Notes:

Breá Ber'ah - Combined form meaning beautiful and strange lover; Breá being a close lover, somewhere between Amantia and Siame (Thessian)

CGC - Center for Galactic Cooperation

FTL – Faster Than Light travel

Ionúin Álainn - beautiful beloved (Gaelic)

LEAP - League of Earth Alliance Patriots

Nara - literally "bearer"; one who shoulders another's burden, aids others (Thessian/Source: CDN)

Siame - "one who is all", a loved one cherished above all others (Thessian/Source: CDN)

XO - Executive Officer

Paying the Piper

Center for Galactic Cooperation, Widow System, Serpent Nebula – 13 Oct 2188

It was during Shepard's discussions with Liara concerning her plan to officially become a citizen of the Asari Republics that a germ of an idea had begun to grow in the Spectre's mind. Now that the trade talks were over and the Walker situation was settled, she had time to sit back and think on it. She was well aware that a great number of the agents employed by the Shadow Broker had become unfortunate casualties during the Reaper War; nowhere – with the possible exception of the Turian Hierarchy – were their vastly reduced numbers more noticeable than within the Alliance territories, particularly on humanity's homeworld of Earth.

During their rushed – and painfully futile – attempt to accurately evaluate the potential for violence by each of the fifty or so radical individuals that rose to the top of Shepard and Liara's master list, Riana and Liara had each complained about the lack of resources that could be recruited for assistance in the exacting, eye-watering effort. Thinking back, Samantha recalled with total clarity that Zoë Lawrence had asked her if she honestly believed Lady T'Soni was the only accomplished info broker in the galaxy. I have to give credit where credit is due… Atlas somehow learned that Douglas Walker had agreed to take the contract on the Human councilor's life.

During that same conversation, Lawrence had also confessed to being fully aware of Liara's prowess as a superbly effective information broker. But, while Liara's meteoric rise as a broker was well known within the intelligence field, the Spectre did not believe that Zoë – and by extension, Atlas – was aware the Asari had, in point of fact, risen so far as to take over the entire network and become The Shadow Broker.

I wonder what it would take to recruit them as legitimate agents – not for the Broker network, necessarily, but my own… to help me keep tabs on what's happening on Earth? Shepard immediately paused to ask herself aloud, "Gods! Am I seriously considering this?" She huffed out a single, short laugh and grinned. Shaking her head, she added, "Yup… and now I'm talking to myself. I must be absolutely nuts."

Chuckling at herself, she decided to take an early lunch in order to ponder all the ramifications of her position before presenting her idea to Liara. Even though only family and close acquaintances know it, she's still the Shadow Broker… but, aboard the Knight Shade, she's my XO… and Riana is the face of info ops. Speaking aloud once more, she added, "Shit. That could be a problem."

Atlas Headquarters, Vancouver B.C., Earth – 13 Oct 2188

Arriving a few minutes early for his appointment with Jana Cantrell, Sheldon Webster sat in an uncomfortable chair in the outer waiting room; feeling a bit better about what he intended to do, he linked in to the intra-office network and checked the messages from his former home. As he was glancing through the several messages received from Cassie Meyers, the door to Cantrell's office silently slid open. The change in lighting due to the open door caused Sheldon to look up; he instantly closed his omnitool and stood at the sight of the tall, full-figured woman standing in the doorway.

Gold-flecked brown eyes looked at him appraisingly as he nervously reached out a hand in greeting. "Ms Cantrell? Good morning. Thank you for agreeing to meet with me…"

Jana grasped his hand, pumped it once and responded, "Good morning, Mr Webster. She turned and casually waved towards a chair beside a medium-sized desk. "Come in, have a seat. Would you care for some coffee? Tea?"

"A cup of coffee sounds really nice." Sheldon looked around the tidy room as he eased himself into the indicated chair. Jana turned to a side table to pour a cup of coffee for herself and one for her guest. "Cream? Sweetener?"

"Just black will be fine, Ms Cantrell."

