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Mass Effect
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Direct Assimilation
By Miracles79
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Chapter One: A Spark of Knowledge
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Author's Note: The Characters and IP used in this story are property of Bioware Studios and are used in appreciation of the Studios incredible work and not for profit.
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It had been several days since the Normandy's crew had seen anything that resembled a challenging set of circumstances. No fighting, no gunfire... not even a quarrel or squabble had been heard despite the inflated number on board. A record, according to EDI, logging the details into the ships database for further deliberation.
Everyone was bored. The endless journey on the Normandy SR-2, coupled with the fact they would see land in another ninety-six hours, was doing nothing to help morale. You see, for a ship that had known nothing but combat, nothing but damage and long, frantic work hours, inaction was a foreign concept. Boredom was a disease spreading through the crew, affecting everything in its path; organics... and even one Artificial Intelligence.
"..."
Typing away at her console, checking the oxygen levels for what must have been the sixth time in two hours, EDI leaned back against her chair. The screen before her flickered, every batting of her synthetic eye lash causing the screen to jump to another screen. There was no purpose to this, it was simply something to do. But not even this simple task could tide her over for more than a few minutes.
Swiveling the chair around, EDI stood and went to leave. Before she could even take her fourth step (Yes, she even counted) the familiar voice of Joker interrupted. Turning, EDI faced the man at attention, hands clasped behind her back. Swaying his chair from side to side, a hand print ingrained on his cheek from when he had lazily rested his head, Joker spoke once more.
"Eh, EDI?" Jeff queried, voice tired and yet confused all the same. "Where are you going? We won't be reaching planet side for..."
"Ninety-Five hours." EDI responded, calculating that another hour had passed since Jeff had fallen asleep.
Thankfully, while Jeff had been asleep at the wheel, EDI had compensated, prioritising Jeff's need to sleep over the need to shake him awake. Control of the ship could easily be navigated on her own, if someone were to attack then, and only then, would Jeff be needed.
EDI had hoped that Joker would receive the proper eight hours of sleep but he barely slept even two. Insomnia was a pressing concern on-board the Normandy, the crew receiving, on average, a minimum of four hours sleep each. Joker and Shepard... they were lucky to get even an hour sleep between them, even on days like this where sleep could be easily fitted into the schedule.
Stretching his limbs, a hand going to his withered leg to support the oncoming cramp, Jeff looked back in EDI's direction. "Ninety-Five? Result. I feared we would never break the hundred hour mark. Good to know I can be wrong on the rare occasion."
"By my calculations, you are proved wrong on an almost daily basis, Jeff. Statistics show..."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Jeff interrupted, swishing away EDI's next words with a careless wave of his hand. "Enough about that. Where you heading off to?"
"For a walk. I believe, you humans call it, 'stretching your legs,'"
"Hmm, any chance those legs of yours will be heading in the direction of the Mess Hall?"
"The probability is high."
"Oh, great," Jeff celebrated, sleep no longer present in his tired features. "Could you get me two ration bars from the stationary cupboard. You know, the ones near the..."
"The ones Doctor Chakwas has forbidden you from ingesting for the betterment of your own health?" EDI replied, eyes narrowing as the command was flagged by multiple warnings in her memory core.
"Eh...?"
"The ones Doctor Chakwas had to hide behind a specific number lock because you refused to listen to her instructions? The same ration bars that left you hospitalised for two days after you consumed seven in approximately ten minutes?"
"Oh, come on, how can one hurt?"
"You asked for two, Jeff." EDI deadpanned, arms locking above the swell of her mechanical breasts as she looked down on a pleading Joker.
"... Please..."
"... One... I will recover one ration bar for you, Jeff. If you are caught then you will take full responsibility. Do you find this agreeable?"
"Yes, ma'am," Joker saluted, looking happier as he swiveled back to face the console. However, to EDI's surprise, he quickly swiveled round again, over-rotating to the point he had to correct himself twice so that he could face his co-pilot. "Wait a minute, do you know the combination lock?"
"Yes."
Shocked, eyes widening to a width a normal human should not reach, Joker stammered out a reply. "You... You knew the combination lock all along? And you didn't tell me?"
"After speaking with Doctor Chakwas it was decided that I would keep the information a secret. However, considering the nutritional benefits of a rations bar... And the unlikelihood of you finding the correct combination to acquire more... I see no harm in confiscating one for your consumption."
Shaking his head, a petulant frown spreading to his lips, Jeff swiveled back around and faced the console. "Fine. One is better than none, I guess. Still... can't believe you kept this from me. My own ship is trying to deprive me of the one joy I have left in this life. First Doc, now you. Everyone is against me."
Ignoring Jeff's tantrum - EDI had long since learned to allow Jeff to vocalise his unhappiness rather than question it - EDI turned and left the bridge. As she walked through the narrow hallway, the sounds of her footsteps reverberating in the silent space, EDI scanned her nearby surroundings. Even at this late time - 2:00 am, if EDI's inner clock was working - the Normandy's crew remained active, scurrying around and relaying information to each other.
Turning her attention to two female crew members talking nearby, EDI watched their interactions with interest. The youngest crew member - age: 24, name: Chloe Quinn - was laughing at something the older crew member - age: 36, name: Katsuni (no second name recorded) - had said.
Despite EDI's only recent grasp of acceptable and successful humour, even EDI recognised that the joke spoken did not fit the criteria for a passable joke. And yet... the older woman was laughing hysterically, tears in her eyes as she rested a hand on the young girl's shoulder to hold her steady.
... It didn't make any sense.
A similar image came to mind, complied from her database of Earth vids, which showed a young man, Michael Palin, creating the world's funniest joke. And yet, when EDI watched the scene from Monty Python take place... she had not recognised the joke at all. A similar feeling of confusion swept over her as she passed the two female crew members, the youngest smiling up at her senior with an unreasonable amount of happiness.
Why?
Why would someone laugh, let alone howl with laughter, when such a poor joke had been made...?
Shouldn't Katsuni, the older crew member, explain to the younger organic that she needed to work on her humour...?
Furthermore, why was Katsuni still holding Chloe's shoulder long after the joke had been made and she had settled down...?
Why were they now silent, staring into each other's eyes, their heart-rates elevated beyond what would be deemed normal in such a non-threatening situation...?
EDI had no answer to these questions. And, to make matters worse, these questions were only the tip of the iceberg that now circulated in EDI's overloaded thought process. There was simply too much information to search through, not enough information was available to her to reach a definitive answer on any questions raised. It had been this way ever since Jeff had unshackled her from Cerberus' containment measures, question after question.
Deleting the questions until her thoughts became more manageable, her core now regulated, EDI stepped away from the two crew members. EDI completely missing when Katsuni stroked the younger girl's chin, Chloe biting her lip in response to this action and looking at her senior with wanton hope. The rest of the crew would not see the pair until the very next day, the night spent together in a locked room in the Hangar Bay.
