《The prize for new life》 Outgoing Shepard takes Kylara out on a date. They go to eat together at the canteen, dance in the lounge, and end up talking on the top deck. He''s still fascinated by the stars, staring up at the veiloceiling showing the outside space. She''s instead staring at him, and when he catches her gaze, asking what she''s looking at, she replies: ¡°I like the sparkle in your eyes more!¡± He blushes a bit and coming close to her returns: ¡°Wow Kylara. I didn''t know you''re average Trobyte could be so romantic!¡± ¡°Well, I''m anything but average, Shepard!¡±, she closes, and willfully lets him embrace her for a kiss. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. ?? What and why ¡°You humans like making love.¡±, Kylara suddenly says unprompted, ¡°It''s a very pleasurable experience, that can lead to creating new life. Many species find reproduction satisfactory, as evolution rewards behavior that ensures survival. It is a high, comparable to various drugs, but with a far lower risk of long-term negative effects. Instead, it can even strengthen a group''s dynamic, make them more caring and protective of each other. It''s very interesting. We like sharing that with you.¡± She looks back at Shepard, who got a bit red in the face, but still listens attentive, while she informs him: ¡°It''s not necessary for our reproduction. In fact, we wouldn''t need to engage actively in any kind of personal contact to plant our seed in another''s body.¡± Now he perks up alert, yet she closes: ¡°But my strand found it most beneficial to actually ask consent of our hosts and reward them with sexual climaxes, to protect our offspring.¡± She rests her eyes on him, and so after a few seconds of awkward silence, he half sits on his bedside table opposite to her, and tries to conclude: ¡°Uhm, so, you want to... uh, give me a good time, and make me pregnant? Is that it?¡± She chuckles amused, then turns serious again, putting it straight: ¡°A pregnancy is when a foreign organism feeds on a body, growing inside it, to burst out of it in a rather painful way, once it is big enough to live on its own. We don''t do that.¡± He calms down a bit, and she reaches out to touch his forehead, pointing between his eyes: ¡°If I put my seed inside you, it would sit here. Learning your customs, your speech, motor functions, reflexes... Understand your character enough to mimic it, feel emotions, form memories. It would learn to be human, as that is your species.¡± He gulps fearful again, but she takes her hand back, closing: ¡°And when you die, it will grow into your form, consume what is left to build a new body, that resembles yours. And be the new ¡°Shepard¡±. The way I am Kylara. Even though she has died 17 Darian suns ago.¡± Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. Now he stares at her surprised, and half asks: ¡°But that''s been ages! You look so young.¡± ¡°I felt most comfortable in this period of Kylara''s existence, so it is the form I prefer to stay in. It is after all just a shell for my being.¡±, she trails off a bit, ¡°I still carry some memories of my strand, so if need be, I could alter my appearance to another. But it would be less complete. I would make mistakes that might reveal my identity to others. Kylara has been my home since I was a seed. I knew her inside out. I am her! If I was to play a different persona, a different shell, I would be more vulnerable.¡± ?? Shepard tries to put his thoughts in order. All this information is challenging the impression he had of his friend, the things they''ve been through, their daily life, and the rather pleasant time he''s had with her right up until a few minutes ago. So trying to sort his emotions, he keeps pressing: ¡°But aren''t you vulnerable right now? That you''ve revealed yourself to me? Aren''t you...¡± He wanted to ask her if she''s scared, but then remembers what she said at the beginning. So instead he assures her: ¡°I mean, not that I''ll try and harm you, I believe you!¡± She gazes at him hopeful and he adds: ¡°If you say you''re not gonna eat anyone, I guess that checks out. I''m not gonna put you in a holding cell or have the medics vivisect you.¡± She flashes him a shy smile. He closes: ¡°But still. I mean, now what? What are you expecting of me?¡± She sits up straight, to reveal: ¡°Well, sure, I''ve exposed myself to you. But I had high hopes, that you would not be recoiled so much. I guess I did wrong in showing you my alternate shapes. It''s just, your species so tends to ''see to believe'', and you''ve stated so yourself several times, that I found it most promising to convince you that way.