Book 2, Chapter 18 - In the Shadows

There was no sign of Liara, but someone had definitely taken a shot at her. The apartment was a mess otherwise, though I think that was due to the detectives and their investigation rather than what the potential assassin had done. But it was the arrival of another asari, this one darker than I was used to seeing, who seemed to know all about me.

"Looks like someone tried to kill your friend, Commander Shepard."

"I don't go by that title anymore. Just Shepard. Who are you?"

"Tela Vasir, Special Tactics and Recon."

"Another Spectre?" I offered my hand, which she took immediately, meeting her eyes. They were pretty, and her hand was softer than I expected for someone in her line of work. "Nice to meet you." Withdrawing her hand, she then turned to the detectives and immediately dismissed them. I was surprised by that, but though they tried to argue, Vasir pulled rank, and I was eventually left alone with the two asari for company. Vasir appeared relaxed, watching her walk over to one of the lounges and take a seat, crossing her rather long legs. I sat on the other lounge, Shiala sitting close to me.

"Who is your friend, Shepard?"

"This is Shiala. We worked together when taking down Saren. She's visiting from Feros while I'm here."

"Ah, yes, you were an acolyte for the traitor Benezia, yes?"

"I was, until she chose to sacrifice me to the Thorian. I won't deny that our relationship has mended since then, though complete forgiveness is still something I am working on."

Vasir turned to me. "I'm not sure why you didn't just kill her, Shepard. Benezia, I mean, not the cute little thing beside you. She was a traitor to everything we stood for."

"I deemed her worthy of saving. And, I guess, it was a small favour for Liara." I paused before asking, "Surely you are aware of my own issues at the moment?"

"Of course. Every Spectre was informed when you returned, Shepard. But there is a difference. You work with Cerberus to save your people and, who knows, maybe the galaxy again. Benezia worked to destroy all of us. I think that is a substantial difference."

"Informed for what reason?"

The smirk that formed told me everything. "I understand the word treason may have been used. I don't believe in that nonsense, of course. Sometimes, Spectres must do what has to be done, push the boundaries, get their hands a little dirty from time to time. It comes with the job and responsibilities of who we are."

"Learning that every day I'm with Cerberus."

"And what brings you to Illium, Shepard? Apart from visiting Liara, of course?"

"While we get reports of Collector activity, we've hit a snag. So we're here to recuperate from the missions so far. Liara is an old friend so we're catching up."

"And you?" Vasir asked Shiala.

"I'm the one who contacted Shepard to come here straight away. I returned here to find no sign of Liara and detectives milling about. Of course, I was immediately concerned for my friend."

"And lover, correct?"

"You are well informed, Vasir," I stated.

She gave me another look, the smirk having not disappeared. "Come now, Shepard. No need to play innocent with me. Your reputation precedes you, of course. As for your asari friend, I find it hard to believe Liara doesn't believe she is monitored by those who still remain suspicious of her activities."

"Why would they be suspicious of her?" I wondered.

That made Vasir laugh. "She is the daughter of the traitor, Shepard. If it wasn't for the fact she was part of the great Commander Shepard's crew of the Normandy, she would have been persona non grata, forced to scrape a living at the very edge of the activity with her mother. We did find it bizarre that she was allowed to live on Eden Prime, considering her role in the attack on the colony. But that isn't why I'm here. Can you think of any reason why someone would want to take a shot at Liara?"

"Well, she is an information broker. Perhaps someone doesn't appreciate what she's up to?" Shiala replied, as we started to look around for evidence of where she might have gone.

"Anything else that would warrant someone wanting to putting a bullet in her?"

"The Shadow Broker."

That definitely gained her attention. "The Shadow Broker? My, my, Shepard. You do have some interesting enemies. Dangerous ones too, it seems."

"Mind if I call in a friend to help us look into this? He's former C-Sec. Would definitely have a keener eye for details than myself."

"No problem, Shepard. Whatever you think will help us find evidence of where Liara might have got herself too."

I messaged Garrus, asking him to head for the apartment immediately, not giving him all the details. He replied, stating he'd be with us as soon as possible. I wandered around the apartment, everything already familiar, but something was already tickling the back of my head. It wasn't sitting right. A little… too convenient almost. I show up, spend a couple of days, and suddenly someone is taking a shot at Liara.

He showed up no more than ten minutes later, and after introducing him to Vasir, he got to work. I tailed him around as his investigative abilities came to the fore. His first stop was the window, assessing what type of rifle was likely used, the bullet that would have been fired, the distance and trajectory. "A thousand yards, I believe," he stated.

"No shit."

"No blood around though. None of the floor, so it seems the first shot cracked the window and caused the barrier to fail, and that gave her enough time to move before the second bullet passed through the window. Both shots would have been successive, not even a second apart."

"So Liara, what, sensed the shot coming?"

"Sometimes, don't you have this sixth sense that just tells you something is wrong?"

"Yeah, I guess so."

For someone investigating, Vasir barely moved, leaving Garrus and I to wander the apartment. Shiala followed at a distance, and I could sense she was nervous about being in the apartment, and I was left feeling she didn't particularly like Vasir and her questioning, and insinuations. Walking into Liara's bedroom, there were the reminders of her life on board the Normandy, including a photo of the ship and the crew. Holding up the photo, it changed from the ship to a picture of what looked like Therum… or maybe Ilos? I couldn't exactly be sure, but I was left feeling it was Liara communicating with me.

