Thanks again for all of the follows, favorites, and reviews. I can't believe the response this story is getting!

This chapter is a bit transitional, but we'll be getting back into the beef of the story here as soon as some of the groundwork is laid. As always, all comments and critique are greatly appreciated!

Enjoy! c:

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You would think that an AI-equipped Cerberus frigate would have more stringent security.

Of course, it wasn't like she was wandering anywhere strictly off-limits. She perched herself nimbly on a metal beam overlooking the Normandy's hanger bay, a leg hanging over the side as she enjoyed the show. Her life on board thus far had been incredibly dull. She had hoped that working with a resurrected war hero would provide a little more excitement – their mission on Horizon had at least added some drama. But as the brooding Commander in question seemed committed to drowning his problems and breaking things in his loft, she was forced to roam the ship in search of pricey Cerberus tech before falling back into her favorite past time – observation.

And there certainly were some things to observe.

Jacob curled himself up off the mat for probably the three hundredth time, the action seemingly as effortless as his first. Some might consider her watching the tall, dark, hunk of a man working out as a little odd. Maybe creepy. She saw it as capitalizing on the only reliable source of onboard entertainment.

Unfortunately for her, that entertainment was interrupted as Jacob paused and held himself up. He, too, had apparently noticed Shepard exiting the elevator to join them. Things may have been a little tense since Horizon, and yes, maybe Shepard's most recent form of coping with stress was scattering pieces of broken glass in various hidey-holes throughout the ship whilst swearing at unlucky passersby. But that was definitely not a reason to stop.

Kasumi watched him, her eyes trailing the ever-tense body as he considered his direction. For a man who was supposedly trained in infiltration, he was truly anything but subtle. He was tall, burly, and loud – not always in words, but definitely in action. Other than his violent tendencies and a penchant for vulgar language though, he wasn't bad. A little rough around the edges, but beneath those scars and whatever he was trying to do with that hair – yeah, she could work with that.

"Commander." Jacob's voice was weary, the soldier obviously debating whether or not he should try to make an escape. She stifled a sigh as he stood and officially gave up on his fitness routine.

"Jacob." Shepard acknowledged with a grunt, but his eyes weren't on the other man - they were pinned on a defeated-looking punching bag abandoned in the corner. "Still broken?"

"Yeah." Jacob grunted in return. Shepard made some deep, rumbling noise in his chest, no doubt meant to communicate his disappointment. She had no idea how men managed to hold real conversations.

Kasumi slipped off the beam silently, bracing her landing with a hand and taking a few quiet steps closer. Shepard hovered, his fists tightened at his sides. He looked especially on edge, his jaw shifting as he ground his teeth, his eyes bloodshot and tired. But after the emotional bulldozing he had received back on Horizon, she'd expected as much. And at least this morning she couldn't pick up the stench of alcohol as she got closer. He had either run out or finally decided to shower. Both situations would be an incredible benefit to the Normandy.

There were a few moments of palpable tension before the Commander simply turned to leave, a curt nod the only hint at a dismissal. She wasn't having it.

Her cloak dissipated, and Jacob gave an audible sigh. "Hey, Shep. Got a minute?"

"Not cool, Kasumi."

Shepard spun around, eyes wide in surprise. "What the fuck?"

Jacob crossed his arms in front of his chest. "How long were you there this time?"

She simply winked at him and looked back to the Commander. "I wanted to talk about that deal we had." A sweet smile, and she leaned against one of the crates lining the hangar, ignoring his obviously clueless expression. "Hock's party is set for a few weeks from now. Just wanted to be sure you had it in your books."

His eyes narrowed. "What? I- what the hell are you talking about?"

"I've already had Kelly order your suit." He visibly paled at that. "Your alias is all ready to go - all you need to do is show up and be charming." Jacob tried and failed to cover a laugh. He coughed into his hand as Shepard glared. "I'm sure you can manage it." She stepped forward, giving his very considerable bicep a light pat of encouragement. He tensed and shifted angry eyes in her direction. The thief giggled. Touchy.

"I am not going to a party." He growled, leaning away. "And I am absolutely not wearing a suit."

"Well, it's the only good bet at getting access to his vault. How else are we going to pull off the heist?"

"Heist?"

"You'll look great, Shep. Don't worry." Kasumi winked again.

"I'm not diverting this mission for a goddamn party, Kasumi." Grouchy. Always with the grouchiness.

