AUTHOR'S NOTE – READ IT OR EAT IT!

DON'T THINK I WON'T SHOVE IT DOWN YOUR THROAT!

Man, I love that.

Anyway; Here is the second chapter of Hidden Layers. This will (maybe) fill in some blanks for some people, since they didn't understand why Shepard was like "Okay!" to my, uh, fan fiction self. I said maybe, because I'm very vague about it, and I did that on purpose – if I'm vague about something in this story, I do for a reason, I assure you. But if you're sharp and can read between the lines, you'll get the picture.

Maybe. It is very vague. I'll say this much, though – think of Sherlock Holmes.

Please enjoy,

GentlyConfused.

PS: I don't own Mass Effect or anything aside from my own soul.

So there.


Chapter 2 – It's time to dance on my Proving Grounds. Wish me luck, duckies!


Garrus sort of blinked at me, but shook his head and looked at Shepard.

Pifft. I bet you five bucks (er, credits?) that he just thought I'm some over eager kid that's butting her head in where only the "professionals" should be.

Thanks, Garrus. I love you, too, buddy. Really.

And no, I'm not plotting any pranks to unleash on you! Never!

...and yeah, I'm not fooling anyone, am I?

"Okay then, anyway, Shepard; we aren't the only ones going after Fist. The Shadow Broker hired a krogan bounty hunter named Wrex to take him out," Garrus informed Shepard, who looked thoughtful at this bit of news. I noticed that she glanced at me a couple of times too, and while she didn't exactly frown, she didn't really smile, either.

Huh. Should I be worried?

Ashley nodded, glancing at the commander. "Yeah, we saw him at the bar."

You know, I'm impressed by Ashley and Kaiden. Really I am; they haven't protested their commander's decision to include some random (in more ways than one) kid in on the Save the Galaxy Mission Of Doom, or even bat an eyelash.

That's admirable.

"Hm...a krogan might come in handy," Shepard murmured, and flickered her eyes up to Garrus. "Do you know where he is?"

"Last I heard, he was at the C-Sec Academy," The turian offered.

Kaiden blinked, taken aback by that answer. "What's he doing there?"

"Fist accused him of making threats – " Wrex? Make threats? No! Totally unbelievable! (Ha!) " – so we brought Wrex in for a little talk. If we hurry, we can catch him at the academy before he leaves."

"Right," Shepard nodded sharply. "Let's move out."

Damn. I guess that means I won't be getting that medi-gel for now.

I better leave my stuff here, too, aside from my pistol (because it's mine now! Screw you, dead body!) and my omni-tool. Less things to weigh me down while we're running around the Citadel. And we will be running, too, if we're going to get Tali.

Joy. I never did like running – I have such a gay ass run. Maybe that will change, later.

Oh goodness. I'm probably going to go through hell during training, aren't I? Because, yeah, I'm sure that there will be training, since I don't see Shepard, or Williams, for that matter, letting someone get away with staying out of shape – especially a...possible...team member.

Possible, because I'm not sure if they'll want me when it's discovered that I have no background.

Bah. Whatever. I'll worry about that later.

...when it slaps me in the face.

I quickly took my bags off, grabbed my shopping bag that had my omni-tool in it, and asked Dr. Michel to watch my stuff for me.

She agreed, thank Goddess.

Seriously, I'm beginning to like this woman!


"So, how old are you, kid?" Ashley asked me as we walked down the steps to the academy's elevator, startling me. I was messing with my omni-tool, exploring it's settings and getting used to it when she asked me. I was largely confused while I was fiddling with it, but I was confident that I'd figure it out soon.

Maybe.

"Uh, eighteen?" I stared at her, "Why do you ask?"

"No reason, just curious." She said nonchalantly, which automatically made me suspicious. But since I couldn't think of why such an innocent question could be a bad thing, I decided to just drop it and move on.

"Ah..." As a gesture of good will, I walked closer to her and showed her my activated omni-tool. "Do you know how to work this thing? I've never had an omni-tool before."

We were at the foot of the stairs when I said this, and everyone stopped and stared at me!

"What?" I snapped, looking self-conscious.

"You've never had an omni-tool before?" Kaiden questioned, looking at me incredulously. Shepard seemed to be just as shocked, because her jaw had dropped in shock.

"Nooo..." I said slowly, and then I eyed them warily. Come to think of it, doesn't it seem like everyone in ME has an omni-tool? Uh oh, did I just do a major social fubar right then? Crap! Damage control!

"I never saw the need for one, until recently, since I'll be joining the military and all," I lied, making sure to act causal, but not too causal. "I don't even have an email yet."

Which was true; I don't have an email here yet.

Yay for creative truth telling!

Ashley stared at me. "Wow. Just...wow."

"Oh, shut up!" I huffed, looking flustered. She didn't have an omni-tool, either! Unless that changed...hm. "Shouldn't we be going now? Don't want to miss this Wrex guy, right? Right! Now let's go!"

Garrus laughed at me.

Ass.

As I was sulking, Shepard drew nearer to me, and tapped me on the shoulder.

I eyed her warily. Was she going to make some wise ass joke?

"Yes?" I drawled, suspicious.

But she just smiled at me. "If you want, I can teach you how to use your omni-tool later, help you set up an email address." Shepard offered.

...see? She is totally my favorite!

"Okay," I said shyly, and I smiled back at her. "I'd like that."

I didn't even think that her offer could've just been a nice way of getting a feel for my personality and motives during the "Omni-Tool And You" lesson, because as I've said before;

My Shepard is clever.

And I'm, sadly, naïve as hell...

Kinda.

And DAMN IT! I internally raged, pissed off. I keep calling her mine! What the shit? Seriously! It'd be a different story if she was my girlfriend or something, but, gads, that would be creepy, because that would be like dating your daughter or something. Or, hell, my older sister, since she's about as old as my brother. Okay, subconscious mind – listen to me...she is not mine. She is not mine – now say it with me, "She is not mine"! She just happens to look like my Shepard, okay? That doesn't make her my Shepard – just her twin.


Oh god. I'm in an elevator.

I have never been an elevator before.

It's...weird.

And slow.

...really fucking slow.

