Shepard was sitting in a mess buried in thought when Max slumped next to him.
" 'Sup big brother?" Jester cheerfuly broke John out of his musings.
"Nothing, I'm fine."
"Yeah right, and Miranda didn't threw a fit once I gave her a list and asked for creds." Jester laughed. "Come on, what's going on? We have some business on Illium right?"
"Yup, pick up two recruits, do some upgrades..." John trailed off but Max quickly finished.
"And catch up with Liara? Illium is Asari world, she's there?"
"Yeah...I don't know..." John tried not dwell again at fears that haunted him since he started this mission.
"Don't know what? If she's there or if she's there for you?" Max spoke softly, again with tone he used whenever he was giving John some relieving answer. "Look man I get it you have doubts but...Take it this way - It's better to man up, take the plunge and move on gritting teeth than avoid the issue. Skirting around you'll always loose."
John sighed, It was hard to look that way, but truthfully it's not like they had anything big. Anything stable and solid. In the pressure of combat, constant fighting, they both sought closure and some comfort. They did found it in each other but... was it really love, not just bundle of emotions and need of company? Maybe he's just clingy?
"It's a wide wide world out there, and life can be a love affair..." Max's voice broke John's zone, "...or a cage of sheer despair..." Jester sang standing up from the table and leaving.
John shrugged thinking that his brother was really off with his singing thing but then it hit him what he told with it. A love affair or cage of despair...
"Damn Jester...Thanks Max" John muttered smiling and also got up from the table unaware that Tali saw the whole thing. Quarian only shooked her head in sheer confusion. Shepard's brother was really weird, but he managed to help Commander before Tali found courage to do it.
"Kheelah, I need some help understanding those humans..." She went back to her nutrient paste when soft purr interrupted her.
"I can offer some assistance Tali" Kasumi seated next to quarian. Tali eyed hooded woman, she was a thief, and a very mysterious person yet still very cheerful and talkative. She visited Tali in engineering few times already.
"Please, do" Tali only shrugged. She was a human, maybe she could shed some light. "What just happened really? Shepard was sitting there while Max showed up talked to him then...he sang something and left! Shepard just sat there then he got up and left too!"
Kasumi only tsked while drumming her fingers on the table. "Ahhh, you see fishbowl, when Max is around things are a little hectic. He calls himself Jester for a reason. He put's on a play for you and makes you dazed. But when you think about it, there's a lesson in his madness. You just have to find it." Kasumi spoke with a grin. Tali was little tensed when Kasumi called her a 'fishbowl' but quickly got more wrapped in musings about younger, insane, Shepard.
"So what he really did here? A 'play'?"
"Yes Tals, if he would bluntly just said something comforting or smart, Shep would deflect it, but this way you can't but notice his prancing and he gets to you." Kasumi happily shared her theories about Max. She felt that Tali was quite interested in Shepard. A familiar soul at crossroads then.
"You sure know a lot about Max. What about Shepard? He's... different" Tali spoke trying to not sount as worried as she was.
"You don't have to worry so much fishbowl. Shep's hardcore but got kicked by many former friends. Max was helping, but since you're here he lighten up more." Kasumi grinned while Tali tried to supress choking on her paste. "You two should take some time together, maybe have a chat about some things"
"Why?"
"Oh you know why Tals." Kasumi vanished leaving quarian mechanic baffled even more.
/.../
Shepard decided to take Max and Tali with him to look for Liara. While going through CIC, Miranda approached and asked to join up with them. John only shrugged and nodded.
When walking down the bay corridor they were approached by an asari accompanied by 3 security mechs. Shepard pondered whether it was a good idea to walk around in helmetless armors and armed. He had Spectre authority graciously slapped in his face by the Council but in Terminus, that badge worked in the negative way only.
"Commander Shepard I presume?" asari spoke stopping two steps before the team.
"Yes?"
"My name is Careena. I'm responsible for greeting and informing any important person who visits Nos Astra port." Shepard raised his eyebrows. He was important? Since when?
"Liara T'Soni waived all entry fees in your behalf. Feel free to explore marvels of our City. However I must warn you. Illium is a corporate world. Don't sign anything if you're not up to par with their lawyers." Carrena continued.
