Title: Artemisia Shepard, War Hero
By: Midnight Unicorn
Disclaimers: Main character is semi-mine, others and places are not

A/N One of my friends inspired this

Outtake 2: Faith

"I thought she was improving," Liara said and Garrus couldn't help but glare at the soft-spoken asari.

"I am getting better," Shepard insisted earnestly. She was leaning against the wall just inside the medical room, arms crossed loosely over her chest but Garrus was getting much better at reading human body language since joining the Normandy crew. Her hands tightly gripped the insides of her elbows; she was tense. "Nodacrux was just…insane."

"You didn't have to go after that cobalt," Tali retorted harshly. It was fortunate her voice was so expressive,because without a face to read and her physical movements so understated and often meaningless, it was the only way to gauge her emotional state. And for her to be so angry was significant.

"It's an assignment from the Alliance," Shepard defended herself, shifting her shoulders so the wall mounted kit dug into her bones a different way.

"I have seen those orders." Garrus could understand Tali's distress; after Aleutsk Valley and Shepard's maneuvering on the approach to Virmire to take out the AA guns, their faith had been restored in her ability to guide the Mako—how could it not? It had been impressive. But here they were, in Chakwas' care with a crack in Tali's faceplate again and a possible concussion (which was impressive for a different reason). "That is a low priority objective, if it puts no one at risk."

Shepard pressed her lips tight against her initial response, which was also not a good sign. "Doctor," she redirected her attention. "Has she been exposed to anything?"

"No, Commander," the older woman answered calmly. "Only the outer layer broke this time. Still," she looked at Shepard evenly. "You ought to be more careful."

In response, Shepard pushed herself upright and gave her a sarcastic salute, before turning her back to them and opening the door. "We'll discuss this when you've calmed down, Tali," she said sharply and left.

Garrus glanced over at the quarian, who was looking at her lap, but jumped a little when Liara touched her shoulder reassuringly. "I'm certain she did not mean to cause you harm." Her gray blue gaze flickered to Garrus to indicate she addressed him as well.

"I know that," Tali sighed, getting to her feet. "She is right, I overreacted. I'm not even hurt much, I was just afraid."

"We understand, dear," Doctor Chakwas smiled gently. "So does the Commander." Now she turned back to Garrus. "Let me see your head."

Although he wanted nothing more than to leave he submitted to the Doctor's examination, delayed until the consequences of Tali's compromised helmet were determined. In his impatience he insisted he felt fine, though his gizzards twisted a little at his dishonesty.

"Very well," the doctor sighed, and he was sure she knew he wasn't being truthful. "If you feel any dizziness or sickness, come back to me."

"If you see the Commander before I do, tell her I apologize," Tali requested as he left.

"Will do," he nodded and his head ached at the motion. He hadn't quite made up his mind if he was going to look for the Commander or just return below to check on the Mako when he heard an odd pinging noise to his right. Most of the crewmen who loitered in the commons of the quarters had turned in for the evening hours and no one was in sight.

He instinctively slid a hand back to his pistol, peering around narrow-eyed and then a chill raced up his spine. The sound was coming from the control panels of the sleeper pods where Alenko could almost be always found, which most avoided now except out of need, from respect or superstition.

No less wary, Garrus crept over until he could see over the barrier and recognized the dark auburn head seated on the other side. Shepard looked up quickly, alert as ever, and then gave a crooked smile. "Glad to see Chakwas didn't have to put you on bed rest."

"I told her I feel alright," he answered, stepping closer. He discovered the source of the pinging sound was a small, bright green ball that she was throwing against the wall and catching as it bounced back.

"Do you?" she asked. Garrus had met many asari with deep gazes, a trait acquired with years and active involvement with other races, but none of them had the kind of focused intensity Shepard turned on him at that moment, bright eyes burning violet in the dim light.

"No, not really, but I will be." Even as he said this, a wave of dizziness made the floor swim, so, telling himself it would be politer to sit and not make her get up, he did so.

"Catch." The ball whizzed by his head, bounced off the wall and back into her hand in the time it took him to turn and look. "You know, medi-gel works better when it's used," she said grimly.

Years of training clamored for him to obey his commanding officer, but then he realized she wasn't giving him an order. Before he could remark on this, she had returned her gaze to her target and was speaking again. "I am sorry I got you hurt. And Tali."

"I understand, Commander, you want to achieve the objectives entrusted to you." He certainly didn't begrudge her that.

"I do, but not at the cost of peoples' lives." There was something raw about the way she spoke that was frightening, and he wasn't sure why. "There are too many enemies shooting at us for me to be the one to make you bleed." She exhaled sharply and then inhaled slow and deep through her nose, calming herself.

"Commander—" Garrus stopped when she stood, looking around at the quarters and then to the medical room. What could he say, anyway? He had missed something important and his muddled mind scrambled to track it down.

"I'd better go talk to Tali. You should get some rest."

He struggled to his feet as she walked away. "Commander, wait." She did pause, head tipped to signify he had her attention, but she did not turn back. "Don't second guess yourself. We all trust you." He rubbed the back of his neck self-consciously, and then grimaced. "Bruises and all."

He could just barely see her smile. "Thanks, Garrus."

Shepard disappeared into the medical room, leaving Garrus with a fierce headache but a sense of satisfaction.

A/N Don't let others make you doubt; trust your decisions. Also, no I don't hate Tali.