Walking around the apartment some more, I'd noticed the artefacts in glass cases, though had been rather distracted by other business. But looking at the photo and around the room, I quickly found what I wanted. A hidden button, a hidden compartment, and a hidden data disc. I glanced at Garrus, who seemed surprised as I was. "Wonder what it is?" he asked.

Sitting down next to Vasir, I showed her the disc. "Found something."

"What is it?"

"No idea. But I guess it might be a lead. Shiala, does Liara keep an office or at least a workstation here?"

"Of course. Follow me."

A couple of minutes later, and I was sat at a desk, sliding the disc into the slot. It was video of a call that had taken place between Liara and a salarian named Sekat. No idea who that was but the call was in regards to the Shadow Broker. And it appeared Liara had been investigating his activities and the salarian was growing nervous. But at least it gave us a possible location of where Liara may have gone.

"Before we go, Vasir, I'm calling in some help. This is going to get nasty."

"Sure, Shepard. Whoever you want to bring in."

I placed a call to Miranda, Thane and Kasumi, telling them to meet us outside the Dracon Trade Centre. Vasir offered to drive us there, hopping into her skycar nearby, and she soon had us speeding in its direction. I'll admit I gave her a once over as she drove, and she definitely noticed me looking. "Are you distracted, Shepard?"

"No."

"As I said, your reputation precedes you." Garrus burst into laughter behind us though thankfully chose to not comment otherwise.

"Maybe I should learn about your reputation?" I offered.

That made Vasir laugh. "Shepard, you are incorrigible," Shiala stated from the back seat, next to Garrus.

I glanced back and grinned. "Well, maybe I am a little sometimes."

"Don't think I've ever been intimate with a fellow Spectre, Shepard. Play your cards right and maybe you'll get yourself a real treat."

"Spirits, you don't waste any time, do you, Shepard?"

"Life is sometimes too short, Garrus. Grab the bull by the horns."

Five minutes later, and she was pulling up outside the tower block. Garrus never went anywhere without his armour on and at least one weapon. Shiala had changed into her commando leathers and grabbed a weapon as well. I definitely gave her a once over, reminded of how good she looked back on the old Normandy. Heading to the building, we hadn't even approached the front door when there was an almighty explosion. Glass and building material rained down upon us, thankfully nothing big enough to knock us out or cause damage, but when we looked back up, half the building had disappeared and a fire was already taking old.

"Fuck… me…" I muttered.

"I hope Liara wasn't in there," Garrus added.

I turned to Vasir. "I'll take the skycar and head to the roof, Shepard. Make my way down. You head in, secure what you can."

As she took off, I didn't need to issue orders, weapons taken out, checked over, and we moved forward. When we found evidence that civilians had been shot, I sent a warning to Vasir immediately. She concurred the explosion must have been a cover up. Heading into the reception area, it was a mess, with bomb damage, flickering lights, and what sounded like trickling water. Miranda looked over the check in desk, reporting that Liara had only recently arrived herself.

Before we could move up, a grenade was thrown in our direction. "Grenade!" I yelled out, everyone moving quickly as it exploded. I felt the quick blast and shrapnel, thankful my shields took the impact though they failed just as we came under fire. Figuring the best form of defence is attack, I growled and charged, colliding with someone in armour, who I could only guess was an agent of the Shadow Broker. After eliminating him, or her, I ducked behind cover and surveyed. It looked and sounded like the Shadow Broker has sent a number of his people.

Quickly joined by the rest, we each played to our strengths as we moved through each floor, clearing every room we passed by. We found plenty of dead civilians, but thankfully a few lucky to be alive. Whenever we found a room with survivors, we told them to be quiet, remain where they were until the sound of gunfire disappeared, and to then head downstairs.

To be honest, if this was the best the Shadow Broker could throw at us, I wasn't going to be terribly worried about him. His people were no better than the mercenaries I was used to dealing with. Better armour and better weapons, sure, but I had no doubt they were financed well. But talent wise? Nothing special.

As we moved up, Vasir reported in that she was moving down. Arriving at the offices we need, forming up to either side of the door, I gestured to Garrus, counting down to zero, balling my fist, then we burst in, weapons ready. The reception area was clear, moving quickly through the next door, sweeping as we moved, and we found Vasir in the room after that, the body of an agent at her feet. Beyond her lay a salarian, and I could only assume it was Sekat.

"Damn it. If I'd been a few seconds quicker, I may have stopped him."

"We could have been too. Run into many agents?"

"Enough to delay my arrival here, Shepard."

I checked the body but he was now beyond saving, and there was nothing on his body. The office had been ransacked, and even his desk offered next to no hope, his terminal smashed to pieces. But while that was bad enough, there was still no sign of Liara. We hadn't found her body, so I was confident she was still alive.

"Well this is a dead end," I muttered in frustration, "No information and no sign of Liara."

"You didn't find her?" Vasir asked, "That's unfortunate."

"Looking for me?" asked a familiar voice. I looked up to see Liara at the door, her face one of unbridled rage, her usual pristine clothing wet and dirty, her pistol aimed at only one person in the room. Approaching Liara somewhat carefully, I raised a hand, gesturing for calm.

"Okay, Liara, take it easy. What's going on?"

