It was around 3 AM ship time and Dr. Chakwas has not slept much at all. Knowing Kasumi was above her in the vents they exchanged messages via their secure channel as the doctor watched Shepard sleep. Her fever finally broke shortly after 2 AM. Now the doctor watched her sleep and placed her hand on the human's shoulder whenever it looked like she was beginning to have a nightmare. She wondered how on earth Liara did this night after night. It was exhausting.

Knowing she has to get some sleep of her own she messages Kasumi that she is returning to the Med Bay to check on Iona, the asari commando who was injured. With a quick reply the doctor left Shepard to sleep hopefully soundly the rest of the night.

Iona is sleeping well. Dr. Chakwas checks her assistant Anne's notes. There are no issues with the asari's healing. The human doctor lies down on a med bed and drifts off to sleep.

It doesn't take long before her omni-tool alerts her to a message. Checking the time Dr. Chakwas was asleep only for thirty minutes. Wiping her eyes with her hand she brings up the message. It is from Kasumi:

Shepard left her quarters. She visited Ashley and gave her an injection as she slept. Shepard is back in her quarters sleeping. There are two small boxes taped up under her bed. They contain syringes and drugs or medicines of some sort. This is how she was able to give Ashley an injection.

A chill sluiced through her body. She replied to the message and told Kasumi that she would inform Lieutenant Griggs. She feels it important someone on the squad know what is going on. She also sent a message to Liara and Miranda to keep them informed.

Morning comes much too fast. Shepard enters the Med Bay to check on Iona and finds Dr. Chakwas slumped over her desk sleeping.

Shepard walks over to the sleeping asari. She looks to ensure no one else is in the room. She brings up her hand which holds a syringe. She touches the violet arm with her fingers and when the asari does not stir she takes a firmer grip. With her other hand she is about to place the syringe in the asari's arm when she hears Dr. Chakwas speak.

"Shepard what are you doing here?"

Keeping her composure she quickly hides the syringe. "Hi Doc. I didn't want to disturb you. I wanted to see how Iona was doing."

Chakwas crosses over to the med bed and runs a scan while she yawns. "Shepard you need to stop blaming yourself. It was an accident."

Shepard furrows her brows as if she is not sure what the human doctor is talking about. "Uh…well yeah I know. So?"

Finishing her scan she looks at Shepard, "So? So what?"

"She okay?"

"As I said Shepard she is fine. How are you feeling?"

"Me? I'm fine why?"

The doctor looks at her former Commander with scrutiny. "Sit down over here please." She gestures toward a chair.

Shepard hiding the syringe places it in her pocket making sure Chakwas does not see. She sits as requested.

The doctor runs a scan.

"I feel fine Doc, what's with the scan?"

"You told me you were not feeling well last night don't you remember?"

"No. I slept like a baby. I think maybe you are the one in need of some sleep. Did you sleep here all night?"

She wonders how Shepard remembers nothing of her fever last night. The doctor wonders if she even remembers speaking with Liara. "I slept in my bed for a while then relieved Anne. I wanted to keep an eye on Iona." This isn't true but she hopes Shepard believes her.

"Well you should get some rest."

Chakwas finishes the scan.

"So everything okay there Doc?"

"What?"

Shepard gestures toward her omni-tool.

"Oh yes I apologize….yes you are just fine."

"Told ya," says Shepard as she stands from the chair. She places her hand on Chakwas' shoulder, "I think you need more sleep. You want me to get you some breakfast?"

"That would be nice thank you Shepard."

"You bet."

After Shepard leaves the Med Bay the doctor sends a message to Kasumi letting her know that Shepard does not seem to remember last night at all. She sits at her desk stifling a yawn. She knows today is going to be a long day.

Liara feels hope for the first time since Shepard returned from the hospital. She received a message that her fever broke and was sleeping soundly. Wishing the morning was not quite here Liara slowly gets out of bed to head for the shower. When she reaches the kitchen she cannot help but smile. Her father Aethyta is talking with Raina and Mia as they eat their breakfast. Tali is sitting eating quietly observing the interaction.

"Hey kid," says the Matriarch.

"Good morning," says Liara. She gives each child a kiss on their crest and pats Tali's shoulder as she helps herself to some food.

