Split Personality
"Wait." Tali raised her hand just after they stepped out of the elevator. She piled the few bits she was carrying, on top of the main construction Garrus was holding.
"What!?"' He exclaimed. "Dammit, Tali... I can't carry any more!"
"Shhhhhh... Security." She pointed at the surveillance droids which hadn't yet noticed they were in the docking bay and started quickly tapping on her omni-tool.
"Oh, right…" Garrus seemed confused. "But..."
"There." She said triumphantly as the droids powered down. She picked up the items she'd added to the turian's load and walked towards the Normandy's door
"Okay..." He seemed a little worried. "Why was that necessary?" He asked as he followed her over to the ship's entrance.
"Because of this..." Tali tried to open the airlock door. "Access denied." came the electronic voice.
Having noted the 'don't even think about it' expression on Garrus' face as she turned around looking for somewhere to place the gadgets she was carrying, she decided it would be best to put them on the floor this time. "Shepard said no-one was allowed on the ship for a week, so..."
"Ugh... That's it." Garrus interrupted as he carefully lowered the gear in his arms to the floor. "I can't carry it any more."
Tali laughed as he put his equipment down beside hers. She turned back to face the door and said "... we're going to have to break in," almost like it was a common everyday occurrence.
"Surely we have don't have to go that far...? We're part of her crew!" The turian frowned as he stretched his back.
Tali shook her head. "You heard it yourself. We have been denied access..."
"But... You can't just hack it!" Garrus' mandibles were flaring wildly. He'd expected they would just have access as normal. This was breaking the law!
"Well, Shepard must have put in an extra level of security on the lock. So she's probably the only one who has access at the moment" Tali set to, tapping at her omni-tool again. "Hacking is the only way."
Just a few moments later, a voice said. "Access Granted"
"Wow, Tali... That was quick!" he sounded impressed, despite the fact that his inner C-Sec officer was having real trouble dealing with all this.
"Of course" She picked up some parts and entered the Normandy's decontamination chamber. "You coming or not?"
He sighed. "Yes, well, since we've already broken in...I guess all that's left to do is enter..." He didn't feel right about this and his face wasn't doing a good job of hiding that fact.
"Garrus, you are not the C-Sec officer you once were..." She laughed.
"No... I suppose I'm not." He muttered under his breath, unsure if that was a good thing or a bad thing.
"Now... Come on... We've got work to do." She ordered.
"Yes ma'am." He said mockingly. "You do realise that when we get arrested, I'll be blaming this all on you...?" He smiled at her as the decontamination field did it's stuff.
"And when Shepard is really pleased with our upgrades, will you be as generous with the credit?" She mocked back.
"I suppose we'll just have to see, won't we...?"
They entered Normandy, made their way to the back of the deserted CIC and down the stairs. Garrus grumbled the whole time about not finding the stairs particularly easy since his view was being almost entirely obscured by the upgrade. Tali however, nimbly ran down the stairs and opened up the lift ready for her grumpy companion.
…..
"You wished to see me, Ma'am." Joker grinned at Ashley when she opened the door.
"Indeed I did... I have a small request." She said stepping to the side as she gestured for him to come in.
"I swear, if it's to open a jar, I'm not only a poor choice…" He smiled as he entered. "...but I'm gonna be really disappointed too."
"Oh, I don't think there will be any disappointments." She wrapped her arms around his neck and softly kissed him.
"Oh..." He raised his eyebrows. He couldn't stop his wonky grin spreading across his face. "Good, I was hoping it'd be that kind of request."
"Well it is the last night..." Ash said seductively. "...and Tali won't be back for hours."
"Well... No time to waste, then." He placed his hands on her waist and pulled her into another kiss as the door closed behind them.
...
When they eventually reached the cargo hold, Tali set down all the parts she had been holding, on the floor next to the MAKO. So too did the turian who could no longer feel the digits on either hand.
"Right, just yell if you need me." Tali offered.
"I'll be fine… but, thanks." Nodded Garrus before turning to make a start.
"And Garrus..." Tali added just before she walked through the door to the drive core. "It's been a pleasure to work with you."
"The pleasure was all mine." the turian bowed his head. "This week wouldn't have been anywhere near as much fun without you."
Tali laughed. "Shepard would never understand us finding this fun."
"Everyone has their own way of looking at things." Garrus smiled. "Just because ours is usually with an omni-tool, doesn't make it wrong."
"Exactly!" Tali shouted as she wandered off, trying to remember where she'd left off.
She could just hear some clunking and banging coming from the cargo hold as she stood staring at the core. She was really going to miss the Normandy.
