Chapter 10: New and past affairs

It had been many years since the last time Samara had walked these steps that nestled in to the Consort's Chambers. Waiting at the entrance, just as she always remembered, was Nelyna. The young acolyte beamed as soon as she saw the Justicar visit. It had been many cycles since her last visit and she was convinced that the asari veteran would never return.

Samara, she exclaimed joyously, it feels like an eternity. It is so good to see you again. To what do we owe the pleasure?

It is good to see you too, Nelyna, Samara returned the gesture, but my visit is one of necessity, not pleasure, her gaze drifting off to the entrance to the inner chamber . You have learned of the fate of the human accolyte?

Yes, Nelyna lowered her head. It is a tragic thing that befell her. She was like family, in spite of being different. She looked back up at Samara, curious as to why she was involved. Are you investigating her death?

The Justicar's attention turned back to her. Yes. Her murderer is after Shepard as well.

Shepard? Is he with you? the young acolyte's eyes darted left and right, trying to catch a glimpse of the commander.

No, she replied, apologetically. He is ... unavailable at the time. Nelyna, I need to talk to Sha'ira. Shepard's freedom may depend on information only she can provide.

Nelyna pursed her lips. I don't know, she started, but I'll see what I can do. For the commander. Nelyna walked away from her post and seemed to talk to herself. It took her less than a minute to return. She will see you now, she nodded. The consort is very pleased with your return, Samara and wishes that you visit her more regularly.

Samara nodded back and went for the inner chamber. Sha'ira stood across the room, with her back turned to the door. I did not expect you to come back here again, the consort finally responded.

After our last talk, neither did I, Samara spoke calm, collected.

Tell me, what changed your mind? the consort turned around to face her.

I'm investigating a murder. One of your acolytes died today, the justicar disclosed.

I know, Sha'ira replied in a more somber tone. But I was expecting a certain ex C-Sec officer named Garrus Vakarian to show up on my doorstep. Not the famed justicar. So my question remains, what changed your mind? the consort moved dangerously close to Samara, then locked her hands with her.

The biotic's body flared with blue lightning and the consort was forced to release her grip. It was a mistake coming here, she noted and stormed out. She could hear Nelyna's voice behind her, as she left the chambers, but Samara didn't care anymore. Whatever it was that she needed to find to reclaim her peace of mind, she wasn't going to find it here. There was, however, another ...

It was a loud thump that made Tali realize someone was sitting next to her. Absorbed in an ocean of her own thoughts, sounds covered by the elevators whirring and not really expecting anyone familiar to show up, she was really startled to hear something so close. She turned around to see Garrus Vakarian slumped against the wall, hands stretched out. Hey kid, did you miss me?

Garrus, the young quarian exclaimed, lunging at him.

I told you I'd visit, the marksman reminded her, trying to calm her down.

I'm sorry, it's just so nice to see a familiar face around, Tali tried to regain her composure.

What about Kasumi and Thane? Or Legion? Garrus wondered.

Those two drop by from time to time, leaving me food or something to drink. Legion just spends all its time hooked up on that terminal. In spite of that, Legion's headlight seemed to register the conversation and followed Creator Zorah closely. Ooh, nutrient paste, Tali exclaimed seeing her new finding next to her. Thanks, Kasumi!

Actually, it was Thane this time, she corrected, materializing in front of them, then disappearing again.

That's just too creepy, Garrus noted. So, how's the investigation going?

Not very good, I'm afraid. So many reports, so many crimes, I've got Legion working double duty, trying to sort out the things related to Shepard. And there's a lot relating Shepard, Tali sounded desperate. Was it like this when you worked in C-Sec?

I didn't have to waddle through everything, but the sinking feeling was just as prominent, the turian explained. You shouldn't feel so let down, though. That lead this morning was an incredible find. Though Garrus couldn't see it behind the mask, he was certain that Tali was smiling. Seems pretty quiet here, he added after a long pause, trying to change the subject. I hope nobody troublesome bothered you.

Oh, all the time, she complained. I get at least three officers per hour telling me that vagrancy is a crime. They don't stay long, though. Always something seems to happen and they just wander off somewhere. Tali seemed to be getting angrier, her fingers tightening up to a punch, her arms shaking. I'd just like to pull my shotgun on one of them and 'boom'! Vagrant this, bosh'tet, she re-enacted as vividly as possible.