"Ma Ma," says Raina. "How are you?"

"I am fine thank you Raina and how are you doing?"

"Good." The little one's smile lights up the entire room.

"I was just telling them a story about you Liara," says Aethyta.

"Oh?"

"Yeah about when you were a kid how you used to dig in the dirt looking for shi….stuff…looking for stuff."

"Ma Ma silly," says Mia.

"That's right kid," says Aethyta. "She was silly all right."

"Liara," says Tali "did you ever find anything?"

Smiling Liara sits down at the kitchen table, all eyes are on her. "In fact I did once."

Raina and Mia's eyes go wide.

"What was it?" asks Tali.

"It was a small asari toy actually. I have no idea how it got there but I found it." Liara has such pride in her face when she remembers.

Aethyta starts to laugh.

Liara looks at her, "What is so funny?"

"It took you almost a week to find that damn thing."

"What?" Liara is shocked. "You put the toy there?"

"Well sure I did. Do you honestly think it was just there?" asks Aethyta.

"I was very young father of course I thought it was just there."

The kids start to laugh and Tali cannot help herself.

"That is actually pretty sweet of you Aethyta," says the Quarian.

"Sweet? Shit."

"Bad word!" Raina says pointing her finger at her grandfather. Mia also points and laughs.

The kids have made it into a game. Every time their grandfather curses they point it out. Both of them are getting quite good at spotting the curse words.

"Yeah yeah," says Aethyta.

"That's enough Raina," Liara says in her soft tone. She looks at her father. "I…I cannot believe you did that."

Shrugging her shoulders the Matriarch replies, "What can I say? I loved watching you in that park Liara. I wanted to see the look on your face when you actually found something. It is something I will never forget."

The two lock eyes for a few moments before Aethyta looks away with a smile. Liara cannot believe her father did that for her. She smiles as she blinks away the water in her eyes.

"We dig today?" asks Raina.

"We do indeed kid," says Aethyta.

"What? What is this?" asks Liara.

"We are taking the kids to the park this morning Liara," says Tali.

"That's right," says Aethyta, "they have some exploring to do."

Thinking of the last time they went to the park Liara is a bit concerned. "Do you think that is wise?"

"Don't sweat it kid. I got them."

"Of course," Liara says with a nod of her head.

The asari stands to clear her dish. "Well I need to go to work. I hope you all have a wonderful day."

"Let me walk you out," says Tali. The two leave the house after Liara kisses her kids goodbye.

"What is it Tali?"

"I spoke with Kal'reegar on Rannoch. He has been covering for me while I have been here."

Liara does not want to hear what is coming next but she knew this day was coming.

"I will need to leave soon Liara."

"How soon?"

"He said two weeks at the most. I am sorry Liara I know it is not the best timi…"

"…nonsense. You have been wonderful to stay as long as you have. I know you have work to do Tali."

"I…well I just don't like leaving you without knowing what is going to happen with Shepard."

"I know. But maybe by then this will be over." She doesn't believe it the minute the words leave her lips.

There is a silence between the two. The Quarian hugs Liara. "She is going to be okay Liara you cannot believe anything less."

"I know Tali I know.

The squad gathers round in the shuttle bay. Commander Williams prefers it to the CIC. She often checks weapons after a briefing to mentally prepare for what is ahead. Though she has her own locker in her quarters, she keeps some of her weapons with the rest of them on the shuttle bay level.

"Listen up!"

The squad quiets down and looks at their Commanding officer. Shepard is among the squad waiting to hear what she has to say.

"We are following up on a lead we found on the medical ship. We are headed toward the Sol system."

"We going to Earth?" asks Nicols.

"No. According to Joker we are heading toward Mars."

"Mars?"

"That's right. The coordinates are in its orbit that is all we know for now."

"Think it's another ship?" asks Bering. "Will we land ont the planet?"

"Until we get there I do not know if we are landing on the planet or not. What we do know is that we are getting close. I informed Hackett of our findings from the med ship. He has people tracking down the possible Cerberus link. We have about five hours before we arrive so make the best use of that time. Make sure your weapons and gear are set."

"What about Iona?" asks Langer.

