Liara's POV
Sercy is a unique human. Probably more unique than Commander Shepard. I am confused about how she got here. Theoretically, her story is filled with scientific merriment. Being brought to a universe for the sole purpose of saving all organics? That is a little hard to swallow. What beings would care enough about the plight of our civilization that they would do such a thing? None that I have studied...except maybe the Protheans.
Yet I sense the truth in her words. Her energy did not falter or change. And she always looked me in the eyes when speaking. My eyes were...elsewhere. She has a physique that rivals any asari commando I've ever seen. I am also curious about her hair. During my search of human history and culture, I found a few photos of humans with the same hairstyle. There is an extensive history to it. And the most basic thing I can think of when looking at it? I wonder what it feels like.
"Are you always in deep thought that way, Dr. T'soni?", asked Sercy. "Oh I am sorry. As a scientist, my thoughts tend to get the better of me", I said. It was not a lie but it wasn't a complete truth either. "I see. While you're escaping into scientific wonderland, can you stir that pot for me?", asked Sercy with a smile. "Of course. What is this food called?", I asked. It smells delicious. It reminds me of Benezia's cooking. Oh...Mother. What happened to you? "Those are Irish potatoes. I am boiling them to soften them up a bit before I mash them together", said Sercy. "That doesn't sound very appetizing", I thought out loud. "Mashed potatoes are a very basic human food and are scrumptious. Once I'm done with them, you will be a believer as well", said Sercy, smiling again.
"Consider it your second challenge with me. However, I should remind you of the outcome before", I said, laughing. "Oh Dr. T'soni has sarcasm eh? You're on!", exclaimed Sercy, with a smile. "I must ask you something. Why do you call me Dr. T'soni?", I asked. "Where I am from, it would be disrespectful of me not to unless you indicated otherwise", said Sercy. There was a certain respect and reverence in her response. "I thank you for the courtesy but since I call you by your first name, I think it only fair that you call me by mine as well", I said. "Umm...sure. Your wish is my command, Liara", said Sercy, nodding her head. I do adore the way she said my name.
"Dr. T'soni? May I speak with you privately?", said Shepard. I hadn't noticed how close to us she was standing. "Of course, Commander. Your quarters or mine?", I said. That elicited a smile from Sercy and Shepard starting rubbing her neck. It must be a human thing. "My quarters", said Shepard. "I will join you momentarily. Sercy, do you need any other assistance from me?, I asked. "No Dr-er, Liara. You are free to go. Shepard, try not to get lost on the way back", said Sercy with a smirk. "Its my ship. I'm sure I'll manage", said Shepard with what looked like a sneer. "Oh I'm sure", laughed Sercy. "Eh...after you, Doc", said Shepard. I wonder what she wants to discuss?
Shepard's POV
She seemed engrossed in conversation with Daniels. I did not want to seem rude by interrupting but this seems like the best time to talk to her. I still don't know what happened earlier...how I felt pulled toward her. The effect must not have worn off because here I am again...alone with her. I have no idea what I'm going to ask her really. I will defer to whatever direction she allows the conversation to go.
"Commander, what did you want to talk about?", asked Liara. "We didn't really get a chance to speak before and I like to know my crew. Tell me about yourself, Liara", I said. "Me? I am afraid I am not very interesting, Commander. I spend most of my time absorbed in my research and on dig sites", said Liara. "Sounds dangerous. And lonely", I said. "Sometimes I would run into indigenous life forms but never anything that my biotics couldn't handle. That is, until the Geth followed me to Artemis Tau", said Liara. I fear if we would have never got to Dr. T'soni as soon as we did, she would be dead. The Geth were crawling all over that place. "I'm just glad we got there in time. Aside from your work, you must have a hobby or something else you like to do", I said.
