Who Saves the Hero by Kudara

Chapter 10

Illium

After the asari concierge that had greeted them moved away, Shepard took a moment to move over to the railing and gaze out at the city of Nos Astra. It was beautiful, but she could hardly pay any attention to it. Liara was here and had paid for their docking fees, not that they couldn't afford it but still...still she couldn't read too much into it. She took a few deep breaths, sternly instructing herself to calm down and quit acting like a damn teenager. She was over ten years past that, an Alliance officer and a Council Spectre. She wasn't going to walk around this port so worked up and anxious that she couldn't even pay proper attention to her surroundings. Hell, landing on Horizon not knowing for sure if those armor mods would work against the seeker swarms hadn't made her nearly this nervous.

She looked around, Garrus and Tali were leaning on the railing several feet away, giving every impression of looking out over the city themselves. She was grateful they were giving her some space. She knew they were aware of how wound up she was over this meeting. Tali had even tried reassuring her that she was sure everything would be alright, that Liara wouldn't have forgotten what they had together so quickly. Shepard had asked the quarian how she had known, "You were always discrete," Tali had replied, "but the entire ship was aware that you were together. You looked happier whenever she was around you." Well she had suspected as much, she just hadn't been aware of how much it showed.

Shepard pushed herself away from the railing, feeling calmer, "Let's go." Garrus and Tali fell into step behind her, they passed through the docking terminal and out onto the trading floor. So many people, so busy, Shepard stared in bemusement at the assorted species hurrying about on their business around her. She was surprised that Liara chose to live here, the asari she remembered preferred more quiet surroundings. Of course being an information broker probably meant that Liara had to live in a place like this, and there was no reason the asari couldn't create an oasis of calm for herself amid all this bustling activity.

"Excuse me," a soft spoken, lavender hued asari woman stepped forward as they passed by her, "Commander Shepard?" Shepard stopped, and looked at the asari curiously. She was certain she didn't recognize her from anywhere. "You're Commander Shepard," now the asari sounded more certain, "I saw your...I guess you would say your aura." Shepard frowned, her aura? "I'd recognize you anywhere."

Shepard had absolutely no idea how to react to that statement, she stared at the asari searchingly, taking in the hue of her skin and tan facial markings. No, she still didn't seem familiar at all. The asari was looking around cautiously, obviously searching to see if anyone was watching them, seemingly satisfied she moved closer. That was unusual, asari preferred people they didn't know to stay a certain distance away from them, as Shepard understood it came from them being telepathically sensitive. Shepard sensed Garrus and Tali moving up from behind but motioned for them to stay back, as odd as the asari was acting she didn't seem dangerous. If anything she seemed oddly friendly, as if she already knew Shepard.

"I was sent here to give you a message," the strange asari continued, apparently satisfied that no one could overhear them. "It's from a friend you made on Noveria."

Shepard's eyes widened as her thoughts went immediately to one possible 'friend' the asari could be referring to, surely not though, how would the rachni Queen have possibly met this asari? She had met several people on Noveria it was more likely this asari knew one of them, the only reason she had thought of the Queen was because of the dream she had a few days ago. "I met a lot of people on Noveria," Shepard replied carefully, "could you be more specific?"

"I believe the message itself should make it clear," the asari said, she took a few steps closer, bringing her well within Shepard's personal space. The asari's eyes rolled upward showing only white and then, "Shepard, we hide, we burrow, we build," the asari spoke, her voice pitched so that only Shepard could hear. Shepard could indeed tell from who the message was from now; her first thought had been right, it was the rachni Queen. "But we know that you seek those that soured the songs of our mothers. When the time comes, our voice will join with yours once again, and our crescendo will burn the darkness clean. Thank you Shepard," the asari's voice softened and held an unmistakable tone of fondness that made Shepard recall the moment right before she and the Queen's mental connection had broken, the mental embrace they had shared after their joined song. "The rachni will sing again because of you."

"I'm glad to hear that you're rebuilding," Shepard responded, her thoughts racing, "are you somewhere nearby?" Could this be the opportunity she had been looking for? She needed an ally Cerberus wasn't expecting and hopefully wasn't even aware existed, and she knew from the news that the Queen had scout ships out exploring. If the rachni could help her, even if were only watching for Cerberus ships and traffic, that would be something more than she had now.

