Buried Beneath ch15: Nos Astra

Normandy, 2185, October 2nd 1:47 PM

The cargo deck is filled with anticipation as we wait for the ship to land. We've finally arrived in Nos Astra. The city of legalised crime, except for murder, of course. Though, it definitely happens anyway.

Riley mentioned we'd be here for four days. It's more than enough time to restock and recruit. According to her, these are the final recruits. An asari Justicar and an assassin. I don't really like the sound of either. Justicars are scary, and I wouldn't want her to find out too much about me. As for the assassin, I'm not really interested in talking with them.

"Excited?" Jacob asks, breaking through my thoughts as he approaches from behind

I turn to find him standing there with his arms crossed, his eyes kind as he smiles like he usually does. He always seems like a happy, carefree type of person. But, I know that's not the whole story.

"Yeah," I respond with a nod. "By the way, are you picking up the scram pulsar? I can do it if you want." It would give me a chance to look at the other items in stock.

Jacob doesn't seem surprised. "I figured as much." He chuckles, opening his omni-tool. "I'll send you all the information. Proof of purchase, identity, stuff like that."

"Sounds good." I open my omni-tool, looking over the details. "Gateway Personal Defense?"

He raises an eyebrow. "You know where that is?"

"I've seen it. Just never been." If that small ass kiosk has this, the rest is probably amazing. "What's the pick-up time?"

"They're expecting us tomorrow," Jacob explains. "Anytime during their open hours."

"Okay, but we're here now." I don't want to wait a whole day.

"Patience." Jacob shakes his head with a smile.

"I don't have any." I shrug, closing my omni-tool.

He gives me a confused look. "Aren't you a sniper?"

"That's different," I defend. "I get excited about stuff like this. Besides, I'll probably end up grabbing a few extra things while I'm there."

"Vex," Jacob starts, looking even more confused now. "That scram pulsar cost sixty-thousand credits."

"I was going to use my own credits." It's not like it's a big deal.

He opens his mouth to say more but thinks better of it and instead gestures behind me. "Looks like we're about to land."

I turn to see Riley waving at us from across the room. "Finally. Let's go."

With that, I quickly leave Jacob's side and make my way over to Riley. We're here on business, but there's no harm in having some fun during shore leave.

Illium, 2185, October 2nd 2:04 PM

Riley leads us to the docks, which isn't that impressive. In the distance, there are towering buildings with skycars zipping around them. The neon lights of the structures bathe the landscape in a purple-blue glow. It's kind of like Omega, but they prefer red.

Nos Astra is nice, like the Citadel, but in a different way. The Citadel has this clean feeling to it, a level of formality. Nos Astra has the illusion of being like that, which you'd expect from the asari, but this place is Omega underneath.

Approaching us is an asari in a blue and white dress, followed by two LOKI mechs. "Welcome to Nos Astra, Commander Shepard," she greets us with a polite smile. "We've been instructed to waive all docking and administration fees for your visit. My name is Careena." She motions to herself gracefully. "If you need information about the area, it would be my pleasure to assist you."

Riley crosses her arms. "Who waived the fees?"

The woman, Careena, opens her omni-tool. "The order came from Liara T'Soni, who paid all fees on your behalf," she pauses, typing for a few seconds. "She also asked that I direct you to speak with her at your convenience. She's near the trading floor."

Riley thanks Careena, who bows before leaving us. Riley turns to me. "Vex, can you come with me for a bit?"

The rest of the crew heads into the city. I watch them leave, feeling a little jealous. But, it's Riley, I'll do what she asks. "Sure," I reply with a shrug. It's not like I really have anything else to do. I'm not picking up the scram pulsar today.

"Thanks." She turns, setting off towards the city.

I jog to catch up with her, and we walk for a bit until we end up in an area with a great view and a few kiosks. It's busier than the last time I was here. Nos Astra was a favourite for some of the people I was hired to kill, so I got to come here a few times.

