Mixed Messages

Liara sat quietly next to Shepard in the CRT. Her eyes were on a fixed and distant point, staring out of the window as it shuttled them towards the apartments.

Sam could tell she didn't want to talk. At least not until they were home, so she just reached over and held her hand. The blue hand squeezed back tightly, but the asari never broke her stare until they reached their destination.

Liara strode quickly from the CRT to their apartment. Shepard tried to keep pace but the Liara was surprisingly fast. She entered their home and ran straight into the bedroom and flung herself on the bed.

Sam stood in their living room, rubbing the back of her neck, not knowing quite what to do for the best. "Uh, Li... I'll be there in a minute... Just gonna get a drink, love. You want one...?" There was no answer. "Liara? Uh, I'll bring you some tea..."

Shepard clunked around in the kitchen making some asari herbal tea for them both and muttering profanities under her breath about "that stupid, good for nothin', waste of recycled air, Udina, with his stupid priorities..."

She took a deep breath before leaving the kitchen and heading for the bedroom.

...

Ashley took a seat next to Joker. She said nothing.

Joker shifted awkwardly. For the first time in his life, he was truly lost for words. Every way he considered starting, just sounded, either wrong, mean or whiney in his head.

Ashley let out a frustrated sigh.

Joker tried to break the tension "Well, this is... uncomfortable."

"Look, lets cut the crap, Jeff." Ashley said with her best stern tone as she turned to face the nervous looking pilot. "Was there something wrong with the restaurant?"

"No." Joker shook his head.

"Was there a problem with the food?" she asked.

"No." He answered, gradually looking more perplexed as the questions continued.

"Then... was there a problem with the company?" Her tone softened slightly and she winced in anticipation of Jeff's answer.

"Absolutely not." He said quickly.

She looked up at him wearing an expression of curiosity mixed with slight anger and frustration.

"So why the hell did you suddenly go all weird and then leave me at the CRT?" She queried bluntly.

"I-I was in pain... It was hard to think." Joker squirmed. "I just needed to go to the med clinic."

"Why? What happened to you?" Concern showed in her expression.

"Did something happen when I was in the bathroom? You were acting kinda weird when I came back."

"It was my leg. It, uh...broke." Joker rested his forearms on his thighs and started rubbing his hands together nervously. "…and... It happened shortly after you returned."

"Why the hell didn't you say something?" Ashley was clearly a little angry, until something in her thoughts clicked into place. "Wait a minute... You said it happened after I returned?"

"Mhm…" Joker winced expecting the anger that Liara had spoken of.

"Then I was there when it... Oh my God! It was me, wasn't it? When I tried to..." Ashley held both hands up to her mouth. "I can't believe I broke your leg... Jeff, I'm so sorry!"

"It's ok. I'm fine now. That one's a bit of a weak spot anyway." Joker smiled and rested a hand on Ashley's knee. "It's not like it was on purpose."

"No it wasn't, but that doesn't make it any less broken though..." Ashley glanced at the pilot, with remorse showing in her eyes.

"It doesn't even hurt now. The medi-gel from the clinic worked wonders." Joker tried to ease her conscience.

"But why didn't you tell me?" Asked the Chief starting to sound a little angrier. "I'd have gone with you."

"I didn't want you to feel bad... 'cause no doubt you would have, even if I assured you that it wasn't your fault." Joker tried to be reassuring.

"It was my foot that broke your leg." Ashley said bluntly. "That's about as 'my fault' as it could get."

"See, this is why I didn't tell you." Jeff smiled. "You're a good person and you take responsibility for your actions, but you can't hold yourself responsible for an accident."

"But... Ugh, OK, fine!" Ashley looked up and smiled. "I just wish you'd have said something... I thought..."

"I didn't enjoy your company?" Jeff finished her sentence for her.

"Yeah... The way you hurried through dessert, paying the bill, and when you left me at the CRT." Ashley shook her head and looked to the floor. "Well, I was left thinking the worst."

"I know. I'm sorry. I just couldn't really think straight." Joker placed a hand under her chin and lifted her gaze to meet his own. "But I am thinking straight now." He leaned in and kissed her softly on her full pink lips.

She closed her eyes and returned the kiss. They gradually parted, maintaining eye contact. "Now that's how that date should have ended." She smiled, feeling her cheeks blush as she looked at him.

"Maybe we'll try for that next time." He winked.

