I'd like to give a shout out to PMC65 for borrowing her background story for the mighty and all powerful Matriarch Benezia. To read more about her check out – A Thessian's Whisper by PMC65.

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Data Log Entry: # 21830808

Over the last couple of days I have been conducting data research on Saren's second in Command; Matriarch Benezia. I don't even know the woman but just saying her name feels like it commands respect. *Scratches head* I read her official bio and let me tell you it was very… well… official. It was the most thorough and professional bio I have ever read making the Alliance Admiral packages looks like drabble. In the eyes of the asari, she's like a God (or in their case; a Goddess!) Matriarch Benezia is a very powerful biotic and spiritual leader among her people. She is known and revered as a teacher of religion and philosophy. Benezia felt that the asari should have a greater role in shaping galactic events. She is everything the "perfect" asari aspired to be. Impressive is an understatement. I can only imagine how hard it must have been for a shy and reserved Liara T'Soni growing up in that kind of pristine living environment.

Matriarch Benezia hosted these prestigiously extravagant parties; over the top by even human standards. Found at these events were the most talented musicians, fine art on every wall and the best wines and food possible to include rare flavorful fruits and desserts. Among the invited guest were fellow Matriarchs, their families, friends and distinguished guest. The affairs normally consisted exclusively of asari and outsiders were rarely allowed, if ever and only those who were personally invited by Matriarch Benezia were allowed to attend. It all seemed so very strange but it was considered beyond reproach to show up uninvited. It would be like spitting directly into the Matriarch's face. I couldn't imagine anyone ever doing that and if they did, they would be considered the scum of the planet. I pity the fool who ever dares.

Everywhere Matriarch Benezia went, she was constantly surrounded by acolytes who served as her personal assistants. In her home… I mean mansion… there were 20 or so at any given time. I found vids of one her "lesser" mansions on Thessia. It was bigger than some space stations I've been on and it included vast gardens with beautiful streaming balconies. Based on the dates on the vids, it was where Liara spent most of her childhood. I can't help feeling sorry for her, despite the number of people who lived in the house; how isolated she must have felt from her mother. Looking at Liara now, I see where some of the pain, hidden so far behind her eyes, comes from. Besides the various rotating acolytes there were hundreds of followers. Some reports even say thousands. It was a great honor to become one of Matriarch Benezia's acolytes from the vids I researched; it would be like winning the spiritual lottery. To study under the Matriarch was a huge privilege and honor; especially if you became one of the acolytes in her inner circle that constantly surrounded her. What is even more amazing is that all these women who traversed the Matriarch's home, each and every one of them, were personally hand picked by her. The application was brutal and it took years just to be considered for a position. The reports didn't state why or how often acolytes came and went but some were dedicated for life. While it has been told that Matriarch Benezia did not give any special attention to one or even several acolytes, I have noticed in the vids and vid pics that one particular maiden asari was usually present. I will have to remember to ask Liara about her. I am sure she knows of her. She seemed to be the most constant figure in any pic taken of the Matriarch. It's amazing what you find when you are not looking for it.

I wonder why Liara always refers to her mother as Matriarch Benezia instead of mother or mom; anything less formal.

Traditionally, asari spread their influence through cultural domination and intellectual superiority. However what the meticulously organized bio and research didn't tell me is that Matriarch Benezia was more than a great leader. She was an iconic figure for the Asari people. She believed in galactic peace and was often outspoken about the role the asari played in the galaxy. It appeared she stood for everything good in the galaxy so how did she end up working with Saren, worse still; his second in command? It has been boggling my mind for the last couple of days, which is far better than the tedious missions the Alliance has been sending me on lately. I feel like they are trying to jerk my chain to see if the doggie still knows who its master is. The next lead we get in Saren's pursuit and they can kiss my FTL exhaust.

Staring at her vids, I can see Matriarch Benezia is an astounding woman. Her mere presence demands respect. I never saw someone stand so tall and proud all the time. I chuckle to myself thinking, I wish she had dealings with our human Ambassador; Udina. I would certainly enjoy hiding in the corner rooting, "You go girl!" She would eat him alive! I have relished the very thought of it. So much so, that I've actually caught myself laughing out loud at the thought of it while walking the corridors over the last few days. Her aura is striking to say the least. For one to process such strength, knowledge and beauty is beyond comprehension. No wonder the asari are the most prolific and dominate species in the galaxy. If you ask me, the human race could learn a lot from them instead bull dozing ahead like we are entitled to everything. Alliance Systems are you getting this? If I am going to lose my Command over some data entry, I hope mankind can at least learn from it.