...
As she walked towards the embassy from the CRT, Shepard was deep in thought. She had a very stern expression, which she had worn ever since leaving her apartment. Having had her chat with Ashley, she now understood the true origins of the inner turmoil she'd felt earlier.
She had come to the realisation that the sensation she was feeling was not purely about losing Liara. It was actually about the conflicting emotions of the two people she now was.
Firstly, she was Commander Shepard; Alliance Officer, first human Spectre and 'Saviour of the Citadel'. Commander Shepard was loyal to her crew and dedicated to her cause. She would always do anything to complete her mission, even to the point of giving her own life.
But now there was also Samantha Shepard. Sam was totally in love with a beautiful asari named Liara who she wanted to spend the rest of her days with. She would do anything for Liara because she meant more to her than anything else in the galaxy.
Shepard had always put her missions above everything else. A Commander like her would never allow personal issues to jeopardise her missions. Luckily so far, her relationship with Liara had been compatible with the mission, so these two very different people could coexist quite happily within her. However now, if it came down to her having to make a choice between her mission and her love... that was no longer simple. It could no longer just be 'Mission takes priority over everything'. She would always have paid the ultimate price for her mission... But now she would also give her life to save Liara. What if they came to a position where those two factors were in conflict? She no longer knew what she would do. For a Commander of her status, this was troubling.
That would be during a mission though, and she still didn't have a clue if this would even be an issue. One thing at a time, Sam. Find out first, worry later. She thought to herself.
Shepard took a deep breath, trying to get back into Commander mode before entering the Embassy.
She entered the office to find Anderson talking with Admiral Hackett.
"Ah, Shepard." The Councilor greeted her. "You know Admiral Hackett."
"Admiral. Captain." Shepard stood to attention and saluted to them both.
Hackett saluted back. "At ease, Commander."
"Thank you, Sir." Shepard nodded and stood at military rest.
"Please, take a seat." Anderson gestured to both of them to sit in the chairs by his desk.
"You have done us proud, Shepard." The Admiral said as he sat down. "Your actions have earned the human race it's place in this galaxy, and amongst the council races."
"Just doing my job, Sir."
He laughed. "And a damn good job it was too."
Shepard felt herself blushing, so she tried to change the subject. "If you don't mind me asking, Admiral, Sir..." Shepard started cautiously. "What are you doing here on the Citadel?"
"My ship required some repairs after the battle, so I thought I'd take the opportunity to thank the 'Saviour of the Citadel' in person." He stated honestly.
Shepard couldn't help but smile a little in return. Whilst she was surprised to find Admiral Hackett at this meeting, she was even more shocked to get his thanks. She replied solemnly. "I'm sorry for the losses your fleet sustained." Her expression reflecting the sincerity of her words.
"I know it must have been a tough choice to make." Hackett looked very serious for a moment. "...but I think it was the correct decision. If I'd been in your shoes, I would have done the same."
Shepard nodded respectfully. "That means a lot, Sir. Thank you." She certainly wasn't expecting that kind of endorsement from a man who lost a lot of good ships and officers because of her decision.
"Now... You're probably wondering about your new orders." Anderson brought their attention back to the matter in hand. "As we'd anticipated, Udina shared his views about your crew with the Alliance brass..."
Shepard gulped slightly more openly than she'd intended.
Hackett started chuckling. "Don't worry, Commander. They told him straight away that the notion was not only ridiculous, but totally inappropriate for the situation."
"Oh?" Sam was trying hard to hide her glee. "But... I thought, as Ambassador, they would have listened to his views."
"There was no way that kind of request could go through." Anderson added. "We're trying to build allegiances here, not ostracise ourselves from the rest of the species in the galaxy."
"Absolutely." Hackett seconded. "Besides, the Normandy itself was a joint Human/turian venture. It makes total sense to have an 'all inclusive' crew. Plus you and your team have already showed how well that can work." He nodded at her, his face showing a wide smile. She was pleased and also a little stunned to receive praise from such a high-ranking officer.
"Well, I have to admit, I am very pleased to hear he was unsuccessful." She let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Sir"
"Oddly enough, it's probably Udina's old-fashioned views that helped the most." The Councilor started to smirk. "It was his xenophobic opinions that highlighted just how far we've come since the majority of people had views like his."
"Yes. It showed him in his true colours..." Hackett smiled. "I think they may even consider suggesting to the leaders of Earth that they should re-evaluate his position as an Ambassador here."
"Indeed. While he is fully competent at the political side of the role, this latest display of his right-wing views have made it quite clear that his own personal biases have an impact on his ability to do his job." Anderson now wore a large grin as he spoke.