"Why are elevators slow?" I asked aloud, looking bored as I stared at the ceiling.

Ashley snorted. "Beats me, kid."

"Hm..." I hummed, thinking. "I bet there's some kind of voice automated password that the Council use to make it speed up for them, because I don't see those guys willingly suffering through this kind of hell."

That got some chuckles from them.

Yay! Feel the happiness and cheer!

Now, if only this elevator could just speed up, I'll be happy.

Are elevators this slow at home? I wondered.


We entered C-Sec Academy just in time to hear an officer say; "Witnesses saw you making threats in Fist's bar. Stay away from him."

I snorted at that, raising my brows as we entered.

Those are mighty big words for a little guy standing up against a krogan.

Wrex seemed less amused than I was. "I don't take orders from you," he sneered.

"This is your only warning, Wrex." The C-Sec officer cautioned, looking at him warily.

"You should warn Fist – I will kill him," Wrex said, no, promised, getting into the officer's face.

Ooo! Where's the popcorn?

The officer stepped back. "Do you want me to arrest you?" He questioned – and again with the big words from the little guy!

I almost want to give him points for having the balls to do that.

Wrex smirked, "I want you to try," He baited, looking amused.

Then he paused, and lightly sniffed the air, and tilted his head towards us – no. Towards Shepard.

Ooo! Seriously, where's the popcorn?

I smiled as Wrex turned around fully and strode over to us, his eyes focused on my (I twitched – my brain just screamed at me) Shepard.

"Go on, get out of here!" The officer taunted as Wrex left, and I shot him a Glare – with a capital 'G'!

"Oh, shut up already!" I snapped at him, looking very unamused. What? You try having your brain scream at you. "You're just making an ass out of yourself now! God..."

Shepard shot me this dry, pained look, and I gave her a look in return, one that clearly, and innocently, said, "What?".

However, before Shepard could say anything in reply, Wrex had arrived. I felt honored when he actually spared me a glance, but, then again, he had glanced at everyone in Shepard's party, not just me, so I guess I shouldn't feel so special. He focused back to Shepard, and it was obvious that he thought she was more of a threat – a challenge.

I wasn't sure if I should feel insulted, or not.

"Do I know you, human?" He questioned, staring at her.

"My name's Shepard – " Jane Shepard! I think... " – I'm going after Fist," Shepard crossed her arms, and looked Wrex right in the eye, smirking lightly. "Thought you might want to come along."

Wrex grunted, thinking. "Shepard? Commander Shepard? I've heard a lot about you," He mused, and stepped closer to her, getting into her personal space. "We're both warriors Shepard, so out of respect, I'll give you a fair warning – "

He leaned in, crimson red eyes boring into her. "I'm going to kill Fist."

Yikes.

Garrus quickly spoke up then, looking warily between Shepard and Wrex, who were locked in a stare-match, "Fist knows you're coming. We'll have a better chance if we all work together," he stressed the last word, looking pointedly at the krogan.

Wrex was silent for a moment, but then he grinned; it was both scary as hell and reassuring all at once to see.

"My people have a saying; seek the enemy of your enemy, and you will find a friend," He quoted, and Shepard smiled brightly.

"Glad to have you on the team, Wrex!" Shepard said, and shook hands with him.

Yay!

"Let's go. I'd hate to keep Fist waiting," Wrex said, and I nearly did a fangirl squeal.

Yay! We have Wrex! We have Wrex! We have Wrex!

Woo!

Can you tell I'm happy? Just a little?


Oh. My. God! I mentally shrieked, ducking behind a table for cover, and I could feel my heart racing in my chest. This is madness!

And my happy feeling is dead! I mourn for thee, dear happy feeling!

We were currently in Chora's Den, and, dude, I can't believe that I was thinking about working here! There were thugs all over the damn place, and shooting at everything in sight, and holy fuck! It's insane in here!

I swallowed, and peeked around the edge, only to quickly pull back with an expletive when I nearly got shot.

"Shit!" I popped out again and rapidly fired at the moron that nearly killed me, pissed off. "Fuck you, too!"

Once he was dead (My fifth kill today, a part of me noted, sadly), and when no one else was paying me any mind, I darted across the room to Wrex.

What? In comparison to Kaiden, I freaking adored Wrex. He just rocks, you know?

"Hello!" I chirped to him. "Do you have any grenades? The stupid shopkeeper wouldn't give me any!" I pouted.

Now, there was a fifty-fifty chance that he'll give me one, because out of all of ME characters I can think of, he's probably one of the few to give some kid an explosive, because, well, he's just awesome like that – although, knowing my luck, he'll probably say no, just to spite me.

Damn, I sulked.

Wrex grunted, and eyed me for a second, but then gave me an actual grenade and a detonator! "Hn. Here, pipsqueak – don't blow yourself up."

You know those times when people have a 'laaaaa!' moment, with the light and the singing angels?

I had one of those moments as I held a real, non-dud, explosive in my hands for the first time.

I think I'm going to cry.

I sniffled, looking awed. "Thank you! I love you!" And then, without really thinking about it, I affectionately kissed him on the side of his face, before looking around for a target.

Wrex actually paused to give me a 'WTF?' look, thrown off, but I was too busy to really notice.

There! The krogan dude! I mentally shouted, gleeful. He needs some damage done to him so that someone else can take him out! I's can do it!

I lugged the grenade at him – and I was only mildly surprised when I actually hit him. I usually fail at throwing things, hence why I sucked at basketball – and, once I was certain I had the guy, I pressed the button. It was big, red, and shiny.

I loved it!

KA-BOOM!

– but I loved that even more!

The krogan, being a krogan, just kinda stumbled a bit, but his shields were down, baby, and he was easy pickings now!

"Woo!" I cheered, before ducking back into cover. I grinned at Wrex. "That was fun!"

Wrex blinked a bit, but smirked. "Not bad...for a pipsqueak."

"Wrex, you just gave me something that goes boom," I said frankly, smiling at him. I felt like I was on Cloud Nine. "You can call me whatever the hell you want for the rest of your life, I won't care a bit."

I had my happy feeling back.

And Wrex now has a friend in me for life! He's never getting rid of me!

