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Competitive Advantage

Chapter 3

Chloe had not anticipated how shy Garrus would be, but it was a pleasant surprise. Knowing that the battle hardened ex-cop had a softer, slightly more awkward side was endearing. What did disappoint her was how little she saw of the man of her dreams during her day to day routine. During the day shift, she sometimes saw him coming or going from the main battery, but he was never able to stop and talk, always having somewhere important to be or something important to do. It did make sense, after all, since he was no doubt a very important member of the crew, and thus very busy. She had figured, though, that she would see him during meals, but more often then not she caught a glimpse of him heading to the elevator, enough food piled upon his tray for two people. It also made sense that such a busy man had quite the appetite, but where on earth was he taking it all? The only times when he was seen eaten in the mess hall, after that first day, was when most of the rest of the crew was there as well, including Commander Shepard.

Today was no different then usual, and Chloe recognized no one at the table other than the resident asari, Liara T'soni. Grabbing some pre packaged food, she went to sit down across from the blue 'woman'.

"Dr. Michel. Did you have a good day?" Liara asked with a smile before returning to her datapad, her food mostly untouched. Chloe alternated between taking bites of her bland dinner and talking about her equally bland day. After a few minutes though, she'd run out of topics with which she had in common with the other doctor. The silence stretched on awkwardly for a few minutes before she realized the asari might have some insights into Garrus's daily routine.

"-Its just, I barely ever see him relaxing out here like I see some of the other crew members. As his doctor, of course, I believe it is my responsibility to help him unwind and relieve stress." Liara, who had been taking a bight of some orange colored substance, sputtered and nearly chocked. She hurriedly took a sip of water, and Chloe added "For the good of his health, of course!"

"I.. yes, well..."

"I was thinking maybe I could arrange for a nice, private dinner, or maybe he would join me for drinks in the lounge? You've been his friend and crew mate over the years, so you know what sort of things he likes, yes?" Liara shifted her eyes to the side and gave the matter some thought, and Chloe smiled in anticipation of her expected answer.

"I'm not sure that's such a good idea, actually." Chloe's shoulders slumped, and she looked down, wondering what else she could think of that Garrus might find romantic. She should do some more research, see what turian culture included and... Her eyes snapped up, wide and alarmed as she brought her hands up to cover her mouth.

"He isn't attracted to humans, is he? Why hadn't I considered that? Oh my goodness..." Sorrow flooded through her as she realized her horrible mistake. Her thoughts were interrupted by Liara's soft giggle, and she relaxed a bit as the asari smiled somewhat awkwardly.

"No, no I definitely wouldn't say that, exactly..." Joy quickly replaced Chloe's pain as she jumped to her feet, a smile spreading across her face as she took Liara's hands in hers.

"Oh thank, Dr. T'soni! If you'll excuse me, I have an idea and I want to get to it immediately!" She quickly gathered up her dishes, deposited them in the sink, and started toward the elevator.

"Dr. Michel, there's something you shou-" Liara had been standing to follow, but Chloe gestured for her to sit down again.

"Don't you worry, I can handle this on my own from here. I really appreciate all of your advice!" And with that, she hurried out of the mess hall and toward the elevator.

Liara watched as the young human hurried from the room, and considered following. Instead, she sat down, and pinched the bridge of her nose.

"Maybe I should just tell Shepard..."