Her eyes returning to normal, the asari stepped back from her, "The rachni Queen is not here," she responded. Damn it, of course the queen wasn't realized Shepard, the telepathic connection required physical closeness to complete. She was really not at her best today. "That message is one of many memories I carry from her," the asari continued. "I encountered her on an uncharted world, she saved my life. More than that, she gave me a purpose." The asari's grey eyes met her own light grey ones, "They are an amazing people Shepard," she commented, "The galaxy owes you a great debt for giving them a second chance."

Shepard scowled, waved it away, "I know what most people believe, but the war wasn't their idea." She avoided saying the word rachni, anyone passing by would pay too much attention to it if they overheard. "They were brainwashed and forced to fight against us. That was what she was talking about when she said the songs of her mothers had been soured." She decided to not go into any explanation about the Reapers; it would just complicate things right now. "Please don't thank me for simply doing the right thing and not committing murder and genocide."

The asari smiled at her, "You are exactly as the Queen described, Shepard. I can see why she thinks so highly of you."

Shepard rubbed the back of her neck, trying not to blush in embarrassment at the praise or reveal exactly how touched she was by it. When she looked back the asari's smile was actually wider and warmer. "So how exactly did you find her?" Shepard asked. It was something she wanted to know, and it also had the side benefit of thoroughly changing the subject.

"I was working as a courier, pirates ambushed my ship, and I was forced down on an uncharted planet. I was badly injured, alone and near death..." the asari paused and looked away. Shepard looked away as well, giving the asari a moment of privacy; she suspected she knew only too well the thoughts running through the asari's mind right now. Staring death in the face was not an easy thing to remember. "Then they found me," Shepard returned her attention to the asari, "They saved me." The thankfulness in the asari's tone was plain.

Shepard felt a pang of wistfulness rise. She determinedly pushed aside; the past could not be changed. "I'm glad they found you in time," Shepard paused a moment to clear her throat. "You obviously got off world again," she commented more briskly, "did they give you a ship?"

"No, countless workers repaired my ship; it runs better now than it did before," the asari replied with a brief smile. "They remind me of the keepers on the Citadel in a way, all working together each with a purpose." Shepard reminded herself that the asari had no idea what the keepers actually were, it was an innocent statement and meant as a compliment, with none of the sinister overtones that had immediately come to her mind considering the past connection between the rachni and Reapers.

"What happened to the pirates that attacked you?" Shepard inquired.

"They were obliterated, as they should have been. The rachni are not aggressive, but they do as they must," Shepard almost smiled at hearing the suddenly protective tone. She didn't need the asari to tell her that, but it was good to know that the asari felt that way.

Shepard cleared her throat, "Just for cautions sake let's not actually use that word. Its guaranteed to catch attention if someone happens to hear it."

The asari dipped her head in assent, her eyes darting around to the people passing nearby, "You are right, Shepard. I will be more careful."

Goddess, this asari had no idea how to be inconspicuous; there was no better way to draw attention than to act furtively. "You said she gave you a purpose, what do you mean?" The asari didn't act so suspiciously when she was actually talking, and this was something Shepard was honestly curious about.

"She shared her song with me as I recovered. I saw her race as only an asari could," Shepard had to raise her brow at that, she had thought she and the queen had seen each other pretty clearly when their minds had met. Though perhaps this asari, being more naturally inclined towards sharing minds since she was...well, asari...had melded more deeply with the queen. "They are so beautiful, and so vulnerable." Shepard frowned, vulnerable? Were the rachni so weak still that they couldn't defend themselves? The asari continued, "They needed someone to purchase things they cannot make for themselves, someone to work within the system. An agent if you will." The asari's lips curved in a soft smile, "I am happy to help, my life as a courier was empty and shallow." She raised her eyes briefly upward, "Now I'm helping a great race rebuild itself."

Ok now, that was just weird. "You were really comfortable walking away from your old life?" Shepard questioned, uneasy with the way this was starting to appear to her, what exactly had the Queen done to this asari?

The asari gave her a keen eyed look, "You're concerned that the Queen is controlling me," the asari shook her head. "I understand, but it doesn't work like that. Our minds were in perfect harmony, I saw their beautiful spirit and their need. I knew what I had to do, if some part of that is suggestion then it was a side effect of their efforts to save my life." The asari looked Shepard in the eye, "I am happy," she stated firmly.