I was even about to tell him so, when I remembered, that, hey, we're in the middle of a battle field here. Is it really such a good idea to be chatting like this?

Hm, lemme think – NO!

Maybe once I'm little bit more confident in my skills – then I'll chat with everyone. Because, while I may be a pretty good shot (Thank you, Daddy! I never thought this would be useful, but I was wrong!), I've never actually been in combat before, until today. Hell, no one noticed (and I sure as hell wasn't going to point it out), but I was shaking a little after the incident in the clinic.

I was actually scared.

But was my fear going to make me a useless, sobbing mess? Or, God forbid, a coward?

No.

I am both my mother's daughter, and my father's daughter, and neither of them are (or were, in Mom's case) cowards. And, as usual, I refuse to be a disgrace to their names, because even though I can barely remember my Mom, and I thought my Dad was an insensitive jerk ( – a flare of anger and hurt shot through me – ), they were still good people, and I'm honestly grateful for being their child.

So, instead of crawling under a table and crying, or fangirling over Wrex, I just calmly asked if he had any more grenades.

He did.

So, I took the three grenades, checked my shields (all 100 percent), double-checked that I had my pistol, and I went back into the fray.

I have a krogan to kill, who isn't on my list of friends.

And hey, if my (possible) teammates are impressed that I took out a full grown krogan all by myself, with only a mild concussion to show for it, then, well, yay.

That's good. That might help me later on.

But I didn't do it for them.

I did it for me.


I eyed Fist, and I couldn't help but think, this was the guy I was planning on working for? Pitiful. Next time I think about working in a bar, I'm going to Flux, man.

I mean, look at him. He's kinda, just, sniveling and cowering on the ground there. Oh, yeah, he has a good reason, since Shepard is pointing a gun at him and everything, but God, that's just pathetic – have some pride, man! At least pretend that you aren't scared! Like I do! It works, I swear!

Of course, the man couldn't hear my helpful tips, because he wasn't psychic.

Ooo! I wish I was psychic! I took a test once, and it said I was 98 percent psychic, but I think it was lying to me – I'm more like, 15 percent, if at all. Because, sure, I have potential (most people do), but I don't see shadow people like my sister-in-law does sometimes, and I never saw Mom's spirit like Bubba did, or anything like that at all. I only get the shitty stuff, like –

GAH! ADD! Die! Die! Die!

While I was mentally slapping my ADD around in my head, I missed a lot (okay, okay – all) of the conversation, and only came back when Wrex whipped out his gun and blew Fist's face off.

I jumped at the noise, shocked. But then, after I blinked a bit, and refocused onto the Outside, I quickly realized what had happened, and I looked down.

At the messy sight of Fist's body.

Ew!

I made a face, and then I kinda hid behind Ashley, blocking the corpse from my view.

What? I may have killed today (and I'm probably going to have nightmares tonight because of it), but, dude – that's just gross!

And that was such a total girl thing to say, I noted, drily. "It was gross! Eek!"

Of course, I wasn't the only one that jumped; Garrus nearly had a heart attack, while Kaiden nearly fell backwards, and Ashley almost fired her gun off in reflex.

Shepard? Shepard just kinda looked pissed off.

Ooo!

"Damn!" Kaiden mumbled as he got his balance back, and he looked a little flustered. Ashley helped him, and I backed up so that I wasn't in their way.

"What are you doing?" Garrus exclaimed at the krogan, looking wide eyed.

He just shot a guy, Garr-Bear, I thought to him, helpfully.

"The Shadow Broker paid me to kill him," Wrex reminded us, and he looked bored. "I don't leave jobs half done."

"Don't ever pull something like that again!" Shepard rounded on to him, going to Commander Mode, her violet eyes flashing.

Ooo!

But, honestly, I didn't really care, because I got over the "Eek! Gross!" factor, and I decided to nudge Fist's body with my boot, making sure that he was dead. It wasn't that I doubted Wrex's ability to kill (hell no!), I just wanted to make sure. I nearly smiled when I spotted my rainbow colored shoelaces, which peeked out from under the hem of my pants as I nudged Fist's body.

Taste the rainbow – er, walk with the rainbow!

"What are you doing?"

"Hm?" I paused, and I absently looked at Kaiden, who had his eyebrows raised. Ashley also looked puzzled, if faintly amused.

I stared at them, and slowly put my foot down, and I shuffled back a few steps from the body. I was blushing, wasn't I?

Curses!

"Um, making sure he's dead?" I said meekly, and I sheepishly tugged at my hair. I laughed nervously. "Yeah, I'm weird. Or paranoid. Whatever."

Oh come, on! I can't be the only one that's ever wanted to do that!

Right?


Oh, shoot. I forgot about the re-spawned goons – well, okay they didn't 're-spawn', but more of them seemed to have popped up while we were busy with Fist.

Since we were running out of time, I decided to offer one of my ideas, because it seemed like my (possible) teammates were preparing to fight them as quickly as possible – although, Shepard wasn't, actually; she seemed to be thinking. I wonder if she has the same idea as I do.

One way to find out.

"Hey, guys, why don't we just make a run for it? The quarian can't afford for us to waste any time with these goons," I pointed out. "Just make sure our shields are fully charged, and just run pass them. Mr. Alenko and Wrex can push anyone out of our way with their biotics, if they have to."

Ha. This is probably one of the rare times that I'll ever suggest that running is a good idea.

I hate running. But it's necessary, since we need to get to Tali.

She can't die.

Shepard glanced at me, looking startled. Oh? Does that mean she was thinking the same thing?

Ooo! That's so cool! I think like the commander!

Or is it that she thinks like me?

Hum...

Ow.

Okay. That hurts my brain – let's just say we think alike, because we're just awesome like that. "Great minds" and all that rot.

Less headaches that way.


And...we're running.

Running, running, running, tra la la – oh, shit! I almost ran into that wall! That would have hurt!

Gah. See? I told you! I fucking fail at running!

And if Wrex doesn't stop laughing at me (the fucker), I'm going to jump on his back and bite him – and don't think I don't have the guts to do that!

Or the stupidity.

Whichever you think it is.

It's the probably the later, isn't it?

Meh.


