Liara tilted her face toward the sun, luxuriating in the bright warmth even as her mind raced to find some way of continuing the conversation. "I never knew my father either.
It might have been her imagination, but she thought Shepard was paying a little more attention now. She had turned slightly to watch Liara speak from the corner of her eye.
"I know she must have been an asari; that's not something I was likely to forget."
"Oh?" Shepard was trying for a bored tone, face so neutral it had to be a cover.
"Purebloods are frowned upon in asari culture; it's rare now, that anyone remarks on my heritage, but children know nothing of subtlety."
"You've earned something of a reputation for yourself or you never would have been invited. Whatever stigma they try to attach to it, your blood had nothing to do with that."
Had that been an awkward attempt at comfort? It really wasn't much, and it didn't mean much given Shepard couldn't even begin to understand the source of the prejudice but the effort was unexpected, and that made it interesting.
"It helps that my mother commands so much respect. She was a notable peace-keeper in her time; I used to think that is what I wanted to be as well."
"Didn't exactly pan out that way, what with you being an archaeologist and all."
A reaction. Good. "No, it didn't. Then again, I came here in an attempt to foster understanding between our peoples… I've done my part."
Perhaps that was treading a little too close to criticism, she could see Shepard caught the intended rebuke and wondered at her own temerity. She hoped she had not fouled any chance she might have of learning more of Shepard's past, and something of her allies.
They walked along in silence, Liara uncertain whether she should say anything more and Shepard content simply to stretch her legs and take in the air for a time.
"The Reds are my family, and a more flawed, dysfunctional one does not exist."
Liara could have screamed for relief; the silence had begun to weigh heavy on her, but here was something at last.
"You and Kevin seem close." Shepard didn't like answering questions, but if it was phrased more as a statement for confirmation then perhaps she would oblige. Shepard's smile said she knew exactly what Liara was up to and wasn't particularly concerned with it.
"If we're going to keep on with the family imagery then Kev might as well be my father. We looked after each other and our current prosperity owes itself mostly to his work."
"And yet you are in charge."
Shepard shrugged, "Kev wanted it that way; he lent his support and others followed, he was new to our… 'family', but he was also one of the more useful ones to have around. In the end, she who holds the greatest number holds the greatest power." A worried frown flitted across her features but she blinked it away.
"That's always subject to change, though."
That sounded ominous; Liara hesitated for a moment, wondering if this was a topic she could safely press Shepard on. "I take it these changes aren't always smooth?"
Shepard chuckled bitterly, "That's one way of putting it. Usually it requires the death of the predecessor. No one wants to give up whatever power they've managed to attain."
"Then you-"
"Killed the last one? It's kind of a prerequisite for the job. Wouldn't have wanted him trying to take it back; that would have meant more than a little trouble for me."
Liara swallowed, drawing a breath through her nose and snorting at the dusty air.
"You thought I just asked nicely?"
"No. I suppose I was expecting a little more remorse."
"Sorry, none."
"I can see that." Liara snapped, frustrated and short. Really, what had she been expecting? She couldn't understand why any of this still surprised her; there were two different worlds here, both literally and figuratively.
Liara shook the grit from her sandals impatiently; she wanted to go back inside now to whatever Shepard had planned. She wanted to stay out here and enjoy what little freedom she could for as long as Shepard would permit. She wanted to shake this blasted woman until her teeth rattled and she finally offered an explanation! That wasn't likely to happen any time soon, she would just have to content herself with brooding silence for now. Not that Shepard seemed to care any.
Shepard hesitated for a moment, jerking in surprise when Liara kept walking; Liara turned to look back at her, seeing that frown creasing the space just between her eyebrows again. Her eyes were fixed on a point in the distance and her posture had changed from its typical graceful poise to something stiff and brittle.
Liara followed her gaze out over the landscape to a gap in the fence that must once have been a gate, the rusted remains of a barrier lay twisted and long since discarded beside it. She squinted to see what it was that had caught Shepard's attention so thoroughly; she couldn't quite make out who it was coming toward them besides the fact that it was a man, but Shepard seemed to know exactly who it was.
"Come on."
Shepard started off toward the figure, Liara trailing reluctantly behind, both curious and concerned at what news the stranger might bring.
As the figure drew nearer, she finally made the connection; not a stranger at all, but Finch. She knew this one. He looked worried, hands fisted in his pockets as though he were fighting not to wring them worriedly. Shepard quickened her pace and Liara lengthened her strides to keep up.
"Finch. We missed you at breakfast."
"I was out."
"I gathered. There are things we need to discuss. Let me take Doctor T'Soni inside; you can give me the rundown then."
Liara's eyes darted between them, catching the undercurrent. He'd been spying, and they had news of the Alliance's efforts; she would have given anything to be privy to that conversation but it was clear that would not be permitted.
Finch fell in on Shepard's other side, hovering close enough that he bumped into her a time or two. Distracted; bad news for them then. That likely meant good news for her.
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Shepard wasted no time, she was already bawling for Mara by the time they walked through the door. Liara winced at the sharp echo as much as she did the idea of spending any time with the other woman. She didn't like the thought, but if she could glean anything from the experience at all it would be worth it.
Shepard called again and this time Liara could see a shadow separate itself from the wall to their left; Mara sauntered over with an insolent grace, taking her time in approaching. Shepard fell silent, but Liara could see her fingers twitching as though she would have liked to clench her fist.
"Here."
Shepard looked her over, taking in the pronounced swagger and the slow gait at a glance. Her lips thinned with displeasure, white at the edges.
"As I said, I'm busy today. Keep her nearby." Shepard lowered her voice and stepped closer, "You're watching everyone else as much as her. Don't let them step out of line."
"I know the drill, Shepard." She smiled.
"Do you? Mind explaining why it took you so long to respond? I'm sure you must have heard me from the door." Shepard's voice was still relatively even, but her jaw was tight and her face seemed paler.
Mara glanced from her to Finch; Liara could see how she fought to keep the smile in place. "I was busy."
"Bullshit. I call, you come, bitch. There is nothing more important than that."
Liara flinched slightly, unconsciously tugging at her bonds, Shepard didn't so much as twitch.
She locked eyes with the faltering woman, teeth bared in something that resembled a smile, if smiles were meant to herald imminent dismemberment. Neither one seemed to breathe and Liara could feel the tension rising, wondered if blood would be spilled. Finch evidently thought so, he was slowly moving away from the women.