"If we don't do it then, when will we? We're heading for Illium now, we'll be too busy with Jacob's probe after – "

Jacob blanched. "Kasumi, how the hell - ?"

" - and who knows what everyone else wants to take care of before we try jumping into a blackhole. So, I'm putting mine on the books. Officially."

The Commander's hands came up to drag over his face in exasperation. "How is this relevant to taking out the Collectors?"

"That graybox is important. There is some pretty serious and definitely very valuable information on it. Read up, I sent you all the notes." Kasumi chirped, making a show of adjusting her gloves. "And that information is relevant to both the mission and my personal happiness, so I don't see what harm we could do retrieving it." She gave him her most winning smile.

Shepard's jaw tightened as he considered, before he heaved out a breath and shook his head. "And you? What probe is she talking about?" He growled the question like an accusation as he looked back to Jacob. The operative sighed.

"It's not related to the mission. It's personal." He frowned at her. "And private."

"Hey, what's a girl to do when all this information lying out in the open?" She shrugged dismissively. "You should see some of the things Mordin looks at."

"Kasumi, just…. Fuck." Shepard rubbed at his temple, apparently not quite ready for the day. Or monstrously hung over. "Jacob – is this something you need to do?"

"Well…" The soldier paused, then gave a short nod. "It's my father. Found out he might still be around. If he is, I'd rather know before we go through with this thing."

Something softened in Shepard, his posture not as severe as he nodded again. "Alright." Jacob's eyes widened in surprise at the easy response. The Commander rolled his eyes. "Just get me the coordinates and we'll check it out when we can."

"Yes, sir." Jacob grinned. Apparently, Shepard had a soft spot for family reunions. She wondered if the others would be able to manipulate his thinly-veiled altruistic nature just as easily.

"Well, you better get to it." She mused, eyeing the elevator as it beeped with again with a new arrival. "I think you're about to get a whole lot busier."

She couldn't help the snicker that bubbled from her chest as a certain redheaded yeoman burst from the opening doors.

"Commander, there you are!" Kelly's bubbly voice rang loud through the hangar, and Shepard visibly winced. "I've been looking all over. There are new messages at your terminal, and Miranda requested to speak with you before we dock at Nos Astra. We should be arriving here shortly - shall I tell her you'll be up soon?" A sweet smile, and she continued. "Zaeed also expressed an… interest in speaking with you. I took the liberty of telling him you'd be by at your own discretion."

Shepard stared at her, jaw tight, before muttering indistinguishable curses beneath his breath and making for the elevator. Kasumi followed quickly with a parting wink in Jacob's direction. She caught the Commander's eyes as he slammed his hand on the door control.

"Told ya, Shep."

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"What the hell? What's with the mechs?" Jack spat, taking a few menacing steps towards the approaching asari and her mechanical guards. "We haven't even been here long enough to fuck anything up."

Shepard sighed and walked past her. The asari smiled that fake, welcoming, semi-placating smile mastered by those tasked with greeting unsavory characters. He just stared back impassively. "Who the fuck are you?"

He wasn't feeling all that courteous himself.

"Welcome to Nos Astra, Commander Shepard. We've been instructed to waive all docking and administration fees for your visit. My name is Careena. If you need information about the area, it would be my pleasure to assist you."

Another glance towards Jack, and his brow furrowed. "Alright, but what the hell is with the mechs?" He repeated the convict's question, eyeing the guards suspiciously. The asari's smile remained cemented on her lips.

"We're the gateway to the Terminus System, Commander. That element of risk requires greater security." She explained. "Liara T'Soni vouched for your conduct and paid all fees you would normally incur. She also asked that I direct you to her at your earliest convenience. She's near the trading floor."

He stared. "Liara T'Soni."

"Yes, Commander. Liara is a one of Illium's foremost information brokers." A smile. "As I said, you can find her near the trading floor. Can I direct you to anything else?" He just shook his head, perplexed, and the asari dismissed herself with a polite nod.

Shepard took a moment to run a hand through his hair before leading them away from the docking bay and into the mass of flashing lights and chattering news reports that welcomed them to Nos Astra. It was overwhelming. His head was still pounding from his two day binge and his dreams had left him reeling. He never thought he would miss the days when they were simply nightmares. Now, his mind even managed to twist her into them.

