Chapter Four
12 hours later...
A blaze of sunlight slowly creeps its way up the horizon; bathing the luscious scenery in golden hues.
Taking the last sip from his drink, Garrus Vakarian stares poignantly out of the window of the observation deck. Reaching for the bottle of Turian brandy located on the table in front of him; he releases a frustrated sigh when he realises the contents have already been emptied into his melancholy frame.
"We're a team Garrus. There's no Shepard without Vakarian so you better remember to duck."
"Goodbye Garrus. And if I'm up there in that bar and you're not, I'll be looking down. I'll always have your back."
Hearing the door behind him open; the Turian returns the empty bottle back to the table and faces the direction of the unwanted visitor.
"Hey scars... You look a bit lost. Must have something to do with not being able to calibrate anything..?" Vega says mockingly; a tired smile evident on his strained features.
His mandibles flickering slightly, Garrus followed the marine with his burdened eyes as he made his way to sit on an opposing sofa. "Yeah... With the whole drive core being offline, it does kind of ruin a guys plans." The Turian responded weakly.
Noticing Vega had spotted the empty liquor bottle, the Turian was somewhat abashed and fidgeted; shamefully looking away from the marine.
Realising Garrus' discomfort; Vega picked up the bottle and began examining the label. "Hey, I have something a lot stronger in my secret stash... If you're interested?"
Keeping his vision firmly fixed away from the marine, Garrus remained silent.
"It's hard you know..." Vega continued, returning the bottle to its original position. "Saying goodbye."
Slowly exhaling; he ran a hand through his Mohawk, trying to find the words to ease his comrades suffering. "Loco... He helped me a lot. I wouldn't be half the marine if it weren't for him. I miss him, man. He was like a brother to me. You don't have to feel bad about having a drink to honour his memory. Hell, if he was here he would be drinking us both under the table!"
Noticing the mandibles of the turian gently clicking again, the marine relaxed; knowing his attempts were somewhat working.
"I know you guys go way back... But I do have some good news which will cheer you up."
Perking up; the turian curiously returned his glazed over look to Vega; a sly grin adorning the marines features. "And what would that be James?"
Standing up from the sofa; Vega made his way towards the rooms exit. Turning back to the turian he responded; "You can get back to your calibrating soon. Engineer Adams reckons the drive core will be up and running soon... Come get me if you'd like to pop open some real alcohol and have a proper party."
With a nod to his comrade, the marine exited the room; releasing a contended sigh as the door closed behind him. "Wasn't as good as Loco's pep talks... But it was alright. Maybe I do have it in me after all."
"The Asari councillor has sent out a distress call from her personal spaceship. It would appear she survived the attack on the citadel." Bobbing around Liara's head the info drone said excitedly.
Running a perplexed hand over her tired eyes, the Asari swatted the drone who was invading her private space. "Forward it to Asari command glyph."
Releasing an exhausted moan; the Asari grappled at a coffee cup sitting in front of her. "Cold." She thought as she circled its contents under her scrutiny.
Sluggishly lifting her weary body from her chair; the Asari rubbed her aching neck and made her way out of her cabin. Ensuring there were no occupants in the mess hall outside; she made her way to the kitchenette.
Turning on the coffee machine; the Asari felt a fierce rumble coming from her stomach. "Perhaps I should eat something... Quickly. I do not want to miss any news."
Reluctantly opening the food store; Liara picked up a strange looking, curved, yellow fruit. "Fascinating... I wonder what this is."
Curiously staring at the fruit; the Asari brought it to her mouth and proceeded to take a bite out of it. Allowing the flavour to soak into her taste buds, she began to make her conclusions of the fruit.
"That's a banana... And you usually peel it before eating, just so you know." Humour evident in her voice; Specialist Traynor remarked as she entered the mess hall.
A small blush slowly forming on the unusually gaunt cheeks of the Asari she replied "Oh... I wondered why it was bitter and quite hard to chew."
After peeling the banana the Asari took another bite; a satisfied smile arriving on her blue lips.
"There is new correspondence available at the private messages terminal."
Her eyes darting to her cabin; Liara grabbed her coffee and dashed past Traynor to get to her cabin and check her unread messages.
Desperately fumbling at her private terminal; she eagerly opened the message she had been waiting for;
From: Operative Hykhail
To: Redacted
Shadow Broker, per your instructions I have contacted you about information with regards to Commander Shepard.
A small group of alliance marines were found murdered in the crucible explosion site. They were excavating and appear to have uncovered a body. DNA testing confirms this as Commander Shepard. Blood analysis confirms Shepard was KIA, but his body is missing.
Furthermore, this group of marines were flagged with potential Cerberus involvement.
I'll keep digging,
H
"Why would they want Shepard's body?" Liara thought; a look of horror engulfing her fatigued face. "Unless... Goddess no."
She quickly typed away at her console.
From: Redacted
To: M. Lawson
I need you to uncover everything you can on the Lazarus project. Can Cerberus still access the data?
They have Shepard.
L.
After sending the message, the Asari leaned back in her chair; dismayed at what she had learnt.
"You returned to me once... I won't stop until I have you again..."