"She tried to kill me, Shepard," Liara replied, watching her eyes narrow at Vasir. God, she is ready to shoot her immediately. I glanced to see Vasir was backing up though her hand was moving to her pistol. I wasn't sure she could draw before Liara pulled the trigger.

"You've had a rough day. I'll let that one slide. But I don't like guns being pointed at me. Why don't you put it down before you do something stupid?"

I looked at Liara. I wanted to believe her, but Vasir had been helpful. And I couldn't figure out what Vasir had to gain from any of this. "Shepard, I know she's in on this. Once I fled, I doubled back to my apartment block. She was the one who took the shot. She was the one who ransacked my apartment. She's the one who has been trying to kill me."

I'd always believe Liara, raising my shotgun, hearing other weapons readied behind and to my side. Vasir simply looked at me and smiled. "I have to thank you, Shepard. The perfect lap dog, doing all the leg work for me to find Liara. And all I had to do was flutter my eyebrows and show half an interest."

"Damn it," I muttered.

"She works for the Shadow Broker, Shepard. No doubt sent in by him once I'd discovered the true identity of Nyxeris," Liara stated.

"What, your receptionist?"

"Between your last visit and this, I increased the scope of my investigation, and figured out there was a mole in my company. I set her up and she took the bait. I've already dealt with her. And I knew the Shadow Broker was the one behind it all." She paused, stepping forward, amazed at how steady her pistol was despite the anger no doubt coursing through her veins. "She killed Sekat, Shepard. And, if I were to take a guess, she has the data disk I need on her right now."

"You're right there, Liara. Not that you'll ever get to see it. You pureblood bitch."

And, with those words, she summoned her biotics, blowing out any windows that remain intact before she flung an attack in our direction. Most of us managed to duck out of the way, but by the time I turned back, and hurled myself over the table, both of us falling out of the window. Thankfully, Vasir summoned her biotics just before we hit the ground, though I could have done without the punch to the nose she gave me, and we still hit the ground with a sickening crunch. She was up and sprinting away quickly with those long legs of hers.

Unbeknownst to me, Liara had also jumped out the window and tore after Vasir. I staggered to my feet and gave chase, reporting into the others what was going on. More Shadow Broker agents arrived, though these looked like normal run of the mill mercenaries, and I just growled and charged again, blasting away anything that wanted to kill me in return. My colleagues arrived quickly, and we wasted them quickly.

I could see Liara ahead, and when a skycar took off, I noticed Vasir behind the wheel. Chasing after Liara, she headed to another one, opening the door so I assumed it was hers. Climbing in alongside, Garrus and Shiala came along, telling Miranda to simple hotwire a second one and follow as quickly as possible. Once we were in the air, Liara's focus was solely on the skycar in the distance. Her face was set and, I'll admit, I was a little turned on by it. I did enjoy this side of Liara.

"She dies, Shepard." The venom in the tone even gave me a moment of pause.

"Absofuckinglutely. Shame about that. I was already thinking other things about her. Obviously."

"You were distracted, Shepard. I'm not criticising, but she knows your reputation and played up to it."

"It's always the pretty ones who want to kill me."

"Help me with this, Shepard, and I'm not sure what I'll do to thank you."

"Spirits, you're going to wear him out."

"Only after she's dead, Garrus. I don't like people who try to kill me, particularly those who try more than once."

"Always seems to happen around Shepard, though," Garrus stated. I glanced back and the bastard just looked smug.

"Could always stop and let you out right now, smartarse."

He shut up immediately, though as soon as I turned around, I heard a muttered comment to Shiala, who couldn't hide the giggle that escaped her. I shared a glance with Liara, who managed a tight grin despite her anger. Staring out the windscreen, we were definitely gaining on Vasir. Looking at Liara again, her knuckles were almost white as she gripped the wheel, her entire body tense, eyes almost daggers as we pursued Vasir.

I had no idea where in Illium we were, but we were soon slaloming between skyscrapers. More than once we came close to colliding with another vehicle, only missing by felt like inches. Shiala squealed from the backseat more than once, Garrus muttering that he wanted to throw up. I simply took the rifle from my back and got ready to fire when necessary. "Get me closer," I ordered.

"You going to shoot her or the car?"

"Get me close enough and I'll put a bullet through her fucking head."

She glanced at me for a mere moment. "Your attitude has changed."

"I generally don't like women who try to kill me, Liara. You, though, are exciting me quite a lot."

"Spirits, you two should just get a room after this."

"Oh, we will, Garrus once we've dealt with the blue bitch," Liara practically growled.

Liara somehow managed to get us close enough that I undid the belts holding me in place and I opened the door to the skycar. I received questions from all three of my companions before I shot out the hinges holding the door in place before glancing back at Shiala, asking her to hold me steady, before urging Liara to do the same thing. Once she was level and I was feeling confident enough, I stood and leaned out of the skycar, levelled my rifle, and fired three short bursts towards Vasir.

The first burst missed completely. The second seemed to skim the skycar, but made her jerk. The third burst hit right where I wanted. Within second, the skycar was out of control, nosediving towards a nearby tower block. I sat back into my seat and did up the belts as Liara surged after her. As Vasir's skycar seemed to crash land, Liara had to search for a decent spot to put us down.

Vasir must have been in contact with other, as by the time we'd all got out of the car, mercenaries were descending from other vehicles that must have been following us, or just happened to arrive at the right time. Garrus had his rifle out and blew the head off one immediately. Liara and Shiala linked up their biotic attacks. I took the shotgun from my back and got to work.

