Tali found waking up in the morning to be disagreeable, but unavoidable. Eventually sitting up with the aid of the automated bed. Iromak seemed to be in a deep sleep; quiet snoring coming from the slumped Batarian.

A new environmental suit was laid across a low lying table, sealed inside a protective case to keep out contaminants. Tali had been able to obtain a suit, only after Iromak begrudgingly agreed to leave the store. Tali thought the hanar was going to shake itself to pieces at the sight of Iromak; which had humored her quite a bit.

She now had to get a clean room. She had asked a nurse but was turned down. She had anticipated that response and had already been looking into a clean room aboard the Wards. Not blaming the nurse as it was a medical facility, not a changing room.

Tali opened up her omni tool. Glancing at the time; it was nearly twelve. She wasn't sure what time it'd be on the Normandy. Her mind slowly drifted from the Normandy to it's Commander.

Shepard would be arriving at some point today. Her mind dwelled upon what Iromak had told her yesterday. She wasn't even sure about what to think. Iromak hadn't even said his name, yet there it was.

Shepard

Was he implying I like him?

Then the question that felt like it had been eluding Tali, finally found its way into the spotlight of her mind.

Do I like Shepard?

Does he...

Her mind felt like it was spinning inside her own head. Reaching up and placing a hand on her head to make sure it was still on top of her shoulders. The idea that she should learn more about Shepard wedged it's way into her mind. Wondering if Iromak or Shepard would be the better candidate for the questions.

Trying to ignore the thoughts that plagued her mind. She got out of bed; her legs were a bit shaky at first. It had been a few days since she actually stood up and walked of her own accord.

Feeling hungry, she decided it was time to get some food. Iromak had told her to keep the pistol within reach at all times. At first she was unsure about how to properly strap on the holster for her firearm. Figuring it out after a minute of fumbling with the straps. Leaving the room quietly to get something to eat.

Tali chose to eat outside the hospital. Taking her chance to get a view of the presidium alone. She sat on a bench that was outside the hospital, her eyes watching the leaves flutter gently in the trees. A tray with tubes of purified water and refined paste laying next to her on the bench.

She began to wonder how much power was dedicated to creating the fake wind. That led to her wondering whether real or fake wind had any discernible differences, other than its source.

Eventually, with enough time. Tali found her thoughts trailing to the Migrant Fleet and the geth. Her thoughts were cut off as she heard a woman speak. "Tali'Zorah?"

Tali pulled her eyes off the trees, turning her head to the right. Seeing the reporter who had attempted to stop her and Shepard when they had arrived on the Citadel before. Looking for a moment at the floating camera next to the woman. "Yes?"

The reporter stepped forward. The camera moved with her, a bright light flicked on. It made Tali squint for a moment. It also made her wonder why the light was needed in an already bright environment.

"I'm Khalisah al-Jilani. Westerlund news." Tali already disliked the very rehearsed nature of the woman already. "Perhaps you remember me. I-"

"I remember." Tali spoke curtly, cutting her off before she was able to continue. A moment of silence before Ms. Al-Jilani continued.

"There have been two reported incidents of fighting aboard the Citadel involving Commander Shepard. One in the wards, one in the docks. Both involve Batarians." Talis attention snapped up at the news of another fight.

"As a member of the Normandy, what do you have to say about his actions?" Tali let the silence hang for a moment. Not totally certain of what to say.

Finally deciding to make it short. "He got attacked, I got hurt. That's all I know. Now please-"

The reporter persisted, ignoring Talis attempt to divert the conversation. "There's been speculation that the conflict in the docks was a retaliation against the group who attacked the Commander. Do you think this to be the case?

Tali found herself becoming irritated with the reporter. The unnecessarily bright light from the floating camera wasn't helping either. "I don't know. Can you-"

"Some rumors go as far as to suggest the council was housing the same group that attempted to destroy Terra Nova, a human colony and the Commander's home planet, on the docks of the Citadel. Making some people believe it was a personal vendetta rather than a retaliation. Do you-"

"I believe you've been warned before about approaching Tali'Zorah." Iromaks voice made them both look towards the doorway. He stood in the open door of the hospital. All four eyes focused on Ms. Al-Jilani. His hands at his sides. Tali noted that he had his pistol holstered.