"I'm not much of a people person, though I find it hard not to be aboard your ship. Some of the crew regards me with suspicion. I see the way they look at me, they do not trust me. I cannot say I blame them, given Benezia's actions", said Liara, thoughtfully. Then I saw it. There was a quiet pain in her eyes and a need for understanding and trust. Her mother's actions had re-opened a wound. And I know what old wounds look like. "This hurts you doesn't it?", I asked. "None of this makes any sense. Benezia and I have not spoken in a while but none of this adds up. Maybe she lost her way...or maybe...", Liara trailed off. "What is it?", I asked. "I just considered that this could be her doing this of her own free will. That is terrible to think", said Liara, sadly.
"We don't know what is going on and until we do...well I'd hope she is safe, at least", I said earnestly. I didn't wish anything bad toward Matriarch Benezia or Saren. I just wanted to know what happened to them that they could agree to the destruction of all organics without realizing they'd destroy themselves in the process. I have a feeling there is more to this story. An eerie feeling and it points directly to the Reapers. "Regardless of her reasons, I want you to know that I am on your side and you do not have to worry about me. You saved my life and you believed me when no one else did...I will never forget that, Shepard", said Liara. "Don't worry, Liara. I trust you. I know you won't let me down", I said, reassuringly. "Thank you, Shepard. It means a lot to hear you say that", said Liara smiling. Great...she has perfect teeth. "Was there something else you wanted to discuss, Shepard?", asked Liara. "No, Dr. T'soni. I believe we should get back to the mess. I want to make sure Daniels doesn't burn it down", I said. "Right with you, Shepard", said Liara.
We both turned to leave but I lagged behind. I never noticed before but when did the scientist uniforms get so snug? And sexy? And oh...snap out of it, Shepard. She doesn't seem the least bit interested in you. But there is no harm in enjoying the view from time to time.
Ashley's POV
I knew something was up with Shepard and Dr. T'soni. I could feel the sparks while we were on the dig site. She looked at that asari like...I looked at Daniels. And speaking of Daniels, I think she may have an attraction to the good doctor as well. I saw her staring at the doctor during the debrief. There was almost a fan girl type look in her eyes. I hate to make that generalization but sometimes those people can go overboard on the extranet. I like any good Vast Reflect fan fiction but I don't think I type as loudly about it as some of them do. That is a conversation I want to have with her because she did say she didn't know who her second partner was...but that they were an asari.
"Making use of the end of the table I see", said Garrus, interrupting my thoughts. He came up earlier after talking Daniels into staying in the mess hall. She wanted him to do a dance she called a "crip walk". His mandibles started clicking furiously and he complained that he couldn't dance. Daniels showed him the dance and he laughed. He tried to mimic it and Daniels laughed so hard that she'd forgotten their original agreement. "Finally crawled from underneath the Mako I see", I said, matching his sarcasm. "Touche, Williams. You sure we should trust Daniels to cook this meal?", asked Garrus. "Well she did let you stay after that umm, display of dance. I should definitely question her judgment", I said. We both laughed.
"Well at least I know Tali is helping. Nothing like having a fellow dextro-amino aboard to get decent rations around here", said Garrus. There was more to that statement but I decided not to push it. "She said something about seared masko steaks. Daniels is cooking steaks too. I have no idea how that store on the Citadel had all of those ingredients. Not sure I want to know", I said, as an afterthought. "I won't complain. Traveling on a military ship and being able to have a meal like that is enough for me to only open my mouth to insert more food", said Garrus. "I agree with that!", I exclaimed. "Some of the crew and I were going to get a game of poker going over there in the corner. You're welcome to join us if you get tired of making nice with this table", said Garrus. "Noted. I may just take you up on that offer, if Daniels has no use for me here", I said. "Yeah...seems to me that she likes having you around", said Garrus. I think this was his attempt at fishing out information. Always a C-Sec man. "So it would seem", came my simple reply. I know when I am being baited. Garrus nodded his head and left. I wonder how Wrex is faring in the shuttle bay?
