Thank you all for reviewing and following, it makes me so happy! It's good to know you guys enjoy the story :-) Thank you for your compliments, but remember, if you see stuff that could be better, let me know and I'll try to change it. And So yeah... Um... I think the title is self explanatory. Sorries!

Paradise Lost

Dani woke to the shifting of weight on the mattress. When she opened her eyes she took a moment to clear the cobwebs from her mind. She leaned up on her elbow and found Garrus sitting on the bed, already dressed in fresh fatigues, putting on the different pieces of his armor.

"Hey," she greeted softly.

"Hey you," he turned his head and flared a smile.

"So, Noveria? Now?"

"Yeah, we need to find out why Saren sent the geth here. He's looking for the Conduit and we can't let him find it. Hopefully we will discover something useful."

"I hope so too. Be careful?"

Garrus nuzzled his forehead against hers. "Of course," he said softly.

It was a spur of the moment thing, but before Garrus could get up, Dani had placed her lips on his mouth plates. It was – weird. He had no lips to return the gesture so Dani was at a loss at how to proceed. Not that she would have stood a better chance if he'd had lips. At least his plates weren't as hard or sharp as she had first thought, though they did possess a kind of metallic tinge. They were actually kind of, well not soft exactly, but a bit more pliable than she had thought at first. When she noticed he didn't move, at all, she wondered if perhaps she'd done something foolish.

"For good luck," she muttered, her cheeks stinging with embarrassment.

He gazed at her for a moment, suddenly leaned in and captured her lower lip between his mouth plates. His tongue darted over it quickly before he slowly dipped it between her lips. Her eyes widened when she felt his tongue delve inside her mouth. It was - quite big she noticed. Where the hell had he picked this up? Their lips weren't exactly compatible and they had never kissed before. It should feel so much more awkward but all Dani could think was how wonderful he tasted and how maddening wonderful his tongue felt gliding along hers. With a small aroused whimper she sucked on the alien tongue invading her mouth and that's when Garrus suddenly released her. He flared a smile at her and gave one last quick nuzzle with his forehead.

"For good luck," he said with a chuckle before heading out.


Tali and Dani sat on Tali's bunk in silence. It was clear that Tali suffered under the burden of losing Kaidan. After reassuring herself that Tali was fine, physically at least, silence stretched out between the two. Dani hated how she didn't know what to do or say to make her friend feel better. 'I'm sorry you're alive because Kaidan died' didn't seem a very appropriate comment even though Dani knew this was exactly how Tali felt. . . Sorry to be alive when another was dead, because Shepard had to make the choice between Kaidan or her and Ashley.

'I'm sorry for you loss,' didn't fit either. Too indifferent and too awkward. 'He died with honor,' or 'He died for the good cause,' not very good options either.

"You're trying to think of something to say to me about yesterday, aren't you?" Tali finally broke the silence.

"Since when did telepathy become one of your abilities?"

"Who needs telepathy talking to you? You are like, how do humans say it, like an open book?"

"Tali, you know figurative speech is lost on me, right?"

"It just means you are easy to read. You have a very expressive face. I love that about you. Unlike me, you never have to explain how you mean something. And you still have a mean poker face. Guess it depends on the company, huh?"

"Oh, you mean you love how I look stupid and dumb whenever I don't get something that's so glaringly obvious to others? Sometimes I wish I could get away with wearing a mask."

"It has it's uses," Tali conceded. "But spending you're entire life in a suit? Never able to be really intimate? Trust me, I envy you."

"You know, up until a few weeks ago I would have totally disagreed with you," Dani admitted. "But now? Yeah, I believe you."

"Ah, you mean up until you started noticing Garrus?" Tali teased.

"Why am I not surprised you're jumping on this topic like a – like a . . . predator on its prey?"

"You know me," Tali hummed content. "You know, there are bets being made when you two finally become an item."

Dani clasped her hands against her cheeks to hide their color. Tali erupted in a bubbly chuckle.

"Don't you mean if we become an – item?" Dani grumbled.

"The rate you two are going? No," Tali replied, her voice sounding oddly affectionate.

"What's stopping you anyway? I mean, you can't deny it. Not now. It's not because he's turian and you're human right?" Tali gasped in shocked horror.

"No! Though that is kind of weird. For some humans the First Contact War is not that long ago, you know?"