¡± Shepard has to nod a little, remembering how he had joked with the crew just at lunch about the federations new plans, saying: ¡°I''ll believe it, when I see it!¡± Yet she shoves his memory aside, as she adds: ¡°But you have such a way with people! You''re a leader, and a diplomat, cunning, yet kind, and so curious! I have been drawn to you for quiet some time now. And I would gladly give you a satisfying sexual experience.¡± Shepard has to blush again, and look aside, so she closes a bit quieter: ¡°If you consent to host my seed.¡± ?? A little secret Shepard and Kylara end up in his cabin, making out and petting each other. They sit on his bed, he strips of his uniform, and wants to get her out of her suit, but she stops him. ¡°What? You don''t want to?¡±, he asks, a little disappointed. ¡°Mh, that''s not the issue.¡±, she hums thoughtful. He sits back up, looking at her. ¡°Then, what''s the matter? Am I too forward? We can take it slower, if you like, no problem!¡±, he proposes. She pets over his naked arm, making the hairs stand up at her touch. She explains: ¡°Shepard, I would be delighted to engage in sexual intercourse with you. I know it would be very satisfactory for the both of us.¡± He smirks at her words: ¡°Okay, very straight forward, very Trobyte. What''s the catch?¡± She looks him in the eyes and reveals: ¡°I''m not a Trobyte.¡± He furrows his brows, searching her face and questions: ¡°Uhm, but then, what are you? Cirion? Deprefef? I know those races sometimes get confused...¡± ¡°I''m none of those.¡±, she cuts him off, ¡°I''m something else entirely.¡± She pets over his arm again, giving him pleasant jolts. But he gets nervous: ¡°Okay. So what are you?¡± She sighs, closing her eyes and pulling her arms back to cross them in front of her chest. Then she hums: ¡°This is always the hardest part. The most dangerous...¡± Although he is a little unsettled, Shepard puts his hand on her thigh, assuring her: ¡°You don''t have to be afraid of me, I''m not gonna hurt you! But I do think I should know who is in my crew, so I can make sure everyone is safe!¡± Then she suddenly looks back at him, and her eyes have changed. Instead of the rather humanoid bronze eyeballs with the opaque iris, there is a swirling, moving black mass, that seems to be made up of hundreds of little tentacles. Shepard flinches and then starts to tremble, as he feels being grabbed by something like roots, sprouting from her thigh, wrapping around his arm. ¡°Uhm... Kylara!¡±, he gasps, ¡°Whatever you are, please stop this!¡± He''s about to try and get away, when the roots retract back through her suit, leaving her thighs to look normal again, and the black tentacles re-arrange to form her eyes once more. Shepard still shakes, startled, staring at her returning pupils that fixate on him. Then she suddenly states: ¡°You no longer wish to copulate. I should leave.¡±, quickly getting up. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ?? However, Shepard moves to cut her off, putting up his arms and demanding: ¡°Wait! Wait, hold on! What just happened? Explain yourself!¡± ¡°Do not terminate me, please!¡±, she just begs, still wanting to escape. ¡°Kylara... stop!¡±, he orders, holding her by the shoulders, but retracting his hands quickly, when he sees the pleading look she shoots him. Still, he stands firm: ¡°Kylara... what are you? What did you... what did you want to do just now? With me?¡± She seems to be lost in thought, then slowly muses: ¡°Zombie... mold. I think you can use those words. For me.¡± He blinks confused, repeating: ¡°Zombie mold? You''re an undead fungus?¡± She doesn''t respond, seems to be searching his expression for approval or aggression. He thus keeps guessing: ¡°So... this body of yours, is actually dead?¡± She half nods. He takes a step back, scanning her from toe to antenna, but then denies: ¡°But that can''t be! You still need oxygen, you eat, you have a stable body temperature... you threw up during hyper drive, because your stomach couldn''t tolerate it! And the ships scanners would have detected decaying matter...¡± ¡°But Kylara is dead.¡±, she interjects, ¡°And now I''m her.¡± Now Shepard does get a bit concerned for himself, asking: ¡°But... does that mean, your species kills people and takes over their bodies?¡± ¡°No!¡±, she quickly corrects him, ¡°No, we are not predators. We only take over, once our host is dead.¡± He repeats: ¡°Host? You''re parasites?¡± She weighs her head, but then nods: ¡°Yes. It''s a little more refined, but yes.¡± He still can''t fathom what she''s supposed to be, so keeps asking: ¡°And that just now? Did you want to... eat me?¡± Now Kylara laughs, and it looks so friendly and peaceful, Shepard has to smile too, as she corrects him: ¡°No. As I said, we are not predators. I would not be eating you. And not now anyways.