The Illusive man, whom which Shepard had begun to refer to as TIM, provided the Commander of the Normandy with two more dossiers. She had been surprised to see TIM had added Tali to her list of recruits. He must have done some home work after the encounter at Freedom's Progress. She was looking forward to seeing the young quarian again. Weeks that seemed like months had passed since that fateful day. The woman she'd met was so much more grown-up than the girl on pilgrimage she remembered. It would be good to see her again.

The Normandy sliced across the galaxy like a warm knife through fresh butter. Shepard left the galaxy map platform and headed for the elevators. Garrus had assured her the weapons upgrades were coming along just fine, but she still wanted to check in on him. After he told her about the loss of his team, he seemed a little distant. Especially after Horizon. He almost seemed angry about something. He still teased and made his jokes, but he was more... turian that usual. The elevator doors closed and she shook her head.

"That didn't make since." Shepard told herself. "He is turian. Get a grip. It's probably just in your head."

"Shepard?" EDI's voice echoed in the small space of the elevator.

"Are you spying on me?" Shepard accused, angry that her perceived privacy had been invaded.

"No, Shepard. I simply picked up on your vocal signatures. With no one in the elevator with you, I assumed you were addressing me. I apologize. Note; if one finds themselves in a conversation alone, perhaps one should seek medical attention."

"Thanks, EDI. I'm fine." Shepard replied politely through gritted teeth. Damned AI.

The doors slid open and Shepard left the elevator as quickly as she could. She knew she couldn't really get away from EDI, but it made her feel better to pretend she'd left her standing in the car with the doors closing in her face.

Shepard rounded the corner and went strait for the forward batteries. Her mental note to give Chakwas the ice brandy gave her a kick in the head when she passed by the doctor's office.

"Damn, I've got to do that." Shepard thought to herself.

Garrus heard the doors open behind him.. He knew it was the Commander. She had a distinct floral oder with the ever present undertow scent of Nihlus. He spun around excitedly to face his friend. She would help him. He knew that like he knew the smell of her musk during a fight or the sound of her voice over gun fire.

"Shepard, I'm glad you came by. I've got something. I may need your help. Do you remember Sidonis... the one who betrayed my team?"

He waited for her to nod, then continued. He left the dim light of the battery for the brighter lights of the hall. Shepard followed close behind him, listening intently to his words.

"I found a lead on him! There's a specialist on the Citadel, name's 'Fade'. He's an expert on helping people disappear. Sidonis was seen with him." He said in earnest.

"I'll get us to the Citadel as soon as I can." She promised. "How do we find Fade?"

It comforted her to know that he still felt he could confide in her and even ask for her help. She had no problem with making a stop at the Citadel to take down Sidonis. It was the least she could do for her home-boy.

"I've arranged a meeting in a warehouse near the neon markets on Zakara ward." He told her.

He made eye contact with her briefly. He saw the steel in her eyes and knew she was there for him. She was as good a friend as she was a Commander.

"Thanks Shepard." He flashed a grin. "I appreciate you taking the time to help me."

He nodded to her and went back to work. He thoughts focused on Sidonis. The old anger boiled back to the surface. He tried to focus on his work. There were always calibrations to do, tests to run, something... but he couldn't concentrate. All he could think of was the satisfaction of putting a bullet hole in the carapace of Sidonis' metallic face.