"Yeah, of course. But, then what is it?"

Dani shifted her weight feeling very uncomfortable. It had been so easy, while living on the Normandy, to forget what it had been like on Earth. Or at least a part of it.

"I'm not good with emotions, Tali. Sometimes I react a certain way that others don't get. I either react too much or too little or in a way that others feel is completely out of place. And that's besides the fact most just think I'm plain weird."

She wrapped her arms around her knees. "Let's just say that, generally speaking, I'm not exactly considered as worthwhile to pursue, I guess. And to be honest, I never understood that process anyway. This – thing – with Garrus? It's complete unknown territory. Even this, right now? Talking? Most people never had the patience to deal with me anyway, let alone be – "

"Then they were wrong. Very narrow-minded and wrong," Tali placed her hand on Dani's.

"I just – feel so confused most of the time. I'm feeling things that are unfamiliar to me, sometimes even scary. And I don't know how to respond to them. I don't even know how to label what I feel. But I like Garrus. A lot. I know that and also that I like spending time with him, being near him."

"Girl, you are in love. There's no denying it," Tali said, her voice trilling in a very smug manner. "And Garrus, he can act tough all he wants, but he's got it bad for you. That means, he feels the same way about you. And I for one, am really glad. This place could use a bit of happiness."

"Well," Dani started, "I um, I kind of agreed to talk about it with him. When he gets back. And I suppose – talk about it – actually means talk about us. And, we - um - we kissed, this morning and it got . . . pretty heated. And I really liked it. I mean, a lot!"

"Finally!" Tali muttered. "It was about time! Now, just get this out of your way, so there's no longer any doubt. Just say it and admit it!"

"What? No!"

"Yes!" Tali insisted, "Dani, you have to. If you can't admit it to yourself, how can you admit it to him when he gets back?"

"I don't know, Tali."

"Just say it. Trust me, you'll feel better if you just admit it."

Dani eyed Tali with suspicion. "How the hell would you know?"

"I just do! And, it would make me feel better. Just say it!"

"You'd better not have credits riding on this!" Dani grumbled.

"If I have you'll never know. Keelah, just do it!"

"Fine! I'm ..." She faltered.

"Yes, go on!" Tali encouraged.

"I'm – in love –"

"Don't stop! Let it out!"

"I'm in love – with –" Dani started breathing heavily. God why was it so hard to say the words? Sweat started prickling in her neck. Oh who was she kidding? She knew why it was hard.

"I'm in – love – with," her voice started to tremble. If she did it. If she really said it out loud, it would only make her more vulnerable. Much more than she'd ever been.

She licked her lips, closed her eyes and tried to push doubt and fear away. It was just one more thing at which she could fail. But the stakes were so much higher. Blue eyes, clear as fragmented crystals or displayed ice – so warm, burning – swam into her mind. She was at stake. Her heart was at stake. Her heart, her soul her mind – everything she was and ever would be was at stake. But, wasn't he worth the risk?

Her eyes snapped to Tali's. "I'm in love with Garrus Vakarian," she stated solemnly and half in wonder. Her eyes grew large, relief and a sudden wave of something else crashed through her.

"Tali! I'm in love with Garrus Vakarian!" She cried out and grasped her friend by the arms. She started laughing and her friend laughed with her and wrapped her arms around her.

"I know you are, Dani," Tali whispered. "I'm so glad you finally know too."

"Tali, is Dani Pryde with you?"

At the sound of Ashley's voice they quickly pulled apart. They looked at each other, both in equal wonder. What the hell could she want?

"Yes Ashley. As a matter of fact she is. What do you want?" Tali asked tersely, not moving to open the front to her room.

"I've received a message for her."

"A message? Who from?"

"Look, I'm not going to stand here yapping to a closed door. Either she wants to get the message or not."

Tali and Dani both got up and Tali opened the front of the room. When it folded back, Ashley did not enter. Dani locked eyes with her and felt startled by the empty cold look directed at her. A foreboding feeling settled in the pit of her stomach. Like yesterday. Like Virmire. Like Kaidan.

"Well, what is it then?" Dani asked, trying to keep her voice as level as possible.

"A few scientists learned about the Normandy docking here, at Noveria. They know Dani is part of the crew and they sent a message requesting a meeting. Torque Enterprises ring a bell?"

