Chapter 9 - Chapter 9, Missions for Others

Right, sorry that this one's a bit short, but with side missions they usually are. But at least with the beginning we get to meet Shepard's mother and sister. His father will appear later in the story.

Anyway, next chapter will be Feros and i hope your looking forward to that one. The changes i plan to make will hopefully make it interesting, you can also expect the Terror Geth to show up again.

Anyway, enjoy the chapter.

Chapter 9

Missions for Others

"Commander. You're gonna want to see this. I've got an important message from an Alliance Captain. She says she's your mother." Said Joker through the radio.

Austin's face lit up in surprise.

"Patch her in through in the comm room." Austin ordered.

"Aye, aye, Commander." Said Joker.

Austin walked into the comm room.

"Setting link up now." Said Joker.

An orange hologram of a female Alliance Captain appeared in front of Austin.

"Austin. Good to finally see you again. You look good." She said.

"Hi mum. So do you." Austin replied happily.

In front of Austin, was his own mother, Captain Hannah Shepard. Like her son, Hannah had short brown hair and had one or two facial resemblances to him. She too had a British accent. Unlike Austin however, her eyes where green, with the hologram however it was hard to tell.

"So, the first human Spectre. Must be quite an honor. You're father and I are so proud." She said.

"Actually, how is dad? I haven't heard from him for a while." Austin asked.

"You father's still out in the Terminus systems. Their trying to hold back an army of Batarian salvers and Pirates. All he said was, it's nothing to worry about. He did however tell me to send his regards to you and that he really regrets being unable to see you." Hannah replied.

"I understand." Austin replied. "How's Sarah? I hear she recently graduated into the N7 program."

"Actually, she said she'd be here with us. So give it a minute and she might…" Hannah though was interrupted when another hologram appeared next to her. The hologram was that of a young woman dressed in N7 armour. This was Sarah, Jane Shepard. Hannah's daughter and Austin's younger sister. She looked very much like her mother, only younger. A major difference though was that she had red hair rather than brown. In truth though. This was because she had dyed it red and she also had it grown longer than her mothers. Like the rest of her family she too had a British accent.

"Sorry I'm a bit late, mum. Had a few connectivity issues." She said. She then turned to her brother. "Hi bro. It's been too long."

"Good to see you too, sis. And congratulations on the N7 graduation. That armour looks good on you." Said Austin.

Sarah merely chuckled and looked at the armour he had referred to.

"Yeah, I admit it's a nice change from the traditional armour that normal Alliance marines get. Seems as though you're always getting the promotions before me however. You get the N7 first and now you're a Spectre." She said.

"Just doing what I can." Said Austin.

The two siblings smiled to one another.

"I will have to be going soon, Austin. You know, duty calls. Admiral Hackett though asked me to inform you of a little situation on he'd like you to look into." Said Hannah.

"Alright, go ahead." Said Austin.

"Apparently the Alliance has found some intel about some slavers and pirates on the planet Tuntau in the Phoenix system in the Argos Rho cluster." Said Hannah. "I have to go. But take care of yourself, Austin. You're making us all proud and I'm sure your father would say the same. Captain Hannah out."

Hannah's hologram disappeared, leaving Austin with his sister.

"So, managed to get a girl yet, bro?" she asked.

Austin merely chuckled and sighed.

"Sarah, I really do wonder how many times you're going to keep asking me that. Do you keep asking me because you hope you'll get a boyfriend before I get a girlfriend?" He asked.

"You could say that." Sarah chuckled. "Take care of yourself out there, Austin. As you Helldivers say, give them hell."