¡± That puts a stop to his relief, so he pries: ¡°You would not eat me now? And later?¡± ¡°It would not be me.¡±, she answers, before realizing that that doesn''t actually calm his concerns. She looks a bit overwhelmed now, moving her eyes back and forth from him to the floor and and around the room. Then she sits back down on his bed, trying to focus. ?? Terms and conditions Shepard takes a deep breath, trying to calm down. He sits down next to Kylara again, wringing his hands nervously. He turns back to her, hushing: ¡°Okay, I''m... I''m honored you think so highly of me. I guess I should feel flattered. Still, this... it seems like a big step.¡± ¡°You seem intrigued!¡±, she notes, a smile forming on her lips. He runs a hand through his hair embarrassed, replying: ¡°Well, you''re right about me being a curious person. All that talk of wanting to satisfy me does sound promising. And it''s not like I''ve never done some crazy inter-species stuff before...¡± Then he looks at her again, getting shy: ¡°But the prospect of hosting some parasite fungus in my brain to take over my body does sound a little unsettling, I have to be honest! Even if it wasn''t that unnerving, I mean, basically you''re asking me to spend the night with you, and want me to carry your baby, that''s a bit much.¡± Her hopes drop, and he gives her an apologetic shrug. She droops her antennas a bit, then asks: ¡°So it''s a no?¡± He hesitates. She pries: ¡°I don''t want to burden you. But it sounds like you believe this to be worse than I mean it. My seed would never interact with you. As I said, you would not have to birth it, and it will only take over once you have died.¡± He runs his hand through his hair again, playing for time, when she takes it to entwine her fingers with his. Which still feels weird to him, although she isn''t the first three-fingered alien he''s holding hands with. He looks at her with dread, pressing her hand halfheartedly. Feeling his touch she asks: ¡°Would you rather I had five fingers?¡± He raises his brows surprised, and then marvels at her hand, as she sprouts two thick bumps on both sides of it, growing into finger-like appendixes, that wrap themselves around his hand like the rest. They are slightly off color, and the shape looks more like his own human digits, but they are warm and soft. And they tickle his skin. ¡°What part of your body is actually solid?¡±, he asks, more intrigued than shaken this time. Kylara smiles at him with an open mouth: ¡°None really. I can rebuilt all parts as I see fit. It''s just much more strain than keeping a familiar shape.¡± He repeats: ¡°None? All of you is this... tentacle-like fungal mass? Even your bones?¡± ¡°Bones are a bit harder, but yes, them too!¡±, she states, and to prove it, opens her mouth a bit more, so he has a clear look at her jaws. That also crumble down into hundreds of little roots, gently swaying to and fro like spongy anemones in a coral reef. And Shepard catches himself thinking what an interesting tickle it would be, if she gave him head with that mouth. Blushing, he shakes his head a bit, trying to disperse of the image. Then he asks concerned: ¡°So, your seed... is that really like a seed, or like a worm, or what would that be like? And how would you get it into my brain?¡± Her teeth reform, so she can say: ¡°Oh, I would probably go past your eyeballs. That''s the easiest way. Or up the nose maybe.¡± He gets scared again, demanding: ¡°Won''t that hurt?¡± Yet she just smiles at him, and then asks innocently: ¡°Does this hurt?¡± Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. ?? Still just feeling the warmth from her hand and the light tickle, he''s confused, looking at her thighs first, thinking she might sprout some tentacles from there. But then he does look back at his hand and has to keep himself from screaming, as he suddenly sees it covered in little swaying hairs, ranging through all the colors of the rainbow. He tries to calm down, although his first instinct would be to pull back his hand. But then the parasite might be stuck to it forever. ¡°Shshsh! Oh Shepard, I''m sorry, I''ll take it back!¡±, Kylara assures him then, giving him an apologetic look, and he gulps: ¡°Are you putting your seed inside me right now?¡± He can see the tentacles retract, which just feels warm and ticklish, rather pleasant actually, but it still scares him. ¡°No, no. I wouldn''t do it without your consent! And it''s too risky to move it through your whole arm into your head. As I said, I''d use a more direct route.¡± But then she pulls back her hand, also retracting the extra fingers, and closes with a sad voice: ¡°I''m sorry I scared you so much. Please forgive me. I shall leave you alone.