Author's Note:
Hey. There's a bit of AU stuff contained in this chapter. Just a slight warning.
I do like to add my own things here and there.
Walking on to the deck of the CIC, Shepard studied the galaxy map closely. There were two choices available to him; Feros or Noveria. With the recent acquisition of Dr. T'Soni, Shepard's set his sights on dealing with Noveria and any problems there. Logic dictated that removing a powerful ally from Saren could benefit the hunt greatly.
Shepard leaned on the railing before using his finger to bring the planet Noveria into the centre of the map. Enlarging it he studied it closely. No immediate problems apart from the obvious freezing temperatures that blanketed the planet in snow and frost all year round.
After their last mission, cold would be a welcomed change of scenery. "Joker...set a course for Noveria. That's our next destination," Shepard ordered over the comm.
"Done Commander," Joker replied.
"What's our ETA?"
"Eight or nine hours Commander...judging if we don't get attacked by any geth on the way there," Joker quipped.
"Good...contact me when we're an hour out." Shepard turned and headed into the elevator.
At least he knew he had time to get some much-needed rest. After Therum he hadn't slept at all, he hoped his eyes didn't reflect how exhausted he felt. It also meant he could speak with their new arrival and hopefully acquire some valuable information.
Striding out of the elevator as it opened he headed for the med-bay. The doors slid open to display a hardworking Chakwas at her desk, thoroughly reading through some of her notes.
Chakwas smiled at Shepard as he walked in. "Hello Commander. How are you?"
"Fine...thanks," Shepard replied, a confused expression appeared on his face when he couldn't spot Liara in the med-bay.
"Dr. T'Soni is resting in the back room. I managed to secure her some workspace and a bed so she could work in peace." Shepard eyed Chakwas for a moment before nodding.
"How are her injuries?" he asked.
"She suffered a bad laceration on her right leg as well as some minor bruising near her ribs. She is fine now however." Chakwas tapped a file next to her. "Ah...the wonders of modern medicine."
"Can she walk?" Shepard asked.
"Of course...her leg may still be tender for a couple of days but she is perfectly healthy. She just wanted some privacy," Chakwas said evenly.
"Why? Doesn't she like the crew?" Shepard asked with a slightly suspicious tone.
"I'm not sure honestly Commander...I think the most likely reason is she is very shy or doesn't have much experience with humans, or anyone else for that matter."
"Very well...well I need to speak to her urgently," Shepard said as he walked toward the backroom.
Liara turned toward Shepard as he walked in, greeting him with a smile she stood up in respect.
"Hello Liara," Shepard said. "Are you okay to talk?" he asked politely.
"Yes certainly Commander." Liara indicated toward the chair before taking a seat on the edge of her bed.
Shepard smiled and pulled the seat closer to the bed before sitting down. Liara's hands felt clammy as an uncomfortable silence fell between the two. She never knew what to say in these situations, she attempted to keep her state of distress quiet by shuffling her feet back and forth.
Shepard sat there in silence for a moment, considering how to bring up the information about her mother. It didn't faze him much, Benezia could become a thorn in his side. Even so, he knew that no child should see their parent killed, even if he didn't completely trust them.
Liara looked up as Shepard sat forward. "Look...I'm not gonna bother with pleasantries here Liara. We're heading to Noveria."
Liara suddenly became confused. "I'm not sure I understand Commander...I thought I...was here to help you and...you want to take me to Noveria to leave me."
Looking at Liara dumbfounded he realised she had no idea what going to Noveria entailed.
"Liara...your mother, Benezia. There are reports of her being on Noveria...there are no reports that she left."
Liara suddenly felt ill, her desperation showed on her face as she sighed sorrowfully. "Oh...I'm...okay."
"I can't promise anything Liara and I can't say that I hope she's not there. If she's as powerful and influential as Tevos said..."
"She is," Liara interrupted.
"Exactly...she's a problem that we can't ignore anymore," Shepard said with little emotion.
"But...I just don't understand why. Why she would join someone like Saren. She was always so wise...so respected and adored...and now she's with him." Liara held her head in her hands.
