AUTHOR'S NOTE: WTF? What happened to the time? It's been two months since I updated? I knew this chapter was kicking my ass but jeeeeeez! Sorry for the wait! I'll try to get the next couple chapters out soon.

Allegra was not looking forward to going to Noveria. She did not do well with cold climates, and if the recent weather reports were correct, their destination was currently being bombarded by a huge blizzard. With any luck, she wouldn't have to step foot outside, but her luck never held. She could see them having to trek around the mountainsides with no Mako on some stupid side quest.

She really hoped that didn't happen.

Although. . . freezing temperatures were a great excuse to get closer to Kaidan, to conserve body heat and all that. She could just picture them wrapped cozily in each other's arms, oblivious to the raging storm around them.

It was too bad she was his superior. They could have had a lot of fun together.

Sighing to herself, Allegra finally paid attention to where she was walking, surprised to find herself in the cockpit. She glanced towards Joker, her head still full of thoughts of Kaidan. Joker seemed like he knew the Lieutenant pretty well. Allegra felt a little jealous, actually, because she really didn't know all that much about him. Just that he was gorgeous and sweet, and that was enough to get her imagination whirring.

Allegra carefully eased herself into the chair next to Joker, sitting sideways so she could face him.

"Yeees?" Joker asked, drawing out the word.

"You and Kaidan are friends right?" Allegra began.

"Kaidan, is it?" Joker teased. "Since when are you two on a first name basis?"

Allegra blushed, a fact which Joker immediately noticed, causing his eyebrows to rise nearly up to his hairline. "Joker, focus," she muttered.

"I guess you could say Kaidan and I are friends," Joker finally replied, emphasizing Kaidan's name.

Allegra rolled her eyes.

"Why do you ask?" Joker questioned, looking over at her curiously.

"I was just wondering what sorts of things he likes," Allegra said slowly, studying her hands intently.

"Oh, well that's easy. He likes romantic candlelit dinners for two, silk sheets, long walks on a moonlit beach-"

"Is it ever possible for you to be serious just once?" Allegra interrupted, glowering.

"Fine, fine," Joker sighed, "I won't have any fun. This is serious Joker now."

"Oh, just tell me already!" Allegra cried, thoroughly frustrated. Why had she decided to go to Joker to ask about Kaidan?

"Honestly, Commander, we don't really talk about our likes and dislikes. We're men. We discuss women and technology. That sort of thing."

"He's discussed women with you?" Allegra asked, trying not to sound too curious.

"Oh, yeah," Joker said with a chuckle. "One woman in particular."

"Is that so?" God, why was there so much jealousy ripping through her all of a sudden? So Kaidan possibly liked someone. Big deal. It wasn't like she and Kaidan had a thing going on. They had kissed once. It hadn't really meant anything, even though Allegra hadn't been able to stop replaying the memory in her head every five seconds.

"Commander, no offense, but are you completely blind?" Joker asked her seriously.

"What are you talking about?"

"You can't tell me that you have no idea that Kaidan is hopelessly attracted to you."

Allegra's heart stopped beating for a brief second, then restarted, double-time. "He is?" she said in a whisper, eyes wide.

"You didn't know?" Joker gaped. Then he laughed. Uproariously.

"H-he never said anything," she stammered.

"Of course he didn't! You're his commanding officer. Can you say awkward?"

"But . . . he was so quick to agree to forget about the kiss!" Allegra muttered.

"Whoa, what?" Joker cried. He turned to look at her. "What's this about a kiss?"

Allegra ignored him. "I, uh, have to go," she said before hurrying away.

Ashley frowned in Liara's general direction as she shoveled food into her mouth. Liara was chatting animatedly with Cade, who was leaning casually up against the wall. He looked so relaxed and happy. Ashley glared down at her pile of mashed potatoes. She was so angry she didn't even notice their awful taste.

"I sure can't wait for Noveria," a deep voice said right next to her. "We can stop and have a real meal for once."

Ashley looked up to see Cade standing there, chuckling. His masculine scent washed over her; Ashley tried not to swoon. She wasn't a swooning type of girl, anyway.