They all sat there for a moment wearing slightly smug expressions. Well, that's one less thing for me to worry about. Sam thought.
"In light of this, The Brass have decided that, whilst the Normandy's crew are still Alliance officers, they will remain your crew and thus are fully under your command." The Councilor explained. "As long as you are happy with the current personnel."
"Thank you, Sir. I have come to trust all of the members of my crew." The grinning Spectre said. "I am more than happy with the current personnel."
"They have also officially handed the Normandy over to you to aid you in your role as first human Spectre" Hackett added. "You are free to run her however you see fit."
"The Alliance respects your judgment as both a Spectre and an officer." Anderson's words held an air of pride about them.
"Of course, there might be the odd favour we need to ask of you… should you be in the right place at the right time." The Admiral chimed in with a knowing smile.
"I'm sure you know I'd be happy to oblige." She beamed as she lost herself momentarily to her thoughts. I don't have to get a new crew... The Normandy is mine... Liara will be with me... And Udina might be out of a job... Course I'll help out on occasion. She couldn't believe how well this was going. She still felt the occasional twist in her gut, but she could no doubt put that down to nerves in this situation.
"So you are in agreement so far?" Anderson had to ask.
"Absolutely." Sam nodded. Trying to contain her joy, when really she just wanted to run home and tell her beloved the good news.
"Now... Your mission." Anderson said slightly more seriously.
Oh yeah... I almost forgot about that. She thought to herself as she mirrored the Councilors expression. "Yes, Sir."
"If you don't mind, Councilor, since we've covered the news from the Alliance, I have some other business to attend to." The Admiral stood and saluted. "It has been a pleasure, Commander."
Sam stood and saluted back. "Thank you for your time, Admiral."
"I'll no doubt be in touch." He smiled and strode out of the office. As the door closed, Shepard took her seat once more.
"Right. Down to business." Anderson leaned forwards, resting his elbows on the desk. "As a Spectre, it's over to the council to provide you with your mission."
Shepard felt she could now speak freely since the Admiral was no longer present; she'd always had a very relaxed and open dialogue with Captain Anderson. "Why do I get the feeling that this is not going to be good news?"
"They're sending you to the Terminus systems." He looked concerned
"Right...?" She simply looked puzzled as to where this was going. "…strange place to start gathering intel on the Reapers…"
Anderson winced as he spoke quickly. "They just want you to rid the galaxy of the remaining Geth..."
"The Geth!?" She was shocked. She wasn't expecting that as her main mission. "But what about the Reapers? They know there are more coming"
"Actually, they are sticking to the 'rogue Spectre' story. They won't admit Saren's 'very powerful ship which nearly destroyed the Citadel', was really a sentient machine…" He elaborated. "...and they certainly won't admit that there could be more of them."
"But we know there are! We know they destroyed the Protheans!" Sam started to raise her voice. "And we know they're coming back again... that's how the cycle works. I've seen it all."
"I know, I know. I tried to make them take the Reaper threat seriously." He shook his head. "But they still think it was just Saren and the Geth. And since Saren is already dead by your hand..."
"The only threat left is the Geth?" Sam snapped back; her voice thick with anger, disbelief and more than a hint of sarcasm. "...and when they've been eradicated, then everyone can just get back to normal?"
"That's the way they view it, yes." The councilor turned and leaned back in his chair.
"How can they ignore this? They're putting the whole galaxy at risk!" Shepard could hardly believe what she was hearing. "We have to be prepared for their return."
"I know... But this is your mission." He leaned forward resting on his desk and clasped his hands together just under his chin.
A furious Shepard was just about to speak when he raised his hand to silence her. "However... it's over to you how you decide to go about completing that mission." He smiled and gave a wink.
She closed her mouth and frowned, tilting her head slightly in confusion.
He rolled his eyes and said in a hushed tone as he leaned further forward. "So if, during your eradication of the Geth, you happen to find tangible evidence of the oncoming reaper attack... maybe whilst eradicating the Geth you already know are present Ilos, perhaps…"
"Then maybe they will take it more seriously." She smiled back.
"Exactly" he said with a nod.
"I see." She sighed and slumped back in her seat. "I'm still not happy though. They should trust my word on this. Searching for evidence will only be wasting time." Her frown deepened. "And we don't have an abundance of time."
"I understand your frustration, Shepard." He stood and walked round the desk. "But if anyone can find what is needed to prove the threat is real, it's you." He rested a hand on her shoulder in an almost fatherly manner.