Shepard stared at her considering, remembering the Queen's song. It had been beautiful, peaceful and soothing. How would she have reacted if instead of dying she had suddenly been pulled into a rachni ship and sang to by the Queen while she healed from her injuries? A damn sight better than the pain and confusion of the first time, and then the gunfire and explosions of the second, that was for sure. Maybe the asari's reaction wasn't that difficult to understand after all. She nodded, "Alright. Can you tell me where they are?" she had no idea how she might get there without Cerberus knowing, but surely she could figure out a way.

"I'm afraid not," the asari actually backed a step away from her while shaking her head, "I don't even have that information myself any longer." The lavender hued asari moved closer once again. "After I met her that information was..." she rubbed her forehead, "removed. It's not painful, but I simply don't remember." Obviously this asari's mental connection with the Queen had been on a much deeper level than the one she and the Queen had shared, Shepard decided. "I'll remember when I need to, and her caution is understandable. The galaxy isn't yet ready for their return."

Shepard nodded, she did understand, "I know you said you don't know where they are, but can you get a message to her? If it doesn't jeopardize her safety or the safety of her children, and I'm serious about that, I don't want her to risk herself," Shepard said firmly. "But if she can, I could use her help a little sooner than the final battle."

Something of her need must have gotten through to the asari, because she gave Shepard a concerned look, "I can, though I'm not sure when I would be able to give it to her."

"I understand," Shepard frowned, wondering how they could do this, if it took awhile for the Queen to respond they might already be gone. It wouldn't be too suspicious though if they stopped back by here for shore leave and to pick up supplies. She was hoping that Liara would come with her, but maybe she would know someone trustworthy that they could leave discrete messages with for each other to pick up when they were in port.

"Your message, Shepard?" the asari asked.

Shepard shook her head, "Not here. I need time to explain the situation I'm in and a busy marketplace is not a good place for that. What about your ship?"

"My ship, the Ilara Waverunner, is docked at the Nos Astra commercial spaceport. I will be here for at least two more days picking up supplies," the asari responded.

Miranda's sister was being moved tonight, so she couldn't do it today. "I'll figure out a way to get there, look for me tomorrow, hopefully in the morning."

The asari nodded, "I will wait for you there Commander Shepard, be well," she bowed slightly to Shepard and then started walking away.

"Umm wait," Shepard said, causing the asari to pause and look back, "What is your name?"

The asari smiled, "Rayna Vallan," and then continued on her way.

"Shepard?" Garrus questioned after Rayna had left, "what was that about." He and Tali had been too far away to overhear the low voiced conversation.

"Help maybe," Shepard responded, "from someone we rescued when we were on Noveria."

There was the sound of a sharply indrawn breath from Tali. The quarian took a step closer, whispered, "Her? The one you freed?"

"Yes, her," Shepard confirmed quietly, "Rayna had a message for me from her. I need to figure out a way to sneak off to the commercial spaceport tomorrow morning and meet with her. I need to send a message to the Queen. See if she can help us, even if it's just their scout ships keeping an ear and eye out for Cerberus traffic that would be more than we have now."

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Garrus questioned and Shepard remembered that he had never been comfortable with her decision to let the Queen go, even though he agreed that preemptively killing her when she had harmed no one would have also been wrong. He thought she should have asked the Council what to do instead of making the decision herself based on the telepathic connection she had shared with the Queen.

"Yes I am." she replied firmly, "That asari came into contact with them when her ship was attacked by pirates who forced her ship down. They killed the pirates, saved her life and then repaired her ship. She's helping them by trading their goods for things they can't make."

His mandibles flared in surprise, "As territorial as they are supposed to be, I would have thought they would have attacked her as well, or just left her to die," he admitted. "I guess you were right about her, and that they only attacked us because they were indoctrinated."

Shepard nodded, "The message Rayna had for me verified it. The Queen said we were hunting the ones who soured her mother's songs, and she promised that she would aid me when the time came to fight them."

"Considering how fast they can breed that might be quite a substantial force," Garrus commented respectfully, "It depends on how fast they can build ships. You really think they might find out something useful about Cerberus though?"

