"Failure. Failure. Failure."

Shepard whispered the word to herself with increasing frustration as she went over the data from her latest experiments. Though she had managed to isolate the PMD strands, every attempt to neutralize or eliminate them ended in catastrophic failure. Not necessarily because it failed to kill the PMD- in fact, nearly every single measure she took resulted in that end- but rather because it would also destroy the healthy, natural DNA of any subject it was administered to.

And that was the rub. How to thoroughly kill the hostile DNA without wiping out the patient's DNA right along with it.

Even radiation wasn't an answer. While the high doses of eezo radiation had killed the hostile DNA from Shepard's own infection, it had left her sterile, and with serious potential health consequences almost guaranteed down the line. She'd only traded a comparatively quick death to a decades long, agonizingly protracted one.

Even samples from Tali and Delphine yielded no answer. Their continued improvements were astonishing to see, and contained the potential for any number of genetic and immune boosting therapies to be derived, but they offered no solution to the PMD itself.

Those from the two naturally immune patients offered more potential, but neither Del nor Mordin could conceive of a way to drastically, safely, and permanently alter even a single being's natural chemistry to create an environment too hostile for the PMD to exist…let alone the populous of entire planets.

I need to see her research. I need to see her equipment, her samples- unlock how she developed the PMD successfully. Without that information, it may take centuries to develop a counteragent. Centuries we just haven't got.

As her last test displayed 'failure', she slapped her palm down on the desk in frustration, closing her eyes as she rested her head in her hand, going over her next steps.

"Are you all right?"

Eyes widening in surprise, Del turned around to see Liara near the door. Feris, who had been guarding her, was nowhere in evidence. Apparently, the asari had dismissed her. Del realized she had no idea how long the asari had been there- she'd been far too distracted with her work.

Shaking her head, she looked back at her console . "Right back to square one. We can't kill the PMD without killing natural DNA. We can't prevent it from taking root in the body without changing the entire chemistry of the body. Short of putting everyone in the galaxy into military or medical grade full quarantine suits until we locate and destroy any and all stockpiles of PMD…I don't know what else to do."

Liara was silent a long moment, then spoke softly. "Walk with me, doctor. We need to talk."

Shepard looked at her warily, but could glean nothing from the asari's expression, as usual. Getting to her feet, Shepard followed the spectre out of the lab complex. Liara said nothing as they went, until they entered a small room. It looked like some kind of private dining area or conference room, a long table centering the area, surrounded by tasteful décor. The far wall was plastiglass, allowing a view out into the sea.

"The hanar were kind enough to allow me use of this room as an office," Liara said as the door shut behind them. "I am more comfortable on the Aswa but it is some distance to walk from here to the docking slips. Please, doctor, have a seat."

Shepard looked at the woman hesitantly, not immediately moving to sit down. It was hardly unnoticeable that the asari had taken to calling her 'doctor' again, instead of 'Del' or 'Shepard'. When she didn't go to sit, Liara looked at her.

"Something wrong?"

"I suppose that depends on what you wish to talk about," Shepard said.

"I wish to discuss your involvement in the Omega Four venture," Liara said.

"I told you, I have to go."

"Mordin Solus has both the genetics expertise and the military training to attend the mission," Liara said. "There is no reason why he is not able to-"

"He worked with Osco, did he?" Shepard asked. "Spent four years listening to her insanely intelligent hypotheses, observing the way she worked, the way she acted, listening to her obsessions? Well, that explains why he identified the PMD so quickly…oh, wait…that was me."

Liara's blue eyes went hard. Part of Shepard's gut wanted to curl back under the weight of it, but she was too angry to allow herself to be intimidated. "Risking you is not-"

"So I go with you, things get hostile, go sideways, we all end up being killed or never being able to return, and the PMD is released throughout the galaxy. Mordin does his best with what we have now which- I mean, the man is a genius and extremely talented, who knows? He may come up with a cure on his own. It's certainly possible, though incredibly improbable. The PMD is cured by his efforts…or it's not, and everything is lost."

"Doctor-"

"Or, I stay here. Things get hostile, go sideways, you all end up being killed or never being able to return, the PMD is released throughout the galaxy, and without Osco's research I do my best with what we have now. I may come up with a cure. It's certainly possible, however incredibly improbable. The PMD is cured by my efforts…or it's not, and everything is lost."