I'm amazed that I managed to run all the way to Tali's location without killing myself.

...aside from almost hitting that wall.

I swear, that wall just jumped out of nowhere! I honestly hadn't seen it until it was almost too late to dodge.

I bet I lost Awesome Points because of that, didn't I? I thought suspiciously, glaring at nothing. Damn.

Now I almost hope that I won't be on the team, because I know – I fucking know! – that they will never let me live that down!

Shepard motioned for us to be quiet, and we watched as a turian walked up to Tali. The two salarians were standing back, silent, but were armed and ready.

I may not be able to see Tali's face, but I could tell by her body language that she was uncomfortable and wary about the situation she found herself in, especially when the turian got into her personal space.

"Did you bring it?" He questioned her her, admiring her figure.

"Where's the Shadow Broker? Where's Fist?" Tali warily stepped back, but stilled when the turian touched her arm, causing her to tense. I think she wanted rip his arm off and beat him with it –

...or, that could just be my reaction, if I was in her position.

Cough.

"They'll be here – " Liar. "Now, where's the evidence?"

Tali pulled back, slapping his hand away from her with a sharp 'snap!' noise.

Damn – she hit him hard! I heard that from way over here!

Go, Tali! I mentally cheered. Kick his ass!

"No way. The deal's off!" Tali declared, and the turian backed away from her. She noticed that the salarians were preparing to shoot her, and she did this really cool, graceful dodge roll to the side, while also throwing a grenade out at the salarians at the same time.

KA-BOOM!

Okay, that is it; that girl, right there, is going to be my new best friend!

Simple as that.

She knows the value of things that go boom!

and there's another shoot out to take care of now. Damn it!

This gets old fast, you know?

I sighed, but went into cover with Ashley.

Might as well get it over with...


Tali was pissed off. I knew this because she all but yelled, "Fist set me up! I knew I couldn't trust him!", and was simmering in rage.

Ooo! I'm almost tempted to poke her, just to see if she'll hit me or not.

Hm. Although, I wonder if the anger was just a cover, to try and hide the fear?

Possible.

"Were you hurt in the fight?" Shepard asked, and seemed to be ready to apply medi-gel at a moment's notice.

Yay, Nurse Shepard!

...yeah, I'll shut up now.

Tali seemed to be calming down now, at this point, and she shook her head at the commander.

"I know how to look after myself," Tali said, almost defensively. But then she paused, and added, "Not that I don't appreciate the help. Who are you?"

"My name's Jane Shepard, and I'm looking for evidence that proves Saren's a traitor," Shepard said, and, hey, aren't you going to introduce your friends, Miss Sheppy?

Apparently not...

And dude! Her name is Jane! Cool!

"Then I have a chance to repay you for saving my life. But not here, we need to go somewhere safe," Tali pointed out, and seemed to be warily looking around our surroundings, like she half expected for more thugs to pop up and attack us.

Which, admittedly, is possible.

"We could take you to the human embassy," Garrus offered, and looked at Shepard. He shrugged, "Your ambassador will want to see this, anyway."

Shepard nodded, and she had us move out, and made sure that we circled around Tali, since she would be a prime target for any of Saren's men.

Oh, yay. I get to be a human shield.

I'm just bursting with happiness here.

Not.

Oh, well.

"So, what's your name?" I asked Tali, in a rather bubbly and air-headed way.

Why? Because it never fails to throw people off. Plus, it's fun!

Haha!

"Tali'Zorah nar Rayya," Tali said, and I could hear a smile in her voice. "But you can call me Tali, for short."

"Cool! I'm Tiana Rose Late! You can call me Tia, if you want," I offered happily, smiling.

Awesome Operation: BFF is now in action!

Wee!


"You aren't making my life easy, Shepard," Udina stated the moment we entered his office, looking out the window. He sounded tried. "Fire fights in the Wards, an all out assault on Chora's Den; do you know how many – " The old guy turned around, but was taken aback to see a big krogan, a turian, a pretty quarian, and some chubby human kid standing around with Shepard and her unit.

Hee.

I think the hamster in his head fell off its wheel.

Poor hamster.

Anderson also seemed a little amused, getting up from his seat. I looked at him with curious eyes, a bit surprised to see that he reminded me of my father – just, a darker skinned and slightly younger version of him. They both had a similar air of...of...command, I suppose? They were both military men, at least. But unlike my Dad, who was discharged from duty because of an injury to his leg, Anderson was still in the military.

But I bet he doesn't have as many metals as my Dad, does. I thought, actually feeling a little proud. My daddy has a whole box of metals and badges, he even has a rather...unique badge that only belongs to the elite – my brother says that there's only so many of those badges out there (like, seven or fifteen – it's a very small number, and are really rare), and they were only given to the members of some kind of special ops group. Dad always refuses say anything about it, and dodges questions, which is like a flashing sign, you know? He doesn't doesn't deny or admit to anything, but kinda gives us this cheesy, kinda sheepish, grin, and changes the subject.

That has to be one of the few memories I have of Dad lately where I don't feel disappointed, annoyed, hurt, or awkward.

Anderson caught me staring, and he gave me a curious look. I just smiled at him, and looked away, looking back at Udina.

I firmly shoved thoughts of my father away, and concentrated on the now.

Udina blinked a little, and then focused on Tali, scowling. I noticed that he seemed to be the most surprised by her presence. It wasn't prejudice, I think – just, surprise.

Hm.

Maybe he got reports from various people about the aliens and kid that was hanging around with the commander, so he knew about Garrus, Wrex and I? But since Tali is a recent development, he hadn't gotten any reports on her yet?

Maybe.

Then again, I could just be looking too deeply into this, because really, what reason would he have to monitor Shepard?

...don't answer that. I hate it when my conspiracy theories turn out to be right.

Drives me up the wall.

"What's this? A quarian? What are you up to, Shepard?" Udina is a very suspicious bastard, I've decided.

But Shepard wasn't at all offended. She just smiled.

It was a nice smile.

"Making your day, Ambassador," Shepard said. She nodded her head at Tali, "She has information that links Saren to the geth."

This seemed to ease the old codger's nerves a bit, because he became a bit more polite to us now. Anderson was also interested by this, and looked at Tali sharply.

