Happy late N7 Day, again!

Chapter 11: Touring Illium

"We have permission to dock, Commander," said Joker through the comms. After the events in Haestrom, when the team returned to the Normandy, they made sure to go in stealth mode in case the geth wanted to counter-attack. When they were sure that the geth were not following, Shepard called it a day, not before ordering Joker to prepare their next route where the Normandy team would accomplish their next objectives.

"Excellent. Take us down, Joker. Nice and slow," replied Shepard.

"Illium... home of where the illegal becomes legal. Mind if I ask what we're doing here?"

"Hopefully we'll find our last two members for the team, among other things."

"Let's see we already have humans, turian, quarian, krogan, salarian, since the planet is full of asari its most likely you'll recruit one, making one last space for... I don't know, a volus? A hanar? If it's a hanar make sure it's someone like Blasto."

"Blasto?" asked Shepard, not knowing who Joker meant.

"You don't know? It's like the hanar version of James Bond but in a bad way. Like, it's a bad movie but it's one of those that it's so bad that you end up enjoying it. You know what I mean?"

"That bad eh..."

"Yeah, look up the movies when you have time. Maybe you'll end up liking it since it has tons of explosions and stuff."

"I'll make sure to check them out once we're done with today's task," assured Shepard as he checked other routes. Hmmm, Illium is not far from the Citadel. By having Tali and Garrus with me, it might not be a bad idea to accept Anderson's invitation. It will be good to see him after all this time and hopefully, the Council could help us with the Collector problem.

"Huh... this is a surprise," said Joker.

"Something wrong?" asked Shepard.

"Well, usually we have to pay some fee to be able to dock, which most of the time is handled automatically but the system just refunded our pay," explained Joker.

"Does it say why?"

"Apparently someone already paid for us. But it doesn't say who. Got a friend rich enough to pay our fee that lives here or something?"

"Not that I'm aware of."

"Well, if they paid our fees there's probably going to be a catch. I'm calling it now."

Surely there will be one. "EDI, inform Miranda we have arrived at Illium, and if any other ground team member wishes to join, I want them up at the CIC in five."

"As you wish, Shepard," she replied. Satisfied with the given orders, Shepard stepped down from the galaxy map and made his way towards the armory. Once Joker docked, Shepard and his team, who ended up being Garrus, Tali, and Kasumi, as well as Miranda, left the Normandy in search of three targets: help Miranda with a personal problem, recruit the last two members of the team, and find out who was the person who paid the port fees.

"So what's the first thing we'll do, Shepard?" asked Garrus.

"I'd like to know who's the person behind the fees if that's okay with you," asked Shepard, looking at Miranda.

"Yes, Commander. I'm also interested in knowing who this mysterious figure is," she agreed.

"I think we're about to find out," said Tali, pointing to an asari formally dressed who was walking towards the team, accompanied by two LOKI mech guards.

"Welcome to Nos Astra, Commander Shepard. We've been instructed to waive all docking and administration fees for your visit," welcomed the asari. "My name is Careena. If you need information about the area, it would be my pleasure to assist you."

"Who instructed you to waive the fees?" quickly asked Shepard. The person who paid was kind enough to send a welcome so surely they were not afraid of sharing names.

"The order came from Liara T'Soni, who paid all fees on your behalf," answered Careena, surprising the three old friends, leaving Kasumi and Miranda with confused expressions. The asari's tone was honest and confident, there was no suspicion or mischieve in it. "She also asked that I direct you to speak with her at your convenience. She's near the trading floor," she said, bringing her omni-tool up, sharing the layout of the place to Shepard.

"Liara? Right, of course, the last time I spoke to her she said she started working on Illium. What does she do here that she was able to afford our fees?" asked Tali.

"Liara is one of Nos Astra's most respected information brokers."

"She's an information broker now? Guess she's not the shy asari we used to know," commented Garrus.

"Nos Astra is based upon trade. Information is a valuable currency, and Liara has done quite well. As I said, you'll find her near the trading floor. She was looking forward to seeing you. Do you have any more questions?"

"Thanks, Careena but that would be all," said Shepard.