"She will be sitting this one out. She is healing nicely but won't be mission ready. Shepard and I will provide a briefing when we arrive at our destination. Any other questions?"

The squad is silent.

"Good. Dismissed."

The squad files out, some working on the weapons bench cleaning and making adjustments, while others check their gear.

Shepard cocks her head to the side when Ashley makes eye contact. The two Spectres meet away from everyone else in the corner of the shuttle bay.

"What's up Skipper?" asks Ashley.

"I couldn't get to the asari."

"Don't think it matters at this point do you?"

"I don't like loose ends."

"She is not a threat. She can't even come along so she won't be able to give updates to the Council."

"You mean Tevos," Shepard nearly spits the word.

"Look I know you don't really care for her, but Iona can no longer spy on us. So relax."

"Relax? She may not be the only one Ashley, you ever think of that?"

"You are a bit too paranoid for your own good Shepard."

"Hey. I have survived this long haven't I?"

"We do nothing about her is that understood?"

"Didn't realize I was taking orders from you."

Ashley looks at her they both do not break eye contact. "Look Shepard…"

"No you look Ashley. We have a job to do and we are going to do it."

Ashley looks around to make sure they are not causing a scene. She does not notice that Griggs has been observing the two from the opposite corner of the room.

"Okay," says Ashley quietly. "You are in charge I know that. But I don't think we need to risk it especially since she cannot come along."

"She still knows where we are headed."

"What do you want me to do?"

"Ask her to your quarters, we can take care of her then."

"And how exactly do we explain her absence?" asks Ashley.

Shepard thinks a moment.

Ashley places a hand on her shoulder. "I know you don't like loose ends Skipper, I don't either. But the risk is too high. Let her inform Tevos of where we are going. Soon it won't matter anyway."

Shepard is kicking herself for not being able to take care of the asari earlier in the med bay.

"Skipper?"

"I don't like it."

"Well if you wouldn't have missed we wouldn't need to have this conversation."

"Fuck you Ashley!" she says it through clenched teeth. "Our orders are to eliminate her. Tevos cannot know what is going on right now. It could ruin everything." Though she fully believes what she is saying she is not sure how she knows what she is saying is true. It is more of a feeling a constant scrapping in her head.

"Okay okay, I'm sorry." Ashley takes in and lets out a breath. "I don't see how we can take care of it right now. It is too risky and you know that."

Shepard knows she's right.

"Fine. We leave her alone for now."

"Good. I am sure the boss will have a plan for her when we see her," says Ashley. "Until then it is business as usual."

"You call Tyler yet? To keep up appearances?" asks Shepard.

"Yes this morning. And you?"

"No. I have not called Liara yet. I will shortly."

"Don't worry Skipper. Everything is going according to plan. Speaking of keeping up appearances, it is time I talk to the Council."

"Have fun." The bite of sarcasm is not lost on Ashley.

Ashley pats her on the shoulder "We stick to the plan Skipper." Ashley walks toward the elevator.

Shepard does not like the feeling in her gut nor does she like the small ache starting at the back of her head. When she thinks about how she knows that Iona is a plant for Councilor Tevos her head hurts more. She doesn't know how she knows she just does. She heads for her quarters to call her bondmate.

"Hello Elly how are you?" Liara asks. She takes the call from her bondmate in her office. She begins teaching next week.

"I'm good Liara how are you and the kids?"

"Good. They are getting along with Dad very well. I think she has been very good for them and them for her."

"You are so beautiful Liara, I miss you. I can't believe how long it has been since we talked."

Liara freezes. She looks closer at the vid display. She has a feeling Shepard does not remember their talk last night. "What do you mean Elly?"

"Well it's been like two days since we talked right? I tell ya getting used to ship time and trying to figure out what time it is there is making my head spin." Shepard looks at the vid display, "You okay Liara?"

Trying not to look flustered Liara replies, "Y-Yes I am fine Elly."

"What's going on? Something wrong?"

"No not at all Elly." She quickly tries to think of what to say.

"I know something is wrong Liara, you can tell me."

"I don't want to worry you."

"Is it the kids?"

"Oh no no no, nothing like that."

"Then what?"

"Tali will be leaving soon."

"Oh."

"She may be gone by the time you come back. I just thought it might upset you. I only found out about it this morning."

