Chapter Three: Careful

Hey, let me know what you think.

Liara sat quietly holding her knees up to her chest. His anger, his emotions, these things she never saw from him came out to attack her like she was some kind of traitor. It wasn't her fault, she didn't mean to keep it a secret. She thought it was information best left alone but it would seem her scientific approach about things only made things worse.

She lifted her eyes to see the slowly glowing controls of the computers and automatically she felt a soothing commodity rush into her. She only wanted to be around machines, she was no good at socializing, she just wanted to go back to researching her real love. The Protheans.

"Are you alright?" a voice asked.

She looked up and through the darkness she could make out the dimmed outline of Chief Williams.

"Good evening. I'm fine just sitting here." she said trying to rid herself of further watery responses.

"Liara, I know what happened and it's not your fault whatsoever. The Commander has been through a lot and there is no blame to be placed anywhere." said Ashley and she leaned up against an adjacent wall.

"I guess I'm still in shock. I never seen him act like that."

"Well, to be honest none of us have been here long enough to say that for sure. But if anything, Humans don't like to be held in the dark about anything especially if it pertains to anything personal."

"I pretty much figured that out."

"Don't worry, you're still with us. I just caution you about being around the Commander for a while."

That's right, Williams didn't know about her and the Commander.

"I thought you didn't like aliens." commented Liara.

"Well, there's no point in disliking them. We can be allies."

Liara nodded as she felt a sudden smile lift her spirits.

"Thank you."

"Think nothing of it, I best be getting up to the mess hall before that new girl eats it all. Ever since she's been here she's been digging that food down her throat faster than a space rat." she said walking back towards the elevator.

She closed her eyes for a moment.

Something didn't feel right.

Something didn't add up.

Eve drummed her fingers along the railing of the stairs leading to the mess hall. She was getting nervous. If that Asari could read memories then it was possible her cover could be blown. She looked around. It was already difficult enough to kill Shepard by himself let alone aboard with a crew. She needed a new plan.

Most of the crew were upstairs on the bridge so her level of discreet wasn't so high. She knew Shepard was in his quarters and most probably in a foul mood but either way her move would have to happen sooner rather than later. She casually walked towards his quarters. Now is the time.

"Commander? May I have a word?" she whispered.

"Yeah, come in."

He seemed to be much better but she still tightened her ankle where her hidden knife shook nervously.

She walked in realizing he was sitting at his laptop carelessly surfing through anonymous files. She could commit the deed right now, oh, how her employers would be pleased. Knowing that she alone managed to kill the mighty Commander Shepard of the Alliance Fleet with a single blow to the neck. The fake Geth soldiers at the Citadel, his fake sister's message, her motive... all well rehearsed and choreographed to the slightest detail. It was too bad really, she was beginning to like him.

"How are you doing?" she asked trying to bask in the moment.

"Fine, just fine. Excuse my little episode I hope it didn't bring much attention. I just get worked up that's all. Let me tell you though, you're pretty good with a gun." he said.

Good, just flatter her, maybe she won't blow your brains out for now or at least that was what he was hoping. He felt bad after treating Liara like that but it was necessary, he didn't want to alert the crew of an assassin on board.

"Oh, thank you. But I really want to get to know you better since I know your sister talked about you so much." she said.

What a liar.

He didn't bother turning around to face her. He wanted her to think that she had the upper hand. Turns out he had other plans as he slowly tightened his grip on his gun which he held on his lap.

Eve stared at the back of his head. It would be so easy to just kill him. She wanted to feel his blood all over her, to give her that ecstasy she needed for that pleasurable high she desired to the bitter extent. She wanted to taste it.

"Oh, really? What did she say about me?" he asked slightly smiling.

She began to pace the room while keeping her gaze on him.

"Wow, where do I begin?" she said laughing. She was beginning to enjoy this little game. Why not have a littler conversation with a dead man?

"She always said you were strong willed. Strong in almost every possible category except one"

"And what would that category be?"

"Emotion."

"Ah, I've heard that one before. You know, I sorta do things in a renegade type fashion or so I've been told."

She slowly withdrew her blade holding it between her slender fingers, her black nail polish gleaming from the computer screen.

He tightened his grip.

"I find that deeply attractive." she said. She bent over him while resting her head on his shoulder.

"Do you? I'm glad, I need someone here to keep me extra company if you know what I mean." he said smiling.

She smiled.

Liara felt her heart drop as she watched the whole scene unveil before her eyes. How could he? She loved him, her first romantic interest was falling apart right at her feet. She thought they met something. She thought she met her partner, the one that would hold her, the one that would hug her, love her. What did she do wrong?

What did she do wrong...?

She slowly backed away from the door and quietly faded into the darkness of the ship's interior.

Shepard quickly grabbed her hand and withdrew his gun from his concealed lap and held it above his shoulder where her head rested. He could tell she was surprised, her stunned silence spoke volumes.

"I know your not working for the Shadow Broker considering I helped him once in the past so who's your boss?" he asked fiercely.

"How the fuck did you know? I did nothing to give myself away, how the hell did you figure me out?" she spat.

He smashed the butt of his pistol right into her face causing her to yell out. He then squeezed her hand to quiet her.

"That's not the answer to my question. I'm gonna ask you one more time, who's your boss? Give me a bullshit answer and I'll blow your head all over my walls."

She breathed through her teeth, fury engaging her.

"I swear I'll kill you. I'm going to kill you and then that blue bitch."

Shepard jammed his elbow against her face breaking her nose. He could feel her blood rushing down his shoulder. His temper was rising, just give her one more chance.

He kept his eyes straight, he didn't want to see her face in fear he might get grossed by the blood.

"Now, you got a break there. I'm going to ask you one more time. Who's your boss?"

"Screw you."

Shepard pushed his chair back pushing the female assassin to the floor, her blade slid across the floor like frictionless ice. She dove for it but yelled once the Commander stomped on her hand ceasing her action. He peered down at her.

"In case you were wondering, you had a few loop holes in your story. First of all, my real sister died when she was child and that message you played was yours under a voice altercation program. The only reason I didn't kill you on the Citadel is because knowing there was still people like you around meant there's still cleaning up to do."

"I'll kill you, I swear I will."

"Yeah? Good luck trying to figure that one out."

He shot her.