"Thank you, Councilor." She stood and sighed. "Nothing's ever straight forward, is it?"
"Unfortunately not." He laughed, dropping his hand back down to his side. "Then again, it wouldn't be any fun if it was, now would it?"
"Very true" She said as they both walked towards the door.
"Good luck, Shepard." He nodded. "I'll be here if you need me."
"Thanks." She smiled as she left the room and headed down the stairs. Could have been much worse. She thought, heading straight for the CRT, but as she passed the reception desk, the asari at the post called after her.
"Commander Shepard"
"Yes?" she replied, turning on her heels.
"I have a message for you from C-Sec. Apparently their surveillance cameras captured someone breaking into your ship a little while ago."
"Oh... Have they arrested them?"
"They said that once the perpetrators entered the ship, the officer's couldn't enter without your permission... Something about a Spectre's ship being outside their jurisdiction."
"Always a down side." She muttered to herself. "Okay... I'll head down to C-Sec then."
"They said they'd be waiting for you by your ship, Commander." She smiled softly as she relayed the message sent by one of the C-Sec officers on the scene.
"Right, thanks..." Shepard sighed. Guess I won't be going home just get then. She grumbled to herself in her mind as she headed down the ramp to the C-Sec headquarters to get the elevator to the docking bay.
...
"Oh, come on, Liara. It is futile to spend any more time worrying about unknown possibilities." The young asari tried to convince herself that this was true, despite the fact that she felt like someone opened up a singularity in her stomach.
"Samantha will be home, with answers, soon enough." She sighed and mumbled to herself.
Of course she had no idea if she would be bringing good or bad news with those answers, but either way, this was their last night of shore leave and their last night together in the apartment they had come to call 'home'. This should be an evening to remember.
Before she had time to think about what she was doing, she'd gone over to the corner of the lounge and tapped on the display of the comm unit. "Staff Commander Shepard, please." Liara spoke into it clearly.
There was a few seconds of silence until a familiar voice said "Shepard speaking."
"G-good day, Staff Commander." Liara stuttered, now regretting impulsively making the call. "It's Liara... uh... T'Soni... We s-spoke a few days ago..."
"Hello, Liara, my dear." The officer laughed briefly. "Did you really think I wouldn't remember you?"
"Oh...no... I-I just didn't want to... to assume..." Liara sounded really nervous and the elder Shepard picked up on that immediately.
"Whatever is the matter, Liara? Is everything alright?" Hannah was now quite concerned.
"Oh, no...!" Liara suddenly realised how this must seem to Sam's mother. "...I mean, yes... I mean, there's nothing wrong... at all."
"Okay... Well, I don't usually take personal calls whilst on duty..." She was interrupted before she could finish.
"Oh...? Oh! I'm so sorry! I wasn't thinking!" Liara was mortified. "I'm really sorry to have bothered you. Please, don't worry. I can sort it out myself."
"It's okay, Liara" the Human tried to reassure her. "I was going to say that I'm sure I can afford a few minutes to talk to my future daughter-in-law!" She said cheerily.
"Thank you." She stood, one hand on her right hip, her left rubbing her forehead. She still felt terribly embarrassed despite how nice Hannah had been.
"So, what can I do for you?" Hannah asked.
"... This just sounds so silly now!" Liara shook her head, realising just how ridiculous her reason for calling was.
"Liara, dear, take a deep breath and talk to me." Hannah instructed firmly yet kindly.
Liara did as she was told "Well... It's about Sam."
"What's she done now?" The Staff Commander asked slightly more sternly than she'd intended.
"Oh, no… Nothing!" Liara couldn't help but find the elder Shepard's instant suspicion of her daughter somewhat amusing. "I just needed some… information."
"Ah, I see..." The elder Shepard laughed again. Liara noted how similar she sounded to Sam when she laughed, even though their speaking voices differed greatly. "Go on, dear."
"It's just that it's the last night of shore leave..." She paused for a moment; this was hard for her to say out loud. "You see... we don't even know if her next mission will be one I can... assist with... so…"
"You wanted to know what you could do to make it special for Sam, in case she has to leave you tomorrow…" Hannah finished off her sentence in such a way that implied she was familiar with the situation herself.
Liara took a deep breath. Hearing her thoughts said by another made her shiver slightly. "Yes. I wanted to give her a gift that would make her happy. So her last thought of me... as we part... would be..." Liara's words trailed off.
"Awww, that's really thoughtful, Liara." Hannah felt glad her daughter had someone who cared for her so much.
"I just want her to know that even if we're… apart..." Liara's voice cracked again as her mouth started to turn down slightly at the corners. "I-I am always with her."