Cade sat down next to her. Ashley looked over to where he had been standing chatting up Liara. Liara was gone. Maybe he had pissed her off so now he had come to her for some romance. No, scratch that. Ashley did not want to be second choice to anybody, but especially to an alien. Maybe Cade didn't even like Liara. Maybe he liked Ashley! Maybe he was asking Liara tips on how to romance Ashley! Hah, take that you blue, cock-munching twat, Ashley thought happily.

"So what were you and Liara discussing?" Ashley found herself asking. God, she just couldn't keep her mouth shut!

Well, she was curious . . .

"Nothing important. She was just telling me a little about her mother."

"Oh." They were discussing family? That meant things were kind of serious, right?

"I'm getting the feeling you don't really like her," Cade said suddenly. "Am I right?"

"What?" Ashley gasped. "Why would you think that?"

Cade smiled at her. "You're always glaring at her and any time she comes up to you, you find a way to quickly get out of the room."

"I'm really that obvious?"

"Yep."

Ashley swore.

"Is it her specifically, or is it just because you don't like aliens in general?" Cade asked.

"I don't trust her," Ashley began. "Not because she's an alien. Because her mother is working with Saren."

"I trust her," Cade answered simply.

"I'm just not sure I buy her story about not talking to her mother. They're family, right? Families talk."

"I think she's being straight with us," Cade said. "Or, at least, she doesn't lie very often."

"I suppose you're right. She's probably really bad at lying. Hey, want me to ask her about her sex life? Might be real illuminating," she joked.

"I don't think she's used to teasing, good-natured or otherwise," Cade replied.

"You're no fun, Commander," Ashley pouted jokingly. Inside, she boiled. He was protecting Liara! There was something going on between them.

"I'm plenty of fun, Williams," Cade replied. "Just haven't had much of an opportunity yet." He smiled at her so warmly that Ashley was glad she was sitting, or her legs would have turned to jelly on her. "I'd better get up to the cockpit to check on Joker. We should be arriving to Noveria anytime."

Ashley watched him walk away, trying not to think about how much she enjoyed the view.

Cade headed up to the cockpit as Joker prepared to take them down to Noveria.

"Approach control," Joker said into the comm, "this is the SSV Normandy requesting a vector and a berth."

"Normandy, your arrival was not scheduled," a voice replied. "Our defense grid is armed and tracking you. State your business."

Joker looked over his shoulder at Cade. "Citadel business," he told Approach Control. "We've got a Spectre on board,"

"Landing access granted, Normandy," came the reply after a brief pause. "Be advised we will be confirming identification on arrival. If confirmation cannot be established, your vessel will be impounded."

"What a fun bunch," Joker commented wryly. "I think I'll take my next leave here."

He easily brought the Normandy into dock and Cade met the rest of the team at the airlock to disembark.

The eight of them made their way through the docking area to the entrance to the port. There they were greeted by three security officers with their weapons out.

"That's far enough," one of the female officers said, raising a hand to signal them to stop.

"We're not here to cause problems," Cade said, raising his hands in surrender.

"This is an unscheduled arrival. I need your credentials," the officer continued.

"I'm a Spectre. My name is Shepard," Cade replied.

"Load of horsecrap, ma'am," the other female officer muttered. "There aren't any human Spectres."

"We will need to confirm that," the first officer said, ignoring the other. "Also, I must tell you that firearms are not permitted on Noveria. Sergeant Stirling, secure their weapons."

The second female officer took a few steps forward, sneering at them.

In unison, the whole of Cade's team brought up their weapons, aiming at the officers. The three officers followed suit.

"Back away, nice and slow," Ashley growled.

"Stand down," Cade decided after a tense moment. "Their house, their rules."

"Come on, Cade, we can take them. There's eight of us and only three of them," Allegra said.

"We are authorized to use lethal force," the officer in charge warned.

"Ooh, scary," Allegra mocked.

"Captain Matsuo, stand down!" a voice called over the intercom. "We confirmed their identity. Spectres are authorized to carry weapons here.

Captain Matsuo sighed and lowered her gun. "You may proceed, Spectre. I hope the rest of your visit is less confrontational."