Shepard opened her mouth, fingers sliding down to that slit where she had secreted the knife earlier this morning; Liara swallowed nervously, attached to Shepard as she was there would be no escaping this.
Before she could draw the breath to speak, Mara dropped her eyes and lowered her head slightly, "Yes, ma'am." Her tone was subdued, not at all the haughty response from earlier. Gradually Shepard relaxed, but her hand never moved away from that knife. Liara offered up a quick thanks that the situation had been defused.
Shepard pulled at the cuff, the only sign of her anger was the sharpness of her gestures; swift and efficient; her eyes were shuttered once more. What could she have to gain by turning her prisoner over to an enemy? Liara held her tongue as Shepard freed her wrist from the cuff and offered it to the woman.
Liara didn't much like the satisfaction on Mara's face or the look she shared with Finch as she clamped the cuff shut. Damn. She should have thought to test her biotics while there was no connection. Liara straightened her shoulders and met the woman stare for stare, sweeping a deliberate look over her form. The scrutiny was returned with interest and Liara found herself wishing again that Shepard had thought of someone else for this duty. At this point, she was beginning to think she should have accepted the cell.
As they turned to go, Shepard spoke again, low and intense, "Mara."
There was something in that tone that made Mara wilt visibly as she turned back to Shepard. "Mind you don't step out of line either."
Their gazes met and clashed once more, for a moment Liara felt an odd tingle run through her arm, numbing her fingertips. Her eyes widened in comprehension; that would explain rather well how Shepard had known she was testing her abilities against the dampener. Shepard caught her eye and smirked, all too aware of what she was thinking; Liara could see a tell-tale flicker at her own fingertips, evidently they weren't out of the woods yet.
Mara's voice was surprisingly subdued; "No. Of course not." She nodded to Shepard and then to Finch before turning away, pulling Liara with her.
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Shepard would have liked nothing more than to follow after them and watch those first few moments of conversation; she could see Mara bending her head toward the asari and T'Soni ever so subtly pulling away to set distance again. Mara was a trouble-maker and she had thought to keep her occupied, but she was beginning to regret using Liara as a foil. If this became necessary again she would put her under Kev's care and rest far easier for it.
"They're looking for schematics."
Shepard snapped to attention, "They're not going to find any. I distinctly remember telling you to make sure there were no copies available and I know you would have told me if that were not the case, Finch."
She could hear his nervous shuffling and fixed him with a sharp glare. "There are no hard-copies. Those were fairly simple to remove, but hacking an Alliance database isn't like messing around with whatever tech Cat can scrounge up. It sets off their sensors and the firewall automatically strengthens to prevent any further incursions in the breached sector."
"It shouldn't matter. Our clearance codes are entirely valid."
"We don't possess sufficient clearance to access anything directly related to the Atrium construction."
Shepard drew a breath, "They were going to find the path sooner or later, and with it the security feeds. This is just a little sooner than intended; there is no reason to be overly worried."
Finch remained silent, "Is there?"
Slowly he raised his eyes back to hers, "They found one of our informants. He was taken in for questioning-"
"Again, not a problem. They shouldn't know enough to land us in any hot water."
"He knows names-"
"Of other informants that might one day lead back to someone important if they can spare the time to track it to its source. We won't be keeping her for more than another day or two at most. Then we pack up and move on; we've been in one place too long already."
"We might not have that long. He didn't even put up a fight; they're cruising through everyone. The sheer amount of data they've drawn-"
"Will be too much to sift through."
Finch's face twisted into a grimace, "They're narrowing it down quickly. One or two have managed to slip through the net but they have most of their resources tied up in this. Sooner or later they're going to find this little niche and then we'll be in over our heads. My guess is sooner."
Shepard began walking again, gesturing to Finch to join her.
She shook her head briskly, "There isn't a single quadrant of this city that isn't bathed in their surveillance tech. Except here. It won't take them long to figure that out when they find the vehicle. Dropping off the grid will be every bit as telling as being tracked on it. I need you to take Cat and see to it that all devices in this area are well and truly disabled. Verify it. I'd rather not have to abandon everything at this juncture because of a little premature exploration."
Finch nodded his understanding and turned to go, but Shepard caught his shoulder and pulled him back to look at her. "You and Cat will be taking the Eastern yard and circle around South to the West; we'll meet there and proceed to the Northern grid."
Shepard's grip tightened, biotic sparks dancing along her skin. "This time, if anything is out of place, if something doesn't go as planned, I expect to hear about it immediately. This is your second mistake, Finch. Most don't even get more than one; nothing is going to save you if you become the first to rack up three."
Finch swallowed tightly and nodded, squirming in her grip. Shepard released him and watched as he hurried away, only just keeping himself from running. She didn't want to have to carry through on that; Finch had been one of her first supporters outside of Kev, some degree of leniency would be expected for that fact. She couldn't have it said that she showed any sort of favoritism, though. The talk would be bad enough if anyone outside her little circle learned of the schematics debacle.
Damn it. If they had to pack up and move because of her miscalculation it would be a death knell; she'd lose support quickly. Three years without a ripple, but now every one of her decisions were going to come back and bite her in the ass. It hadn't escaped her notice that many of her former allies were stepping lightly around her now or that Mara was beginning to come into something of a following. That would have to be dealt with immediately or Liara was going to see first-hand exactly how she had come into this position.
Bad enough that she had seen that little spat with Mara; it might have gone farther if she hadn't had Liara linked to her, eyes widening as she realized her precarious standing. She had almost felt… not guilty, but ashamed for having to assert her authority. With good cause; she should have had all this under control long ago, shouldn't have proceeded with this fool plan until she had all her other difficultiessquared away.
It was too late for second thoughts; she would just have to step carefully and work with what resources she had.
Shepard's fingers brushed over the strap of her concealed sheathe for comfort; it wasn't like everyone didn't know where she kept her weapons anyway, though she hoped no one had seen the unthinking gesture.
She'd made some poor calls and she was going to answer for it. She just needed to stave it off a little longer, just long enough to get Doctor T'Soni back to the Alliance and out of the way so that she could clean up her mess.
Assuming that was still possible.
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Liara had stretched the restraints to their limit trying to maximize the distance between her and Mara; not that it did her any good considering the woman was compensating for her efforts by drawing considerably nearer every time she pulled away.
She tugged again and again Mara drew closer, leaning in to speak with her. "I suppose I'm not half as much fun as Shepard, but there is only so much space with these cuffs." Mara held up her cuff, shaking her wrist in demonstration.