"I hope Sam appreciates you." Liara couldn't help but smile and blush slightly at Hannah's words. "Right... Um... Let me think..." Hannah cleared the lump that was forming in her throat.
"I just wondered if there was maybe something that made her particularly happy as a child?" The young asari added, managing to gather herself long enough to form an entire sentence.
"Ooh, I know!" The elder Shepard sounded gleeful. "She used to have a collection of model ships when she was a kid. She was totally obsessed with them! She used to take so much care over building and painting them. On the rare occasions I actually saw Sam smile during her early teens, she was usually working on one of those!"
"Oh, that's fantastic. There must be places that sell models, here on the Citadel" Liara smiled. "Thank you so much!"
"Anytime, Liara. It was really nice to hear from you again." Hannah laughed. "Was there anything else?"
"No, I think that is all." Liara smiled. "I best let you get back to your duty, Staff-Commander. Thanks again"
"Ok, take care now." She replied through the comm.. "And call me Hannah, please. Hopefully next shore leave I'll be able to meet you in person!"
"I hope so too, Hannah." Liara reached to terminate the call. "Fare well."
Liara's heart was much lighter now. She decided she would head off to the wards of the Citadel to do some shopping. Hopefully she would be back before Sam returned.
…..
"Ah, Commander." Shepard was greeted by a turian C-Sec officer as she stepped out of the elevator. "We have been told that the perpetrators entered around 5 hours ago."
"5 hours ago?" Shepard was taken aback. "So, why am I only finding out about this now?"
"Well, we didn't know 'til about an hour ago" He said, clearing his throat. "Someone was checking over the surveillance footage of the docks and noticed them…"
"So… who were they?" Sam began rubbing her temples – she was getting a headache.
"Well, we had a few… uh… technical glitches, and we just got the droids back up and running. We only caught a couple of seconds of footage as they entered the dock area… then it crashed." Said another C-Sec officer as she approached.
"So, any ideas at all?"
"Well, we only saw them from the back… " The human female officer answered. "but we think it was a turian and possibly a quarian…"
"Oh…" Shepard smiled and shook her head. "Right, I can deal with this"
"Are you sure?" Asked the turian officer. "We can provide reinforcements and back-up for you."
"I don't think I'll be needing it, thanks." Sam started walking towards the airlock door. "Thanks for your help, guys."
The officers watched as the commander wandered into the airlock, looking totally un-phased. They looked at each other and shrugged "If a Spectre says she can deal with it, who are we to argue!?" They turned and walked back to the elevator doors.
…
Tali left the engine room and walked up to the MAKO.
As she neared, she saw Garrus' feet sticking out from underneath. "How's it going?" she asked.
There was a loud bang just before the turian rolled himself out. "Fine... Aside from the minor head injury I just sustained." He rubbed his forehead as he got up. "I think she's just about finished."
"It's a shame we can't test our work in here." Tali sighed. "I know we know it will work, but it's not the same as seeing it first hand."
"Oh no... No way." Garrus shook his head. "Shepard would definitely kill us for that."
"I know. I was only teasing." Tali nudged him with her shoulder. "You're so easy to wind up... I think I'll miss that most of all."
"Thanks... I think that's the strangest back-handed compliment I've ever received." He laughed and put his arm around her shoulders. "I wish you didn't have to go."
The quarian turned and hugged Garrus properly. "Me too... I feel like this is where I should be. But I cannot abandon my people."
"Well, you better come back to see us." He squeezed her gently then let her go.
"I promise to visit as often as I possibly can." She said sincerely. "And we must keep in touch. You can tell me all about the crazy ideas the commander has."
"I'm sure there will be plenty to tell you about." He chuckled and turned back to his display and tapped on it a couple of times. "There, I'm all done."
"Me too. The drive core is now over three percent more efficient." Inside her helmet she was smiling. She was very pleased to have been able to make a difference to the Normandy even if she wouldn't be around to see it in action.
"Ok, so that took us a little longer than expected…" Garrus said as he tidied up. "...and I'm feeling a little hungry."
"Well, lets go and get something to eat then head back to the apartment." Tali started laughing. "I think we should avoid anywhere where you might be inclined to start dancing, though."
"I'm never going to live that down, am I?" He said, mandibles flaring slightly.
"Nope!" Tali continued laughing as she took hold of his arm and led him to the elevator. "Come on, we've done all we can do here"
As they approached, the elevator doors opened. "I knew it!" Shepard said, folding her arms across her chest. "Do you have any idea how much trouble you're in?"