As she stepped behind her desk, she placed a steaming mug of the beverage in front of him; taking a sip from her own mug, she smiled as she sat in her chair and said, "Call me Jana, Mr Webster." Holding her mug with both hands, she took another sip of coffee; gazing at him past the rim of her mug, she inquired, "I understand you've resigned from Atlas… and now you've relocated here?

"I resigned on the first of June, and I've left New Cousteau for good, Jana. During the first half of the year, I was doing my best to recruit new members, but gradually turned that task over to my second, Cassie Meyers. Long story short, after LEAP's assaults on our members and their families on Christmas day, I lost the last bit of joy I possessed at living in the colony."

Jana's expression didn't change as she asked, "Last bit of joy, Mr Webster? Would you mind explaining – what changed for you before LEAP's attacks?"

Fixing his gaze on some point beyond her right shoulder, Sheldon sipped his coffee and said in a pained voice, "It has been nearly five years since Yvonne – my wife – died in a great deal of pain… pain that no one should have to endure." Sheldon shifted his gaze to Jana's eyes for a moment before continuing. "Her death from ovarian cancer virtually ripped every last gram of happiness from my existence. After her death, the only thing I had to keep me sane was my work – in Cerberus… then Atlas – until last Christmas."

Still staring into the distance, he continued in a voice of inestimable sadness. "In addition to myself, only eight other team members – of a total membership of 78 – escaped LEAP's homicidal rampage. But those 69 that were slaughtered were not all of the casualties; most of those murdered agents had families… wives, husbands, young children. Just like me, none of them were soldiers… not that it mattered to LEAP… it was guilt by association… a wholesale bloodbath. 174 other people were butchered by those murderous bastards, plus a number of innocent civilians that were simply in the wrong place at the wrong damned time… some were Salarians… even a few Hanar." He trailed off as he thought back to what should have been a joyous holiday.

When he finally returned his gaze to Jana, there was an unpleasant edge to his voice. "Atlas started a war with LEAP, and from my perspective, we lost it all on Christmas day. It took a few months for me to finally realize I simply couldn't continue to live my life as if nothing bad had happened. I failed my team, Jana… my people… my colony. I had lost confidence in myself as their leader, enough so I felt I could no longer continue. I tried… God knows, I really tried. In the end, it was simply too much to bear. I had to step down… had to leave Atlas, before it ate me from the inside out."

"But even that was not enough. I ultimately realized I could no longer continue living in New Cousteau as if everything was still the same… there were too damned many daily reminders of what had happened. So, I decided to leave Trident… make a fresh start. I had taken a position with a sky car dealer in New Cousteau. The company was kind enough to grant my request for a transfer… allowed me to relocate here. New profession on a different planet, a … a fresh start."

Even though Jana spoke quietly, her voice was edged in steel. "I'm well aware of the casualties on Trident, Sheldon." Cupping her elbows in her hands, she leaned back and asked, "Do you think Zoë Lawrence failed our people, Mr Webster? Thousands of our members died on Christmas Day, galaxy-wide. The numbers…" Jana had a great deal of sympathy for what Webster had gone through… was still going through. She paused, closed her eyes and shook her head slightly. "You were responsible for just one cell, Mr Webster… whereas Zoë and I were… and still are… responsible for them all." She paused again. When she opened her eyes, her scowl of self-condemnation only served to accentuate the dangerous edge her voice had picked up as she continued, "The numbers were on a scale totally unprecedented in peacetime; LEAP completely exceeded all bounds of common decency. We believe the collateral damage – all those innocent people's lives – was not honestly collateral. It was a means to an end; LEAP wanted to send a message so clear, one would have to be blind to miss its meaning. So, we are not quitting, Mr Webster. Zoë and I… the rest of the team here… are determined to make sure such a wholesale slaughter… on such an enormous scale… never, ever happens again."

