Location: Underground detention cells—Firebase Dagger—Ontarom
The holding cells were deep underground, beneath firebase dagger and only accessible through a central lift from the control array. It should have felt cramped and dingy but the gleaming steel surfaces and wide corridors made Liam feel like he just stepped into an office building and not a bunker. There was space for everyone and as such, each scientist got her own cell.
Brock was speaking to them one-on-one, but instead of gleaning valuable intel or doing a proper interrogation he was discussing trivial things. At least that's all that Liam caught when he barged in there before Preston did the honors and tossed him out. Flores was supposedly interviewing another asari in the next room and since neither her nor Brock would talk to each other afterwards, it was a useless exercise to begin with.
Meandering the halls, he stayed far away from the occupied interview rooms where Brock and Flores were. The ambulance carrying the ExoGeni kid was long gone so there was no point trying to get their attention again. He only hoped Hunter was persistent in tracking him. They couldn't lose their only witness.
Reaching the last cell he nodded to Vega who was left to play bodyguard by Liara's door.
"How's she doing?" Liam asked, his omni-tool hovering just inches before the door controls.
"Isn't saying much. Brock spoke with her already. The Captain wants to interview her last but I don't know what more she could tell them," Vega shrugged making his shoulder clasps bob. "How's the ExoGeni kid?"
"Gone." Liam hit the wall above the door panel, feeling his omni-tool take the worst of it. "Our fearless colonel handed our only witness back to his masters."
"You're shitting me?" James huffed and shook his head. "The Pendejo."
"I sent Hunter on him but it's only a matter of time before he's stonewalled," Liam said over his shoulder as he moved through the main door that led to Liara's cell. James stood straight to resume his watch with a dark scowl, on high alert for a firsthand demonstration of Brock's stupidity.
Liam knocked before stepping into a strange place. Instead of a bland holding cell the place resembled a guest room complete with a decent bed, desk and night table. Liara stood before a window, not unlike those in an interrogation room. But instead of a one-way mirror she stared out into a picturesque landscape of mountains and waterfalls beyond the horizon; in other words a landscape that couldn't possibly exist underground.
She didn't turn but the sound of her forehead hitting the glass in defeat let him know she was aware of his presence.
Crossing his arms, Liam leaned against the door and watched her from a distance. She technically didn't have to say anything. The asari had diplomatic immunity if they were granted special project permits near human colonies. Last time he checked, Liara's squad did in fact have such a permit.
Liara spared him a sidelong glance but refused to say anything. He caught anger, confliction and despair in her expression. She was definitely young because the moment recognition flashed in her eyes she was at a loss for words. "Oh, it's you..."
Liam chuckled, knowing exactly why and spared her the awkwardness. "I'm Commander Shepard from before. How are you, Liara?"
She looked visibly relieved at having his name. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to be rude it's just been... a long day, Commander. I've already said everything I know to your colonel."
"I'm not here to grill you for intel. I just want to know how you're doing. How was it?" He sympathized. To someone like Liara, Brock was the epitome of authority. To those who knew better...well. They knew better.
"He was very kind," she said, a small smile grazed her lips. Its genuine quality threw him for a loop. Are we even talking about the same guy? "The Colonel insisted we stay for the press conference. My superiors at Serrice seem...eager."
"But you're not?" Liam inquired with an incline of his head. Something in the way she moved screamed nerves. Not that he blamed her, standing before a camera was like jumping in front of a moving train at first. Then there were the reporters always looking for the perfect opening to make you bleed... privileges of being a war hero.
"Public speaking is not my strong suit...I freeze and...my place is in my lab," she said coming to a natural conclusion. The lab was her safe haven and that wasn't changing.
Liam moved from the door and came to sit on the comfortable guest cot. The warm cotton blankets felt soft under his hand. This was less of a cell and more of a guest bedroom, a special kind of sucking up. What the hell did Brock want from the scientists? "A purist," he said, backpedaling quickly when her eyes grew large, "it's been a long time since I've seen anyone so devoted to their work."