Cade and his team put their guns away as the three officers retreated to their positions against the walls. Cade led his team through the doors and into the lobby area. They were stopped at the counter by an alarm suddenly going off.

"Weapons detectors," a woman dressed entirely in pink explained. She came closer to the counter and turned the alarm off. She smiled at Cade, "I am Gianna Parasini, assistant to Administrator Anoleis. We apologize for the incident in the docking bay."

"Someone piss in your security chief's coffee today?" Allegra commented.

"She takes her job very seriously," Gianna replied. "One of my duties is orientation for new arrivals. Do you have any questions?"

"Has anyone unusual passed through here recently?" Cade asked.

"An asari Matriarch passed through a few days ago. Lady Benezia."

"Benezia?" Liara spoke up in surprise. "She is here?"

"Where is she now?" Cade asked.

"Benezia left for the research facility on Peak 15 days ago. To the best of my knowledge, she's still there."

"I need to get to Peak 15 then," Cade said.

"You'll need to ask Administrator Anoleis for clearance to leave this port," Gianna told him.

"I understand. Can we go in now?"

"Of course. If you need anything, I'll be in the Administrator's office," Gianna said.

"She is here. I can't believe it," Liara murmured. She looked up at Cade. "I imagine you want to talk to me, Shepard. About my mother."

"I trust you, Liara," Cade answered.

"You know what they say, 'blood is thicker than water,'" Allegra said, crossing her arms over her chest.

Liara turned to face Allegra. "I do not agree with my mother's actions," she said evenly. "I believe she must be stopped. Perhaps I can persuade her to leave peacefully. But, if you would rather I stay on the Normandy, I will."

Allegra seemed a little taken aback by Liara's willingness to compromise. "It's up to Cade whether you stay on the ship or not," she finally said. "And if he wants to take you to face Benezia, then I will accept that."

Cade was surprised by Allegra's moment of maturity. He smiled happily at her. "Let's get going," he said, ushering everyone over to the elevator. They all piled on; it was a little cramped, especially with Wrex along, but no one complained.

When the elevator arrived on the main level of Port Hanshan, Cade grouped them all together to discuss his plans. "Allegra, I would like you to take Williams, Wrex, and Garrus to the shop to get more supplies and sell the things we won't need. Liara, Alenko, and Tali will come with me to talk to Anoleis."

Allegra simply nodded and started walking towards the shop. Ashley, Wrex, and Garrus hurried to catch up to her.

Cade turned to his remaining team. "Let's just have me do the talking," he suggested.

"Aye, aye, sir," Kaidan replied, sneaking a glance to Allegra's retreating form.

Cade eyed Kaidan curiously for a moment, but kept his mouth shut. It seemed his Lieutenant had a bit of a thing for Allegra. He wouldn't say anything; Alenko would find out soon enough that Allegra only paid attention to one thing, and it wasn't romance.

Clearing these thoughts from his head, Cade headed across the lobby to Anoleis' office. As she'd said, Gianna was in the outer office, sitting behind a large desk. She smiled at Cade as he walked up to her. "Can I help you, Commander?" she asked.

"I'd like to speak to Anoleis," Cade announced.

"One moment please," Gianna replied. She hit a button on the comm system. "Mr. Anoleis?"

"Yes, what? What?" came the hurried reply.

"Commander Shepard is asking to see you sir."

"Right, fine, come in."

Gianna smiled up at Cade. "Right through the door, Commander."

Cade nodded his thanks, then led Kaidan, Liara, and Tali into Anoleis' office.

Administrator Anoleis was sitting behind his desk, glancing quickly back and forth between a row of monitors. He barely looked up as Cade walked into the office. "You will excuse me if I don't stand up. I don't have the time to entertain guests," Anoleis snapped.

"I'll try not to take up too much of your time," Cade replied carefully. "I'm here on Spectre business."

Anoleis sighed. "This meeting is just a courtesy. I will only cooperate as required by the Executive Board. Businesses come to Noveria to avoid the second-guessing of galactic law."

"I'm conducting an investigation," Cade explained. "It's a matter of galactic security."

"Isn't everything?" Anoleis replied dryly. "I will not allow you to harass our clients for your investigation. This world is private property."

"I'm not here to investigate your tenants."