"I see."

Liara is not sure what else to say. She only hopes that Elly believes her. "Are you okay Elly?"

"Yeah yeah I'm fine. I will have to call her I guess. When will she know for sure?"

"I do not know. She said she would let me know, but that it would be soon." Liara does not want to be too specific since she knows it is not really her Elly she is talking to.

"Are you okay Liara? I know how much you have enjoyed having her visit."

"I will miss her, but I know she has to get back. Plus I start my classes next week and I have my speech coming up at the end of the month."

"Well I sure hope I am home for that," says Shepard. "Hey look I gotta go. You gonna be okay?"

"Yes Elly. Please be safe."

"Always Liara. Love you."

"I love you." The call disconnects.

Liara returns to her work when her omni-tool comes to life. She wonders if it is Elly. That perhaps she forgot to tell her something.

"Hello?"

"Hi Liara do you have a minute?"

"Oh hello Miranda. Yes I do."

"Where are you?"

"I am at the University."

"How soon can you come to the estate?"

"Well I just got here not an hour ago Miranda, why what is going on?"

"I need to show you something."

The asari is very familiar with Miranda's tone. She has found something and it is important. "I will be there as soon as I can."

Liara arrives at the estate two hours after receiving Miranda's call. She wanted to leave earlier but she had to attend a faculty meeting and needed to do some work before leaving the office. She feels it will be noticeable soon if she is not putting in her half days before classes begin next week.

"Hi Liara how are you?" asks Arelia as she hugs her asari friend. "Please come in."

"I am well thank you Arelia. How are you? You look well."

Arelia's hand goes over her belly as she speaks. "Thank you Liara. The little one is quite the kicker. Can I get you something to drink?"

"No thank you. Miranda said she wanted to show me something."

Arelia nods, "Of course, right this way."

Liara follows Arelia through the hallways that lead to Miranda's secure lab within the estate.

"The work on the house is completed Liara. Oriana now has her own entrance and her own full kitchen. Though I think Miranda prefers that she use our kitchen. She doesn't like all of the time her sister has been spending with Mark. He is a nice man though don't you think?"

Silence.

"Liara?"

"I'm sorry Arelia what?"

The asari commando knows how worried Liara must be. "It is quite alright Liara. It was nothing important."

They arrive outside the lab. Arelia pushes a button and they wait. The door swooshes open. "Come on in," says Miranda. The human woman heads toward her desk where there are multiple vid monitors. "Thanks for coming by Liara."

"What have you found?"

"Remember the pictures Kasumi sent to us of the devices that are outside of Shepard and Ashley's quarters?"

"You found out what they do?" asks Liara taking a seat next to Miranda. Arelia is seated on the other side of the human.

"I think so." Miranda punches a few buttons on her console. The picture of the device is displayed. "I think this device is what is being used to control Shepard and now Ashley."

"How?"

"Our brain hears things at different frequencies. How we hear has been difficult to explain really. It is easier to articulate how the human brain thinks then how it hears. Anyway, I believe the device is at a certain frequency. I believe instructions if you will are being relayed through this frequency while they sleep. That along with the drugs in their system makes them susceptible to what is being transmitted."

Liara thinks a moment. "So you think that they hear a voice of some sort?"

"Not sure if it is a voice because I believe Kasumi would have heard it. I think it may be interpreted as a voice when under the influence of the drugs. But I am only theorizing at this point."

"It seems to explain why Shepard would suddently inject Ashley with something," says Arelia.

"Why would someone do this do you suppose?" asks Liara.

Miranda shakes her head.

"Why would anyone want to control someone else?" asks Arelia.

"To get what they want," says Miranda.

"And what do you think Scorpion wants?" asks Liara.

Miranda shakes her head again.

"If you say that Ashley is now affected by this device think about it," says Arelia.

The two just stare at her.

"They are both human Spectres."

"Oh Goddess," says Liara as one of her hands covers her mouth.

"So?" asks Miranda.

"So honey, if Scorpion can control two human Spectres who else do they want to control or influence?" asks Arelia.

"You think this is some type of test for a bigger purpose?" asks Miranda.

Arelia nods, "It could be yes."

"They are after the Council," says Liara.