She seemed to relax at that. "Oh...I thought you meant...never mind. Thank you."
"What are you researching, Liara?" He pressed, seeing her relax as she stepped to stand before him. Her green uniform would've pegged her as a Heyuan Genomics employee, had it not been for the asari logo on her right shoulder.
"I've been studying the Protheans," she said, running her hands up and down her arms in a warming gesture. Liam shuffled from the middle to the foot of her bed and patted the seat next to him. Something told him they might need to get comfortable for this story. Liara agreed and sat down gracefully. "But the faculty insisted that I lead the preservation effort here on Ontarom."
He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this story, including parts she wasn't sure she should tell. "Tell me more about these Protheans. They sound, familiar."
Liara's large eyes grew even wider alongside her smile. Clearly her favorite subject. "The Protheans were an ancient race that came before us. Not much is known about them. I have been studying their artifacts, ruins and technology but my progress is hindered every time the faculty wants to re-assign me. Not much priority is given to Prothean research."
He was impressed. The asari clearly had a more comprehensive view of history than humans did. "So what happened to the Protheans?"
"I would like to find out," Liara said, with disappointment, "it's a slow moving field at the moment. Not many excavations are devoted to archaic research."
Shepard nodded thoughtfully. She seemed knowledgeable but not arrogant like he expected from someone so privileged, Brock being exhibit A. But there was genuine curiosity when she spoke and judging from her disappointment something was impeding that progress. "Your friends didn't seem too happy to be here either. Are they also Prothean enthusiasts?"
"No." Liara frowned slightly and shook her head. "Sithandra and some of the others were a part of an asari commando unit. They have been reprimanded for their actions in battle and must serve their time volunteering on educational digs."
Now it made sense. Asari commandos being taken hostage by humans was like him being held hostage by a volus, embarrassing. No wonder they all took jabs at Liara. But that was the curse of pride. They should be thankful they're seeing another day at all.
Liara shivered beside him and he almost slapped himself for not paying attention. "Here." He drew the blanket over her shoulders, watching as a slight blush crept up her blue cheeks. "Better?"
"Yes...thank you," she said, before quickly averting her gaze. It was kind of cute and for a moment he felt bad. After all he was trying to get her more comfortable partially because he needed more intel. But another part of him actually welcomed her company.
"Well that explains their attitude," Liam continued, trying to keep the conversation running its course, "especially the remarks about your mother."
That earned him an annoyed look, but he caught the brief hint of pain the word mother inflicted. Before he could utter an apology she said, "I haven't spoken to my mother in years. She has no bearing on what I do and do not do."
"I'm sorry. She just sounds important," Liam pressed, and this time not because he wanted to.
"My mother is matriarch Benezia." She watched him intently but that name didn't ring a bell. Liam made a mental note for a quick extranet search later. But right now she was just another matriarch to him.
"Can't say I've heard much about her," he said truthfully and watched her visibly relax and tug the covers around her tighter.
"I'm not surprised. She is not exactly popular with the asari council for her ideas. Benezia thinks the asari should have a greater role in shaping galactic events," Liara said, those big blue eyes watching him for any sign of judgment.
Shepard decided to let the subject drop as he moved back to her comfort zone, "I bet she didn't like that you chose science over supporting her ideas. But that's not going to stop you from future digs is it?"
Liara shook her head. "No. I was relieved to hear that the faculty along with the asari council chose not to persecute us. Something I have Colonel Brock to thank for, if it weren't for the public watching us..."
"...They wouldn't hesitate to punish you," Liam concluded, feeling a tiny bubble of respect for the man only to feel it shatter when he realized there was likely an ulterior motive at play here. "So what happens when you get home?"
Liara removed her shoes and shifted on the bed to sit cross legged as she pondered the question. "We will head back to Thessia and debrief...after that...I don't know. Perhaps another dig. I heard one was opening on Feros."