Tali was somewhat relieved that Iromak had made his introduction. The glaring light of the camera pivoted to the Batarian. The reporter turned as well to face Iromak. Immediately starting into what sounded like a heavily practiced line of questions. "Just the Batarian I was hoping to talk to. I-"

He took two broad steps forward; closing the gap save for a few meters. "You." He raised a single finger, pointing to the reporter who had tested him too many times. "Are going to leave."

Al-Jilani was about to speak up before he cut her off. "I don't care what you have to say or what you want to know. Get out of here before I fry your camera for spare parts."

She had a feeling he was bluffing. Persisting evermore. "You have no right to order me-" Iromak simply raised his left hand. The glow of his omni tool sparked for but a second. At first there was only a minor smell of burning plastic. Moments later the camera's lens popped and it fell to the ground. Sizzling quietly.

She was staring at the camera sitting on the ground. Turning to Iromak as she crossed her arms. A slight frown could be seen that she attempted to hide. "You're paying for that." He only made an affirmative grunt. Turning and walking over, taking a seat on the bench with Tali. The tray was sitting between them.

He made a waving gesture to the reporter. "Go on. You'll get it. Westerlund news. I know your… type." She stared at him for a few moments. Wanting to stay to defy his request; ultimately she'd be wasting her time though. Deciding not to let Iromak pull it apart for spare pieces, she picked up the remnants of the broken camera and left.

Tali had secured a tube of water to her mask after Iromak had pulled the attention away from her. Only now disconnecting the empty bottle; setting it on the tray. "Thank you…"

"Don't mention it." Iromak watched the reporter till she was out of sight. Tali watched him with a hint of curiosity. Speaking up once she finished one of the tubes of nutrient paste.

"Was what she said true?" Iromak looked to Tali for a few moments before returning his gaze to the landing pads.

"What did she say?" He asked despite already knowing what she was going to inquire about. Removing his pistol from it's holster and setting it between them. She found his skirting the requests of C-Sec to be somewhat odd.

"She said that there was another fight involving Shepard. In the docks?" She looked down to the empty tube in her hands. Twirling it in circles slowly.

"Yeah." He didn't see any use in trying to hide it from her, or stall the truth. "He thought they were responsible for the attack"

"Were they?" She turned her head slightly. Looking at him out of the corner of her eye.

He shrugged, now turning his head to face her. "I wouldn't know. Him and the council had a talk afterwards. He would know."

Tali watched Iromak for a few moments; soom averting her gaze to the floor. She was quiet for a while. Eating and drinking in silence. She found the food and water, as bland as it was, would help soothe her annoyed nerves. Trying to forget about the reporter.

Eventually she spoke up again. Inquiring again about Shepard and Iromaks past. "So the Turian is here on the Citadel. Where is Mino?"

Iromak was watching the people passing by closely. Both pairs of eyes dart in different directions. Staying silent as he watched an Asari closely with his top pair of eyes. "That's a question better suited to John. But it's..." He paused for a moment. "Well you might want to wait for that chat with him."

She let a quiet, disappointed exhale out through her nose. It was too quiet for her suit to pick up and make audible to Iromak. "Then what is a question better suited for you?"

His head tilted up slightly, pondering her question for a moment. Tali followed the gaze of his four eyes that now rested on an Asari who he thought had been watching them a moment ago. Now speaking to two Turians who appeared to be bodyguards considering their armament. "That is an excellent question. That I can't really answer."

Tali was about to put out some voice of protest before he started to speak. "I asked John to travel around for a while when his contract was up." He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. Looking around like he was expecting someone.

"I didn't much care what we did. He suggested some work as armed guards so we could get some credits while we saw the Terminus systems." He turned his head to look at Tali, she was once again admiring the trees. "Then when we had a nice bit set away, we planned to head on back and explore the safer regions of Citadel controlled space."

Iromak could see her glowing eyes squint ever so slightly. A slight tilt of her head before looking at Iromak. "If that was the plan, why did he return to the Alliance?"

He looked away, noticing that the Asari and her guards were gone in the short time he looked away. "Another question better suited to him." Tali, was once again, left somewhat disappointed.

