Shepard's crew stood motionless, taut faces carved into grave expressions, expectant gazes locked onto the commander as they awaited orders. The only sound in the room came from Cortez's boots striking the deck as the pilot circled the shuttles, performing last-minute inspections.

James and Ashley stood nonchalantly near the weapons station, arms crossed over heavily armoured chests. Shepard knew both chomped at the bit, eager to get into the action. Garrus leaned against Vega's workbench. Tali stood to his left, her toes touching the side of his boot. EDI, next to them, the picture of serenity.

Ignoring her deep sense of unease at Liara's absence, Shepard curled her fingers deliberately into a fist and roared, "We're gonna fuck them up!"

Their answering shout echoed deafeningly. "Oorah, Commander!"

"Dismissed."

The marines rushed to their assigned shuttles, exchanging reassuring helmet slaps and spirited cheers. Her crew was ready. She was ready. She had to be ready.

James positioned himself outside the door to the nearest shuttle, speaking in hushed tones to each marine as they climbed in. After a few moments, Ashley joined him. Grinning, she clapped his shoulder before entering the shuttle. He watched her disappear inside, then leaned back against the transport and folded his arms across his chest, waiting for Shepard.

The commander quickly inspected her shotgun, slammed home a fresh heatsink, and started forward, pausing when the elevator slid open. Liara strode into the shuttle bay, breastplate and vambraces clutched tightly in gloved hands. Her features were set in determination. Shepard caught herself taking a shallow breath at Liara's fortitude.

"Where do you think you're going?" Shepard demanded. Liara's answering glare told Shepard she expected to be allowed on the mission. "Fuck no!" Shepard pivoted on her heel, heading towards her shuttle. "You are staying right here."

Liara stepped into Shepard's path, blocking her. The asari's face twisted in anger, cheeks purpling. Her pupils eddied until her eyes became black as night, and Shepard was hauled to a dark plane of Liara's mindscape. A garish slash of crimson the only light visible on the distant horizon.

Wincing, Shepard fought the ridiculous urge to cover her ears as Liara's angry voice lanced through her mind. I will not be left behind, Muireall.

Shepard stepped toward the asari, grabbed her forearm and jerked her closer. "Don't call me that," she hissed.

Ignoring the reprimand, Liara matched the commander's challenging glare. I am of no use here. You can let me accompany you, or I will find another way to the surface.

"You're no good to me on the ground. You can't even speak."

If Shepard's words stung her, it didn't show. They continued to stare at one another, until Liara's gaze slid to a point just past Shepard's shoulder. The meld ended as jarringly as it began. Released, Shepard looked over her shoulder.

James approached, his hands extended to take the asari's breastplate. "Is there some way I can help?" her offered, shouldering past Shepard to take Liara's gear. He motioned for the asari to spread her arms, ignoring Shepard's warning glare.

As Liara lifted her arms, her eyes snapped back to the commander. Black swirled amidst crisp blue in a stunningly surreal way.

"This is none of your fucking business, Lieutenant." Shepard angrily hiked her thumb over her shoulder. "Get your ass on that shuttle."

"Permission to speak freely?"

"I gave you an order! Let me rephrase, in case you misunderstood: Fuck off, Vega!"

"Yes, Ma'am," he replied, snapping the last clasp of Liara's armour before retreating.

Liara's gaze hardened and her lips curled back in an ugly, silent snarl. Shepard recognized the danger immediately, even before the hairs on the back of her neck stood up. The air buzzed as Liara surrounded herself in a shimmering cloak of dark energy.

"Don't you dare!" Shepard spat. She suppressed a whisper of fear that uncurled in her belly at Liara's sheer, unadulterated power. Stepping closer, Shepard breached the biotic bubble. The barrier bit sharply as it snaked over her.

Shepard bent forward until their cheeks almost touched. She tilted her head to sniff Liara's neck. "You smell like you've just been fucked," she sneered. "Can she make you scream and beg like I do?"

Liara's biotics perished. Leaning back to look into the asari's eyes, Shepard expected to see shame and guilt. At the very least, she assumed Liara would be even angrier. Instead, a controlled mask of indifference eased over the asari's features, and her eyes settled down to their natural blue. Liara licked dry lips. Her voice escaped in a hoarse whisper. "Stop."

Startled, Shepard backed up, but continued to goad the asari. "You can't even defend your little bitch."

Liara refused to rise to the bait. She had centered herself and would not be moved to anger again, despite Shepard's attacks. Shepard scowled. The asari's tenacity nearly matched her own. Liara could fight. She would fight—after finding a way down to the surface, regardless of Shepard's orders.

"The last time I allowed you on a mission before you were completely healed, you fell apart. If that happens again, I will kill you. Do you understand? Nothing, nothing can compromise this mission, T'Soni. Is that fucking clear?"

Liara swallowed hard, a slight crinkling around her eyes betraying her agony as she croaked, "Understood."

"Vega!" Shepard hollered over her shoulder. He poked his head out of the shuttle. "Get back out here!"

The lieutenant sprinted up. "Commander?"

"Stick with T'Soni."

He tried to hide a smile. "Aye, Ma'am."

Shepard suspected that Vega equated these orders as similar to the ones she'd given on Thessia; the marine would watch over Liara and keep her safe at all costs.

Despite everything, Shepard felt herself relax.

- x -