Chapter 19

Human Embassy – Presidium – Citadel

Shepard cocked an eyebrow and stopped at the desk next to the door. Shouting could be heard from within the embassy, making her wonder exactly what was going on. Shepard looked over to Tonya sitting next to the door. The ebon-haired woman just looked back up at her and shrugged before activating her comm. "Ambassador Jamal, Spectre Shepard is here to see you."

"Oh thank the spirits…" came the voice of Sparatus over the call.

"Was that the turian Councilor?" asked Shepard who got a nod from the receptionist. The embassy door opened, and Shepard stepped inside to find Udina holding his head as if it were throbbing. Sparatus and another turian were standing next to the ambassador's desk while she sat in her chair behind it. Looking at all of them, she focused on the newcomer, a turian woman that stood taller than anyone in the room besides Sparatus. She had a dark carapace with dark orange paint circling around her eyes on her brow plates, high cheek plates, as well as her nose. It made her look as if she were wearing a red bandit's mask, but Shepard knew the markings well, as they came from the colony world of Macedyn. "What's all the commotion?"

Udina stood and let out a pained sigh. "Shepard, this is what I wanted you for earlier," he said as he stepped over to the glaring turian woman. "This is Ralixia Voretoria."

"Legate Voretoria, human!" snapped the turian woman as she turned her heated glare back to Shepard.

Sparatus just shook his head as he looked at the ambassador pleadingly. "Shepard, Legate Voretoria here is a potential Spectre candidate," he said before finally standing tall again, towering over everyone in the room. "She has been hand picked by the turian ambassador himself to become a member of the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance. As you recall from early in your career, we had you paired with a spectre whose job was to judge whether you're good for the position."

"I remember," she said with a slight frown as she remembered Nihlus and his eventual fate at the hand of Saren. "Spectre Kryik had high hopes in me. I just wish he got to see it to the end."

"He didn't though," growled the turian woman.

Shepard's eyes narrowed at her threateningly. "No, because he was betrayed and killed by Saren."

"Skak!" snapped the turian woman angrily. "Saren was a spectre! The greatest there is! And you expect me to believe he betrayed the Council?"

Shepard reached up and rubbed her temples, not even dignifying her with an answer. "Am I to assume that I'm going to be her examiner, so to speak? As spectre Casso was mine?"

"Legate Voretoria, wait outside please," commanded the turian Councilor. Huffing, the turian woman left without another look at any of them. Sparatus let out a heavy sigh after she left the embassy. "Twenty years ago, even before all the nonsense with Captain Anderson joining the Spectres, Saren saved her and her parents from a slave raid on the turian world of Macedyn. Ever since he's been a sort of absent mentor to her. She wrote him a lot and he wrote back."

"Ouch," said Shepard as she flinched lightly. "Never meet your heroes."

"Indeed," said Sparatus as he began pacing. "When you brought evidence against Saren and got his Spectre status revoked, she was serving as the leader to several teams of Imperium Soldiers back on Palaven. She had to be threatened with a court martial from the Primarch to keep from leaving her assigned station and coming to the Citadel to defend him."

Shepard sighed to herself and pinched the stress from the bridge of her nose. "And they think another loose cannon like this would make a good spectre, why?"

Ambassador Korvus-Jamal spoke instead of the Councilor. "My husband apologizes for his choice. But he made it very clear that besides her choice in role models, she's a tactical expert and very commendable in combat."

"I don't doubt that, but why did he recommend her to my care?" asked Shepard incredulously.

"He didn't," began Sparatus seriously. Shepard gave him a scrutinizing glare. "I'm the one who chose you as her spectre examiner."

"Back to hating each other then?" she asked sarcastically.

He snorted in amusement. "Shepard, it's precisely because she dislikes you and humans in general that I chose you to mentor her. If you can get a stone like me to crack and like you, then I have no doubts that you could make her a better spectre and better person as well."

"This is a lot of responsibility you're putting on someone amassing an army for a fight against reapers," she said as she reached up and scratched her head. "Fine. I'll take her and test her just like I was tested. But if she can't follow orders, then I'm coming back here and dumping her out of the airlock. I've already got enough hotheads on my squad as it is. I don't need another that also happens to be a turian supremacist."

"I'll make it clear to her the stakes she is dealing with," said the turian councilor as he bowed his head respectfully. "She will have her gear and be ready to board the Normandy first thing in the morning."