"Honestly I don't know, but there is one major reason I'm hoping she will agree." Garrus gave her a curious look. "Unless Udina went against the Councils decree and told the Alliance brass, or Cerberus has the right connections inside of Binary Helix, the Illusive Man should have no way of knowing that I had anything to do with her getting free," Shepard said. Very few people knew she had freed the rachni Queen. Garrus had only known because Tali had mentioned something in passing to him and then belatedly realized that she wasn't supposed to be talking about it, and the former C-Sec officer had stayed after her until he got it out of her. That had resulted in Shepard ordering both of them into her office and giving them a blistering lecture on exactly what classified and do not discuss with anyone who wasn't there meant. It had been one of the only times she had spoken harshly with Garrus and the only time she had spoken harshly to Tali.

No one but Garrus, Tali and Liara knew that she had telepathically spoken to the queen. She had left the Council with the impression that she had just spoken through the asari commando. The turian Councilor was already having enough fun with the nightmarish visions the Prothean beacon had given her. She hadn't wanted to give any of the Councilors or Udina more ammunition with which to criticize her decision. She had been certain they were going to have problems with her making it anyway, no need to add the fact she had decided to telepathically communicate with a species they thought they had wiped out two millennia ago.

Garrus eyes widened, and he looked thoughtful, "Your right, you told me the Council classified that, forbid anyone to talk about it."

"And I didn't report it to the Alliance," Shepard confirmed. "If Udina kept his mouth shut as well, then he should have no way of knowing about them."

She could see him turning that over in his mind, "Hmm, so he would have no reason to even suspect you if rachni ships were reported showing an interest in Cerberus activities. And...as I remember, they were very good at tunneling into places without anyone noticing they were there until too late, and those were the insane ones."

Garrus was right, though the situations he was talking about had all been ones where the insane rachni were attacking them, "I hadn't really thought about that, but you're right they would make very good infiltration units."

Tali looked back and forth between them, "Are we talking about taking out Cerberus units now?" she whispered, "And not just taking over the Normandy once we destroy the Collectors and going back to the Council?"

"The Illusive Man won't just let us go, remember what he did to Admiral Kahoku?" Garrus replied.

Shepard stared at him, he was right. It was something that she had been avoiding thinking about since up until now she hadn't had any idea what to do about it beyond hoping they could remove EDI's blocks and get the information that way. "I remember finding Kahoku's body; they tortured him before killing him. Once we take over the ship, we will have to take out Cerberus just to make sure we don't have to watch over our shoulders for the rest of our lives. It would be a good idea to know exactly where they are before then. Otherwise I suspect EDI has that information in her databanks, when I asked about it she told me it was blocked. I don't want the Queen to risk herself over this if it means their discovery. We'll need her help later against the Reapers more than we need them now against Cerberus."

Garrus looked as if he would like to dispute that, but he nodded, "I'd like to point out that surviving this and hopefully bring back evidence the Council will believe, are just as important. But I agree, if they're in no position to help yet then its better they remain safely hidden for now."

"And the Queen doesn't even know about it yet, so there's no use in trying to deciding anything now," Tali pointed out.

Shepard nodded, "Exactly, so let's not get caught up in making plans until we know whether or not she's willing to help us." Her eyes wandered to the large windowed office overlooking the trading floor; could that be Liara's office? It certainly fit the concierge's description. Shepard was starting to feel anxious again, but for an entirely different reason.

Tali followed her gaze, "Let's discuss this later; Liara is probably waiting on us."

Garrus, realizing where the two of them were looking, said embarrassedly, "Of course Shepard, sorry."

"It's ok," she responded absently, already turning in that direction. They continued up the trading floor heading for the large sign that read administration, according to the concierge Liara's office was located there overlooking the trade floor.

"Holy Crap, Shepard?" a dark haired woman seated at a nearby table exclaimed as they walked by, "I thought you were dead." Shepard recognized the voice and woman immediately, Gianna Parasini, how bizarre. Had she stumbled into some 'we all met on Noveria' reunion no one had told her about, Shepard wondered as they stopped at the table. "The news said you were dead," Gianna stared at her, "What happened?" Before Shepard could even think about how to reply to the question, the woman held up a hand, "No, wait, probably classified. Forget I asked. You'd just have to lie." Shepard had to grin at that, it certainly saved her from having to figuring out something. "It's been a couple of years; I'm Gianna Parasini, Noveria Internal Affairs. You helped me nail Administrator Anolaeus."