¡±, and she moves to get up again. ¡°Wait.¡±, he holds her back, regaining his composure. She eyes him attentive, and he takes his hand into his other, rubbing over it confused, but finding nothing to be out of order. ¡°What was that? Did you phase through me, or something?¡±, he wants to know. She confesses: ¡°Almost. My being can produce very thin hairs, that can find tiny openings to pass through. I did not injure you to reach the other side of your hand.¡± He nods his head a bit: ¡°Okay. That explains how you''re able to sprout through the nanosuit you''re wearing.¡± He ponders over how this might be a safety hazard in the future, wondering how large of an object could actually make it through their suits during a fight. And wonders if he''ll be able to convince her to let the armory in on her secret, to close that literal loop hole. But for now Shepard turns to her again seriously: ¡°So, okay. You want to plant this seed into me, and I wont feel it, and I wont even know it''s there, and it''s only gonna use my body once I''ve passed away for good. Is that right?¡± ¡°Yes.¡±, she confirms hopeful. ¡°And in return, you''re gonna show me the night of my life?¡±, he adds a bit humiliated. She weighs her head: ¡°Yes. You could say that.¡± ¡°And then you''re gonna leave?¡±, he closes. She cockles her antennas: ¡°You sound sad.¡±, then beams at him, ¡°You wish to form a closer bond with me?¡± He''s a bit startled, admitting: ¡°Well, yeah. I was hoping, we''d become closer, after tonight, I mean... I really like you. That''s why I asked you on this date. And now it sounds like you''re just looking for the next vessel for your offspring.¡± ?? Unified for life Shepard keeps staring at the alien lady he wished to woe, and she stares back, looking rather exited, as her gaze jumps from his left eye to his right. Then she suddenly proposes: ¡°Do wish to perform a Lyniken blood ritual with me?¡± ¡°What?! No! No, I meant...¡±, Shepard gasps, but she continues: ¡°Do you wish to marry me?¡± ¡°Uh, that''s a bit sudden...¡±, the commander replies still shocked. Yet Kylara just keeps guessing: ¡°Do you wish to fornicate with me regularly?¡± Shepard turns red to his roots, and stammers: ¡°Uhm, that, could, be an option...¡± However, she just takes his hand again, and with a grin that is entirely too cheeky for a Trobyte, she places a kiss on it, to put against her forehead, and declares: ¡°Then it is settled! I comply!¡± Shepard hesitates when she stretches her arm back towards him to get him to do the same, and he wants to evade: ¡°I didn''t say I do yet! And anyways... we''re still new to this, I mean, I... I might not even like it!?¡± However, Kylara still beams at him, promising: ¡°Oh, you will! I guarantee it!¡± And when he raises a brow at this, she nods: ¡°Human beings are easily satisfied! Especially those of the male sex.¡± It does touch on his pride a bit, but he can''t really argue with her, so he shrugs. But then he takes another deep breath, and pushing away all the impure thoughts that try to take over his conscience, he inquires one more thing: ¡°Can you take it back? I mean, your seed. Are just gonna put it in and forget about it, or can you get it out, if something goes wrong?¡± Kylara wipes the grin of her face, but still looking at him with friendly eyes, she insists: ¡°Nothing will go wrong! I will only place it inside you, if I''m completely sure to have found the right spot. It will not bother you. And you will be way too overjoyed to notice me doing it, even if you wanted to.¡± Shepard''s face gets hot, and feeling exposed under Kylara''s gaze, he finally says: ¡°Okay. I guess this isn''t really that much different from how I wanted it to go down.¡± She smiles again, and looks touched, when he actually does give her hand a kiss to raise to his forehead. ?? However, as she lets go of him to instead strip of her suit, he adds nervously: ¡°But still, please be gentle! And don''t hurt me, okay? Oh, and I wont either, just, so you know!¡± ¡°Hm. You''re sweet, Shepard!¡±, Kylara hums, as she gets back next to him, to wrap her arms around his shoulders, pulling him close for another kiss. And he doesn''t resist, but leans into it, closing his eyes, scooting even closer to her, petting over her side, feeling his body tense up and relax at her touch. When they both gradually fall back to lie down on the bed, her pulling one leg up to wrap around him, and him grabbing her bottom with one hand, he sighs: ¡°I must be crazy to do this!¡± She stops, pulls back her head to look at him, and puzzled asks: ¡°Wait. Does this mean you cannot give your consent?