It's him!

Her mind screamed as Liara tried desperately to remain objective. It wasn't an easy task. The human looked exactly like Shepard. Everything about him was physically identical. His facial features, the rough stubble that was ever-present along his jaw, his piercing blue eyes…

He's alive!

Shepard looked physically fit. Liara appraised him from head to toe quickly. His clothes were simple: well-worn boots, dark trousers, and a t-shirt that was perhaps in another life white, now covered in dust and grime. There were no obvious scars that she didn't recognize; no visible signs of trauma. His hands looked slightly cut up, possibly from the containers he'd been carrying, but aside from that, the man looked completely healthy. He stared at her with his head cocked to the side, confusion evident on his face.

How is this possible? It's as if he doesn't…

"Shepard, it's me."

With a grunt, he set down the cargo container. "You'll have to excuse me, but I think you're confused. I'm pretty sure I'd remember meeting you before." The way he smiled made Liara melt. She shook herself, realization of what he'd just said hitting her fully. Lightning danced in the pit of her stomach.

"What do you mean you don't know me? Shepard-"

The man held up his hand. "Why do you keep calling me Shepard? Look, I get it, I resemble the guy from the vids… I hear it a lot, but-"

"Because it's you!" Liara interjected, stepping close to him. "I can feel it. It's you. I thought it wasn't possible, Shepard… How did you survive?"

The man backed away, putting his hands up in mock defense. "Look, lady- I'm trying to be clear here: I don't know you, and whoever you think I am, I'm not… aw, come on now…"

The man looked embarrassed. Liara didn't understand why until she realized she was crying, her jaw trembling and awash with hot tears.

Goddess, what's happened? I can feel it's him… he's no copy. I don't know how this is possible, but he survived... and doesn't remember anything?

Her mind slowly began to thaw the sense of icy dread spreading through her limbs, and a hypothesis began to form.

Could it be some kind of brain trauma? Is it possible that the energy from the Crucible somehow wiped his memory? Or is it possible it's simply been repressed, and his real consciousness- the Shepard I know and love- lies dormant in his brain?

The questions kept coming, and Liara had no answers. Human neurophysiology wasn't her area by any margin. She needed to get Shepard somewhere, and have him examined.

But where? And how? How can I convince him…

"Look I'm sorry for the trouble lady, but… I should go." His words sent another chill down Liara's spine.

Even his mannerisms are the same! It's got to be him!

Liara stammered, trying to think of a way to convince Shepard to stay. "Look, I know this is awkward-"

"I've gotta get this crate on board. We're due to leave any second. I'm not this 'Shepard'. My name's John."

Liara grabbed his arm as he turned, pulling him close. "Yes! John Shepard! That's your name!"

John's eyes grew dark as he pulled out of Liara's grasp. "No, lady. Just John." He turned and made for the last open cargo hatch on the small freighter. Liara followed a step behind, her mind racing to buy time. Conscious thought was nearly impossible with him so close. She couldn't focus, and had to keep reminding herself to breathe.

"How long have you been on this crew?"

John grunted and shoved the container into place. "Close twenty-two! Ready to depart!" he yelled. The automated door began to close on the compartment. He watched carefully, she noted. "Making sure nothing gets caught." The door sealed with a hiss and click before he turned to her. "A few days."

Liara stepped in front of him quickly, blocking his path. "And how long have you been on this station?"

He squinted at her, as if measuring her up. "If I answer a few more of your questions, will you get the hell out of my way? I've got work to do here."

She nodded vigorously. "A few more questions, I promise."

John shrugged and sighed. "I woke up a few days ago here in a clinic. I didn't have any papers, no credit chit, nothing. If I had to guess, I'd say I was some kind of war refugee." He brushed off his hands on his pants and turned toward the gangway of the vessel. "These guys needed some extra help. I need money to buy ID and to get off this rock. Maybe after that, I can try to piece together my past."

Her brow twitched. "What do you mean, piece together your past?"

He tapped his head with a few fingers. "I woke up without any memory. No clue who I am, or where I belong."

Liara's eyes went wide. Goddess…

"It's you, Shepard. Whether you believe it or not. You're the man I…" she swallowed hard. "I know you quite well."

And you belong with me.

John shook his head. Anger flashed in his features. "I have a pretty hard time believing that. If I was so goddamn important, why the hell wasn't anyone out looking for me? Why was no one here when I woke up? Why are you the first person to show up and I've been on my feet for a week?"

Liara looked hurt. She stepped closer, placing her hand on his shoulder. "Shepard, we thought you were dead! It's been over a year! No one could anticipate-"

He waved his hands angrily and shrugged her off. The movement was rough and unfriendly. "Enough! Stop calling me that. I'm not your guy. Whatever bullshit you're selling, I'm not buying. Outta my way!" With that outburst, he stormed down the gangway. The airlock's hatch closed behind him, and Liara was left alone.

She sank to her knees, sobbing.

Author's note: I know this one is a little short; I wanted this encounter to stand on its own.

Thanks to everyone for your continued support. I'm working at a new job which has somewhat diminished my capacity to just sit and write, but chapters will keep coming as fast as I can finish them.

Until next time.

-Zero