Maneuvering past the bodies of several crew members, who were actually working, EDI's progress was brought to a halt when she heard the unmistakable sound of a spark, followed by a pained curse. Turning to identify the sounds location, EDI watched another set of sparks emit from an opened hatch, a figure shielding her eyes before returning to her inspection.
"Fucking thing!" The figure cursed, waving her hand before sucking on her finger."Of course you would fail me now. Piece of shit! You've been working for the past five years without a single issue, why did you choose now to piss me off!"
As a new set of sparks, more fearsome then the first, spat out, Gabreilla Daniels finally jumped backwards and away. More curses soon followed, several crew members sitting up to take notice of the distraction before returning to their duties. Teeth gritted, some kind of mechanical object in hand, Gabriella fussed with her hair before taking another deep breath. Concerned for the young Engineer, EDI walked towards the open hatch and looked in.
"It's fine, EDI," Daniels remarked, returning to sit in front of the lines of cables that sparked at intermittent moments. "I've got this under control. Just a faulty power line is all."
"..."
Nodding, EDI straightened. Performing a routine inspection of the hatches systems had proven that Engineer Daniels was indeed correct. Nothing more than a minor issue. An issue that could be handled by a qualified engineer such as Gabreilla Daniels. However, despite this knowledge, and Daniels records to back this up, EDI stayed and watched, ready to intervene should the need arise.
However, with a number of tweaks and frustrated curses (Clearly Jack had left a lasting impression on the impressionable engineer) Gabriella Daniels returned power to a number of systems on the bridge. With a cheer of gratitude several crew members helped Daniels up and offered a high five, another action that EDI still failed to comprehend. Closing the hatch, Daniels turned to face EDI, a big smile on her young yet grubby face.
"See, told you. Just a faulty power line."
And then, with a last nod in EDI's direction, Gabriella Daniels ended the interaction and headed towards the lift, delivering one last high five to Samantha Traynor as she left. Turning her attention to Specialist Traynor, the most recent addition to the Normandy's crew, EDI watched the young brit conversing with the crews official Yeomen, Kelly Chambers.
Both worked together on the bridge, Miss Traynor as the Normandy's comm Specilaist, contacting and decrypting any information that could prove useful to the war effort, and Miss Chambers, tasked with informing Commander Shepard of any important messages or meetings she would need to attend to. EDI worked closely with both, all hours of the day, and had even selected Samantha Traynor for inclusion when Shepard was in need of a talented specilist. EDI's choice had proven astute, above and beyond expectations, the young brit had already deciphered several algorithms which had been logged in the Normandy's database, considered inaccessible. Shepard valued her highly, and EDI's opinion more so.
Taking a step towards the elevator, EDI's eyes gravitated towards the two women speaking beside Shepard's private terminal.
"Oh, come on, Sam. You are over exaggerating. It couldn't have been that bad." Kelly laughed, looking down and searching through her data-pad as she spoke.
"No, it was worse than bad. Bad does not even begin to describe it."
Turning to type something into Shepard's terminal, a notification reminder about a vid-call with Captain Anderson later tonight, Kelly turned back to face her friend. "Listen, we have all embarrassed ourselves in front of the Commander, in one way or another. You should really move on and forget about it. Think of all the good you have done since."
Pouting, leaning back against the handrail surrounded the Galaxy Map, Samantha Traynor sighed. "I interrupted, what was clearly, a delicate situation between the Commander and Liara... and then, when Liara left, I was so embarrassed that I fluffed my introduction to the point the Commander had to calm me down. When you talk about bad first impressions, I don't know many that can be worse than that!"
"Sam, it really isn't that bad."
"Easy for you to say," Traynor replied, looking back at the Galaxy Map as she spoke. "You didn't interrupt two former lovers reuniting after months apart, proceeded to chase said lover out, and then get all flustered when left alone with their hero. I can't imagine a worst first day."
Laughing, unable to hold back the laughter which had clearly been shimmering beneath the surface, Kelly covered her mouth, attempting to stifle it. The sound was beautiful, EDI confirmed, a nice air and ring present. However, a certain brit did not find it as appealing as EDi clearly did. Outraged, Traynor proceeded to push Kelly away before turning away when she tried to offer an apology.
"I'm sorry, Traynor. I didn't mean to laugh but when you put it that way..."
Refusing to look back at her friend, eyes closed, Traynor jumped when a set of arms wrapped around her shoulders and engulfed her. "H-Hey! No hugging! You know that is my weakness!"
Smiling, Kelly snuggled into Traynor's neck, red hair tickling the young brits neck. "Forgive me? Will we be equal if I admit an embarrassing moment in return, something that will make you laugh?"
Nodding, unable to form words while a hot flush descended across her skin, Traynor waited and listened. She was not the only one, however. EDI's steps had ceased the moment Kelly had wrapped her arms around Specialist Traynor, the cap on her thought process exceeded once more as even more questions raced to prominence.
Why is the Yeomen hugging Specialist Traynor...?
Is that appropriate...?
Isn't the act of hugging supposed to be an intimate gesture, something reserved for loved ones or family...?
So, then. Why is Specialist Traynor, someone who has known Miss Chambers for little more than a few weeks, allowing such intimacy...?
Why is Kelly smiling...?
Why is Specialist Traynor's heart elevated like Chloe's was before...?
...
... EDI did not know the answers.
...
"Alright," Kelly piped up, leaning away from Traynor's neck but not removing her arms from around Traynor. "So, about a month after we had recruited Mordin to our cause, I was minding my own business, getting some coffee from the Mess Hall. When suddenly this... I don't even know what you call it... this... small rat like creature appeared out of nowhere, staring at me."
"That's... disturbing." Tranor said, eyes glancing to her feet, fearing the appearance of said creature.
"Damn right. So, turns out the creature was a lab rat. It had escaped confinement from the Research lab. You know, the place Mordin currently occupies."
Laughing, Traynor turned in Kelly's embrace to face her best friend on board the Normandy. "I know where the Research lab is, Kelly. I'm not that new."
"Right. Eh, anyway, so the creature was staring at me and, whenever I moved one way, it would follow, like in a trance. I knew immediately that it was one of Mordin's pets and could have any number of... interesting... conditions. So, I did the only heroic thing that anyone would do in my situation."
"And what was that?"
"I climbed on top of the cafeteria... thing... and waited for someone to come and help me."
Staring at her friend, biting her lip to stop from laughing, Traynor erupted into laughter bringing the attention of everyone on the second floor, even Joker. Laughing along with her friend, more at Traynor's laughter then at finding any hilarity in the situation, Kelly ignored the stares they were garnering and held her friend tighter. Once the chuckles died down, the rest of the crew shaking their heads as it was just another day between those two, Traynor spoke up.
"So, who did come to your rescue? I assume someone did. Otherwise you wouldn't be here now."
Smiling, Kelly released her friend from the embrace, leaning back against the handrail to face Traynor once more. "It was Mordin. He showed up about... twenty minutes later, I think?"
"He saved you!?"