Her voice shifted in tone; it was suddenly cool and collected as she casually asked, "Your mind is made up? You have truly left New Cousteau… left Atlas behind? We could really use your experience to help us rebuild and train the new recruits."

Sitting this close to her, her eyes boring into him with a laser-sharp focus, he suddenly found he had a difficult time swallowing. Unable to tear his eyes away from hers, he breathed, "No, Ms Cantrell. I am settling here, in Vancouver, for the foreseeable future… but returning to Atlas is out of the question." Shaking his head slightly, he continued, "I remember Zoë's speech from when she took over Cerberus to create Atlas, and I certainly won't forget the examples she and Stafford made of Lyle Bradshaw and Wendell Coffey in New York, so… you may rest assured I'll not be joining any of the other xenophobes running around out there. It's just… I find myself no longer capable of continuing down the path Atlas has chosen."

After pausing to finish the coffee in his mug, he continued, "I'm a good supervisor… and a good organizer. I have an excellent position… one with a lot of potential for advancement, especially considering the scarcity of qualified workers system-wide. I'll be fine… or as fine as I can be. Just as I'll never get over the loss of Yvonne, I don't think I will ever be able to put the loss of most of my team behind me. It just took…" Sheldon took a deep, shuddering breath before continuing, "… it took a very large bite out of my soul. There's nothing left for me in Atlas."

The corners of Jana's mouth tipped up ever so slightly as she stood and moved to stand beside him. "Mr Webster…" She tentatively placed an open hand on top of his shoulder. "… Sheldon. I will not ask you to reconsider, but I do want you to know I believe Atlas has been diminished even more by your departure. I am sorry to lose you… and Zoë will feel the same." The gold-flecked brown eyes seemed to look straight into his soul. Tightening her grip on his shoulder, she sighed, "I truly wish you well, Sir." Dropping her hand, she returned to her chair and said, "Now, if there is nothing else, I really must get back to work. Thank you for your time."

Sheldon stood, saying, "Thank you for the coffee, and thanks for your time, Ms Cantrell." He then turned and quickly left her office, thinking about what she had said… determined to make sure such a wholesale slaughter never happens again… and felt as if a clawed hand had momentarily gripped his heart. He shuddered slightly as he moved down the passageway; it wasn't what she had said so much as the way she had said it. Jessica Mikhailovich had certainly not lived to enjoy the new year, he thought as he left the building to step out into the bright sunshine of a cool, fall day. Entering his X3M, he sat inside for a number of minutes after closing the canopy. Perhaps I should go visit Zoë while she's in the hospital, came the thought.

Knight Shade, Palaven, Trebia – 13 Oct 2188

Liara raised a brow marking and smirked as she stared in amazement at her siame; as for Riana, the disbelief in her expression was paired with her utter mistrust of the woman her captain was planning to approach as soon as the trade talks wrapped up – which was likely happening in the imminent future. "Goddess! If this idea had been spawned by anyone else, I would have to seriously question their sanity, Nara."

Liara's warning glance at her First wasn't lost on Shepard as she spoke softly. "Riana, I realize you believe the woman now known as Zoë Lawrence is merely a clever disguise for Maya Brooks, and I will not attempt to change your mind. You've heard my reasons for extending my trust, and while I would rather have you embrace the idea that having her and Atlas working with us could prove beneficial, I cannot make you like her... or her organization." Shepard sighed heavily before continuing, "There's more than enough conflict in the galaxy, Riana, and it seems to be increasing by the day. While it is true that Atlas rose from the ruins of an Illusive Man-led Cerberus, they have unwaveringly supported me… supported us… from behind the scenes, even before the start of the Victory Tour."

Riana wasn't ready to concede, despite the absolute love and respect she held for her captain. "Does your plan include revealing the truth to her about how LEAP was employed against them?"