"I'll keep that in mind. Could you tell me where I can find Liara?" Shepard tried to look distant.
"Liara T'Soni is one of Nos Astra's most respected information brokers. She has an office near trading floor here. You can't miss it." Information broker? Damn.
"Thank you, I'll be on my way." Shepard nodded and moved past her.
Going unbothered through customs was surprising but pleasant. When moving along he saw a woman at nearby cafe waving at him. A young olive-skinned woman in pink outfit looked familiar. John came up closer leaving rest near kiosk.
"Commander Shepard? News said you were dead...No don't tell me. I'm sure you can't anyway." A warm tone was eerily familiar... "I'm Gianna Parasini? You helped me few years back at Noveria?"
Now John wanted to make a facepalm. Of course! A helpful assistant to corporate scum on Noveria that turned out to be an Internal Affairs agent undercover. Image of her prancing in tight pink dress was one he didn't needed to recall though.
"Ah yes, it was a pleasure Gianna. How's been the life treating you?" John sat to her table.
"I'm still with noverian I.A. , you?" Gianna replied. She was blunt as whack to the head despite corporate espionage. Shepard like it.
"Been better but on new goose chase. Heard of Collectors? They're behind attack on human colonies. I'm hunting them now." John decided to be blunt with Parasini. Maybe she would have more common-sense than Council.
"Damn Shepard, to me hard work means more paper work... Collectors are shady, even for corporations. But that reminded me I owed you a beer " Gianna smiled and ordered a pint for both. After a moment Gianna froze looking above Shepard's arm.
"Asari merchant behind you, a smuggler, get her to show you special stuff" She whispered and slid out of her seat quickly blending in the crowd.
Shepard sighed and took a sip of his beer. Shame, a good ale they serve here. He stood up and came up to his team. Motioned on Max to come closer.
"Got a favour to do. Come on, you'll help me if needed." Jester nodded.
John approached asari that sat in her little both behind a small counter. Seeing potential customer she got up. "Welcome! I have the best technology upgrades in Nos Astra" She advertised in high-pitched girlish voice that reminded of bratty child. She looked very young, That for asari meant around 100 years old.
"Perhaps but I only look for the best" John stated while Max was browsing through catalog on the console. "Some nice stuff... But price waaay to high sister" Max commented looking at seller, "say you go down...15% on each and we'll buy some of this tech, not exactly what are we looking for, but we'll throw wad of creds anyway"
Asari hesitated a moment. "Okay, I can get you 15% on the merchandise" She applied changes to the catalogue and Max made a few purchases quickly. John sensing his qeue leaned a bit to asari. "I'm actually looking for something more...sophisticated. Money is not a problem, quality is." He prayed she'll get the message.
Asari hesitated even more but spoke in hushed tone. "Well there is one thing, very secret, I just got it recently-"
"That's because it's still in development on Noveria. And very illegal outside labs there." Gianna interrupted appearing next to Shepard. "Hello Hermia."
"You-You set me up! But this isn't Noveria! You can't arrest me!" asari shrieked.
"I don't give a damn about arresting. You'll get fined so hard, you better start shaking ass on Omega to pay them." Gianna was colder than Noverian blizzards. Asari bursted out and ran into the streets. "Aaahh that was good. I got some papers to file... Care to finish the beer with me?" Parasini purred to John.
"Hermia is gonna be very poor. Asari act so ageless and superior to all but nailed they squeal like schoolgirls." Gianna chuckled when they sat at her table in cafe.
"You love your job don't you?" John smiled.
"Yup. Not as exciting as yours I'm sure Spectre but nothing to keep me awake at night." Gianna laughed. "I really appreciate the help. Wish I could give you some intel for it but Collectors are intelligence nightmare. Only shift is that many people got interested in dark energy..."
"Always a pleasure Gianna but I gotta go, got people to see, some to kill" John chuckled. They both stood up.
"Oh well, good luck then Shepard." Gianna shrugged and gave Shepard a peck in the cheek. "That's much better than an autograph" She purred and left.
"Damnit brother, you always get all the credit." Max pouted standing behind him.