Professor T'Soni has her mother's features; from the deep rich blue color of her eyes, which I believe is because they are both purebloods, to the freckles on her cheeks and chest. Well, I'm not sure if the Professor has those too but the Matriarch seemed to show them off quite proudly. Standing side by side it would be irrefutable that they were related. Sadly, however, there are few vids of them seen together. That has me puzzled. Perhaps Professor T'Soni hasn't been telling me the whole story, but it is also evident the reason behind it is painful to her.

In the Alliance reports, they strongly suggest that asari are thought to be quite promiscuous. I am personally torn on the subject. I've visited the strip clubs on the Citadel and Omega that were overflowing with asari, but they weren't flat out screwing a guy on the table like you see at some human military bases. They seemed to be just having fun. Concluding that the Citadel's Consort and even the all mighty Queen of Omega Aria, I perceive they savor what they enjoy and aren't afraid to express it. Even Matriarch Benezia is incredibly beautiful and she certainly knows it. Based on human standards, she should hide it? Nonetheless I clearly don't completely understand Asari culture. For example, relative to the asari mentioned above, Professor T'Soni is practically covered from head to toe in material. Did her mother ensure her greatest gift did not attract un-wanted eyes? Was it her up-bringing in such a prominent figure's home? Does she not think she is beautiful? If she doesn't, then she is sadly mistaken. Factually speaking… I think she is absolutely breath taking, - for a blue humanoid that is. Anyway, it must be hard being the only daughter of one so powerful. I can understand now why she chose to go in the opposite path from her mother, seeking the solitude of Prothean dig sites.

In the detailed information I also learned that Matriarch Benezia's powerful biotics are officially registered at a rating of 12. I didn't even know they rated biotic levels. Here are standards I discovered from the Galactic Codex: Essentials Edition 2183. However the rating system was created by the Asari Republics which only makes sense, they were the first to have biotic powers.

BIOTIC RATINGS from the Asari Collection Administration Standards University of Serrice - Thessia

Ratings….

(1-4) Poor - Decidedly recommended to pursue a non combat profession.

(5) Below Average - Lowest rating required to become a commando and respectable asari

(6) Average rating for Krogans, Turian "Cabals" and New Species; Humans

(7–8) Average for Asari – Very high for L3 humans normally ranking a 7

(9) Among the Best - Highly sought after asari; consisting of senior commandos, biotic instructors or Justicars

(10) Highest rating on the standard biotic scale - (Few asari have past this level – less then 100 in their entire recorded existence) - Usually only held by Matriarchs who have spent their entire lives as a commando or as a Justicar.

(11) Remarkably high – Assigned to 7 of the original 28 Matriarchs who first left Thessia during the Golden Age in search of "Ultimate Knowledge" ; Matriarch Dilinaga being one of them.

(12) Matriarch Benezia's rating (It really just said that)

(13) No documented assignment to this rating

(14) Catastrophic power – Once achieved by an Ardat Yakshi. She was unable to control it and caused an explosion that completely destroyed the biotic rating chambers. It killed her in the process. 1 rating of this level ever assigned.

Liara T'Soni was rated a 5; barely passing. I don't understand how that is possible after what I have witnessed. I will have to ask her about that. I looked up LT. Alenko and he is a 7. Good to know.

Purebloods Asari still have me perplexed. Some asari feel it to be wasteful when two asari mate because "nothing has been gained". I don't understand this reasoning. Purebloods were good enough to populate their planet, obtain and discover new technologies, create fantastic displays of art and culture and even achieve space flight. However, now it's no longer good enough? That doesn't make sense to me. I would love to discuss this with a Matriarch one day.

Nevertheless, if nothing is truly gained then why is Matriarch Benezia a perfect example of the asari people? She is an exemplary example of a pureblood. I would think the asari would want more daughters like her, despite the risk of the rumored creatures; Ardat Yakshi. Sounds like something out of old fairy tale they used to tell back on earth in the 22nd Century, to get kids to go to sleep. I hope they aren't real, though. More importantly, I hope I never run into one.

I just reviewed the biotic standards and Matriarch Benezia's file again. This is truly an astounding woman and a very powerful asari. Not to mention she is Professor T'Soni's mother. I don't even know how to begin a battle strategy for this. I honestly hope it doesn't come down to us taking her on directly. I'm not sure how I would feel if I had to put her mother down. Damn it Saren! What hold do you have over her?

Commander Shepard – 3rd Galactic Fleet out!