"So," I start, sidestepping some of the crowd. "Liara T'Soni."

"What about her?" Riley gives me a sideways glance.

I smirk at her. "Nervous?"

"Just a bit," she admits. That's surprising, I expected her to lie and tell me she was fine.

"Not to sound ungrateful, but why am I coming with you? I don't know her, and I have zero experience with relationships." Plus, this is someone Riley considers important, so maybe I'm a bit nervous too.

She sighs. "Moral support, I guess. At the very least, I'd like you to meet her."

"Ah." It's a weird feeling. Meeting someone who holds so much significance to Riley feels almost surreal. I walk past her photo on the desk multiple times a day, it's honestly kind of nerve-wracking.

"Speaking of meeting people," Riley glances at me. "Have you talked to Tali yet?"

"Yeah, when she checked her weapons in." I was worried about meeting her since she's part of Riley's old crew, but she actually seems nice.

Riley nods, a grin spreading across her face. "At least someone follows the rules."

"Yeah, yeah." I wave off the comment. Now that I think of it though. "Why isn't Tali, or even Archangel, going with you? They know her."

She shrugs. "There's time for that later."

Well, I guess she has a point. "Okay, so what-"

"Excuse me!" We both turn to see an asari in a red and white dress waving us over.

Without hesitation, Riley moves towards her. "Yes?"

"Are you Commander Shepard?" the asari asks, lowering her arm.

"Who are you?" Riley seems cautious, which is smart considering we're in Nos Astra

"You're Commander Shepard? I saw you-I guess you would say your aura. I'd recognize you anywhere." Okay, either she's crazy or she's talking about some asari bullshit.

Leaning in close, I whisper into Riley's ear, "She seems nuts."

Riley doesn't answer, she just continues to stand there. Not even flinching when the woman steps closer to her.

Lowering her voice, the woman continues, "I was asked to give you a message if I saw you. It's from a friend you made on Noveria"

"Which friend?" Riley questions, her interest piqued.

"I believe the message itself should make it clear." She comes closer to Riley. I instinctively take a step back, but Riley doesn't move. The woman looks Riley in the eyes before her own turn white.

"What the fuck?" I mutter, taking a second step back.

"Riley Shepard. We hide. We build. But we know that you seek those who soured the songs of our mothers," the woman speaks, her voice echoing. Mothers? Probably some asari bullshit like I thought. "When the time comes, our voice will join with yours, and our crescendo will burn the darkness clean. Thank you, Riley Shepard. The rachni will sing again, because of you."

Wait, the rachni?

"Are you controlling this woman?" Riley shakes the woman's shoulders.

Her eyes return to normal. "The rachni queen does not control my thoughts. That was merely the message I was asked to deliver."

Riley continues the conversation without missing a beat. "Where is she now?" What the fuck is going on?

"I encountered her on an uncharted world," the woman explains. "She saved my life. More than that, she gave me a purpose." Riley nods, letting her continue. "They are an amazing people, Shepard. The galaxy owes you a great debt for giving them a second chance."

"I hope so." Riley folds her arms. "Thank you for the information."

"Be well, Commander Shepard. You will not see me again." The woman bows before casually walking away.

"Riley," I say, causing her to turn back to me. "What was that about? Aren't the rachni extinct?" By the sounds of it, that's probably not the case anymore.

"Don't worry about it," Riley deflects with a smile. "I'll explain it some time, for now let's just go."

She walks off and I keep pace with her, unable to shake off whatever that was. "You helped them? The rachni. They're not extinct because of you?" I know I'm right. Only Riley fucking Shepard could do something like that.

"Vex," she warns.

"Okay." I'll drop it for now. "I just hope that was the right decision."

"We'll see, won't we?" She seems very defensive about this. But, it's Riley. It must have been the right choice at the time.

Continuing on our way, we eventually arrive at the entrance to the transportation and shipping areas. Liara's office is apparently above it. I guess there's no backing out now.