Liara answered the question before Samantha could respond, her tone carrying a warning edge as she replied, "There is no point in revealing our role in providing data to LEAP; that was Shadow Broker business… which must be held separate and apart from Atlas, even if they do become Spectre assets. While Shepard and I may combine our efforts because of our relationship, it is essential my role as Shadow Broker be kept secret from Zoë Lawrence and Atlas." The Broker paused and shrugged lightly, a frown appearing on her face as she admitted, "Despite being sickened by the absolute depravity of LEAP's attacks on Atlas members and the collateral deaths resulting from their assaults on Christmas day, given the situation at the time, I would do the same again."

Shepard reached out and took the hand of her Ionúin Álainn, sending loving reassurance through the link before addressing Liara's First. "We already know that Lawrence – along with many other people – is more than aware that Liara is an info broker. The arrangement I'll be proposing is strictly for my benefit as a Spectre, Riana. Atlas has an effective data-mining network and I can see no reason why we shouldn't employ that to our advantage going forward."

"I do not like it, Nara. The thought of having to work with that woman…"

Riana didn't have the chance to finish her thought before Shepard quietly said, "She's the leader of Atlas, Riana… a director of their operations galaxy-wide. As such, I don't believe she is directly involved in searching for data…"

"Except when the data they uncover could lead to someone like Jessica Mikhailovich," Riana huffed. "At that point, she does not hesitate to take matters into her own hands. She is a brutally efficient killer, Shepard. She's changed her appearance and her name, but her skills are every bit as sharp as the blades she has employed in the past. I am sorry, but I cannot bring myself to trust her."

Liara's eyes narrowed slightly in reproach as she addressed her First. "I regret that you seem unable to move past your dislike for the woman, Riana, but I unreservedly trust Samantha's instincts regarding Zoë Lawrence. You have to realize it was Zoë's strength of will that transformed the leaderless remnants of Cerberus into an organization completely opposed to the xenophobic ideals of Jack Harper … including the likes of LEAP, which is where most of the former Cerberus members not wishing to follow Zoë's leadership fled."

Riana's scowl lessened, but never fully disappeared, as she split her attention between Shepard and Liara; finally giving Liara her undivided attention, she said, "My vow as your First dictates I obey you and, as your First, I will continue to do so… unreservedly. But, I will need to meditate on everything we have discussed, to decide exactly how I need to approach this in order to overcome my own mistrust and bias against the woman."

Turning her gaze to Shepard, Riana added, "You have my sincere apologies for my lack of faith, Nara. That you believe Zoë Lawrence worthy of forgiveness for her past deeds as Maya Brooks seems like a mistake in judgement, but you have proven me wrong before. Please know that whatever course you take, I promise to push my feelings aside and make an honest attempt to work with her group."

Shepard smiled at the commando. "That's all I can ask, Riana. Your loyalty to Liara and myself has always been beyond reproach." Placing a hand on her shoulder, Shepard concluded, "I am sure it will work out… for all of us."

It had been a long day and the knowledge that Shepard intended to offer Zoë Lawrence a legitimate avenue for redemption, in addition to her normal afternoon workload, had made Riana cranky and tired. She eased herself into the compartment she shared with Samantha Traynor; noticing her Breá Ber'ah was already asleep, she silently shed her leathers and under armor mesh. No use in disturbing her when I'm feeling so out of sorts. She made use of the small bathroom to splash water in her face after relieving her bladder, then turned all the lights down and slid into their bed. Reaching over Sammi to embrace her, Riana was surprised by a possessive hand grabbing her forearm. "Sammi…" she whispered tiredly. "I did not mean to wake you. Have you been sleeping long?

The chuckle she received gladdened her heart. "I was only dozing, Ri. You know I do not sleep well anymore, unless you are cuddled up next to me; I've become very accustomed to your presence and miss it when you are not here." Sam rolled over to face her amantia and reached up with both hands to cup her face. "You are carrying a great deal of stress, my love; I can feel it in your body." She placed a soft kiss on receptive lips, then used a hand to gently massage Riana's shoulders and neck – being careful to avoid dipping her fingertips into the sensitive folds below her neck – while using the other hand to massage a breast.