Liara was seething, and in no mood for the woman's insinuations; a walk she had been promised and a walk she had- for hardly more than ten minutes and little more than a few yards from her dreary prison. She didn't expect any fairness from Shepard, the opposite in fact, but this stung. The goddess alone knew how long she would be expected to bear her captivity, and she thought she had been doing singularly well; no unseemly outbursts or pleading. She had been exceptionally cooperative, and had expected at least some consideration for that.
None had been forthcoming.
"I didn't take you for a quiet one-"
"I believe Shepard asked you to watch me. Conversation is not one of your duties."
"But curiosity is is one of my charms." The woman flashed her a dazzling smile, but Liara glared back.
"You possess so few." The words were out now, she couldn't take them back. Neither did she particularly want to; there was something empowering about speaking her mind, even if she knew there was risk involved.
Mara laughed, but there was a forced quality to it that sent a bolt of satisfaction rushing through her; a vain creature, as she had expected. Liara eyed the braid of hair dangling down her back once more, marveling that she had lasted this long.
"I wouldn't advise it, doctor. It's woven with a few nasty surprises."
Liara looked away quickly, embarrassed that her thoughts had been so obvious; that did answer her question, though. She wondered briefly if Shepard knew that particular trick; silly thought, of course she did.
"One night in Shepard's bed isn't going to get you out of trouble if you try anything with me. How was that by the way?"
Determinedly, Liara ignored her; she could feel a blush rising up her cheeks and tried focusing her thoughts elsewhere, hoping against hope the woman would not see.
"That good or that bad?" Liara could hear the muffled laughter in her tone; it took little more than a minute to decide she hated this sly little vixen with a passion she usually reserved for her studies.
"I wouldn't know." Liara winced, she really shouldn't have given the satisfaction of a response, but it was done.
"More fool you. A smart one might have taken advantage of that."
Mara's smile turned wicked, "You thought of it, didn't you? Hard not to when she's right there next to you. Everyone knows about that little bath last night; see anything you liked?"
Liara gritted her teeth and breathed through her nose, feeling her pulse steadily increase.
"Did she wash you? Run her hands down every inch of exposed flesh, every intimate place?"
"No." Liara's voice was strangled with shame and fury, the word dragged from her lips.
Mara snickered, "She wanted to though, be sure of it. Shepard isn't known for her self-control in anything, least of all combat and sex. I'll bet it's tearing her up inside wondering what it's like to fuck an alien."
This was simply intolerable; "You are out of line." That should settle the matter; she had been warned, after all.
Liara slipped as Mara hauled on the restraint, tangling a hand in the fabric of her shirt and dragging her off balance; she twisted the cloth and Liara struggled to release the pressure on her throat.
"Do you think a parting suggestion is enough to protect you from me? Do you think Shepard gives a fuck what happens to you as long as you're still alive? Think twice, bitch-"
The sound she made when Liara kicked her shin was terribly satisfying, a pity she couldn't lay that up to a courageous attack, it had been sheer luck that she had managed to strike. Sweet goddess she was going to pay for it.
Mara released her, shoving her away brutally. Liara half-expected the woman to strike her, but she was looking over Liara's shoulder with trepidation.
Liara turned her head to see what had caught her gaze and found a glowering Kevin, arms crossed over his chest displaying his tattoos to best advantage.
Spider webs and twisted faces, symbols she couldn't identify ran the length of his forearm, a number-
She snapped to attention when she realized he was talking, not to her but to Mara. She only managed to catch the last half of what he was saying, but it gave her a glimmer of hope.
"Shepard won't be pleased to hear this."
"I don't give a damn. You didn't hear what she-"
"Doesn't matter. If you can't do your job then escort her to the cell and I'll take over."
If she had dared speak, Liara would have seconded the notion whole-heartedly. Suddenly that dampening cell was a far more appealing option.
"Shepard told me to-"
"Keep a watch her and mind your manners. Everyone heard. Take her to the cell. Now. We'll talk it over with Shepard later."
Mara swallowed, nodded once. She moved slowly, allowing Liara to set the pace while Kevin followed behind. Liara could feel the eyes of others on them, some tucked away in little corners, others gaping from the catwalks above. It was disconcerting to be the focus of so much attention, but she knew Mara would not dare speak to her now; that was one objective accomplished.
The cage in the corner did not seem so very intimidating now that she had spent a few minutes in that odious creature's company; she had to fight to keep from rushing to it and it was a relief when Mara finally walked her inside, releasing the cuff. Liara's biotics flared to life, sparking menacingly, but that was all she could manage.
Mara smirked, backing out of the cell as she pulled the cuff from her wrist. "No good. Not in there. I'll give you points for effort."
Kevin activated the controls and a barrier flashed into being, distorting the air around it. Ever the scholar, Liara approached and stretched out her fingers; expecting a nasty shock, she shut her eyes tightly.
Nothing. Not so much as a tingle. Liara opened her eyes to take in Mara's triumphant grin and Kevin's almost pitying look; she pressed her hand to the obstruction and found it solid. Unconsciously, she raised her other hand and glided it over the barrier; it seemed itself to be a function of biotics. Synthetic technology, interesting; also illegal without permits, and she sincerely doubted they had any.
Mara opened her mouth to make a snide comment, but Kev tapped her under the chin none too gently and whispered something Liara couldn't pick up. Whatever it was, Mara left rather quickly, leaving her alone with Shepard's confidante.
This could be a significantly profitable opportunity, provided she didn't bungle it.
Liara tapped the barrier with a fingertip, catching his eye as he glanced back at her. "Are you going to leave me?" Could he hear through this?
Evidently the answer was yes because he shook his head slowly, "Shepard made it clear she wants you safe and I doubt anyone here would challenge her on it, but better to be safe."
"Mara certainly seemed comfortable enough… challenging her, I mean."
"An anomaly. She's usually more cooperative."
"This insolence is a recent development?" He was talkative, wonderful.
"She's got that in spades; defying Shepard- that's new."
"How new?"
"New."
His tone said that was the end of the discussion, but there was a chance he would yet be open to other avenues of inquiry; anything she could glean would be useful.
"This is fairly recent technology-"
"And I won't tell you how we acquired it. I leave that to your imagination, miss."
Miss? "Doctor."
Kev snorted softly, "Doctor."
Liara glanced around the cell for something to occupy herself, but it was bare and empty. If she pushed too hard, he might leave and then she would be left entirely to her own devices for goddess alone knew how long. With that thought in mind, she modulated her tone.