"Good to hear. We leave tomorrow for Illium," said Shepard as she scratched her head. "Oh, that reminds me, who is going to be Ash's coach?" she asked Udina curiously.

"The Council typically pair spectre candidates with spectres that would bring out their best qualities. As for Miss Williams, Councilor Tevos chose an asari spectre by the name of Ayala Vesina. He's currently the oldest spectre we have at 813 years and still going," said Udina as he set the data pad down. "I take it you've made your selection as well?"

Shepard nodded and passed the data from her omni-tool over to the Councilor. He examined it for a few moments before nodding his approval as Shepard spoke. "I have the benefit of having met her before. She was definitely a good candidate back then and has only proven herself even more capable since."

"We'll need her back on the Citadel within the week to commence testing," said the Councilor as he eyed her curiously. "You said you were heading to Illium?"

"Already two steps ahead of you Councilor. I planned to pick her up and bring her back once my business on Illium was done," said the spectre with a grin.

"Glad to hear it," he said as he raised his watch and looked at the time. "Well, if there's nothing else Shepard, I have to attend a meeting with the asari ambassador and get Williams set up with her new spectre coach."

"I should go as well," said Sparatus as he gathered his things. "I'll have a talk with her before she arrives at your ship tomorrow, spectre."

"Appreciate it, Councilor," she said with a grin. Once both of the higher elites were gone, Shepard collapsed on the ambassador's desk.

"You have the galaxy on your shoulders and the Councilors ask you to throw a few more things on your back," said the ambassador with a knowing smile.

"Of course…" growled Shepard as she stood again and flexed her neck. "I guess it's not really all that bad. I've been dealing with a human supremacist terrorist leader for a few months now. I just hope this one follows my orders," she said as she stretched with her hands above her head.

"Hey," said the ambassador, getting the spectre's attention. "We have a project we're working on related to the reapers. It comes to fruition in a few months and I was hoping you could swing by. The crews of these ships we're making are going to need a motivating speech. Do you think you can swing by and see them off?"

"Where are they going?" asked Shepard curiously.

"It's probably better if we inform you then once all the details are ironed out of the project," she replied as Shepard gave her a suspicious eye.

She knew the woman was being vague intentionally but didn't want to press her if she wasn't willing to share. "Alright, let me know when and where and I'll be there," she said giving Jasmine a wave before turning and leaving.

Normandy Assigned Docking Bay – Presidium – Citadel

Shepard attempted to try and rest as Miranda requested the previous day after her encounter in the embassy. But she felt herself wearing a bit thin over the last couple of weeks. Between the firefights that seem to occur every single time she leaves the Normandy to the invasive dreams she kept having, she was definitely understanding the XO's request. At the moment, she was exiting from C-Sec into the docking bay for the Normandy. She already had to deal with a snotty reporter asking annoying questions.

She was definitely not going to enjoy her time aboard with the rampaging turian woman. But as she stepped out of the elevator and onto the docking bay, she saw several faces. Garrus stood tall and proud, an improvement on his usual slouching he did nowadays. In front of him was Ashley Williams in full gear, as well as Sidonis. And behind Garrus was a mature asari. Guessing by the looks of their armor, they were the spectre that would be shadowing Ash.

Shepard stepped up to the small group and immediately Ash grinned at her. "Well well, looks like I'm approaching quickly from the rear, Skipper."

Shepard smiled back at her. "Couldn't be more well earned in my opinion," said the spectre as she eyed the asari.

Ash waved for the other spectre to approach. "This is Spectre Vesina. He's gonna be my trainer."

Shepard noticed the language and nodded to the spectre. He nodded back a greeting before speaking up. "Williams, let's get going."

Ash turned to Shepard and held out her hand. "It was really good seeing you all again."

"Same, Ash. Once you're a full-fledged spectre, hit me up and we'll celebrate," said Shepard as she took her former crewmate's hand and squeezed it gently.

"Will do, Skipper. Stay safe out there in the Terminus," said the staff lieutenant.

Ash and the asari left the docking bay and headed to their own transport craft, leaving Shepard standing their with the two turian men. Shepard eyed Sidonis curiously. "Saying goodbyes?"

"Planning ahead actually," said the man as he opened an omni-tool and passed Shepard his information. "I think I have an idea of how I can be helpful."

Shepard looked from him to her own omni-tool, then nodded with a knowing smile. "Ah, I see. Well, I hope you'll run your new business a lot more ethically than the last asshole who had it," she said with a grin.

