Chapter 5
"Stop moping, we've got a lot to do today," the chief teased the forlorn commander.
"Like what? I'm off duty now, you know," Shepard replied, sulking.
"Like shopping, so go get dressed," Ashley said cheerfully, moving over to take her friend's empty plate. "And we've got plans for tonight too."
"Shopping, I hate shopping, you know that Ash, " the spectre answered. "Can't you just let me be miserable in peace?"
"I promised Liara I wouldn't let that happen, so you're stuck with me today," the chief laughed as she poured another cup of coffee for each of them. "Besides, you'll like this shopping, C-Sec just got in a new shipment of spectre only weapons and armor. The only way I get to see them is by dragging you in, so we're going."
"Alright, alright, but I still want to know what else you've got planned. I appreciate the concern, but I don't need a baby sitter," the fire in the spectre's words showed she was starting to come around.
"Baby sitter, no way!" Ashley pretended to be horrified. "I was thinking more along the lines of a drinking buddy."
That drew more of a grin from the grumpy spectre.
"OK, now you're talking chief," Shepard laughed. "I guess I better get dressed and get this shopping over with. That'll leave us plenty of time for the drinking part."
Ashley shook her head and laughed at the retreating spectre. A few hours or more at the Flux would do them all good. And she hoped that the commander wouldn't mind that she had invited someone else to their little party. That thought caused the butterflies in her stomach to stir.
Liara glanced around the terminal and noticed a slim woman in an Alliance uniform that looked teasingly familiar. She was engaged in a quiet conversation with a turian C-Sec officer and had yet to notice the asari's approach. Not wishing to intrude, T'Soni stopped a distance away from them, near enough to be seen. As the human looked over, their eyes met and Liara knew without a doubt that she had found her beloved's mother.
Hanna Shepard's eyes lit up as she saw the asari. She graciously ended the conversation with the officer, coming over to the scientist's side. Liara seemed surprised as the older Shepard hugged her tightly in welcome, her smile warm and genuine.
"Liara, it is good to finally meet you in person," Shepard's voice conveyed the feeling behind the statement.
"I am pleased at meeting you as well," T'Soni stammered, suddenly shy in the presence of the spectre's mother.
"Come, I have made all the arrangements for our travel," she said. "Is that your only bag?"
"Yes, it is," Liara replied self consciously. "With the way I travel, one learns to pack lightly."
"I supposed so," Hanna smiled, "with Terran dragging you around half the galaxy."
The asari shared the smile, following the commander to the waiting shuttle. She liked hearing her lover's first name and a question came to mind.
"May I ask you a question," Liara softly requested.
"Of course, dear, you don't have to ask."
"Terran is an unusual name, even for a human, I am told. Is there a story behind that?" the asari's voice was quiet and she hoped her questions would not be seen as being too forward. There were so many more she wanted to ask this woman.
Shepard smiled again at the asari.
"Yes, there is, Liara," she replied, sitting down at the table in their private compartment and motioning the asari to the opposite seat. "I hope you don't mind, I ordered breakfast for us, I was not sure if you had had time this morning before you left."
"Thank you, that is most kind," the doctor was moved by the elder Shepard's thoughtfulness.
Hanna started to speak, but paused at the knock at the door. She waited until the attendant had arranged their food and withdrew before continuing.
"You see, her father and I knew we would never be spending much time on Earth. We were drawn to the stars and were lucky enough to have positions that allowed us to explore. We wanted to always have a little piece of Earth with us," Shepard offered tea and poured when Liara nodded. "Terran, meaning 'Earth born" is always that reminder of where we came from. Pretty corny, isn't it? And please don't tell her I told you that, she would not be happy about it."
The scientist sipped at the tea, smiling as she tasted her favorite blend. The commander noticed her smile, returning it as she took her own sip.
"One of my best friends is an asari, I asked her to pick our food menu. I see she hasn't led me astray."
Again, the scientist was awed by the effort made on her behalf. Looking at the spread of fruits and cheeses, one better than the next, she shook her head in agreement, "This is most appreciated, Commander, you should not have gone to so much trouble for me."
"It was my pleasure, Liara, but there is one condition for you," she paused, waiting for the asari's nod of agreement. "Please call me Hanna, 'Commander' is much too formal."
T'Soni smiled, amazed at how this human had placed her at ease. They ate and chatted about so many topics, Liara would have been at a loss to describe the entire conversation. After a while, an attendant arrived with a fresh pot of tea and removed the remains of their meal. When she had gone, Shepard sat back and looked at the asari.
"OK, Liara, so what was so important that you convinced your pilot to break regs to contact me?"
The doctor looked at her hands, unable to meet the elder Shepard's eyes.
Laughing, the commander added, "Don't worry, I'm not going to turn either of you in. You're going to have enough trouble on your hands when Terran discovers who you are meeting with."
Liara smiled at that thought, "Yes, she will be most angry at me for not telling her. I hope Ashley is keeping her out of trouble."
The scientist went on to tell Shepard all about their fiery gunnery chief and the plans they had made to keep the spectre distracted. The mother laughed as pictured the friends dealing with her daughter.
"I did have something serious to ask you, though," Liara volunteered, looking up.
"How can I help you, Liara?" Hanna asked sincerely.
"Will our relationship hinder her career?" the asari's eyes remained downcast.
"Have you asked her that question?" Shepard inquired.
"She doesn't answer the question; she just says she doesn't care."
"Do you believe her?"
"Yes, absolutely."
"But you still want to know what affect it will have on her?"
"I, I guess so," T'Soni stammered. "She really does not seem to be in the Alliance's best graces right now."
Liara explained what had happened right before she left and was surprised at the woman's response.
"That's my girl!" she laughed.
Seeing the incredulous look on the asari's face, she explained: "Liara, don't worry. Terran tends to put her own spin on everything she does. It's what makes her a good leader, it's what's made her a good spectre. She has a good sense of when to follow convention and when to disregard it. If she said she doesn't care, that's all there is to it."
Liara looked into Shepard's eyes and saw amusement, acceptance and affection.
She wondered how her lover was faring and if her disposition had improved any. Poor Ashley, she thought, then revised it, smiling. The gunnery chief could definitely take care of herself, spectre or no spectre.
She refilled their cups and their conversation turned to more mundane topics.