Riana responded with a slight groan of pleasure before saying, "It's usually me easing your stress, my love." She groaned again, then admitted, "The captain was discussing our future as a Spectre team and her chosen path is one I never could have anticipated. Despite my assurances to her, I still am not sure I will be able to do what she wants of me."

Both hands stopped their movements, though each remained where they were on Riana's body. "What do you mean? What the Hell, Ri? You're not leaving me… not leaving the ship, are you?"

The commando laughed as she hugged Traynor tightly to her. "Nothing like that, Sammi. The captain is simply contemplating an alliance with…" Riana paused, still finding it difficult to accept Shepard's judgement. "…an alliance with Zoë Lawrence and Atlas."

Sammi let out the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding, then lovingly kissed the blue nose in front of her. "No need to say any more, Ri. I know how much you dislike that woman… because of that, she's on my list of least favorite people as well." She kissed the nose again, then kissed both eyelids, just because she could. "I expect you won't sleep at all tonight unless you meld with me. Come on…"

During the months Riana had been sleeping with the Human, their mutual love for each other had grown to a point that slipping into Sammi's mind had nearly become second nature. With warm lips on a cool forehead, she stretched her thoughts out to touch the mind of her lover. {Sammi… I really don't know what good this will do.}

{You are stressed about the possibility of working with Zoë Lawrence… but it is no different than what you just did with that Jana woman. So, they perform data searches for us. It's not like she'll be traveling on the Knight Shade. You likely won't even have to communicate with her directly.}

Riana's thoughts were chaotic, tumbling around to the point that Sammi said aloud, "Ri! Enough!" Having regained her lover's attention, Samantha returned her thoughts to their meld. {You are a professional, Riana. There is absolutely no reason you cannot work with Atlas when it is necessary to further our goals. I truly doubt you will ever have to speak with Lawrence, but if you do? So what? You do not have to be friends with her, even though I believe she could use a friend or two.}

{Sammi! It seems as if you are taking her side in this.}

{Riana, I love you with all that I am… You must know your name will be on my lips as I take my last breath in this life. That will never change, my darling. But, I want you to look at Zoë Lawrence from a different perspective.}

{I'm not sure I can… or even wish to do so. You saw what she did after LEAP's Christmas day slaughter. She casually pushed a knife into the beating heart of another Human, and that was only her most recent sin.}

{Yes… a Human who conspired to leave Shepard behind after the destruction of the original Normandy; then conspired to kill Shepard and Liara on multiple occasions. I'm sorry, but Jessica Mikhailovich deserved every bit of that blade through her heart! I would have done the same, given the chance, so do not judge her so harshly… unless you also wish to condemn me!}

{But she has a history filled with such actions, Sammi! You are nothing like her!}

Tears seeped past Samantha's closed eyelids at the memories she was sharing with her lover through their meld. {Have you looked at Maya's history? Her life was total shit, Riana! The only home she ever had was with Cerberus and Jack Harper. He gave her purpose… just like Lady Benezia did for you. And I was much the same… growing up on a poor colony world? I had nothing. The other kids were cruel; they taunted and teased me because I was so smart… teacher's pet, they called me. I had no friends my own age… no one but my parents and my own company. Then, the offer from the Alliance changed everything for me… so, as much as I dislike Maya Brooks, I have to respect Zoë Lawrence for the effort she is making to change herself… to be a better person and do the right thing.}

Sammi felt Riana slowly pull away from her mind. The Asari's arms about her tightened slightly in an effort to comfort her. "I never knew, Sammi. I am so sorry for you. I forget that Humans, unlike Asari, are always alone, even when they're in loving relationships with other Humans." Riana kissed Sammi with a newly discovered passion. Continuing to speak in a whisper, she said, "I never join with you that I don't learn something new, Breá Ber'ah. I love you with all of my heart, and that will never change… the Goddess sent you to ease my own sadness concerning Ryati. Perhaps…" Riana paused for several moments as she gazed into Sammi's soft brown eyes, nearly black in the dim light of their room. "Perhaps, in time, I can learn to see what you and Shepard see in Zoë Lawrence. In the morning, I will tell Shepard and Lady Liara of our discussion… and inform them I will do my best to make this new partnership with Atlas work."