"Again, welcome to our city, Commander. Please enjoy your stay," said the asari and left the group to their own.

"Well, that solves who this mysterious figure was. I imagine you would like to speak to her. If that's the case, I'm going to verify a few things before we continue with what I mentioned to you, Commander," said Miranda.

"It's okay, Miranda. Do what you have to do."

"Thanks. I'll let you know when everything is ready," she said before parting ways with the team.

"I assume that Cerberus has work to do here? asked Garrus.

"No. Cerberus has nothing to do with it. You'll soon see what it's all about," answered Shepard.

"I know what business Miranda has to do, you know?" Kasumi spoke.

"Kasumi..."

"Oh don't worry. It reminds me a bit of my own so I won't say a thing."

"I wonder how Liara became an informant? When I spoke to her, she was still investigating the protheans," pondered Tali.

"You'll have to ask her yourself then," replied Garrus. "We all went different ways without saying much."

"Come on, let's not waste any more time," ordered Shepard to his team. If everything went well, it was going to be a long day of shooting, running, and any other obstacle that gets in the way.

When the team arrived at Liara's office, they were greeted with a threat, but not directed at them, but at a client, almost sounding like her mother Benezia, clearly stating that Liara was no longer the innocent and shy asari from two years ago. With a pleasant surprise to see Shepard and the others, she explained what she's been up to those last years and how she became an informant, even how she came into conflict with agents of the Shadow Broker, losing a close friend who to this date was still missing, being the biggest reason why Liara became a broker. Shepard and company talk a few more things before leaving her offices.

"It was nice seeing you again Liara," said Tali as everyone got up from their seat.

"Likewise, Tali. I'm glad to see you're all together. It brings back old memories," said Liara with a warming smile.

"We'll be here for a while. You sure we can't help you with anything?" asked Shepard.

"No, I'm sure you..." Liara looked away.

"Something on your mind?" asked Garrus.

"Well, if you want to help. I need someone with hacking expertise, someone I can trust. Someone who can disable security at key points around Illium and get the information I need. That would help me a great deal." Shepard turned towards Kasumi, who was already wearing a mischievous smile.

"You're in luck, T'Soni. Kasumi here is just the person you're looking for," commented Garrus.

"Kasumi? Kasumi Goto?" asked Liara, while looking at her.

"Seems my reputation precedes me, good. Then you know I'm the right person for the job if the pay is good."

"Of course, you'll be well recompensated," said Liara, who now looked at the rest of the team. "Thank you. This may help me pay a great debt."

"And you thought you wouldn't do any work from your previous profession anymore, Kasumi," commented Garrus.

"My work will never end, Vakarian. At least until I've hacked through all the known systems," she countered.

"All right, time to move people. We have to find Thane and Samara before they leave the planet," ordered Shepard.

"Good luck with your search. Whatever you need from Illium, I'll be here to help in any way I can," offered Liara.

"Thank you, Liara, but I think you have already helped us more than enough," thanked Tali. "We'll be in touch."

"Oh Tali, before you leave could you..." said Liara, making a small come gesture with her hand. Tali walked over to Liara's desk, lowering her head, curious as to what Liara had to say. The rest of the team waited outside the office. "Everything good between you and..." murmured Liara. Tali, quickly understood what Liara meant, causing her to smile.

"Yes, we are, though I... We, haven't got a chance to actually... you know," said Tali, looking away for a moment.

"Taking your time aren't you?"

"It's not that I'm taking my time, it's just-" Liara placed one of her hands on top of Tali's before she could continue.

"Whatever it is, I'm glad to see you together again."

"Thanks, Liara."

"I don't know how this mission compares to when we were chasing Saren, but don't wait until it's too late this time, Tali."

"I won't," she assured with a confident nod. With a final goodbye, Tali left the office.

"Everything good?" asked Shepard once Tali regrouped with the team.

"Yes. We were just catching up on a few things," she casually answered.

"If you say so."

"Shepard... A little girl gossip doesn't hurt anybody," commented Kasumi.

"C-Sec begs to differ on that one," added Garrus.

"Unless that gossip travels around a non-friendly environment. You should let people finish their sentences Vakarian."