"We all have our reasons Liara." Shepard glanced around the room, noticing the quaint cosiness of it.
"Okay..." He could her struggling to keep her impending tears at bay. "But I want to come," she said, more firmly than she thought she could muster.
Shepard suddenly became slightly annoyed. "To Noveria?" he said.
Liara nodded grimly in response. "I want to see her for myself...maybe I can talk her out of it, if she sees me she may...she may...I don't know," she said before putting her head back in her hands.
"Out of the question Liara..." Shepard said in an authoritative tone.
Liara looked at him, her pained expression made him regret his harshness. "But..."
"Listen," he started, his tone softening. "As far as I know Liara...you have little combat experience. I can't risk the lives of others and the fate of this mission because you want to come. I'm sorry but no."
Liara looked at him pleadingly. "Please Commander...please, I won't let you down...by the goddess I won't." The tears that were threatening since they began talking quickly evacuated her eyes, rolling down her cheeks.
For some reason, he felt a pang of guilt shoot through him. He couldn't explain it, seeing hundreds of people cry made his emotions fairly resilient and near non-existent. People often saw him as someone with little emotion, and they'd be right for the most part. For a long time he perceived emotion as weakness. Liara's sorrowful sobs and desperate plea for a chance to prove herself...it touched him.
He placed his hands at his sides and looked at the wall, hoping the correct answer would magically reveal itself on the bland metal.
Swallowing he ran a hand through his hair. "Okay Liara...okay. I'll let you help ground side. Just don't...make me regret this decision okay?"
Nodding, her tears staining her cheeks, she wiped her eyes. "You won't Commander..."
"Good." As he stood up, he suddenly grabbed his head in agony. The chair spilled to the floor as he shot backwards.
"Commander...what's wrong?" Liara shot up, she stood there not knowing what to do.
"Headache." Shepard grimaced in pain. He slammed his hand down and gripped the table near the fallen chair. Liara swore she could hear the metal creaking under his grip.
"I'll get Dr. Chakwas," she said.
"NO," Shepard growled, stopping in her tracks.
Finally the pain passed, he continued to use the table for support. The headaches started just after the vision. They only lasted for a few seconds but the pain rapidly became unbearable. He'd tried to hide them from the crew...out of pride.
Liara sat back down slowly, watching him carefully. He remained perfectly still, leaning his back against the cooling metal of the wall. The sound of is deep breathing the only audible noise in the room.
After a few moments he clenched and unclenched his fists. She remained silent as he pushed himself off the wall and began leaving.
You can help him Liara.
"Shepard...wait...I may be able to help you." He stopped just before the door.
His shoulders tensed violently under his shirt as she heard him take a deep breath. He turned and approached her slowly. She panicked slightly as she noticed his angry glare, wondering what she said wrong.
Stopping before her he stared down at her timid form on the bed.
"Don't ever offer me help Liara...I don't want it and I don't need it. Understand?" he asked sternly.
"Commander I can help the pain...a meld would...would maybe help make sense of the images."
She'd learned of his interaction with the beacon from Dr. Chakwas and knew why his headaches were becoming extremely frequent and increasingly painful.
His DNA didn't match the DNA required by the beacon. It merely burned the images on to his brain, much like an ever worsening scar. If they weren't cleared soon his brain would simply shut down from the immense stress. Either that or he would become the victim of an immense seizure that he wouldn't recover from or die from brain haemorrhaging.
His eyes flashed dangerously for a split second. "You were not even meant to see that Liara...so le-"
"If I don't help you then you will keep suffering from the headaches," Liara interrupted, taking him by surprise. "Your brain will shutdown...you'll die."
Shepard stared at her momentarily before sighing. Of course she would know, prothean expert and everything. Swallowing his pride he relaxed slightly. The air in the room seemed to return as he cooled off, his overwhelming presence stifled her.
"A meld?" he questioned.
Getting up from the bed Liara faced him. She could see signs of uneasiness and hesitation in his dark eyes.
"I...the meld is an asari...um...I guess...practice." Using her forearm she rubbed her forehead shakily. "It requires the joining of two minds...we then sure memories and thoughts with one another."