Liara glared. "Shepard-"

"Or I go with you, things get hostile, but because I know how Osco thinks I'm able to possibly thwart a trap or to interpret some vital piece of data. I view her research real time, see her results first hand, and you do what you do best…get us out and back home alive. The PMD is never released, or a cure is developed. Osco's plans never reach fruition, and trillions of lives all across this galaxy are saved. I think the potential 'win' versus 'loss' in this case is more than evident."

She clasped her hands behind her back to hide their trembling as Liara gripped the back of the chair just in front of her. She was not looking at Shepard, but rather a spot somewhere in the middle of the table…and given the intentness of her gaze, it was surprising that spot didn't begin to smolder.

After a long silence, Shepard swallowed slightly and said, "I do not want to die, Captain. Honestly, the idea of going through that relay and possibly being in a desperate or violent situation…it terrifies me. I'm not doing this lightly."

"If you are killed, our chances of finding that cure are drastically reduced," Liara said. "Osco specifically wants you dead."

"I know," Shepard said. "I'm putting my life in your hands, Captain. I will do the best that I can against anything that comes our way, but I am not deluding myself into thinking I can go gun to gun against trained mercs or soldiers. But I have seen you in action. You, and Ash, and Sam…I know you will get me through and out of there alive. This is the best shot we have to save this galaxy from a catastrophe of unbelievable proportion. I have to go."

Liara was silent again for a moment, then straightened. "You will obey any order I or the cousins give without question."

"Absolutely," Shepard said instantly.

"You will engage hostiles only in immediate defense of your life. Otherwise you will leave the fighting to us."

"I swear it."

Liara nodded. "Very well. I believe Sam's suggestion of instructing you on basic firearms and self-defense was a wise one, and given light of our small time frame before Lawson believes we can access the relay, we will begin immediately."

Shepard lifted her brows. "Immediately as in…right now?"

Liara gestured at the door, brooking no argument. "Right now."


The pistol was much larger than the small caliber weapon she'd kept in her desk drawer back home- clearly military grade. Shepard tried not to be intimidated by its size and weight as Liara went through the safety basics- showing her how to release the thermal clip, adjust the safety, and hold it properly.

"Always with two hands," the asari said, demonstrating with her own weapon. "There will be some significant kick, and you will need both to keep it steady."

Shepard almost timidly mimicked her, grimacing as she noticed the tip of the barrel was trembling noticeably in response to her hands. Liara smiled slightly.

"Do not be intimidated by it. It is a tool, not a living thing. It will not turn in your hands and bite you. Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you are ready to fire."

Shepard obeyed, eyeing the holographic target at the far end of the range, doing her best to keep her hands steady. The small dampeners over her ears were oddly irritating, but necessary. In the field, she'd be wearing a helmet that would automatically protect against her hearing against loud weapons fire, but here in training other steps had to be taken so she didn't make herself deaf with her own pistol.

"Breathe evenly," Liara said. "Do not hold your breath."

Shepard let out a blast of air she had been unaware she'd been retaining, and then stiffened. Liara had stepped behind her, resting her hands on her arms and slightly adjusting her stance.

"Relax your shoulders, Merah. Tension is what is making you shake, pulling off your aim," Liara told her.

No, you talking so close to my ear…that is what is making me shake, Del thought, and immediately colored. The woman was trying to help keep her alive, nothing more. She struggled to relax her shoulders, to focus.

"Don't focus on aiming. Look where you want the bullet to go. Your body will automatically direct itself that way. Let it speak to you, take it naturally."

Let my body speak to me, take it naturally, Del thought with an inward groan. Is she doing this on purpose?

"All right. Remember to squeeze, never pull. Don't let it startle you when it fires." Liara released her arms and stepped back a pace. "Whenever you are ready."

Squeeze, don't pull. Look where you want the shot to go. Breathe. Relax. Del fixed her eyes to a point on the holograph's torso and let out a breath, sliding her finger in over the trigger. Squeeze, don't pull.

The pistol snapped smartly in her hand, kicking sharply upward and making her jump. The holographic interface over the distant wall gave a flare of red, the color narrowing into a flashing circle that indicated where her shot had gone.

She'd missed the target by a good two feet.

"Shit."

Liara shook her head. "That is all right. Everyone startles the first time, even if they are determined not to," she said. "Now you know what it feels and sounds like. Steady yourself and try again."