Chuckling, Sidonis nodded dutifully. "I've already put that asari woman you all scared witless into an old safehouse I had when I worked for C-Sec. She's safe for the moment until I can find a more stable place for her," he said as he looked between them both. "And if either of you need my help, you'll know where to find me."

"That we will," said Garrus as he clasped wrists with the other turian once more. "Also let me know if you need any help with stalkers. I don't want anyone to have to go into hiding for the reasons you did."

"You'll be the first to know," said the man as he stood straight and bowed his head to Shepard. "Thank you again, Shepard. Without you there's a good chance one or both of us would be dead right now."

Garrus chuckled dryly. "More than a chance…" he grumbled as he shook his head. "I'm still impressed they could tolerate each other enough to try and kill us." Then he turned to Shepard as well. "Oh, speaking of, Shepard. When we swing by Omega again, I need to take care of some business if you wouldn't mind."

She smirked at him and nodded. "I get your meaning. No problem." Suddenly, the door to the Citadel opened, and a familiar turian glare appeared and began walking towards them. Shepard sighed as she prepared for the worst.

But much to her surprise the woman stiffened, and her expression of spite vanished as she stopped in front of them. "G-Garrus Vakarian?" she asked, Shepard reading her expression as awestruck.

"Hm?" mumbled Garrus as he eyed her curiously. "Who's this?"

"Legate Ralixia Voretoria from Palaven's 108th Imperium Marines," said Shepard, putting emphasis on her rank. "She's a Spectre trainee that I'm supposed to be the examiner for."

The turian woman glared at Shepard for a moment before Garrus stepped up to her. "Good to meet you, Legate. It'll be an honor working with you."

Shepard's eyes widened as she saw the turian woman practically swoon in front of Garrus. Once her good friend headed to board the Normandy once more, the woman's spiteful glare returned. "I have my equipment. Give me a room and stay out of my way," she ordered as she moved to walk past Shepard. But the human's hand caught the woman's cowl and shoved her backwards. Ralixia's face changed from distaste to surprise. "Are you mad?"

"Let me make one thing clear here, Legate. You're not in the Hierarchy anymore, you're here on my ship," snapped Shepard with a glare of her own. "I don't give a goddamn if you have a chip on your shoulder about humans or me specifically, but it ends right here at this airlock. The moment you set foot on my ship; you follow my orders. You can keep your little hate grudge, but if I see you taking your ire out on my crew, or if I determine your grudge is endangering my mission, I'll send you back to Palaven the laughingstock of the Hierarchy. Do I make myself clear, Legate?"

The woman's demeanor changed slightly. Shepard always had difficulty reading turians, as their faces were much less expressive than a human's. But she did notice that whatever fire was inside Ralixia seemed to dim, even the slightest bit. "You'll have no trouble from me, Spectre. As long as you respect me, I'll grant you the respect you deserve."

Shepard exhaled deeply before finally stepping aside. "Miranda Lawson will have a room assigned to you. The armory is on the fourth floor down. You can keep your armor and weapons there until they're needed."

Not even giving a nod to the spectre, the turian walked past her and boarded the ship. Shepard reached up and ran her fingers through her blazing hair in frustration. "First the collectors, and now I have to fight my own damn crew," she growled before finally turning and heading off herself.

Nos Astra Port – Nos Astra – Illium

She had gotten a headache from having to deal with the politics of the Citadel and had kept to her room for most of the entire trip to Illium. Garrus had swung by her room and dropped off his own presents that he had got her during her injury. He had forgotten to give them to her due to his focus on Sidonis. But she pulled the boxes out of the bag and her brows rose in surprise as she saw several model ships, one of them belonging to the original Normandy SR-1.

She used to have model ships in her room as a kid, but it'd been so long since she'd put effort into something so meticulous besides coding. He had gotten her three in total. One was the Destiny Ascension, probably the most common model on the Citadel. Another was a turian dreadnought called the CFV Kalivor, named after one of their famed mythological titans. And finally, the Normandy. She had never considered they'd make her old ship into a model. Her brows furrowed, wondering if she could put it together without memories paralyzing her.

She sighed and spun in her desk chair, turning to the rodent in the sealed cage that made its home on her shelf. "What do you think?" she asked as it looked down upon her with its large, black, beady eyes. "You're right, it should be fine. Besides, he got it as a gift. I can't exactly return it." It continued to stare at her as it munched away at a pellet. "Yeah, it also was my ship. So, it'd be extra rude." Letting out a sigh, she turned back to her desk. "Alright alright, twist my arm…" she said as she looked down at the models.