Shepard tensed again, definitely beginning to feel uneasy about the idea. Joining minds didn't rank highly on his to do list, some memories should stay locked away. Huge parts of his mind had become a prison to block out early memories, the ones that haunted him and turned his soul black.
"I'm not sure Liara...I...shit." Shepard slapped his forehead as another sharp pain pierced his mind.
"I know it's risky but we need to try...if we don't you may die. It doesn't hurt...I promise," Liara said quietly.
Shepard smiled slightly. "It's not the pain I'm worried about Liara."
Becoming puzzled she looked at the cold floor. What had she said now? Was that a 'human' equivalent of a joke? She shuffled her feet trying to figure his meaning.
Looking up at him her expression showed her confusion. "I'm not sure I understand your meaning Commander. It's perfectly safe and you've interacted with a prothean beacon...you must be remarkably strong-willed Commander."
Shepard detected slight admiration in her voice. Once a scientist, always a scientist he guessed. A prothean beacon that almost fired my brain...yes quite remarkable.
"I guess Liara. But let's just say there's some shit in here..." He tapped his head in gesture, "that I don't want to share with anyone...for their own personal state of mind. Someone as harmless and innocent as you doesn't need a view of my mental state haunting you."
"I am not innocent or harmless," Liara said tersely. Shepard eyebrows raised in surprise as she became slightly irked.
"Trust me Liara...I know sweet and innocent when I see it. You're both." He smiled at her annoyed expression. She hung her head and brushed down her lab-coat.
"Do you want to try the meld?" she asked timidly, resigning to the obvious truth in his words. She'd never even seen a dead body before Therum.
"Okay...but there's some shit up there that...let's just say you may never sleep again," he said with a frown.
Liara's brow creased. "Well you can block them out if you want to Commander. I won't pry where you don't want me to," she said, suddenly feeling extremely nervous.
Shepard felt a pang of relief. Nodding she took his hands into hers, although he wore a long-sleeved shirt she could see what she could only describe as 'human' artwork coming out of the sleeves near his wrist.
"Liara...you okay?" Liara looked up, evidently blushing that he spotted her curiosity. Shepard didn't seem to notice her expression and just smiled politely.
"Yes Commander...let's get this over with then," she said meekly.
"Just tell me what to do Liara."
"Look into my eyes." He did as told, suddenly they became black as night.
The whole room seemed to melt around them. Shepard felt strange, as if he were standing on a cloud. Everything felt weightless around him, he felt quite peaceful. His surroundings revealed themselves to him slowly, his mind painting a relatable picture for the meld.
Liara watched from the sidelines as his mind came to the grips with the meld. They were both transported to a green hill overlooking the ocean. A tree stood at the top of the hill, as ancient as the rocks beneath it.
The waves crashed against the jagged rocks below. A beautiful orange sunrise set over the clear blue ocean.
Shepard suddenly felt Liara's presence near him. She immediately felt the barriers in his mind, blocking his inner most secrets. They were strong...far too strong for someone who'd never melded before. She would admit that she wasn't very experienced in the ways of melding with others...but she knew she usually could ably break down a humans mind barriers. His were impenetrable.
She heard a loud rumble echo throughout the landscape as she pried. Detecting an intruder, Shepard's mind tried to fight it, much like an infection or virus. The volume of the thunder increased as she pried further, blocked by what seemed like endless barriers.
Rain began falling around them, lightning struck the rocks below them violently.
Stopping her prying, the landscape immediately returned to a peaceful state, the thunder and lightning fading. The warm rays from the rising sun replaced the cold rain.
Suddenly, Shepard's eyes flashed in front of her. The vision startled her as it flashed before her eyes, etching itself on to her mind.
Vast machines...giant and powerful destroying great cities. The protheans...
So much destruction and chaos...no hope or chance. Helpless people being crushed by their merciless God.
A planet...hidden from view by shadow.
A flash of light...a bellow, no a voice...returning from past ages. A tormentor...a conqueror...the reapers.
The room returned to normal around them. Liara's eyes returned to their normal state before she began feeling woozy.
She fell backwards, slumping down on the bed. "Liara...are you okay?" Shepard asked concerned.
