A/N: Bioware owns all. Strictly for personal amusement.

Title courtesy of Aqualung.

Chapter 4 - Brighter Than Sunshine

Omega

Liara and Shepard were reviewing their strategy for crew hires before their first subject arrived. Wanting a small crew, they knew they needed to find those with multiple areas of expertise. Liara had done all of the leg work researching and recruiting the best she could find. Her escort was going to "interrogate" the candidates, while the doctor appeared to relent to Shepard's total judgment and control. In reality, Liara would stand behind the candidate make a gesture based on her approval or desire to discuss the candidate further.

Shepard wore full armor with a pistol at her side and a rifle strapped to her back. Her armor makes her look deceptively larger than she is. But I much prefer her draped in that towel she was sporting earlier. So I may have heard the water running and I may have waited until the right time to accidentally be in the hall the exact time she was coming out of the shower. And I may have been disappointed that she was wearing a towel, at the time.

"Liara, you okay?" Shepard was looking right into her eyes.

"Sorry, excited it all." And not in the way you think, I am sure. There was a knock on the door. Liara smiled at her protector. "Ok Shepard, let us see how well we work together."

Their first candidate was Jeff Moreau, their potential pilot. He had graduated at the top of his class from The Alliance Academy but was relegated to shuttle service after a disciplinary issue. He resigned his commission and decided to try his luck in the civilian sector instead.

Shepard began the interview. "Impressive credentials Mr. Moreau, complete with recommendations. Tell me about your training."

Liara's mind began to wander once again to earlier that morning. She was temporarily distracted by her thoughts and barely paying attention to the interview occurring a short distance away from her.

Shepard's voice drew Liara back to the present. "And this will not inhibit your ability to fly the ship?"

Shepard had not been fazed that she was dripping wet in a towel in front of her new boss. Liara felt no reaction from her at all; no embarrassment, no excitement, no adrenaline, no reaction at all. She just greeted the Asari and entered her own quarters to get dressed. The doctor thought about Shepard in that towel again and decided she was definitely not disappointed. The human's voice drew in her attention again.

"And what was the reason for the disciplinary mark on your record?" Her gaze resembled that of Benezia's when confronting her mischievous child, she wanted a truthful answer.

"Well," and he rubbed the back of his neck, "I asked an officer if she and the diplomat on board were going to act out a scene from a vid."

"And which vid was that Mr. Moreau?" Shepard laced her gloved fingers in front of her mouth.

"Vaenia." He fidgeted in his seat. "I got the nickname Joker for a reason. I just apparently have bad timing."

Liara was relieved that she was standing out of the pilot's vision. Being intimately familiar with said vid and could not stop the smile gracing her lips. Shepard's face remained unchanged. Her eyes, did glance towards Liara who quickly motioned the signal for her approval.

Also noticing Shepard's expression did not falter, Moreau began to explain. "You see, it's a vid featur …."

"I am aware of what it is … Joker." Shepard cut him off mid-sentence.

So does that mean she has seen it?

"Your offer is on the datapad. It is the same offer Dr. T'Soni made you when she invited you here to meet with us. If you decline, we need to know immediately so we can make other arrangements."

He shook his head as he picked up the datapad.

"Good. Move your stuff on board tomorrow and familiarize yourself with the ship. We leave for The Citadel in two days time. After that, if you are half the pilot you appear to be, you should not make any other plans for the next year or so." Shepard stood up.

Luckily Liara had been able to regain her composure by the time their new pilot was ready to leave. She waited a few seconds after the door closed before surrendering to her amusement. Shepard just shook her head and smirked. "Now that was funny."

"I could not tell by looking at you. I could hardly control myself."

"I know, I saw.

"But you did not even flinch."

"I know," Shepard delivered the line with that hint of arrogance Liara was growing addicted to. Goddess she is so sexy when she gets cocky. A knock on the door centered Liara to her surroundings and the next applicant entered.