"I remember," Shepard replied. Watching Gianna literally drag off that arrogant, officious salarian had been one of the few bright spots of that mission, "What happened to him anyway?"

"He made the one mistake Noveria won't tolerate; he got caught taking their money. He's doing a few years in white collar prison, more importantly he won't work in the field again." Gianna sounded quite smug about it.

"Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy," Shepard smirked.

"Ha," Gianna laughed, "Hey, sit down. As I remember, I owe you a beer."

Shepard really didn't want to be delayed any more than she already had, "Could I get a raincheck on that? I'm supposed to meet someone and I'm late already." It wasn't exactly a lie, as Tali said, Liara probably knew they had docked and were on their way to her office and was wondering why they were taking so long.

"Sure," Gianna agreed easily, "I'll probably be here for another hour or so. Catch me when you come back this way if I'm still here."

Shepard nodded to her, "Thanks." Her gaze and attention were already moving past the woman to the stairs just past where Gianna was sitting. The sign above them read administration in glowing blue lettering. She took the stairs at a swift pace, arriving at the top in enough of a rush that the asari sitting at the desk there stood up and eyed her, Garrus and Tali warily.

Then her eyes widened in recognition, "Commander Shepard," she smiled, "Liara will be pleased to see you."

There was only one door, "Here?"

Liara had her back to the door, facing the image of some male human on the screen, "Have you faced an asari commando unit before?" Shepard jerked to a stop just a few steps inside the door, it was almost like one of her flashbacks, but the voice wasn't quite right. "Few humans have." Shepard heard the door shut behind her, "I'll make it simple, either you pay me or I flay you alive...with my mind," Liara threatened, her voice becoming more like her own, but still hard and very serious sounding. Amanda's thoughts almost seemed mired in quicksand, trying to reconcile the memory of the shy archeologist she remembered with the asari who was just now cutting the connection and turning around to face her.

"Shepard!" Now Liara sounded more like the asari archeologist Amanda remembered, including the embarrassment. Had that just been an act she put on for whoever had been on the other end? "Nyxeris hold my calls," Liara said to the asari who had been at the desk outside as she closed the distance between them. Shepard had been so stunned at what she was hearing that she hadn't even realized the purple hued asari had followed her into the office.

Liara reached forward, took Shepard's hands in hers. She silently murmured something, but Amanda couldn't tell what she said. As their lips met, everything else but the fact that finally, finally, they were together ceased to matter to Amanda. Liara's lips on hers were just as soft as they had ever been and the familiar scent of her asari lover filled her senses. She reached up, mindful that she was wearing armored gloves, and gently stroked along Liara's crest. But then Liara pulled away, breaking their kiss and tugging her hand from Shepard's. Amanda stilled, confused. Liara shook her head and then pointedly turned her head to the side. The feeling that filled Amanda then was as if an ice cold bucket of water had been poured over her. No, no, no, this couldn't be happening, not after that kiss, not after it having been as if it was all going to be alright.

Amanda dropped her hands to her sides, uncertainty and despair filling her, what had just happened? Liara moved away, leaving Shepard staring sightlessly out the window that overlooked the trading floor, trying to do anything other than show how distressed she was at this moment. She clenched her hands, reminded herself of her vow not to make a scene if everything went wrong, and it was looking like things were wrong.

"My sources said you were alive," Shepard turned to look at the asari; Liara was standing behind her desk now. Amanda forced herself to move, to act like something approaching normal. "But I never believed..." Liara stared at her, "It's very good to see you." Her voice was warm and sincere, and it confused the hell out of Shepard. What was going on here?

Shepard's gaze took in the office, the dress Liara was wearing, then went over to the communications screen, the one the asari had been using when she came in, "Liara what..."