Tali's POV
This was a great idea! I never imagined I would be on a ship like the Normandy. And working with a crew that doesn't treat me like I am a disease helps lessen the sting of missing the Flotilla. "Deep in thought, Ms. Zorah?", asked Daniels, playfully nudging me. I begin to season the petulia plants. "You could say that. You know...you haven't always been a member of Shepard's crew. How do you like it so far?", I asked. "That's the great thing about Shepard. You never have time to feel unwanted because she immediately makes you comfortable. The Commander has my respect based on that alone", said Daniels. "Yes but what about the rest of the crew? Have they treated you any differently?", I quizzed. "I haven't really interacted with anyone other than Shepard's...immediate crew", said Daniels and added "I should fix that" as an afterthought.
"This is the first time since I have been away from the Flotilla that I have not felt like an outsider. I think that is Shepard's influence. She has treated me with nothing but respect since meeting me in that alley on the Citadel. I don't know any humans like her besides...well you. It speaks to both your characters", I said, respectfully. "Thank you, Tali. That means a lot to hear you say that. And just so you know, if it ever gets boring down there in engineering, I have a pretty cozy room. You're always welcome to visit...with or without notice", said Daniels, with a smile. "That is a very kind gesture, Daniels. I may just take you up on that", I said. "Excuse me, Tali. Shepard! Damn it Shepard! I said turn the steaks over in 10 minutes!", screamed Daniels. "Quit your crying, Daniels. I told you I have this. Medium well isn't fast paced!", barked Shepard. "Shepard that was 20 minutes ago! You'd know that if you weren't distracted by 50 shades of blue right now!", exclaimed Daniels. Shepard gave her a dagger-filled look. Ouch. This is hilarious to watch. Those two are like sisters, I swear.
Scanning the mess hall, I see that Garrus has made friends with some of the other crew. Good to see him moving around the ship. I hoped he would not stick to the shuttle bay as Wrex seems to be doing. Or maybe Wrex is doing the smart thing and staying there until dinner is ready. A hungry krogan is not something I want to see in my lifetime. "Smells great, Tali. I'm tempted to try it myself", said Ashley. "I'd offer you some but I don't think this agrees well with human physiology", I said. "I'll take your word on it", said Ashley with a smile.
"Chief Williams...Ashley...do you mind if I ask a question?", I said. "Not at all, Tali. What's on your mind?", said Ashley. "Are you and Daniels an...item? I'm sorry if this is getting too personal", I said. I hadn't considered that this may be inappropriate to ask. "Its okay. To answer your question well...I'm not sure. She's...in a different place. If we can ever get to the same place, mentally, then the answer would be yes", said Ashley. She was still smiling. I think she cares greatly about Daniels. "I haven't been around you two long but you act so...natural around one another. I thought you were already together", I said honestly. "Yeah...Shepard seems to think we'll be married by mission's end. We'll see where it goes though", said Ashley. This time she seemed more thoughtful than cheerful. I wonder what that means? "Anyway, I think I'll go take Garrus' creds while I still can. Hopefully dinner will be ready soon. All of these good smells have me starving! See ya, Tali", said Ashley. "See you later, Ashley", I said. She hasn't made me feel unwelcome here either. I suppose I can add her to the list with Shepard and Daniels.
Wrex's POV
Why hasn't Daniels' called me up for dinner? The human acquisitions officer is starting to look real tasty!
End Chapter 21
A/N: Hahaha! I just had to end that with Wrex being tempted to eat a human. There will be a Pt. 3. I don't see how I could have avoided that without making this chapter crazy long. We'll get back to missions after that, starting with the Citadel missions. It seems like Liara has a thing for Daniels and it also seems like she hasn't paid attention to Shepard. I know that is different that what most people write in their story's on here. There is a method to my madness. You shall see. I love the feedback when you guys give it to me. Shout out to Michael_13 for the helpful feed back last time around! Shout to DoggyStar5 and JSF North Command(I hope that is still your name) for the feedback when I first started posting this story. Actually, shout out to anyone who's ever left a comment on the board or in my inbox. They will tell you that I don't bite! =)
Obligatory disclaimer: BioWare owns what they do. I own what I do. Chagoya and Sercy mainly. And anything that isn't already owned by someone else. Stay thirsty, my friends.