Hi again! I bring you Chapter 3 of That Which Defines Her!
Some of you may find this chapter boring but I Promise you action is on the way so please be patient!
I used this chapter to foreshadow some events to come and set the stage for some character development
Anyway I hope you enjoy this Chapter!
p.s. I do not own any of the characters or the universe in which this story takes place... I just borrowed them for a while... Bioware, I'll return them real soon I swear!
Most of the off-duty crew members had gathered in the mess hall awaiting news on their Commander. She had caused quite the commotion arriving on a stretcher soaked in blood. Liara found a quiet corner and let herself slide down the wall giving in to her exhaustion. She hadn't slept since she had gotten herself stuck in the stasis field. Struggling to stay awake, Liara inevitably lost the battle, allowing sleep to overcome her. She dreamed she was back on Thessia, strolling through the garden that surrounded her mother's estate. The young maiden had taken a seat on a bench beneath a blossoming tree when the peacefulness was shattered by a scream coming from the house. Liara jumped up quickly and looked around to see Geth approaching from all directions. Terrified, she ran for the estate in an attempt to escape the invading synthetics. I must warn mother! She burst through the foyer and shot up staircase after staircase. Taking a right at the top, she sprinted down various hallways avoiding Geth coming in through the windows and unused rooms. Why are there Geth here on Thesia!? Finally she reached her mother's study. "Mother! Geth are-" She stopped mid sentence her mind struggling to process the scene before her.
Liara's mother lay on the ground staring blankly ahead while another asari stood over Benezia with her back to the maiden. There was a darkness surrounding this woman giving her an ominous and frightening aura. "Liara, I'm so glad you came." came an icy voice devoid of any compassion.
"Wh-Who are you?" Liara questioned.
"Liara that hurts. You don't even recognize your own mother?" The mysterious woman replied as she around. She was the striking image of Benezia but she was obviously not the same person. There was a sinister look in her eyes, a maniacal grin, and a very strong desire to kill coming from her.
"No! You are not my mother! S-Stay away from me!" Liara yelled backing out of the room.
Dark Benezia slowly paced forward. "You'll have to be punished for hurting my feelings" the woman said as dark energy surrounded her.
Liara was paralyzed with fear. Her back was against the wall, she was flanked to the left and right by Geth, and this woman who looks like her mother is about to kill her. All she could do was stare as she a biotic wave accelerated toward her.
"NO!" Liara's eyes flew open. Kneeling in front of her was a surprised looking human male with a hand on her shoulder.
"Damn Alenko! What are you doing to her over there?" one of the male crew members commented.
"And while practically half the crew is here to see. Damn Lieutenant, you got some big ones!" another added as some of the crew started laughing.
"And he seemed like such nice guy!" some of the female crew teased.
Liara's heart was still beating furiously but the situation unfolding in front of her had helped her quickly forget her dream. "Um..."
"Relax and don't worry about them." the man in front of her said nodding towards the laughing crewmen. "Dr. Chakwas asked to see you."
"I... But what about Shepard?" Liara asked suddenly remembering the condition of her savior.
"The Commander is gonna be fine. Now go, the Doc is waiting for you." He replied with a smile.
"Ah, thank you... uhh"
"Call me Kaiden." the Lieutenant answered as he pulled Liara to her feat.
"Then thank you, Kaiden." The asari replied appreciating his friendliness. Liara entered the medical bay and glanced around looking for the doctor.
"Oh there you are. Please sit down over hear so I can examine you." Came a voice with a different accent.
"Of course." Liara followed the voice and sat where the doctor indicated. "I assume you are Doctor Chakwas?"
"Yes that's me. Now tell me, how long has it been since you last had food or water?" The Doctor asked getting to work.
"I am not sure. It was difficult to keep track of time." the asari answered.
"I see. Well from what I can tell, you merely have a case of dehydration and fatigue along with some small cuts and bruises. Nothing too serious." the woman said while taking out some pills. "Take these supplements and rest up for a while and you should be fine."
"Um... do you know where I could be alone for a while? I need to collect my thoughts... a lot has happened today." Liara requested sheepishly.