"How long do you expect it will be before Shepard returns?"
"No telling. Could be minutes, could be hours."
"Not minutes, surely."
"She likes to keep a personal eye on things. Your arrival rather changed that."
"My abduction and subsequent imprisonment, I'm sure you mean."
He smiled almost amicably, "I do."
"You have similar speech patterns, the two of you. Have you been in each other's company long?"
Kevin laughed outright, "I can see you know the answer to that already. Pillow talk?"
Liara glowered and he held up his hand's defensively. "Questioning works both ways. Give a little get a little."
"Is that a promise?"
"A clever maiden wouldn't believe those."
"You're familiar with our life-stages? That is notable."
"Hardly. It's been awhile since the war; most everyone learned something here and there in school or lurid romances."
"I wouldn't take you for a romantic." Liara eyed his grizzled form pointedly, and he laughed again. A jolly fellow; it was a little disconcerting, and easier to see now where Shepard acquired her playfulness.
"As a noted scholar, I would expect you would know better than anyone the truth to the old adage that you mustn't judge a book by its cover."
Liara was beginning to think that under more congenial circumstances she might have liked this eccentric creature. That was more than a little troubling.
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Shepard trudged through the gravel stubbornly; she hated being forced to pick up after a subordinate's mistake, she hated that it had been her mistake to begin with, and she hated that she'd had to leave Dr; T'Soni in the care of that psychopath. Worse yet, she was the lesser of most evils. Hopefully Kev would keep an eye on her, she was counting on him to make sure Mara kept to the straight and narrow.
It was remarkable, how territorial she had become in such a short space of time. She hadn't expected Liara to be so… human. That revelation had shaken her for some reason, and she still felt a little off when she thought on it too long.
The solution? Focus on the problem at hand, worry about the other when she was confronted with it.
Shepard raised a hand to shield her eyes, carefully checking the sun; it was darker than it should be at this hour, or maybe that was only another sign of her mood. She had been out in the sun for nearly two hours now, alternately assessing the coming difficulties they were bound to have with an Alliance recon team and fretting over the deteriorating command structure of the Reds.
That was her doing; she'd been too lenient and far too ambitious. She'd tried to make them outgrow the mold that had held them together for too long, invited outsiders to play their games using her own people as pawns. It had seemed a fair trade at the time, a way to obtain better resources; Kev had warned her, Finch had tried in his own way. She had ignored them, and now they would lose everything they had worked toward.
Shepard wiped the dust and sweat from her face briskly, scanning the horizon for any signs of her comrades. They shouldn't have had to circle out too far, they only needed to protect a very small perimeter. She hurried over to a rusted shell of some long-forgotten equipment and perched there, wincing at the heat. With her recent streak of bad fortune she would probably cut herself on the rusting metal and end up with tetanus, now little more than an interesting footnote in medical studies save here on the outskirts of the city. She'd lost a few people to other eradicated illnesses out here in the early days of their occupation.
Damn it, shouldn't they be finished by now? If Finch was taking his sweet time to flirt with Cat she would gut both of them and hang their lifeless carcasses from the the ceiling as a warning to the others.
The fact that this would be hypocritical in the extreme given her own crippling preoccupation with a certain asari scientist didn't faze her. With rank came privilege, so she assured herself. Privilege and risk. If she didn't get a handle on the source of the murmurs seeking to discredit her this little empire would topple. This was the time for it; all it would take was a few words in a carefully chosen ear and she'd be on trial for treason, assuming the Reds were inclined to let her live that long.
Her fear now was that they might well weary of this gambit and simply kill both she and Liara. Her saving graces were a richly deserved reputation for fighting dirty and a handful of ardent supporters in key positions. Take away either of those and she was done; it had been a mistake to let Mara off with a warning earlier, she should have left a mark the others could see. She would fix that later, when Mara next stepped out of line; Shepard was certain she would.
Shepard wiped her face on her sleeve once more, cursing the rising humidity. When she looked up again, Finch was approaching, Cat trotting along behind, struggling to take in every last detail of their environment through wide eyes. Hard to believe she had the highest body count of all of them, higher than some of her allies combined.
Shepard stood and dusted off her pants, resting her hands on hips impatiently. "Well?"
Finch stared blankly, an extended period of time in Cat's company had a way of doing that to even the most intelligent of people. She'd seen Kev tongue-tied and vexed after little more than an hour with her.
"Disabled. Thoroughly." Cat's smile was all teeth, she nudged Finch invitingly, but he still seemed a little dazed.
"Permanently?"
"Nearest we could make it." Finch shrugged and Shepard nodded her understanding, "Then let's get back shall we? We'll need to go over the defense systems."
"Covered." Cat chirped; Shepard prayed she hadn't been 'upgrading' anything again. Last time she had nearly been blown to pieces by one of Cat's marvelous ideas. It was not an experience she was eager to repeat.
"When we get back find Kev and take him with you, any upgrades you want to make have to be cleared with him first."
"He'll say no." Cat whined.
"Then the answer is no. Back. Now. You can argue logistics with him."
Cat and Finch turned back, shuffling off in the direction of the base; Weariness quickly abating, Shepard found it was a trial not to sprint back.
The walk back to the base seemed far shorter than when she had first left, but Shepard was the first to admit that might have been because she chivvied the other two into walking faster. By the time they returned, Finch was panting and giving her more than a few puzzled looks while Cat looked ready to sprint off and demand Kev let her make all the upgrades she wanted to the paltry equipment they labeled defense systems. Shepard wished her all the luck in the world; when Kev took an idea into his head he didn't relinquish it easily, he had long since decided defense was his fiefdom and woe betide any interlopers. She looked forward to seeing who would triumph.
Finch rubbed at his face, grimacing at the flaking dust, "Anything for me to do, chief? Would a wash be out of order?"
Shepard briefly debated teasing him for being so fastidious, but thought better of it. A bath sounded wonderful, even if it was just a little water poured in a basin to be splashed over her dusty, mildly sunburned skin.
Who the hell was she kidding; she was going to draw a bath herself, wouldn't really be fair to deny it to the others when they had worked every bit as hard. She nodded and Finch took off without so much as a by-your-leave; Cat trailed at his heels, already scanning the area for her sometime partner in crime, sometime sworn nemesis. Shepard had already lost interest.
She bolted for the stairs, taking them two at a time, though her legs trembled with the effort; her first thought had been to find Liara first and check in on her, but after her words earlier there was no reason she shouldn't be safe. Mara was a bitch, but she was usually careful to follow orders to the letter, and Kev would keep watch.
