Expect the unexpected

Shepard opened the door to have an Assault rifle shoved in her face.

Without any conscious thought what-so-ever, her instincts took over. She spun around to the side of her assailant, out of the line of the rifle's barrel, and in the same swift movement, brought her left elbow up to make contact with the side of his face. As he staggered, she swiped his legs out from underneath him with her left foot, grabbed his gun as his arms flailed wildly, and gave him a swift shove in the middle of his armoured back to help him on his way to the ground. She then knelt on him as he hit the hard floor and quickly restrained his hands.

"What the...?" Total shock was evident in the turian C-Sec officer's voice. The Spectre's weight was pinning him to the floor and his own rifle was now pressing against his cheek.

"Who are you and what are you doing here?" Sam shouted fiercely.

"I'm with C-Sec..." The turian was shaking with terror "I-I was just going to check your home was secure!"

"What? Why?" Shepard slowly got to her feet, keeping her eyes and the rifle trained on her attacker.

Then she heard the laughter. She looked up to see the asari Councilor shaking her head as she approached the scene, accompanied by a human C-Sec officer who was now clapping as well as laughing. "That was awesome!"

"I am sorry, Commander Shepard." The asari bowed her head in both apology and greeting. "These are not my usual guards... I am as shocked as you."

"Yeah, sorry about that, Commander. He's a newbie." The human C-Sec officer added with a grin. He seemed to be finding the whole thing much more amusing than Shepard was. "I think he got a bit over-excited... This is his first 'guard and protect' assignment."

"What the hell were you thinking?" Sam asked the decked officer as she lowered the rifle. "Why did you point your weapon at me?"

"I just went on ahead to make sure the area, and it's occupants, weren't a security risk for the Councilor." the turian scowled at her, rubbing his cheek as he got back to his feet. "Or at least that was my plan."

"Yeah... Way to 'secure the area'..." The human officer mocked. "Guess you'll think twice before doing it that way again, huh?"

"Sam? What's keeping you?" Liara asked as she neared the door. She looked most perplexed at the sight that greeted her. "By the Goddess...?"

"It's okay... It's sorted." Shepard said handing the turian his rifle back with a nod. "Just a simple misunderstanding."

The turian glared at the other officer as he took his place on the other side of the frowning Councilor.

"Councilor? What brings you here?" Liara asked on noticing the elder asari's presence.

"I needed to see you in person, Dr T'Soni." She spoke softly and turned her gaze towards the Spectre. "May I enter your home, please?"

"Uh, yeah... Of course." Shepard gestured for her to enter.

"Thank you." The Councilor bowed her head as she passed. "You should both wait out here." She said to her guards.

"Yes Ma'am" The human officer said. Both officers took position on either side of the door as it closed.

...

Joker yawned as he hobbled on his crutches out of Ashley's bedroom. He wasn't looking where he was going and almost walked straight into Tali as she left her room.

"Joker?" Tali was surprised to see him. "What are you doing here?"

Joker was shocked from his yawn and opened his eyes to see the quarian stood in front of him with folded arms. He just knew that the expression she wore under that mask was a perturbed one.

"Ah, uh... Morning, Tali" He gave a sheepish grin.

She tried to see past him into the room to check the Chief was alright, but Joker closed the door behind him. "I can only assume you and Ashley have reconciled your differences then?" Her tone was quite stern.

"Uh... Yeah…" Joker hesitated as he realised what this scene must have looked like to the quarian. "Wait... We didn't... I mean, she..."

"I slept on the couch, Tali." Ashley's voice came from the living room.

"Ashley?" Tali took a couple of steps further from her door to see the chief peering over the back of the sofa.

"Honestly, Tali... What do you take me for?" Ash grinned.

"Oh, I-I didn't mean to imply..." Tali stuttered.

"It wouldn't really have been right to make Jeff sleep on here, in his condition, would it?" She winked at Joker who gave a wide smile.

"Nah, that wouldn't have done my leg any good at all!" He laughed.

"Don't start... You promised!" Ashley stood, stretched and walked towards them both.

"I only said I wouldn't tell Shepard." Joker said cockily.

"Wouldn't tell her what?" Tali looked from Ashley to Joker, and back again. "I have no idea what either of you are talking about"

"Well, you see..." Joker was just about to start explaining but was interrupted.

"Jeff, shut up or, I swear, next time it won't be an accident!" Ash warned.

"Well, whatever's going on, it's good to see you're both still talking." Tali patted both their shoulders and walked away. "Just don't make too much noise out here... You'll wake Garrus"

"What?" Ashley peered cautiously into Tali's room to see the turian sprawled out on the bed like a big blue and grey starfish. She looked at Joker who started giggling at the chief's stunned expression.

"Well... I didn't see that one coming!" he smirked.

...