Following Riley up the stairs, we find ourselves in front of a desk, 'administration' written in big, white letters behind it. An asari, dressed in purple and pink, occupies it.

"Hello, Commander Shepard," the woman greets. "Liara will be pleased to see you."

Riley steps closer to the desk. "You're her assistant?"

"Yes, Liara relies upon me to acquire useful intelligence. I don't have her network of contacts, but I supply her with supplemental data. It's really an honour to work with her." She seems too cheery for my taste.

Riley nods. "Well, we'll be going inside."

"Of course, Commander." The assistant stands up, rushing to our side of the desk.

We turn to the door behind us. As Riley hesitates to open it, I reach over and open it for her, earning a quick annoyed glance from her.

Inside, an asari in a green and white dress stands behind her desk. Her back is to us as she talks to a man on a screen.

"Have you ever faced an asari commando unit before? Few humans have," she threatens, typing on a datapad. "I'll make it simple. Either you pay me, or I flay you alive. With my mind."

Damn.

Riley steps forward, so I do the same. The assistant stays by the door. The asari, Liara, hangs up her call and turns around. Surprise flashing across her face.

"Riley!" Liara exclaims, hurrying around her desk. "Nyxeris, hold my calls."

"Of course," the assistant, Nyxeris, complies before closing the door.

Liara pulls Riley in for a kiss. It's intimate, which makes me feel kind of awkward. They don't even seem to care that I'm right here.

Finally, the nightmare ends and they break apart. Liara looks almost sad as she takes a step back from Riley.

"My sources said you were alive, but I never believed-" she shakes her head, smiling. "It's very good to see you."

"You too," Riley agrees. "What have you been up to?"

"I've been working as an information broker," she replies. And here I was thinking she was some prothean researcher or something.

"Why?" Riley seems concerned all of a sudden. "What happened to your work?"

"I had to, it's paid the bills since you-well." She turns and heads over to her desk. "For the past two years."

Riley steps forward. "Liara-"

"It's okay." She takes a seat at her desk. "You're back, gunning for the Collectors with Cerberus."

Riley approaches her while I opt to stand further back, just watching the tension between them. "Come with us-with me, you know I could use your help."

"I can't, Riley." Liara's voice sounds pained. "I'm sorry. I have commitments here. Things I need to take care of."

Riley is silent for a few moments before quietly asking, "Are you in trouble?"

"No, no trouble." Liara shakes her head. "Look, Riley, it's been two years. I had to do things while you were gone. I have debts to repay."

It's a bit weird hearing someone else refer to Riley by her name. Barely anyone on the Normandy does, I think I've only heard Chakwas do it.

"Can I help?" Riley doesn't even hesitate.

"If you want to help," Liara says, smiling. "I need someone with hacking expertise, someone I can trust. Someone like..." She turns her gaze to me. "Miss Ward."

Ah. I step forward. "I guess I'm not surprised you already know who I am."

She nods. "Riley's told me about you, yes."

I smirk at that. "Yet, you knew it was me. I could have been anyone."

"I'm very good at my job," Liara replies, a hint of amusement in her eyes.

"I can see that." I stop, now standing next to Riley. "So, what do you need me to do?"

Liara shifts in her seat, straightening up. "I need you to disable security at key points around Nos Astra-"

"Liara," Riley interrupts, desperation in her tone. "Why can't you just talk to me? We can figure this out."

"Don't you think I want to?" Liara's voice rises slightly. "This isn't because I don't trust you. This is Nos Astra, we're on Illium. Anything I say is probably being recorded."

Riley places a hand on the desk. "Then we can go somewhere-"

"Riley, please," Liara pleads. "I know what I'm doing."

They stare at each other for a few moments before Riley relents, "Okay, I trust you."

"Thank you." Liara smiles briefly at Riley before turning back to me. "Hacking the security nodes won't get you the data I need, but it'll create a minor glitch in the system."

I nod. "So, I'll have a minute, maybe two, to find the data?"