"Yeah... I gotta go. Shop around if you want, I'll be back in a minute" John cleared his throat and followed directions leading to offices above trading floor while rest went for a little shopping. A receptionist was sitting next to the doors.
"Welcome. Do you have an appointment?" young asari politely asked.
"My name's Shepard."
"C-Commander Shepard? Please go in. I'm sure Liara would be glad to see you" receptionist was now glaring at John.
Entering office, John saw Liara talking to holo of some man. She was wearing long green dress, elegant but not too flashy.
"I'll put it simple. You either pay me quickly or I'll flay you alive...With my mind." Liara spoke to the man in cold and threatning tone. Then she closed down the link. Shepard was terrified. His little asari scientist turned into a cold callous murderer?
"You threaten people to flay them alive now?" John tried to make it a joke. Liara turned around and widened her eyes. "John!" She shouted. Quickly walked up to him and gave him a kiss. Wen they parted, John saw how Liara changed. Instead of her sweet blue, now she was more Azure,and had dark circles around her eyes. She looked...older, more than two years older.
"It's good to see you Liara" John wanted to kiss her again but she slid from his grasp and took a half step back.
"It's a miracle you're alive. But what's brings you here?" She asked.
"You. You thought I forgotten about you?" John was shaken by her coldness.
"It's... nice. Please have a seat" Liara pointed a chair. She was avoiding his gaze.
"What was that Liara? You threaten people now? Heard you work for Shadow Broker."
"That's was just a client dissatisfied by his information. He'll pay, they always do...As for Shadow Broker, quite contrary. I'm planning to kill him." Liara spoke like they were talking about swatting a fly. John couldn't hide his shock.
"Liara since when you're in dirty business and kill people?!"
"Since you were...gone. By fluke I go into this business and learned that it's no different from archeology, only that the bodies still smell." Liara replied with emotionless stare.
Okay, it's time to man up and take the plunge, Shepard thought recalling Max's words. "Fine. Before we go any further tell me Li..." John on purpose used nickname he come up with on SR-1, "How are we standing? You obviously changed. A lot. So am I. So are we a couple? A friends... or used to be friends?" Shepard winced thinking about all who turned their back on him completely, if Liara would too...
"I-As you said Shepard. We've changed. I had to to live for these two years, I have commitments...I'm not your enemy. And never will. But a friend...I think is all." Liara looked down. John only sighed. No point in freaking out, he'll deal with the fallout later.
"I... I understand Liara. No ill will." Shepard said looking at her. Liara met his stare. "But since I'm here maybe we can help each other? I bet you need some errand done and I need some intel."
"Yes, of course, what do you need Shepard?" She replied quickly.
"I have to find a drell assassin Thane Krios and Justicar named Samara?" John recited names from dossier hoping he didn't screwed up names.
"Assassin was hired to kill Nassana Dantius, a woman named Seryna in trading offices was sighted with the drell...As for Justicar, Track Officer Dara in loading bay should know where she is." Liara spoken without looking into an files.
"That was just from the top of your head?"
"I'm a very good information broker Shepard."
"Alright, anything you need Liara?" At this, Liara pressed comm on her table. "Nyxeris? Come here for a second." Doors opened and receptionist walked in.
"Nyxeris is my assistant, she tracked a few consoles around here that contain some files I need."
"I see. I'll get you the data." Shepard stood up. "Talk to you later Liara." And walked out trying to hold himself in one piece. Once he got back to the trading floor, his team was already waiting.
"Oh shit..." Max stated seeing his brother's eyes. "Closest bar. Now." And dragged Shepard while Tali and Miranda followed not understanding. They reached an establishment called 'Eternity' and was on their way to the bar when a scene happenned. A man in N7 armor was trying to boss around an asari bartender while she was cleaning bar looking at the man with eternal boredom.
"You think I won't do it? I've larned how to shove people from one..." Then he turned around and saw Shepard and his team. "...Commander Shepard?" His lost whole composure and fanboyed looking at Shepard. "You were dead! You remember me? I'm Conrad Verner!"
John felt a headache starting. He recognized the man. A freaky fan that was nagging him on Citadel, finally John lost his temper and shoved him in the gut. Crushing Conrad's ideal view of John. Not completely it would seem.