"Torque Enterprises? Scientists? Is it Dr. Torque himself? Was Alex Wright with him?" Dani got excited at the prospect and the bad feeling dissipated at once. She had no idea what would have brought them to Noveria but she'd love to see Dr. Torque and Alex.

"How am I supposed to know?" Ashley sneered. "They just wanted me to pass it through. A few salarians are waiting at the garage for your reply."

"Salarians?" Dani asked confused. "I don't understand –"

"Look, I'm not your yeoman Pryde. Meet the Torques or don't, I don't really care. I've relayed the damned message. I'm done. Oh, they left this. Said you'd need it – Should you decide to meet them." Ashley handed over a pass with a holo-mark of Noveria on it, turned around and left without another word.

"Okay then. Thanks," Dani muttered, staring at the pass.

"You're not gonna go, are you?" Tali asked anxiously. "Torque scientists? What could they want? Treat you like dirt a bit more? Or worse, what if they want you to come back?"

Dani laughed at Tali's indignant tone.

"Even if they did want that, Tali. You know I couldn't. Not now," she said softly.

"Good, cause it would break the big lump's heart!" Tali huffed. "But, will you go?"

"Go and meet them?" Dani pondered the question for a moment. "Yeah. I think I will. No scientist working at Torque would ever request a meeting with me, unless they'd screwed up something. Even then, they most likely wouldn't want to admit it. So, it has to be Dr. Torque and Alex. Maybe even the kids as well. I'd love to see them!" she breathed excitedly.

"Well, at least let me escort you to those salarians Ashley mentioned. Any sign of trouble – I better bring my shot gun, just in case."

"Fine!" Dani conceded. "Just hurry up!"

Dani left Tali alone to get ready and took the elevator to the CIC. She took a small detour to the bridge to inform Joker she'd go off ship.

"Have fun, Dani. Say hi to the Torques. And tell them Garrus says thanks," Joker smirked.

"Oh shut up!" Dani smiled and waved at him.

Tali was already waiting for her near the airlock. When the door hissed open for them, the Normandy VI logged the activity.

"Equalizing interior pressure with exterior atmosphere. Logged, Advising Technician Danaederia Pryde and Quarian Machinist Tali'Zorah nar Rayya are ashore."

"What did the VI just call you?"

"Tali, if you want to come, drop it and never mention it again," Dani dead-panned.

"Spoil sport!"

They walked down the ramp to the hangar of Port Hanshan, capital of Noveria. They were blocked however near the entrance by a turian ERCS guard.

"State your business," he said gruffly.

"My presence is requested by Dr. Torque of Torque Enterprises," Dani stated.

The turian glanced at her and let his gaze rest on Tali's shotgun.

"Fire arms are not permitted on Noveria. I'll have to secure your weapon."

"Oh, I don't think so," Tali hissed, clutching her shot gun close.

"Then you don't get to pass. Either way, I don't care," the guard said in a bored tone.

"Am I to presume Commander Shepard, the Spectre, relinquished his weapons?"

"Spectres are authorized to carry their weapons on Noveria. You're no Spectre. Relinquish your gun or stay behind."

"Tali, please!" Dani begged her friend, "Please don't make this difficult for me?"

"Fine! Here, have my gun but know I'll be coming back for this!"

"As soon as you finish your business it will be waiting here."

Dani and Tali made it through and went up a couple of stairs. A woman in a blue dress was standing behind a reception area.

"Welcome to Noveria, my name is Marsha Durant, assistant to the new administrator who's yet to be elected after the resignation of administrator Anoleis. We apologize for any inconvenience but I'd be more than happy to help with any questions."

"Oh. Hello, Marsha. I've been invited here by Dr. Torque of Torque Enterprises. I believe his salarian associates are expecting me in the garage."

"Hmm, there's no log here that mentions the arrival of a Dr. Torque or any employee of the mentioned company. I'm sorry, I just started this job. Not only are we short of an administrator, his assistant, Gianna Parsini also just up and left. I can sort it out, it might just take a while."

"Just, point me in the direction of the garage," Dani sighed.

"You'll need to ask the administrator for clearance to leave this port."

"But, you just told me the administrator has resigned."