Traynor pressed her lips to those of the Asari; pulling back, she whispered, "That's all I ask… just that you give Atlas a chance, Ri. I have always believed Shepard's decisions were made with a great deal of thought… and she seems to have a talent for always making them work out for the best."

Knight Shade, Palaven, Trebia – 14 Oct 2188

Riana, accompanied by Samantha Traynor, sought out Lady T'Soni and her captain in the crew's mess for breakfast; after each had loaded a tray with fruits, uloth, breads and a mug of Kaffe, the pair took a seat across the table from them. Shepard nodded at Sammi before greeting Riana with a smile. "I see you brought along your ai'a me for backup, Riana. Am I going to have to fight both of you at once?" Seeing the horrified expression on Traynor's face, she quickly added, "I'm joking, Specialist. Relax, please." Returning her attention to the commando, she said, "May I presume you came to a decision during the night?"

Riana gently squeezed the top of Sammi's thigh under the table as she smiled softly at her. Her expression became somber as she turned back to face her captain. "I have, Nara. Whatever agreement you come to with Atlas… with this Ms Lawrence… will most likely make my job easier." Traynor gripped the blue hand resting atop her thigh, causing the Asari to quickly glance over before adding, "So, I will attempt to work with them, Shepard." She dipped her head in momentary embarrassment before looking back up and adding, "Also… I wish to accompany you to the meeting with her. I want to… no, I need to be there, in person, when you extend the invitation for Atlas to join our team… to make sure I can overcome my incessant desire to see justice done for all her victims."

"What kind of justice are you speaking of, Riana?" Liara's eyes darted over to meet Shepard's for only an instant before refocusing on her First. {I am not yet convinced this is going to work, Siame.}

Riana's face was a grim mask. "I hope I do not disappoint you, nor myself, with a loss of control, but you must understand that I will neither like nor forgive her for what she has done. Maya Brooks is a killer and this… agreement… lets her escape punishment for her crimes. Zoë Lawrence simply feeling sorry for what she did as Maya Brooks and her other previous aliases is not enough for me. It never will be." As she finished, she removed her hand from Traynor's leg and crossed her arms, her exterior posture reflecting her inner intransigence on the issue.

"Understood, Riana," Shepard sighed. "We'll set it up where you will work only with your counterpart, Jana Cantrell. Any direct contact with Zoë Lawrence will be handled by either Liara or me. Would that be satisfactory?"

"Let me be forthright; I would not cry over Maya's death by a fellow assassin… or by any other means. As far as I am concerned, such an event would be justice, long delayed, but finally done." Riana shrugged and forced a small smile on her face. "Satisfactory would be seeing her spaced, Nara… but, that said, I believe I can work within your parameters and avoid attempting to hasten that event by my own hand."

Knight Shade, Trebia, At Large – 15 Oct 2188

Shepard sighed in relief as a feeling of long-overdue liberation swept over her with the news; after more than two weeks of her crew sitting around doing next to nothing, the Human-Turian trade agreement was finally in the process of being signed. As the appropriate historical vids were being transferred to data storage devices so they could be delivered to the Council Archives, Shepard and Liara got to the business of saying a few quick farewells, first to Hannah Shepard and then to Garrus and the Primarch, before heading back to the docks to board the Knight Shade. Thankfully, she and her crew would soon be escorting Osoba back to the CGC and getting back to being a true Spectre again, instead of a glorified security detail.