Liam nodded, sensing her fatigue as he stood and stretched, feeling his shoulders crack into place. "I think you should try the next dig alone."
"What makes you say that?" Liara asked and he could sense the underlying tone of hostility beneath the curiosity.
Liam smiled down to her. "It's a miracle you were able to work off those restraints. It also shows a determination your companions don't have. Don't feel like you have to play by the rules to get anywhere, if Protheans are really your thing then go study them and let this team pick on someone else."
That soft smile returned as she pondered his words and tried to stifle a yawn. "You...might be right."
"Sleep on it," Shepard said, retreating for the door.
"Wait, commander I didn't get your full name...unless you just want to be called by your rank, if that's how the culture works then I am really sorry for my ignorance," she babbled, and he almost wanted to laugh at the cute blush re-appearing on her cheeks.
"It's Liam," he said, softly. "And I'll see you at the press conference tomorrow, Liara."
"Of course," she replied, holding her head in embarrassment. "Good night, Liam."
"Good night, Liara."
Back in the hallway, Vega looked to him with some discomfort. "How did that go?"
"Not bad. She's ready for bed so it's better if Flores waits until tomorrow for an interrogation," Liam said, hoping the arms master would convey this himself. But Vega only stood there, scratching the back of his neck with unease. "What is it?"
"Well—" Before Vega could say another word the adjacent door opened and Flores strode through, followed by Traynor who had a datapad and a star struck look in her eyes at being so close to the Captain.
Both he and James snapped to attention and saluted. He could feel Traynor's unease, not knowing how to respond since she was technically already in a captain's company.
"At ease," Flores said, as she made her way over to his personal space and stared him down with those hypnotic brown eyes. She looked so different in full combat armor, almost patriotic with that blue alliance symbol on her chest plate. "I'm impressed, Shepard. Didn't know you're quite the ladies man who doubled as an interrogations officer."
Now it clicked. She was probably pissed because he wasn't authorized to set foot in there and poor Vega was likely getting most of her wrath when they got back. But something about her amused expression contradicted that analysis.
"Doctor T'Soni gave me some vital intel," he began.
"I heard," Flores said, taking a step back. "Tell him what you got, Traynor."
The young technician stepped forward and offered him a data pad with a dossier on T'Soni, Matriarch Benezia and pretty much the whole team and a full transcript of what they talked about. The last part was alarming. There were no listening devices in cells, none aside from the ones officers brought in with them. He stared at Flores before it finally hit him.
That window was a two way mirror. There was not only proof of him breaking the rules, but he had also given her a show of what he was capable of. It would be fun trying to her earn her trust now.
"Good work, Shepard," she said neutrally over her shoulder as she passed. "Traynor, send all that to Casey Blitzer's omni-tool. We're done here."
"Yes ma'am," Traynor complied a little too eagerly.
"Are you still going to interview her, ma'am?" Liam asked, watching as she walked away.
She stopped and stared at him. "What's the point?"
There wasn't one really so he let it hang. With a nod, Captain Flores headed out with Traynor at her heels like an obedient puppy.
When they were gone Liam turned to James as if to ask what that was about, but the arms master only shrugged and said, "I tried to tell you."
"Right," Liam said, just as a group of armed service men strolled through and took their guard posts.
o~O~o
Location: Deck six (Officer's lounge)—SSV Dublin—Ontarom
Non-alcoholic booze and the sound of revived rock music made their way through the officer's lounge as everyone celebrated the first day of operations. Everyone except Preston who was downstairs barking orders at the marines, and Flores who was nowhere to be found. But the festivities did little to distract Liam as his mind kept replaying his conversation with Liara. Sweet kid. What the hell was Brock going to do to them on a galaxy-wide broadcast?
At the poker table Liam peeked from behind his cards, noticing the increased activity around them as he waited Hunter out. Three technical officers engaged in a game of pool against the med staff. A female Ensign from the CIC was chatting with her bored looking colleague. A small gaggle formed around the TV, four people were playing a racing game while the others surrounding them made bets. It seemed like business as usual around here and Liam was thankful for the distraction.