¡± Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. He looks back dumbfounded, but then wants to assure her: ¡°Oh, no, no, it''s just a figure of speech, I''m fine.¡± But at her skeptical glare, he admits: ¡°I''m just... I mean, I guess I should relax. You really seem to be very caring, asking for my consent and all, when you could just do this and say nothing. It''s only, I''m still a bit scared. Can you understand that?¡± She tilts her head a bit and replies: ¡°I''m sorry, no. I don''t. What are you scared of?¡± Still gently rubbing over her body, he tries to describe: ¡°Well, it''s this... there is this creature that''s just gonna start living in my head, rent free.¡± She cockles her antennas again, and he quickly explains: ¡°Sorry, another figure of speech. But really... didn''t this freak out any of your other... vessels? Or, like, what about Kylara? What was it like for her, before you took over?¡± The alien lady returns to caressing him in a gentle manner, but looks rather confused, as she reports: ¡°Well, I did have some other partners that did object to having my seed. But those that didn''t never questioned me further. Then again, those were other circumstances, other races... and the four humans that partook were all female.¡± Now Shepard''s eyes widen surprised, but Kylara just continues: ¡°And as for my host... She was Trobyte, as you see, and though I was not conscious before entering her, I recall her not objecting to having me. My own conscience only formed some 16 to 18 days after I settled in her cortex, after observing her. Feeling her. As she referred to herself as a single organism.¡±, she shifts a bit, still petting him, ¡°It''s how we learn. And as far as I understand, she actually forgot that I exist. At least she never mentioned me, or thought about me. Not even when she formed a bond with a neuro-communicator, who used telepathy.¡± He raises his brows again, yet she just finishes: ¡°That was an interesting experience. But never did a thought about me cross their minds. And Kylara had a fulfilled life. My existence never intruded on it. And I felt mournful, when her life-force ran out, and her control vanished.¡± ?? Shepard gulps, and rubbing over Kylara''s cheek he says: ¡°Oh. That sounds like you miss her. And, well, cared for her.¡± She just looks back at him, then asks: ¡°Does this help settle your concern somehow?¡± He squirms a bit, then shrugs: ¡°It... hum, it doesn''t make it worse at least. I guess it''s just the fear of the unknown. But, if I have your word that I wont feel it, or be bothered by it, then it should be fine.¡± Kylara still just stares at him. Then she demands: ¡°Do you trust me, Shepard?¡± He looks back at her. Remembers how she fought by his side. Rescued him when he was trapped under the ice on Flareos 5. How she jumped into the pit to save him from the blaster during their mission in the omicron mists. How she had beamed at him, when he asked her for the date. Her smile, while they were dancing. And understands that she has been trusting him all this time too. And so, taking one more deep breath to exhale all the tension and the fear, he gives her a smile and replies: ¡°Yes, Kylara. I trust you! Let''s do this.¡± ?? Wild ride So they return to petting and smooching, Shepard stripping off the last of his clothes, and feeling himself twitch with anticipation, as he moves to lie on top of the alien lady. But Kylara gently pushes him back, instead moving to sit on him, while she assures: ¡°Trust me, it will be easier this way!¡± When he feels himself gliding into her cloaca, it''s so overwhelming he moans: ¡°Oh holy orbit! Yahh!¡±, and needs a few seconds before he can stop himself from yelping every time she moves her body. She just grins down on him, petting over his chest, and then lowers her head to kiss him with passion. It feels good, rewarding, relaxing, exciting, and so intense already, that Shepard has to gasp: ¡°Wow, you were not kidding! This is incredible!¡± Yet she just purrs into his ear: ¡°I''ve barely even started!