"Then next time don't seem like you finished your sentence," countered Garrus.

"Come on, let's go find our new team members."

"And while you do that, I'll be helping Liara so, bye-bye," finished Kasumi as she activated her invisibility cloak, vanishing from the team's view.

"Show off..." murmured Garrus. Tali and Shepard shook their heads in laughter as they found funny how Kasumi could dance around Garrus.

Since Miranda still lacked preparation for her personal matter, Shepard decided to search for Thane since being a contract assassin, it was very likely that when he fulfilled his objective, he would disappear from the planet. Garrus recognized the name of the prominent assassin, admitting that it would not be an easy task to trace him, but with the information they received from Liara, at least they knew where to start.

The reason for Thane to be in Illium was to kill a senior asari executive, Nassana Dantius, who the team recognized as at some point when they were chasing Saren, she contacted Shepard, saying she made a mistake by having an agreement with a trafficker from the Terminus Systems. Given the circumstances of the mission, the team investigated forward, and because of what they discovered, they were not surprised to see her as the assassin's target in the present day.

The place where Thane was supposed to be found was in the Dantius Towers, specifically in the penthouse of the first one. With the help of a cargo worker, Shepard and his team infiltrated the place from the second tower which was under construction, allowing them easy access to the top floor. Of course, this was not without facing the mercenary group Eclipse whom Nassana hired for her misdeeds.

During the team's ascension to the penthouse, they rescued several workers held hostage by the mercenaries, and between thanks and some questions, Nassana's true self was revealed, turning her into an asari full of paranoia who also exploited her workers to the point of killing them if they were to complain or leave.

When the team finally reached the penthouse, Nassana, surrounded by her personal guard, recognized Shepard instantly, shocked but quickly changing her attitude to one of anger, demanding the reason for his presence, asking if he came to kill her. In a mocking manner, Shepard denied he was there to kill her and admitted he was looking for someone, while also calling Nassana paranoid. She obviously didn't believe him, so she offered him money to let her live and double it for knowing the one behind the assault. There was a moment of tension between both sides, each undecided on how to act based on the other. One of the guards behind Nassana approached her, tapping lightly on her shoulder.

"What?" she asked desperately.

"We have detected movement around us," the guard clarified. Nassana sighed in disbelief.

"Damn it. Check the other entrances!" she ordered, then turned towards Shepard. "You... stay put." Shepard suddenly noticed a slight movement in the roof vent.

It must be him.

"When I'm finished dealing with this nuisance...," Nassana began speaking when Thane decided it was time to act, descending from the vent in a swift, silent motion, swooping up behind the first guard, snapping his neck, killing him instantly. The next guard, realizing what happened, tried to stop Thane, but the assassin was faster and the guard ended up receiving a direct hit to his trachea. "...you and I are going to-" Nassana stopped when she heard the man's complaint. Nassana's last defense, an asari with a shotgun, tried to shot Thane, but by the time she raised her sights, she was fatally wounded.

"Who...?" Nassana asked as she turned around, raising her pistol but was too slow to notice the situation as Thane easily deflected the arm holding the gun, placing his own on the asari's stomach, who opened her eyes when she saw the killer in front of her, quickly receiving a mortal shot, and as her body went limp, Thane slowly rested her body on top of her desk, bringing her hands to her chest.

"Impressive," admired Garrus. "You certainly know how to make an entrance." Thane remained silent, observing the asari's body, as he changed into a praying stance. The team looked at each other, a bit confused by the assassin's actions. It was new for the three members to see a person begin to pray after having killed their victim.

"Thane?" asked Shepard as he slowly approached the asari's desk.

"One moment," rapidly answered Thane. "Prayers for the wicked must not be forsaken," Shepard observed the lifeless body of Nassana.

"She certainly was wicked."

"Not for her. For me," said Thane as he finished praying. He then explained what he meant by the prayer and began to exchange words with Shepard.

"I'll cut to the chase then. I need you for a mission. Ever heard of the Collectors?" asked Shepard, leading to a somewhat short explanation of the current situation with the abductions of human colonies. In the end, Thane agreed on joining the mission as he cared for the victims caused by both the Collectors and his failures, stating that the galaxy was a dark place and before his death, he wished to make it a bit brighter. Shepard gave him the direction of the Normandy, giving an end to Thane's recruitment.