He stood up; looking around for where the three went. An elevator was on the right side of the walkway. To the left was a walkway that led to the presidium. Thinking he would've heard a vehicle arriving at the platform for them. His unvoiced question went unanswered. "Come on. Let's head inside."

She didn't ask why he wanted to go in. Only grabbing her tray and his pistol before heading inside; dropping the tray off at the cafeteria before returning to her room. Taking a seat on her bed, Iromak returned to his chair. This time he took his pistol and put it onto the low lying table, next to Talis new suit. Just within his reach.

He was watching the door. Tali watched him. For as difficult as it was for Tali to read his facial expressions, she could tell something was making him tense. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." It sounded like a well rehearsed reply rather than an actual statement. Tali looked between him and the door for a few moments. Deciding not to push the question. She brought her legs up and onto the bed and sat back.

Letting the silence settle for a while. Opening her omni tool up again; mostly in a vain attempt to distract her mind. Her thoughts started back onto the story Iromak had told her.

"So if you don't know where Mino is, Who is she?" She saw his top right eye flick over to look at her for a moment.

He was deciding whether or not he should be the one to tell her. "An asari doctor. She was somewhere over two hundred years old. John would know just how old."

"A doctor like Liara?" Tali piped up. The comment made Iromak turn his head to her. "She joined the Normandy recently. Apparently she's been studying the protheans for a while."

"Mino was a medical doctor for a large part of her life. They're both doctors but I think Liara is a different kind of doctor. She actually worked here on the Citadel for a while, down in the wards. Without her help it would've been a lot harder to get the ones that were freed a place to stay actually." His head turned back to face the door as footsteps could be heard approaching. His hand was already on the pistol on the table.

Three evenly timed knocks, a small pause before two more knocks followed. Iromak sat back, assuming a visually relaxed position despite his tense look moments before. "Come in."

The door slid open to show Shepard standing in the doorway. Fully armored with a sidearm in the holster on his hip. Tali found herself smiling faintly under her helmet at the sight of Shepard.

He stepped into the room quietly. First looking at Tali with a relieved smile. Giving Iromak a short nod of acknowledgement. Who stood up gesturing to the door as he approached it. "I'm going to grab something to eat."

Tali wondered for a moment when Iromak last ate. The thought was shut out of mind as he closed the door. Leaving only Shepard and Tali in silence as he approached the side of her bed.

Tali could see that his smile was only a portion of his emotions. His eyes showed his worry, some form of uncertainty. Finally he let out a long exhale. His smile wore down to show a more somber look.

His eyes darted down to the patch on her suit. Then to his right hand. He could see that night like it was still before his eyes. "Tali. I'm sorry. This is my fault-"

"No." He was surprised to be cut off by her. Raising his gaze to meet hers as she spoke. An eyebrow raising slightly. "This is not your fault Shepard."

He shook his head. Not able to push off the feeling of responsibility. "It is, I should've been more attentive. If Iromak hadn't been there-"

She placed a hand on his arm. "John." Her single word forced his words to catch in his throat. Once again making eye contact with Tali. "Thank you, for making sure I was taken care of. And for coming back."

His smile returned to his lips, his eyes glancing back and forth between hers. "I couldn't just leave my favorite quarian behind."

She felt a light blush on her cheeks. Her smile was beaming underneath her visor, still hidden out of Shepards sight. "Just how many quarians do you know?" Her hand slowly slipped from his arm

"Just you really… so maybe I should really say my favorite person on the Normandy." Her blush deepened at his comment, glad that her visor was tinted enough to hide it.

His smile maintained as he offered her a hand to help her up. "I've spoken to the nurse as well, lots of bed rest for the next week or so. Avoiding anything strenuous or stressful."

She took his hand, although she didn't actually need it to get up. "So no more Mako drops for now?" She slowly stood up. Looking up to Shepard who stepped back to give her room.

"For a while..." Shepard let go of her hand when it became apparent she didn't need his aid. He gestured to the low lying table. "You've already gotten a new suit I see." He noticed Iromaks pistol lying next to it and raised an eyebrow.

Tali nodded, looking over at it for a moment before returning her eyes to Shepard. "Thanks to Iromak I was. I wasn't sure about finding one here. Your turian friend was able to aid with that though."

The statement made Shepards head snap to look at her, an eyebrow raised. "Sislio?" Tali shrugged. Her eyes watched Shepard with some curiosity.

