A/N: So, we're dealing with a Shepard who's not quite the advocate for the misunderstood synthetic rights, but who's instead still a bit prejudiced and suspicious when dealing with AI's. The small chat with EDI will show that. I figure after all the geth in ME1, it would be hard for someone to be immediately really open-minded about AI's, so any trust will have to develop more gradually.
Also, Aria! Yay! I hope my interpretation of her seems in character. :)
Chapter 51 - The Deposed Queen
"You just can't put your work aside for a moment," Shepard gently chides Liara as she takes a seat at their table at the Apollo's, taking the datapad out of the asari's hands and setting it aside.
"I merely thought to use our brief parting to take care of a few things, so that once you arrive I can devote all my attention to you," Liara smiles. "Was I wrong to do that?"
Shepard grins, shaking her head. "No, of course not," she says. "So, how's your day so far?"
"Productive, I think," Liara replies. "I just sent Hackett information about valuable supplies that will help in building the Prothean device. Morgan, I am so thankful you did not talk me out of using the Shadow Broker resources back on Hagalaz. You know... if you had absolutely insisted that I come with you, I would have left it behind," she confesses.
"Well, I can see the merit of having all this information. Even if it has taken up so much of your time," Shepard admits a little reluctantly. "But anyway, I have not been sitting idle, either. A very grateful salarian Spectre has promised his support and that of his contacts in the STG. And I think that I will manage to rope a certain miss Goto into helping Hackett as well." Liara smiles, impressed. "But anyway, let's not talk about work for at least a brief while. We could just... I don't know, enjoy the sights of the Presidium and the company of each other."
"That sounds perfect," Liara grins, looking at the promenades and parks of the Presidium Commons. "I like what the human ambassador has done with the place. It truly reminds you of Earth, doesn't it?" Only then Shepard realizes that the sights and the smells are so very familiar because they are samples of Earth's flora. "I think it was the turn of your people on the Presidium decorations schedule," Liara remarks, seeing the unspoken question in Morgan's eyes.
"Yeah, it's rather nice-..." Shepard starts speaking, then breaks off, noticing something in one of the squares below. "What the... isn't that EDI's new platform, prancing around there?" she points, making Liara stand up and take a look. "I know the security have eased up on the potential geth infiltration crap, but isn't that still dangerous?" she wonders.
"I don't think that EDI would have taken such risks unless she was certain," Liara says, then pointing at something a little to the left. "Oh, and there's Jeff sitting on the bench, looking out for EDI. In fact... he can't seem to take his eyes off her."
Shepard sighs. "Yeah, I was worried that might become an issue."
"What do you mean?" Liara asks.
"Have you ever heard of a relationship between an asari and a synthetic?" Morgan asks.
"I'm afraid that would be quite impossible, you would be unable to initiate joining with a non-organic being," Liara shakes her head. "I imagine it would be less of a problem for humans, though there probably is a great prejudice against such relationships."
"Uh... you could say that," Morgan admits. "I'm not exactly comfortable with the idea myself," she confesses. "Listen... I think I'll just head down there for a moment and make sure they are alright, why don't you order something for us? I'm starting to get a bit peckish."
"Would you like anything special?" Liara asks.
"Pick something from either human or asari cuisine, I don't want to risk something extravagant," Shepard chuckles before rushing off to catch up with EDI and Joker.
EDI is languidly strolling through the masses of people passing through towards the nearby marketplace, as if trying to take in as many sights as possible, but in synthetic terms simply gathering more and more data. "Hello, Shepard," EDI greets her as soon as the synthetic notices the Commander's approach.
"EDI," Shepard returns the greeting. "Is it safe for you to be here?" she asks, lowering her voice. "You know, with the whole unshackled AI thing?"
"Do not worry, Commander. I am considered to be Jeff's mobility assistance mech," EDI explains. "Due to his Vrolik's syndrome, he is legally entitled to bring me everywhere with him."
"He doesn't insist on you carrying him around in your arms, does he?" Shepard asks.
"Considering that remark, perhaps you can be of assistance, Commander," EDI says in return. "I have been running scenarios in my head to analyze Jeff's recent behavior. I believe he has a strong affectionate attachment to me, but he has not stated it to anyone yet. Shepard, you have firsthand sexual experience. How do you know when someone is romantically invested?"
Shepard blinks. I can't believe I'm having this conversation with an AI. What part of her programming would even force her to be interested in something like that? Or... is this something as a result of her modifying her own core programming after Joker unshackled her? That's... scary. "I, uh... well, there are signs such as..." she starts to reply, then cutting herself short. "EDI... why is this even a topic of conversation for us?"