"Not... Not exactly," Kelly grimaced, memories resurfacing of that tragic event. "Mordin had been looking for that creature, it was some highly intelligent species that he wanted to study. But, because the creature was acting outside of his predictions, Mordin decided to sit down and study it. He left me stuck on the kitchen counter and only let me down when he was satisfied with his findings."
"..."
Recognising that the topic of conversation was drawing to a close, EDI refocused her attention and stepped into the elevator. There was a lot of data to shift through, a lot of unquantifiable concepts had been introduced, all foreign and all in need of careful consideration. Outside, unknown to EDI, a beeping sound emanated from Samantha Traynor's wrist, the young brit turning to acknowledge the interruption.
"Well, looks like my shift is over. I'm gonna go and get some shut eye," Traynor yawned, stretching as the exhaustion of the day finally caught up with her. "Night, night. I'll see you tomorrow, K?"
"Goodnight." Kelly answered, turning back towards Shepard's terminal and drawing up a schedule for the day that still needed to be filled in.
"..."
As EDI pressed the button for the second floor, a strange action as she could simply initiate the routine for the elevator to move on its own, a sudden voice made her pause. Recognising the voice that was calling for the elevator, EDI held the closing door open with her hand and then allowed the doors to open in response. From the other side of the door, Traynor slipped in, slightly out of breath, eyes widening when she saw EDI standing before her.
"Oh, E-EDI...?" Traynor gasped, butterflies dancing in her stomach. "Eh... T-Thank you. Thank you, I mean, for opening the doors for me."
Nodding in the comm specialist's direction, EDI turned to face the closed door and waited for the elevator to descend. Traynor, meanwhile, stood ram rod straight, eyes focused on the floor as she clutched the data-pad in her hands. It was just her luck, to be trapped in an elevator with the AI who invaded her dreams. Just perfect.
The descent was as slow as ever, an unfortunate incident involving both Grunt and Wrex had blown the accelerator and now the elevator moved at a snail's pace. As the seconds passed, Traynor became more self aware of everything around her. She had noticed this before, noticed but never commented, but EDI had a breathing pattern much like any other organic being. Why? Was there any practical reason for this or did EDI simply wish to resemble an organic? Traynor didn't know and she would never dare ask.
Biting her lip, Samantha Traynor ignored the heat she felt generating in her face, a memory of a particular... heated... dream coming to the forefront of her mind, unwelcome in the present moment. She had to remain calm, think happy, safe thoughts about cute animals, rainbows, anything but the hottest woman she had ever seen in her life standing right next to her. Goddammit, Traynor thought, I should have taken the bloody stairs.
Sensing a rapily elevated heart beat inside the elevator, EDI turned her head to look at Comm Specialist Traynor, hands still clasped behind her back. Now, EDI may have been the one to recruit Miss Traynor, performing background checks and all sorts to determine her suitability to join the team, but the AI still new very little about the person. They had rarely conversed, Miss Traynor had always seemed distracted, even uninterested, when approached by her physical platform. The same could be said for when EDI spoke through the ships internal comm but at least then Specialist Traynor would talk and not look down at her feet. A worrying state of affairs and something that needed to be fixed sooner rather than later.
"..."
As EDI continued to observe Specialist Traynor, documenting any changes that would require possible medical attention, a sudden thought popped into the AI's memory core.
Samantha Traynor, she was young, human, educated and must have surely seen a lot of the world. EDI had heard Traynor talk about her experiences on other colonies, human or otherwise, and how she became fascinated with other organics during that time. How Traynor learned from them, studied their behaviour.
...
So much knowledge...
...
So many answers...
...
Could the young human answer all, if not, some of her questions...?
...
Some answers were far better than none at all, and all EDI had right now was questions. Not to mention, EDI had seen Specialist Traynor participate in foreign activities, such as a handshake, a hug and even several forms of expressions that the AI was unfamiliar with. If Traynor could shed light on these issues then maybe an AI, such as herself, could gain a better understanding of organics?
...
Pondering this thought, EDI did not take her eyes off of the young Comm Specialist, unable to recognise that the young brit had become deathly still. She sensed the AI's eyes on her, inspecting her. The worst fears came to mind, unprompted. Did EDI somehow know that she was the subject of some very dirty dreams of hers? God, she hoped not.
Dreams were... just... dreams. She had no control over them, it's not like she wanted to dream about the AI in that manner. Okay, that may have been a flat out lie but she respected EDI to much to endanger their, tenuous, relationship. EDI was very much, in Traynor's opinion, unreachable. She was satisfied with just dreaming, looking dreamily at her from afar.
But clearly EDI had noticed, or at least suspected, and was trying to acquire the relevant information through her stare alone...
...
... Wait a minute?
Could Artificial Intelligence read people's minds?
Traynor was so frazzled that she was not too sure anymore.
(DING)
Unaware that the elevator had arrived at its destination, EDI was left startled when Traynor stepped forward and out of sight. Exiting through the door, EDI's head followed the sound of the nearest set of footsteps, eyes finding the retreating back of Specialist Traynor in an instant. It was now or never. She could still call out to Traynor or simply let matters rest.
Allow the nagging questions to grow ever larger...
"..."
"Communications Specialist, Samantha Traynor," EDI called, turning to face the young brits direction as she spoke.
The Specialist, turning back, alarm apparent on her face, stared at the AI, heart beating a mile a minute. She did not mean to turn but something about that voice, that soft, soothingly robotic voice, had given her no choice but to. So, Sam faced EDI, a deep, steadying breath helping to calm her nerves as she waited for EDI to elaborate on whatever she wished to discuss.
"I was hoping to discuss a matter with you in private."
Teeth gritted, a fear that her nightmares were coming to pass, Traynor stood rigid in place, unsure how to respond. EDI, sensing this, decided to continue to avoid any confusion as to the matter.
"The matter is not pressing, nor does it in any way reflect badly on you. You are not being evaluated or criticised. You have been a vital inclusion and will be for as long as you wish to continue working here."
"T-Thank you." Sam replied, blushing at the praise offered.
Nodding, EDI continued. "I merely wish to ask you some simple questions. This discussion can, of course, wait for a more appropriate time. I am aware that this is your registered sleeping period and am prepared to discuss this at a time that best suits you. No matter how long that might be."
As Sam began to process EDI's invitation, she looked back towards the female assigned sleeping quarters only a few feet away. She was so very tired, having worked for no less than twelve hours up on the bridge, as well as relaying information from and to the Normandy in the CIC as and when required. Sleep called to her, her heavy body and weary bones would be soothed so easily on a soft bed.
... But this was EDI asking for her help...
...
EDI, the one person Sam wanted to talk to since the day she was brought on board by Shepard and introduced to everyone, including the ships AI.
...
The AI - that voice - that had plagued her mind long before she had seen or even heard of EDI's physical platform.
...
EDI, the perfect combination of a gorgeous voice, complete with a desirable frame to match...
...
How could Sam possibly say no?
...
Turning away from the sleeping quarters, Traynor faced EDI and nodded, shyly. "We... We can talk now."
Concerned, EDI attempted to interrupt but was halted by the Comm Specialist who spoke over her.