No doubt he was excited to have some proof of Saren's treachery.

"Really? Maybe you should start at the beginning, miss...?" Udina trailed off.

"My name is Tali. Tali'Zorah nar Rayya," Tali answered. Gah. I think that's the most awesome name I've ever heard, really, but it's a real mouth full, too.

Probably why it's so impressive.

"We don't see many quarians here. Why did you leave the Flotilla?" The ambassador inquired.

Should I but in the conversation to get Awesome Points? Hm...no, I don't think the resulting questions would be worth it.

Oh, well.

I sighed quietly, but I calmly listened to the conversation, resisting the urge to daydream.

I need to pay attention, so that I can make a good impression.

Just pretend that this is class, and that you need to pay attention if you want to pass. I silently coached myself. You've done it before, you can do it again!

"I was on my Pilgrimage, my rite of passage into adulthood," Tali told him, shuffling her feet a bit.

Shepard waited a beat, but when Tali didn't continue, she gently urged her. "Tell us what you found, Tali."

Tali nodded, and took a deep breath, getting all of the air that she needed in order to tell us her findings.

"During my travels, I began to hear reports of geth activity. Since they drove my people into exile, the geth have never ventured beyond the veil. I was curious, so I tracked a patrol of geth to an uncharted world, and I waited for one to become separated from it's unit. Then, I disabled it and removed it's memory core." She reported, and even though I've heard this a thousand times already, I was fascinated with her words. I didn't even have to pretend to listen, or even force myself to.

She had a nice, smooth voice that was nice to listen to, and she used all of the right vocal inflections and hand gestures to get her point across.

I think she'd be a great storyteller. If she ever has kids, they're going to love her for that.

I was actually almost upset when Shepard spoke up.

"What did you find out from the memory core?" Shepard asked, and I almost pouted at her.

She interrupted story time! And that's my inner child speaking right there.

Oh, well, at least it was a question that would help move Tali's story along.

"Most of the core was wiped clean," Tail answered, and activated her omni-tool. She pressed some buttons. "But, I salvaged something from it's audio banks."

"What'd you get?" I asked, stepping a little bit closer to her, and looking curiously at her omni-tool. I really needed to figure out how to work mine...

"I got this," She said, and with that, she pressed some kind of button. I wasn't sure what one she pressed.

I shivered a little as Saren's voice filled the room, and I stared at the omni-tool with wide eyes.

Is it just me, or does he sound scarier in real life?

"Eden Prime was a major victory! The Beacon has brought us one step closer to finding the Conduit," Saren's voice sounded arrogant and ice-cold, and was almost devoid of all organic passion.

Anderson's eyes lit up, and he gestured at Tali's omni-tool. "That's Saren's voice! This proves that he was involved in the attack!"

Shepard nodded, looking pleased. "Saren won't be getting out of this one,"

I don't think she likes Saren all that much.

Tali spoke up before they could celebrate, "Wait, there's more! Saren wasn't working alone," She quickly pressed some more buttons, and the auto file replayed itself, and, after Saren said his piece again, Benezia's voice came out.

"And one step closer to the return of the Reapers," Her voice was cold and empty, with only a hint of satisfaction in her tone.

Gah – Mind Controlled!Benezia is creepy sounding.

Udina thought for a moment, mulling over Benezia's voice. "I don't recognize that other voice, the one talking about 'Reapers'," he finally said, and looked at Anderson. "Do you recognize the voice, Anderson?"

But Anderson shook his head, looking both troubled and bemused. "No, I don't."

Shepard was completely ignoring the 'mysterious and unknown' voice, concentrating on the word 'Reaper'.

"I feel like I've heard that name before," she mused, absently rubbing her head, as if she had a headache. Her eyes narrowed in thought. Shepard looked over to Tali when she answered her unasked question, and I also looked at the older girl in curiosity.

"According to the memory core, the Reapers were a hyper advance machine race that existed fifty-thousand years ago – " and I'm getting caught up in Tali's storytelling voice again, I distantly noted, somewhat annoyed with myself. " – The Reapers hunted the Protheans to total extinction, and then they vanished!" She said, sounding excited by the mystery of the Reapers. She noted Udina's skeptical look, however, and wilted a bit under it. "At least, that's what the geth believe," she added, quieter.

Aw! I mentally cried, and gently patted her on her the shoulder, and smiled encouragingly at her. "I think it could be true. Why would something with a computer-brain lie? It goes against logic," I pointed out.

Let's just ignore the evil AI conspiracies, okay? I added silently in my head.

Udina snorted, and eyed me with great disdain.

What? Did I track in mud on your carpet – oh! Wait, there isn't any carpet.

My bad.

"Sounds a little farfetched to me," Udina said, still eying me like I was some kind of stain on his favorite shirt. "Who are you, anyway? Children aren't allowed in the embassies,"

My eye twitched.

"For your information," I began, making sure that my tone was polite, if a little icy. "I am eighteen years old, and that makes me an adult by Earth law – " I was bullshitting that part, but no one objected, so I figured it was right. "And my name is Tiana Rose Late; pleased to meet you, ambassador."

Ooo! I don't know how I did it, but I somehow made 'ambassador' sound like an insult.

Damn, I'm good!

Anderson looked at me in surprise, causing me to (naturally) give him a 'What?' look.

"Tiana Late? You're Steven's daughter, aren't you?" He questioned, and that totally floored me!

How the fuck did he know my Dad's name?

"W-wha, um, yes, sir. Why?" I managed to stutter out, looking startled.

What the fuck?

Anderson smiled softly at me, and strode over to me and he – he hugged me!

What. The. Fuck?

I hesitantly returned the hug, and I caught Garrus's eye. I think I looked really freaked out, because he snorted, and quickly looked away from me, and his shoulders shook with suppressed laughter.

Yeah. Thanks, Garr-Bear. Love you, too, hon.

If your amour is ever mysteriously painted pink while you're asleep, I won't suppress my laughter – oh no, no.

I'm going to laugh long and hard, until I freaking cry, you asshole!

Gah.

"Um, sir?" I stared as he pulled away from me, and I blinked up at him. His brown eyes suddenly looked incredibly sad.