"I had heard good things about these apartments." The asari Councilor looked around as she entered. "This is a very nice living space indeed."

"Thanks" Sam nodded. "We've only been here a few days, but it already kinda feels like home."

"Please, take a seat." Liara gestured towards the sofa. "Would you like some tea, councilor?"

"Oh, yes please." The councilor straightened her dress and sat down on the comfy sofa.

"I'll make it, Li." Shepard touched her arm and gave it a gentle reassuring squeeze. "You two sit and talk."

Liara smiled. "Thank you, Sam." She took a seat in the chair opposite. "I thought you were just going to message me. I was not expecting a visit..."

"I felt the situation justified it." The Councilor looked solemnly at the floor.

"The verdict was not good, was it?" Liara sighed.

"I'm afraid not." The councilor sighed. "Both Councilor Anderson and I put forward good arguments, but as I warned you, the evidence was not strong enough."

Shepard heard the last part as she walked back in with a tray. "But we saw it... We saw her change..." Her words drifted off as Liara raised her hand to hush the Spectre.

"It's ok, Sam." Liara's eyes held such sadness in them, but she smiled gently anyway.

Sam looked puzzled. "But it's not..."

"I know the Councilor will have done all she could to persuade the others." Liara bowed her head in the direction of the elder Asari.

"I promise you, I did." The councilor said sincerely. "But there is something else I can do... That is why I needed to see you."

"Oh?" Liara frowned. "What do you mean?"

…

"Tali?" Ash was stunned and followed after the quarian. "I know you and Garrus have been spending a lot of time together recently, but…"

"Chief… what do you take me for?" Tali laughed mockingly "It was late, he was a little inebriated, and we were closer to here than his place, so I said he could sleep in my bed, since I use my pod."

"Ohhhh… right." Ashley looked quite relieved. "Still, you had a night out on the town with our turian friend, eh?"

"We just went to flux, played some quasar and talked." Tali explained. "Then he ranted about C-Sec for a few hours while he drank…"

"Nice little date then… sounds fun." Ashley laughed.

"It was never a date, but as for fun?... Well…" Tali clarified. "Then he decided he wanted to dance and got himself thrown out after being slapped by one of the other patrons, for trying to 'sexy-dance' with her even though she repeatly stated she was not interested."

Ash's jaw dropped in amazement. "Well, you think you know someone, huh?"

"Oh, come on Ash. You can see he must be a real mover on the dance floor… just look at those hips!" Jeff mocked. "…and he's clearly a real smoothie when it comes to the ladies!"

Joker was still laughing as he looked out of the front window, until he noticed something. "Uh, how long has the Commander had an armed guard outside her door?"

…

The elder asari fidgeted slightly in her seat as she began her explanation. "I have sent my most trusted bodyguard to recruit an asari who I know will want to help retrieve your mother's body." The Councilor held a serious look on her face. "I believe you met her on Feros."

"Shiala?" Sam asked. "Why would she want to help? Benezia betrayed her and gave her over to the Thorian."

"Shiala was one of my mother's acolytes for many centuries. Also she experienced the effects of indoctrination, first hand. She knows more than anyone that Benezia was not in control of her actions." Liara explained. "She will want to help."

"My bodyguard, Dysala will contact you when Benezia's remains have been taken back to Thessia." Informed the councilor. "There, she will receive a traditional ceremony. It's the least she deserves."

"Um… Didn't the other councilors object to this idea?" Sam asked, now frowning herself.

"They do not know. And they must never know of my involvement." The asari warned. "The information I give you tonight can never leave this room."

"Wait, wait… But if it's your bodyguard who is doing this, doesn't that look a little suspicious." Sam pointed out.

"Not since she was recently removed from her duties, for trying to use her position to seduce me." She winked.

"Ah… nice!" Sam was impressed. "Pretty devious… but nice!"

"I have hopefully thought of all possibilities and potential threats and I have transferred funds to Dysala's account, under the guise of a redundancy settlement to cover the expense of this mission." The Councilor added. "However, because I cannot be linked in any way to this, as much as it saddens me, I will not be able to attend the ceremony… but please know, I will always be here to support you."

"Understood, Councilor." Liara said solemnly.

The councilor stood suddenly. "I should be going now. Many thanks for your hospitality."

"You are most welcome." Liara smiled softly and stood also. "Thank you so much for everything you have done."

She was surprised to receive an embrace from the elder asari as she passed. "It is an honour, Liara"

Liara just nodded respectfully as they parted, and sat down in her chair, slightly stunned at the councilor's actions.

"I'll see you out." Sam said and led the Councilor to the door.

As the Asari reached the exit, Shepard blocked the door and eyed the Councilor with suspicion. "Look, it's not that I don't appreciate what you're doing for Li… but I don't understand why." She said in a hushed tone so Liara couldn't hear. "If you were caught, you have a lot to lose… so what do you gain out of taking this risk?"