Sarah's hologram vanished and Austin headed back to the CIC. He plotted the coordinates into the galaxy map and then started to debate who to take with him on the mission. If Austin had to be honest with himself though he was being illogical he kept running through different people but each combination included the Azure beauty Liara. He couldn't help himself , he wanted to get closer to her and she fascinated him. Plus, after seeing how strong her biotics where on Therum he was keen to see how well she performed in a fight and how powerful her biotics really where. Eventually he decided on taking both Liara and Wrex. He almost regretted bringing Liara when he saw her walk into the cargo bay with tight form fitting light armour. She had the body that any model would kill for: Well-toned legs, nice rounded hips, a perfect round butt, a killer waistline, and large completely perfect breasts. He was thankful he was wearing his helmet, he knew that neither Wrex nor Liara would have missed him ogling her. Since they didn't know for certain where the salver and pirate facility was they would have to take the Mako for this mission. After a short but rather bumpy drive they found the facility they had been looking for.

"Okay, let's get in there." Said Austin.

The first room appeared to be deserted, but Austin's suit could detect that all the slavers and pirates where in the next room.

"I know who runs this place." Said Wrex.

"You do? How do you know that? Have you been here before or something?" Austin asked.

"No, but I was planning on coming here before we met each other. This place belongs to a Turian named Tonn Actus. Long story short he's got something that's rightfully mine." Wrex replied.

"Like what?" asked Austin.

"Ancestral family armour. It's been with my ancestors for over five generations. The Turians took it from my father's father after the war ended. Somehow this ass wound up with it, I want it back." Said Wrex.

"I don't see why not. There's all kinds of useful stuff in here." Said Austin.

All the enemies where right behind the door. Austin decided to execute another door breach maneuverer similar to the one he had done back at Chora's Den. After he had filed Liara in on how it would be done the two took cover. Wrex couldn't charge in this time though since there were too many boxes in the environments so Austin decided to opt for a more Stealth like breach rather than charge in gun blazing.

"Here's the plan. Once the door blows, we through a flash bang grenade in. With the enemy disoriented we move in and take up a defensible position. From there, Liara will lay down a singularity." Said Austin.

Liara and Wrex nodded and both went into cover. Austin placed a detonator on the door and armed it. The whole door exploded. As it did, Austin threw a flash bang through the doorway. Everyone averted their gaze so that they wouldn't be blinded. There was a brief flash and then they proceeded in. Liara immediately activated a singularity with her biotics. Several of the pirates where caught in the singularities gravity pull. Wrex and Austin meanwhile laid down suppressing fire with their rifles.

After dealing with the rest of the pirates and Tonn Actus himself, Austin ordered the others to search the boxes for anything useful. Wrex was looking for his armour while Austin and Liara where trying to open a locked crate that was extremely stiff. Austin couldn't help but stare at Liara. Since she trying her hardest to force the lid of it was showing some of the muscles she had. Eventually the lid did open, but it opened with such force that it sent both of them flying. Austin landed on his back and Liara landed on top of him. Since Austin had removed his helmet earlier they both stared into each other's eyes.

"I'm sorry, Austin. I didn't mean to…" Liara attempted to say. She was interrupted however as her feelings got the better of her and she kissed him. When the two finally did separate they were both shocked by what had just happened.

"I… Er… I…" Liara stuttered.

"We should… probably get up, Liara." Austin also struggled to say.

"Hey, Shepard! I think I found it, but it's in a locked safe. I need some help opening it!" came Wrex's voice from the upper level.

Liara got off of Austin and helped him up. While Austin went to deal with Wrex Liara went to see what was in the crate. To her surprise there was a white and pink set of Janissary armour. It was also female designed. This gave Liara an idea.

Austin made his way over to the safe that Wrex had indicated to. He activated his omni tool and did a quick scan, and the safe opened. Inside, was a very old and very battered Krogan armour. Austin took it out and gave it to Wrex.

"This is it. I can't believe that my ancestors ever wore this piece of crap. But at least it's back where it belongs. Thanks. I owe you." Said Wrex.

"Any time, Wrex." Said Austin. "Come on. Let's finish up here and get out of here."

Back on board the Normandy Austin was conflicted. He couldn't stop thinking about what had happened between Liara and him. It hadn't been the first he'd kissed someone, hell, he'd had sex with the Asari Consort a few days back. With Liara however, this kiss had been different, it had had more passion in it, and it almost seemed as though they…

Then something hit him. He remembered what Sha'ira had said to him about, the one who would give him peace and purpose again. What if Liara was that person? It wasn't like he hated her. Hell, he'd flirted with her and kissed her. He ultimately decided to go and talk with her.

