Shepard was sitting in the Mess Hall, sipping at her tea grudgingly. Dr. Chakwas had been adamant that she remained on the ship under her watchful eye for at least three Earth-days. The second day was almost over and Shepard could feel the restlessness rising inside her. The Asari archeologist had told her everything she knew about the Prothean beacons. They were meant to be some sort of communication system, although one had to understand the Prothean language first, which was nothing short of impossible, for their race went extinct about fifty thousand years ago taking most of their knowledge into their graves. However the young doctor had another idea. "I could merge my mind with yours. Maybe my knowledge of the Prothean history can make something more of the message the beacon gave you." She had suggested, eyes aglow. As soon as she had uttered the words, Dr. Chakwas and Williams had sprung out of their chairs telling her that she would surely not merge her brain with the Commander's rattled one, at least until Shepard was feeling better. Grudgingly Shepard had yielded to their arguments and was now trying to pass the time until she could let the Asari into her head. They must think I am completely out of my mind. To be fair: that head-but with the Krogan had been reckless; she knew it, although at the time she couldn't see another way out. It had earned her a concussion and severe head-aches, but also, and that seemed like a huge win, the respect of Wrex. The Krogan had been checking up on her at least thrice a day, telling her about his own adventures as a gun for hire while congratulating her on that "thick head of yours" as he put it. He was amazed that she had come up with the idea of head-butting a Krogan Battlemaster, had she not seen the natural plate protecting his forehead? Shepard had replied that she had indeed seen it but hadn't thought it to be so damned hard, which made the Krogan burst out in laughter clapping her on the shoulder. On the one hand she still had to laugh about what went through her head as she decided to challenge a creature at least three times heavier than her in such a way, but then the pounding in her temples taught her better. Out of the corner of her eye she saw the familiar alien figure entering the Mess Hall. The Turian caught her glance, bowing his head, mandibles flaring. What the heck does that even mean… Have to check the Extranet… Shepard thought remembering what had happened back on Therum. Garrus had supported her the entire way back to the Normandy and had she not forbidden it he might have even carried her back. Her military training told her that she had to feel humiliated by it; a human Commander being carried by a Turian! However her gut told her something completely different. A smile formed at the corners of her mouth when he came striding towards her table. "So…how are we feeling today, Shepard? Ready for whatever the galaxy is throwing at us?" Garrus asked sarcastically sitting down on her opposite. "As long as it isn't any more Krogan, I'm game." She replied jokingly. He made the Mess Hall ring with his laughter: "Where there is one Krogan there might be more I'm afraid. Maybe Wrex needs to teach you a lesson or two in hand-to hand combat." He suggested winking. "Oh you'd love that wouldn't you Vakarian? Seeing your Commander lying defenseless on her back like a little beetle waiting to be crushed by the inevitable boot!" she replied dramatically, trying to look hurt. "That might be an interesting sight. Although I wouldn't compare you to a beetle Shepard." Garrus answered looking her into the eyes. What the… Is he flirting with me?! she thought, asking almost hastily: "Well then what would you compare me to, Garrus?" As if she had surprised him, the Turian averted his gaze from her. A few moments, which felt like an eternity, passed until he finally answered in a husky voice: "I don't know, but definitely something much more intimidating and scary. I mean charging at a fully grown Krogan? Who does that?" With those words and another joke about her driving skills he excused himself to the Mako shooting a scolding glance at her, leaving her to wonder.
Spirits that was close. Garrus thought as he entered the ship's elevator. What had he been thinking, telling her something like that? He hoped that Shepard wasn't familiar with the Turian body language, for if she was he'd be in deep trouble. Flirting with a human? His sister would definitely scold him and explain it by telling him he needed a girlfriend more than he wanted to admit. Of course it wasn't just any human. It was Commander Shepard, survivor of Akuze, first human Specter, captain of the Normandy and hunter of a rouge Spectre. And the hottest thing once she gets mad on the battle-field. He exhaled, fighting the irresistible urge to smack his head against the elevator's walls. This needed to stop, he couldn't compromise the mission by giving in to his certainly misguided infatuation with her. It will all take care of itself. This is just something temporary. She is a human after all, so this "feelings" will sort themselves out. He thought, nodding to himself, walking into the Normandy's armor. As his eyes fell on the badly damaged Mako he let out a heavy sigh: "Damn it Shepard, how am I supposed to fix this?" he said to himself heading for the vehicle.
As the third day of Shepard's "incarceration" had passed, the Commander decided to approach the Asari. The young doctor was down in the armory going through a box filled up to the top with Prothean artifacts Admiral Hackett had sent to the Normandy. Her eyes were gleaming like those of a child seeing the heaps of present's under the Christmas tree. Adorable. Shepard thought approaching her smiling. "Dr. T'Soni? I came to talk about the idea you had earlier. Something about merging our minds?" she asked. The young Asari's head shot up from the crate her cheeks turning into a light pink, which confused Shepard a lot. "Oh Commander! You startled me, I haven't seen you there. We can begin as soon as you are able!" she replied stammering. "Erm…how about here and now?" Shepard asked, furrowing her brow at the blushing archeologist. Looking around her hastily she replied: "You mean here? There are quite a lot of people around… But alright." Shepard followed her glance, seeing Garrus standing beside the Mako while Ashley had her attention fixed cleaning the rifles. In that moment the Asari got a sudden but gentle hold of Shepard's arms, startling her. "Relax Commander… Embrace Eternity!"
The pictures were in front of her eyes again, speaking of death and chaos. A feeling was spreading in her gut. Was it fear? No, it was anger. Anger mixed with a desire of vengeance. The red and orange haze was receding slowly letting in a portion of the blue, cooling light. Although the calmness had no place here and as soon as came it was being pushed back by the rising rage, screaming. She could feel an alien-like hand grabbing her by the shoulder, gently but determined.
Shepard reopened her eyes, looking into the frightened eyes of the Asari, who was stumbling backwards. She had been digging her nails into her blue skin leaving deep marks. Garrus stood right behind her, his talons having her by the shoulders. All of a sudden it dawned on her, she had been attacking the young doctor: "Dr. T'Soni… Liara. I am so sorry. I don't know what has gotten into me!" Shepard apologized. "It's alright Shepard. The joining causes different reactions in different persons, or so I've heard." She explained calmly. "What do you mean you've heard? This wasn't your first time I hope?! Did you use our Commander as a Guinea pig?" Ashley's voice sounded through the armory infuriated. "It actually was my first time…" the Asari replied, blushing. Behind her Garrus began to laugh. "Well I've heard my share about Asari mating rituals, but to see it first-hand!" Ashley's jaw dropped open and Shepard couldn't help but be puzzled herself. "Asari what? Ew that's gross!" the chief shouted out gagging. "By the goddess, no! We didn't…mate! It was a joining of minds only partly similar to that." She explained out of breath. A smile formed on Shepard's lips. "Relax, you don't have to explain yourself. Tell me what you have seen." She stated. The young Asari relaxed slightly, replying: "The beacon has been giving you a message indeed. However I can make nothing of it I am afraid. It's all but a blur."