Before she could touch them, however, EDI popped up near the door. "Flight Lieutenant Moreau would like to inform you that we have arrived at Nos Astra Port, Spectre. It appears that they're allowing us to dock without paying anything."

"Yeah, EDI, I can do that myself," grumbled Jeff over the comm. "Uh… anyway Shepard, what she said."

"Any idea why?" asked Shepard, a bit bewildered. It wasn't like the cheap business people of a world like Illium to skip out on money, however small the fees are.

"They haven't said why, unfortunately. They just guided us in to dock," said Joker as Shepard heard the suspicion in his voice. "Whatever you do, Shepard, don't sign anything if they meet you outside the airlock…"

Shepard smirked at the pair and shook her head. "I'll be down in a moment. EDI, tell the crew to be prepared. And that includes Legate Voretoria. We're picking up several people here, and if my luck is consistent, we'll be fighting every step of the way."

"Understood, Spectre," responded EDI before her hologram disappeared from the door.

Shepard got to her feet and headed down to the armory. She wasn't going to be fully armed just yet, but she would be damned if she was going to set foot on a planet like Illium without some kind of weapon on her. She decided that her wrist-mounted blade projector, as well as her pistol would do for the time being.

It wasn't until she stepped onto the elevator with Garrus, Tali, and Miranda that she realized just how nervous she was. This was where Liara was. She hadn't spoken to her in over two years. The asari had seemingly moved on, but she was going to have to talk to her and open a wound that was still fresh for the spectre because while Liara had two years to mourn and grieve, Shepard didn't. For two years she knew only oblivion before waking up on Lazarus Station, thinking that her relationship with the asari hadn't changed at all. Either way, she wasn't going to be coy with her questions. One of her main rules in relationships was to be honest and communicate, even if it hurt to do so.

Finally, the airlock opened and allowed them all out onto the docks. Shepard stepped out and before they could even reach the gateway to the inner city, they were met by an asari maiden from the looks of her. "Spectre Shepard I presume?"

"Depends on who's asking," said Shepard as she eyed the woman. She was fairly well dressed, but not as much as some of the richer people in Nos Astra. Shepard knew their type, and she seemed to be more of a worker than a parasitic job creator.

"My name is Careena T'Lossa. I'm a concierge for important people here on Nos Astra. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. However, given your affiliation with Noble Liara T'Soni, I doubt you will need my services."

Shepard was surprised to hear Liara's name dropped as soon as she got off the ship. "You know Liara?"

"We speak frequently, and I take care of her clients as they arrive on Illium. As for you, she has paid for all docking fees and given you full clearance," said the asari woman with a pleasant business smile.

"Oh… uh, thanks," she said as she got her first question immediately answered. "And where can I find Liara?"

"She will be in her own office on the third floor of the Lavinia Trade Building. Here is her navpoint should you wish to go visit her," said the woman as she forwarded the information.

"Thank you, Careena," said Shepard as she eyed the location on her omni-tool. It wasn't that far at all. She practically had a view of both the beaches and ocean across from the ports and the city of Nos Astra on the other side.

"It has been my pleasure, Spectre. If you need anything that Liara cannot provide, you have my information," she said before bowing in a very Japanese manner, then scurrying off to meet another incoming customer.

"I feel kind of bad having her pay our way like that," said Garrus as he began walking beside Shepard.

"Quarians have a saying. Those who question gifts should return them," said Tali as she looked around in awe at the tall skyscrapers. Buildings on the Citadel weren't allowed to go higher than a certain point for safety reasons. Any bigger than six stories and the movement of the ward closing would crumble the building. But Illium had no such restrictions, which Tali seemed to gawk at in wonder.

"If this gift were coming from anyone but Liara, you can be damn sure I'd question it," he said with a shake of his head. "Especially here."

"Is this place really that bad?" asked Tali curiously as she looked away from the gorgeous landscape.

"You can sell your soul here on Illium and not even realize it. And that's not a joke. People here will do what it takes to collect on a contract," said Miranda as she followed behind the three.

"She's right. Illium may look shinier than Omega, but it's just as ruthless. As long as you watch your back, it's one of the cushiest places in the galaxy. But the moment you don't read the fine print on something is the moment you get dragged into an alley," he said, almost shuddering. "It's as Terminus Systems as it gets."