Having the few happy memories he had taken and warped into something darker was getting real fucking depressing. An asari pushed by them, babbling about stocks, and he sighed. He wasn't ready to face civilization just yet.

Garrus walked up to beside him, eyeing their surroundings critically. "Well, this is bound to be interesting." The turian drawled. "Didn't know she gave up on digging up Protheans."

Shepard snorted. "First Tali's running around with her little suit squad on Freedom's Progress. Found you trying out Omega's unique facial reconstruction methods." The turian's mandibles fluttered in amusement. "Then…" He didn't say it, because he couldn't. Because thinking about it was pointless and only reminded him of everything he lost. And something about the way Garrus was holding himself told him that he could use a bit of levity too. He could torture himself later. At the bar. "When the hell did all you guys get together and decide the Terminus Systems were the place to be?"

"Oh, you know, it's the vibrant culture that draws you in."

The commander smirked, taking in what he could of Garrus' easy humor. "There's nothing vibrant about a vorcha."

The turian gave a half smile and continued. "But you stay for the opportunity. It's always easy to find work."

"Because someone killed the last guy." Zaeed grunted behind them. "Strip clubs." He watched a young asari walk by appreciatively, whistling between his teeth. "They're the one damn thing they do better outside of Council space."

Miranda rolled her eyes and passed them. "Shepard, Dr. T'Soni will likely have information on where to find our two new recruits. While you visit with her and find their locations, I can go and meet my contact at Eternity."

He wondered how she managed to make him feel like some errant toddler in need of instruction so often. Shepard's hand ran through his hair once again as he tried to remember why he had agreed to doing her a favor - besides giving him a second chance to fuck up at life, she hadn't done anything for him. But still he said yes. To her, to Jacob, to Kasumi and Zaeed. It seemed every member of his hodgepodge team had some kind of personal drama they needed to resolve, and how the hell could he say no to them? He was killing them all. And if he owed Miranda any kind of debt for bringing him back to life, he'd get this done for her and go back to pissing her off.

"Fine, but take the rest of them with you. I don't need an armed escort to meet with an archaeologist. We'll rendezvous at Eternity and figure out where to go from there."

"Hell yes!" Jack punched Zaeed enthusiastically in the arm. The old mercenary grumbled and swore. "You're buying me drinks, old man."

"Don't get too drunk. We still might need to shoot something." Shepard called after them, ignoring the choice gesture Jack threw him over her shoulder. He turned back to Miranda, the operative looking less than pleased with his decision to send the two with her. "Don't let them break anything. These corporate assholes will wring us dry - and where the fuck is Kasumi?" Miranda copied him as he surveyed the area, trying to find the thief. Maybe she had just decided to stay behind and babysit the Normandy (and Grunt) with Jacob and Mordin. But considering their location and the very valuable tech floating around Nos Astra's market, he seriously doubted it. He let out a groan in defeat. "Goddamnit. She better steal something fucking useful, at least." He glanced at an office overlooking the floor. "That it?" A nod from Miranda, and his brow furrowed. "That's a big fucking office. She must be good at this."

Miranda pursed her lips, probably trying to bite back some smartass remark at his obvious observation. She settled on a brief eye roll. "It would appear so. I will meet you at Eternity, Shepard."

"Yeah, fine." He grumbled, then turned to the turian still at his side. "Garrus, coming with me?"

"Somebody needs to be there to protect you. Could be a trap." He somehow managed to joke while sounding completely serious, but a flick of his mandibles and he was pushing for lightness again. "Do you think she'll faint?" Garrus gave a wistful sigh. "Ah, those were the days."

Shepard huffed out a quiet laugh. "We can only hope."

The turian grinned, but the motion was subdued. After a moment he sent a cautious look Shepard's way. "So..." He began uncomfortably, slowing his pace as they neared the stairs to Liara's office, the small alcove giving some semblance of privacy in the bustling market. "How are you holding up?"

He stared back at those calculating eyes, his jaw tightening. "Really, Garrus?"

"Yeah. I know." Garrus muttered regretfully. "I just need to know you're good. Something happened with you when we were fighting those Collectors." His mandibles drooped uneasily, plated brows falling over stone-blue eyes.

The commander frowned, turning from Garrus and letting his eyes roam the trading floor. What was he supposed to tell him? He'd think he was crazy. Or… Having a Reaper chat you up wasn't something to brag about. Between the constant, looming pulse in the back of his mind taunting him with Harbinger's presence, and his ears ringing with new tech and the beacon's ever-present scream, he had no idea how to reassure his friend he wasn't turning into Saren. There were too many parallels to even reassure himself.