"Yes...the vision...I never expected it to be so powerful. I'm fine," she said, sitting upright.
Shepard suddenly grabbed her arms roughly, startling her. "Don't lie to me...you fucking tried to invade my head. Don't ever fucking do that again," he said angrily.
"I'm...I-" Her words got cut off as Shepard stormed out.
She put her hands in her face. Sobbing out of both guilt and fear she laid on her side, facing the blank, cold metal wall. She had no right to go searching in his head like that...she promised him.
Stupid girl. Stupid, stupid girl Liara.
Pulling a pillow over her head, she desperately tried to keep her sobs quiet. Succeeding in only wetting the pillow covers.
Chakwas turned as the backroom opened, she watched as Shepard marched out, clearly pissed off. She could hear the faint sobs of Liara in the background and suddenly felt angry with him.
What has his uncontrollable temper done now?
"Commander...stop." Shepard halted in his stride. Turning his eyes flashed dangerously.
She waited for Liara's door to close before speaking again. "Why is she so upset Commander? You do realise that she is going through a great deal right now don't you."
Shepard's eyes moved to the wall behind her before returning to hers.
Chakwas didn't flinch under his gaze. "She does not need to be the victim of your temper or rage now." Chakwas began ranting, not really sure where her anger stemmed from.
Chakwas felt sorry for the young asari. Dealt the worst possible cards in so little time...a fate no one deserved. The shy, timid archaeologist didn't need to be frightened by Shepard's temper at this time. She should never have let him go in to the room, she knew he couldn't hold a conversation without becoming angry.
"I think you are-"
Shepard's brows creased, cutting her off. The look in his eyes changed dramatically, they seemed to become consuming and impossibly dark.
Chakwas swallowed nervously, suddenly feeling uneasy under his penetrating glare. She thought it best not to say another word, already beginning to regret her unwarranted rant. The words just seemed to pour out against her control.
Shepard stepped closer, not quite invading her personal space but close enough to increase her feeling of unease.
"Is that all Doctor?" he asked evenly, throwing her off completely.
She nodded and returned her eyes to her desk, pretending to busy herself with her work.
Commander. Admiral Hackett on the comm, he says it's urgent.
"What the fuck does he want?" Shepard stormed out of the med-bay.
Wiping her brow Chakwas took a well-needed breath. That became unsettling very quickly...not many things unnerved her. Seeing horribly graphic injuries all of your life did that...but that dark stare, that certainly unnerved her. She got back to her work, trying to forget the incident.
Shepard stormed up the stairs, nearly knocking over a pair of marines in his way. Placing his hand against his face as the doors opened to the CIC, he growled in frustration. All he wanted to do was warn her about the inevitable meeting with her mother. He almost exploded in front of her...nearly losing his self-control and temper due to her picking at his mind.
At least she didn't need to come groundside with them.
"Shit," he grumbled, approaching the galaxy map. He promised her she could accompany them.
Accessing the open comm-link to Admiral Hackett Shepard gripped either side of the railing.
"Commander Shepard," Hackett greeted.
"Admiral...you needed me urgently." Shepard hoped he'd just get to the point.
"Yes...alliance intel has discovered a mercenary team near your location. You're the closest available ship to deal with them."
Shepard's grip tightened. "I don't have time to go after mercenaries Admiral. I'm trying to catch a rogue Spectre if you remember."
"I know you represent the council now Shepard. But you're still alliance...now can you help? It will be gratefully appreciated." Hackett's tone remained calm and neutral.
Shepard sighed in defeat, knowing full well he couldn't exactly tell the admiral to go fuck himself. That and he actually respected Hackett for his honesty and actual battlefield experience.
"I'll take care of it Admiral," Shepard sighed.
"I appreciate it Shepard. Last known coordinates have been forwarded to Joker. Congratulations on your rank as a Spectre Commander. I know you'll do humanity proud." The comm cut off.
Shepard growled in frustration and headed to his quarters. Today just got better and better. Now he couldn't even get any sleep.
Stepping through the door he slapped himself on the forehead. Growling he grasped his chain and threw it across the room in anger. He grabbed his combat boots from under his desk and headed back out, his mood foul.