"How about tonight?" Ashley grinned. "You fancy going for a drink or something?"

"You're on." Jeff's smile widened. "That's assuming you promise not to break me again"

"Yeah... I'm gonna get that a lot now, aren't I? Just do me a favour..." Ashley stood and offered him a hand up. "Don't tell Shepard... She'll never let me hear the end of this."

"Uh, I won't... But, Liara already knows." Joker slowly bent down to retrieve his crutches before standing.

"Damn it." Ashley sighed. "Endless mocking, ahoy."

"Don't worry, I'll back you up." Jeff rubbed her back.

"Oh great, that's a real comfort! What you gonna do, break something at them?" Ashley stuck out her tongue.

Joker laughed. "Do that again and I'll bite it."

"Promises, promises..." The chief held his arm, gently, as they walked towards the CRT.

...

After meeting with the other members of the council, the asari returned to her office.

She sighed as she sat down, placed her elbows on the desk and rested her chin on her left fist. She was deep in thought as she stared out of the window.

Even though she had known what their response would be, the fact that she could not do anything to sway the councilors' opinions had been exceptionally difficult for her to accept.

She had raised Matriarch Benezia's case with the council, defended her actions; explained how out of character it had been and that she was obviously under the influence of some external factor.

The turian had been the most vocally resistant as usual, while the salarian added his logic to the turian's argument.

The asari also tried to use Commander Shepard's report of the Matriarch's change in character on Noveria as evidence. The newly appointed human had even tried to add weight to the three witnesses' testimonies by vouching for their reliability, but the turian's and salarian's views would not be changed.

Protocol dictated that a unanimous verdict must be reached in all cases. This proved very difficult between the four Councilors and the argument raged on until the early hours of the morning.

Eventually she'd had to concede that the evidence was weak at best, but explained that she'd felt it her duty to fight for the honour of an old and dear friend.

Anderson also could not deny the logic of the other councilors' argument, but he did manage to get them admit that the Matriarch had acted very much out of character based on what they knew from her records and that there must have been something influencing her.

The final verdict was that, whilst her feelings for Saren may have clouded her judgment, Matriarch Benezia's actions clearly made her a traitor and, as far as the official records go, she would be labeled as one.

The council disbanded and she went straight back to her office to begin writing a message to Dr T'Soni with details of the verdict. It was a hard message to write, and even harder to send. In fact she couldn't bring herself to do it. She knew the young asari would be mortified. Also, if she got the human Spectre involved, there could be dire consequences.

The councilor knew full well that both would strive for justice, no matter what it took. Shepard's resolve was clearly very strong based on her actions when her ship was grounded; and as for Liara, if she was anything like her mother, she would not give up or let it go that easily.

Then she had a sudden clarity of thought. Maybe there was something else she could do. It would certainly be risky and if her involvement was ever uncovered. She could be stricken from the council, but this needed to be done. She owed it to them both, to at least try. No matter the consequences.

She tapped at the holo-display's comm controls.

"Yes, Councilor?" A voice came through the comm.

"Please come in here, Dysala." The councilor requested

A few moments later, upon entering, Dysala said. "You wanted to see me, councilor?" She strode towards the desk with a strong air of confidence. She was dressed in dark blue armor, had a pistol holstered on her right hip and an assault rifle strapped to her back. To anyone other than the councilor, her presence would have been intimidating, but this commando had been bodyguard to her for the majority of her time as the asari representative. She had even earned the distinctive dark blue facial scar whilst in her service. The scar, which stretched from her right eyebrow markings, up to the middle of the second ridge, was quite unnerving to look upon, but the commando wore it with pride. It was a mark of her dedication to her employer.

"Yes. Please, take a seat." She gestured to a chair in front of her desk. The commando stood at military rest beside it.

As her bodyguard, it was Dysala's job to see when something was bothering the councilor and she had worked for her long enough to be able to read her mannerisms at a glance. She could see quite clearly that the councilor was anxious about something.

"I have a very urgent and important task for you. It is something that no-one else can ever know about..." The councilor's face was deadly serious. "And it will mean that you will no longer be able to continue your role as my bodyguard."

"I don't understand, councilor." The Commando queried. "Have I done something wrong?"

"On the contrary, Dysala." The councilor stood and approached the commando. "I feel you are the only one I can trust for this task. Over the decades you have served me, you have become one of the few people I would consider a true friend. This task is something I do not ask of you lightly. You will have to sacrifice your job and risk your life to complete it."