"This guy, this guy right here is the man!" Gordon yelled, and slapped Liam's back with enough force to knock the wind out as they passed. "We ever had a ballsier Commander or what?"
"He shoots this guy right between the eyes before I even see him. Saved my ass," Vega added, holding his own beer in toast. To anyone else he would've seemed fine, but Liam noticed the subtle things like how fast James downed his drinks. Almost like a dying man ready to take the final hit.
Thankfully Gordon's presence seemed to be doing him some good. Both men were talking animatedly, trying to impress Ellie and Casey. The women tried to swallow their smiles but it was clear to anyone with a pair of eyes they thought the guys were clowns.
"Is that so?" Blitz asked with faux amazement as she stared at Vega.
"So if Shepard did all that, what did you guys do?" Ellie asked with a teasing smile.
"Messed em' up good is what we did!" Glen roared, raising his mug against Vega's. They were like two frat boys at a house party and Liam was finding it harder to keep tuning them out as he set his cards down.
"Full house, Hunter. Let's see them," Liam said, feeling lucky or at least wanting to. The kid was a decent poker player but he wasn't about to let his own ten year card sharp reputation go down the drain.
The young chief splayed his cards to reveal four queens and one five. Liam sighed in defeat as Hunter fist pumped. It marked the first sign of happiness the kid showed all night since coming back empty handed from that ExoGeni chase. "Yes!"
"Well I guess it's only fair you know what luck feels like," Liam teased lightly as he analyzed the kid. Hunter had been quiet throughout the mission. Sure he didn't know him well enough to judge, but something about their earlier conversation in the elevator hit a chord. Was the kid happy being an engineer?
At the time it was best to just leave it be. But now that they had a few drinks to relax Liam decided it was the perfect time to grill this one on his future.
"Shepard, don't leave us hangin', tell the girls what we did," Glen hollered raising a toast in his direction. There was no need since they were about two steps away, but clearly Glen got a hold of the good stuff and was showing signs of real alcohol use.
"In a minute," Shepard said, laughing when Ellie motioned to the vanguard and rolled her eyes. "I'm teaching Hunter the art of winning."
Hunter shuffled the cards with a tired sigh. "I can't believe it, Sir."
"Believe what?" Shepard asked, receiving his hand and taking another swig of non-alcoholic beer.
"You've been here less than seventy-two hours and everyone's taken a liking to you," Hunter said as he laid three cards face-up between them. "What's your secret?"
There was nothing in Hunter's voice to suggest hostility, but his sudden somber demeanor put Liam on high alert. "Infiltrator trade secret, Hunter. If I told you, I'd have to train you."
Hunter's head shot up with a smile, before reason kicked in and he looked down. So that's what this is about? "You still want to be an infiltrator, Hunter?"
"No sir, I'm—"
"—you don't need stripes or a designation to train with one," Liam said, pointing to his own N7 insignia which Hunter had been eyeing all night.
A moment passed where Hunter checked and Liam took the opportunity to raise. When the kid was ready he looked up, but the resolve faded as quickly as it came. "I don't know if that's a good idea. I'm a horrible marksman. You'd be wasting your time."
Rookies, they all think we're born with this ability. Shepard went all in and waited for Hunter's bet. "You have potential. Everyone seems to see that but you."
That was a match to the kid's powder keg. Hunter raised and splayed his cards to reveal a straight flush without meeting his eyes.
Liam flipped his hand to a royal flush which finally got Hunter's attention. The kid gaped in surprise but Liam rose to stand, ready to put the choice in Hunter's hand. "If you want to learn, give me twenty minutes and meet me at the shooting range."
"I—" Hunter started, still staring at the cards that beat him.
"I don't need an answer," Liam said, turning from him. "Choice is yours, Hunter."
With that he headed for the door, pushing past the high ranking techs and platoon leaders. But he didn't get far as a slim hand fell to his forearm.