The Mako landed near the facility, only a steep uphill climb separated the predator from its prey. Shepard slammed his foot down and began traversing the mountain side.
"Uh...Shepard. I don't think this thing will take the weight," Wrex said, feeling gravity pulling it back down.
"He's right Shepard," Kaiden agreed. "We're too heavy for a hill this steep."
Shepard growled and slammed his foot down, almost hard enough to send his foot through the bottom. The Mako's engines roared as it began up scaling the hill with considerable momentum.
A loud choking noise rang out before the engine stalled.
"Come on you piece of shit," Shepard growled, repeatedly slamming his foot down on the pedal.
"Shepard...I don't know," Kaiden said.
The engine spluttered and coughed before it found a new lease of life. It shot up the rest of the cliff and flew over the edge. Shepard hit the thrusters, nestling it safely on the ground below.
Shepard unbelted himself and stepped outside of the driver seat. Staring at Kaiden he shook his head disapprovingly.
"I don't like naysayers Alenko. Now get ready," he said before climbing out the back.
The planet's climate felt like a cool spring. Green grass grew on the hill, yellow and white flowers standing proud. The looming mountains behind the base created dark shadows in the valley below.
Wrex's loud footsteps seemed to make the ground shake as he walked up to Shepard. The air on the planet was breathable, making breathing apparatus pointless. Kaiden joined the pair, readying his assault rifle.
"Nice place," Wrex commented.
"Yeah...could place for a merc base," Kaiden quipped.
Shepard checked his omni-tool before slapping his chest. "No survivors...understand? We kill em' all."
"But Shepard they-"
"I don't want to hear it Kaiden. And will people stop questioning my FUCKING ORDERS," Shepard bellowed.
Kaiden held his tongue and looked at the floor, avoiding Shepard's angry stare.
"I have no problem with these orders Shepard," Wrex said with a smile.
Shepard pulled the assault rifle off his back and nodded. "Let's get it done," he said, heading to the bunker.
Opening the door the group entered and quickly descended the spiralling staircase leading into the base. Voices spoke as they reached the bottom. Shepard took cover behind a wall and listened closely.
"Fucking idiots didn't even put up a fight." A female voice said, Shepard noticed her posture toward the others, clearly in charge.
"They were scientists mam," one of the other mercs said.
The woman laughed harshly and mock-patted his head. She turned and lifted herself up on an overturned metal crate before lighting a cigarette.
The mercenaries dropped to their knees before her, as if worshipping her like a deity. She smoked her cigarette absentmindedly, sitting as if she ruled the world.
"Mam...are you really the master of all things?" A young voice asked.
She grinned at him. "Of course I am. Have you ever seen me hurt? Shot? Stabbed or beaten?"
They all shook their heads, receiving a mischievous grin from her in return.
For a woman, her frame and stature towered over all of her 'devotees'. Her smile was wide and crooked, showing her yellow stained teeth. A large scar ran from her left eye down to her mouth, making her appearance anything but attractive.
"You are the one mam," said another voice. "They're bodies help you grow strong."
"Indeed I am..." She raised her hands in the air in self-praise. "Without doubt the most dangerous person in this entire galaxy...nobody would even have the balls to fuck with me young one."
She settled her hands on her knees and leaned toward the kneeling girl. "How did you become...so...so dangerous?" the girl asked.
She leaned forward, her faces mere inches from the young girls, and smiled. "You see the alliance trained me...made me who I was...I realised my potential far outweighed any of the other marines. I am what you call...perfection."
They all nodded in agreement, still kneeling before her sitting frame.
"You left them?" the female kneeling asked timidly.
"Why yes...they could not hope to keep someone as special as me. Their chall-"
A sniper barked from the distance cutting off her words. Her head exploded into a red mist, covering the group in its discharge, bits of her skull and brain landing on their shoulders and nestling in their hair. Her dead form collapsed off the crate, a large hole replacing the centre of her face.
"Message from the devil himself bitch." Shepard stated as he appeared from his cover.
"Impostor, impostor." The group began screaming at the squad. They were clearly all unarmed, just acting as clueless acolytes.