Besides, she didn't think Liara would be terribly amused if she invited her for another bath, much as that might make her day.
Shepard was careful to fill the tub only to a minimum, keeping the water warm but shallow. The first touch of it on her sore skin was bliss and Shepard took a moment to luxuriate in the feeling before stepping all the way in; she sank down into the tub slowly, leaning back against the cool surface.
She didn't have much time; she still urgently wanted to check in on the doctor, but ten or fifteen minutes just to get clean again shouldn't be a problem. She dunked down and scrubbed at her hair, grimacing at the feel of grit caught in the stubborn strands. She could practically feel a second skin of filth peeling off her, was fairly certain she was at least a pound lighter after scrubbing down.
The water was filmy and already tepid, though it couldn't have been more than ten minutes since she had stepped into it. Shepard sighed with disappointment and stepped out reluctantly, blessing the cool air that sent goose bumps racing across her skin. She snatched the towel from the counter and hurried out, dirty clothes fisted in the other hand. Cursed if she was going to wear them when she had a few alternatives, and this might be a good time to arm herself more thoroughly.
It shouldn't have been more than a few minutes before she was ready to leave, but when she stepped into the room her eyes fell to the disarranged sheets on the bed, the indents where she and Liara had lain.
Dropping her clothes to the floor, she pointedly looked away and headed to the wardrobe, pulling another shirt from the heap. She cast about for other pants and found something marginally less dirty, anything was better than slipping back into the other dusty rags.
She combed her fingers through her short hair viciously, uncaring that they caught in her tangles; unwillingly she glanced to the bed again.
It had been different, sharing a bed while she slept. She hadn't expected to sleep well; she appreciated her space and even her occasional partners had always known better than to stay. Aside from a few waking episodes she had slept rather well, even with another body in the bed.
A new thought struck her, pure temptation, but try as she might she couldn't quite banish it. Where was the harm in a little indulgence now and again? She padded over to the bed lightly, gliding onto the linen gratefully, resting her head on the pillow there and breathing in. She knew it was impossible, but she liked to think that the scent of Liara's perfume still lingered there; the memory was certainly clear enough to pretend so.
It wasn't healthy or wise, her preoccupation with the pretty asari. For now, she was alone and couldn't bring herself to give a damn; there was no one here to condemn her.
Shepard rolled to her back, sinking down in the twisted sheets contentedly, enjoying the cool air on her bare skin; her fingers ghosted along the plane of her stomach absently, mind already moving from her troubles to thoughts of Liara.
There was work to be done for certain, and she would have to be on her toes for any sign of trouble in these last days; a few stolen minutes were all she could afford, best to make the most of it.
Shepard allowed her thoughts to drift while she rested there, replaying key events from the last couple of days; images from their first meeting at the Atrium, the dress that did more to show than hide her curves, tucked now in her wardrobe with the rest of her attire.
Closing her eyes, she could see Liara dancing again, temporarily forgetting to be self-conscious in the need to track the tempo and converse with her partners. It had been a pleasure to watch her, lithe and graceful, and that gown had teased and hinted at what lay beneath, alternately displaying and concealing her charms. Shepard would have gladly thanked whichever tailor had crafted the thing; there was no doubt in her mind it had been made especially for Liara's form.
She permitted herself to indulge in the smallest of fantasies, just an idle bit of curiosity to pass the time; in her mind's eye, they were once again at that interminable banquet, only this time Shepard had managed to spirit Liara away for an altogether more lascivious purpose.
Tucked back into a corner, hidden from the view of the chattering crowd by a convenient little alcove, Shepard pressed the asari into the wall and silenced her question with the sort of wicked kiss designed to turn the thoughts to sin.
Liara froze when Shepard's lips met hers, a stillness born not of fear but surprise, wondering where this might lead. Shepard smiled against her lips as Liara responded, tongue gently teasing her own. Shepard nipped softly and Liara jumped, pulling away at the sound of Shepard's muffled chuckle; she glared indignantly, an expression that was all too familiar now, opening her mouth to make some scathing comment no doubt.
Shepard watched her lose that train of thought when her thumb flicked lightly over the concealed peak of Liara's nipple, brushing the thin fabric of her gown teasingly against it. Liara sighed, arching into the contact, a gentle hand reaching out to explore Shepard's form.
Shepard shuddered at the feel of her own calloused fingers tracing over the line of her throat, down farther and around her breasts. Liara's hands would be soft and warm, she knew; she would move slowly, taking the opportunity to learn every last detail. Shepard was of no mind for patience just now, her hands glided down to her hips, teasing at the dip of her hipbone before moving lower, she hissed at the feeling of her own wetness, shocked at how aroused she had become from such a tame fantasy.
She lost herself to it once more, fingers lazily circling her clit.
Liara's head tilted slightly, fingers running down the buttons of her dress uniform, plucking idly. She looked a question at Shepard as she slowly undid the first button, fingers tracing the exposed hollow of her throat.
Shepard swallowed tightly, looking into the brightest blue eyes she'd ever seen; Liara blinked and Shepard was startled by the contrast between dark lashes and pale skin. She stole another kiss, fingers running down the length of Liara's gown, plucking at the thin material mischievously. Liara pressed into her, hands smoothing up her uniform to her shoulders and clenching there.
Shepard's calloused hand caught on the fine material of the gown as she ran her palm down to Liara's hip to squeeze appreciatively. Liara started and giggled, pulling away to bury her face in Shepard's coat.
The giggle turned to a gasp when Shepard caught her dress in a careful grip and began to lift. One of Liara's hands caught hers, fingers twining with her as she attempted to hold it in place.
"Too many people, someone will see." She sounded breathless and not entirely sure of her objections; Shepard pressed her advantage, tracing the line of Liara's exposed collar bone with her tongue, nipping the pliant flesh and suckling lightly until she could just see a faint bruise.
"No one will see." She murmured, raising the dress just a little further. This time, Liara helped her, other hand pulling at the opposite side, a deep blush staining her cheeks but her eyes locked challengingly with Shepard's own.
Shepard smirked knowingly, freeing her hand to run under the fabric and letting it fall. "Hold it for me."
Finally Liara's boldness failed her; she held the dress, but her eyes darted every which way, avoiding Shepard's sparkling eyes.
Shepard gasped softly as her finger grazed a little too close to her nub and a ripple of sensation ran through her from head to toe. She drew a shallow breath and slipped a finger into her center, massaging gently as her thumb continued to work against her.