"I did. Again, we apologize for any inconvenience. To access the garage, you need a pass. Only the administrator gives them out."

"Wait, a pass? Like this one?" Dani showed her the pass she received from Ashley.

"That's the one," Marsha smiled at her. "Just take the elevator up and follow the signs to the garage."

Dani nodded her thanks and headed to the elevator with Tali.

"I don't like this, Dani," Tali told her on their ride up. "Maybe we should wait for Shepard to come back."

"Tali, we don't know how long they'll be gone for. I know Dr. Torque. If he's here, he won't be here long. I don't want to waste this chance to tell him . . . thank you."

Tali just bowed her head in defeat.

At the next level they got off the elevator and followed the signs to the garage. They passed a turian idly hanging about a flight of stairs. They took the stairs, rounded a corner and got blocked again near the entrance leading to the garage.

"Access to the garage is restricted," the guard informed them not unfriendly.

"I have a pass," Dani handed over her pass to the guard.

"Yes, that's genuine. Drive safely. The weather's supposed to be pretty bad out the Aleutsk Valley."

"Um, thanks," Dani muttered and quickly headed through the doors that opened up for her, before Tali could raise more objections.

The garage was a vast space, littered with crates. Tire tracks decorated the floor, one set of tracks unmistakably belonging to the Normandy's Mako.

"Hey look," Dani nudged Tali. "Shepard came past here."

"I just hope he's nearby," Tali muttered.

At the end of the garage, near a large door, they found a small group of five salarians loitering near a M29 Grizzly, a similar vehicle to the Mako, just a bit larger.

"That must be them," Dani whispered to Tali. That ill foreboding feeling was back again.

"You Dani Pryde?" One of the salarians asked.

She swallowed and nodded. "Yes. You here to bring me to Dr. Torque?"

"Dr. Torque? Um sure. Took you long enough. We've been waiting for your reply."

"I came here in person instead. Dr. Torque is a busy man. I didn't want to waste time."

"Indeed," the salarian said with a smirk. "Who's the quarian?"

"The quarian is Tali'Zorah nar Rayya, my friend and escort," Dani replied with a clipped voice.

"Sorry, only room for six in the Grizzly."

"No Dani, you're not going alone!" Tali protested, her voice pitching.

"Dr. Torque has some – business – to attend to. You can come with us or keep wasting time. Up to you. He's . . . a busy man, you know."

"Dani, I don't trust them!" Tali hissed. "Please, let's just wait for Shepard to return first!"

"I – " Dani was in doubt. She didn't really want to go alone with a bunch salarians she didn't know, but she didn't want to pass up the chance to see Alex and the doc either.

"I know enough. We're not here to waste time. Other things to do. Let's go. Will inform Dr. Torque you didn't want to meet." The salarian turned around and signaled his buddies to get back inside the vehicle.

"No wait!" Dani cried out. She then turned to Tali. "Tali, please! I'll be fine. I'll meet with Dr. Torque and if it will make you feel better, I'll insist that Alex escorts me back. He's just as bad ass as Commander Shepard. Okay?"

"I don't know Dani. I really don't like the thought of you going out there – on your own – with them, even if they are just a bunch of scientist nerds," Tali whispered.

"What can I do or say to ease your mind. Please, Tali?"

Tali glanced around a bit. She clearly and very visibly felt absolutely uncomfortable. She looked at the Mako's tracks for a while.

"Very well. Just because I know Shepard is out there, with Garrus and Liara and they will inflict hell on you if you try to pull something! Not to mention what I will do!" Tali hissed at the salarian.

Dani smiled at her. "'Don't worry', that's what you always tell me when you go on a mission. I promise to contact as soon as I meet up with Dr. Torque. Will that satisfy you?"

"When I go on a mission, I go knowing that two friends have got my back," Tali countered. "I don't like you going out alone. When you get back I promise I will never nag you about worrying again. Just, don't take too long, okay? Drag them to the Normandy if you have to, just don't stay away too long!"

Dani wrapped her arms around Tali and squeezed her tightly.

"Thank you Tali," she whispered. "For caring. For being my friend. For everything!"

"Just hurry up, Pryde," Tali whispered back. "I won't know peace till you get back!"

The salarian motioned Dani to take a seat inside the Grizzly. Before she did, Dani turned back one last time for a smile and a wave.