"Austin, I… I didn't expect you." Said Liara as Austin walked into her quarters.

"Liara. I think we need to talk about what happened earlier today." Said Austin.

"Yes. I wanted to apologise for that. I don't know what came over me." Said Liara.

"Liara, you and I both know there's more to it than that. I've seen the way you look at me sometimes." Said Austin.

"I did not realize I was being that obvious." Said Liara. "But I can no longer deny that there is something really compelling about you. At first, I thought it was just your connection to the Protheans but somehow I find myself thinking about all the time. I even wanted to know everything there is to know. So much so that I looked into your history. I know what you did during the Blitz. What you did there was remarkable. I also saw all the other accomplishments you have made as Helldiver, especially the Hellspawn Civil War. It's no wonder the Council chose you as a Spectre."

"Wait. You looked into my history? How?." Austin asked.

"I looked you up on the extranet. I found several news articles with you name on them. I apologise if that invades your privacy, but I couldn't help myself." Liara apologised.

"No, it's okay, Liara. I'm not cross with you. I can understand why you'd want to find out more about me. But you didn't need to go behind my back. I would've gladly told you anything you wanted to know." Said Austin comfortingly.

"I apologise, Austin. But I was just so nervous. I may be used to flirting and teasing, but I've never actually returned feelings like these. I wanted to know what made you the man you are today." Said Liara.

"Are you sure though, Liara? Are you sure you are actually interested in me personally? Or is it just my vast connection to the Protheans? Because I want to believe that this interest is more than just that." Said Austin.

"I won't lie to you, Austin. Your connection to the Protheans did have something to do with my initial interest in you. But after I found out more about you, saw some of the things you had endured during your life and still prevailed, it grew beyond that. I find it growing to the point that I'm always happy to be around you. Something about you makes me feel more… alive." Said Liara.

"I see. But why do you make it sound as if it's wrong?" Austin asked.

"I don't know if it's appropriate for me to feel this way about you. I don't know if I should act on these feelings. I thought there might already be a relationship between you and Chief Williams." Said Liara.

"Oh no. No. It's nothing like that. Williams and I just friends. Nothing more." Said Austin.

"My mistake then. I guess I still have a lot learn about human relationships." Said Liara.

Somehow the two of them seemed to be edging closer to one another but they didn't notice it.

"Don't worry, Liara. Even humans themselves make the same mistakes like that. It's nothing to be embarrassed about." Said Austin as he put his hand reassuringly on her arm. For a moment, Liara was speechless. Having him touch her was… intoxicating.

"But what about us, Austin? I feel as though we share some mutual attraction. Do you feel the same way? Or am I wrong about that too?" Liara asked. Both t their faces where very close now.

"I… Well…" Austin stuttered. Then he suddenly felt very brave and decided to take a very long shot.

"I'll give you a big hint." He said confidently. Instantly, he grabbed Liara and pulled her into a long and very passionate kiss. At first, Liara was completely unprepared, but after just a few seconds she quickly eased into Austin and kissed him back. Time seemed to stand still for Liara. Her soft supple lips seemed to fit almost perfectly like a puzzle against his strong firm lips. She felt her self-control slipping as she wrapped her arms around him and deepened this kiss as he tightened his grasp and rested his hand on the back of her crest. When they finally separated for air Austin held her close and refused to let go.

"Does that answer your question?" he asked hopefully.

"Yes. Yes it definitely does." Liara said, out of breath and very surprised by Austin's sudden advancement but very happy. "I knew there was some sort mutual attraction between us, and I knew you felt it too."

"It feels so sudden. But I can no longer deny how I feel about you, Liara. I… I love you." Said Austin. He couldn't believe he'd managed to summon up the courage to say that. He had actually said "I love you."

"I feel the same, Austin. And I love you too. Goddess, I love you so much as well!" said Liara. They both smiled to one another and once again pulled each other into along passionate kiss. Austin could feel a tear streaking down Liara's cheek. But it wasn't a tear of sorrow, but of happiness.