"I didn't actually learn his name. He gave us a pointer on where to find that. Oh! And this." She gestured to the pistol in its holster.

"Good. I'll have to thank him for helping you two. You'll probably want to use one of the cleanrooms here to change. We don't have a sterile area on the ship." Shepard grabbed Iromaks pistol by the barrel. He started to walk towards the door. Stopping just short of it to look back at Tali

She still hadn't found a spot in the wards that had a clean room. "Oh… uh… well I asked but-"

"I'll take care of it." His eyes dwelled upon Tali for a moment before he turned and opened the door to leave. Finding a nurse to talk to about the cleanroom situation.

It had barely been two minutes since he left before a nurse informed Tali she could use one of the rooms to get changed in. A cover had been put up on the window to the hallway to provide her privacy.

Both Shepard and Iromak were now waiting once again on one of the benches outside the hospital. Iromak on the left and Shepard on the right. Shepard returned the pistol to Iromak when they met up. "So, what does she know?" Shepard looked over at Iromak. His eyebrow raised in curiosity. If she knew about Sislio, then a lot was on the table.

Iromak chuckled lightly, only making Shepards questioning look turn to confusion. "I told her about the ship and how we got it. She met Sislio. They didn't really talk, just making sure she stays armed."

Shepard nodded, looking away. Opening his mouth to speak, but Iromak beat him to it. "Maybe you want to reassure her of her place aboard the Normandy."

Shepards eyebrows furrowed slightly in confusion once again. Thinking about what Iromak said for a moment. "What makes you say that?"

Both of them looked towards the door that led to the hospital. Tali had not yet come out so Iromak spoke. "It seemed to me like she was feeling a bit guilty about being aboard the Normandy. She mentioned her pilgrimage yesterday. Maybe it's something to do with that?"

Shepard looked out at the landing pads. Considering what Iromak had said. "I'll see if I can help her with that somehow…"

Iromak had his arms crossed. Watching Shepard, a slight upward turn barely visible on the corners of his lips. "Gonna try and solve all her problems?"

"She's part of my crew. I-" He started back into a line of thought that he had been over a hundred times before.

Iromak stopped him by lifting an open palm up. "And you take care of your crew. I know, you drilled that far too deep into your head for me to forget. And yet you never paid Sislio's hospital bills."

"He knew what he was-" The hand of Iromak fell down onto his shoulder. Cutting off his well thought out line of explanation.

"And you think Tali didn't know that an alliance ship would be dangerous?" Shepard was silent for a few moments. His eyes staring at the tree that stood about ten meters ahead of them.

"I…" Iromak watched him with all four eyes. Waiting for Shepard to start on another line of thought. Slowly, a defeated sigh found its way past his lips. "I just don't want her to come into harm's way."

"A strange way of saying you care about her." Iromak patted the other's shoulder lightly as he grinned. Watching Shepard groan quietly and drag a hand down his face.

"Don't twist my words." Shepard sat up again, about to continue speaking when Iromak interjected.

"You twist your own thoughts around so much, every word you speak is twisted. I'm just showing you what you really mean." This made an exhale push its way through Shepards nose.

"Oh really? Then just what do I mean?" Shepard crossed his arms in a similar manner Iromak had been doing moments ago.

"This is just like the last time you started tripping over yourself because of-" Shepard shot a hand up. The open palm held up told Iromak to stop.

"No. This is not like that at all. This-"

"This is not something you can run from. You tried that before, remember?" This statement got a questioning look from Shepard. "Your last three years in the alliance have been you running from what happened John."

Shepards eyelids lowered with his eyes, staring at the ground. His lips pulled into a thin line. Taking a slow inhale, exhaling it just as slow as he closed his eyes. "And the moment I stopped running, this is what happens."

"You can't keep acting like you shot Tali. I know you did your damned best to keep her safe. And at this point that's done with, she's in there, right now." Iromak pointed at the door to the hospital. "She's fine, John. She doesn't blame you. So why blame yourself?"

Shepards eyes opened slowly, his head turning to look at Iromak. "You know why." His voice was quiet, almost cold sounding.

Iromak placed a hand on Shepards shoulder. Making eye contact with him as he leaned forward slightly. "That wasn't your fault either."

