turian friend here was delighted with your performance though."

Sitting opposite Septimus in another chair, he leaned forward and drained his drink before he waved at a nearby waitress. "Is this any sort of way for a retired legend to act, sir?" I asked. I wasn't going to be rude. If he made it to general as part of the turian armed forces, he was worthy of respect on that fact alone.

"How do you mean, Commander?"

"You're a living legend, the respect of billions of your own people. Even of other species across the galaxy. Your name is revered. Yet here you are, in a seedy bar on a Ward of the Citadel, getting drunk, spreading nasty rumours about a friend."

He gasped before he asked, "You know about that?"

"She's asked for my help, General. What you're doing isn't right."

He slammed his first on the side of his chair. "She broke my heart! I loved her!"

"I'm not sure spreading false rumours is the right way to show how much you love someone, sir."

He sagged back in his chair. "I loved her. I thought she loved me in return."

"In her own way, she probably did and maybe even still does, General. But you should have known the reality of your relationship. Sha'ira is a, if not

the

Consort. She has her role to play on the Citadel and in the galactic family. Asking her what you did... You should have known that the only answer would have been no. I understand your heartache. But how you are acting now, what you may have done... Surely you can see that is unbecoming of a man in your position. You are General Septimus."

"That man is gone. Now there's just this broken down in front of you," he muttered.

"I don't believe that for a minute, sir. Not for a second. You are a soldier from the moment you put on that uniform until the day you're put in the ground. What you need is a new mission, something to keep you occupied, a way to move on. Perhaps remaining on the Citadel isn't good for you. Put distance between you and your heartache. Find a new purpose. Find a new friend."

A waitress appeared and asked for drinks. Septimus looked from me to the girl before he waved her away. "No, I've had enough," he stated, "I just needed to hear the right words."

He stood up and swayed, a sign that he was rather drunk. I stood up and helped him, taking him by the elbow and leading him into fresh air. I leaned him back against the wall as he chuckled bitterly to himself. "I really have fucked things up," he muttered, "It might already be too late, Shepard."

"How so?"

He explained what he'd done, and although it wasn't good, I figured that I could get on top of it before the news spread like wildfire across the Citadel. Although he was feeling sorry for himself, I wasn't going to just leave him there. Offering to escort him home, he was grateful in his thanks, leading him towards a nearby taxi rank and we ended up travelling towards the other end of the same Ward.

The apartment block had a doorman and concierge. Both were turian and saluted him as he walked by. Managing to get him upstairs to the door to his apartment, I opened the door and stopped at the threshold. He turned to face me.