"You can trust me, councilor. I will not let you down." Dysala bowed her head respectfully.

"I know I can. I need to get a message to an asari who I believe, according to Spectre Shepard's reports, is currently assisting the human colony of Zhu's Hope on Feros" The councilor said with renewed determination. "I need you to deliver the message in person. I don't trust it to travel through even our most secure comm channels. And most importantly, no one can ever know of my involvement."

"Of course, councilor." Dysala nodded again. "What is the message, and who is the recipient?"

"It is not as simple as that. I can't just tell you. You need to understand the reasons, the situations and the need for absolute secrecy." The councilor said awkwardly, like she was uncomfortable with the situation she was facing.

"But, how am I supposed to deliver this message which I do not, myself, possess?" The commando was confused. She was used to following orders and thinking tactically, not having to unravel cryptic clues.

"Join with me and all will be explained." The councilor rested her hands on the Commando's shoulders.

"But Councilor?" Dysala looked shocked. "I…"

"It's ok, Dysala. You are indeed a dear friend, but I am not requesting a joining for any other reason than to share information." The Councilor reassured.

The Commander gave a shy nod of acceptance.

"Embrace Eternity…" the older asari whispered softly. Both sets of eyes turned solid black as the message was conveyed along with the related information, which fully explained the Councilor's ultimate motive.

As the pair ceased their joining, they rested their foreheads together. Dysala had tears rolling down her cheeks. "Understood, councilor." She stepped backwards, bowing her head. "I will deliver your message at all costs."

"Thank you, Dysala. I would trust no other." The older asari smiled and returned the bow. "Now get out of my sight! I never want to see your face again! I can't believe you would use you position as my bodyguard to try to seduce me like that!" She shouted in her best angry tone. "You are fired, Dysala!"

"I am sorry councilor. I see my feelings were misplaced." She opened the door to the office. "I will clear out my desk immediately. You will not see me again." She said sadly. As she turned to leave she nearly fell over a volus who had obviously been listening in on their argument.

"Pardon me." He stuttered as she bumped into him.

"Sorry." She said through her sobs, then ran off down the corridor.

Whilst their argument was not genuine, her tears were, because she knew that she could never return to the councilor again, even after her mission was complete.

"I will not let her down." She thought to herself. "I cannot fail. This is too important."

The Councilor sighed as the door closed. "Safe journey, dear friend." She whispered as she returned to her desk.

...

Liara was face down on the bed, sobbing her heart out into a pillow. Even she was surprised how much of an effect this had all had on her. Especially since Benezia had not even been an active part of her life for many years.

She heard Sam enter the room, and put a tray down on the bedside cabinet. "Liara, love? What's wrong?" Shepard asked softly and placed a hand on the asari's left shoulder, using it to turn her over.

As Liara rolled onto her back, Sam saw the tear soaked pillow, and the puffiness of Liara's eyes. She extended her arm and rested her right hand on a blue cheek and gently rubbed under Liara's eye with her thumb.

Liara looked up at her woefully. She tried to speak, but no words would leave her mouth and she just began sobbing again.

"Shhhh, don't try to speak." Shepard shuffled round to a sitting position, resting against the dark blue fabric of the headboard. She dragged the asari up towards her, feeling Liara's arms grip her tightly round the waist and her tearful head rest gently on her chest.

Sam embraced her, gently stroking her windswept crest with one hand, rubbing her arm with the other and offering words of comfort. She still had no idea what exactly had happened, but this still wasn't the time to ask for the details. Liara simply needed her support right now.

Sam leaned her head back on the plush headboard, thoughts of Alenko, Udina, Anderson, Ashley, whizzed around in her mind. 'Hmmm, hope Ash is alright. Wonder what he had to say for himself?' She thought to herself. She noticed Liara's breathing had slowed and assumed she'd fallen asleep, so she decided she would have a little nap too.

...

"Right. That's it!" Tali said standing triumphantly, next to the kitchen table, with hands on hips.

"I can't believe we did it all in a kitchen!" Garrus sounded proud of their accomplishment.

"I know, but if Shepard says the Normandy is out of bounds, you don't argue... Well, I did argue and failed miserably, so..." Tali rambled still stood hands on hips.

"Don't know about you, but I'm starving." Garrus looked around the kitchen.

"Yes, I am actually. I think we've earned a night off." Tali sounded as if she was smiling. "Come on. I'll treat you to a meal or something."