"Yes, you'll have to find a local server that's left vulnerable by that glitch and upload the data to my system," Liara confirms.

Easy enough. "I can do that."

"Just be careful." Her tone becomes more serious. "I'm leaving my own system vulnerable so that the data can be imported during that short time."

"And you're sure this will help you?" Riley asks, to which Liara nods. "Okay, then yes, we'll do it."

I shrug. "I was going to do it regardless." Riley shoots me another look. "What? It sounds exciting."

Liara smiles. "Thank you-"

"Vex is fine," I cut in. "You don't have to be so formal."

"Vex," she finishes then turns to Riley. "And thank you, Riley. For trusting me."

"Of course." She gives a small, sad smile. "We'll be back later."

Liara nods and they share a longing glance. Gag. I turn around and leave the room without a word. Nodding to the assistant as I pass her, I head downstairs to wait for Riley.

Riley appears at the top of the stairs a minute later, judging by her expression, she doesn't seem happy.

"How do you feel?" I ask as she heads down the steps.

"I don't know," she replies.

"She's not the same, is she?" That much is obvious.

Riley shakes her head. "No."

I shrug and pat her on the shoulder. "That's not always a bad thing. You don't know what happened while you were gone."

"I know, it's just-" she puts on a sad smile. "I'm just happy to see her again, but things are different now."

"Maybe you can talk to her again when all this is over." I don't see why they couldn't be together again one day.

She nods. "I hope so."

"Anyway." I take a step towards the door that leads to transportation and shipping. "Let's get this over with."

Riley seems sceptical, but joins me at the door anyway. "Why here?"

"I've been to Nos Astra before," I explain. "There's a bunch of security nodes in the transportation area."

She doesn't argue but instead opens the door. I smile triumphantly at her before walking through.

Illium, 2185, October 2nd 3:21 PM

"See, it's easy," I say, walking over to another terminal that's next to some bushes.

Riley glances around before positioning herself in front of it. I don't have the heart to tell her that doesn't really help. "How'd you get into this anyway?" she asks.

"Hacking?" I activate my omni-tool and begin running the program. "You sure you want to know?"

She shrugs. "Sure."

Well, okay then. "I needed to break into places for my old job." It's strange calling it my old job now.

Riley nods. "Ah, I see."

"I was good at it." I smirk a little to myself. "I eventually met Nulan. He was better than me, so I would just get him to do it. He taught me some things, but he was way out of my league." He was truly the best of the best.

Riley's gaze softens. "I'm sorry about your friend. It probably feels like I don't care that you're hurting sometimes, or that I'm on Garrus' side. But I do care, Vex."

Oh, I wasn't expecting that. "Don't get all sentimental on me, we have a server to find." I step away, avoiding the topic as I follow the signal I picked up. It leads us across the transportation area, tucked out of view. "Done, let's go find another..." I trail off at the sound of my omni-tool ringing.

I answer it, recognizing the familiar voice. "This is Liara. I've got the data. Come see me when you've got a moment."

"You got it." I turn back to Riley. "I guess we better head back."

"Seems so," she agrees, already making her way towards the exit.

I'm surprised she didn't want more information. Maybe three servers' worth is enough for whatever it is she wants. Hopefully she knows what she's doing, this is pretty dangerous.

Liara is probably the one person Riley cares about above everyone else. Over the crew, over me. I wouldn't want something to happen to her, for Riley's sake.

We head through the hallway just before Liara's office. I hope Riley pulled herself together and doesn't act like some scolded lovesick puppy again. That whole meeting was painful.

"Ready?" I inquire as we reach the bottom of the stairs leading to her office.

Riley nods, and we go up, waving to her assistant as we pass. Entering the office, I see Liara at her desk, typing away on her terminal.

It kind of reminds me of a certain someone. Maybe I can convince her to come out for an afternoon while we're here. That's easier said than done though.

Liara glances up at us. "Thank you for getting me that system data."

"No problem," I reply, sliding my hands in my pockets.