What the hell is this? I wondered, absolutely bewildered. What is with the sudden public display of affection here? I don't even know you!

Then Anderson completely blew my mind away with what he said and did next.

He put his hands on my shoulders in a supporting manner, looked me in the eyes, and said, in a solemn tone, "I'm sorry for your loss."

I froze.

"W-what?"

Why do I suddenly feel dread at those words?

"Anderson?" Udina questioned, sounding as confused as I felt.

Anderson let go of my shoulders, but kept a reassuring hand on my back. I think it's because I looked shell-shocked. He looked over at Udina, his expression serious.

"This is the girl I was talking about earlier, ambassador. I used to be in her father's unit, before he was discharged from service on account of his injury. He was a good man, and I'm damn proud to have served with him." He gently rubbed my back, as I shook, mistaking my jolt of surprise for grief. "Her father and remaining family were murdered just last week. She's an orphan now."

I blinked, and then my face shuttered closed.

Murdered?

I quickly walked out of the room, looking pale.


For once in my life, my mind was silent.

There were no witty comebacks.

There weren't any grumblings or cursing.

There wasn't any ideas or conspiracy theories running in my head.

Silence.

Logically, I knew that my Dad and brother were alive, because this wasn't my world. Somewhere out there, back at home, they were alive and well. Bubba was fixing computers and flirting with his wife, and Daddy was working on his guns, and quietly mourning mother, as always – did you know, that in the ten years of her death, he hasn't bothered with remarrying or dating, because there wasn't "another Jennifer" out there for him?

Terribly romantic of him, I know – but it's something that I could respect about him, because whenever I sometimes wondered what Mom ever saw in him, whenever I was at odds with him, all I needed to do was take one look at his lonely figure, or watch when he gently touched her photograph, or listen when he laughed at some crazy stunt she did in the past...

I think I understood what she saw in him, at those times, even if he is a stubborn man.

So, yes. I knew that he and my brother were perfectly safe and sound. Maybe worried about me ( – I've been here for hours now – ), but they were okay.

But emotions don't always listen to logic, and I was still in shock by what Anderson just reveled to me.

It was almost like the time Mom died, but not quite. I was numb, sure, but...I didn't feel dead on the inside, you know?

I think just I feel sorry for the fact that a version of me lost even more than I did, which I never had thought was possible.

I lost my childhood when my mother died. I lost my innocence as I dropped a blood-red rose into the dark hole that she was being buried in. I lost my spirit when my friends started to break me down in my weakened state. I lost nearly nine years of my life, wondering around in a dream-like stupor, letting everything pass me by, damning my future until I was snapped awake by a dear friend – and kept awake.

But this girl, this...other me, she just lost her big brother, the one that was always there for her when she needed help, the guy that quit high school for her when their parents weren't able to watch her during those troubled times, her best friend. She lost her father, the old geezer that spoiled her senseless as a child and taught her how to count by using bullet shells, and never listened to her when she said she had a problem, the man that loved her the moment she was born...

This other girl, this, this, other me, she just lost what was left of her broken family.

I inhaled sharply, and covered my face, trying to stop tears that wanted to spill out. I slid down the wall I was leaning against, biting my lip as I sat down, trying to keep any rebellious sobs I had at bay.

I refused to cry over something that had nothing to do with me, damn it!

I sniffled, and looked around myself. I no idea where I was, since I was just sort of walking around in a dazed-like state until now. It was dark, and the light was sort of red-ish in color, and it was quiet. After a moment, I realized that I was in the Citadel Tower, where that keeper was, in the shadows, where that...that walkway-thing was, off to the side.

"How did I get here?" I mumbled, rubbing my eyes, bemused.

I sighed, and dropped my head into my hands.

Oh, well. I don't really care, I thought, dully. I smirked darkly. By now, Shepard and her team are either talking with the Council, or on the Normandy, all ready to go on an adventure of a lifetime. Great. Just great.

I hate my life.

Well, good news is, I don't have to worry about not having a background. Bad news is, I'm an orphan here! I mentally said to myself, in a mock-cheery tone, and I sniggered bitterly.

I don't even know why I'm laughing; that wasn't funny.

I moaned and slapped myself. "Damn it! Get it together, woman!" I hissed, pissed off at myself.

Look at me! I'm having a freaking breakdown over something that didn't even happen to me personally!

Where is that apathetic calm I'm famous for when the shit hits the fan? Where is that manic grin of mine? What the hell is wrong with me? I'm the insensitive bitch, remember? The one that doesn't cry – ever? Not even when Bubba gets in a car wreck? The one that's never effected by emotional means? The one that's perfectly calm when someone suddenly collapses, and is the one that comes up with a solution?

What is wrong with me?

Is it because this is similar to that secret fear of mine? The one where I loose the last remaining shreds of my family?

Is that what's wrong? Is that why I'm flipping out here?

I sighed heavily, and laid down, automatically curling up, like I do whenever I fall asleep.

Figures.

Out of all of things that could cause me to lose my cool, it's this whiny-assed fear of mine.

Stupid, stupid, stupid...I'm so stupid.

A few minutes later, I heard (and felt) someone's footsteps as they walked onto the ramp, cutting into my thoughts.

But I didn't so much as twitch.

I just listened to the footsteps, noting that they fast-paced, but not really in a hurry. They were confident, and purposeful, fully capable of kicking ass, and ready to run at a moment's notice. They were strong footsteps, and they were loud. I listened as they grew closer to me, and I listened as they paused, and, strangely enough, seemed to hesitant for a moment, before I heard an electronical beep. I heard some muffled and murmured voices, like from a phone, before there was another beep.

The foot steps then continued in their stride, but slower, softer, quieter this time.

I felt someone knelt down next to me.

I still didn't move.

Then the someone reached out with a gloved hand and gently shook me.

I sighed, faintly annoyed, but I uncurled and looked at the person with dulled eyes, wondering what it was that they wanted from me. I didn't even have my pistol...I think I dropped in Udina's office, before I ran out. I don't really recall.

My dulled eyes suddenly widened in surprise when they saw that the person was Shepard.

What?

I quickly sat up, looking shocked.