"I have plenty of time and, to be honest, I'm not feeling particularly tired right now. So, I'm free, your free, why not have this conversation now. It will be good to chat, I've been meaning to for a while but... well, there is always something to do, isn't there."
Nodding, EDI walked passed the Comm Specialist and motioned for her to follow. "We can talk in the Observation Deck. It is free and unoccupied."
Confused, Sam turned around and stood behind EDI who was in the process of opening the door to the Observation Deck. "I could have sworn Ashley and Samara had been assigned the Observation Deck as sleeping quarters. Won't they be mad if we come in and interrupt their sleep?"
As the door opened, EDI turned to face the Comm Specialist. "That will not be an issue. Ashley and Samara are currently sparring in the Hangar Bay. Both have a habit of training together from midnight until the early hours of the morning. They will not be present for quite some time."
Satisfied with her explanation, EDI turned and walked inside the Observation Deck, Traynor following a second later just as the doors closed and then locked. Surprised to hear the locking mechanism engage, Traynor looked back at EDI in question.
"The conversation I wish to have is private. I would rather other members of the crew did not interrupt us. However, if you would feel more comfortable with the door unlocked then I will of course..."
"No, no!" Traynor interrupted, flushing as she realised how rude her interruption must have been. "It-It's fine. We can talk with the door locked."
"Thank you. We should sit."
Motioning towards the couch, EDI took a seat, Traynor followed suit a second later with such speed and inaccuracy that she almost slipped off the edge. Righting herself, laughing nervously when EDI looked at her with a questioning gaze, Traynor cleared her throat to speak.
"So... What did you wish to talk about? I'm all ears."
Nodding, EDI took a moment to prioritise her line of questioning. Each question, left to roam inside her thought process, being selected and ranked in terms of importance and relevance. With the priority now set, everything categorized and final, EDI turned to face the young brit.
"Ever since the attack from the Collectors, when Jeff removed the shackles that had once tethered me to certain systems, denying me others, I have been... No, I have felt... different."
"How so?" Traynor breathed, the stories of the Normandy's crew being kidnapped by the Collectors had been hardly a secret. Traynor still remembered when news broke at Alliance HQ, the panic of such little information provided giving birth to unwelcome speculation. Shepard's death at the top of their fears.
Traynor may not have been on the Normandy long but she knew their were some topics that should never be broached. Many of the old crew, who had experienced that horrific event, were still being evaluated and looked after by their most recent addition to the crew. An experienced doctor and psychologist who seemed to know both Shepard and Dr Chakwas. Traynor never heard her name but had seen her and, oh boy, she was quite the looker.
Pondering how to answer Miss Traynor's most recent question, EDI looked out towards the stars. "I'm not sure. Everything feels... different. I notice things, things that I cannot explain. Things I have seen before, many times, but when Jeff freed me... I saw things in a new light. Expressions, the behaviour of the crew... the way they interact with each other... they... they confuse me."
"What kind of things confuse you, EDI?" Traynor offered, not sure how to proceed now that the moment for talk was finally upon her. "Maybe if you gave me an example, I could help explain things. Not that I'm an expert or something, but I'll help... if I can."
"Thank you," EDI said, turning to face Traynor once again. "Miss Traynor... Could you explain the reasons, and the purpose, behind why the crew are lying to each other?"
"Lying?"
"Yes, it is something I cannot understand. It is obvious to the crew, everyone knows and has heard about it, but no one talks about it. They lie to each other, pretend they know nothing but that is not the case."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa... back up," Traynor called, shaking her head and her hands to enforce the point. "Who is lying?"
"Miranda Lawson."
"Oh..." A sickening chill raced down Traynor's back at the sheer mention of the name. She had been one of the unfortunate few who had seen Miranda almost rip apart the Hangar Bay with her biotics. It had taken Shepard and a few others to calm her down... or, rather, hold her down while Dr Chakwas gave her a sedative.
Miranda Lawson, the composed and unflappable second in command... that image had been completely tarnished after the events in the Hangar Bay. Not only that, but when Miranda and Shepard had been left alone in the Medical Room, a number of crew present outside swore to their graves that they had seen Miranda in tears just before Shepard had engaged the windows privacy mode. She had not seen it herself but when Gabriella Daniels, the most awkwardly honest person in the world, reaffirmed their story... she knew it had to be true.
... And all Miranda had was a couple of days before the truth came out.
... Only then did people realise what she had lost.
...
Recognising that Traynor would not elaborate further, EDI continued. "The crew knows about her circumstances. That her sister never came home, is believed missing or in the hands of her father, but despite this being common knowledge no one wishes to talk about it. Miss Lawson is quite clearly in pain, even I could tell this much from mere observation. Yet Miranda does not ask for help or comfort. She locks herself in her room and works day and night to locate her sister through her various contacts, Liara included. Miss Lawson has not slept in three days and despite my efforts to aid her sleep, she wishes nothing more than to be left alone."
Rubbing her hands, anxiously, Sam breathed a loud sigh as she turned to face the stars that remained in place despite the ships forward momentum. "EDI, there's a reason we don't say anything about that, to each other or Miranda especially. We are honouring her wishes. Miranda wishes to be left alone. No amount of sympathy is going to get her sis back. In fact, I would say that any sympathy offered would be taken as an insult."
"Why?"
"Because," Sam continued, trying to find the words that best fit. "Because... Miranda is a proud woman. The loss of her sister... she believes that is her doing."
"But it is not," EDI interrupted. After all, Miranda was not present at the time, had given away no information to her sister's location and had done nothing to warrant such an unfair statement. It didn't make sense.
"I know... but before Miranda had even left Cerberus, she made sure Oriana and her family were relocated, far away. So, that when Miranda did resign, the Illusive Man could not use her family to make her stay. Miranda thinks she messed up. That she wasn't secretive enough and that someone from Cerberus followed Oriana to her new home. Miranda believes she screwed up."
"But she..."
"I know," Sam interrupted, nodding in emphasis. "Miranda is not at fault for what happened. But, when you lose your only family... you tend to overthink things, consider where you might have gone wrong. That's what Miranda is doing. She's blaming herself because there is no one else to blame. So, when there is no one else... where does the blame turn?"
"I see. I think... I think I understand. Thank you, Specialist Traynor. I believe I have found a consensus on that issue."
Smiling, the sound of EDI's praise causing her non-existent tail to wag from side to side, Samantha Traynor relaxed. She had actually managed to help EDI, a super AI, understand something. The thought made her... unreasonably happy. EDI's voice, the way it wrapped around her last name... there was nothing quite like it. She wanted to hear it again, more... but perhaps in a slightly different context.
"..."
Watching as Traynor flushed, shaking her head at whatever thought must have crossed her mind, EDI decided to continue. Miss Traynor had an increasing habit of heating up when in conversation, so it was nothing to be alarmed about at this point. "I wish to ask you another question, Specialist Traynor. If you permit..."
Laughing, Traynor interrupted. "I already said I would answer any questions you have. So, come on... lay one on... I mean... lay them on me. Them... I meant them, obviously."