Shifting the pistol from hand to hand, Del wiped her palms off on her thighs to dry them, then gripped it again, taking aim.

No, remember…don't aim. Just look.

Licking her lips nervously, firming her grip and making sure to keep her shoulders relaxed as far as possible, she let out a breath and fired.

Another red flash, and the circle highlighted an area less than an inch to the left of the target's waist.

"Closer," Liara said. Del gave an irritated little shake of her head, scowling at herself.

"You are being too hard on yourself," the asari told her. "No one is adept at anything the moment they first try."

"You and the cousins make it look so effortless," Del said.

"I have had decades to hone my skills," Liara reminded her. "The cousins have had years and intensive training. You have five minutes in a gun range. Give yourself a chance."

Shepard let out a frustrated sigh, lowering the pistol and closing her eyes as she took a few deep breaths. Watching her, Liara lifted a brow. "What are you doing?"

"Channeling my inner commando, I hope," Shepard said with a shaky grin. Taking a final breath, she let it out slowly.

She didn't let herself think about it, opening her eyes and lifting the pistol in her hands at the same moment, fixing on the target and squeezing the trigger three times.

Two of her shots hit directly in the target's stomach, the third landing slightly more south. Staring, she let out a shocked little laugh. "I actually hit it?"

"Very good," Liara smiled. "Apparently your inner commando is a somewhat decent shot. Though…I would not want to piss her off."

For a second, Del was confused about what she'd meant. She'd hit the target but not really in any vital area. Then she realized exactly where the final shot had struck and blushed brightly, clearing her throat. Liara laughed.

"That was much better, Merah," she said. "However, hostiles are not going to wait and hold their attack until you find that inner calm. You need to draw on that feeling and tap it when you are at the ready…and with your eyes open."

She took a stance next to Del and lifted her own pistol, smoothly letting off a handful of shots. Each landed in a vital area, save one, which struck at the target's waist. With each flat bang, the asari's lashes barely fluttered. She lowered the weapon again and looked at Del. "You see?"

The waist shot was deliberate, it had to be. Del could not envision the asari missing what she meant to hit…certainly not in a controlled environment such as this. "The waist…?" she asked.

"That is where their shield generator will be clipped," Liara told her. "It is very difficult to hit, but if you take it out, their barriers will drop."

"I see."

"Try it again. Find that feeling of calm and hold on to it. Make it yours. It belongs to you."

Shepard kept on, listening to Liara's instruction as she worked through two thermal clips. By the time she was finished, she was consistently hitting the target- though not always in a critical area.

Liara nodded her approval as she looked at the computer results. "Not too bad," she said. "I think you may be getting the feel for it. Tomorrow, we will start on moving targets."

Shepard's gut sank, what small accomplishment she'd felt deflating. "Moving?"

"It is necessary," Liara said, then put her hand on Del's shoulder. "You are doing just fine, Merah."

Shepard met her eyes, and for a moment felt a sudden and inexplicable rush of nerves. No, not so inexplicable as all that. She knew exactly what they were about, and tried to tamp down the feeling.

Not a good idea, Del. Not a good idea at all. You are from two vastly different worlds…quite literally. What would someone like her ever see in someone like you anyway?

Perhaps seeing something in Del's gaze, Liara stepped back a little, her hand slipping off her shoulder before she took her pistol, clearing the thermal and flipping the safety on, busying herself with putting the weapons away. The tense set to her jaw told Shepard all she needed to know, and she lowered her head awkwardly, feeling foolish.

"Now that we have our first lesson in firearms behind us," Liara said some moments later, the pistols returned to their armory slots on the walls. "We can work on more direct defense methods in the gym."

Del followed her wordlessly out of the gun range and into the small gymnasium, watching her as she set the proper levels on the room's safety grid. As she approached Shepard again she asked, "Have you ever done any kind of self-defense training before?"

"Once, a while ago. The usual silly stuff…how to protect yourself against a mugger. It's been so long and I've never had need of it."

"We will start slowly then. I will not hurt you, and do not be afraid of harming me."

Del, harm her? That was a laugh!

Liara instructed her on some basic holds and moves, Del doing her best to keep a clinical focus. The asari was just instructing her. She had much more important things on her mind than a silly, besotted human woman.