"What are you doing here?" I croaked, and then coughed. Shit – this is why I hate crying! "I thought you and your team would be gone by now," I finished softly.

"We were worried about you," Admitted Shepard, as she sat down next to me. She smiled at my stunned look. "We searched for you after showing the Council the evidence, but we couldn't find you anywhere. Until now, I guess," she amended. "I just called off the search."

Because you found me.

"Oh..." I bit my lip. "But...you gotta go stop Saren, not worrying about some girl," I pointed out, lightly scolding her, because I'm me. "You know he's up to something, right? The recording hinted as such."

Shepard nodded, just looking at me. That's when I belatedly realized that her hair wasn't up in that tight pony-tail she favored, and her brown locks fell around her shoulders with a slight wave in them – it made her look softer, less tomboy-ish. Although, it didn't escape my notice that it seemed a little ruffled, like she had ran her hands through it several times.

"Yeah, I know," she said quietly, but smiled. "And I'm not worrying about 'some girl' – I'm worrying about a teammate."

...I think my brain just died in shock.

"What?" I blinked. "But, I'm not military yet!" I don't remember signing any papers!

She smiled. "Anderson and Udina fixed that. You're now Serviceman Late, part of the SSV Normandy's crew, and a part of my team."

I reared back in shock, gaping. I nearly fell backwards. "But-what? Why?"

"Why?" she asked mildly, and then started to list reasons! What the fuck? "Well, for one thing, you have a lot of potential. Even Williams agreed that you're a good shot, and, quite frankly, you shocked us all when you managed to down a krogan by yourself – and yes, I was watching," She added at my surprised look. "You also seem to have your heart in the right place. You can think on your feet, and although you're a little headstrong, I think you're a good kid."

"Headstrong?" I repeated, bemused.

She nodded. "Oh, yes. Definitely," she stressed.

"Whatever gave you that impression?" I asked, honestly confused. "I've been told that I'm devious, but headstrong? That sounds a bit farfetched to me."

"You want an example?" I nodded. "Garrus told me that you slapped an armed thug at Dr. Michel's clinic – without thinking!"

"Hey!" I protested, annoyed. "I did too think!"

And Garrus saw that? Crap...

"Oh?" She asked lightly, raising her brows.

"Yeah!"

"What were you thinking, then?"

"I was thinking he was a bloody wanker!" I said vehemently, scowling. "I am not sweet, god damn the man! I am mean, vicious, and evil, not sweet!" I spat, glaring, looking highly offended.

Shepard stared at me, and then snorted. And then she started to laugh at me!

Oh, that bitch!

I scowled at her.

"Haha! You're right, you aren't headstrong," Before I could look smug, she added, "You're hot-headed!"

I gaped at her.

"I am not! I'll have you know that my friends think that...I'm...very..." I trailed off, remembering times whenever I've snapped and started arguing with people, all because they said the wrong thing to my face. "Cool-headed. Oh..."

I stared at Shepard thoughtfully. "Never realized that before. Interesting..."

Before I could start poking and investing at this new trait of mine that I've discovered, Shepard lightly bumped shoulders with me, startling me.

"Feeling better now?"

I paused, and was surprised to note that, yeah, I am feeling better.

And now that my head is cleared of the utter nonsense, I thought, frowning lightly, I wonder who murdered this version of my family? And what for?

I should do some poking around later...

"Yeah..." I finally said, hesitantly. She nodded and stood up, and put her hair back up into a tight pony tail.

Ha. I guess having her hair down was driving her nuts. That's the total opposite of me, since I like having my hair down

I jumped when she held out a hand to me, and I stared at it with something akin to panic in my eyes.

I quickly shook my head. "No, no, no! That's okay, I can get up by myself!"

She raised her brows at me, but didn't take her hand away.

We stared at each other, both too damn stubborn to do anything – and damn it! Of all of the traits that she had to share with me, it had to be my stubbornness!

Why was this a bad thing? Because, while I'm naturally more stubborn than everyone back home, Commander Jane Shepard was just as stubborn as I was, and it made the little girl in me falter, because I've never met anyone that was as stubborn as I was –

Expect for my mother.

I sighed, and, reluctantly I lifted my hand. My hand hesitated a bit above her open palm, and I bit my lip. I've never trusted anyone enough to pull me up when I was down – and that had far too many psychological meanings attached to it for my own comfort – hell, I never trusted my classmates when we had to do trust exercises in PE, and that was back in elementary school.

I just...don't trust people that well.

I looked up at Shepard, looking for some kind of reassurance. She looked back with a clam, patient expression. She smiled lightly at me, and nodded in encouragement, sensing that this was actually really hard for me, and that I wasn't just doing this to be an ass.

I took a deep breath, shut my eyes tightly, and then I quickly grabbed her hand before I could chicken out.

I only had a few seconds to register that she had a bigger and more slender hand than I did, when she suddenly pulled me up. I squeaked as I felt the odd sensation of not-falling, and then I lightly bumped into the commander.

And that was it.

My eyes flew open, surprised. "I didn't fall!" I gasped, totally stunned, and I stumbled back a few steps.

Shepard raised a brow, frowning at me lightly.

"Of course not. I wasn't going to let you fall," She tilted her head to the side, considering me. "You thought I was, wasn't you?"

I stared at her.

"Erm," I said weakly, and looked away. "Noooo," I denied, and agitatedly tugged at my hair.

"Liar," Shepard simply stated.

"Yep," I didn't even bother with denying that, because I am a liar. "Whacha gonna do about it?" I challenged, hoping to distract her.

I should've known better – this is Shepard.

She hummed in thought, lightly tapping a finger against her chin.

Then she smiled.

It was a nice smile.

"I'm going to make you trust me," she declared, and I blinked at her.

What? I...she...

Gah.

"...oh...kay," I shrugged, looking uncomfortable. Note how I didn't protest against it. "Whatever. Can we go now? I want to see this ship I'm supposedly assigned too."

Shepard smiled, nodding. "Okay."

"Okay."

I think that's her favorite word, what do you think? Pretty weird, if that's true. They're better words out there, you know.

But, strangely enough, I think it fits.

So, I smiled back and said, "Okay."