"Hey! You know that asshole? Get him to calm down before I'll slap his ass with singularity" Bartender barked annoyed.
"You wanna see me work? You were a jerk back then but with you gone, somebody had to take your place" John now noticed that Verner was wearing an N7 armor, old generation, one he wore at those shitty posters for Alliance.
"Conrad do you actually have any training? And how you got an N7 steel?" John spoke both tired and irritated.
"Oh they make really good copies now...And I don't need training! I'm helping galaxy now!" Conrad happily stated.
John sighed "Conrad let me be perfectly clear..." then pulled out his pistol and shot on edge of Conrad's foot. "This is not acceptable." Shot was harmless but Verner still fell to the ground groaning from pain.
"Oh get up you baby! It barely grazed you!" Bartender stated still polishing glasses. Conrad got up redding from embarrasment.
"What are you doing here bossing around? You'll get hurt." John tried to sound worried.
"I'm asking people if they need help. Some woman on the trading floor told me that she's an undercover cop and if I'll get a deed for this place she could take it down as they sell red sand here!" Verner blurted eagerly.
John wanted to facepalm again but bartender was faster. "Listen crap-for-brains. First we don't sell red sand here, second if you have a permit then red sand is legal on Illium."
"Come with me and show me that cop" John grabbed Conrad by the collar and dragged him out of the bar leaving team. They crossed the floor and Verner pointed at some asari. "Wait here" John said and walked up to her.
"You see that witless guy over there? He's my friend." John asked asari. She didn't get the message outright. "Oh, did you helped him to get this deed? I need it...yeah to shut down smugglers." She replied. John pulled his pistol.
"Listen darling, I'm Commander Shepard. The Shepard. You know who I am and you know what I can do. So now, you gonna tell my friend there that he did a good job and you'll leave. Or I'll shoot the blue off your ass. Got it sunshine?" John sad through clenched teeth. Now she got it.
"I-Yes! Okay! I'll tell him that, please don't hurt me!" she blurted then talked to Verner. He beamed with pride and walked up to John.
"She said I did a good job!"
"You did. Now go back home. I'm back, you don't have to cover for me anymore."
"Uh- Yeah okay I will go..." Conrad left and John only sighed. He really wanted to say that he was too old for this...
Once he got back to the bar he saw Tali and Max talking with bartender and Miranda was absent.
"Logan! Sit with us! let out some steam, by Void you need it." Max waved at him. Asari poured some amber liquid in glass and gave it to Shepard.
"Thanks for taking care of this kid. Saved me from beating him with his own spine. That makes clients nervous" bartender spoke sounding bored to death. Max snorted. "Anyway welcome to Eternity Bar. I'm Aethyta a matriarch and a bartender."
John jerked his head up. "Matriarch? You mean thousands years of wise counsel and everything and you serve drinks?" Asari only scowled.
"Yup. Nobody wanted hear my ideas so to hell with them, here I'm useful and always have something to say. I've done a lot, dancer, mercenary, matriarch, even had a pureblood daughter...I was the 'father' so to speak so not much of family" Aethyta shrugged. "Mother fought in krogan rebellions while my krogan father fought Rachni War...Loved the war stories... But once they found about eachother history they tooked each other out leaving me alone...what a kick in a quad" She finished with krogan slur.
"That's...wow. I'm starting to like this place..." Max chuckled.
"I've seen a lot of shit in my years. Some good things happened like when you humans saved Citadel when rest was bare assed and bouncing in the breeze."
"Yeah...We know something about that..." Tali chuckled. "We were there. That's Commander Shepard" she pointed at John who tried to concetrate on drinking.
"Yeah well, kudos to you. Maybe more people will find their balls and start to do something more than fucking around..." Aethyta sighed. "That talk about genetic markers from other races are lies I have nothing krogan in me...except from the mouth maybe..." She mused.
"Commander, can I talk to you?" Miranda showed up, visibly nervous.
"Yeah..." John followed her finishing his drink.
"It sucks being so old. you can't find anybody else who remembers how quarians were cute under their suits..." bartenders rumble made Tali choke on her drink. Good she had to use a special straw in a suit or she would splatter liquid everywhere.