As the day hit the afternoon, the team did not hear or receive anything from Miranda, so they continued with the recruitment of Samara, an asari Justicar, a warrior of justice, taken to a higher level, since the code which governs them contains more than five thousand sutras, making it very demanding and strict. If an asari wishes to become a Justicar, they must abandon their past life, leaving everything behind, so they can devote themselves completely to their new life given by the code.

The purpose of Samara being in Illium was because she was looking for a criminal that she marked as extremely dangerous. She tracked her to Illium but escaped on a ship thanks to the Eclipse mercenaries. The name of the ship was unknown to Samara and she tried to obtain it by force, unfortunately, she was unsuccessful and her stay was causing problems for the local police. Upon meeting Shepard and the reason for her search, Samara gave him the opportunity to find the name of this ship while she cooperated with the authorities, otherwise, the code would force her to carry out unnecessary violence.

With the help of the local police, the Normandy ground team was able to find the mercenaries' base. The entire fight moved between several docking bays until reaching a warehouse, where the mercenary leader was waiting for them. An asari with powerful biotics thanks to the use of a drug she was smuggling in. Once the fight was over, Tali, investigating the base terminals, found the name of the ship that Samara was looking for, and with this, the team secured her help, who recognized the dedication of Shepard and his team.

"So Tali, did someone ever told you that you could disobey suicidal orders?" asked Garrus in a jocking manner, as he boarded the cab that would take them back to Nos Astra main plaza.

"Not even once. And those orders come about twice a day," said Tali playing along.

"You really think I give you that kind of orders?" asked Shepard.

"Oh I don't know, let's see... countless frozen-burning worlds..." began saying Garrus.

"Overwhelming enemy numbers..." added Tali.

"Improper handling of vehicles..."

"Passing through a relay in a vehicle not made for it..."

"Ok, I get it, I get it," said Shepard, causing his team to laugh. "I may give some of them but at least my orders have a good reason. I've always said you can say no," he justified.

"That's a first for me but apologies accepted," said Garrus.

"Leaving Jokes aside, do you think Miranda has finally set everything up?" aksed Tali.

"Hmmm, I don't know. I find it weird she's taking this much to prepare. She seemed to have almost everything when we talked." Before Shepard could say anything else, his comms activated.

"Commander, do you read me?" It was Jacob's voice. He sounded rushed.

"Loud and clear, Jacob. Sitrep," ordered Shepard.

"I was helping Miranda out but we've run into some problems," he reported. Bullet rounds could be heard close by. "We could use some backup!"

"Send us your location and we'll be on our way."

"Already did, will update if we're forced to move, Jacob out."

"Perhaps it's time you tell us what Miranda got in hands?" asked Garrus. Shepard hesitated for a moment but decided it was best for them to know.

"It's Miranda's sister. Yes, she has one and she's in danger. Her father is trying to kidnap her, so we're going to make sure that doesn't happen. That's all I know."

"Then let's make sure we get to them in time," said Tali with determination. Shepard gave a solid nod.

Something ignited inside of her. Could it be she finds some type of connection in this just as she does with her father? thought Shepard as the cab began its departure towards the inputted coordinates.

As with the cases of Samara and Thane, the Eclipse mercenaries were the ones who sought to kidnap Miranda's sister on her father's orders. Being five people who made up the team, it was enough to make their way through the mercenaries until they reached their last defense. At this point, some truths about Miranda and her sister were revealed, but the facts did not prevent the team from fulfilling its mission, whatever Miranda did in the past, she did it with the hopes of giving her sister a better life, and she did since the team successfully prevented her kidnapping.

The only thing that was lost in this situation was a close friend of Miranda, Niket, who had initially betrayed her but tried to redeem himself by pulling back the mercenaries only to tragically received a shotgun round by one of them, who refused to abandon the mission since the sum they were paid was enough to withdraw for a lifetime.