As we walked over to C-Sec, I glanced up at Shepard, looking thoughtful.

I thought back to what happened five minutes ago, and I've come to a decision, one that I don't think I'll regret, even when she dies later.

Shyly, I tugged on her hand. She looked down at me, questioningly.

"What?"

"When are you going to give me those lessons on omni-tool use?" I asked, smiling.

Shepard grinned warmly at me. "Right now, if you want. Here, let me see your omni-tool. We need to get a password on it, and give it some anti-virus protection, too, because you'll be using the extranet, right? Of course you are, you're a teenager, even if you've never had a omni-tool before. Okay, see, this is the control panel, here is where you need to..."

I listened closely to what she told me, following her every word, and I smiled to myself.

I think, after ten years, I've finally found a mother figure...


"Are you okay?" Anderson questioned, actually looking worried.

See? He's a sweetheart! I'm not, damn it! Get it straight!

Hiss!

I blinked at him. I glanced at Shepard, and then I smiled brilliantly at Anderson.

"I'm wonderful!" I cheered, and then I hugged him. "Sorry for the freak out, Uncle Davy!"

Yes. Yes, I did just call him that.

Why the hell not, right? He was apparently friends with my (not)Dad once, so why not?

Always liked the man ever since he punched Udina during my play through. That had won him some major Awesome Points from me.

"Uncle Davy?" Anderson mumbled, looking bemused as I pulled away.

I cheerfully nodded, still smiling. "Yep! And you aren't getting out of the nickname! I am claiming you as family from this day forth!"

I paused, and then I roughly poked him. "And no, you don't get any say in this! My word is law! Fear me!"

Laughing, I ran on to to Normandy.

I love my life.


[Brief Interlude]

Anderson rubbed his chest, where the girl had poked him, looking only mildly pained.

"Well, she's awfully happy," He murmured, and glanced at Shepard, who looked amused. He smiled. "You better watch after her, commander. And I don't just mean the Normandy."

The brunette gave him a startled look. "Sir?"

He nodded his head to where the teenager had disappeared.

"That girl just suffered through a great loss, Shepard. She's going to need a lot of help. Not only did she loose her mother, but now she's lost her father and brother, as well as her sister-in-law. She may be smiling and laughing right now, but I bet she's a wreck underneath all of that. There's also the possibly that the killer may be after her now, too."

Shepard nodded, looking at him solemnly.

"Are there any suspects yet?" She asked softly.

He sighed heavily, and shook his head. "None. Steven didn't have any enemies, and was actually well-liked by everyone on their colony. Her brother lived a quiet life with his wife, who also lived low-key, working in a department store. Tiana herself didn't have any enemies, either, even though she had very few friends. I just don't understand it. There aren't any clues, either, no DNA, no fingerprints, not even a single hair. Nothing."

Shepard hated asking this, but she had to be sure, "What's her alibi in all this?"

"During the time of the murder, she was visiting a local military base, going on a tour with her classmates. She was within sight of the teachers and officers at all times, and never left the company of her friends. Her visit was also documented by the security cameras. She didn't even use the bathroom. She had no part in the murder. Poor girl was devastated when she came home that day."

Shepard flinched, eyes darkening as she remembered Mindoir, remembering the slain bodies of her parents.

She could sympathize with the girl.

"How did she end up on the Citadel?"

Anderson sighed. "She ran away from home, Shepard. I assume she came here to start over."

There was silence for a moment. Then, out of no where, Tiana Late herself rushed out of the Normandy, looking frazzled.

She ran passed Shepard and Anderson, the later managing to shout out, "Where's the fire?"

"I forgot my shit at the clinic! God, I'm so stupid!" The girl shouted back, and nearly hit the elevator door face first, since it didn't open fast enough for her as she ran.

She paused, and then whirled around to give Shepard a massive scowl. "Not. A. Word!" She bit out, and then jumped into the elevator.

And then she was gone.

Shepard laughed, and shook her head. She looked up at Anderson, and although she was smiling, the older man could see the seriousness in her eyes as she spoke the eight words that assured him that Steven's daughter would be in good hands.

"Don't worry, sir. I'll watch out for her," She promised him. She glanced at the Normandy, and her eyes sparkled. "Both of them," she amended.

[End Interlude]


"Oh my God, thank you so much!" I babbled to Dr. Michel, and I hugged her. She kept my stuff safe for me.

I bloody love her!

My bags are all I have left of home, and I'm going to be really protective of them for as long as I have them.

The doctor laughed, patting me on the back. "It was no trouble. Although, I do have to wonder what it is you have in them; They weigh a ton!"

Yeah, I noticed that she moved them.

I laughed nervously and pulled away, smiling sheepishly at her.

"Oh, sure. Most of it are antiques from Earth."

She blinked. "Oh?"

I nodded, smiling. "I love collecting old things, especially books – but only the ones that are in good condition!" I lied, winking.

There.

That sounds plausible, right?

Right.


Before I could go down into Storage and find myself a box to hide in ( – ...yes, I'm planing on living in a box. Shut up. Don't act like you've never wanted too as a kid! – ), Shepard stopped me and asked me to come with her to the comm room, for a mission debriefing, because 'they had gotten caught up in the action and forgot' or something, and that she needed to debrief Wrex, Tali, and Garrus too, since they didn't know all of the details either – just pieces. Big pieces, sure, but just pieces.

Shepard does not like gaps in knowledge.

I admit, at first I just stared at her in a 'what?' manner, because, dude, I already know the mission – I may be slow in the head sometimes, but I'm not stupid – but then my brain caught up with me and pointed out that she doesn't know that!

Duh.

"Okay!" I smiled. But paused. "Do you guys have any empty storage boxes? A big one?"

Shepard blinked at me. "I...don't know. Why?"

"Because I want to live in one!" I told her like it was obvious.

She stared at me, but shook her head. "You're very strange."

"Thank you! You're pretty awesome yourself! Now, onwards to the comm room!"

I was about to head over to where I thought the comm room was, but apparently, I was mistaken, because Shepard stopped me again.

She pointed in the opposite direction. "This way, Serviceman."

I blinked, and I silently went 'oh', eyes wide in surprise.

Wow...I feel so smart now.

Not.