Part 1, Chapter 5, Soldier:
Admiral Shepard was so lost in thought that she didn't hear the Asari approach. When the Consort Sha'ira entered her peripheral field of view Shepard's head snapped up. She went to reach for her sidearm but stopped herself, she was unarmed and unarmored. Holy shit! If she were an enemy I'd be dead, Shepard silently chastised herself.
"Lost in thought Shepard?"
Shepard stood, "Mistress Sha'ira, it's very good to see you well," she said earnestly. Another good person made it through.
"And you Admiral. Yes, I already know," she said disarmingly. "I have sources after all," she smiled. Indeed you do. I remember when I was convinced you were the Shadow Broker. Wow, that had been way off the mark. You're losing your touch Vikki. Though, the Consort certainly did have an extensive intelligence operation by the very nature of her business.
Shepard chuckled to herself, "Of course you do." She rubbed the back of her neck and rolled her right shoulder, "What makes you think I'm lost in thought?"
"You seemed to be concentrating very hard. Something on you mind? All things considered, I'd say life has become much less complicated for you." She smiled gently, "My schedule's opened up somewhat, would you like to chat? Gratis," she smiled again.
Shepard smiled in return, "I'd like that, though I don't know if I'm ready to talk about everything yet. I'm still collating." She motioned for the Consort to sit next to her, "I do have a question though."
The elegant Asari Matriarch gracefully sat next to the terran legend, "Whenever you're ready, my door is always open to you. What's your question?"
"Any special traditions I should know about if I want to marry an Asari? Do I need to ask her father's permission?" Shepard chuckled. Asari did not have fathers in the human sense of the word.
Sha'ira smiled, "As with any people, there are many traditions. I think your instincts will guide you well, as they always have." The Consort paused, "If you're looking for Lady Benezia's mate I think I can put you in touch with…"
"Matriarch Aethyta, at the Eternity Lounge, Nos Astra, Illium?" The Consort's jaw dropped, her dignified carriage momentarily disrupted by surprise. "I have my sources too," Shepard winked.