Miranda arrived with Kasumi and Thane as we were dealing with them, more mercenaries appearing, and soon the rooftop of wherever we were echoed with the sound of gunfire and the thump of biotics. More than one mercenary was sent screaming over the edge, Liara almost working alongside me at times, simply picking up and flinging mercenaries over the side in her desperation to reach Vasir.

It was a short fight, and Liara was simply far too pissed off to think of anything except get to Vasir and rip her throat out. I was inclined to agree with her, so once we'd mopped up the mercenaries, we moved on. Passing through an empty room, the large bed, décor, and pornography playing on the large vidscreen suggested we were in some form of hotel. Where the occupants of said room were, we didn't know. Probably hiding in the bathroom if they were smart.

"Shepard, look," Liara stated, pointing at the ground nearby. Blue blood. Only asari and turians bled that colour.

"Follow the blood, we find her. And if she's leaking that much, she has to be injured badly, unless she's got medi-gel."

Moving on, we passed by more rooms filled with either scantily clad or naked asari, entertaining males of many species, human, turian, even a salarian or two. Some were entertaining fellow asari, and there were a few female humans as well. Garrus wondered where we were, Liara not stopping but explaining it was a luxury resort dedicated to pleasures of the flesh.

"So a brothel?" I asked.

"No, classier than that sort of establishment, Shepard. This is certainly of the higher-end one would expect from credits well into the five figures for only a few hours' entertainment."

"But sex is the end result?"

Liara nodded. "Well, you remember the Consort on the Citadel? There are places like this all over Illium which are similar to hers. Obviously without the reputation."

We followed the blood trail, never more than a few spots at a time, but at least we knew we were heading in the right direction. More than once we came upon wounded or even dead patrons, Vasir obviously caring little about who she put down as she tried to escape. We also found mechs on the ground, some appearing to have been servants, others guards that were easily disabled by the Spectre.

But she was obviously wounded and we caught her quickly. Walking out into a dining area, providing some spectacular views of Nos Astra, Liara already had her pistol raised as Vasir came into view.

"Vasir!" Liara called out, "Stop right there. It's over!"

It wasn't. Vasir was never going to go down without a fight. She was a Spectre. I remembered her words about doing whatever was necessary. So, of course, Vasir grabbed a nearby waitress. A human. I don't think she chose because of me. I think the waitress was just the nearest available hostage, pistol pointed at her head as she glared at us from a distance. I raised a hand in gesture for everyone to form up but lower, not holster, their weapons.

"Let her go, Vasir!" Liara called out, the four of them taking a couple of paces closer.

Vasir spoke quietly to her hostage. "What's your name?" she eventually asked louder.

"Mariana," replied her hostage.

"And do you want to live, Mariana?"

"Yes, please!" Mariana cried.

"Let her go, Vasir. She has nothing to do with this," I warned, "Or are you as cowardly as Saren?"

Perhaps the wrong thing to say. Her eyes narrowed in my direction, the barrel digging into the temple of Mariana. "I'm nothing like Saren! And all you had to do was walk away, Shepard. Don't you understand, you and your little blue bitch? The Shadow Broker runs things. And he does not like being messed with." She paused, threatening to shoot, but if she did that, she lost her leverage. And she knew we'd fire without hesitation. "And because you chose to get involved, now it has to get ugly. Tell me, Shepard, how many souls do you carry on your conscience?"

"None." I could see my reply perplexed her, but before she could say anything…

"Please, I have a child. A son. Don't kill me," Mariana pleaded.

"A son? Well, well, well. I've heard losing a parent is just horrific for children."

"I'm going to take pleasure in killing you, Vasir," Liara growled. The only thing stopped her at the moment was she didn't have a clear shot.

"I'm giving you one warning and one warning only. Guns on the ground now. Or I kill the lady."

I shared a glance with Liara and I definitely surprised her by laughing. "Jesus wept, Vasir. You clearly have no idea about my track record. I think I've proven I give less than a shit about sacrificing certain people to achieve my objectives. Nor have I hesitated in shooting those I deem a threat. And considering who I am currently working with, that should suggest to you that I am still willing to do whatever is necessary. So…"

I fired, putting a bullet into Mariana. Only in her shoulder, but it knocked both her and Vasir backwards, Mariana falling clear of her clutches as Liara launched a biotic attack directly at Vasir. She staggered before she turned and ran, Liara and I chasing her as I yelled at everyone else to take care of Mariana.

We ended up on the balcony of the resort, a giant pool in the middle, surrounded by tables, chairs, recliners, umbrellas. And Vasir called in the remaining forces she had at her disposal, the rooftop soon little more than a battlefield, gunfire and biotics being traded. Garrus took position to take the head off any mercenary dumb enough to present a target. Thane and Kasumi ran riot. Shiala and Liara caused havoc. And I went looking for Vasir. She was tough, I'll give her that much credit. More than once I collided with her, but her biotic shield was strong, and more than once she got a shot off in my direction, shields failing and I was left bleeding by the end of it all.

But with the team I had with me, she was never going to win. Shiala and Liara whittled down her barrier, and once it was gone, Garrus put a bullet into her gut, causing her to fall to the ground. Liara and I closed on her before she could do anything stupid. I kicked the weapon from her grasp and Liara searched her body, taking what she needed before stepping back, covering the Spectre as I crouched down next to her.