Kaiden swept toward them, his weapon switching between the five individuals. He took the weapons from the leader and returned back to Wrex and Shepard.
"They're unarmed Shepard," Kaiden stated.
"Take the weapons back to the Mako, Kaiden and radio Joker," Shepard commanded.
Nodding Kaiden stepped past and headed back out to the Mako.
Shepard approached the hysterical group of worshippers. It was then he noticed the blood stains on the walls surrounding them, fresh droplets slowly trickling down.
A bright red light reflected off the wall in the near distance. Shepard glanced at Wrex and approached it cautiously. The group of worshippers paid him no minds as he ignored them, all of them circling their leader's corpse like hungry vultures.
Shepard levelled his gun, preparing for the worst as he rounded the corner. An inaudible gasp escaped his mouth as he finally laid eyes upon the red hue.
A large metallic cross hung on the wall. A person, what or who Shepard couldn't tell, hung on the crucifix as an offering...or message. Scalpels piercing the mutilated body kept it from falling from its torture device.
Fresh droplets of blood dripped from the various wounds on the body, pooling into a red puddle on the floor.
Shepard approached cautiously, his gun locked on the hanging body. He lowered the cross with a push of a button located to the wall next to it, allowing him to examine the victim closely.
Realising identifying the person would be next to impossible in this state Shepard turned to leave, before metallic shimmering re-captured his attention.
Shepard inspected the dog tag closely, wiping the blood away with his gloved fingers.
Pvt. Perry Coombs
Shepard became motionless for a moment, a mixture of shock and disgust smacking him in the gut like a sledgehammer swing from a blood crazed krogan.
"Jesus...I'm sorry Perry," he said, ripping the tags off.
He looked up and jumped in shock when he saw a pair of white eyes staring back at him. A splutter of blood landed on his face as Perry shook into life.
Shepard tried to stop him from wriggling but his efforts were in vain. He fell from the cross, his full weight hitting Shepard who barely managed to stay on his feet.
The scalpels were hit so far into the metallic crucifix that they ripped straight through his hands and feet as he fell, the holes now gaping wide.
Shepard lowered the screaming man to the floor, clutching him to his chest. He began coughing up large volumes of blood, staining Shepard's black armour.
"Shepard...is that you?" His voice sounded distant, ghostly.
"I'm here Perry...I'm here." Shepard tried his best to comfort his former comrade. "Just relax buddy okay," he added comfortingly.
Perry screamed again, vomiting copious amounts of blood down his chin and running down his neck onto the floor. Shepard squeezed him tightly to his chest.
Grasping Shepard's hand he looked into his eyes. "Please..." Another splutter of blood interrupted him. "Please...end it. End the pain."
Perry screamed in agony again, squeezing Shepard's hand so tightly the bones threatened to break. He collapsed back into Shepard's arms before seizing back up in shock.
Holding him with one hand Shepard quietly pulled his pistol from his hip.
Smiling down at him Shepard placed the tags into his hands, before helping him grasp them.
"Shep...I did well didn't I. Please...tell me I made my parents proud." Shepard nodded before brandishing a genuine smile. Even at death's door the kid still wanted to impress his parents.
"They're proud of you Perry...I'm proud of you," he reassured.
"Thank you..." Perry placed a hand on Shepard's shoulder. "I always rooted for you Ryder...and I always...will."
A pang of remorse shooting through him Shepard gritted his teeth.
"Just shut your eyes Perry...you'll be okay," he comforted.
"I know...with you here it wil-" Shepard pulled the trigger, mercifully ending his suffering. The shot aimed at his heart so he could have an open casket.
He carefully lowered him to the floor before standing up. Hearing chants coming from the worshippers in the background he began to shake with anger.
Storming back in he didn't even blink as he grabbed one by the scruff of the neck and hauled her to her feet. His dead calm expression didn't show his wrath.
Dragging her over to their leader he pushed her down so far their faces touched, live skin against dead.
"So this is your deity?" Shepard kicked her dead body. "Not exactly omnipotent is she?"