"Shepard, come on you can't leave me with those two," Ellie said, not protesting as Shepard led them towards a quiet place near the door.
"You have Casey," he replied, searching for the familiar shock of purple hair that was chatting up Vega.
"Yes, but have you seen the googly eyes she's been making at Vega? They better be getting a room soon," she teased, eyeing them before regarding him with serious eyes. "So what was that with you and Hunter? I've never seen him so down at a party."
Shepard didn't want to have this conversation, not when he had one hell of an apology to turn out and limited time. "Don't know. I should go."
Liam turned to leave but that wasn't happening when Ellie gripped his shoulders and forced him back to her. Those honey colored irises transformed from playful to menacing in the blink of an eye. "It's because you're an infiltrator isn't it."
"What does that have to do with anything?" Shepard questioned, fully confused now. Everyone was walking on eggshells when it came to Hunter.
She looked taken aback for a moment but tried to regain her composure. Liam could see the internal struggle in her eyes as she fought to stay silent.
"Ellie?" Shepard pressed, "What is it?"
"Look, it's not my place to say," she said in a low tone, "but just leave him be. Don't fill his head with thoughts of being an infiltrator."
"You're not making sense?" Shepard said, but she was already moving away.
"Just trust me," Ellie threw over her shoulder before heading back to the group.
Liam mused on her words on the elevator ride down to deck five. Something had clearly gone on with Hunter but he either wanted to forget that past or couldn't quite find a way to deal with it yet. Liam swallowed the familiar feel of the situation.
Deck one was still bustling with the dull roar of M35Mako engines and mechanics. From a distance he could see a handful of marines unloading some vehicles. The critical phase of setting up the FOB was over, now personnel were concerned with backup systems for the lights and monitors.
The place still resembled a large city, but now with most of the equipment and vehicles gone there was enough space to cut across to the second gym some jarheads must've set up. There was a gym on deck two near the medical offices, but something about the fresh tropical air breezing through the open hangar must have appealed to these guys. Making his way to the gaggle, he waved down the few marines who scrambled to set their weights down and salute him.
"Don't worry, keep working," he said, curious about the big gaggle in the middle. A group of marines stood with their backs to him as Preston's voice reached his ears. "What's going on?"
"Preston and Flores are telling us about their recon mission on Tuchanka," One of the corporals replied casually, thinking he was talking to a buddy.
"The krogan pulled a knife," Flores' voice came above the gaggle. Liam pushed forward and the marines easily moved from his way.
"But it was too late, seeing as how the Captain already shot his balls off," Preston said, his voice dry and growly as if he'd been laughing all night. A few of the marine guys reeled back with 'oohs', while the women cheered.
"But you were surrounded?" A woman with the rank of private asked from the captain's side. "How the hell did you escape, ma'am?"
"The shots attracted attention, but the bastards took their time," Flores replied, her eyes briefly met his as he came out to the front. "Needless to say, they didn't stand a chance against Preston's minefield."
"It only worked cause' the Captain had enough sense to order us to rig the high ground before we descended," Preston said, looking at her with a textbook example of admiration. "Saved our lives."
Flores shook her head even as the marines cheered and congratulated them. "Any one of you would've done the same thing. I know it because we're born and raised on one saying. What is it Marines?"
"Do or die, ma'am!" the Marines called out in one unified voice.
"That's right," Flores acknowledged as she looked around the room, challenging anyone to say otherwise. No one did. "But no dying without my permission."
The Marines smiled at that, some laughed while others just stared it awe. She was everything to these jarheads and anyone with two eyes could see that.
Preston nodded in agreement, smiling to his men and women. "Enough story time, get back to work, Marines."
The gaggle dispersed as everyone fell back to their tasks. A few returned to the weights while others beelined for the lockers, happy to end their shifts.
Liam stood still and only had eyes for the Captain. She wasn't wearing her dress uniform, instead blue cargo pants and a black tank top showed off her well toned arms and slim figure. Yet even despite her casual attire she still radiated authority and even Preston stepped aside as she approached.