"So…" started Tali again. "Why did Liara come here to work if it's so bad? She doesn't strike me as the ruthless type."

"A lot has changed since you rejoined the Migrant Fleet, Tali," said Garrus knowingly. "There's a lot that would surprise you about Liara."

Shepard huffed in annoyance before finally getting to a fast transit terminal and summoning a cab. The flight was short, much shorter than she anticipated. Each step she took towards Liara's office, she found herself getting more and more anxious. Eventually, she just mentally slapped herself across the face and clenched her fists.

T'Soni Information Offices – Lavinia Trade Building – Illium

As she stepped off the elevator, she was startled by how big the floor was. Reception was a simple lobby with tons of what looked like leather seats on either side. The walls looked like black marble with tall pink ficus-looking trees between each of the chairs. At the far end of the lobby was a desk with soft blue lighting showing an asari woman sitting behind the desk. Even from this far away, Shepard could tell that it wasn't Liara. She immediately assumed it was a receptionist or assistant.

Making their way down the light carpet that absorbed the blue lighting, she kept her focus forward as Tali hummed and hawed at the lavishness of the lobby. As she arrived at the desk, the asari woman looked up to her and smiled. "Ah, Jane Shepard! I've heard so much about you!"

Shepard eyed the woman curiously, noting her intricate grey face paint. "Only good things I hope," she said, unsure whether the things she heard came from Liara or other sources.

"Of course! Liara certainly speaks highly of you. I've also seen your movie, though from what she tells me it's a lot of misinformation and drama," said the asari as she stood up and stepped out from behind her desk. Shepard knew what she was asking for, and given she was on an asari world, she supposed she should oblige with the asari embrace greeting. Stepping forward, they grabbed each other's hips and pressed their foreheads together. Shepard felt a rush of emotions from her greeter. Joy, curiosity, excitement, and more filled her mind. Though, despite her attempts to hide it, Shepard definitely felt something being held back. She wasn't sure if she was trying to be deceptive or holding something back so as not to offend the spectre.

They disconnected from one another and the asari sat down once more. "So, you've got me at a disadvantage…"

"I apologize. It's not everyday you meet someone as famous and well known as you. My name is Nyxeris Nissia. I'm Liara's assistant, receptionist, and best agent."

"You're an info broker as well?" asked the spectre curiously.

"In a manner of speaking. My efforts go to assist Noble Liara in her efforts rather than using my skills for myself," said Nyxeris with a small head bow. "Plus, I do not have Noble Liara's contacts. She is truly a talented addition to the information industry."

"Right. Anyway… I should get in to see her. It's been a long time," said Shepard awkwardly, getting a nod from the woman.

"Of course, Shepard. If you need anything from me, you know where to find me," she said as she sat back down and activated her communicator. "I'm calling to alert you that Spectre Shepard is here looking to see you." She stayed still for a few moments as she listened. "As you wish." Closing the communicator, she smiled up at them. "She is waiting for you inside," said the woman as she motioned towards the door.

Shepard looked at the door before turning to the others. Before she could get a single word off, Garrus spoke up. "We'll uh… wait out here until you need us."

Shepard stared at him for a moment before turning to Tali. "Go," said the quarian as she nodded towards the door.

Shepard smiled at them both and nodded back before turning around and opening the door. Once inside, she was immediately hit with the gorgeous view of the sunset over the ocean. Portions of Nos Astra could still be seen near the bottom of the large window, but the main landscape was pure ocean and sun as it sank behind the horizon, casting its warm glow into the room itself. Knowing Liara's current occupation, she doubted it was an actual window instead of a projection. But it was gorgeous nonetheless.

Pushing thoughts of the scenery from her mind, she turned to the blue figure sitting behind a desk, typing away at a terminal frantically. Multiple screens filled the air in front of her, all of them hovering as holographic projections. Finally, she hit one last button and all the screens disappeared, giving the spectre an unobstructed view of the woman she came here to see. Liara stood up behind the desk, a worried smile illuminating her gorgeous face.

Shepard was stunned for a moment as she noticed a rather glaring change. But it didn't stop the asari from marching around the desk and pulling Shepard into a tight hug. Snapping out of her stupor, Jane squeezed her back, her muscles aching as she finally released the tension she didn't realize she was holding, practically melting into her arms.

"Jane, it's so good to see you!" said the asari excitedly as she released the woman and held her at arm's length as if to examine her. "Your hair! You've grown it out!"

"And you," said Shepard as she stared at the asari's face. "You have eyebrows!"