"Shame, Vasir. Before you turned, I actually liked you."

"You're nothing but a traitor, just like the pureblood bitch you hang around with. You'll get your comeuppance eventually, Shepard."

"No, I won't. You were good, Vasir, I'll give you that much credit. But the people I surround myself with, and I'll even give myself a pat on the back, we're better."

She smirked though she was starting to fade. "You don't stand a chance, Shepard. The Shadow Broker has been running things for decades. You're nothing to the likes of him. If I were you, I'd walk away now."

"Not going to happen. And if anyone is the traitor here, it's you."

She scoffed. "I'm no traitor. Not like you. I don't actively work with terrorists. And before you even suggest it, I'm nothing like Saren. Nothing! The Broker gives me intel that saves lives, keeps the Citadel safe and the Council in their cosy positions. And I'll do what it takes to make sure that remains so."

"Whatever makes you comfortable with however long you have left."

She might not have liked it, but I grabbed her hand and held it as she started to struggle for breath, the ground underneath her starting to turn blue as she slowly started to fade away. Eventually her breathing slowed to such a rate, her eyes started to turn glassy, and within a couple of minutes, she was gone. I was nice enough to close her eyes, but nothing else as I stood up. We moved to a nearby table, our team sitting around it as Liara started to check the data on the disc she had found.

Jackpot. It had the location of the Shadow Broker. And she leaned something else important to her.

A colleague she had worked with to retrieve my body, someone named Feron, was alive, though obviously a prisoner. When I asked who he was, Liara took a deep breath before immediately going into the whole story of what she had done to get me back. By the time she was done, most of us were speechless. I didn't really know what to say. She'd told me some of the story upon our first meeting, but it seemed she'd left nothing out this time.

"So, when are we going then?" I asked.

"We'll need to discuss that in private, Shepard. Right now, I need to return to my apartment, sort out one or two things, and I'm in desperate need of a shower. But I would suggest getting the Normandy ready to head off, if that's okay."

"Oh, I certainly have a bone to pick with the Shadow Broker myself, Liara. I'm all in on this one." I looked at Miranda. "Send a message to the crew. All are to return to the ship by 0900 ship time tomorrow. I will give further instructions from there."

"Right away, Shepard."

"As for right now, I suggest we split up and take stock of what's happened. I'll head back with Liara, as we'll need to discuss the next steps. Miranda, I will let you know as soon as we have a plan. The rest of you, thanks for your assistance for the moment, and you might be called upon to help again at a later date, depending on circumstances."

Heading inside, we assured all the staff that the situation was now in hand, but that they should call local law enforcement to come deal with the situation. When asking who we were, I had to let them know I was a Spectre, providing my details so they could at least confirm that the affair was legitimate. Once they realised I was Shepard, I had more than one offer to return and take advantage of the facilities available.

Downstairs a couple of minutes later, we split up, Shiala, Liara and I grabbed a cab to head back to her apartment, the rest heading straight back to the Normandy to prepare for our departure. The sun was already starting to disappear, so we wouldn't remain on Illium much longer. Back at Liara's apartment, I put a call straight through to Gianna, asking for her to visit. She sounded concerned, so I immediately assured her I was fine, but there had been an issue which would result in my departure from Illium sooner than planned. She said she'd head over immediately. I spoke to Kelly next, who told me that she'd head straight for the ship and that she'd see me tomorrow.

"Shepard, I've obviously been planning for this eventuality for some time, so I need to ask a few favours."

"Name them."

"I have a ship ready to go, waiting on Omega. I've been paying Aria T'Loak to keep it secure for me ever since I retrieved your body, having learned of the Shadow Broker's plans. So what I'm asking is for us to fly to Omega, to leave the Normandy there, then we head to see the Shadow Broker. We're going to need a team, so I need to ask that you don't bring anyone with any affiliation with Cerberus, whether actually part of the organisation, or with financial links."

"Okay, that counts out Miranda and Jacob. Kasumi and Zaeed were paid off by the Illusive Man, so while they might not owe allegiance, they could be bought off. So… who do you trust most?"

"Garrus and Tali, obviously."

"I would suggest Grunt. His allegiance is to Wrex."

"What about Thane?"

"Solid choice. Man is an expert in matters regarding death."

"And Shiala makes seven. I don't think we'll need more than that."

We continued to make plans as Gianna showed up. Liara suggested that nothing would happen until we left Illium so that I should really spend my last night with her. I was a little stressed out after everything, Gianna recognising immediately, so after agreeing to meet at the ship the next morning, Gianna insisted we head to a bar that served food and alcohol. We were sat no more than half an hour later in a quiet little bar, a small booth to ourselves, some soothing jazz tunes in the background, and only the faint sounds of conversation around us.

"Long day?" she asked once we'd been served drinks and ordered food.

"I'm not sure where to start. But the result is that I have to leave sooner than I anticipated."

"I knew you'd leave sooner rather than later, Shepard. It comes with what you're doing."

"This is something different. Something more… personal. Don't want to say too much, but I'll certainly let you know once the mission is complete."

"I'm used to secrets, Shepard. I certainly don't expect you to share everything you do."