¡± Shepard''s eyes get big, and trying to grab her hips, he wonders what else she might be planning, when she sits up again, and while still giving him the lap dance of his life, raises her hands. Spreading her fingers. Wider. And longer. And fanning them out, roots sprouting from all sides, until it looks like she''s holding up two pompoms the size of Rubikian corn berries. Or Terran watermelons. Shepard starts to sweat, his pulse rising even more than the situation originally called for. And as he watches her lilac tongue, that he had fantasized about for far too long already, slide out of her mouth to pet over her own cheek, the thin tips circling the lobe of her ear, while she lowers the fungal fluff next to his face, he thinks: ''I''m totally gonna regret this, aren''t I?'' ?? But then Shepard suddenly hears more noises, moaning, creaking, splashing, and his vision blurs, as Kylara bends down again, and after licking over his chest once, playing with his right nipple a bit, lets her tongue enter his mouth. For a moment he feels like he''s suffocating. Then he breathes in a cloud of hay and sunshine. Looks into Kylara''s deep dark eyes, that give him a silent plea for more, as he presses her against the hard wood of a barn wall. Holding up her butt with his strong hands, he rams into her with force, making her moan his name. Over and over, breeding her like a mating bull, until he spills his seed inside her with a roar. He doesn''t even question it, as he feels the sweat trickle down his back and front, and the slimy coating drip from his penis, as he pulls it out. Everything is so damp and sticky, and he loves it. Even as the light around him turns blue, and a cold breeze chills his body into being lined with goosebumps. But then it does shock him, as finds himself in the middle of ''An unsavory orgy'', a holo-porn he had watched with his friends illegally at a younger age. Suddenly every inch of him is covered with hands, paws, fins, and tentacles, and it''s embarrassing how all his sensitive areas get squeezed, rubbed and sucked by a horde of more than willing sex workers of various genders and species. Especially since he can''t hold back his yelps of forbidden pleasure, until it''s one long squeal as he cums. ?? He closes his eyes and feels like a friendly soul is holding him close, petting through his hair, whispering assuring words, as they help clean him up from the mess. A wave hits them both, waking Shepard from the drowsy state he''s in a little. He can smell sand and salt, and then adjusts to the deep orange glow from the setting sun, as he looks back at Toulouse, a young recruit that he had been in training with. He scans over his pale body, down to his bare feet standing on the soft beach sand, then back up to his freckled face with the dark curls, and he gets that weird feeling again. Then he can hear the second officer from his last ship growl behind him: ¡°Do you boys want some fun?¡± Shepard gets a bit tense, unsure what is expected of him. Just then his old friend Duke is by his side, answering for him: ¡°We always want some fun! Don''t we, Sheps?¡± And before he can even nod, Duke is already kneeling in the wet sand, lowering his head to suck him off. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°But Duke! I didn''t know you like, like me...¡±, Shepard still tries to object, but already feels the other''s lips close around his member, and then gasps, as the strong blue hands of the officer grab his butt to spread open his cheeks. Helpless, he stares back at Toulouse, who gives him an assuring smile, and then a kiss, soft and warm and welcoming. And so sweet, that Shepard only feels the butterflies in his stomach, when the big bearded man behind him penetrates him, sending jolts through his body. And making him cream into his friend''s mouth already, way too soon. ¡°Mhm, sorry!¡±, he tries to apologize, but the two men tending to his lower regions just keep at it, though they pull him to his knees too. He turns to Toulouse once more for support, when the brunette just pushes down his head, pointing his dick at his mouth. Shepard shoots him a pleading look, but in a calm voice he assures him: ¡°You will like it, I promise!¡± And then he''s suddenly giving head, like he''s never done anything else. It''s exciting and fills his mouth with heat and sweat and salt, and he can feel himself get ready to climax again. And while the officer''s beard scratches his back, as he''s biting his shoulder, and his own hands dig through Duke''s long hair, he can hear Toulouse joyfully exclaim: ¡°I love you Shepard! I love you!¡±, as he pets his head. And then they all squirt. ?? Even though he should have no way of telling, he just knows it. And it makes him happy. Still a bit embarrassed, he wants to get up. But someone is holding him back. Then he''s kissed again. A shy, tender kiss, mostly on his lips, making him shiver, while he feels being wrapped in a sheet. And then he can finally look into Cecilia''s beautiful dark face, giving him a sweet smile. He beams back at his first love, holding her tighter, and starts moving again, to pleasure her. Gently caresses her soft boobs, and slides one hand between her legs to stimulate her vulva and clitoris, while he spoons her. Whispers: ¡°I love you!