Liara giggled like a schoolgirl and nodded. "A small cosmetic change that helps when dealing with humans." Suddenly, her smile fell. "You… you don't like them?"

"They look great," said Shepard with a smile. "I just never thought about you with eyebrows. It's very distracting."

Liara smiled again and released Shepard's shoulders. "You'll get used to them. Garrus looked at me funny for a while too." Shepard felt herself practically glowing. She had almost expected the asari to be distant and cold towards her to keep from hurting again. Now she felt guilty for misjudging Liara. "I'm glad to see you, Jane. I really am," said the young asari as she sat back in her chair.

Shepard sat across from her. "Me too. I'm… sorry I didn't come sooner," she said with a soft sigh. "I just thought…"

"You thought I had moved on and didn't want to come racing back into my life if I had," said the asari knowingly. Shepard glared at her playfully. "I can understand why you hesitated. If the roles had been reversed, I would have expected the same of you. To most, two years is a long time to go without loving someone or being loved yourself." Shepard nodded solemnly. "I assure you; my life has taken a different direction than it was going previously. However, my love for you has never changed." Liara looked down at her desk almost ashamed. "I… I suppose that was why I gave your body to Cerberus."

Shepard's brows rose slightly. "They told me you found my body. But you're the one who gave me to them?"

She nodded and clenched her hands together nervously. "I had a gut feeling that people wouldn't just allow you to die in peace. Whether it was the Alliance, Cerberus, the reapers, or the Shadow Broker, you were hunted by many. Almost as soon as I was rescued from the escape pods, I took a ship down to the planet and searched for you for weeks. By that time the Shadow Broker had already sent agents to try and find you as well. We had clashed a few times on the surface of Alchera, but I came out on top." She said before clearing her throat. "It was then that Cerberus approached me. I was cautious and ready to destroy them too, but they told me they could bring you back."

"I'm surprised you believed them," said Shepard as she scratched her head thoughtfully.

"I didn't at first. But I gave them the chance to prove it. They showed me the science behind it, and then blatantly reversed the death of several people. One had died from exposure, one from a gunshot to the heart, and the last one from severe burns. Of course none of them were as badly damaged as you were, but they showed me that if I had only one chance to get you back, it was with them," she said as she looked down. Shepard could immediately see as she tried to hide the tears that streamed down from her eyes. "They sent an agent to help me find you and fight off the Shadow Broker's men. When I finally did, I gave them to you."

"I… see," said Shepard, unsure of her own feelings. She found herself in a mild state of confusion, wondering whether she would attempt to bring back Liara if she had died.

"I know what you're thinking," said the asari, getting a surprised look from Shepard. "I assure you, if I saw any other way for the galaxy to survive the coming years with the reapers closing in, I would have let you pass and mourned you. But I knew in my heart and soul that letting you die would be letting die the only chance the galaxy has of surviving."

"You… revived me so I could fight the reapers?" asked Shepard, her emotions a whirlwind, switching from confused, to upset, to embarrassed, to guilt, and all over the place.

Liara sighed gently as she scrubbed her eyes. "I don't know what you want me to say, Shepard. Of course I also did it because I couldn't imagine living without you next to me. Of course I didn't just have you revived solely to save the galaxy. Knowing I was handing you to Cerberus, knowing what they were capable of doing to you was the hardest decision I've ever made in my hundred and eight years of life."

Shepard felt guilty again. She didn't expect herself to act this way, but she still found herself suspicious of Liara's motives. She claimed to have not moved on, to have mourned yet still loved her, but she found herself wondering about the information Miranda had given her. Shepard wasn't jealous at all. If Liara had found someone to keep her company during her death, she would have happily greeted and accepted them as Liara's partner as well. But for some reason, the asari didn't bring them up at all. Finally, she decided to quit speculating and just ask.

"So, the agent that Cerberus paired you with. Were they this V'Reena person?" she asked, noticing that Liara gave her a surprised look.

"V'Reena?" she asked, giving the woman a scrutinizing eye. "What do you know of her?"

"Nothing, really. Miranda warned me that you might have moved on from me because you shared an apartment with this person," said the spectre as she looked to Liara curiously. The woman's face was more amused than anything.

"The agent Cerberus paired me with was named Feron Lanteyus," said before leaning back in her chair. "Jane, what do you remember of our conversations before the Normandy was destroyed?"