"Nevertheless, it is my duty to keep you away from them. Spectres are not encumbered by a need for due process."

"All I need is clearance to get to Peak 15."

"I'm afraid I can't do that for you, Commander. Peak 15 is a private facility. Even so, there is a terrible blizzard in the area. All shuttles are grounded, and surface access has been cut off. The roads are not suitable for travel."

"There must be someone else around here who could help us," Kaidan muttered softly to Cade.

Cade nodded once in agreement. "Thank you for your time, Administrator. I'll be leaving now," Cade said to Anoleis as he turned to leave.

"Good, I received a dozen urgent messages while you dithered about," Anoleis grumbled, shooing them from his office.

Gianna waved Cade over to her desk as he entered the outer office. "The administrator isn't the only one with a pass to leave Hanshan," she began in a low voice. "Talk to Lorik Qui'in. You should be able to find him in the hotel bar. I can't say more. Not within earshot of Anoleis."

"Thank you, Gianna," Cade said gratefully.

He headed off towards the lobby where he had parted ways with Allegra. To his surprise, Allegra was already waiting for him, sitting on some benches with the others.

"How'd it go?" she asked once he was close enough.

"Anoleis was no help," Cade replied. "Gianna told us about another option though. Anything good at the store?"

Allegra beamed. "You'd be so proud of me, Cade. The shopkeeper wanted me to smuggle some weapons into the port for him since I'm with you and we're allowed our weapons. But I told him no because it was illegal."

"And you threatened to turn him in for it, too," Ashley laughed. "He gave us the biggest discount after that just so we'd keep our mouths shut!"

Cade smiled. "Nicely done."

"So where to now, oh fearless leader?" Ashley asked.

"We need to go to the hotel bar to find someone named Lorik Qui'in," Cade replied. "Supposedly he can help us get to Peak 15. Allegra, why don't you come with me? Everyone else, just wait here while we talk to Qui'in."

The two Shepards headed off for the hotel bar silently. As they exited the elevator, Allegra glanced around, asking, "So which one is Qui'in?"

"My guess? The turian nursing that drink over there," Cade replied, pointing over to the corner.

Allegra followed his gaze. "One way to find out!" she said brightly, walking over to the turian. She approached him, all business. "Are you Lorik Qui'in? We were told you could help us."

The turian glanced over Allegra, then Cade curiously. He nodded once. "You are the Spectre that just arrived, are you not?" he directed at Cade. "What can an old turian like me possibly help you with?"

"We're trying to find a way into the garage," Cade answered.

Qui'in nodded in understanding. "You need a pass," he stated. "I'm the manager of the local Synthetic Insights office. For the moment at least. Mr. Anoleis closed my office. He claims to be investigating claims of my corruption. The administrator is an interesting man. He has become quite wealthy since he took direct control of rents."

"I sense a connection there," Allegra spoke up.

"Indeed," Qui'in agreed. "I acquired evidence of Anoleis' actions. His hired cronies are currently ransacking my office trying to find it." He looked them over calculatingly. "If you can recover the evidence from my office, I will give you my garage pass."

"I take it you have a plan?" Cade questioned.

"I do," Qui'in replied. "However, I should tell you that violence against Anoleis' thugs may be necessary. He has members of Hanshan's security team searching my office. He's been paying them under the table. Ms. Matsuo is unaware of their outside employment."

"I'm assuming the security chief wouldn't be too thrilled about them taking outside jobs?" Allegra guessed.

"I don't like the idea of fighting the law around here," Cade said.

"If they're being paid under the table that makes them mercenaries," Allegra pointed out. "We can kill mercenaries."

"If it come to that. . . yes," Cade replied slowly.

"The evidence is on my computer," Qui'in said. "This OSD contains an encryption key to access it." He slid the disk across the table to Cade. "Oh, and do try to keep blood off the carpets, would you?"

"Sure thing," Allegra replied as Cade picked up the disk. "Should we take some more of our team with us?" Allegra asked Cade as they started walking off.

"You don't think we can handle a couple of security officers?" Cade asked her, grinning.

Allegra laughed heartily. "You're right. We are a perfect team after all."