When everything settled, Miranda made sure that for the last time her sister was safe, but at a distance, since she has never communicated with her sister physically, all to keep her safe from her father. Both Tali and Shepard insisted this was a good time to talk to her, to let her know that someone was always taking care of her. After a few hesitations, Miranda finally went to speak with her as the team left the the scene so she could easily talk and explain everything.

"It's been a long day, don't you think? asked Garrus, seeing the nightly sky of Illium.

"It has," replied Shepard also looking at the sky.

"All this running, jumping and shooting... I'm beat," said Tali.

"We can definitely call it a day," said Shepard.

"Why don't we stay for the night? I'm sure Illium has a few interesting things we can buy," suggested Garrus.

"We could also take advantage of the stay and refill the Normandy's fuel tank," added Tali.

"Orders, Commander?" asked Jacob.

"I guess we'll stay here until tomorrow," said Shepard.

"I'll let the rest of the crew know," said Jacob, and as usual, he saluted, leaving the three old friends alone once again.

"Is there a reason for him to always salute?" asked Garrus.

"He probably likes to keep things in protocol outside the Normandy. He's been doing it since I met him. I guess it's his thing," assumed Shepard.

"In any case, what do we do now? Do we also head back to the Normandy?" asked Tali.

"I was thinking maybe we can hit the bar in the main plaza. They must have some unique stuff there," proposed Garrus.

"You sure you don't have a problem with alcohol, Garrus?" wondered Shepard.

"Don't pour me some ryncol and you won't have to worry about me," he assured.

"You'll never gonna forget that, huh?"

"I'll get a payback on Joker one of these days. Just you wait."

"So it's set, we're heading to the bar. You okay with that, Tali?"

"As long as they serve sterilized drinks, it's fine, but why do you always want to end in a bar?" she genuinely asked.

"Oh, come on, Tali. Don't be like that. We're just going to have a few drinks, nothing excessive, what's the worst thing that can happen?" asked Garrus, confident it would be a relaxing night but that was about to change as the three friends were about to enter the bar.

"Hey, you!" shouted an asari, causing the team to address her. "Yeah, you! Are you Shepard?" she asked. Everyone in the team was confused by the asari's attitude.

"Yes, I am. What seems to b-" before Shepard could finish his sentence, the asari slapped him with all her might. Shepard found the sudden action odd, surprising him, with slight anger visible in his expression. As far as he knew, he hadn't done something to deserve such slap. Garrus was equally surprised as he never thought a civilian or non-combatant would react that way towards Shepard. As for Tali, she was confused, looking back in forth between Shepard and the asari, unsure of what to do or say.

"Usually people give me a reason before hitting me... So what the hell was that for?!" expressed Shepard.

"Like you don't know? Your friend came into my bar, harassed my people, and tried to get the deed to the place!" exclaimed the angry asari. "That crap might fly on Omega, but Illium has laws! I've got security feeds all over my bar! If you or your group bothers my people again, I'll have you arrested so fast you'll red-shift on your way to the prison transport!" finished the asari angrily, leaving the group behind.

"That bosh'tet... who does she think she is?" finally said Tali, annoyed by the asari.

"I don't know, but someone needs to explain to me what the hell they were thinking to do in my name," said Shepard in a serious tone.

"Then unless you've got plans to freelance as a bartender, we should check inside the bar and see what's going on," suggested Garrus.

"Then let's move," ordered Shepard.

"You know, Tali. For a moment there, I thought you would slap the asari back." Garrus commented.

"What makes you think that?" she asked.

"Oh... I don't know, I mean, She attacked Shepard, he got hurt, just look at his face." Tali quickly turned towards Shepard who indeed had his right cheek slightly reddish.

"I'm fine, nothing hurts," replied Shepard in his stubborn tone.

"Let Tali have a check on you, she won't hurt you more than it already does," insisted Garrus.

"I said I'm fine," said Shepard once again. Garrus lifted his arms, dropping the conversation while Tali kept her gaze on Shepard. Inside the bar, everything seemed pretty normal, it was just as one would expect a bar to be, a little fancier than a normal but still the same.

"What was all that rant about if everything here looks normal?" asked Tali. I wish I had slapped her back now...

"Maybe that friend of yours is no longer-" was saying Garrus until...