Shepard looked down at the table. "Not a lot. The weeks leading up to my death were gone from my head. I only just got the ones of my death back a few weeks ago. They… were not pleasant," she said as she looked back up to the asari. "Why are you asking?"

Liara smiled gently and shook her head. "I'll make you a deal, Jane," she said as she opened her omni-tool and passed the spectre a file. "When you get all of your memories back, I will discuss what happened that year with you."

Shepard eyed her for a moment before looking down at her omni-tool. She opened the file and noted that it simply said [Can't discuss here. Invite me to Normandy.] Shepard went wide-eyed for a moment before looking up at Liara. "Uhh… deal. In the meantime, why not come see the new Normandy? I'm sure Joker would love to say hi as well."

"I would love that," said Liara as she stood up from her desk. "Lead the way."

Captain's Quarters – SSV Normandy SR-2

"I see he hasn't changed a bit," said Liara with a smirk as she strolled into the door of the room.

"Even if everything else in the universe changes, Joker will be its immovable center," said Shepard as she crossed her arms and leaned against the partition. Liara strolled over to the desk and smiled as she saw the picture of the old crew. Reaching down, she picked it up and smiled wider. "Remembering the old days?"

"They are hard to forget," said the asari as she set the picture down again. "One day I'm a prothean scientist digging through ruins hoping to find a fragment of a datacard with a prothean cookbook on it. And within the span of a month, I was destroying geth, mercenaries, and reaper forces as I fought off the return of the very beings that erased the protheans from the galaxy."

"I suppose that would be a very memorable lifestyle change," said Shepard with a grin as she sat in her desk chair. "So, why did you have me bring you out here? Not that I mind you visiting, but…"

"I presume you have cleared your ship of listening and recording devices the Illusive Man may have planeted?" asked the asari curiously.

EDI popped up next to the door. "She was very thorough, even intrusive while getting rid of them. But at least she wore gloves."

Liara snorted as Shepard glared at EDI's holographic figure. "Very funny EDI," said the spectre as she shook her head. "I got them all. Well, aside from the living crew anyway. But they can't hear you here. And I've taken precautions to make sure EDI can't go around my back."

"Good," said Liara as she looked down as if trying to figure out where to start. "To put it bluntly, I'm being closely monitored by the Shadow Broker."

"Why?" asked Shepard in bewilderment. "I know you stole me out of their grasp, but they couldn't have been that mad at you."

"Not for that, no," said Liara seriously. "It's because I'm trying to find them and kill them."

Stunned once again, all Shepard could say is, "Wha?"

"When I was going after your body, the Illusive Man sent Faron to get ahold of me. He did so, but what Faron didn't tell me was that he was double dealing for the Shadow Broker. He actually came to me under the guise of working for the Illusive Man to distract me while the Shadow Broker got your body," she said with a look of mild annoyance on her face.

"Wait, he was working for the Shadow Broker, but took the Illusive Man's money in order to keep you distracted because he was still working for the Shadow Broker?" asked the spectre as she tried to uncross the wires in her head.

"Yes. He was working for the Shadow Broker. His dealing with Cerberus was a double-dealing," said Liara gently as she leaned against the wall and crossed her arms. "The Shadow Broker hired the Blue Suns to get your body and trade it to the collectors for the rewards they were offering. Faron kept me busy while the Blue Suns found you and dragged your body halfway across the galaxy. It wasn't until Faron found out that the Shadow Broker was trading you to the collectors that he dropped all double dealing."

"He helped you?" asked Shepard curiously.

"He saved my life. He took a shot that was meant for me, then threw himself at both the Blue Suns and collectors to give me time to escape with your body," she said as her hands tightened into fists. "I never found his body afterwards, so I assume they took him prisoner. And one of these I'm going to track the Shadow Broker down and kill them for what they tried to do to you, and for what they did to Faron."

"I see. So, you're working as an information broker right now to try and track them down?" asked Shepard, getting a nod from the asari.

"Nyxeris and a few other agents I have working on other floors of the building pass me information. I'll make requests of them without being too obvious about what I'm looking for. It's very lucrative, and it allows me to put together the puzzle of the Shadow Broker's location very slowly. That said, I'm working on Illium, and I'm an information broker. Which means it's likely that a few of my agents have been approached by the Shadow Broker and may be constantly putting up cameras and listening devices."

"Understood," said Shepard as she thought for a moment. "So, what about the V'Reena person?"

"They are very important to me," she said with a firm stare. "But I'm still not going to introduce you until your memories return."