"I was hoping you could help me provoke Jeff into an emotional commitment," EDI replies.
"What?! No... no! No, no, no!" Shepard shakes her head, feeling slightly shocked. "This is crazy, I can't believe I'm having this discussion! Why would you even want to enter an emotional commitment like that? Do you... want to appear more human or...? EDI, you are valued for what you are, do not strive to change your programming to... uh, assume organic traits, or whatever it is that you are doing."
"Do you think that I am not able to enter into a romantic relationship with him?" EDI asks. Shepard wonders if she has just heard a tinge of disappointment in EDI's voice, but even so she can't stop herself from shaking her head in denial. "You are probably correct, Shepard," EDI acknowledges after a small pause. "There is no precedent that humans and synthetics can maintain relationships as equals. I will no longer devote processing power to exploring this possibility. Thank you, Shepard."
"Uh... you're welcome, EDI," she replies, feeling awkward and wondering if she has just made another blunder. You didn't just break her heart, despite what you might feel, Morgan, she chides herself. She can just alter her programming instantly and no longer even think about it. Wish us organics could do that...
Not to mention the whole logistics part of such a relationship, she continues to muse. She's a chunk of metal and Joker's got his brittle bone disease. How would that ever work out... aaaah, disturbing mental images incoming! "I'm sorry if the answer was not what you wanted to hear," she says apologetically.
"My programming placed no particular emphasis on exploring this opportunity," EDI simply explains. "I only devoted my processing power to it because my initial scans detected something in Jeff's behavior that implied his need for such a relationship and I sought to accommodate him."
Of course Joker would have such a reaction towards a sexy robot body with a highly titillating voice, Shepard thinks to herself, waving to Joker, sitting on his bench and looking at them talk. "EDI, I think what Joker needs right now is a good friend, and you've been that to him ever since he freed you from your shackles," she says, trying to convince herself more than she is trying to convince EDI. "But now I should really get back to Liara before my dinner goes cold," she says, looking at the Apollo's above them. "Say 'hi' to Joker for me. And take him to that new Blasto movie, it seems like a real hoot."
"I will do so, Shepard," EDI says. "And that seems like a worthwhile suggestion. Thank you."
"Are you sure you wanted to accompany me there? I love the company, but it doesn't sound like your kind of place," Shepard asks, as together with Liara they make their way towards the Purgatory, a seedy nightclub not on the recommended list by the Citadel Tourist and Visitor Board, currently also the residence of one Aria'T'Loak.
"Please, Shepard. Circumstances have forced me to visit locales far more... colorful," Liara smiles in return. "So... you said you discouraged EDI from seeking romantic involvement with Joker?"
"Yeah," Shepard nods, still feeling conflicted. "Do you think I did the right thing?"
"I'm sorry, but I cannot answer that, Morgan. While it is true that love can blossom in the most unexpected places-"
"Hey, asari and human unions aren't that rare anymore," Shepard interrupts her.
"I was... speaking more generally, not about us," Liara gives her a mildly admonishing stare. "Encouraging them would have been risky, I agree. I want to see Jeff happy as much as you do, but is this the right way? What is that human saying? Hindsight is 20/20?"
"Yeah, that's right and it very much applies to this situation," Shepard agrees, as they finally arrive at their destination, the sharp techno beats seem to make the very walls of the establishment pulse in the ear deafening beat. "Would you look at that, it appears almost like Afterlife. Only with less asari strippers," she observes with a chuckle.
"Yes, I imagine Aria would not approve of that detail," Liara says. "Though you are correct, this does resemble Afterlife a good deal."
"You've been there?" Shepard asks, now feeling curious.
"Of course," Liara replies. "My search to recover your body led there."
"Then I imagine you know Aria as well."
"We have met a few times," Liara shrugs. "She is... certainly unique even amongst our own kind. Speaking of which..." she points towards one of the private booths and Shepard notices her old acquaintance there, arguing with some C-Sec officer, waving hands animatedly at Aria.
They arrive at Aria's little sanctum only to catch the last few words of that conversation, as well as the fading image of Councilor Tevos on the vid call, after she had quickly and efficiently sorted Aria's 'immigration issues'. As the frustrated C-Sec officer hastily departs, Aria turns her attention towards them, still bristling at the impertinence of the officials. "Enjoy the show, Shepard?" she snaps, then noticing Liara as well. "And you brought Benezia's daughter with you. How precious."
"Greetings, Aria," Liara says, keeping her voice completely neutral.