Their interviews that day ended up being an overall success and a sign that the two truly could function as a well-oiled machine. They ended up hiring all four they were scheduled to meet. The second crewmate was a quarian named Tali'Zorah who was brilliant with engines and technology in general. Being a quarian also meant she could help with piloting shifts and Shepard was excited to have another hacker on board to share tech responsibilities. Tali had been on her pilgrimage for the flotilla and saw the perfect opportunity to assist in her own quest.

Liara had also insisted on hiring a cook named Rupert Gardner for the skeleton crew even though Shepard thought it unnecessary. The new cook would also perform maintenance and basic repairs but most importantly could cater to the special nutrition needs of any species. Liara made comfort a priority on her ship.

Their final hire was an L2 human biotic who was part of Jump Zero "disaster" named Kaidan Alenko. His biotics and military upbringing made him a perfect addition due to his many skills including piloting, weapons, and security detail. He seemed quiet and reserved during their introduction, a vast contrast to the personalities of his new crewmates.

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The couple visited the same restaurant for dinner again after both worked all afternoon preparing for their crew's arrival the next day and receiving supply shipments. Shepard asked Liara about Thessia and other places she traveled. The human was enthralled with everything Liara said, begging for more and more details as she kept glancing out the window beyond the asteroid belt. "I can't wait to see the galaxy."

"I thought you traveled extensively. Is this not true?" Liara had familiarized herself with Shepard's dossier, knowing each planet she had visited.

"Most of my security jobs involved sitting on shuttles or ships or in some building, no time for exploring. I never saw much of anywhere except Earth or Omega."

"Then I will gladly show it to you." Liara was beginning to see the youthfulness still residing in her escort. With how she usually carried herself, it was easy to forget her age but Shepard had begun to let her guard down at least a little, or so Liara deduced.

"I can't wait for you to show me," reflections of stars almost seemed to mirror in the blue in her eyes.

After dinner Liara suggested they continue their evening at Afterlife and Shepard agreed hesitantly after some discussion. 'Well it is close to the dock and Aria doesn't allow weapons…' conceded Shepard.

The couple passed through security at the main door and Shepard of course was allowed to enter without relinquishing her sidearm. The dancing flames on the vid screens lining the corridor walls were a nice touch especially with the ambient red hues silhouetting Shepard's jet black hair. As they approached the entrance to the club, Liara leaned over to her and asked "Do you have an obsession with pockets? Today it is not only your pants but your shirt as well."

Shepard always seemed to respond with the same look when Liara asked her a question seemingly out of no where. "Picking on my style doctor?"

That smile is crooked, almost a sneer.

"Old habit. It's easier to carry stuff around in pockets and not lose it." She leaned in close to the side of Liara's face and whispered. "It helps me to hide some knives too." Goddess, I can feel her breath against my crest …

As the doors to Afterlife opened, the thumping of the bass permeated their senses. Scantily clad dancers gyrated to the music, some utilizing a pole as a prop. The liquor was flowing heavily while neon lights flickered everywhere, dancing flames still present strategically placed as backdrops to the occasional booth or bar. Positioned on her usual platform was Aria, presiding over the minions of Omega as their Queen. As the two headed towards the back stairs, they heard Shepard's name amongst the muddied noise of their surroundings.

Shepard turned sideways towards the voice. "Ash?"

Liara could feel anxiety immediately building from Shepard as she spoke. Liara slid to the side, viewing a tall dark-haired woman approaching.

"Been a long time." The stranger's expression was cold and distant. She was attractive enough with dark eyes and full lips, her hair lying loosely upon her broad shoulders. There was a pendant hanging from her neck in the shape of a cross which Liara believed to be a human religious symbol.

Shepard began to take a step forward but stopped when the other human retreated two steps back. Her tone lacked the strength it usually commanded. "How have you been? I .. I wrote to you." She is getting more and more anxious.

"I know. Sorry I didn't get back to you. Jail keeps you busy you know. Oh wait, no you wouldn't."

Now all Liara could feel from Shepard was overwhelming guilt. "I wanted to do something Ash, there was nothing I could do." Her eyes dropped down to the other human's feet.