"Wait, why? I thought you just needed to be out of your office," said Shepard in confusion.

"For several reasons. But the main one being that you will understand once you remember. I'm not going to put more weight onto your shoulders while you're also fighting to save the galaxy," said Liara, her tone indicating that she was serious.

"I don't really think you having another partner would be much of a burden to me," said Shepard, still confused about the whole situation. "But if it's something you want to keep close to your chest, then I won't intrude."

"I believe you," said Liara with a genuine smile. "When your XO told you about them, you could easily have found the information for yourself. After all, you're a very skilled seeker. If you had wanted, you could have dug up most of my history over the two years you were gone. But you didn't."

Shepard nodded solemnly. "I want to be a part of your life, but I don't want to intrude on it."

"As that is the case, I'll add an addendum to that offer earlier," said the broker as she flashed another smile.

"I'm listening," said Shepard, her interest piqued at the offer.

"They are in hiding. Trying to take down the Shadow Broker is an easy way to make enemies, and I wouldn't want to endanger anyone I cared for, including you. But if the danger were to disappear, then I will explain everything to you," said Liara as she stood up straight again.

"So, if I help you take down the Shadow Broker?" asked the spectre as she tilted her head inquisitively.

"You can help, yes. But that isn't a requirement," said Liara as she stepped up to Shepard and gently stroked her hair. Shepard gently felt the waves of joy and sorrow from her fingertips as they made contact with her skin. "While I'm not telling you for a specific reason, they are in hiding until the danger has passed. If I can find the Shadow Broker and get rid of them, then I will tell you all you wish to know. Your cooperation isn't needed."

"But it would help," said Shepard with a raised brow.

"Of course," said Liara with a glare.

"Alright alright," said Shepard as she finally stood up and faced the woman again. "I'll help you, and you help me. And after all this nonsense with the Shadow Broker is over, I'd love to meet your partner. I still want to be a part of your life, if you'll have me. And I won't be threatened or jealous over someone else."

"I'm happy to hear that," said Liara with a grin as she gripped Shepard's hips. Jane gripped hers as well and they embraced. It was then that Liara looked up at her in shock. "Shepard!"

"What, what happened?" asked the spectre in surprise.

"You're a biotic?!" asked the asari in confusion.

"Oh boy…" groaned Shepard as she sat back in her chair.

CODEX ENTRIES

Macedyn | Location | Hierarchy Space
A colony world well known as the retirement home of turian space, as well as the best vacation spots among the Hierarchy colonies. Sitting well within Hierarchy Space, it was once a vulnerable world as its relay connects to the outer fringes of the Attican Traverse. But after an unfortunate attack by raiders from the Terminus Systems, the Hierarchy reinforced the area with heavy patrols, making the world one of the most peaceful in the galaxy.

Skak | Derogatory Linguistics | Turian Common
A derogatory slang word in turian common meaning "feces." Like in human languages, it's a common curse that wasn't added to the translators in modern omni-tools for obvious reasons. Also like in human languages, it's a phrase commonly used when questioning the veracity of something.

Legate | Military | Palaven Hierarchy
A commander of forces. They can be put in charge of anything from a platoon of fifty soldiers to thousands. They are typically the centerpiece for the turian Hierarchy on Palaven, who lead entire battalions into battle. They also act as the captains of ships in the Palaven naval force, only switching over to the Citadel's more commonly used 'commander' when and if they join the Citadel Fleet.

Noble | Culture | Asari
A title typically given by asari towards other asari who are of higher stature than them. Usually used in very formal situations such as business meetings or family gatherings, it's a simple and polite way of expressing to an asari that you respect them.

Grey Face Paint | Culture | Asari
In asari culture, painting one's face is a sign of status. While some asari have forgone tradition and don't wear paint as asari politics melded into galactic politics, it is still common to see asari with their faces painted in this traditional matter. It is also a way of identifying an asari's position in society. The more paint an asari has on her face, the higher her social status. These paints also come in a number of colors depending on which social class they rank in, with grey being in the non-military intel industry.

Embrace | Culture | Asari
As common as a human handshake or turian wrist clasp on Thessia and asari colonies, the embrace is a greeting born of the asari, a species that are less modest with innate biotics. The embrace consists of two people placing their hands on each other's hips and pressing their foreheads together. The simple touch of foreheads allows enough extrasensory touch in order to show their joy in meeting. Asari who are not thrilled with who they are meeting often forgo the embrace and use less intimate greetings from other species.