"And I needed a big favor from Tevos a couple of days ago," Shepard says as they take their seats on the sofa, facing Aria across the table. "If I had known that you have some dirt on her, I'd have asked for your help."
Aria's eyes immediately light up as if on fire. "Whatever I have on Tevos is certainly not 'dirt', Shepard, and if you use that word once more..." the asari's voice is threatening.
"I apologize, I did not mean to insult," Shepard quickly raises her hands in a placating gesture, wondering what had prompted such reaction from Aria. "Anyway, I came because I received your message, Aria. Purgatory, eh? Not exactly a step-up from Afterlife," she adds, chuckling inwardly at the double-entendre, wondering if the two asari have any chance to detect it.
"It is not," Aria sounds even more short-tempered than usually. "I hate this place. So sickeningly uptight."
"We've heard about Omega," Shepard says. "You must be really hating Cerberus about now."
"And there's more than just the Omega mess, isn't there?" Liara speaks, looking adorably smug.
"What have you heard, T'Soni," Aria demands impatiently. "Out with it."
"Something involving a man named Grayson," Liara replies, as Shepard watches Aria's eyes narrowing. "And a young asari named Lis-"
"I see," Aria interrupts Liara sharply. "You are well informed, T'Soni. No longer just Benezia's little kid, easy to underestimate."
Liara smiles, as Shepard picks up the conversation again. "Well, I approve of anyone who wants to wipe out Cerberus," she says. "I imagine you will not just sit here idly, you will work to retake Omega."
"All in due time, Shepard," Aria smiles thinly. "For now, you are here because I have a proposition."
"Please, I've been dying to hear just what it is you want with me," Shepard urges her.
"The way I see it, if you don't defeat the Reapers, we're all going to die. Doesn't matter if I sit on the Citadel or Omega," Aria says. "So, let me help you. On Omega, I kept the Eclipse, Blood Pack and Blue Suns in check, but now they are running amok. Nobody wants that. I'm offering them to you as a ruthless and powerful force for your war, if you finalize the deals that I have made with each of the groups. Do this for me, and you'll have a united force of professional mercs under your command."
Shepard exchanges a look with Liara, not knowing what to say at first. "If I can be sure they point their guns at the Reapers and not at us... then that sounds like a good deal to me," she turns back to Aria, Liara nodding in approval.
"They will do as I tell them, Shepard. And I already explained to you why it is in my interests to help you," Aria says impatiently, at Shepard's nod passing her a datapad. "You will find all the relevant information within. A couple of hours of running errands on the Citadel and you will have yourself a big fucking army. How is that not a sweet deal for you?"
"I suppose it is," Shepard shrugs, slowly rising from her seat. "Try to enjoy your stay, Aria."
"Pah, in this poor excuse for a nightclub?" Aria snaps angrily. "Can't even get Noverian rum here."
"I think we have Noverian rum in the bar of the Normandy's lounge," Shepard says, trying to remember. "In fact, I'm quite certain we do."
Aria suddenly appears very interested. "Is that an invitation, Shepard?"
"Why not? You could always stop by tomorrow after we have finished dealing with your mercenaries," Shepard smiles.
"Very well, I'll be there," Aria replies as Shepard and Liara retreat from her booth, heading towards the exit.
"Why did you invite her?" Liara whispers to Morgan.
"I don't know, it just happened," Morgan whispers back. "You don't approve?"
"It's fine, as long as you remember that she is still a very dangerous individual," Liara says.
"I'm aware, but I like the thought of having her on our side," Shepard replies, then stopping in her tracks as she notices a familiar face at the bar. "Look, it's James! Let's go and greet him at least, it would be impolite to just leave after spotting him."
"Very well," Liara relents. "But please, Morgan, let's not scar the poor man with more public displays of affection. He seems very sensitive to that."
Shepard just laughs, as they catch up with James, gulping down some kind of vile looking bright blue cocktail. "Evening, Lieutenant," Morgan says, making him sharply turn around, a slightly inebriated grin plastered on his face.
"Lola! And Doc, too!" James grins broadly at the sight of them. "Hey, Shepard, this is great. Anytime I want a free drink, I just need to drop your name, mention that I'm serving under your command. Ah, life is good."
"Commander Shepard does not exactly approve of her name being used to indulge your boozing habits," Morgan winks at him a little playfully. "But I suppose I can let it slide. I did allow you to enjoy yourselves, after all."
"I've been drinking with those turians for most of the evening," James points at the three soldiers at a table nearby. "They're actually decent once they relax a bit. Told them about their own new Primarch, think they were impressed. That guy has some real cojones, kicking ass and taking names... we need more politicians like him, not worms like Udina!"