"Blasphemy...do not speak ill of mother. She is beyond your understanding and comprehension." The whole group spoke at once, all eyes staring at him.
He didn't even hesitate as he executed her with a shot from his pistol, the insides of her skull flew across the room. He turned and systematically executed the rest of the group, not blinking once as his pistol barked repeatedly, their bodies falling to the floor one by one.
Watching in near disbelief, Wrex lowered his shotgun.
"Let's get the fuck out of here," Shepard said gruffly stepping past Wrex.
Shepard headed back to the crucifixion chamber, picking up Perry's body before heading back outside, ignoring Wrex's questioning gaze. Wrex remained silent as Shepard strode to the exit, the deadly calm expression still adorning his face.
He looked at the mess Shepard left again before holstering his weapon. Smiling to himself he swept off after him. He now knew Shepard was someone he could follow into the heart of battle.
Clutching Perry's tags in his hand Shepard stepped off the shuttle inside the cargo bay. A pair of marines awaited their arrival. They strode past him into the shuttle and retrieved the fallen marine, taking his body to the med-bay for preservation.
Stopping by a railing near the shuttle Shepard ran his fingers over Perry's inscribed name on the metal.
Hey Ryder...we did good today. I'm so glad I got teamed with you man.
Rolling his eyes Shepard continue to play with his gold chain.
I mean...the look on Sergeant Polaris' face.
Shepard joined in with Perry's quiet chuckling, enticing annoyed growls from other bunks.
Yeah Perry...we killed it. Broke the record...I definitely couldn't have done it without you.
Shepard grinned smugly at Perry's contented sigh.
Thanks Shep...that really means a lot to me. I guess I am making my parents proud then.
A group of marine mechanics sitting around their mess table studied him as he stood there, settling their eyes at the table as he spotted them.
He seemed to contemplate something before making his way toward the elevator.
Shepard waited patiently as he could for the oncoming elevator, breathing in and out slowly, desperately trying to reign in the anger seeping out of him.
Liara looked at Shepard curiously as the elevator opened onto the floor of the cargo bay. She began to speak before he locked his eyes on hers, silencing her.
"Are you getting out Liara or what?" Shepard asked impatiently.
"Ye...yes Commander," Liara replied shakily, again feeling clammy under his stare.
She stepped out as Shepard entered in a haste. A look of hurt adorned her face as Shepard didn't even acknowledge her as the doors closed.
She really had hurt him. Now she would never gain his trust and respect. A feeling of helplessness washed over her, holding her head in shame she fought back her tears of anguish.
A few days ago she was minding her own business doing what she loved. Now she felt like a useless helper, alienated by the people who she thought were her crew.
And Benezia with Saren.
Mother...how did this happen? Why would you do this to me?
A small hand rested on her shuddering shoulder, turning she saw the familiar quarian she had sometimes seen wandering the ship in the late hours of the night.
"Oh...hello." Liara wiped her eyes, hoping Tali hadn't seen her emotions on display.
"I'm sorry Liara...for what you're going through," Tali said supportively.
Although a mask covered her face, Liara could hear the sincerity in her voice.
"Please excuse me...I'm not sure I know your name."
"Tali Zorah nar Rayya. But please just call me Tali." She leaned in close to Liara. "It's painful enough to listen to these humans try to pronounce it. They are tough and all...but when it comes to understanding things, they're not really that smart. But that's between you and me."
"Oh..." Liara laughed softly, she noticed Tali's wide smile under her face mask.
"Listen...if you ever need anyone to you know...talk to. Well I'm here," Tali squeezed her shoulder. "I know what it's like to feel alone on a ship."
Liara smiled appreciatively. "Thank you Tali...that...that means a lot."
Tali nodded amiably before returning back to the ship's core to attend her duties.
The comfort of someone treating her nicely and respectfully, almost like a friend, improved Liara's mood somewhat. She wiped away the spilled tears from her cheeks and with a deep breath, decided she would introduce herself to the other alien crew members.
With every step she took to the back of the cargo bay, she couldn't shake the feeling of guilt inside her concerning her meld with Shepard.
Sighing she headed to a busy looking turian working near a strange-looking vehicle.