She shuffled across to she could lean into me, and we shared our plates of food as we ate, polishing off a bottle of wine before she suggested we head back to her place. Once we were in the front door and she'd locked it, there was little wasted time as we made our way to her bedroom, clothes disappearing quickly before we tumbled onto her bed. She ended up flipping around and we pleasured each other at the same time. I found it rather hard to concentrate as she blew me, and she found it just as difficult as I ate her out. I eventually stopped, enjoying her lips wrapped around my cock, and she made me cum rather quickly. Once she'd finished me off, I could focus all my attention on returning the favour, though the advantage is that a woman can orgasm more often than a man, so making her cum three times before she simply had to roll off me was certainly a reason for me to grin.

We then cuddled together, as sometimes, you didn't need to have intercourse, and with Gianna, I simply enjoyed just holding her in my arms, particularly when we lay facing each other, my hands running up and down her body, or I'd caressed her face, earning one of those smiles that made my heart flutter each and every time. After turning out the light, she snuggled into my chest as I held her tight, whispering that I loved her. I'll be honest, I hated the thought of leaving the next morning.

She was quiet the next morning upon waking up. We showered together as always, with plenty of cuddling under the hot water. We ate breakfast, but I could see she was already thinking, and as we walked hand in hand towards the docking bay, her hand gripped mine tighter and tighter the closer we got. By the time the ship came into view, she was visibly upset. Miranda was outside waiting for me, as I was the last to arrive, Miranda quickly stating Liara and Shiala were already on board, and then she left me alone.

Hugging Gianna to me, she was not embarrassed about crying this time. "I don't want to leave either," I admitted.

"I know. I feel like a fool…"

I shushed her. "One day, we won't have to do this again. I'll arrive and then we'll be together."

"How long until that happens?"

"I'll admit, I don't know. But I don't plan on being old and grey. I'm doing my duty now, and I'll do it until the job is done, but one day, I will want peace. And when that day comes, I'll return to you for the last time."

She lifted her head so she met my eyes, gently cupping her face as I gave her a gentle kiss. "I love you, Shepard," she whispered.

"And that love is returned. And I promise, I will return before I go through the Omega Four. And I will definitely come back once the job is done."

"I will hold you to that last promise, Shepard."

After a last kiss and cuddle, she let me go, taking a step back as I turned and walked back onto the ship. I stood in the airlock and waved before I pressed the button to shut it, walking through to the cockpit, where Joker was ready for me. "We're going to Omega, Joker. Once we're there, I'll explain further."

"No worries, Commander. I'll have us there as quickly as possible."

Walking through the CIC, Liara and Shiala were standing near the elevator, looking a little awkward, in all honesty. I told them to head upstairs to my cabin as I greeted Kelly with the now standard greeting. "Missed you," she whispered as I hugged her from behind.

"And I you, Kelly," I whispered back, "Big things are afoot. I'll tell you about them later. But we're going to Omega. And once we arrive, I'll be disappearing for a while."

"I assume that's why Liara and Shiala are on board?"

"Correct."

"Then I trust whatever decision you need to make, Shepard. I am still sleeping upstairs though?"

"Liara and Shiala will have their own quarters until we arrive on Omega." I think she sighed with relief so I kissed her cheek. "Kelly, upstairs is our home. Everyone knows, and even they've had it explained. Plus, we're not on Illium. Need to at least be somewhat sensible. Can't be having too many gangbangs and orgies." That made her giggle, so I kissed her again on the cheek before I let her go, heading straight upstairs to my cabin, where I explained how long the journey would take and our preparations before our arrival. Liara explained further the ship she had available and the details she had taken from the disc.

Showing them to their own quarters later that afternoon, they were not offended as the cabin was simply not big enough to comfortably sleep a lot of people, unless they wanted to sleep on the couches. Samara was agreeable to move into the same lounge as Kasumi for a night, allowing Liara and Shiala some privacy in the other lounge. After such a long day, it was little surprise they were almost falling asleep at dinner. I was feeling it as well, so headed upstairs early, enjoying a shower with Kelly, before we headed to bed, where I fell asleep before her for once.

Arriving on Omega in the evening the next day, I had to sit down and explain to Miranda what would be happening over the next few days. She was surprisingly understanding of why I wouldn't be taking the Normandy nor any Cerberus crew going forward. "Whatever you do, Shepard, do not tell a soul what happens while you're away. Not me. Not Jacob. Not anyone wearing the symbol. Not even Kelly."

"Kelly?"

"Oh, she's loyal to you like no-one else on this ship, Shepard, but say she's kidnapped and tortured?" The thought alone pissed me off and it must have shown, Miranda immediately reaching across to grab one of my balled fists. "Exactly. So, whatever happens, don't tell anyone on this ship that may have connections with us."

"You're being surprisingly…"

"I trust you, Shepard."

"And I think that trust is now returned, Miranda. But thank you for not making this difficult."

"Trust me, if you're doing what I think you might end up doing, then it's only a good thing."

Once we docked, the team Liara and I agreed upon gathered on the gangway. I did ask Liara about taking Joker to pilot her own ship, but because he'd willingly joined Cerberus, she didn't trust him completely so had her own pilot ready to take us the rest of the way. Miranda had told the crew we would be dealing with a matter that required the ship remaining on Omega indefinitely, so there were not many questions raised. Garrus, Tali, Thane and Grunt were joining Liara, Shiala and I. We were taking armour and weapons only, Liara assuring us her ship would be stocked with everything else we would need otherwise. The others left before Kelly ran down the gangway to see me off, giving me one hell of a kiss as a parting gesture before wishing me good luck and practically demanding I return alive.