"Not sure why I spent the energy to come over, guess we were friends once. You have a lot of people pissed at you. They think you ratted everyone out." As Shepard opened her mouth, the other human cut her off before a word escaped her lips. "I know you didn't. You wouldn't do that to me, right?" There was an arrogant sarcasm that seethed resentment as the words left her mouth. "I told them why; they don't believe or don't care." She paused then glanced at Liara. "I see your tastes have changed."

Shepard found her voice immediately. "She's a good friend," and reached out her hand towards Liara. She called me her friend and not her boss. She does not want her to know she does not work for Aria maybe? There is no hint of fear coming from her, only loneliness. Liara grabbed her hand and squeezed it tightly.

"Yah, so was I," Liara heard the long haired woman say as she turned and strutted away.

Shepard turned around guiding Liara by the hand. They were immediately greeted by a turian in full armor holding an assault rifle. "Aria wants to see you, now."

"Of course she does," Shepard mumbled. "Her timing is piss poor as ever" she whispered loud enough for only Liara to hear. They approached the stairs and Shepard released Liara's hand before beginning the climb to Aria's perch.

"Dr. T'Soni, Shepard. Sit." Aria's interaction with Shepard when they were among others was vastly different than when they were alone. Aria treated her like everyone else. She was aloof, rarely making eye contact and spoke with a very slow, precise choice of words just daring someone to interrupt her sentence. Liara sat while Shepard remained standing, taking position by her side. "I see Williams found you. Would you like for me to have her tossed out on her ass?" Aria was glancing at a couple fighting in the distance.

"No, she just came to warn me."

"Warn," Aria met Shepard's eyes, "or threaten?" Her eyes glanced away once more. "If you want her killed, I'll give you a discount."

"Not worth it. I can handle myself."

Aria gave her a quick nod and then glanced towards the other Asari. "Dr. T'Soni, are you satisfied with your new bodyguard?"

"I am. Her skills surpass her reputation." Liara's eyes were fixated on something in the distance.

"Remember that in a few years." Aria was now leering at one of her dancers while her tongue glazed the purple stripe on her bottom lip. "You leave tomorrow." It was not a question; it was a statement of fact. She looked back to Shepard who just nodded. "Don't be a stranger" and Aria went back to gawking at the dancer to her right.

Liara took the cue, rose and began down the stairs and out of Aria's line of vision while Shepard followed her. The human scanned the club and found a table in the top corner, partially concealed by shadows. She grasped Liara's hand and led her to their destination where they both sat down.

After Shepard sent in a drink order on her omni, Liara spoke. "Are you okay?" Shepard's emotions had stopped seeping out from the moment Aria's name was mentioned by the Turian. She turned on that switch again.

"Yah. I just have a headache now." She stared ahead into nothing.

Liara wondered if Shepard had noticed this Williams person watching her while they were talking to Aria. It's as if she was looking at Shepard to make sure she saw who she was kissing. There is something much more to this … "Do you want to talk about it? I do consider you a good friend too." The two had known each other only a few days but Liara felt such an instant closeness to her. She could only compare it to an intense magnet drawing her towards Shepard. The asari was happily swept up in the storm of attraction.

"No."

The asari was not used to being around humans and wondered if this was typical behavior. Around the galaxy, humans had gained a reputation of being rushed and high strung but Shepard was different. She seemed to slow down during tenuous situations rather than becoming impulsive or irrational. Her demeanor became more thinking and methodical, perhaps having learned to rely upon only herself growing up on the streets. Against her impulse to push for an answer, she chose a different approach. "We can leave if you want. It is alright." A few seconds passed until Liara began to feel something from her companion suddenly. It was resolve.

"No, it's okay." Shepard finally made eye contact and smiled.

And the switch is now off.

"As you can tell, I seem to have some baggage. I don't fear them. I was always quicker, faster, and smarter. Now I am wiser too. Is this a problem for you? Be honest." Their drinks arrived and Shepard held onto her glass with both hands.

"I trust in you."

Shepard smiled and held out her glass. "To friends."

Liara returned the gesture. She swore she heard Shepard mumble something very softly under her breath as the glasses clinked. It sounded vaguely like 'Fuck you Ash.'