"Gotta hand it to you, Captain. I've never known anyone who shot off a krogan's balls and lived to tell about it," Liam said, crossing his arms as she regarded him carefully.
"I keep them in a trophy cabinet. I'll show them to you one day," she replied over her shoulder with a beckoning smile as she passed him by. "You might learn a few things."
One of the more bashful corporals offered her a towel. Flores took it and rewarded the young marine by addressing him by his first name. "Thank you, Jarvis."
"You're welcome, Captain," with that he blushed deep red and scurried to join his buddies who were egging him on.
She even knew her marines on a first name basis…impressive. Liam took that as his invitation and fell in step with her. "You're good with names?"
Captain Flores shot him an amused look, one that lit up her lovely brown eyes. "When I came home for my first shore leave, I couldn't shut up. I went on and on about all the different places I've been to and what Earth was like, talked Elena's ear off," a wistful smile appeared on her lips as they neared the elevator. "Then she asked me what my Captain's name was and I couldn't remember. I knew she was a woman but that was it. She never came down to the lower decks and we weren't allowed on the higher ones. Since then I made a point to never be like that Captain."
"Makes sense I suppose." A moment of easy silence passed as they waited for the lift. Liam could tell that there was some heavy nostalgia at the mention of her sister, but knew better than to get into that so soon. They had other issues to mend first. "I wanted to apologize about what happened back at the control array with Brock the other day. I put you at risk and I'm sorry."
Even though the hangar was busy with activity, Liam could feel all the curious ears trying to listen in on their conversation. Flores seemed to be on the same page so she changed course for the more secluded elevator banks.
Flores looped the towel over her shoulders and gave him a questioning look. "You put me at risk?" the barest hint of sarcasm crept into her voice. "That's a new one."
"It's just that I get it. Whatever I do to annoy Brock comes down on you," he stated, suddenly feeling self-conscious for spelling out the obvious. "But you don't have to worry. I'll dance to his tune...or crush his toes trying."
"I don't need a dancer or a yes man, Shepard. That's what Preston is for," she said lightly. "But for the record it's not me I'm worried about." She gave him a lingering glance before stepping inside the lift. Liam joined her and she spoke when they were shoulder to shoulder. "I didn't realize I wasn't the only one who had history with Brock."
This was her way of asking for more, but as much as Liam wanted to explain himself, he wasn't ready to relive that day. And he sure as hell wasn't willing to forgive Brock. That bastard got a lot of people killed because he couldn't hold it together during the Blitz.
"I doubt we'll be the last, ma'am," Liam said in a low voice as he swallowed back the onrush of memories.
~O~
"Sir, I'm not ready!"The young marine hollered as Shepard tossed the rifle to him. "I've never even finished basic. Lieutenant Brock will come back—"
"We don't have time! There's nothing to it, just point and shoot."
"But..."
"They're counting on us so move your ass!" Shepard yelled. A few of the panicked civilians cowered at his words, keeping their heads down as they tried to ignore the sounds of gun fire outside.
"Cover me, I'm going to rig that building and get us a barrier for retreat." Before the rookie could comply Shepard took off. Hands on fire and sticky with blood, gripping the rifle, Liam rushed towards the sound of gunfire.
~O~
"Shepard!" The commanding voice snapped him back to reality and to the mesmerizing brown eyes of Captain Flores as they searched him calmly.
"Ma'am..." he replied slowly before his brain caught up, reminding him why he was in the cramped ascending lift with Flores. "I..."
She was close, way too close to his feveredskin and he could barely hide the violent tremors cascading down his back.
"You're shaking," Flores observed, looking him over as those brown eyes clouded with questions.
"Cold night," Liam answered, recovering enough to look into her eyes again. Her earlier concern was now replaced with annoyance. Thankfully the lift doors opened, giving themsome much needed air. Escape was only a few steps away, but his body was held prisoner under her gaze. "I'm fine."