The asari's eyes followed her gaze, "Oh that..." she sounded slightly embarrassed, "That was just a customer unhappy with the information he received. He'll pay," her voice turned harder, "they always do." Liara turned walked toward the window, "Ever since I helped you stop Saren, people have wanted to be my friend," Amanda winced; she could guess what that actually meant. Liara briefly glanced back at her, "Or not be my enemy. I've set up a respectable business as an information broker. It's paid the bills since you..." her voice trailed off and she turned with a shrug of her shoulders, "well...for the last two years."

Liara sat down in her chair, well that was an easy and comprehensible enough thing to do. Amanda sat down as well, relieved to be doing something that made sense. "And now you're back," Liara continued, "Gunning for the Collectors with Cerberus."

Shepard froze, how much did Liara know? Was that what had just happened? Had Liara pulled away from her because she was working with Cerberus? "I wouldn't if the Council and Alliance had given me another choice Liara. They've already abducted over a million colonists, they have to be stopped."

"I know," Liara broke in before she could say anything more, "I wish you didn't have to work with them, but I understand why you are. You are right; the Collectors must be stopped even if you have to work with Cerberus to stop them. Whatever they want with so many humans, it can't be anything good." Her words were both a relief...and not a relief. They meant that Liara hadn't pulled away from her because she was working with Cerberus. "I understand your building a team." Liara continued, "If you need information on finding people, I'm happy to help."

Shepard stared at her, drew in a breath, she had to ask even though she felt certain she knew what the answer would be. "What about you, Liara? I could use your help on this mission."

"I can't Shepard," Amanda, she hadn't called her Amanda, Shepard realized with a sinking heart, "I'm sorry, I have commitments here, things I need to take care of," Liara explained. Her tone was firm but also carried a pleading undertone, as if asking for Shepard to understand that whatever it was, it was very important to her.

Shepard frowned, "What kind of things do you need to take care of? Are you in trouble?"

"No," Liara rose, "no trouble," she went to the window again, "but it's been a long two years. I had things to do while you were gone," she bowed her head, "I have debts to repay." Her head rose, she turned back to face Shepard. "Listen, if you want to help, I need someone with hacking expertise, someone I can trust." She sat back down as Shepard stared at her, feeling more and more confused, "If you could disable security at key points around Nos Astra, you could get me information I need. That would help me a great deal." she sounded quite sincere.

"What's this all about Liara? Can't you just talk to me?" frustration finally made Shepard say, she had no idea what was going on here and Liara just kept talking around things instead of explaining them. What things, what debts, what information? She had thought they had been close...but as Liara had just said, for her it had been a long two years. Perhaps what she had feared had come to pass and that closeness was no more.

"Don't you think I don't want to Shepard," Liara objected, "This isn't because I don't trust you, this is Illium. Anything I say is probably being recorded."

That certainly cast a new light on everything; it wasn't like she didn't know the feeling after all. Sometimes on the Normandy she felt like an exhibit on display, wondering if there was a hidden camera recording everything she did to send to the Illusive Man. Still though, Amanda didn't think she was imagining the distance between them that she felt now. "If it will help you I'll take care of it," she just wanted to get out of here now, and think about this somewhere else.

"When you hack one, a server will open somewhere nearby for a short time," Liara explained, "You can download data from there if you hurry. Thank you Shepard, this may help me repay a great debt."

"Shepard?" Garrus questioned as she exited the office, Shepard just motioned for them to follow her as she headed down the steps.

"Keelah," she heard Tali hiss, undoubtedly realizing that her reaction meant that things hadn't gone as well as hoped.

She stopped at the bottom of the stairs, waited for them, "Liara asked us to do some data gathering for her. She thinks she's being monitored, so we didn't really have a good opportunity to talk. I don't know, maybe this will help her, she sounded like she expected the information to be important." She glanced over at the table where Gianna Parasini was still sitting, "As soon as we have a beer with Ms. Parasini, we'll start."

"I'll pass," Tali said, "I'll go ahead and start looking for terminals we can get into in this area."

Garrus looked over at the Noveria agent and then back at her, "I'll join her; you sit down and have a beer Shepard. We have this covered."

"Thanks you two, this shouldn't take long," it wasn't like she could get drunk anymore anyway. Sharing a bottle of Serrice Ice Brandy with Dr. Chakwas had proven that. The doctor had passed out and she had finished off the last cup by herself and walked out of the Medical Bay on her own power. Ten minutes later she had been completely sober.

Continued...