"I should let you know, Liara. I've had many sexual partners. But I've never felt this way about anyone before. You're the first person I've ever loved before." Said Austin

"I'm sort of the same. But I have never even… been with someone before." Said Liara. "It does scare me though. I care for you so much that I cannot bear the thought of losing you."

"Well then I'll make you a promise then that I'll never leave you" said Austin. He felt himself on the brink of tears. Who knew that the brave, suave, fearless commander could even shed a tear. Austin sat down in a chair and just held her close. It wasn't very long before Austin looked down and saw Liara with a peaceful smile on her face in a deep sleep , he closed his own eyes thinking he would do whatever it takes to always make her smile.

"With all due respect, sir. This is one of the most advanced ships in the Alliance. I don't think that they should be allowed to poke at the vital systems." Said Ashley.

Austin was now currently in the cargo bay. After a long and very peaceful nap with Liara he had decided to head back down and have a chat with Williams. However Ashley seemed to have doubts about the alien crew members. He was beginning to think this wasn't such a good idea.

"You don't trust allies of the Alliance?" Austin asked. He was doing his best not to just order her to fall in line. She was his friend, he should at least listen.

"Humanity has to learn to rely on itself, not on others." Said Ashley.

"Standing up for ourselves doesn't mean we have to stand alone." Said Austin. "What made you think this way?"

"My whole family defended the Alliance since it was first founded. Right down to my great grandmother, they all picked up a rifle and swore the oath of service. I guess we just tend to think of Earth interests as our own."

"Alright. Look, I can see where your concerns are coming from, Ash. But this is a multilateral and a Helldiver mission, and Helldivers work and fight alongside other species. You're going to have to work with aliens whether you like it or not. Sorry if that's not what you wanted to hear, but although I am a Spectre, I'm still a Helldiver first and foremost, and I'm not about to change that now." Said Austin.

"I understand, sir. Don't worry. It won't be a problem. You say jump, I say how high. You tell me to kiss a Turian, I'll ask which cheek." Said Ashley.

"Alright, alright. No need to go that far." said Austin sternly. "We'll talk later."

"Sir."

Austin was now in the CIC again. He planned to check out the colony Feros next, but he felt it best to get one or two resupplies before heading out. So he had ordered Joker to head back to the Citadel.

"Commander, we've got a message coming in from the Citadel. Patching it through." Came Joker's voice.

"Commander, Shepard. My name is Nassana Dantius. I have a proposition for you if you're interested. Meet me on the Citadel in the Embassy lounge." Said the message.

Austin was once again back on the Presidium. This time though, he wasn't alone. Liara was right beside him. Since they were resupplying, Austin had decided to spend some quality time with Liara, seeing as the two had just confessed their love for one another. Currently, they were stood in front of the monument of a Mass Relay. Both their hand where intertwined with one another and they were talking about both their pasts.

"So apart from your mother and you not knowing your father, do you have any other family?" asked Austin.

"I am afraid not. It could be that I may have half-sisters though. Benezia was around 800 when I was born, so it's possible she could have had more children before me. But if she did, she never told me." Said Liara.

"I'm sorry to hear that." Said Austin.

"It's not a problem, Austin." Said Liara. "Besides, I've got you. What more could I want?" she asked happily.

Austin smiled at her and brought her into another kiss.

"Best thing that's ever happened to me." Said Austin.

"I'll tell you something I'd love for us to do if we were allowed to." Said Liara.

"What's that?" Austin asked.

"I'd love for us to go swimming in that lake. Just too bad we're not allowed too." Said Liara.

"Wow! Where did that come from?" Austin asked.

"Sometimes, swimming with partners is common in Asari relationships." Liara responded. "Although if we were to do that I would need to do some shopping first."

"Why's that?" Austin asked.

"Well I have no swim attire. Since I was mostly by myself before this there was never any reason to cover myself." Liara explained.

"Wait… You're telling me that for the past years you've swam naked?" Austin asked.