There was a lot yet to be done, both in the way of establishing the hoped-for alliance with Atlas and continuing the hunt for those involved in the assassinations. If Atlas came on board, the Spectre crew would be able to focus on any who may have slipped away from Sol. Feeling the wave of disgust that accompanied that thought through the link, Liara glanced across the Bridge at the back of her bondmate, who stood at the starboard viewport as she stared, unseeing, over the city of Palaven. {We will find them, Samantha. I don't care how long it takes, but we will make them pay for their treachery, I swear it.}

Unaware she had been broadcasting, the Spectre turned and flashed an appreciative – and somewhat apologetic – smile in the Asari's direction, just as the voice of Osoba's Aide de Camp squawked across her private channel. "We're entering the docking area now, Shepard… be there in a few minutes."

"Understood, Riley." Still looking at Liara, Shepard's demeanor shifted from irritation to relief as she commanded, "Osoba and Emerson are on their way. Prep for departure, please."

Hearing Shepard's silent follow-on of 'Thank the Gods,' Liara quickly answered with a grin. "Aye, aye, Captain."

Once the ship had left Palaven's atmosphere, shifted to FTL, and was enroute to the relay, Shepard retreated from the Bridge to meet Osoba in the lounge … at the Councilor's request. Osoba stood and smiled as the Spectre entered the compartment. "Shepard. I want to thank you for the amazing patience and restraint you demonstrated during the trade talks. I know you must be absolutely exasperated, not being able to pursue the escaped assassins."

"Actually, Sir, we already have Douglas Walker… your attempted assassin… in custody. Now, we are pursuing that proof you demanded before I take down Charles Saracino… and take him down, I will," Shepard growled. "That bastard's dirty, and we're tracing the money trail to prove it to you."

"How in Hell…?" Osoba's eyes were wide in disbelief, but he paused and collected himself in order to continue, "Of course. Sharon Culver and her Special Operations teams. She's very good at what she does, isn't she?"

"The best there is, Sir," Shepard smirked. "She had a tail on Walker the instant he left the NorthAm Bank building. Her team tracked him and had him in custody before twenty-four hours had elapsed." She chuckled and continued, "He wasn't quite ready to be spaced for the sake of those who hired him and started talking as soon as he was able. And, while he'll be put away for life, under rather favorable conditions considering what he tried to do, I most certainly won't provide the same generous offer for those in charge… those funding the contracts resulting in the four attacks."

"Damn it, Shepard. You are bound and determined to turn Earth's political scene on its head, aren't you?" Osoba shook his head with a sigh. "Well, you may have to relinquish your need for vengeance to Colonel Culver; she seems quite capable of following this up and doing what you want done. I have other plans for you."

The muscles in Shepard's jaw flexed for a brief moment as she clamped her teeth together before responding, "And just what that might be, Sir?"

"I have informed the Primarch that you'll be assigned to Palaven as the Military Liaison for Earth…"

"No, Sir… I won't." The councilor didn't get any farther in his explanation before Shepard cut him off. "If it has somehow slipped your mind, I am no longer an Alliance officer. I resigned my commission and have absolutely no intention of taking a new one, no matter what rank either Prime Minister Leiker or Admiral Lindholm is willing to offer me." She huffed at the expression of indignation on Osoba's face and continued, "Besides which, Spectres settle disputes between governments, we do not act as peacetime liaisons; that job belongs to Ambassador Hoffman, who is more than up to the task. I suppose it could also fall under Admiral Shepard's purview as the Alliance Interspecies Liaison. I have no intention of stepping on either one's toes, especially when it feels as if you're simply trying to keep me busy… in a pathetic attempt to keep me off of Saracino's ass for some reason."

Bristling in anger at the veiled accusation, Osoba grumbled, "You're still Humanity's lead Spectre… and, as your Council representative, you'll do whatever task I assign you!"

Shepard scowled at the man. "I am a Spectre first, Human second… and I refuse to be called upon as a personal Human lackey!" She huffed at his shocked expression and continued, "In the middle of the war, I helped you with information on your son when no one else gave a shit. Then, I saved your damned life by stepping in front of a laser designator, with absolutely no idea what kind of ammo was coming in. Did you stop to consider that, if it had been an armor piercing round, I likely wouldn't be standing here right now?" She shook her head in disbelief and huffed before she finished, "Not once have I hesitated to assist you… and while I never take on tasks with the intent to curry favor, I would still think you owe me at least some modicum of professional courtesy to let me do my damned job!"