Shepard averted his gaze. Turning his head to the right to avoid looking at his brother. Clearing his throat while he covered his mouth with his hand. Staying quiet now.

The two sat in silence for a few moments. The door to the hospital slid open as Tali exited. Only Iromak turned to look at her as she made her appearance.

Her old suit was hanging off her right arm. Her left hand adjusting the hood over her head. Iromak stood, giving Shepard a light tap on the shoulder as he got up. "I'll see you near the docks before you leave. I've got something we should talk about."

Shepard only gave him a short nod. Iromak started walking away, giving Tali a short nod as he left. He went to the elevator to leave the presidium.

Shepard stood up finally. Watching Iromak leave. Tali moved to stand next to Shepard; her eyes studying him for a few moments. His lips were pulled into a tight line. His eyes had a watery look to them.

"Shepard…? Are you okay?" Tali slowly reached out, placing a hand on Shepards arm. Wondering what the two had been talking about. His eyes turned to meet hers.

"Yeah." His voice was a bit scratchy; quickly clearing it before continuing. "I'm just happy that you're alright." He placed a hand on top of hers, patting hers lightly before letting go. His lips slowly split into a smile as he looked at her.. Giving a nod towards the elevator Iromak had used. "Come on. I've got a few things to check on before we go to the Normandy."

The two left, Shepard taking a slower pace than usual to avoid straining her wound. He enjoyed the time he got to spend with Tali. He went to double check that the requisitions had been delivered to the Normandy. It was over all too quickly in his opinion though, soon back at the dock the Normandy was at.

Iromak leaned against the railing, facing towards the ship. A lone, and rather nervous looking alliance soldier stood guard at the entrance of the Normandy. Iromak was looking at his Omni tool when the two exited the elevator.

"I'll meet you on the Normandy, Tali." Tali looked between the two before going on ahead, wondering what the two would be talking about. Passing the guard who gave her a short nod as she passed. Shepard waved the guard off so the two could talk in private. Once they were both behind the door of the Normandy, Iromak spoke.

"Keep your eyes open when you're on the Citadel, Presidium in particular. I don't know for certain, but I think something is going on." Iromak looked at the elevator for a few moments. Shepard joined him in leaning on the rail.

"It's a big place, of course something is going on." They both now watched the elevator. Shepard had an eyebrow raised in curiosity. His eyes showed concern though.

Iromak shook his head, looking at Shepard. "You know what I mean. C-Sec wanted me to disarm. Usually that's not noteworthy, except for the fact you told them not to." He shook his head slightly, not liking the seemingly innocuous coincidence. "Then today I thought an Asari was watching us when we were outside the hospital, before you arrived. Two Turians that were surprisingly well armed for a trip to the hospital."

Shepard looked forward as he thought for a few moments. Nodding a few times. "You aren't exactly lightly armed yourself, the presidium isn't a place everyone gets to keep a weapon."

Iromak pushed off the rail, stepping towards the elevator. "It had been three days. If they wanted it, they would've taken it on the first day."

Shepard nodded slowly. "I'll keep my eyes open. As much as I come to the Citadel, I really do hate it here. So maybe I'll avoid it for a while."

Iromak started heading to the elevator, giving a short wave. "Same here. Till next time?"

"Well, about that." Shepard stalled for a moment, looking at the Normandy for a moment before returning his eyes to Iromak. "You feel like rolling around on the Normandy for a while? See what the Spectre life is like?"

Iromak stopped, looking over at the Normandy for a moment. "You sure about that? The last time it-

Shepard put a hand up. Stepping away the rails and walking towards the door. "Come on, we've got another pod or two leftover. I'll get you set up."

Iromak looked at the Normandy with some uncertainty. Finally following Shepard into the airlock. Waiting a minute for the decontamination process to finish up.

The two stepped into the ship. Shepard first looked over at Joker in the pilot's seat. "You get your cushions, Joker?"

The pilot stuck a thumbs up in the air. Turning around a moment later. "Yeah, not gonna feel like hell on my-" He stopped speaking as he saw Iromak, who was looking around at the interior

The two made eye contact as Iromak heard the pilot fall silent, Iromak giving him a short nod. Joker returned the gesture before looking at Shepard with a raised eyebrow. "This is Iromak, my brother. He'll be joining us for the time being."