Liara's lips thinned as she clamped her mouth shut, head falling back against the wall when Shepard's palm pressed into her, moving against her at a maddeningly slow pace.
Shepard buried her face in Liara's throat to breathe in the soft scent of musky perfume, kissing her way up the line of her neck to her jaw; Liara's knees buckled slightly as Shepard's finger slipped into her, breathing deeply and leaning more of her weight on the wall.
"Here, Shepard?" It was a little annoying, how very unaffected she sounded; Shepard was determined to change that.
"Here, Liara." Her lips savored the name as she spoke it.
Liara shuddered and her knees gave out entirely at the sensation of Shepard's palm pushing demandingly against her as her fingers continued their work, thumb pressing gently on her nub. Shepard's weight held her pinned there, finishing her quickly, cherishing the sound of those muffled gasps and Liara's desperate attempts to keep her breathing even in vain.
The unexpected feel of Liara's hands tugging impatiently had her glancing up in surprise. Liara smirked, "My turn."
Shepard arched; a sharp tremor of warmth spread through her, leaving her sated and oddly content. She lay for a moment, basking in the all too rare feeling of peace, but a pounding on her thankfully closed door put an end to that.
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Liara glanced up at the sound of approaching footsteps and Kevin's heartfelt groan; their conversation had tapered off a few moments ago and she had taken the time to think on more pleasant matters, running through a list of things she intended to do just as soon as she was home. The lighter thoughts had brought a smile to her face, and seeing her distraction Kev had been good enough to leave her to her thoughts.
The woman all but skipping toward them was small and dark, her features were pixie-like and a pursed smile hovered on her lips. Liara wasn't sure whether Kev's expression was fond or horrified, possibly both.
"Shepard sent me. She says you're to help me calibrate our defenses."
Kev crossed his arms in a gesture Liara was coming to recognize as a warning, "Try again, Cat."
Cat sighed deeply, glaring up at him from beneath lowered brows. "You're no fun. There are upgrades I want to make-"
"Please gods, no."
"There are updates I want to make and she says I need your clearance."
"Good sense. The answer is categorically no."
"You haven't even heard my proposal yet!"
"It does not change my answer. I take it Shepard is back?"
"Of course, but-"
"Find Finch and bring him to me; I need to speak with Shepard."
"If I do, will you hear me out?"
"I'll listen if you can have Finch here in ten minutes or less."
She was gone before he had the time to finish his thought, running toward the stairs with ground-eating strides.
"Why did you not simply ask her to stay?" Liara leaned against the barrier, resting her head against it tiredly.
"Cat's a charmer when she's in a good mood; trouble is, she's downright murderous in a temper and there's no telling what will set her off. Better to wait for Finch."
Liara nodded her understanding, unable to wrap her mind around the idea of that cheerful woman hurting anyone. Looks could be deceiving; that message had been driven home again and again these past few days.
She could hear the woman returning before she actually saw her, high-pitched voice screeching invectives as someone thudded down the stairs; Finch, she supposed.
He hurried over, face pale and hair wet, a few stray soap suds still apparent. Someone had bullied him out of his bath a little too soon; Liara bit her lip to hide a smile, turning her back to him.
Liara could hear Kev's blunt hand connect as he patted his back heartily, "Keep an eye on her. Don't let Mara near. I'm bringing Shepard down."
"Cat-"
"I sent her. Just keep your head down for a few minutes. She'll cool off."
"If she doesn't, it's my neck."
"I'll talk to her on my way."
Silence. Liara turned slowly to face Finch and he looked away quickly, addressing her though his eyes focused on some point in the distance.
"Do you know what he's up to?"
Liara didn't speak; she had a vague idea of what Kev wanted to talk about. He'd made it plain that Mara's actions would not go unpunished. Insubordination would have to be met with force, but she remembered the look he had shared with Mara earlier before they had left. They were friends, and she wasn't keen to tell him anything.
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"Shepard, Door!"
Had it been anyone other than Kev Shepard might have been tempted to tell them to fuck off. He wouldn't bother her something negligible though; all her tension returned in a rush and Shepard rose, yanking a bra and shirt on as she hurried to the door; "Shep-"
"I'm coming! Wait a second." She unlocked it quickly, throwing the door open, not quite able to hide her chagrin. The shocked look on Kev's face when he took in her disarray warned her the oddity had been noticed. The look on his face was enough to tell her there were bigger things to worry about.
He breezed past her and slammed the door behind him, turning to glare at her in disappointment. Even after all these years that look still stung and Shepard found her hackles rising even as she met him eye to eye.
"While you've been diddling around up here, Mara has made herself at home."
"How do you mean?" Shepard grabbed for her pants and all but jumped into them, not even amused when Kev turned his back like the gentleman he sometimes remembered to play at being.
"I mean Doctor T'Soni is safer in that containment cell than she is in the hands of that harpy."
"You left her in there?" It came out more as a shriek and Shepard carefully modulated her tone before speaking again. "Who the hell is watching her now?"
"Finch finished up before you did; she's clear for now, but you know he'll yield for Mara. I doubt she'd be bold enough to try anything now that you're back, but I caught her tormenting T'Soni earlier."
"I told her-"
"You weren't here."
Shepard grabbed his shoulder and turned him to look at her, lowering her voice confidentially; "How bad is it?"
Kev shook his head, "You don't need me to tell you. I suggest you get down there and make a point; be sure the lesson stays fresh in everyone's mind for a while. You're losing ground, kid. This is your last chance to get it back before you go down in flames."
"Get back down there and watch her. I'm going to find Mara." Shepard turned away, confident that he at least would obey without question.
The key shook as she tried to open the wardrobe, whether from fury or nervousness she couldn't be sure; likely a combination of the two. She wasted no time in choosing her weapons; small and quick was key now, something for short and mid-range.
This time, she made sure the door was shut and locked before she bolted down the stairs, not bothering to hide her anger in the least.
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"Finch. When did you get back?"
Liara gritted her teeth at the despised voice; Mara come to speak with her ally, did Shepard know they were thick as thieves? That tone was too familiar for simple comrades-in-arms.
"Not long ago. Didn't stop me from pulling babysitting duty."
Mara swaggered closer, leaning on the barrier near Liara, smiling sharply when the asari glared at her. She had to have been watching the area and waiting for Kev to leave; that was the only thing that could explain her swift response.