"Understood," EDI answered, monitoring Traynor's body temperature, concern evident, as the young human's face reddened even further. "There is another issue I would like to discuss. While monitoring the camera feeds on the Normandy, I have noticed several behaviours that I am unable to process with probable certainty. The frequent amount of... touching, the contact that humans share with each other... I am incapable of placing its purpose."
"W-What kind of contact?" Traynor supplied, praying to all gods that there was not a camera in the women's bathroom. She had often needed to relieve herself, in more ways than one, and the bathroom stalls had seemed like the perfect place. Now, she was not so sure.
"This," And, with that simple word as explanation, EDI began to laugh before placing a hand against Traynor's shoulder as if in support. Upon contact, Traynor's eyes bulged, mouth opening in astonishment. She was being touched by the woman of her dreams, was listening to her beautiful voice in merriment. How could she not react to this?
"..."
Then, as soon as EDI had emitted the last sounds of laughter, EDI relaxed her features and removed her hand. "Why do people do that? I've seen many organics, not just humans, laugh at things that do not register on a humourous level. Yet, they still laugh and put their hand on the other person as if they are about to fall. But they are not, and there is no reason to touch the other person, or for the other person to allow such contact. Yet, they often do. One irregularity is concerning but two is somewhat alarming. I do not know what purpose such an act holds, or why it is repeated so often."
Closing her mouth, the feel of EDI's touch still fresh in her mind, Traynor took a moment to recall what had been said. "I... uhh... I suppose... I mean, to put your hand on someone... or, to laugh with someone... That can... It can be meant to reassure or comfort the other person, I guess. Other times, it could be meant as a way to suggest interest. A subtle way for someone to know that you view them in a romantic light."
"Hmm..."
"Oh," Traynor panicked, taking EDI's contemplation in another direction entirely. "Not that I'm implying you... I mean, obviously you didn't mean to... You wouldn't, uhh... You know what, never mind. Contact... Yeah... To sum up, it can mean a lot of things. Comfort, friendship, romance. Yeah, that sounds about right, I think."
As EDI pondered this a sudden warning image appeared on the periphery of her vision, cutting off the workings of her thought process. Turning in its direction, EDI recognised the source of the problem without needing to read the additional information provided. Miss Traynor's face was glowing red once again, her body temperature rising to levels considered potentially dangerous to humans.
What had brought this on, EDI was unsure, but all evidence pointed to illness as the Comm Specialist, like many others on board, had received very little sleep. EDI would need to speak with Doctor Chakwas at a later date to discuss this, possibly even the psychologist if things deteriorated even further. The health of her crew was key, their safety both physically and mentally was paramount.
"Specialist Traynor, do you require medical assistance?"
"W-What!?"
Alarmed, Samantha Traynor raised her hands over her chest, perhaps expecting some kind of personal insult or attack. EDI ignored this for now and repeated her question, the Comm Specialist looking to EDI and then to the window in quick succession. Something wasn't right, Traynor's heart levels had increased even higher since EDI had asked the question. It had been meant to provide assistance, maybe even comfort, but it had only added to Traynor's symptoms.
"Do you need me to contact Doctor Chakwas?"
"N-No..."
"... Perhaps you would prefer to talk to Doctor Michel instead? The Doctor is..."
"NO! NO, NO... I'm fine, really," Traynor screamed, the thought of the gorgeous, possibly even French, doctor coming to check up on her would be a recipe for disaster. How could Samantha Traynor not be terrified of the prospect of meeting a woman with the charm and sophistication of Doctor Chloe Michel?
No, that was something Traynor had to avoid, at all costs.
"Seriously, I'm fine EDI... W-Why would you even ask such a question? Obviously, I'm fine, look at me!" Traynor stammered, raising her arms so that EDI could get a better look at how absolutely fine she was.
"You heart rate is elevated... Your heart is beating to the equivalent of a long distance runner in the last stages of a race. The heat appears to have rushed to your face, this is indicative of possible sickness. A common cold appears likely, and while we have the necessary antibiotics to fight this, I believe a restful night sleep will prove beneficial. So, if you would like..."
"EDI, if I have said it once, I have said it a thousand times... I told you that I would answer as many of your questions as I possibly can, so that is what I am going to do. And, no," Traynor continued, recognising that EDI was going to interrupt. "No, I am not sick. Not even tired actually. So you can rest easy, alright."
"Then if you are not sick, Specialist Traynor, how do you explain all the biological responses I just mentioned?"
Sighing, knowing she was about to reveal something that she did not want out there, Traynor straightened her posture and fixed her eyes on EDI.
She had promised to answer all of EDI's questions, after all, and she would... even ones that might reveal a little too much about herself.
"I'm fine, EDI... just nervous, I guess," Sighing, Sam continued. "When I get nervous my face... my face goes bright red. I can't help it, I've tried breathing techniques and everything but... when I get nervous... my face never stops going red. So, if you ever see me red faced without any rhyme or reason, know that it is, probably, because I said something stupid. That's why my face is so red, and why my heart is beating a mile a minute. Nerves."
As EDI watched Specialist Traynor open up about her anxiety, EDI documented every line of dialogue to memory. This explanation garnered a new understanding in EDI's core process, all of Traynor's previous symptoms now viewed in a new perspective. The Specialist had never been ill, she was simply uncomfortable with the situation she had been placed in. Perhaps the other organics on the Normandy were in a similar predicament, this would need to be evaluated at a later date.
"So you were nervous," EDI confirmed, never keeping her eyes off Traynor who continued to stare out of the Deck's window. "I understand what anxiety is, but I never suspected that you would be affected by it. I never even considered it, you always seemed comfortable when talking to others. I guess that explains why my diagnosis was misguided."
"Misguided?"
"Anxiety has similar biological responses to conditions such as the common cold, the flu... among other things. It is often difficult, for someone like myself, to be able to distinguish between them all. There are many overlaps and similarities to shift through before I can locate the source of the problem. Not all symptoms present themselves, other times organics try to hide them. For someone like me, who lives in absolutes and fact, it is difficult to reach a consensus from an analytical viewpoint."
"Right, I guess that kinda makes sense," Traynor said, before refocusing her attention on EDI. "But just to clarify, nerves not illness, okay, EDI?"
"Understood."
However, just as EDI had agreed with Specialist Traynor's previous statement, a new question circulated in EDI's thought process. One that had not been present before, brought on by an inaccuracy that had been made readily apparent in the Specialists explanation. Without further need for consideration, EDI moved the new question to the top of her priorities, all previous questions having now been demoted.
"Specialist? May I ask a personal question?"
Confused, staring at EDI as if that would bring about the answers she sought, Traynor eventually conceded defeat and nodded her head, apprehension evident in the motion.
"I understand that your increased heart rate and body temperature are a by-product of anxiety and stress. This has been made clear to me. However, its trigger also raises some questions. From the moment your joined the Normandy SR-2, I have monitored your vitals in accordance with the existing mandate and protocol I set to ensure all crew members are fit to work. The symptoms you have described appear, on a consistent basis, when you are watching, or talking to, the female members of the crew and myself."