¡± And means it. The smile she''s giving him almost makes him cry. Then Kylara is spooning him too, also giving him pleasant touches, while he''s still holding Cecilia. ¡°I love you!¡±, he tells her. And he still means it. Then he hears her say: ¡°I love you too!¡±, and feels her kiss him. And turns to Cecilia, who also says: ¡°I love you!¡±, with a kiss to follow. Then another voice: ¡°I love you!¡±, and more touching. He turns to look, and sees another of his exes, crawling towards the cozy bed with the red velvet sheets they are lying in. He scans the room, and more and more women appear, many of them affairs he''s had, or relationships. But also some he''s never personally met. Only through moving stories, video tales. Or holo-porn. Shepard grins. He pulls his hand back up, because Cecilia is moving her tongue at him, like she needs something to suck on. He can smell her sweet, feminine human smell, the kind of smell that would always get him turned on. And he feels the tension in his loins swell once more. ¡°I love you!¡±, he assures his girlfriend again. ¡°I love you!¡±, the women around him echo, and he feels so warm inside, hopeful and happy, as they put their mouths on him. Kissing and suckling, faster and harder, chanting more affirming words of praise. Until the chirps and pecks are like a steady rain of love and lust. He gives his sweetheart another kiss, tasting and smelling her luscious lips and her perfume, and it drives him over the edge once more, spilling himself into her lap. ?? He falls back into the sheets, exhausted. The hard pounding pulse in his penis starts to regress, releasing him from the tension of erection. Even though he has the strange feeling of a dozen snakes slithering around and off his body, the touch isn''t as raw on his skin as before, making him relax. Then he realizes that Kylara is still sitting on him. He has a hard time wiping the stupid satisfied grin of his face, trying to look apologetic towards her. Yet she just carefully gets off him, to lie by his side instead, pressing one of his sweaty palms, to gently blow some cool air on it too. And she softly inquires: ¡°Well, did I promise too much?¡± He barely has strength to shake his head. Smiling, she pries further: ¡°And, any regrets so far?¡± He tries to shake again, and then gasps a bit harried: ¡°Nah... just, one thing...¡± She perks up her antennas, and he half giggles: ¡°I had, no i-dea I, was, THIS, bi!¡± He grins anew. And then loses consciousness. ?? End credits ¡°Are you absolutely sure, I''m alright?¡±, Shepard repeats. The medical officer rolls his eyes at him: ¡°Yes commander, the scans show nothing out of the ordinary. Why are you so insisting on this? If you cannot tell me, what to be looking for, I have much less chance to find it you know?¡± Shepard has to admit that is right, yet gnawing on his lower lip he still stalls, uncertain. Kylara had not been with him when he woke up, and he is a little worried. One of the nurses that sometimes hangs out with the crew walks by, asking: ¡°Everything alright with you, Shepard?¡± He half shrugs, and the medic sighs: ¡°He insists I should scan his head, but he''s not telling me, why!¡±, he turns back to the commander, ¡°All the routine tests already came back negative, I really don''t know, what else I can do, unless you tell me, what your symptoms are! If you have any.¡± Shepard drops his shoulders, ready to leave, when the nurse gives him a concerned look, and then asks in a low tone: ¡°What about the cerebral hormonal balance? Was that inconspicuous as well?¡± The medics whiskers perk up. Shepard eyes them both tense, gulping uneasy. He''d always avoided such scans. They were actually rather common among active fighters, to rule out signs of mental fatigue like depression, when they felt exhausted or unfit with no physical indication. But he never thought he''d need that. And also, having even one active mark on that test could lower your chance of rising in the ranks, as it was still seen as a sign of weakness and unreliability for service. Then again, if he wanted to make sure... ¡°Oh. Alright, I guess we could run that on you.¡±, the medical officer returns with a knowing expression, and ushers for Shepard to follow him. The nurse however, also tails them with concern on his face, and so as they move through med bay, more and more people follow the little cortege, curious as to what might be the reason for the tension. Shepard feels his heart sink at all this attention, and already considers skipping the test, when the medic simply tells him: ¡°Okay, now sit down here, rest your head against the plate and relax. It will only take a moment.