"I had a feeling that would get you attention." Said Liara.

"Now that's hot. And you're right, it is a shame we can't swim in that lake and also a shame that that they have some rules about modesty. I'm starting to wish I'd met you sooner." Said Austin slyly.

"Me too. I love you, Austin." Said Liara.

"I love you too, Liara." Said Austin.

The two once again drew each other into a long, passionate kiss.

"Commander, Shepard. I am Nassana Dantius. I see you got my message."

Austin and Liara where now in the embassy lounge talking with the Asari diplomat, Nassana Dantius whom Austin had received the message from earlier.

"Sounded like you needed some help." Said Austin.

"I do. My sister, Dahlia is a crewman on a cargo vessel operating out in the Traverse. Her ship was attacked by privateers. No survivors." Said Nassana.

"I'm very sorry to hear that." Said Austin.

"Unfortunately this is where it gets complicated. I recently received a message with her voice on it. Dahlia is alive but the rest of the crew was killed. She was taken prisoner. They demanded a huge ransom for her release."

"Well then it seems like the best option is to just pay the ransom." Said Austin.

"I did. But they never released her and I've heard nothing from them since."

"Let me guess then. You want me to find her and bring her back?" Austin asked.

"Just bring her back. You don't need to worry about finding her. They're operating somewhere in the Artemis Tau cluster." Said Nassana.

"Don't worry. One way or another I'll get her back alive." Said Austin.

"Thank you, Shepard. I knew you were the right man for the job." Said Nassana.

For getting Dahlia back, Austin had decided to take Ashley and Tali for this trip. Once the drop ship had touched down they disembarked.

"Okay, ladies. Let's rescue ourselves an Asari." He said.

Once inside the base they were instantly met with several hostile Asari slavers and pirates. Tali however was quick to react to the situation and she quickly had their enemy's shields down, allowing the two marines to finish them off. Austin was now very thankful that he'd brought her along, it made the job a lot easier. Once they had finished them off they searched the area. There was no sign of an Asari prisoner though. The Tali suddenly shouted from upstairs.

"Shepard! You'd better take a look at this!" she shouted.

Austin and Ashley hurried upstairs. Austin examined the terminal that Tali was indicating to. The info appeared to say that the Asari that had been leading the slavers they had just killed was in fact Dahlia.

"The Asari leading the salvers. She was, Dahlia. And she was blackmailing Nassana." Said Austin.

"There was no way that Nassana didn't know about this." Said Ashley.

"Exactly. Nassana lied to us! Come on, let's go. We're done here." said Austin crossly.

"Shepard. Did you find her?" asked Nassana.

"I did. She's dead. You lied to me, didn't you?! I found out that she was blackmailing you." Said Austin, expecting an explanation.

"So the truth comes out. I can see you're angry. Surely you can understand why I lied to you?" Nassana asked.

"Do enlighten me, please." Said Austin as he folded his arms.

"If people found out that my sister was a slaver I'd be considered a security risk. That is why I mislead you. I couldn't take the risk of you exposing me. But now that you've dealt with her, it's no problem." Nassana explained coldly.

"You didn't need to lie to me, Nassana. I still would've helped you. Even if what you made me do was a little cold." Said Austin.

"Then I do apologise, Shepard. We have had trust issues that run in my family. Still, you did help me, I will transfer a little something into your account as a token of my appreciation. Plus as a way of apologising for lying to you I will have your name added to our manufactures list. I think you will benefit well from what we have available." Said Nassana.

"Pleasure doing business with you, Nassana." Austin said coldly.

"Likewise, Shepard." Nassana replied.

The we are. I apologise if this one was a bit boring, but at least it's out of way now. I've only done the Nassana mission because that features in ME2 during Thane's recruitment. Also the family armour will have in impact on Virmire.

Also i will say the swimming thing will actually happen between Liara and Shepard, it'll be their first... Really intimate moment. But not until after Feros. So be patient with me.

Anyway, Feros is next so i'll make sure to put a bit more effort into that one.

Until next time.