The ship was smaller than the current Normandy, and smaller than the old Normandy, though was large enough we were comfortable. There was a small kitchen and dining area, a small room where there were two rows of three beds, obviously the quarters for other guests, and a large bedroom which was obviously for Liara. The cockpit had two chairs, for pilot and co-pilot, and two behind for navigation and engineering.

We gathered around the table as Liara explained what we'd discovered. "We're heading a relatively uncharted world named Hagalaz. It is not a very nice planet. Its rotation is incredibly slow, so the side facing the nearest sun is extremely hot, more than what any of us can handle, and the other side is freezing cold, so there are two extremes. Somewhere within that is the Shadow Broker. No doubt his hide out is hidden by the furious storms that rage across the surface of the planet. There is something else though.

The Shadow Broker lives on a ship. Not sure exactly of the specifications but it appears it remains in the air almost constantly. I'll guess we'll find out more once we are on board, but obviously that means the ship will need to take us in close that we can get on board then we can deal with the Shadow Broker."

"Deal with as in… kill?" Garrus asked.

"If it comes to it, yes, putting it rather simply."

That revelation certainly gave the rest a moment of pause. I had figured it was her goal ever since she'd started looking into finding the Shadow Broker. She'd simply confirmed what I'd always thought. "It will be at least a two-day journey. I have no doubt the Broker has people watching the comings and goings from the nearest relay, so we'll have to make it to Hagalaz without delay. As you can see, the ship isn't exactly large, by my pilots are trained for this. They will get us to the objective without a problem. After that, it is up to us. Take the opportunity to rest now as I don't think it's going to be pretty once we've arrived."

The ship was well supplied, at least, so there was plenty of food and drink to go around. Liara and I stayed up later than everyone else, not really talking about anything, as she was giving me a look I knew well. Shiala gave us both a kiss on the cheek and headed to join the others. Liara took my hand and led me to the other room. It was basic, but we didn't need anything else.

After the adrenaline of the day, the easiest way to put it is that we fucked over the next couple of hours. While the kissing was hot and rather passionate as we undressed, there was very little foreplay, Liara practically pushing me onto the bed and just leaping on me. While she might have wanted to take control, in no matter what position I might have been, I certainly showed her who was boss. I had her crying out within a few minutes, no doubt keeping the rest awake, making her beg for my cock. The one thing I appreciated is that she knew what she wanted and she demanded it.

When she pulled the bottle of lube from the nightstand, I didn't hesitate, immediately getting her ready before lubing up myself. I took my time, of course, as she'd admitted that she'd had fingers up there but nothing else. So when it came to sliding my cock into her arse, at least, I didn't just ram it in.

"Goddess," she whispered as the head of my cock popped inside her tight arse. She was now on all fours, glancing back with hunger in her eyes. "Give me everything, Shepard."

"I will, just get used to it first."

She was far more eager than I thought, almost pushing back onto my cock within a couple of minutes. She gasped and moaned occasionally, but once she seemed comfortable, I quickly established a tempo that seemed to please her. Lifting her up to rest against my body, my hands grabbing her breasts and pinching her nipples before I moved a hand down to her pussy, giving that a real fondle.

"Shepard," she breathed.

"Your arse is fantastic, Liara."

"I've been waiting to do this for years."

I was soon pounding her, my lips near her ear, telling her the naughtiest things imaginable about what I wanted to do to her. I bit her neck all over, leaving nice little marks that she couldn't possibly cover up. She came hard as I fondled her, feeling her squeeze my cock as she did. I was starting to get close myself, and when I warned her I was about to cum, I pulled out and managed turn her around. She could read my mind, getting down just in time to take the first shot on her face, quickly followed by at least three or four more, before she did not hesitate in swallowing my cock, making appreciative noises as she looked up at me.

Smiling to myself, I picked up her and laid her down, simply lying down beside her as I rested my head on my hand, looking down at her. She met my eyes and started to giggle, cum still all over her face. "Fuck, I needed that, Shepard."

"Needed to get it out of your system?"

"I just need to be… fucked. Know what I mean?"

"Definitely. Had no idea you were so keen on the whole anal thing though."

"That was just for you, Shepard. Kelly and I talked about it."

"Ah…"

"You didn't seem as hesitant tonight."

"Oh, your arse was getting fucked sooner or later, T'Soni. I think you made your intentions clear the other night. Not the biggest fan, but I'm willing to do it occasionally. Sometimes, a guy just can't say no when it's offered."

There was only a small bathroom on board that could only fit one person at a time, so Liara headed in first to clean herself up before I had a quick wash, joining her back in bed afterwards. Being truly alone for the first time, she cuddled into my side and shared her innermost feelings about everything that had happened since I'd disappeared. The longer I listened, the more I realised everything was a front to how heartbroken she'd been left after I'd died. Once she got it all off her chest, and she'd shed a few tears, we made love.

Though I'd enjoyed what we did earlier, what we shared then was even better. And she certainly went to sleep with a smile on her face once we were finished again.

There were comments made about the noise the morning, of course, though nothing that could embarrass me anymore. Liara simply retorted by saying I had always been an incredible fuck, so that gave me opportunity to sit there, looking smug. Otherwise, I would admit it was a rather dull day, the ship not allowing much movement nor privacy, so apart from keeping up to date with news, we simply had to sit and wait until our arrival.