Garrus burst into a loud laugh. Alright, kiddo, no more Blasto for you. In fact, I think I should confiscate this shotgun as well, he said as he tried reaching behind her back.

That's my lucky shotgun, she objected, turning around, smacking her head on his, knocking him to the side.

Ow, shouted the turian, rubbing his aching head. Opening his eyes, he noticed a domed purple plastic thing on the ground next to him. What's this? he wondered out loud. He saw Tali's arm reach for it, just as his was about to do the same thing. It was then that he noticed that the mask's visor had popped out, letting her face in plain sight. Garrus felt a shiver go down his spine, same as the time she had joked about his reach. Hey there, beautiful, he added as Tali popped the visor back into place.

She turned her back to him, arms crossed. This isn't how I imagined it to be. I always thought it would be more ... romantic.

I don't know, the ex specter disagreed, wrapping his arms around her. He pulled her over his one leg, placing her in his lap. Though Tali was surprised, she didn't protest. I think it was pretty innocent, but in a cute and unexpected way. Spontaneous. It think it's just, he paused for a moment before concluding. Us, he finished.

Us? she asked disbelieving.

Us, Garrus reaffirmed. He buried his face in the back of her hood.

Tali seemed to jolt up, then turned around to look at the turian. Did you just kiss the back of my head?

N-no, he stammered.

The two glowing lights that were once again hidden behind the purple visor appeared to constrict, as if squinting her eyes. Liar, she accused him.

Yeah, yeah, he admitted.

Tali settled herself back in his embrace. Do it again.

Bailey's voice resounded again in the C-Sec holding cells. Shepard, visitor.

Shepard scoffed, I can't seem to catch a break with you, he told Kolyat, the young drell retreating back to the dark confines of his cell, a hint of a smile on his face. Shepard then walked back to his cot. I sure hope this isn't Garrus Vakarian, he shouted out meaningfully. He couldn't have been more wrong at his assumption, or more surprised by his visitor. Samara, he said in a hushed tone, nearly disbelieving.

Shepard, the justicar replied the greeting, then going to sit on the bed across from him.

How can I help you? the human specter asked.

You once said that we shared a connection, she started. Do you still believe that? she inquired, her deep blue eyes fixed on him.

Shepard straightened his back and laid against the wall. Ah, sure!

Then perhaps you can help me, she explained, but talked no more.

Alright then, just fire away, Shepard prodded her.

Something is changed within me. Ever since I mind melded with Jack, and there went her pupils again, dilating and contracting at the sound of the human biotic's name, I have been uneasy. My meditating does not seem to hold effect. I'm having thoughts that distract me, preoccupy me. And it all seems to come from her. The memories. Hate, violence, insecurity, guilt, lust, the asari veteran warrior confided in him.

Did you try talking to Jack about it? To explain it to her? the specter proposed.

Yesterday she tried to attack me, the justicar informed him.

I told Garrus the same thing; Jack fights with everyone. Don't try to read too much into it, he tried to excuse Zero.

It's more than that. She kills for pleasure and mates for power. She has little respect for life other than her own, Samara started on a rant.

Hold on a second. Are we talking Jack here? he questioned her. Or Morinth?

Shepard saw Samara's eyes jumping around the room as if looking for something. She raised her head and fixed her gaze on him again. Both, she realized.

He took a deep breath and exhaled just as deeply, getting up from his cot. She isn't your daughter. Jack will never be like your daughter. As much as you hated her, respected her, loved her, reviled her, Morinth isn't coming back. Not in any shape or form that you will be familiar with, anyway. You, however, are alive. You can make up for things. You can make them right. Jack is young and powerful. It is a dangerous combination. We humans, in that age, tend to believe we will live forever. It makes us lose sight and focus. I can comfort her spirit, but I can't teach her the things you know, what you've accumulated over the centuries of your life. That's up to you and her.

She still had her eyes fixed at him. She got up from her seat and walked towards him. Coming to you was the wiser choice. Thank you, Shepard. I will meditate over your recommendation.

The specter moved closer to Samara, taking her hands in his own, gently, softly. Anything you need, I will be here for you, he reassured her.

I can only hope to do the same for you, she replied. Goodbye, Shepard, she said and left the room.