"Oh, okay. After you then." Garrus stopped, let her pass. He was wearing a big turian grin "It's a date!"

"No, Garrus." Tali shook her head, chuckling as she passed him. "It's really not."

The turian shrugged and followed her out of the front door.

...

Shepard stirred as Liara rolled onto her back in her sleep. The young asari was clearly exhausted, never waking as Shepard rose.

Sam sat up on the edge of the bed, stretched, yawned and rubbed her eyes. It seemed that nap had turned into a full nights sleep and it was now mid morning.

She left the bedroom and headed for the comm unit to see if there were any messages. There was. Just one. From Hannah Shepard. Sam sighed and sat on the couch. She couldn't deal with that now.

Liara appeared at the bedroom door rubbing her swollen eyes. "Sam? Why did you let me sleep so long?"

"I only just woke up myself." Sam smiled. "Guess we must have been pretty tired."

"Any messages?" She yawned, gesturing towards the comm.

"Yeah, just one from my Mom." Shepard looked worried. "I'll call her later... I probably need to explain some stuff to her."

Liara asked. "Nothing for me then?"

"You expecting something?" Shepard puzzled.

"Yes. From the asari councilor." Liara looked to the floor.

"So that's who you were seeing at the Embassy." Sam walked over to her.

"'Yes. I had some unfinished business," Liara stepped forward and embraced the human tightly. "…regarding Benezia."

"Oh…" Sam felt her rest against her shoulder. "Er… did you get everything sorted out?"

"Not even close." Liara sounded tearful again.

"Shhhh. It's okay." Shepard kissed the side of her crest and felt the young asari nuzzle into her neck.

"I-I just wanted to clear her name..." Shepard could barely hear Liara's words through the sobs.

"What did the Councilor say?" Sam asked, her voice soft and concerned.

"She explained why Benezia would probably always be branded a traitor." Liara stood straight and sniffed to try to clear her tears.

"But she wasn't." Sam looked outraged. "She was indoctrinated."

"We are the only ones who believe that. To witness her taking back control, if only briefly, to help us." Liara's hand rested on the side of Sam's cheek. "And if they admit the indoctrination is real, they would also have to admit that Sovereign was more than a just ship, captained by a charismatic turian Spectre."

"What?" Sam was furious, but realised this wasn't the time to get into this. Her voice softened again. "So what's happening about your Mother?"

Sam's expression slowly saddened as Liara explained how the conversation with the Councilor had gone.

Sam could feel Liara's body shaking in her arms. "If the councilor can't do something, then there is nothing that can be done. There's no use. Benezia did so much good."

Sam softly kissed her forehead. She knew that Liara needed help to get through this, not firing up to turn it into some kind of futile crusade, so she tried to find the silver lining. "Hey, there are a lot of people out there who won't believe she was acting under her own volition."

"But the official records…" Liara sniffled.

"Look, I know this isn't the outcome you wanted, but the fact that she influenced so many people in her life, means that it doesn't matter what some stupid records say. The real record is in those people… and in you." Sam guided her to sit down on the couch and sat rubbing her back gently as she spoke. "She was a good person, Liara. Her life had a vastly greater positive effect on the galaxy than the negative one she had in the last few months of her life."

Liara looked up and smiled. "You are probably right. It's just hard to accept when I know the truth."

"The truth will come out, one day." Sam wiped a tear from Liara's cheek. "You gonna be alright?"

"I will be." Liara pressed her lips firmly against Sam's. "And for the time being, until the truth comes to light, I would best honour her by remembering the good she did."

"Good." Sam squeezed her thigh gently. "So what's next?"

"Well, I still need to hear from the councilor. Not that I'm getting my hopes up…" Liara smiled. "And you need to call your Mother."

"Hmm, maybe." Shepard stood up and headed over to the comm unit.

She played the message she received earlier and sat back down on the couch, head in her hands as she listened to her mother's voice.

"Well that's just typical of you, Samantha. My daughter is the 'Saviour of the Citadel' and I have to find out about it on the news! Call me!"

Sam slumped back in her seat and stared at the ceiling.

"Are you not going to call her, as she asks, Samantha?" Liara asked, eyes still a little swollen and puffy.

"I don't think I'm ready yet..." Sam glanced at Liara, then back to the comm. "Maybe later. I think it's gonna be a tough conversation."