"But… I thought you would enjoy working with your former colleagues." Osoba looked confused at Shepard's response. "Aren't you and Vakarian friends? Wouldn't you enjoy some downtime to relax? Spend some time with him when you're not fighting for your lives?"

"Not when there are assassins running around trying to destroy everything we've been working toward the past five years! Both Hackett and Trost are dead… and I intend to find and punish those responsible!" Shepard huffed in disgust before continuing, "This is what I do, Councilor! It's who I am! I'm not going to simply sit on my ass drinking at the bar with Garrus until every one of those assholes is either locked away… or dead." Shepard's lip curled up into a sneer. "You also need to know that while you were sequestered away in negotiations over the past couple of weeks, a few things happened that you should probably be made aware of… but our little chat is over and I'm going to let Councilor Tevos explain what's going on."

She drew a deep breath and caged her simmering fury to add, "In the meantime, it would serve you well to remember you're currently standing on the deck of the Knight Shade… my personal ship, aboard which I am Captain… so, sit down and enjoy your short flight; I'll have you at the CGC soon enough for your conversation with the Asari councilor."

Center for Galactic Cooperation, Widow System, Serpent Nebula – 15 Oct 2188

After the warning call from Shepard, Councilor Tevos was standing at the docks when the Knight Shade settled into her docking cradle. Shepard quickly ushered a somewhat perturbed Osoba and his aide out through the hatch, while she chose to remain safely aboard ship; it wasn't that Shepard was hiding, she was simply afraid she would say something else she probably shouldn't, so wanted nothing more to do with the ungrateful Human councilor at the moment.

Liara slid up quietly behind her and whispered, "That trip certainly could have gone smoother… but I do believe you are in extremely good hands with Councilor Tevos championing your cause. Shall we head to our apartment or do you have other pending business?" As if on cue, Shepard's omnitool buzzed with an incoming message. Seeing a fellow Spectre ident code, she answered the call.

"Spectre Shepard. My name is Moises T'Dura and, as you have undoubtedly observed, I am an Asari Spectre. I was wondering if, perhaps, you and the Lady Liara would be able to take some time to meet with me to discuss a rather sensitive issue?"

The couple looked at one another, communicating with simple thought, and Shepard answered easily, "Certainly. Based on your timing, I assume you know we just docked. If it's acceptable, I can send you our address here on the CGC, and you are welcome to come to our home for dinner, say… 1800 hours? That would give us some time to get changed and settle in a bit."

"That is a very generous offer, seeing as you have just returned from what must have been a very boring two-week assignment." T'Dura's eyes shifted between the pair, since both were visible in the omnitool pick-up. "Are you sure it is not an inconvenience?"

"Absolutely," answered Liara. "It will be our pleasure to host."

"Excellent." T'Dura dipped her head in respect. "I would be happy to bring something; desert… or a bottle of something?"

"Only if you feel compelled," Shepard chuckled. "We haven't spent much time here, so are pretty well stocked, but bring your favorite. There's no guarantee we'll have whatever that is."

"I can do that… and I will see you at 1800." T'Dura smiled and vanished from the display as she ended the call.

"So… I have to wonder what this is all about." Shepard turned a curious gaze on Liara, who shrugged in response.

"I have no idea… though she did refer to me as Lady Liara, and not Dr T'Soni." Liara paused thoughtfully before continuing, "That tells me it is Thessian, and not necessarily council, business. I must admit, it does make me curious."

"Guess we'll find out soon enough." Shepard smiled and wrapped an arm around her Ionúin Álainn. "Shall we?"

A/N: For those interested, Ch 1 of the Character Reference has been updated to include the personnel changes over the past few chapters.