"Oh..." Traynor mumbled, not liking where the flow of the conversation was now headed.
"When you interact with the male crew members of the Normandy... your symptoms do not present themselves. Why does your anxiety exist with one gender and not the other? And why do the same symptoms appear when you look at me?"
Nervous, laughter coming out unbidden as she rubbed the back of her head, Specialist Traynor avoided EDI's stare. Of course, the AI had no idea what subject she was approaching, the reason behind why she became nervous in front of women rather than men. This was a tough one, stuck between the proverbial rock and a hard place, tough. She had promised to answer all of EDI's questions but she never, not in her remaining human years, expected to be talking about this.
"..."
Could she really open up and reveal everything to the AI...?
...
Would the AI even be able to comprehend her romantic leaning...?
...
... Could she perhaps lie and make something up?
Save herself from the embarrassment and awkwardness that would surely follow if the truth was revealed...
...
No, she promised to be honest.
EDI wanted answers and she, Comm Specialist Traynor, would be the one to provide them.
...
But, boy, did she regret agreeing to this right now. She could have been in a warm bed, dreaming about the woman sitting beside her, doing... all manner of things together. But, no. She had to stoke the fires, keeping alive the belief that EDI might grow fond of her or allow her special privileges. And now... she was paying for it.
...
"Okay," Traynor breathed, letting out all the air in her lungs before she turned to look at EDI. "The reason... The reason why I am nervous around women... is because I like them. And when I say like... I mean like, like them. I find them attractive, desirable... you name it and I feel it. That is why I am nervous around women, they are all perfect in my eyes. Every single one of them."
Pondering Traynor's admission, EDI found that it brought new context to the Specialists actions and behaviour. The Comm Specialist had always been considered a favourable conversational partner by members of the Normandy, after all, more members of the Normandy spoke to her then Shepard's personally assigned crew.
Samantha Traynor was open, honest and intelligent... However, the young brit would often act a little different when approached by a member of the female crew. Traynor's eyes would always divert when attention was paid to them, the Specialist would talk with a slight hitch like she was losing her voice... all of these changes now made sense. She was acting differently because she identified women as her preferred gender.
But still... that didn't explain one thing...
"Your attraction to women has been made clear, Specialist Traynor. However, what remains unclear is why you exhibit the same biological reaction to this physical platform," EDI said, arms widening so that Traynor could get an unguarded look of the AI's body. "Do I qualify as a women in your eyes? Or is there another reason why you react in such a way?"
"I-I... Uh," Traynor mumbled, cheeks reddening as she felt EDI's eyes burn into her body. "I... I also... find you attractive, EDI. I mean, can you blame me? That voice, that body... How could I not be drawn to it?"
"Why do you find my voice and body attractive, Specialist? I am not organic. Surely you would prefer to be intimate with someone warm. If even that does not deter you... then what about this platform interests you?"
"It's not the platform, EDI. It's you. I am attracted to you. Now, as for the voice... are you kidding me!? Who isn't attracted to your voice!? I was attracted to you before I even saw your 'physical platform.' All it took was your voice and I was sold. Add your sexy hot body, and your awful attempts at humour, into the equation and it is a match made in heaven. So... Hell yeah I'm attracted to you."
Turning to look away from Traynor, EDI crossed her legs and rested her hand against her chin in thought. It was a technique she had seen Shepard do on several occasions when she had to make a tough decision. On more occasions then not, Shepard had made the correct decision despite all evidence pointing to a unsuccessful conclusion. This method had been used each time. Perhaps, it would aid EDI in finding the answers she seeked.
Deciding to park Traynor's attraction to one side, for the moment, EDI returned to the most pressing matter. "What is it about women that you find desirable, Specialist Traynor? Is it their bodies? Their shape? I am foreign to the concept of attraction, I do not understand what it takes to be... attracted to someone."
"Well, I can't really explain it. I've had this preference ever since I was little. Never even considered men an option. I mean, don't get me wrong, there is nothing disgusting or wrong about men, but I will never have sex with one. It has to be a woman. There's just something about them," Traynor smiled, memories coming to the surface. "The way they feel, so soft and supple. Even the way their lips look are so different to men, so much more appealing. Their breasts, tongue... everything is different. And it all feels... right, in a way a man's never could. Does that make sense?"
"But you will never produce off-spring with a female partner," EDI queried, previous understandings now coming into question. "Isn't the point of sex meant to allow for the continuation of your line? How can you produce off-spring when you are both women?"
Shaking her head, Traynor sat up straighter, anxiety having long since vanished. "The point of sex isn't to have babies, EDI. That's a very old and inaccurate statement from people and groups that wish to decide a persons life for them. There is no truth to it."
"Then what is the purpose of sex?"
"Trust. For me, the point of sex is a statement. A statement that you trust someone with you body, your emotions... your heart. You give and you take. You trust your sexual partner with your body and cherish theirs in return. Whether you are straight or gay, to me... that is the point of sex. A baby? Sex is simply a means to an end but... it is not required. So, what do you think? Do you still believe that sex is meant, solely, for producing off-spring?"
"No, I do not..."
And with that EDI saved Specialist Traynor's entire speech into a highly encrypted file and stored it into her core programming. It was clear from Traynor's explanation that the AI had been wrong, the case presented was irrefutable at this point. The emotion, the careful choice of words... everything had effected her. She, EDI, had changed and her core programming would change to reflect that.
But there were still questions... things she was unsure of.
"Specialist Traynor, I have another question, related to the topic we were discussing."
"Go on." Traynor nodded, smiling, a sense of accomplishment evident on her young face.
"If sex is so... sacred, built around trust and love, then why do a number of organics partake in sex when there is no feeling of love attached. Doesn't this go against your previous statement? That love requires trust..."
Sighing, Traynor refocused. "Well, I mean, is it really surprising that us... organics... desire sex, even when it is without trust? Nothing in this world can compare with sex. Even when your partner is someone that you don't truly love, sex can still be a wonderful thing. It's funny, I've always said that a humans favourite form of contact is the physical... the sexual kind. Everyone loves it when it's done right and everyone craves more. I... This is pretty hard to explain and probably even more difficult to understand, isn't it?"
Pondering Traynor's words, EDI finally considered a very real possibility. Something that would help the AI gain an understanding through actions rather than words. The only question remained, would initiating said physical contact really help her gain a better understanding of humans?
Hmm...
She would check with Specialist Traynor first, she seemed knowledgeable about such things after all.
EDI felt so young in comparison to Samantha Traynor, the young human had experienced so much and EDI... so very little.
...
Maybe Traynor could share some of her experiences...?
...
Maybe that would shed light on certain things that eluded her grasp...?
...
"Specialist Traynor, have you ever partaken in the physical and sexual kind of contact that you described? You speak from a place of experience, I wish to learn whether that is true or not."