"Oh?" Liara seemed confused. "Surely she just wants to find out if you are alright and tell you she's proud of you. You were nearly killed, remember?"

"Ha! There's no way it'll just stay on that... It always ends up with her asking about... Other stuff..." Shepard laughed. "and it's the 'other stuff' that bothers me more than explaining the nearly dying part."

"But why? She's your Mother..." Liara approached Sam. "Surely..."

Liaras words were interrupted by the comm chirping.

Sam sighed and went to answer it, checking the ID of the incoming call before she accepted. "Hi Mom" Her tone was less than enthusiastic

"Samantha? Why didn't you return my call?" Hannah asked.

"I was just about to... It's been kinda busy here." Sam answered.

"So I hear... You're quite the hero, it seems." The elder Shepard said matter-of-factly.

"Just doing my job. You know how it is." Sam sighed.

"You could be a little more enthusiastic - you saved the whole Citadel from that rogue Spectre! Your Father is on duty, but he says he's very proud of you." Hannah added "And so am I."

"Thanks Mom." Sam rolled her eyes as she spoke, making Liara giggle.

"Sorry, do you have company? Is this a bad time?" Hannah enquired.

"Nah, we were just having a nice quiet evening at home." Sam winced slightly at the impending can-of-worms.

"Ah yes. When I called to get your contact details, Captain Anderson informed me you'd bought property on the Citadel." Hannah either didn't notice the 'we', or she wasn't biting. "Even he was surprised I hadn't heard from you already."

"I'm sorry, Mom. I've just had things to do... Liara and I have been busy settling in to our new home." Sam really winced this time as she pushed the point making it unmistakably clear.

There was silence on the other end of the comm for a few seconds. "I didn't realise you were seeing anyone..." Hannah's tone sounded concerned. "Let alone living with someone. Must be serious."

Sam took a deep breath "Yes... It is. Very." She smiled softly at Liara.

"Liara you say? I've heard that name on the news too… Isn't that the asari who was part of your crew?" Hannah pushed.

"Ok Mom, here come some answers for you; Yes, she is an asari called Dr Liara T'Soni. She is part of my crew. She was in my squad for our final battle against Saren, so she is as much the 'Saviour of the Citadel' as I am." Sam smiled as Liara looked embarrassed and glanced away.

"I see. And how long have you been… together?" Hannah asked. Her tone was curious but firm.

"Uh, well we met during my last mission. But we've only been 'together' for about a week." Sam cringed as she realized how sudden this all would seem to anyone who couldn't see them together, couldn't see how much they loved each other and how right they were together.

"And you are already living together?" The older Shepard asked, her voice gradually softening as the conversation drew on.

"Well, yes… and before you say it, no, I don't think I'm rushing into this." Sam said firmly "I love her. Very much."

There was laughter coming from the comm. "Well it's about time you got an 'outside interest', Sam! And she sounds impressive too, though I guess she'd have to be to compete with your work."

"Oh… yes… well, maybe I finally took note of the fact that you end every conversation with 'All work and no play, makes Sam a lonely old lady." Shepard grinned then cautiously asked. "So you're ok with this then."

"Of course. And since when did my opinion ever matter about anything? If she makes you happy, she's fine by me." Hannah sounded genuinely pleased. "I can't wait to meet her. She must really be something if she's prepared to take you on."

"Shhh, she doesn't really know what she's getting into yet!" Sam laughed, "You can say hi now if you like..." She said with a nod for Liara to approach the comm.

"Good Evening, Staff Commander Shepard," Liara said softly. "it is a pleasure to speak to you."

"Oh, please dear. My daughter says she loves you; I think you can call me Hannah." The elder Shepard offered.

"I am honored, Hannah." Liara seemed to blush slightly, much to Sam's amusement. "And if I may say... I love your daughter equally."

"Glad to hear it." Hannah sounded like she was smiling. "So... this opens up a few avenues I previously thought closed."

"What's that supposed to mean…?" Sam shook her head and pinched the bridge of her nose.

"Well I always knew you… played for the other team. Not that you ever actually told me. Or brought any girlfriends home or anything," Hannah replied "and what with you being an only child and all…"

"Is this going where I think it's going?" Sam braced herself.

"Well, your father and I had given up all hope of ever being grandparents!" Hannah was laughing slightly as she spoke.

"MOM!" Shepard stood and started pacing uncomfortably, crunching her knuckles with every step.

Hannah burst out laughing at her daughter's reaction. "Well, you know... I thought you were the end of the line. Now maybe that's not the case."

