Notes: On the one hand, I haven't utilized Mira using the power of being really obnoxious lately. On the other, it clashes with the tone of the next chapter really harshly so I had to cut it.

Illium Revenue Services

She straightened the cuffs on her new suit and took in the lobby to Liara's office. It was a simple job. Get in, find out how Liara knew she was alive, then continue with her mission. Minimal security and only a secretary between her and the door. If Liara was as she remembered, she had the money to inspire loyalty from her staff, but not the social skills. A good secretary was worth their weight in eezo and this was one of those cases in which store bought was just never as good.

"Excuse me," she said. With an effortless motion, she took out her stylus and powered up her datapad.

"I'm sorry, Doctor T'Soni is in a meeting at the moment," the secretary said, not looking up from her terminal. "If you would like to meet with her, you will have to make an appointment."

"Oh I'm not here for an appointment," she said, giving the Asari her best small woman backed by an implacable government organization smile. "I'm Noone with Illium Revenue Services." She flashed a badge she'd pickpocketed off a police officer too quickly for the secretary to make out the full insignia.

Better to give Liara as little time to prepare for her as possible. She paid for the dock, she likely knew she was on the planet. She'd spend her day procuring supplies, then tracking down Samara. This was the only measure of surprise she had left.

"As I said, if you would like to arrange a meeting, you can make an appointment," she said.

"Non-compliance with government officials…" She clicked her tongue and made a note. "This is not going to look good on my report…." She shook her head, gave a good natured laugh. "What did you say your name was again?"

"Nyxeris," she said. "What are you here for?"

"Oh I'm afraid I'm not at liberty to discuss that," she said, making more notes. "Neither are the people from Customs for that matter and if they have to come by later well…" She twirled her stylus. "You know what they're like."

"You'll have to come back later with them," she said. "And you'll have to make an appointment."

"Obstructing an investigation, enabling the destruction of evidence…" she said, continuing her notes. "Working for Ms. T'soni must be a dream come true for you Nyxeris." She gave the Asari a professionally annoying smile. She wasn't going anywhere, unless it was through that door.

They glared at her, then pressed an intercom button. "Ms. T'soni, there's somebody from Illium Revenue Services here for you." No matter how much Liara was paying her, it wasn't enough to have to spend any more time around Shepard than was absolutely necessary.

When there was no response, Shepard clicked her stylus and made another mark, and the secretary shook her head. "I'll wave you through."

"Thank you Nyxeris," she said, striding towards the door. "I'll be sure to my superiors hear about how cooperative you were."