"I'm Commander Shepard's squadmate!" said a man standing by the main counter. "Practically second-in-command! You don't want to mess with me!" He was also wearing an old N7 armor design.

"You have to be kidding me..." said Shepard in disbelief.

"I'm going to save the galaxy! I don't have time for your crap!" shouted the man.

"You know this person Shepard?" asked Garrus.

"Isn't that..."

"Yes, Tali. It's who we think is, how the hell did..." Shepard sighed in annoyance.

"Really?" asked the asari bartender.

"That's right! Anybody messing with me will answer to my good friend-" Conrad received a tap from behind. As he turned around his eyes widened as he saw the figure before him. "C-Commander Shepard!?"

"Hey!" exclaimed the bartender. "If you know this idiot, can you rein him in before I slap his ass with a singularity?" Conrad ignored the threat, he was completely in shock seeing the Commander back.

"Shepard? Is it really you? It's me, Conrad Verner! We met on the CItadel?"

For the love of... "Conrad... why are you acting like me?"

"Well, you were gone, right? And the galaxy still needed protection. So I decided to finish what you started. In your honor."

"That doesn't... how did you get that armor?"

"Oh, they make some pretty convincing replicas these days, if you're willing to pay. Getting the whole setup was pretty expensive, but my wife was really supportive. She even paid for my shuttle fare off-world!"

"Keelah..." murmured Tali.

"Conrad, any decent security will detect that you aren't in the military, much less part of my squad," said Shepard, wanting to make things clear.

"I just say that I'm deep-cover, and don't appear on systems," he explained.

"I hardly believe high-security teams will accept that," countered Garrus.

"I'm doing the best I can, okay?" said Conrad who looked back at Shepard. "You were a hero. You saved the galaxy and showed everyone what humanity could do... and then you died! The galaxy needed someone like you, Shepard. We all did. I had to do something."

"I understand what you mean, Conrad, but that's no reason to do what you're doing right now. What is it with this deed you're trying to work out?"

"This place is actually a front for a red sand dealer. I need to take it over to crack the ring!" he said seriously as if the deed was a big case.

"What? Who the hell told you that?" asked the bartender.

"The owner of that weapons store near the carport. She's an undercover cop. She told me about it when I introduced myself."

"Listen, crap-for-brains: first, we don't sell red sand. Second, red sand is legal on Illium! You just need a license!"

"Let me handle this," Shepard intervened. "I'll talk to this... undercover cop your speaking of. I'll figure what's going on."

"Thank you," said the bartender. "If I kill annoying customers, it usually causes property damage. That comes out of my pay."

"Good luck, Shepard! I'll be here in case you need any help. Remember, weapons shop by the carport."

"Yeah... thanks. Let's move," ordered Shepard, exiting the bar.

"Mind sharing the story you two? I don't think I wasn't around when you met," said Garrus.

"You just had to say what could wrong, didn't you?" complained Tali.

"I wasn't referring to this kind of situation but..."

"But now we're in it," finished Shepard.

"Fine. Since I've worked with these cases before on C-Sec, you two can stay here and wait while I work the deed. Happy?" offered Garrus. Tali and Shepard looked at each other and nodded.

"I like the sound of that," said Shepard, liking the idea. "I'll buy you the first drink as compensation."

"Sure, because it's your own money that your spending. See you in a bit," said Garrus, walking away towards the carport until his figure disappeared behind a pair of doors.

"Well, if we're going to wait, why not do it sitting on that bench over there?" suggested Shepard.

"Sounds like a good idea to me, shall we?" Tali asked.

"After you," said Shepard with a nice smile, extending his arm. They both sat down on the bench, each letting out a small tired sigh. There was no exchange of words, both of them simply enjoyed the nightly city surrounding them, from the distant voices to the colorful lights and more, like that time they were both traveling in a cab to Dr. Michel's clinic. Suddenly, Shepard let out a small chuckle.

"What? What's so funny?"

"Nothing, I was just thinking what Joker told me before."

"And that is?"