Fuck.

"The docs are looking into it." He muttered, turning back to face the turian. It was a half-truth; Mordin had requested a chance to take a look at him, but he was in no hurry to be laid out on another surgical table. And he had found other ways to occupy his time in the days after Horizon. Garrus' eyes closed in on him suspiciously. "They're going to look into it." He clarified with a sigh.

"Look into what, Shepard?"

His teeth ground against one another. "It's a Reaper. Controlling the Collectors." Shepard murmured, his voice quiet. Garrus heaved out a breath. "It was getting a little too friendly with me when it 'ascended' those glowing fuckers. But it stopped." He waved a hand at the turian's cautious look. "I'm fine now."

"But can you fight them?" The question was doubtful, critical. Garrus eyed him carefully. "If they can get into your head…"

"I have to fight them. It's the only fucking thing I can do." Shepard started towards the stairs. "I'm fine. If I start going off about our approaching salvation, or our ascendance to perfection, or any bullshit like that, I know you'll put a hole in my head."

Garrus sighed. "Shepard…"

"We do what we have to, Garrus."

"Just…" The turian shook his head. "You're not a traitor, Shepard. You didn't turn your back on anybody. Whatever Williams said, she's the one that walked away. Remember that." Shepard's chest tightened painfully and he glared at the turian. "I think you have enough to deal with without thinking you're the bad guy."

He hated that it took him a minute to be able to speak - that he had to draw in a long, deep breath just to remind his lungs of their purpose. Because every time he remembered that she left, he forgot how to breathe. His eyes fell away from Garrus' serious gaze and he scowled at the ground. How the fuck was he always able to pinpoint his problems?

"Since when do you write an advice column?"

Garrus gave a light shrug. "We're not getting through this if you're already feeling defeated." The simple statement sunk in slowly and Shepard dragged a hand over his face. He was going to kill them. "And you know I'm too pretty to die this young." And there it was. Once again, Garrus halted another potentially problematic train of thought with his dry humor. Shepard snorted.

"You're an asshole."

The turian's mandibles fluttered. "Come on. Maybe she'll let you embrace eternity. That'd be fun."

They took the stairs together quickly, but he was aware of the turian's eyes as he checked and double-checked their surroundings. Garrus had always been careful, observant, but the way he was watching their backs was bordering on paranoid now. Despite the layers of humor and bravado he hid it under, whatever happened on Omega still obviously weighed on him. He knew that the turian would have his back, would always be there with the little bullshit quips to help lighten the mood. He was a rock. Shepard wondered how he had failed so horribly at returning the favor.

Making a mental note to take him up on that conversation later, the commander approached a very purple asari seated at a desk. She took him in for a moment before a note of recognition lit her eyes and she stood.

"Hello, Commander." A thin, sly smile plastered itself on her lips. "Liara will be pleased to see you."

"Right." Shepard grunted, a little uneasy under the purple woman's stare. "What is it she does, exactly?"

"Liara is a greatly respected information broker here on Illium. In a few short years, she has amassed a sizeable network of connections. She could have even more political power than she already wields if she weren't so focused on her personal goals." Shepard's brows rose at the blunt remark and he shared a curious look with Garrus. "But I believe she should tell you about that, not me. She's right through here."

The assistant stood and led them to a nearby door, keying in a code for their entry. The door swung open, and Liara's voice rang low and menacing and completely unfamiliar as they stepped into her office.

"Have you faced an asari commando unit before? Few humans have." The man she spoke to rubbed a worried hand against the back of his neck. "I'll make it simple. Either you pay me, or I'll flay you alive. With my mind."

What the fuck?

"Well, that's new." Garrus drawled quietly next to him. Shepard just gaped.

The hologram whirred and disappeared as her victim noticed their arrival, and finally Liara realized their intrusion. She spun around to face them, her eyes bright.

"Shepard! Nyxeris, hold my calls." Her assistant bowed and retreated from the room, and as the door closed behind her, Liara stepped forward. She looked older, something in her appearing darker since the few years he had last seen her. He was beginning to notice a trend.

Had life been unkind to all of them while he was gone?