"She is correct. The Shepard line could live on for centuries if we…" Liara smirked

"LIARA?!" Shepard looked shocked at the asari.

There was raucous laughter coming from the comm unit.

"Well, it isn't out of the question, Sam." Liara grinned widely at the shell shocked woman stood in front of her. "You may one day be a parent..."

"We'll talk about this later." Sam glared, with a smile to soften the edges.

"Pssst... Sam... I like her!" Her mother's voice came from the comm in a loud whisper. "Anyone who can make you squirm so much I can hear it over a comm link, definitely gets my approval."

"Yeah, that's great. I'm so glad you two get along so well already!" Sam muttered, folding her arms in a slight sulk at being picked on by both her lover and her mother.

"I look forward to meeting you in person, Liara." Hannah said cheerfully.

"And I, you." The Asari replied, wearing a huge smile.

"Sam, I think it's best if I talk to your Father about this, OK?" The elder Shepard suggested.

"Yeah, I was kinda hoping you were gonna say that. Thanks, Mom." Sam smiled. "I don't know when we'll have shore leave again, but I'll try to come see you when I do."

"Well, be sure to bring my new daughter-in-law with you." Hannah laughed.

"But she's not… we're not… oh, forget it… Yes, I will." Sam sat down, rubbing her temples in a vain attempt to ward off the impending stress headache.

"Good, that's settled then. Now, I have to go, my shift is about to start." Hannah still sounded like she was smiling. "I'll no doubt be seeing you soon enough, Liara."

"I hope so. Fare well, Hannah." Liara nodded in the direction of the comm.

"And Sam?" Hannah added. "I'll be sure to tell your father that the prospect of grandkids is back on!"

"Ok, Mom... whatever." Sam sighed and shook her head. "Take care. Love to Dad."

"Hey, Liara, that wasn't a no!" Hannah teased further. "Be sure to keep in touch, both of you. Goodbye for now."

The comm chirped as Sam ended the call. She looked exhausted. "Well, that coulda gone worse, I guess."

"She seems very nice." Liara smiled.

"Yeah... She clearly likes the sound of you too." Sam wrapped her arms round Liara's waist and rested their foreheads together.

"Yes. She was very open to some ideas others may be reluctant to accept." The young asari looked at the floor.

"Hmmm, Dad's gonna be harder to convince, but if anyone can do it, Hannah Shepard can." Shepard sighed. "I'm so glad that's over, though."

Liara locked her arms behind Sam's neck. "Well, it was a most interesting conversation… especially since we seem to have provided a solution to the termination of the Shepard line."

"Yeah well, just you two hold off on the family planning or I'll end up a 'Dad' before the year's out!" Samantha laughed nervously.

"Does the idea scare you?" Liara asked with a glint of mischief in her eye.

"Scare me? That terrifies me more than the impending Reaper attack!" She smiled, rubbed their noses together and softly kissed the Asari's lips. "But I know, one day... When the Galaxy is safe and we do decide to have kids... it'll all be fine, 'cause you'll be right by my side!"

"Always." Liara smiled and returned Sam's kiss. "I love you, Samantha."

"I love you too." Sam said as she squeezed her tightly.

"So what shall we name our first born?" Liara teased, wearing a big grin.

"Don't start!" Shepard cast Liara a libidinous look. "Besides, I think I need to spend more time 'practicing'... How 'bout it?"

Liara took her hands and led her towards the bedroom. "Now there's an offer..."

"...you absolutely can't refuse..." Sam smirked as she finished Liara's sentence and followed her through the door to their room.

Just as Shepard was about to close their bedroom door, the front door's chime sounded.

"Argh! Why do people have such awful timing?" Shepard sulked. "I'd best get that though... It could be Ash back after speaking to Joker."

"Oh, yes. She may need comforting." Liara remembered she hadn't yet told Sam what had happened. Maybe Ashley would tell her herself now.

Shepard opened the door, but what greeted her, was not what she expected.

A/N: There's somebody at the door… there's somebody at the door… (for those of you who remember Rod Hull and Emu…)

Anyway, so I invented my first ever proper original character! I may write a one-shot featuring Dysala's journey to deliver the message, and then Shiala's mission… not quite sure yet! Any views, advice or guidance on this would be very much appreciated… this is all new territory to me!

Thanks for reading. If you're enjoying this, please please review. :)

Starr