"I'm surprised you can say that with a straight face," Flores said evenly. "Can you estimate how far from fine you really are?"
"There's no need—"
"Save it," Flores hissed, keeping a firm hand on the lift doors while staring him down. "I saw your bio-suit readout from the rescue mission."
He forced a laugh and made to step out but Flores backed with him, keeping herself between him and the door. "I've been out of the field for quite some time, the readouts were just me adapting to the situation," Liam defended. After all what did she expect? The mission was a success. What did it matter if his vitals were high? It was a combat zone! "We saved the asari hostages. I kept it together. I want to help you, Captain and we both know I can't do that with a section 8 on my record."
"You also can't do that if you're dead," she replied, but seemed to at least consider his point. It wasn't like she could leave her duties and search for Elena herself, which left him as her trump card. "Where are we with the search?"
"Nothing signaled so far," Liam said, grateful that she seemed to drop the topic as he tapped his omni-tool and showed her the unchanged readout. "I'm doing another visual inspection before night's end."
"Good," Flores replied, though her voice sounded far from it. She pushed away from the doors and headed for her room. "What about that ExoGeni kid you found?"
"Hunter followed him as far as the hospital doors, then ExoGeni practically locked the place down." He wished there was more good news to relay.
Flores chewed on that and yanked the logical scenario. "I assume you already tried asking nicely."
He smiled, liking her mode of thinking. "I'd love to just barge in and interrogate the kid, but it's not that simple. ExoGeni owns the facility and they're the colony's largest employer, I'm no politician but a pissed off colony will only get in the way. Even if I manage to talk to him it's not like he's not going to remember."
"In other words we need someone with political pull," she mused, furrowing her brow in disgust.
Liam nodded and crossed his arms, not thrilled with the conclusion that all arrows pointed to their favorite base commander. "It's going to raise a big stink and I just made you a promise..."
"Alright, I'll talk to Brock," she said, shooting him a 'you owe me' look. "Just be prepared when it all goes to shit."
He smiled. "Understood." Liam reached out to stop the door from closing. "Wait there's one more thing, Captain."
"What is it?"
"It's about, Hunter." He couldn't believe he was actually doing this but something about Hunter begged to be given a chance out in the field. "Do you mind if he tags along for the sweep tonight?"
"You need a driver?" she asked distractedly, checking her omni-tool.
"No," Liam said, shaking his head, "just thought it'd be an opportunity for more field work. He seems cut out for it."
Flores lowered her omni-tool with an unreadable expression. "Hunter is a great wheelman, but he's not setting foot unto armed ground combat." Her cold eyes showed she meant business. "Do you understand?"
Of course he did, engineers were still in short supply. But the kid was practically dying under the hum-drum boredom of support tasks. Would it really be so bad to at least pretend he was on a mission?
"I wouldn't mind some back-up," Liam pressed, hoping there was some way to negotiate.
"Your mission is reconnaissance. If things get hot I know I can trust you to hold out until we get there, Shepard. In the meantime this op stays under wraps," She said before walking further. "I told you I'm not risking anyone else's career for this."
Liam followed and she seemed to hesitate as he waited her out, before muttering a short 'christ'. "Look if you need backup that badly take a small squad of marines from downstairs."
"I need stealth not a parade, ma'am," he said calmly, as he watched her hand hover over her door's console. "What's the harm?"
Flores sighed then spoke. "We need Hunter to keep his head while he calibrates that ELRC cannon. I'm not risking him in unknown combat unless absolutely necessary."
"It takes more than one man to maintain an experimental cannon like that. Why isn't he combat rated?" Shepard asked, growing frustrated.
"It's not pertinent," Flores replied and opened her door and stepped inside. "Drop it."
Shepard watched her retreat as the doors slid shut on him.
A/N: So sorry for the long delay. Thanks for sticking with me folks! The bigger picture will start forming in the next few chapters. Until then, let me know what you think so far.