"Do you remember the Shadow Broker?" Liara gestures to the seats across from her.

"I do," Riley affirms as we sit down.

"With the data you both got me, I may be able to find information caches from his agents," Liara explains.

"Is the Shadow Broker after you?" Riley leans forward, suddenly more interested. "If you're on the run, I can help you."

"Actually." Liara's eyes turn colder, more determined. "It would be more accurate to say that the Shadow Broker is on the run from me."

"How so?" Riley questions. I'm interested in the answer too. The Shadow Broker is no joke.

"We crossed paths not long after you died." Liara falters as Riley flinches. "Since then, I've been working to take him down." She smacks an open hand on the desk. "With this data, I'm a step closer." From her photo, I didn't expect Liara to be so, uh, brazen.

Riley meets her gaze. "What did he do to you?"

Liara sighs. "I was on a job with a friend. The Shadow Broker's people caught us. My friend didn't escape. I don't know if he's dead or being interrogated, but I need to find him." She pauses, gaining some resolve. "I owe him my life. And I need to make the Shadow Broker pay for what he did."

I get where she's coming from. I know what it's like to lose a friend. Especially when it's your fault.

Riley nods slightly. "If there's anything I can do to help you find your friend, then all you have to do is ask."

Liara smiles gratefully. "Thank you, Riley. I know I can count on you."

Riley rises from her seat. "I'll be back tomorrow."

Liara leans back in her chair. "I look forward to it."

I offer Liara a nod and quick goodbye before following Riley out of the room.

"Thank you for your visit," the assistant says as we pass.

"I really want to help her, but I don't know what to do," Riley confesses as we step back onto the trading floor.

"Just give her time, she'll reach out if she needs you." I hope I'm right about that.

She doesn't seem convinced. "I suppose so."

"She'll be fine." I shrug, she seemed capable. She's worried about nothing.

Riley sighs. "You're right."

"I know I am." At least, I hope I am.

Illium, 2185, October 3rd 10:23 AM

I wake to the sound of my omni-tool. We're on shore leave, who the fuck is calling me this early? I open an eye, peeking at the screen. Riley? What does she want?

Begrudgingly, I answer the call. "What's up, Riles?"

"Vex," she says. "I need your help again."

Rolling onto my back, I gaze out the spacelight. "With?"

"Can you meet me at Liara's office?" she asks, not answering my question.

I sigh. "Sure, I'll just get ready."

She chuckles lightly. "Were you still sleeping?"

"I feel like no is the right answer here." I sit up, stretching my arms.

"Vex," she starts, sounding like she's about to tell me off. "Just hurry up." I guess she let it slide.

"I'm on it." I stand up, letting the blanket fall to the floor. I'll fix it later.

"Good." She ends the call, leaving me in silence.

I quickly shove on any clothes at hand and head for the door. I don't think I have time for a shower since Riley is rushing me. I'm probably good to skip it for now.

Leaving the room, I rush to the elevator. I should talk to Jack and confirm our plans. I hope she's still on board for tonight. I could use some fun.

I step out into the docking area, opening my omni-tool to call Jack.

She answers after a few seconds. "Yeah?"

"Are we still on for later?" I ask, passing by the first kiosk.

"Yeah, I'll meet you at Eternity around seven." Good to hear.

"Don't want to be seen with me?" I joke, practically feeling her eye roll.

"You catch on fast," she teases.

"Very funny." I enter Liara's office building. "Seven it is, later." Ending the call, I head up the stairs, nodding at the assistant.

"Go right in," she says, gesturing to the office.

I walk in, seeing Riley sitting across the desk from Liara. They both turn their attention to me, so I give them an awkward wave before moving to stand by Riley.

"So, what's up?" I ask, rocking back on my heels.

"The data you gave me was extremely helpful, Vex," Liara announces. "It gave me a target."

I nod, cool. "Who?"

"That's the thing," Riley chimes in.