Joker turned his eyes to the Batarian standing next to Shepard. Not sure if he was comforted by his answer or just more confused. Shepard turned his head to Iromak, gesturing to Joker. "This is Joker, don't treat him too rough. We need him in good condition to fly this hunk of metal."

"Don't insult my ship by calling it a hunk of metal." Joker spoke with a slight smirk on his lips, turning back around.

Shepard started down the walkway to the CIC, Iromak following behind. His eyes examined the ship's consoles as they passed. The crew members at their stations had their attention pulled to the Batarian who was walking with Shepard.

Pressly was standing at the map; sorting their next course to the Lunar outpost. Looking up to see Shepard, both of his eyebrows raised ever so slightly as he saw Iromak. Saying nothing as he gave a short nod to Shepard before returning to the map. Making a note to himself to talk with the Commander.

Passing the guards at the stairs with a short wave of his hand. Once downstairs, they found Kaidan and Iromak in the mess hall. Shepard was a bit surprised not to see Tali there, figuring that she went to speak with Adams.

Speaking with the two of them to find out both Liara and Williams had gone out to a bar. It surprised Shepard a bit, as he didn't think Liara would be the type to drink. Making a mental note to check in on her before they left the Citadel.

He got a pod designated to Iromak and a locker for his things. Both of them were about to enter the elevator when it slid open of its own accord, Wrex standing inside. His arms swung open in a welcoming gesture. "Shepard. I'm going drinking, and you are-"

Shepard only put his hands up between him and wrex. Taking a cautious step back as he remembered last time. "Oh no I'm not. I heard Williams beat you to it, I don't know how much she drinks but you are welcome to test her limit."

Wrex let out a light huff, doubting her ability to keep him matched. Looking at Iromak now, pointing a finger to him. "You, you were with Shepard on the docks, right?" Iromak gave a short nod. "You drink?' Iromak gave another nod.

"Let's hope you can hold your liquor better than the last Batarian I drank with." He gave a short wave for Iromak to follow before trudging up the stairs.

Iromak watched him go, turning to Shepard and giving him a short nod before following along. "I'll see you back here."

"Good luck." Shepard spoke, but to who, he was not sure. He had never beaten Iromak in a drinking contest, his headaches didn't give him much of an edge though.

Looking at the elevator for a moment before deciding to let Tali get adjusted to the Normandy again before talking with her. Heading to his quarters instead.

He sat down in his chair after dimming the lights. A headache had started to creep into his head through the back of his neck, he was hoping that it was only a temporary ailment. Quietly rubbing the back of his neck where the spine and skull connected.

Eventually he was slumped back in his chair, only partially awake. Remaining this way for almost half an hour. Sleep seemed like a welcome remedy to his problem, but he was well aware that they needed to leave the Citadel today and head for Earth.

Earth...

He wasn't exactly looking forward to it, even if he wasn't going to the planet's surface. It would be the first time for him to even lay his own eyes on the place. He would rather put that off for another few years. It was an order from Hackett though, something he wouldn't imagine denying.

Three light knocks pulled him out of his thoughts. Quickly blinking his eyes open and clearing his throat to speak. "Come in."

The door slid open to show Tali standing in the doorway. Her hands were fumbling with each other, her eyes cast to the ground at first. He was curious as to what caused the nervousness. Adjusting the lights back to their default mode. "Hey, what's up?"

Tali raised her head to look at Shepard through the top of her visor. "I've got a few… questions" A slight smirk slipped onto the corners of his lips as he looked at her.

He gestured to the chair next to his desk. Tali obliged and took the seat. "Ask away." He crossed his arms, a curious look in his eyes.

Tali stared at him for a few seconds before averting her gaze to his monitor that remained turned off. "Why…" She cleared her throat quickly as she felt something catch in it. "Why did you let me join the Normandy?"

The corners of his lips slipped down, a more serious expression emerged as he remembered what Iromak had told him earlier. "Why wouldn't I?"

His return question took her off guard. Blinking once before she looked over at him. "Well, uh…" She hadn't expected this turn around. Starting to rub the back of her neck lightly as she searched for an answer.