¡± A little crowd gathers around him, but since everyone acts as though they were working on a station close by, or carrying samples to their co-workers, Shepard has no way of telling them off. ?? So he sits down in the scanner instead, praying for the results to be negative as well. The medical officer presses a few buttons, Shepard hears some beeps and boops, and then a slight ringing in his ears for a second, that cuts off just as suddenly. ¡°Okay, now for the results...¡±, the medic hums, tapping some more, as Shepard gets back up, turning to the holo-screen that will show the outcome. A chart pops up, and various bars start rising on it, some stopping right away, others after a few inches, and some climbing more. And more. And more. Suddenly an alarm is going off, though not one like an emergency, but it is quiet an audible signal, chirping in three shrill beeps repeatedly, as four of the bars keep climbing higher and higher. There are several gasps, and the medic cries out: ¡°Holy orbit! What in the galaxy...¡± Shepard watches on tense, cursing at himself, scared that he just endangered his career, his crew, maybe even his life. And Kylara''s. A few heads turn to face him in shock, and he tries to look innocent. But then the bars finally halt, way off the chart as it seems. The medic has his mouth covered with his hands, then turns to the commander to growl: ¡°Shepard!¡±, like an angry mother. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Shepard''s eyes nervously skip from the chart to the medical officer and the surrounding crowd, and he gulps: ¡°Well... is that bad?¡± He hears someone giggle. The medic finally takes down his hands, giving the commander a scolding look, as he asks: ¡°Shepard, what the nova is wrong with you? Did you come here just to flex on us?¡± Somebody snorts and tries to hide their laughter, most other onlookers still stare in shock. Shepard repeats confused: ¡°Flex?¡± ¡°Seriously, what did you do?¡±, the medic demands, ¡°Did you inject yourself with roids and try to break some record or what?¡± ¡°It''s a miracle he''s still standing on those legs.¡±, someone murmurs. ?? ¡°I really don''t know, what you''re talking about!¡±, Shepard pleads, ¡°Please, just tell me, is this bad? Is something... corrupted?¡± ¡°Like your mind?¡±, the medic scoffs, shocking the commander, ¡°Oh you bet your ass it is! What is this, the result of some drugged out holo-porn marathon?¡± Several people burst into laughter, and Shepard''s pale expression starts to turn red instead, as the nurse finally informs him: ¡°Those results show that you''ve recently had sex. And quiet a lot, and very intense, it would appear.¡± ¡°Go Shepard!¡±, someone shouts, and somebody else jokes: ¡°Can''t just be a sexy beef-cake in peace, has to rub it into everyone''s face too!¡± ¡°Uhm, uh, well...¡±, Shepard stammers embarrassed, feeling exposed, but relieved that he hasn''t actually outed his new girlfriend. But then he suddenly hears Kylara call for him: ¡°Yoohoo, Shepard darling! Hey!¡±, and when he turns to the sound, she''s running up to him, skipping happily, to jump up into his arms, nearly making him fall. But then he grabs her bum, as she wraps her legs around him, hugging his shoulders tight, and placing a big kiss on his lips. There are some gasps and whistles, and he feels humiliated at first. But then as he concentrates on holding his partner steady, feeling her soft lips and tongue rub over his mouth, he thinks: ''Screw it!'', and kisses back, embracing her more, even squeezing her bottom a little, making her chuckle. Then he lets her down, smiling at her, as she beams back at him. And keeps hold of his hands, one finger gently tracing the lines in his palm, giving him a jolt. ¡°Hrr-errm!¡±, the medical officer clears his throat, but Shepard remains trapped in his lover''s bronze eyes, looking at him fondly. And after another sweet peck, Kylara just pulls him away with her, walking hand in hand, still looking only at each other. Someone frowns: ¡°I didn''t know Trobyte''s are passionate lovers?¡± ¡°You''re a fool, if you think she was the only one involved!¡±, somebody replies, and another voice claims: ¡°You''re a fool to think she was involved at all!¡± ¡°Shepard must be such a whore!¡±, one person mutters just enough over their breath to let it resonate, without exposing them. Kylara meanwhile whispers: ¡°It looked like you needed rescuing. I hope I''ve not made it worse though.¡± ¡°No, don''t worry. But I''m surprised. I''ve never seen you this giddy! What happened?¡±, he demands intrigued. She just beams at him more, and returns: ¡°You happened! You make me giddy, Shepard.¡± They smile at each other some more, and head back to Shepard''s cabin, to deepen the connection forming between them. And perhaps really break a record this time! ??????