Liara showed her one move and they went through it in slow motion, so Del could get the feel of it. Wiping a forearm over her forehead, Shepard was baffled.

"That will work?" she asked. "I saw those mercs back on Virmire. They had to be two or three hundred pounds each, and that's before you add in all the armor."

"It is not about weight or strength, but leverage," Liara said. "You are a scientist, familiar with physics."

"Theoretically in this case, maybe. The practical application of it…"

"I understand. Here, we'll try it again, full speed. I will come at you in the same manner, and you perform the move. You will see how it feels."

Though Del knew the safeties would catch the asari in a kinetic net and cushion any fall she might endure, she still didn't like the thought of tossing her to the hard floor.

Don't worry about it. You'll be lucky if you even stumble her.

She steadied herself, the asari taking her position. "Are you ready?" she asked. When Del nodded, she rushed forward.

Del grabbed her, pivoting and shifting her weight, exactly how Liara had demonstrated. To her shock, the asari's feet left the ground and she fell, the kinetics catching her an instant later with a hum of yellow light.

Del backed up a pace, staring in shock, and Liara smiled, getting to her feet. "You see? You use my own momentum against me, and the application of force is really quite small."

Del, amazed, felt herself breaking into a grin. "Can we do that again?" she asked.

Four more times, Liara charged her, and each time Del put her on the ground. On the fifth time, however, the moment that Del grabbed her, Liara grabbed hold of her. Before the scientist could blink, she was off her feet, feeling the static tingle of the kinetics as they caught hold of her, settling her with almost feather lightness to the floor.

"Next lesson," Liara said. "Never rely on one move always working each and every time. You have to be able to compensate in a single breath, read the way your opponent is about to move and adjust instantly."

She helped Shepard up, the human woman mopping the sweat off her forehead again. She noticed that Liara, though she'd been working just as much, was as cool and dry as ever.

This is nothing more than a light warm-up for her.

Liara demonstrated a couple of more moves, explaining how each worked and what to look for. The slightest shift of a shoulder, a hip, a foot, or even the eyes…all could telegraph exactly where an enemy was about to move, or what they were about to do.

Then she went after Del in earnest, and time and time again the doctor found herself whipping toward the ground, caught in the web of kinetics. With each time it happened she could feel her embarrassment rising. She was doing the best she could, but no matter how closely she watched the asari or how fast she tried to move, always she ended up on the floor.

Worse, Liara seemed to be getting irritated with her, her expression getting more intent, her voice hardening just a little bit more with every "Get up! Try again!"

Del's entire body was burning from the workout as she staggered to her feet yet again. She could feel the sweat running down the back of her neck, locks of hair that had broken loose from their tie sticking to her cheeks. With angry snaps of her hands she reached up, pulling the tie out of her hair, gathering it up, and retying it.

"Try again," Liara said firmly as she finished, then came at her one more time. Del, absolutely determined to do something right, grabbed her and pivoted. Liara twisted but Shepard saw the sudden faint dip of her shoulder that precluded the movement. Correcting for it, she shifted the advantage back into her court and dropped the asari.

Almost the instant the kinetic barriers caught her and Del's grip started to loosen, Liara flung her weight upward against the human, flipping her onto her back and driving her down instead. Shepard gasped and blinked up at her as Liara pinned her down, her blue eyes boring sharply into Del's.

I had her! she thought, exhausted and utterly fed up with the whole mess. God damn it, I had her!

Now it would come, the lecture, the irritation. Liara would shake her head at the futility of trying to teach the weak doctor anything, tell her to go get some rest and maybe tomorrow she'd try and help her again if she considered it worth her time and energy.

She glared back up at the asari, steeling herself for that lecture, that dismissal.

Instead, Liara suddenly leaned down. Before Del could blink, warm lips were enveloping hers.

The universe stopped. Even the hard pounding of her heart seemed to pause as breath caught in her throat.

Then, abruptly, the lips were gone, Liara moving back with a look of almost childlike horror on her face. Her grip on Del released and she got to her feet, backing away a pace.

"I-I am sorry," she said, sounding tremulous and unsure, far out of place with the normal calm control she mastered. "I-…"

"W-wait…" Del sat up as the asari turned and headed for the door, but Liara didn't glance back or even slow her pace. Shepard shook her head, getting to her feet. "Just…wait!"

The asari was gone. The human woman stood alone in the middle of the quiet gym, and covered her face.