He pulled his chair slightly closer as he leaned forward to make eye contact with her. "You went out of your way to prove Saren was connected to Eden Prime. You could've sent your development on the geth to the Migrant Fleet, just avoid going to the Citadel all together." She looked into his eyes with some uncertainty. Tilting her head back. "You took the initiative to help other people when you could have done otherwise.

"But I couldn't just stand by and do nothing when I could help-" He put a hand up and she fell silent.

"But you could have done nothing." His hand fell down to lay upon the desk. "Making yourself a target for a Spectre is no small act. I'm sure many people would not be up to the task. You, however." He smirked slightly, leaning back. "Couldn't just stand by and do nothing."

She sat quietly, her eyes flicking back and forth between his eyes. About to speak before he continued. "And if that's not enough, you're an invaluable addition to the crew."

She felt a warmth in her cheeks at the compliment. Her eyes squinted as she tilted her head. "I don't think I've done very much…"

"Ever since you've been aboard you have done nothing but help. Engineer Adams gives you high praises of you in every report since you've been aboard." Her posture straightened slightly as her eyes widened. Not realizing that people put reports into him, it made her much more aware of everything that she had done aboard the Normandy.

"And I'm certain he's happy to have someone to talk to about the ship's functions." He flicked on his monitor to look at the time.

He had a little over an hour before he should grab those aboard the Citadel. Hoping that the four members of his crew wouldn't be horribly intoxicated when he went to retrieve them. "We have an hour left before we need to get the Normandy on the move. If you need anything from the Citadel, now is the time. I'm going to do my best to avoid the Citadel for a while."

She thought about it for a moment. Standing up to leave, Shepard followed after he turned his monitor off. "Good question. I'll think about it." She walked out off Shepards quarters.

Stepping over to the mess where Kaidan and Garrus were. Kaidan's eyes looking at his Omni tool, his back facing the Commander's door. Tali grabbed a tube of purified water before going to sit with the two, garrus giving Tali a short nod as she took a seat.

"Glad to see you're doing well, Tali." Kaidan spoke up. He could hear the sound of Shepard's footsteps passing to head upstairs, the door sliding closed behind him.

Garrus waited a few moments before looking at Kaidan. "Okay, what's with the Batarian?"

Kaidan looked up at Garrus for a moment before looking at Tali. "I know… but I have a feeling she would know more."

Tali looked over at Kaidan. She was in the middle of drinking her water and did not appreciate being put on the spot. Eventually, after some stalling, she dislodged the tube from the port. Holding it in her hands. "Why me?"

"Well… You know…" He looked away from her, quickly clearing his throat. Picking up his own water afterwards to drink from it.

Tali could tell he was stalling. "No, I guess I don't know." Her bright eyes squinted slightly as she watched him. Turning to look at Garrus now. "What should I know?"

Garrus only gestured to Kaidan. Shaking his head. "He started digging this hole, don't look at me to finish it."

Kaidan was looking at Garrus, having hoped he'd lend a hand. Soon finding himself under Talis' ever prying gaze. "Well, it's nothing that I know for certain. He hasn't told me or anything so I can't actually say for certain if-"

"Kaidan." She cut him off, knowing he was going nowhere with the line of thought. "Just tell me."

"I believe in my… observations… that the commander has taken a liking to you." Kaidan didn't look at Tali the entire time he had dragged out the words. Opting instead for the glass in front of him.

Favorite person on the Normandy.

Tali's face became warm. Leaning back slightly as her eyes relaxed. "Right… I thought it was the pilot who made the bad jokes." She tried her best to reflect the idea that had already been present in her mind.

The look between Kaidan and Garrus confirmed that it was more than a badly placed joke to make humor of her. Looking between the two for a few moments before quietly excusing herself. Leaving Kaidan to tell Garrus about Iromak. Tali didn't realize that she was still holding the tube in her hands till she was in the elevator. Deciding to talk further with Adams to try and distract herself from the ideas of her and Shepard.

Shepard found out where Williams was after sending her a message. Getting a simple message on his omni tool.

'Fux'

Wonderful. She's drunk at the flux. I wonder how Liara has gotten along.

He walked into the Flux to see Williams sitting at a table with a group of what appeared to be alliance soldiers. Her back was to the entrance and didn't see him come in.