"I don't mind if you stay in the storage room. Please wait a moment" Dr. Chakwas poked her head out into the mess. "Walker, could you do me a favor and bring a cot from the hold to the storage room?"
"Sure thing doc." the man replied standing from his seat. "Yeah well I just hope the asari doesn't phone home to mommy... anyway I'll see you later." finishing his conversation, he entered the lift and left the mess hall.
Liara, overhearing this comment, looked down. It is logical to assume they would not trust me... This is going to be a long mission.
Three Days Later
Liara sat at her desk in the storage room. She had just finished processing the data she recovered on Therum and stretched in her seat. Feeling the pull of hunger, She turned the terminal in front of her off and left the med-bay. Upon entering the mess, she noticed Shepard sitting at the table surrounded by some marines. She is already out of bed? There is no way she has fully recovered.
The Commander noticed Liara and called her over. "Dr. T'soni just in time! I was just telling the boys here about Therum. Take a seat." Shepard ordered patting the seat next to her.
Liara obliged and sat next to the Commander. "What part of Therum are you talking about?" She seems to be feeling energetic and isn't showing any signs that she is in pain...
"We just got to the part where I almost died"
Liara frowned. "Shepard, I find it difficult to believe that you can casually talk about something so traumatic."
"I guess I'm just used to it." She replied with a hint of nostalgia that only Liara noticed. "Anyway, boulders and ancient rubble were falling down all around me and my hardsuit alarm goes off so I was like 'Shit!' then I realized I was too far away to cut down the remaining Geth so I threw my dagger..."
Liara listened intently to the Commander as she explained what happened after she left. She was amazed at how easily Shepard told them how the Geth sprung to life and shot at her point blank. Just who are you Shepard? No one can be accustomed to near-death experiences. She also spoke like she was remembering something. I want to ask her about it, but I always seem to say something embarrassing whenever I talk to her.... Liara looked at Sai's face. This was the first opportunity she had to get a good look at her savior due to the fact that she was exhausted and slightly delirious on Therum and during their encounter last night in the med-bay, the lights were off. She really did have red eyes... I thought I was just imagining it. Liara's eyes explored every feature of the Commander's face. Starting with her high cheeks she moved down her gently sloping nose, and came to a stop at her full lips. Her gaze held its position for a while What am I thinking!? Liara's eyes shot back up and stopped at a strip of discolored skin near her temple. She tried to follow it but Shepard had her head turned to face the marines to her right.
"...Right Doctor?" Shepard turned to face the asari but didn't get an answer. Instead the asari kept staring at her face. "Um... Dr. T'soni?" Still no reply. "You know Dr. T'soni, if you tell me which part of my face you find so fascinating, I might be able to give you some details." Sai teased.
Liara let the words cycle through her head for a few seconds before she realized what she was doing. "Oh no I'm staring aren't I! I'm sorry please forgive my rudeness, I was merely admiring your... Oh dear... What I meant was that I like how your makeup...Ah! Um..." Her mind was desperately screaming at her to shut up while she frantically wracked her brain for a liable excuse but she was shooting blanks. Liara shut her eyes and futilely tried to become invisible. By the Goddess this is embarrassing!
"Alright marines, break time is over. I gotta get back to work and I want you to return to your positions." Shepard ordered. They saluted and dispersed as Saiori walked over to Liara and whispered in her ear "We'll talk bout this later." The Commander put her hand on the asari's shoulder for a moment, then returned to her quarters.
Liara slumped forward in her seat. I cannot believe I said that! What is wrong with me? Come on Liara, you are the daughter of a Matriarch. You can handle this! Liara reluctantly stood up from the table and returned to the storage room. She turned the lights off and laid down on the cot, closing her eyes. Why do I always act the fool whenever I'm around her? How can one person cause make me so nervous? What are you Shepard?
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Shepard sat on her bed, thinking to herself for a while. I really didn't see that coming. I assumed she was staring at my scar but she was saying stuff about my make up. I don't even wear that much and yet she noticed it...
Joker interrupted her thoughts "Commander, incoming message from Councilor Tevos."
"I'll take it in the comm room." She replied. What could she want? Shepard left her quarters and headed upstairs towards the CIC. Reaching her destination, Shepard entered the comm room and locked the door. "Alright Joker, Patch her through and make sure we're not interrupted."