"You see the Shadow Broker has several contacts on Illium, particularly in Nos Astra," Liara continues. "The most powerful is someone called the Observer."

"And we don't know who that is?" I guess that's where I come in.

"No, but your data pointed me at logs kept by Shadow Broker agents." She glances at her terminal. "The logs were deleted, but it may be possible to reconstruct some of it."

I shrug. "Sounds easy enough. How?"

Liara sighs, sinking back into her seat. "The problem is that he's cautious. His agents are referred to only by their title and race." That's more than I thought I'd have to go on.

"My inquiries have narrowed the Observer down to one of five operatives," the assistant adds from behind me. "A turian, a salarian, a krogan, a batarian, and a vorcha."

Liara nods in agreement. "Yes, so Vex, if you could refine the list, I'll know where to strike."

"Refine the list. Got it." Easier said than done, but not impossible.

Liara turns to Riley. "Once she finds something, call me on the radio channel we used in the old days. I can't risk handling this in person."

"I will," Riley promises.

"Let's go." I turn towards the door and start walking.

Riley rises from her chair, her footsteps echoing after me.

Illium, 2185, October 3rd 11:32 AM

Reading the information on the terminal, I can confirm that... nothing is concrete. Someone tried to kill the batarian, the vorcha isn't trusted, the turian is too curious, and the Observer can take or leave the turian. Whoever this guy is, they're an elusive bastard.

"Anything?" Riley asks, breaking my concentration as she approaches.

"Not yet, I'm almost done." My eyes scan the last few lines. "Seems the salarian is in trouble. I would hate to be him-huh."

She leans in, trying to read over my shoulder. "What?"

I take a step away from her. "The salarian is male."

"Okay, and?" she prompts cautiously.

"The Observer is referred to as female," I explain. "But all five suspects are male."

"All right, I'll let Liara know." Riley activates her comms. "No, nothing yet." She glances at me, leaving me to wonder what Liara's saying. "Vex says the Observer is female, but the five suspects are all male."

Either the information is wrong or I missed something, so I guess it was bad info. I was thorough, so maybe it was intentional. The assistant, Nyxeris, gave us the information. It's probably worth investigating. "Nyxeris," I whisper, catching Riley's eye.

She removes her hand from her ear. "Looks like Liara had the same idea."

"You think she set us up?" I know I do.

"Yeah, I believe so," Riley confirms. "Let's go."

We both take off, heading for Liara's office. I hope she has undeniable proof before doing anything drastic. She at least seems like the level-headed type.

Upon arrival, we find Nyxeris' desk empty. Riley opens the office door, revealing Liara at her desk, Nyxeris nowhere in sight.

I step forward. "What happened with-"

Liara raises a hand. "You don't need to worry about her."

Okay. "Yeah, but-"

Riley's touch on my shoulder silences me. She gives me a look that clearly says 'shut up' before she approaches Liara.

"She had some interesting data hidden away," Liara reveals. "Thank you, I wouldn't have caught her without you two."

Well, at least she has proof. I feel slightly better now. I was starting to think Liara was turning into Zaeed or something.

"What happens now?" Riley asks.

"Now I gather information, peel away layers of lies, and shine light into the shadows." Liara's expression hardens. "And when I find the Shadow Broker, I hit him with a biotic field so strong that what's left of his body will fit into a coffee cup." Fuck.

"Just be careful," Riley warns, sitting down on one of the chairs. "Don't turn into the thing you're hunting."

Liara smiles at the advice. "Says the dead Spectre working for Cerberus."

I feel like this is a good time to leave them alone. I'm sure there's a lot they need to talk about. "I have to get going now." I start backing up. "It's been fun. I'll catch up with you later, Riles. Bye, Liara."

"Farewell," Liara replies, eyes not leaving Riley.

Stepping outside, I smirk to myself as I close the door behind me. Now that that's over, I can finally get my scram pulsar. However, I can kill two birds with one stone if I can convince Miranda to come.

Thank you for reading.