The pair headed towards the Synthetic Insights office area. They used Qui'ins' pass to access the elevator, and walked right into a pair of Hanshan's security officers.

"Freeze!" one of the officers immediately commanded as the other drew his weapon on Cade and Allegra. "Hanshan security. This office is sealed."

"Lorik Qui'in gave us a pass in," Cade explained.

"Qui'in?" the officer questioned. "Do you work for him? He is under investigation."

"Does Captain Matsuo know you're here?" Allegra asked the officers.

"Hey, I'm not the one who wants Qui'in," the officer replied. "I just needed some money." She paused, then said, "Look, why don't we just pretend we didn't see you and you didn't see us?"

Cade nodded in agreement and moved aside so the two officers could use the elevator to exit the office area.

"That was easy," Allegra commented.

"Don't be so sure," Cade said, looking across the room to where another officer was approaching them, his gun out.

The officer shot at them, Allegra ducking just in time. "Shit!" she cried, fumbling for her assault rifle. She quickly took aim and blasted the officer away. "Self defense!" she yelled to Cade. "Perfectly good excuse!"

"Agreed!" Cade called, ducking behind a wall as more guards showed up.

Allegra ducked behind another wall to avoid the gunfire from the officers. With a bit of quick thinking and plenty of skill, Allegra and Cade managed to take out the officers without taking any damage themselves. Satisfied enough with how things were working out, Cade led the way up to Qui'in's office, unlocking the door with his pass.

Allegra guarded the door as Cade placed the OSD into the computer's drive. The computer whirred as it downloaded the data to the disc. Once it was finished, Cade grabbed the disc and jammed it into his pocket. "Let's get out of here," he said to Allegra.

They retraced their steps out into the lobby area, where they ran headfirst into Sergeant Stirling and a group of security officers. "Oh, give me a break," Allegra muttered.

"I don't think you're supposed to be in here," Stirling greeted coldly. "Anoleis would throw you off world for what you've done here. I won't. You know what we did to cop killers on my world?"

"Make them put on frilly dresses and hold tea parties?" Allegra asked sweetly.

Stirling glared at her. Allegra remained unfazed.

"I didn't want to fight them," Cade said. "They fired first."

"Self. Defense," Allegra said, punctuating each word. "So, if you'll excuse us, we'll just be going now."

"You think I'm just going to let you walk out of here?" Stirling asked. "No way."

"If you want a fight, I'll give you one!" Allegra cried.

"You talk the talk, let's see if you can walk after I break your legs!" Stirling yelled, drawing her gun.

Cade rolled behind some cover as Allegra unleashed a wave of gunfire. She quickly took out Stirling, then, laughing, ducked behind Cade's cover.

"Oh, man, she was so easy!" Allegra laughed. "Couple of hits and down she went!"

"That's a little maniacal of you," Cade commented, leaning out and taking down another officer.

Allegra shrugged, then jumped up and aimed at and officer across the room.

Within minutes, the rest of the officers were defeated.

"Okay, let's really get out of here now," Cade decided.

The two of them hurried to the elevator and made their way back to the main area of Hanshan. Gianna Parasini was waiting for them just past the elevator.

"There have been reports of noise from the Synthetic Insights office," she said, eyeing Cade and Allegra. "Would you know anything about it?"

"It's probably Anoleis' thugs ripping the place apart," Allegra commented.

"Smartass, huh?" Gianna replied with a slight grin. "I can work with that. Meet me at the hotel for a drink, before you talk to Qui'in." Without waiting for a response, she turned and hurried down the corridor.

Allegra turned to face Cade. "What is that all about?"

"Guess we should go find out," he replied.

Allegra followed Cade to the hotel bar. There was something a little fishy about Gianna that Allegra couldn't quite put her finger on. Why did she insist they talk to her before Qui'in? It must have something to do with the evidence they had gotten from Qui'in's computer.

When they entered the bar, Allegra spotted Gianna immediately. She was standing next to a small table in one of the corners, away from the other patrons. Allegra pointed her out to Cade and they walked over to her together.

"Allow me to reintroduce myself," Gianna began as the twins stepped up to the table. "Parasini. Noveria Internal Affairs."