Suddenly, her arms were around him, and he stilled. "Ah… Shepard." She murmured, her voice so quiet and sad he gave her a quick, awkward squeeze in return before pulling away. But any weakness that had been there only a moment before was hidden when he looked in her eyes again, buried under a cold new façade. She took a few quiet steps back behind her desk, effectively putting up more than just a physical barrier between them. He frowned.

"My sources said you were alive, but I never believed… It's very good to see you." She smiled, but he didn't mimic the motion. "And you, Garrus." The turian simply nodded, his eyes trailing the walls of the office, no doubt calculating their odds if they were pinned down.

Shepard sighed. "Since when do you have sources?"

"I'm an information broker. I have sources, contacts, even some hired muscle." She paced back to stare out the window overlooking the trade floor. "It's paid the bills since you… Well, for the last two years. And now you're back, gunning for the Collectors with Cerberus."

It was an observation more than an accusation, but it cut him the same way it had when Ash had thrown it in his face. Liara turned back to face him, and moved to sit at her desk. He hovered for a moment before seating himself across from her, leaning back heavily in his chair.

"Glad to see everyone knows, now." He grumbled. "It wasn't supposed to be public knowledge."

"Subtlety has never been your talent, Shepard. Half of Omega saw you cure a plague and aid a vigilante." She cast Garrus a knowing look. "Destroying a well-known prison ship also caused a bit of a stir. Only the Council's refusal to acknowledge the rumors is keeping any doubt alive." She shrugged at his raised brows. "Information is my business now. And if you need information on finding anyone, I'd be happy to help."

"I do, actually." He narrowed his eyes, wondering how the fuck she was finding all of this out. He was damned sick of everyone knowing his business. "Two people: an assassin named Thane Krios, and an asari name Samara."

Liara nodded. "The drell, Krios, arrived here a few days ago. My sources say he may be targeting a corporate executive here – Nassana Dantius. He contacted a woman named Seryna. Seryna has an office in the cargo transfer levels. Perhaps she can tell you where Krios is." She took a breath, then continued, leaving him baffled at the ease with which she pulled all the information from her mind. How could one person know so much? "Now Samara… Yes. She arrived recently and registered with Tracking Officer Dara. You can find Dara at the transportation hub."

"Why would she have to register with a tracking officer?" He narrowed his eyes. "If she's being watched, I need to know. I'm full up on criminal types right now." Garrus snorted a laugh from near the window.

"She's quite the opposite, actually. Samara is a justicar, one of an ancient sect of asari warriors. Dara can tell you more."

Shepard nodded and began to stand. "Good. Thanks, Liara." He hesitated, glancing at the door and back to the asari he used to know. "I could use you, you know. I know you have a new life, but with what I'm doing…" He knew he shouldn't ask. Bringing her with on a suicide mission wasn't doing her any favors. But with all of the new information she had, along with her previous knowledge of Protheans and the beacon, she would be an incredible asset.

A stab of longing hit him as he considered how jealous Ash probably would have been at him admitting it.

"I can't, Shepard." Her voice was harsh enough to make him step back in surprise. "I'm sorry. I have commitments here. Things I need to take care of."

He frowned again, searching her eyes for the bright curiosity that had always glowed within them two years ago. But there was nothing. She had changed so drastically he couldn't help his concern.

"Liara, if you're in trouble…"

"No. It's nothing like that. But it's been a long two years. I had to do things while you were gone." The words were ominous, and he crossed his arms irritably at her vague explanation. "I have debts to repay." She sighed, silent for a moment before meeting his gaze once more. "Listen, if you want to help, I need someone with hacking expertise. Someone I can trust."

"Well, you know that's not me." Shepard grumbled, wondering silently if it were true on both accounts. "But I have someone with me that should be able to help."

Kasumi may be a thief, but he had the distinct impression that she was the trustworthy sort. Probably. If that existed.

"Good. I need you to disable security at key points around Illium. That will get me information I need and help me a great deal."

"You won't just tell me what the fuck this is about?"

Liara sighed and stood with him, shaking her head. "Don't you think I want to, Shepard? This isn't because I don't trust you." He wasn't too convinced. "This is Illium. Everything I say is probably being recorded."

That's real fucking reassuring.

"Fine. I'll do what I can. Send me the locations of the terminals you need hacked." He walked towards the door, Garrus following with a weak parting wave to Liara. Apparently, he was also a little put off by their old teammate's cold shoulder. "I'll talk to you later, Liara."