"Firstly, if I have done it all correctly, it is not a risk. However if anyone does manage to make a connection to me, I will deny all knowledge of the mission." The asari said matter-of-factly

"…and secondly?" Sam pushed.

"I get to fulfill a promise made long ago, whilst ensuring that someone I cared about receives what they rightfully deserve." There was an air of sadness and sincerity in her voice.

"I think I understand. I am trying to do the same for someone I cared about too." Shepard nodded. "Its like you owe it to them to make sure they are remembered for what they were."

"Exactly." The councilor smiled softly and placed a hand upon Sam's shoulder. "You are an honorable woman, Commander. Liara is very lucky to have someone like you. Love her. Keep her safe. Make sure she is happy."

"I will. I promise." Sam stated honestly as she opened the door. "I would die before I ever let Liara come to harm."

The elder asari could see the honesty of the Comander's words, in her eyes.

"You know, Shepard... although they had their differences; happiness was all Benezia ever wanted for her daughter..." The Councilor added as she left the apartment. "...and I am certain she would have been very pleased with Liara's choice in bond-mate."

Shepard blushed slightly and bowed her head to show her respect. "Thanks Councilor... for everything."

The guards immediately took their positions at the Councilor's side. Shepard watched as they led the Asari away from the building.

...

"Ok, theres something happening." Joker informed.

"Wow... Excellent powers of deduction Joker." Ash shook her head.

"I was just saying." He defended with a frown.

"Move over, Chief, I cannot see." Tali poked Ashley in the ribs.

"Hey watch it..." Ash said as she moved over.

Garrus appeared in the doorway of Tali's room. "W-what happened?" He cringed. "Ohhhhh, my head...!"

A chorus of "Shhh!" from the trio was the sound he was greeted with.

"What?" Garrus staggered over.

"Is... Is that the Asari Councilor?" Ashley asked.

"How would I know?" Jeff answered. "I've only ever seen her on vids."

"I think it is..." Tali added her view. "It certainly looks like her."

"How can you tell...?" Jeff laughed. "They all look the same."

He just received a smirk from Ashley, and possibly a glare from Tali, but who'd know. They retured their concentration back outside again.

"Well, if it is, I guess that would explain the guard." Ashley summized. "Look, the Skipper's there too now."

The three at the window all watched as the Commander saw the Asari off.

"What's going on?" Garrus asked again only to receive another chorus of "Shhhh."

"Ok, that was weird." Ash frowned. "Why would the Councilor pay a visit in person?"

"Maybe she wanted to say thanks for saving her butt?" Joker smiled.

Ash raised an eyebrow.

"She's thanking the wrong person though…" Jeff muttered under his breath, but Ash still heard and shook her head.

"Is someone going to explain what's going on?" Garrus asked again. "And tell me why my head feels like its been sat on by an elcor."

"Over to you Tali." Joker laughed. "But you mean you don't remember the 'sexy dancin'?"

"The 'sexy dancin'? Who... Wait..." An increasingly horrified expression crept over his face. "Oh no..."

"I'm araid so..." Tali chuckled.

Garrus walked into the kitchen and sat at the table which was still covered by scraps of metal and circuit boards. He held his aching head in his hands.

Ashley looked at the pitiful sight and said to Tali. "I think he probably needs some fluids." The quarian nodded and headed to the kitchen.

Joker turned his gaze to the Chief and smiled. "I guess i'd better be going."

"What? You're not staying for breakfast?" Ash smirked.

"Nah, I think we missed breakfast anyway." He laughed. "Thanks for last night though... I don't think I've stayed up talking that late... ever."

"Me either." Ash smiled and pecked him on the cheek. "You ok to see yourself home?"

"Oh, ha ha..." Joker shook his head and grabbed her by the waist pulling her in for a passion filled kiss.

Ash swooned as they parted. "Oh... Uh... Right..." She started grinning uncontrollably.

The pilot just smirked and hobbled to the door. "There's more where that came from." He winked. "You know where i'll be"

Ash nodded. "At Choras Den, ogling the dancers?" she joked.

"I'm shocked." He held his hand to his chest. "I only have eyes for one woman these days..." He pointed at Ashley.

"That is the corniest thing i've ever heard." Ash blushed. "But thanks."

Joker saluted and left the apartment laughing to himself.

Ash peeked round the kitchen door to see Garrus with his head on the table, mandibles flaring, while Tali reminded him of every detail of the previous night's events.

"I'm gonna go next-door and see what that was all about." The chief interrupted. "I need to see Sam anyway, and I might go for a run, so I'll see you later."

"Ok, chief." Tali nodded. "I'll be teasing Garrus for a good few hours yet."

Garrus groaned.

"Keep up the good work!" Ash laughed and headed next door.

...