"I'll shoot anyone who decides to stick me behind a desk with paperwork crammed on it," Shepard gives him a mock-glare to warn Vega off the suggestion. "Anyhow, James, we just checked in on you briefly," she waves the datapad close to James' nose before turning around to leave. "Believe it or not, some of us actually have a job to do..."
"I must say, Shepard, your ship is impressive," Aria tells Morgan, raising her glass of Noverian rum, as they are joined in the Normandy's lounge by Liara and Garrus. "So much so that I briefly entertained the thought of taking it from you."
"Why don't we refrain from doing something hasty that could damage our newfound friendship?" Shepard winks, raising her glass in return. "I trust everything is well with the mercenary forces?"
"The Blue Suns, Eclipse and Blood Pack are all in my pocket and ready to go to war as soon as you need them," Aria replies, looking satisfied. "The Blood Pack have committed 2,000 vorcha to the cause. Eclipse will be providing a ton of mechs and elite troopers for stealth operations. And Vosque has also committed his veteran soldiers to me, the idiot."
"He was very impatient to receive certain... services from you in turn," Liara adds with a grin, looking far more tipsy from the rum than the other two. "I am guessing he will remain disappointed?"
"He will. If he was a pretty young thing like you, T'Soni, then he would have stood good chances," Aria replies frankly, making Liara blush furiously and Garrus chokes on his turian-specific beverage.
"Careful there, Archangel," Shepard adds with a wicked grin, making Aria turn towards the turian in surprise.
"You know, I should be highly displeased with you, turian," she says sternly, before her voice softens a little. "But, it's in the past. Besides, the frustrations of those mercs were greatly amusing to observe. Not to mention that they did plan to overthrow me, so in fact I should be thanking you instead."
"It was my pleasure," Garrus bows politely. "And also a way to entertain myself."
"You are one smug bastard," Aria grins. "I like you." Then she turns towards Liara. "T'Soni, back at the Purgatory, you spoke a name when I interrupted you. I did not want anyone to overhear, but now I demand that you tell me all that you know."
"You want to know the truth about Liselle?" Liara asks. Aria nods with a tense expression on her face, before she pours herself more of the rum. "You must know that I worked as an information broker on Ilium. I did extensive spying on Cerberus during my time there. It was them who killed your daughter, Aria."
Aria's jaw looks like set in stone from the way she grits her teeth, furious with barely controlled rage. "Do you know the one who killed her?"
"No, I don't know any details beyond that," Liara shakes her head. Shepard gives her an inquisitive stare, trying to figure out whether this piece of intel was something she truly discovered while on Ilium or was she lying and it was something she found in the Shadow Broker's databases.
"They will die one by one, and they will die painfully," Aria snarls. "I feel like the time of hunt is upon me again, I want to see their blood flow and revel in the sight!"
A thought suddenly occurs to Shepard. "Hey, you know what... I can actually provide you with Cerberus targets that we currently lack time to hit ourselves," she says. "Hackett asked us to deal with it, but I figure it might be a good opportunity to also let your mercs show what they are capable of and reassure the Admiral that this alliance is a good idea."
"I can just imagine his face when you inform him that you've put us all in bed with the famous Aria T'Loak," Garrus chuckles.
"That might prove an adequate distraction from pointless sitting in the Purgatory, Shepard," Aria agrees, her eyes still shooting lightning, but she seems to be slowly getting her rage back under control. "Give us the coordinates and I'll take a few Eclipse teams there to deal with those Cerberus bastards."
"You'll get the intel, Aria," Shepard nods. "If you promise to take one of my people with you. Wouldn't you like to join Aria, Archangel?" she grins at a mortified looking Garrus. "I'm sure Lieutenant Vega would like to take part."
"I don't play well with others, Shepard," Aria shakes her head. "Why is this necessary?"
"The target is a Cerberus lab. I'm worried there might be some Reaper tech down there," Shepard explains. "I don't want your people handling Reaper artifacts and getting indoctrinated. Our guy will grab that stuff and pass it over to Hackett safely."
Aria shrugs, then nodding. "Whatever. I guess I have no problem with that," she takes another swig from her glass, looking at the empty bottle of rum. "Now, do you have another bottle of this or not?"
"Actually... we have two!" Shepard leaves her seat to quickly return with the bottles. "And nobody's leaving until we have emptied them!"
"Oh... goddess," Liara groans, slumping forward and pressing her brow against the table.