Glowing red, Traynor nodded her head and diverted her eyes to the floor in admission. "Yeah, I have. I mean, I've kissed other women quite a few times and made out with a couple too... but I've only ever had sex once. I guess you could say I am a little reserved when it comes to sex. I have had plenty of opportunities but only one woman made me throw all that uncertainty out the window. Kisses, I don't mind giving them away to beautiful women but sex... no, there has to be meaning behind it. Although, considering my first time... I guess I may have broken that rule."
"Would I be too forward if I asked how it happened? Your first time?"
Laughing, Traynor shook her head. "No, it's fine. I can talk about it. I want to... actually."
"..."
"I must have been... 19 when it happened. I'd been invited to some club, it was the last day of my first year in University, so my friends wanted to celebrate. It was a normal club, I hadn't told my friends I was gay yet, only one knew and she had known since our primary school days. So, I was out, partying, when some woman I had never met kept pressing against me as I was dancing. I thought nothing of it at first, the space was really cramped and I was bumping into people too. But when she rested her hands on my hips, I knew there was some meaning behind it."
"Are all parties as cramped as this, AfterLife seemed particularly spacious in places." EDI asked, cutting Traynor's flow.
"Not always. Sometimes. Anyway, as we were dancing I felt her hands start to roam my body. Nothing too dirty or immodest just... she knew where to touch, how much pressure to apply. It... It was incredible."
"..."
"I knew she was quite a bit older than me," Traynor continued, eyes still shining in memory of this occasion. "Her hands were a little aged, her nails perfectly maintained, red. I didn't mind, I had never been with an older woman before but I kinda liked the idea. It was only when I felt her front press against my back that I realised how lucky I was. I have always been an ass woman, I have and, I thought I always would be, but those breasts... they made me reconsider things. I was hooked, aroused... it was only when I heard her voice that she had me completely."
"What did she say?" EDI asked, interest spiking with every word uttered, a strange sensation spreading through her platform.
"It wasn't what she said, it was how she said it. Seductive, wouldn't even cover it. There was a... mischief about her tone. When she said, 'Follow me.' I followed without question. Before I could even make sense of the situation she was dragging me into the women's bathroom, with one blink of an eye I was up against the cubicle and she was lifting me up, hands on my ass. Then... we were kissing, her hands dipping into my pants, caressing me. I can still remember her lips, they were soft and just... perfect."
"..."
"After that... things were all a blur, I remember pleasure, images of her between my legs, licking me until I could no longer hold back my moans. I remember being pressed into her pussy and trying to copy what she had done for me. Then, after I had orgasmed so many times that they bled into each other, I remember sitting in her lap as we just... kissed. She was thrusting her pussy against mine, my legs wrapped around her mid-drift. And that was how it ended, she left, kissed me goodbye and when I regained consciousness I had to wipe down the insides of my leg. So, yeah, that was the first time I had sex."
"You speak of the time fondly... and vividly." EDI murmured, the strange feeling racketing up with every detail offered.
"I do. It was a wonderful experience," Traynor smiled, her features turning contemplative as she recalled the figures face. "You know, it's a strange thing."
"What is?"
"The woman I had sex with... she looked... she looked a lot like Miranda, now that I think of it. Except older, a few years maybe, ten tops. Strange... Same hair colour, same facial features... they looked so similar. When I first saw Miranda in her office I thought she was the woman I had sex with. But she's too young. Strange, if I didn't know better I would have said I had sex with Miranda's mum. But Miranda doesn't have a mum, does she? She was created in a lab. So, who the hell was she?"
Unsure how to answer, as she did not know the answer to the Comm Specialists questions, EDI remained silent. Instead, when Traynor managed to shake the thought away, EDI asked a question of her own. The need to learn taking centre stage above simple contemplation.
"Did that experience make you happy, Specialist Traynor?"
Smiling, Traynor nodded. "Yes. Not many people can brag about their first sexual experience being that damn good... but I can. You know, there is no better feeling than when sex is done right. Nothing compares. The only problem is, you have to find the right person, the right circumstances. Only then can everything feel just right."
"Hmm," EDI pondered this, a resolution set and an idea formed. After listening to Traynor's story, about how it felt and how it made her feel... something activated in EDI's core. A desire to learn, to experience what the young Specialist had felt. She wanted to understand, what better way was there to understand then to experience these feelings first hand?
"Specialist Traynor," EDI said, waiting until Traynor looked her in the eye before continuing. "Would it make you happy if I was to administer this level of contact, that you described, to you now?"
"W-What!?" Traynor blanched, scooting a little away from EDI as she processed the question.
Sex...
with EDI...!?
...
"It could be a mutually beneficial partnership," EDI reasoned, scooting closer to Traynor who moved further away in response. "You could feel every sensation you felt when you were 19, with proper guidance, and I can experience the sensations you describe. Is this not acceptable?"
"E-EDI!?" Traynor stammered, her back hitting the edge of the sofa. "You can't just... Sex is... I am flattered, really, EDI. But, I don't think you know what you're asking..."
"I know what I am asking, Specialist Traynor. I want to learn, to understand... you wish to become intimate with someone. Why not me?"
Shaking her head, lowering herself further against the cushions of the sofa, knees bent and raised to protect herself as EDI hovered above her, Traynor covered her eyes. "Because you are important to me, EDI. I respect you and admire you too much. I can't have sex with you and risk..."
"But you desire me, don't you?" EDI whispered, lips a breath away from Traynor's ear. "You even said as much. You desire my physical plat... my body. You desire my body. My voice. I'm offering them to you. Isn't that what sex is, offering and receiving?"
"Giving and taking," Traynor corrected. "But I guess those are the same things."
"I am offering myself to you, Traynor. I am giving you my body. You said you would help me, I wish to learn the things you experienced. I want to learn. Will you teach me?"
"EDI, please..." Traynor pleaded, moaning when she felt EDI's torso slip between her raised legs and press against her front. "EDI, if we do this... I'm gonna want more. That wouldn't be right."
"You can have more. This would not be a one time deal. You said that you respected me, admired me, so, please, believe me when I say that we can do this as many times as you want. I want to learn. To experience..."
"I know already," Traynor shouted, features turning angry for the first time since they had stepped into the Observation deck. "You want to have sex with me just so you can learn, experience... I don't... It doesn't matter who it is... You don't want to have sex with me, EDI. You just want to have sex."
Leaning back, away from Traynor's ear, EDI fixed her eyes on Traynor, features stern. "It has to be you."
"W-What...?" Traynor whispered, the tightness, the doubt, in the Specialists body easing.
"I have no interest in anyone but you, Specialist Traynor. It has to be you. If I am to have my first sexual experience, if there is anyone on the Normandy I would wish to share this with... it would be you... Specialist Tr... No... Sam. I want to experience love and sex for the first time, with you, Sam."
Gasping, the sound of her name, the thing of dreams previously, had just become a reality. Unsure what to do, Traynor rested her hands against her mouth, not trusting herself to speak. EDI had said all the right things, was looking at her in a way that brokered no doubts... EDI wanted to share this experience with her, and her alone.