"Aye, aye mam."
After a few seconds, the holographic image of an asari could be seen. "What can I do for you Councilor?" Shepard inquired respectfully"
"Relax, this is a secure line Sai." the Councilor smiled.
The Commander smiled as well "Not that I'm not happy to hear from you Risa but why the sudden call?"
"I need an excuse to check up on an old friend who just happened to be shot multiple times in the stomach?" Ri'sai teased "Seriously how are you?"
"Honestly? It feels like I did five thousand sit ups yesterday but I'll be fine" Sai replied.
"That is good to hear." Risa seemed nervous "Saiori, there is something I feel you have a right to know about."
"What is it?" She asked.
Ri'sai looked down "In two months, there will be a service to honor the memory of Nihlus Kryik."
Shepard's focus was instantly taken back to that moment on Eden Prime when she discovered the body of the person who had been a father to her after he rescued her from Mindior. She remembered how she couldn't show her grief despite feeling like someone ripped her heart out.
"I assumed you have not had a proper chance to grieve with everything that has been happening so I thought you might want to attend." the asari said with a soothing voice.
Shepard choked back her tears "Thank you... Risa"
"Think nothing of it. I will contact you again with the details at a later date. I am sorry but for now I must go."
"Yeah... It was good hearing from you" she replied trying to collect herself. The asari merely nodded and her image disappeared. Shepard slowly walked to the door trying to quell the emotions raging inside her. I can't let the crew see me like this. As soon as the Commander opened the door, Ashley confronted her.
"I thought locking the door was against regulations." the Chief asked slightly agitated.
"It was a personal call." Sai tried to walk around her but she wouldn't give up.
"With the Asari councilor?! What exactly is going on here Commander? First you go all ninja on Therum, then you get shot five times in the stomach but you're walking around three days later like nothing happened, and now your receiving 'personal' calls from Councilor Tevos? Just what are you Shepard?"
"Ash..." Shepard began.
"Commander, Admiral Hackett wishes to speak with you." Joker Reported.
Saiori looked at Ashley "Patch it in to the CIC. I'll be right there. Just drop it for now Ash."
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I don't know what's worse, the fact that they lost control of the V.I .or the fact that they can't take care of it themselves! At least it didn't sound too urgent soit can wait for after Feros. Shepard was sitting in the co-pilots seat thinking about their next course of action. But then I'll miss Nihlus's... Ok, so after I'm done with that, I'll take care of the damned moon base. That leaves Noveria as our last lead. "Hey Joker, I need this announcement heard throughout the entire ship."
"About time you spoke! It was getting pretty awkward there. Alright, there, Comm is open." Joker replied.
"Alright everybody listen up. I wanted to personally thank those of you who are pulling double shifts and everybody esle who has been working their asses off. To show my appreciation I decided that after we are done on Feros, we'll stop by the citadel a week of shore leave." Excited yells could be heard throughout the Normandy.
"Aww shucks Commander you don't need to thank me." Joker looked over
"Well if you insist... I do need someone to stay aboard and help me with some paperwork." the Commander retorted as she stood from her seat.
Joker visibly paled "You know, now that I think about it, it's about damn time you showed us some appreciation."
"That's more like it." Shepard called over her shoulder as she walked back to her quarters. I still need to talk to Liara, deal with Ashley, and decide the ground team for Feros... Shepard shook her head. We are still out and its not like those things are urgent so for now I'll catch some shut eye and clear my head.
OMG did you see that awesome foreshadowing/metaphor hybrid at the beginning of the chapter!?
also I just couldn't resist using "Dark Benezia" is it just me or was anyone else reminded of a certain evil-turned-good-at-the-end parent from a famous scifi trilogy? (Hint* It starts with "D" and ends with "Arth Vader" :D
Anyway if you enjoyed/hated this chapter or anything so far just wright up a review and i'll seriously consider your suggestions! ANY input is appreciated (especially when it's telling me how awesome my story is) :P
oh yeah... since I've been on roll for the past few days, I'm gonna try and keep my current pace of releasing a chapter a day! wish me luck!