Shore Leave—Segment 7

Short Mass Effect Fanfic

Setting: Shortly after Mass Effect 1

Pairings: FemShep/Joker

The Normandy had docked without a hitch in Veerna, the largest city of Altair. Shepard stood before her assembled crew, posture military straight but with an informal smile. She could tell they were eager to go, but protocol demanded that the commanding officer go over the standard Alliance shore leave regulations. She did so and, as an afterthought, told them where to find her should "anything come up". Pressly, Chakwas, and select members of the engineering crew were staying behind initially—that took care of the onboard personnel requirements. Right.

"Dismissed," she smiled, "Enjoy."

Outside, she walked briskly, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the sweet scent on the air. It was spring here in Veerna—the frjotl trees were in full bloom and the fragrant guazy petals of their flowers floated thickly in the breeze like flurries of cream-colored snow. The clean wide streets were filled with a bustle of people—humans, salarians, asari, turians, and even the odd batarian—wearing bright clothing. No armor that she could see, no guns or lurking gangs. Nice.

The streetcorners held variety markets and Myla bought a shama fruit from a vendor. She tossed it in the air once, admiring the gleam of the afternoon light on its dark blue skin, and caught it deftly. A tremenduous weight lifted from her shoulders and she sighed contentedly. Whatever trials awaited her tomorrow and in the years to come, today was hers.

She bit into the shama. The familiar texture was smooth, similar to that of an Earth peach; the dark red flesh was sweet.

"Commander?"

Shepard jumped at the soft voice, nearly choking on the shama. She turned.

"Sorry to startle you, Shepard," Liara's smile was genuine, if sad, "I was merely attempting to get your attention."

Myla swallowed hurriedly, "No problem, Dr. T'soni, did you need something?"

The pretty young asari hesitated, her long lashes casting slight shadows on thedusting of freckles covering her nose and cheeks. "Not really, I just wanted to tell you that I did not plan on returning to the Normandy."

"You're staying here?"

"For now, perhaps," Liara shrugged, "I had planned to leave when we next made berth at the Citadel, but this planet is so beautiful. It's as good a place as any to start my next steps, whatever they may be. Better, in fact," she added, indicating the dreamily clouded sky with an elegant sweep of her arm. Myla nodded. She extended her calloused hand and Liara gripped it with her petite blue one.

"It was an honor working with you, Liara," Myla said warmly, "I hope you find what you're looking for."

"Thank you, Shepard," Liara lowered her crystal blue eyes, "I—I apologize if I made you feel…uncomfortable. Before."

"Oh," Shepard felt a little of the old weight settle back upon her shoulders, "No, it—I…you're like my little sister." She winced inwardly; that hadn't sounded like she meant it to.

Liara laughed, "Shepard, I am older now than you will ever be."

"Not in proportion to the lifespan of your species," Shepard clarified, smiling awkwardly. They started walking together.

Liara nodded and a sly grin found its way onto her innocent features, "I do not believe that was your only motivation."

The Spectre studied the sky intently, watched the swirls of pale lavender cloud curl and drift in inexplicable patterns. "I hope you don't think that I'm racist or—"

The young asari laughed again, "You? You've filled your ship with half the alien races of Citadel space. No, Shepard, I believe you were unable to give your heart to me, or, for that matter, to the Lieutenant, because you'd already given it away."

Myla groaned, "I'm that obvious?" Why did everyone seem to know about her…infatuation? She felt a small stab of panic. What if he knew? What if he knew and was too embarrassed to tell her he didn't—

"Well, I am a perceptive asari, after all. Why haven't you confronted him?"

The marine sighed, "It's not that simple, Liara. First of all, there are strict regulations against fraternization. I'm also his superior officer—if it got out there would be a terrific scandal,maybe even a lawsuit or a courtmartial. I don't even know if he likes me in that way—if he doesn't, I could offend him or at the very least make him uncomfortable with me. I…I don't think I could work without him as a friend."

That sharp panic seemed to swell, constricting her chest, and she closed her eyes. She was stronger than this. She didn't need Jeff's humor, his smile, his sarcastic input…but she wanted it. Liara touched her gently on the shoulder.

"Shepard," she said quietly "I do not pretend to fully comprehend your situation—I am, as you were too polite to say, a child in the eyes of my species—but, before I go, I should like to offer my advice."

"I welcome it, Liara," Shepard shook her head hopelessly, "I'm shit with this stuff."

Liara stopped her, turned Myla around to face her. Her intensely blue eyes were serious. "Your species is short-lived. Humans in the military have…even shorter life-expectancy. I believe you should take the chance. Think not of what you stand to lose, but of what you stand to gain." One last sad smile, and Liara had turned and started down a sidestreet. But I have so much to lose and I'm losing a little more every day.

"We will meet again, Shepard," she called in farewell. Myla stood for a moment, alone on the busy street with her thoughts, then slowly took a bite of the shama fruit.