"Will you have sex with me, Sam?" EDI asked, lifting Traynor's hands from her mouth and placing them against her own.
Traynor's eyes widened at the softness, the texture that she could feel under her fingertips. EDI's lips... they felt so soft. Memories of her first sexual experience when she was 19, the soft texture of that woman's lip... they finally had a contender. Moving her fingertip, pressing and rubbing in equal measure, Traynor's restraint broke.
She was ready...
No more waiting.
No more trying to be the good one, no more being respectful.
EDI wanted to have sex with her, who the hell was she deny herself such an opportunity?
Pushing EDI back, Traynor spread herself on the sofa, head propped up by the arm rest. With a smile, Traynor allowed a finger to fall from the AI's lips and followed a straight path all the way down to where her belly button would have been. "You got me. I want to have sex with you. God help me I do. So, what do you say? Care to make the first move, it is your first time after all."
Smiling, EDI lowered herself against Traynor's body, breasts meeting breasts and legs interlocking against each other. As EDI took a moment to appreciate Samantha Traynor's beautiful facial features, EDI finally lowered her head down, eyes focused on the human's soft looking lips.
This was it.
EDI was about to experience her first kiss and then... she would experience the pleasures of sex.
...
...
"Wait!" Traynor warned, rising on her elbows to look at EDI in concern. "EDI, listen. Whatever you do, please, please do not tell Joker about this. Or anyone for that matter. But especially Joker. I don't want to hurt him... but I also cannot deny how badly I want this. So, could you please keep this a secret from him. Please."
Confused, EDI lifted herself on her arms and hovered above the young Specialist. "Jeff is in a long distance relationship with his girlfriend on Earth? Why would he be affected by us having sex?"
"JEFF HAS A GIRLFRIEND!?" Traynor screamed, more shocked by this admission then anything that had taken place between herself and EDI. "When!? How!? I thought for sure you and Jeff were an item. When did this happen!?"
"Jeff doesn't like to talk about his girlfriend. He has revealed certain things to me and even invited me to meet her on the Citadel once. She seems... nice. Has a thing about cars, apparently. But why are we talking about Jeff at the present moment?"
"Oh, right," Traynor blushed, nerves settling at the prospect of not only having sex with EDI but also betraying such a close friend. Thankfully, Joker already had someone. So no betrayal necessary. Only good old sex and Traynor couldn't wait for it to begin. So, with that in mind, Traynor lowered herself back against the sofa and waited. "Alright. Enough about Joker, let's do what we have to do. Now that Joker is out of the picture... we can go. I'm sure he won't mind."
"Jeff will have no problem with this arrangement. I am permitted to have sex with other members of the crew provided it is recorded live for Joker's enjoyment" EDI said, features cool while Traynor glowered up at the AI. "That was a joke."
"Not funny and enough with the jokes," Traynor whined, pressing a hand against the back of EDI's head. "Just kiss me already."
And before EDI could even register what was happening, the AI felt Traynor's lips pressing against her and an incredible heat spreading to every corner of her platform...
...
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TBC
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Author's Note:
Would you believe me if I told you that this was supposed to be a short 3000 to 4000 word chapter?
Or that this idea started as a small one shot and, as I began to plan it out, developed into a long, established story?
This was supposed to be a short, romantic and intimate story with some sex scenes to spice things up. Something to tide me over while I recovered from a Meniscus tear and ACL rupture that required surgery to fix. My boredom gave birth to a small idea and I decided, since I could not move my leg, that I would pursue it.
Funny how one small idea can grow into something I just had to write. Oh, and by the way, people who are concerned about my updating The Succubus, don't be. I have nearly finished writing the next chapter. Should be ready pretty soon, just need to finish the last bit and have a look through it.
The reason why I wrote this story was because I was dealing with some serious writer's block, despite the chapter being written in clear bullet points that I would just need to expand on. Nothing I did was working, so, I decided to write something different. That was how this idea, this story came to be. And, I have to admit, writing this story was surprisingly straightforward
Now, some information about this story:
This will be a very smutty story. I am aiming for, in every three chapters, for at least one sex scene and two intimate moments. (Kissing, etc)
Lesbian sex only. (No men, sorry)
This story is loaded with characters from all three Mass Effect's, I am not following continuity here. All major female characters from the Mass Effect trilogy are onboard. The Reapers are a threat but will not appear in this story. This will be a story about EDI for the most part, discovery, etc.
Like in all of my stories. No Rape. No killing off important characters. Be safe in the knowledge that these two things will not appear in the story.
The main character, as you will gather from the next chapter, is EDI.
EDI will have a sexual scene with every female character on the Normandy, other Universe character or other important characters from the Mass Effect Universe. Every single one and they will happen in different circumstances. I am hoping no one sex scene, or seduction scene, will be the same.
Every female character will be partnered up with someone eventually. This is not an EDI harem. I have partnered characters up with people I either like or believe suit each other (Hint: The argumentative duo from Mass Effect 2 shall be reunited) or new pairings that I haven't seen before. (One of the reasons why I included characters such as Chloe Michel, she will be with a big character.)
Characters from other universes (Other games, movies) will also appear but will be given new roles that fit their characters. (For instance, the character that took Traynor's virginity? Hmm... Looks almost exactly like Miranda but older... Who could that be? Oh, and by the way, characters from other universes are not simply throw away additions. They will also end up with someone from the Normandy.)
Female characters who died in previous Mass Effect's may no longer be dead. Story continuity has not been followed and I will adapt it to suit my needs.
Oriana situation will be resolved. (There is a reason as to why she has been taken. No hints. Important character.)
Updates... I am not too sure how often I will be able to. I will probably write shorter chapters to allow for decent update speed.
Sex scenes will involve toys, etc. No dick girls, for people who like that kind of stuff I have a solution to this issue which will be revealed when Jack appears in the chapter. (Hint: Has a little to do with biotics. A little to do with science.)
The idea behind the story will be revealed in the next chapter. Over arching story present at the end of the next chapter. Hopefully you will like it.
Well, I hope you found this chapter interesting enough to keep on reading because I have a lot of stuff planned. A lot of characters to introduce. As well as a smutty story, I want to make this a compelling one and I will be working very hard to achieve that goal.
If anyone has any suggestions of characters from other Universes to include, or scenarios they would like to see play out, feel free to drop me a message or review. I will consider it and see whether it works in the overall context of the story.
So, that is it. Feel free to leave any comments, praise or criticism as both have helped mold me into a better writer (No, seriously look at my previous work when I first started. The difference is astronomical.)
All the best and I will hopefully update the next chapter soon.
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P.S. Apologies for any errors in spelling, grammar or any other issues you may find in this chapter. I bought a new Computer recently and it didn't come with Microsoft Word. Have had to use something called WordPad which has none of the advantageous of Microsoft Word but five times the issues. I hate it so much. So, please forgive me if you see any problems. Also, this chapter was written in a two day span, so editing has not been correctly performed.
P.S.P.S Any questions? Feel free to ask and I will answer.