"Why is an Internal Affairs agent here?" Cade asked.

"The Executive Board knows about Anoleis' corruption. I've been undercover for six months."

"What do you want with us?" Allegra asked.

"I want you to convince Qui'in to testify before the Board. With his evidence, this planet could run profitably again."

"We need Qui'in's garage pass for our mission," Cade said.

"I can get you a garage pass," Gianna assured. "If you help me, I'll help you."

Cade glanced over at Allegra. She didn't even have to think about it. Anoleis was a slimy bastard and deserved to be taken down. She nodded to Cade.

"All right," Cade told Gianna. "We'll talk to Qui'in and see if we can convince him."

"Thank you," Gianna said, clearly relieved. "You know where I work. Come see me once you know if he'll play."

She stalked off and Cade turned around to locate Qui'in. He was still sitting at the table they had left him at earlier.

He glanced up at them expectantly as they approached him. "Any news?" he asked.

"We found your evidence," Cade began.

"And then an Internal Affairs agent contacted us," Allegra continued. "She wants you to testify against Anoleis."

"Now that you have my property, you want to dictate how I use it?" Qui'in replied angrily. "I have no interest in a public spectacle."

"Everyone on this station is chafing under Anoleis' extortion," Cade reasoned.

"You might end up a hero," Allegra added.

Qui'in sighed. "All right, it is obvious that I will not be able to dissuade you. I will testify. Make arrangements with your contact. I will wait here."

Allegra pulled Cade away from Qui'in as the turian grumbled to himself. "Everyone wants to be a hero, I guess," she said.

She and Cade made their way back to Anoleis' office to speak with Gianna. She was very pleased they had been able to convince Qui'in to testify. So pleased, in fact, that she immediately arrested Anoleis, who went out struggling and screaming most unbecomingly.

Gianna did give them a garage pass before taking Anoleis away, so, feeling very successful, Cade and Allegra rounded up the rest of their team and herded them back on board the Normandy. Cade ordered them all to the comm room so they could discuss what to do now that they would actually be able to get to Peak 15. Allegra listened to him plan the mission, anxious to know who he was taking with him.

"I don't know what will be waiting for us at Peak15," he was saying. "We'll have to be prepared for anything." He looked over the assembled group, gauging them. Allegra didn't like how he wasn't exactly looking in her direction. "Liara, Tali," he finally said. "You'll be coming with me. Everyone else will remain here with Allegra in charge."

Allegra made a loud noise of protest. "Cade, you can't be serious!" she cried. "I'm coming with you!"

"No, you're not," he replied evenly. He looked at Tali and Liara. "Go gather your equipment and meet me by the airlock. Everyone else, dismissed."

As everyone else stood, Allegra dragged Cade off to the corner to get some privacy. "There is no way I am letting you take T'Soni with you," she hissed at him.

"Allegra, I know you don't trust her, but we'll be dealing with her mother," Cade replied. "Liara knows Benezia better than anybody. With any luck, she'll be able to convince her to leave Saren. But, if it comes down to it, I will kill her. Don't you think Liara at least deserves the chance to say goodbye to her mother?"

"And what if she turns on you? What if you have to fight Benezia and T'Soni?"

"You don't think I can handle a couple of biotics?" Cade chuckled.

"I'd feel better if I was coming with you," Allegra grumbled unhappily.

"I know, but I need you to stay here with everyone else. They need a commander too. And . . . if something should happen to me . . . you need to be safe so you can take over the mission."

"Don't talk like that!" Allegra cried. "Nothing could kill you; you're invincible!"

"I wish that were true," Cade sighed. "Allegra, please, just stay on Port Hanshan and protect the ship. I'll be fine."

"All right, fine," Allegra finally relented. "But I won't like it."

"I know you won't. Just try to keep yourself distracted so you don't worry about me too much," he grinned.

Allegra punched him in the shoulder. "Shut up," she grumbled. "But, seriously, be careful. You've never gone up against an asari matriarch before. Don't do anything stupid."

"I promise you, I won't."

Cade smiled one last time at her, then hurried to the airlock where Liara and Tali waited for him. Allegra watched them exit the Normandy, trying to ignore the feeling of dread residing in her stomach.