"Why isn't Shepard down here? It's her pet after all."
"She's washing up."
Finch scrubbed a hand self-consciously through his hair, lips twisting at the feel of the soap.
Mara snickered, "I think we know what she's really up to."
Finch frowned in confusion and Liara mirrored the expression, realizing too late that the woman could see her face.
Mara grinned delightedly, "She's taking care of business. Too long holding herself back; I'll bet you're figuring prominently in her thoughts, doctor."
Liara could see the dawning comprehension on Finch's face and fought to conceal her own mystification. Mara's tone suggested a sexual connotation, but-
"You really are sheltered; she's probably fucking herself to thoughts of you."
Liara wrinkled her nose in disgust, "You are crude."
Finch placed a firm hand on Mara's shoulder before she could respond, "Kev's going to be bringing Shepard down. You should go."
"I'm comfortable here. What about you, Liara? Are you comfy, or does that have you all hot and bothered?"
She hated the sound of her name on that woman's lips, felt sullied just hearing it. Coupled with the crude remarks she thought a few minutes more would put her to tears again.
Before she could think of something suitably cutting to say in response, she heard Finch give a strangled gurgle of panic and glanced up to see Shepard approaching them with murder written all over her face.
"Mara. Kev's been telling tales."
Mara's eyes widened, but she kept her back turned to Shepard. Liara could have told her that wasn't a good idea.
"What sort of tales has your gofer been carrying?"
Liara could hear a smothered gasp of pain from Shepard as she twined her hand in the base of Mara's braid and yanked her head back, "The kind that means you're in deep shit."
Liara winced as Mara's face smacked into the solid barrier, glancing over to Shepard, licking at the small droplets of blood dotting her hand. What did the woman keep there?
Mara staggered back, eyes wide with shock and hand clamped to her mouth, when she pulled her fingers away they were stained pink with blood- probably a cut lip.
"Bitch." Mara's voice was subdued, but no less intense.
Liara flinched when Shepard's palm connected with her face once more, hard enough to make her stumble. "Didn't I say something about not stepping out of line? What do you suppose that means? Do you think maybe I meant you were supposed to shut up and do your job without any personal input? Did I fail to make my meaning clear?"
They were drawing a crowd, some hastened forward from wherever they had tucked themselves away while others ran outside to fetch their friends and drag them in. There were faces here she hadn't seen before; not many, but more than she had expected lived in this space.
Mara spat the blood away and Shepard reached out to seize hold of her again, kicking her legs out when she tried to struggle. With a few brutal twists and a motion Liara couldn't follow Shepard undid her braid, watching expressionlessly as several pins fell from the mess.
Mara tried to rise, but Shepard pushed her back down with a snarl, clamping her hand in her hair and drawing her back to look her directly in the eyes.
"You have a very short memory; I think I know something that will help. A little visual aid."
When she pulled the knife from her pocket Liara could feel the disbelieving stares of the others surrounding them, she herself clamped a hand to her mouth to stifle a surprised scream, praying she wouldn't have to watch the other woman die.
Mara flinched back, releasing the scream Liara had stifled as the knife swooped down, hacking through the strands of her hair with ruthless precision. Liara was sickened at the sheer amount of satisfaction she took in seeing the horror on Mara's face. This had been a day for unpleasant revelations.
Shepard continued to hack and cut, the honeyed locks falling to her feet, hand still fisted in a hank of hair. Mara didn't even try to pull away when she released her, cutting off that final clump efficiently.
"Clean this up. Maybe this will be enough of a reminder." Shepard looked up, locking eyes with all those standing silent around her. "When I give an order, I expect to be obeyed."
Finch skittered out of her way, cautiously moving to help Mara to her feet; she pushed him away, eyes already red with unshed tears of anger. With one last glare for Shepard, filled with all the hate she dared not express aloud, she slowly gathered up the pins and hair, pointedly avoiding eye contact with her peers.
Kevin looked on in approval, Cat in smiling benevolence and Liara wondered that they could be so calm when all the others were backing away softly, turning their back on the kneeling woman.
"What are you two looking at? Cat has some ideas to run by you, why don't you see to it?"
Kev nodded, tapping Cat's shoulder. Cat followed with a new spring in her step.
Shepard gestured Finch away, "Leave her. She can do this alone. Finish up your bath, there's soap all through your hair."
Finch clutched at his hair protectively, hurrying away without even a peek backward.
Shepard watched the woman for a moment longer before turning back to Liara and typing in the code to lower the barrier. "Do I need to get the cuffs?"
Liara swallowed, shook her head, not quite able to meet Shepard's eyes. Quiet tears leaked down Mara's cheeks, but her teeth were bared in a mute snarl. Liara had the uneasy feeling there would be a reckoning for this.
Shepard twined an arm through hers, carefully side-stepping Mara as she led Liara away, "I'm sorry for leaving you with her. It was a mistake."
"One you seem to think you have rectified." Logically Liara knew an example had to be set, but she didn't think this was something she could ever dismiss lightly.
Shepard nodded, "With any luck, that will settle it, but Mara has friends too. There could still be trouble ahead."
"How much trouble, do you think?"
"Hopefully no more than I can handle."
Shepard gestured to the stairs and Liara started up, sandals clicking loudly. She paused to kick them off and carry them; it just didn't seem right in this subdued atmosphere.
Liara jumped at the feel of Shepard's hand on her back, gently urging her upward; she complied, bare feet muffled on the steps.
Shepard's room had never seemed more welcoming and she made directly for the bed, perching on the edge of it and burying her head in her hands; it felt like she had a headache, no pain but the same kind of pounding pressure behind her eyes.
Liara glanced up to find Shepard hovering over her, the memory of Mara's parting words struck her, had Shepard really…? Liara blushed again, ashamed at the frivolous thought.
"Six." Shepard muttered.
"I beg your pardon?"
Shepard shook her head, "Nothing. I didn't mean to speak it aloud."
So of course she would say no more on the matter.
Liara's mood shifted too quickly for even she to understand it, one minute downhearted and upset, the other irrationally furious.
"Keep your secrets."
Shepard caught the change in tone and shifted, biotic glow beginning in her palm. Ah yes, she didn't have the restraints on, though Liara would wager Shepard had replacements somewhere here.
"Don't bother, after that little display I'm really not likely to try anything; unless I decide to sneak out and try for the rest of that pathetic attempt at a walk."
"I'm sorry?" Shepard sounded genuinely puzzled, and that made her all the more angry.