"Now that we're with Cerberus, it doesn't matter who we recruit, as long as they know how to fight that's more than enough, and the team is way different from before. Apart from the two of us and Garrus, we have an assassin, a Justicar, a tank-bred krogan, a former salarian STG, and a powerful biotic human with uh... anger issues? Lots of extremes if you ask me."

"Speaking of a powerful angered biotic human. Why did you never mention that she lives right below the engineering room, hmm?" asked Tali, crossing her arms.

"Oh, I uh... I didn't mention that?" asked Shepard, acting innocent. Tali leaned slightly back. "Look, I didn't assign Jack to that place. She liked it, so she settled there. If that keeps her comfortable, then it's okay with me."

"And if she gets angry one day and decides to bioticly unstress down there?"

"I doubt she would go on and destroy something that her life depends on."

"All right, don't complain to me or anyone when we have to repair a catastrophic failure on the Normandy," said Tali, obviously as a joke, but it did carry some seriousness.

Might as well speak to her just in case, Shepard thought. "Speaking of the Normandy, has this new version given you any problems?" he asked, curious to know what Tali thought of the ship now that she was working on it.

"Please, Shepard. I'm a quarian. Give me a chunk of scrap metal, a circuit board, and some element zero and I'll have it making precision jumps," she explained, proud to be quarian. "I'll admit though, I was worried about working with Cerberus engineers, but Ken and Gabby know what they're doing. And they've been very polite."

"Is polite a word you would use with Kenneth?" asked Shepard, knowing well his attitude.

"Well, maybe not the full meaning of polite but he's a good man, as long as he doesn't express his... ideas, of course."

"At least Gabby can keep him in line."

"That she can," agreed Tali, leading to another silent moment, but only for a few seconds as Tali decided to speak again. "Say what you will about Cerberus, but they know how to build ships. The Normandy's running even better than before," she said, sounding happy and excited but quickly toned down. "Though I don't know if it can stand up to another Collector attack. I wouldn't like to live through that again, not after-" Shepard stopped her from speaking by placing one of his hands on top of hers.

"It won't happen again," he assured. "We know what they are capable of, and with the information we've gathered so far, there will be something we can use to give us an advantage the next time we face them. So don't worry." It was obvious that neither of them wanted to relive what happened two years ago, the loss of one would be even more painful than the first time.

"Okay," Tali answered softly. Shepard nodded, smiling. Seconds after, both their comms activated, the voice of a familiar Turian was heard, telling them that the deed was done and at any moment they should see the results. True enough, a pair of police officers came walking out from the bar's location, an asari handcuffed between the two, yelling she was played and tricked.

"When did Garrus send the real and fake police to the bar?" asked Tali.

"I don't know. They must have passed unnoticed while we were talking," assumed Shepard.

"So I guess it's time to return to the bar? With your number one fan?" mockingly asked Tali. Shepard sighed as he brought a hand up covering his face.

"That Conrad... I can't believe he didn't get himself killed acting that way."

"He could have started recently."

"Maybe. But you have to admit it's pretty-"

"You know, as compensation for my job I'll need two, no, make it three drinks and the story behind this Conrad guy," said Garrus as he returned with his friends.

"There's nothing interesting about how we met, he's just some random guy we stumbled upon one day in the Citadel," said Shepard.

"One random guy who you offered an autograph and a photo," added Tali.

"Now that, I'd like to know," said Garrus, intrigued by Tali's words.

"Ugh, let's just get this over with it," said Shepard as he got up from the bench, defeated, accepting the fate from which he will not be able to free himself, with his friends following behind in laughter, ready to finally enjoy the rest of the night.

Author's Note:

First of all, Lodomir, it's good to hear that you've recovered and that no one in your family had any complications, cheers man, and welcome back!

So, a new chapter, woo! Hello everyone, happy late N7 day. This took longer to post than I planned. After finishing chapter 10, I had this internal conflict on how I wanted things to flow and couldn't write something I liked. So I decided to layback a bit, looked up at my old notes, asked a friend for some insight, add a little of the N7 day hype, and... voila! Chapter written plus a... roadmap was created for the rest, I suppose. Hope you enjoyed the chapter! I'll see if I can publish another chapter this week in compensation for not having uploaded one in the previous weeks. See ya!