Sam closed the door and walked back into the living room. Liara was still sat in the chair. She seemed a little shell-shocked by the whole ordeal.

Sam knelt down in front of her, wrapped her arms around her and held her tightly. "You alright, love?"

"I-I am fine." Liara squeezed back. "I was just not expecting that."

"Yeah, I know what you mean. But it's good, right? I mean it doesn't clear Benezia's name, but at least it's something." Sam sat back on her heels, keeping her eyes fixed on Liara's.

"Yes. And those who knew her well will be able to pay their respects." Liara smiled. "It is as good as can be done for now." She leaned forward and planted a big kiss on Sam's lips.

"Hey, she didn't drink her tea…" Sam laughed noticing the full cup still on the tray.

"Me either…" Liara pointed to hers. She sat up straight and visibly shook herself. "Anyway. There is not much we can do now til we hear from Dysala."

"Yeah, but its probably going to take them a while before they even find her, let alone get her back to Thessia." Sam's brow furrowed. "I'll be on my next mission way before then."

Liara smiled and rubbed Sam's worry lines with her thumb. "So, when will you be speaking to Captain Anderson to get your orders?"

"Tomorrow, I think." Sam sighed. "Which means we only really have one day left."

"My, this time has gone quickly." Liara added. "We'll soon be roaming the Galaxy again."

"Liara… you do know that it's not a certainty that I'll be able to keep my crew?" Sam looked worried.

"I knew the crew was just for the mission." The asari frowned. "But surely, after all this, all that you've done, you will have a say?"

"Well, I'd hope so…" Sam pushed her self up to her feet. "I guess theres no use speculating though. I'll just have to wait and see how much of an argument I have to put up." She smirked and took Liaras hands to help her stand.

"We best make the most of the little time we are certain we have left together." Liara stood and wrapped her arms around Shepard's neck.

Sam kissed her lover and then rested their foreheads together. "I couldn't agree more" she grinned.

There was a knock at the door. "Oh for crying out loud!" Sam shouted. "Go away!"

"Is everything ok, Skipper?" Ashley's voice came from the other side of the door. "We saw the guards."

Sam whispered to Liara. "Great apartment, shame about the neighbours."

"Skipper?" Ash knocked again.

"Everything's fine Ash." Sam said as she opened the door.

"Was that the Asari Councilor too?" Ashley looked past Sam to see Liara still looking a little pale. "Are you both ok...?"

"Yes it was, and the guards were her escorts." Sam explained. "She had some bad news for Liara and wanted to deliver it in person. It's alright though... It was expected. We're fine."

"Uh... Ok... Good." The Chief still looked suspicious.

"You wanna come in, or are you just gonna lurk in the doorway?" Sam asked.

Actually, I was wondering if maybe you fancied that run you said about?" She then leaned in and whispered. "I could use a bit of 'girl talk' time."

Sam turned to Liara, mixed expressions on her face. "But we..."

"Go on, enjoy yourself." Liara giggled. "I think I need a little time to reflect and meditate, anyway."

"You're sure?" Sam asked. "I won't go if you need me."

"It's really fine." Liara walked over and kissed the Commander then whispered in her ear. "By looks of it Ashley needs you more right now."

Sam looked puzzled as she pulled away. Liara nodded at the fact that the chief was sporting quite a worried expression.

Sam smiled and headded off to the bedroom saying. "OK Ash, just let me change and i'll be with you."

Ash stepped through the door and said in a hushed voice to Liara "Hey... Uh, don't suppose theres any chance you didn't tell Sam what I did to Joker?"

"Actually, I hadn't yet... Why?" Liara smirked.

"Oh, please don't." Ash was almost begging.

"I can say I will not tell her..." The Asari offered.

Ash looked positively ecstatic. "Oh thanks, Li"

"...but there are no secrets between bond-mates." She laughed. "Sam will find out."

"Ok... Promise never to... Y'know, again?" Ashley knew it was futile and her desperation just made Liara laugh even more.

"Not that I would eveer want to, chief." Liara said with a smug grin. "But I think if I halted my physical expression of love, that it may seem suspicious to Sam."

"Now why would you possibly have reason to try to ruin my sex life, Ash?" Sam said having overheard Liaras comment as she emerged wearing a baggy sports t-shirt and her navy slacks.

Ash looked at Sam who was now stood frowning with her arms folded across her chest. "I'll explain on the way." She sighed.

"Better be good, chief." Sam smirked and squeezed Liara's firm backside as she passed. "I'll see you later, love"

Liara smiled and placed a hand on Sam's back as she passed.

The Chief pinched the bridge of her nose. "Thanks a bunch, Liara. I owe you one!" She said sarcastically and followed Sam out of the apartment.

"I'm all ears, chief." Sam grinned.

Ashley started running. "Keep up then!" She shouted over her shoulder.

Sam set off at a sprint.