Looking around next for Liara. She didn't seem to be in the lower area, nor in the upper after he climbed the stairs. Returning to the ground floor the same way he arrived.

Williams saw him as he was coming back down the stairs. Pushing herself up quickly and was about to salute before she bumped the table due to her being a bit tipsy. Nearly toppling a few drinks and shot glasses that were still filled. Quickly putting her hands over the table, ready to grab anything that fell.

Miraculously, nothing did, her attention did seem to be fully focused on the table. Her eyes flicking back and forth till Shepard pulled her attention. "Williams."

Her head snapped to look at him, her lips splitting into a smile. "Shepard! Want a drink?" She gestured to the table and three people who were at the table.

A bit unaccustomed to her referring to him by name, he brushed past it. Shaking his head with a short wave of his hand. "I'm looking for Liara, we need to get going in the next hour so you know, get back to the ship by then."

She nodded a bit slowly. Pointing to the corner. "Liara's right over…" She looked at the table that lay empty in the corner, her eyes squinting slightly. "Huh… well…" She cleared her throat before speaking again. "She was there."

Shepard sighed lightly to himself as he stared at the empty table. His left eyebrow raised slightly. "I'll find her, just get back to the Normandy in time."

He left the flux. Taking to the observation platform with the idea of where to find the Asari Doctor on the massive Citadel. Leaning against the rails, his eyes watching the passing ships.

She probably didn't go far.

Asari Doctor.

Hospital?

He quickly shook the idea out of his head. Groaning quietly to himself. He was on the wrong train of thought and knew it too well.

Drunk...

Liara didn't seem like the type for drinking. Maybe the Citadel dredged up more memories.

Mother.

She was probably somewhere that the two had spent time together.

Matriarch.

Matriarchs were well respected and more likely than not, well connected. The Citadel was a galactic meeting point of every race. The best connected would be the highest up.

Presidium.

His head lifted slightly as the idea hit him. Pushing off the railing to stand up straight. Thinking on it for a moment before he turned to leave. Stopping in surprise as the Asari he was worrying about was standing a couple meters behind him.

She was looking down at her hands that were fumbling with each other, like she was double checking all her fingers were in fact there. Not realizing Shepard had seen her.

He watched her for a moment, stepping back to lean against the rails. She looked timid, he knew very well how deceiving looks could be. "Liara?"

Her head snapped to attention, her eyes locking with his. She once again looked tired, thin lines forming under her eyes as a result of her irregular sleep schedule. "Oh. Ashley messaged me, said that you were looking for me?" She sounded distant, she certainly didn't sound like she had been drinking.

His eyebrows furrowed together as he looked at her. "I am… we are leaving soon, but that can wait for now. How are you holding up?"

"I…" Liara's gaze phased away from his eyes to the view behind him. Stepping up to stand next to him at the rails. Shepard turned around to look out at it again. "I… don't know…"

He stayed silent for a few moments, looking from the ships to her. She spoke again before he could. "I have this…" She placed a hand upon her chest. Gulping before continuing. "Feeling in my chest. It's so… intense, like it's forcing my breath out. I went to the medical clinic. They said nothing is wrong… but…" She fell silent, her eyes watching the passing ships.

"It feels like it's welling up? Like there's water pouring into it with no stop?" He finally spoke up, his head tilting to the left slightly.

Liara's eyes paused for a moment before she nodded. Her gaze drifted to the arm below them. Her hands falling to the rails again. "Time. All you can do is give it time, and talk to someone if you need to."

A quiet beeping from his omni tool pulled both of their attentions. Shepard opened it up to find a message from C-Sec. It was about a Krogan and Batarian who refused to leave a bar in a drinking contest despite the requests of the owner.

He found it odd that any bar owner would turn away two customers with the credits to buy. Then he thought about the damage a drunk krogan could do. Going to collect the remaining crew members from the bar before returning to the Normandy.

Iromak and Williams had a silent and strange acknowledgement of each other. She had been talking with Joker when she saw him board with Shepard. She didn't have a clue who or why he was here, but she wasn't going to test Shepard on that again.

With everyone aboard and accounted for. The Normandy left after all the pre-flight checks were completed. It's sights set on the Lunar outpost.

On time?

Barely.

Tired?

Totally

Worth it?

Totally