"A pleasant little stroll; what do you say, ten minutes? Eight? After how many hours trapped in here?" Liara shook her head, "Not exactly a fair exchange, I don't know why I ever expected fairness of you at all."
"Damn it, Liara. I had work to do."
"Yes, work to keep me here. How much longer is that going to last? With Mara already so comfortable spitting in your face, how much longer will it be before someone decides to follow her example? Do you think the next leader might keep me around as a toy or will I join you in 'retirement'?"
The bed dipped as Shepard sat down beside her, "I don't think anyone will be eager to test me after tonight." Her voice deepened to a growl, "But if they want to try, I'm ready. You're bound back for the Alliance as soon as I'm sure this is over."
Liara felt a small surge of hope, stifled soon by reality; "You forget that you could lose."
"I'm not even fighting yet."
"Is that going to be days or weeks or months?"
"You'll be home before the week is out. That is final. I can't keep up with them and with you, care to call truce?"
Liara raised her bare wrists, "I haven't attacked you yet."
"Give me your word you won't try and I'll give you my word you'll have no part in my retirement." Hmm. Does Liara know if this a promise Shepard can actually keep?
Kev's words flashed through her mind and Liara shook her head slowly, "A clever woman wouldn't take my word." Her voice was hoarse, sweet goddess she was going to cry again; this was just too much. Her mood was everywhere.
"I think you're good for it."
Liara nodded, "Keep your word, and I will keep mine."
"Done."
She should have been hungry; it was far past noon and she hadn't had anything since breakfast, but just now she didn't think she could eat if Shepard pushed a plate before her and ordered it. In fact, at this moment all she wanted to do was lose herself in sleep.
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Aethyta shifted from foot to foot impatiently; ten minutes Benezia had said, no longer. She was sure that had been at least half an hour ago. She glanced at the red glow of the pad, strained her ears trying to listen for any sound of movement inside. All in vain; Benezia would take her sweet time and make no apologies for it.
Eight tonight their invitation had said; they were expected to dine with Ambassador Udina then and much as she was all in favor of making the stodgy old bastard rethink his imperious orders she was getting a little peckish… famished was closer the mark, and it wasn't doing much for her temper.
Five minutes more and she would see if she couldn't bypass that lock; it had been a solid half-century at least since she had last attempted anything similar, but fortune favored the bold.
Not a minute had gone by before she was fiddling with the pad, fingers poking and prodding as she assess the overall durability of the equipment. The pad blinked green and Aethyta grinned; that had been far easier than- Shit!
Benezia loomed in the doorway, the look on her face said clearly she thought one of them must have lost her mind; it strongly implied that it wasn't she.
"I think you're omnitool is malfunctioning. It's been a lot longer than five minutes."
Kneeling like a supplicant before the door it was impossible to look dignified, but she tilted her chin and tried for a matching expression of boredom anyway.
Benezia's omnitool flickered to life; she flicked her eyes to it and raised her brows delicately. "It has been precisely seven, Aethyta… and I said ten."
Aethyta straightened and smoothed her dress, offering an arm as though she hadn't been preparing to rattle off a lecture on the importance of punctuality. Nezzie slipped an arm through hers, holding herself correctly away. Aethyta shifted closer, imagining she could hear Nezzie's teeth grinding, but of course she would never do anything so common. Aethyta rolled her eyes, clamping her hand down firmly when Benezia tried to move away again.
She could just hear Benezia's irritable sigh and couldn't help the smug look that stole over her face, hopefully her former and soon to be lover wasn't looking too closely at her.
"You look nice." Aethyta tried for a level tone, but her voice sounded a little husky. Who could blame her? Benezia cut a wonderful figure in a dress, especially those designed to cling to her curves and those were the only kind she ever bothered to wear.
Tonight's dress was a sober affair, gray and creme; it should have looked drab, but it only made her eyes seem all the darker, emphasized the regal air that she carried with her everywhere.
"Thank you." Unfailingly correct, that was Nezzie. There was something on her mind though, something that she was trying to phrase diplomatically.
Aethyta had never had any patience for diplomacy; most of the Asari tended to think of that as her chief failing, she preferred to think of it as one of her strengths.
"Spit it out, Nezzie. We'll be in company soon enough and I doubt you want anyone else to hear this."
Benezia breathed deeply through her nose, exhaled out her mouth and glared up at Aethyta pointedly. "Ambassador Udina was briefed earlier this afternoon. Lieutenant Alenko has conveyed all relevant details of our work."
"And?"
"There is no need to tell him anything more; are we agreed?"
"You said we should cooperate to the fullest extent of our abilities."
"We will, but it important for him to understand that we are by no means his puppet. We must present a united front."
Aethyta recognized that line; it inevitably preceded a confession.
"Is there something you want to tell me, Nezzie?"
Benezia frowned at the pet-name, but spoke no further. It looked like she was going to have to hear it secondhand, and Benezia expected her to keep a straight face on top of that. She was getting too old for these games.
They walked on in an oddly companionable silence, footsteps ringing in the empty halls; Benezia knew the way to the chamber and Aethyta couldn't think of anything particularly interesting to add. If Benezia was going to keep secrets then she didn't need to know about Aethyta's own activities earlier today. She wouldn't approve of the methods Aethyta had made use of, and she wouldn't hesitate to make her feelings known.
Benezia stopped suddenly, leaving Aethyta to nearly walk into the door in front of them. How long had they been walking exactly? It didn't feel like more than a few minutes, but the ambassador's quarters were… never mind. They were here, and suddenly she had more important problems to think on.
Seeing Aethyta's dazed look, Benezia entered her pass code quickly, sighing with relief as the door opened. She had half-expected the code to be nullified after her trickery this morning, but if the humans hadn't caught on to the security risk yet she wasn't going to enlighten them. Aethyta eyed her sideways as they stepped into the room, doubtless wondering how she had acquired a code; goddess willing she would never have to confess to the small subterfuge, Aethyta would never permit her to live it down, and an asari lifetime was too long to bear the shame.
Udina's smile was the first thing that warned her this evening wasn't going to go as planned.
"Ambassador Benezia; if you require a code to enter restricted areas, it is your duty to inform the security administration. I had not expected such a blatant breach of etiquette."
And then Aethyta began to laugh. Benezia had enough experience to know this was going to be an awful dinner no matter how appetizing the courses.
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Holy cow, Never again. That chapter was officially too long, but I wanted to get something up before I buckle down to studying once more. Future chapters will be an altogether more reasonable length.