That night, knowing we would arrive in Hagalaz by lunchtime the next morning, Shiala joined Liara and I for some fun. There was only one real reason why Shiala wanted to join in, Liara digging into her small bag to show that she'd brought the same toy we'd used on her before. Shiala was showered in attention, my face between her legs, Liara sitting on her face, and once both asari had cum, Shiala got on all fours as we got her ready.

This time, Liara lay down, Shiala straddling and sliding down the strap on, getting comfortable before I positioned myself and ever so gently slid into her arse. I think I fucked her for all of five minutes before she had another orgasm. Somehow, I lasted quite a while until I needed to cum, Shiala begging for me to leave a load inside her. So that's what I did.

Honestly, I was done after that, didn't need anything else, so I had the pleasure of watching Liara and Shiala please each other at the same time. It was perhaps one of the most erotic things I'd ever seen, both asari practically experts in regards to the body of the other. No idea how many times each of them orgasmed before they had to stop. Liara worried I was left out, but I assured her that, sometimes, I simply didn't need to be involved.

We woke early the next morning, joining the others for breakfast, before we all assembled in armour and prepared our weapons. By mid-morning, we were approaching our destination. Making it to orbit of Hagalaz apparently undetected, we checked the monitors to see our fears confirmed. We could detect a faint ship signature smack bang in the middle of a storm system so large, it must have covered half the planet. But we had no choice. We'd come this far, there was no backout now.

The next few hours were the craziest of my new life so far. The ship descended through thick clouds until we were in the right position. Hovering just over a walkway, the ship had to match the speed of the other and, after switching on the magnets in our boots, we made what seemed like a death-defying leap between the two ships. Once all seven of us were safely on board, Liara radioed for the ship to head back to orbit and we'd get in touch soon.

We discovered that the ship was simply enormous, of a construction practically unseen. We discovered the engines seemed to keep the ship going indefinitely, using the electricity of the very storms it flew through to keep it powered. There was also very little to no security at first, the only things around to kill us being the storm itself, or perhaps being blown off the side if not for the magnets in our boots.

Once we ran into a random patrol, though, that is when shit hit the fan, and we faced a slog from that moment until we reached the lone door that would allow us access. The Shadow Broker had a small army on board the ship, and he threw plenty in our direction. I didn't dare risk charging around on board a flying ship, reverting to using my rifle and working in tandem with Garrus and Thane. It was always amusing to watch Liara and Shiala use their biotics, lifting and flinging plenty of the enemy over the sides of the ship. I could only guess how high we were and how long it would take for them to impact the ground below.

Making it to the door what felt like hours later, we couldn't just bust the door open, Liara using a special decoder that would allow us access. We then had to bunker down and fight off what felt like a horde of mercenaries. Taking out my shotgun, I now worked in tandem with Tali, creating a field of fire that some were dumb enough to walk into, Tali laughing with glee whenever she managed to drop one of them. The wait for the lock breaker seemed interminable, and more than once, I was left wondering if we were not going to be left overwhelmed, as the enemy approached from all sides. More than one of us took a wound as our shields simply couldn't keep every single projectile at bay, but once the lock finally cracked, we backed up and inside, myself last in as always before we managed to seal the door shut.

There were more waiting inside, and now I could charge, the poor bastards not seeing to realise who they were up against. Blood lined the walls and floor once I was done, taking five of the six out myself, Garrus taking the head off the sixth. That simply attracted attention, hearing the footsteps of more approaching. I grinned at Liara and took off again, though there were at least triple the number this time, so I was more circumspect in how I approached, ensuring I didn't go getting myself killed due to be overly cocky.

Then we found Feron. I certainly didn't expect a drell. Poor bastard was tied to a chair, signs of torture across his body, and when Liara tried to get him out, he was almost cook alive by some sort of electrical current, his cries of pain causing Liara to actually step back. "Leave it, Liara!" the drell pleaded, "You can't tamper with it. You'll have to shut off the power from his office. Otherwise I'll cook."

"No time for twenty questions, then. Just one. Who or what is the Shadow Broker?" Liara asked.

"I'm not sure, but whatever he is, he's big. Very big. Nothing I've seen before."

After dealing with the last team of mercenaries sent our way, Liara fighting with a fury I had witnessed before, watching her fling them around the corridor with ease, actually squeezing the life out of the last one as she squashed the armour so tight, blood started to drip to the ground, before she smashed his body into the walls, the ceiling and floor before flinging him away.

Then we met the Shadow Broker. He was big. Like no species I'd seen before. Even in the darkness that hid him for the moment, his sheer size was intimidating. I gripped my shotgun that little bit tighter, readying myself for the inevitable. When he finally leaned forward, I still didn't recognise the species, but damn, was he ugly!

"Here for the drell?" asked the Shadow Broker, its voice deep and grumbling, "A reckless move, Commander, even for you."

Well, he knew who I was, at least. "You're hardly subtle, considering your own actions on Illium," Liara retorted.

"Extreme decisions are sometimes necessary. I thought you, of all people, would have understood that, Commander. And you, Doctor T'Soni."

I glanced to see the team had formed up, covering the Broker from every angle. If he was smart, he'd co-operate, but it was obvious that he had grown supremely arrogant in his position. "All we want is the drell," I stated, "Give him to us and you can go about your merry way. Though we'd prefer you to stop trying to kill us."

"Why torture him for so long?" Liara growled, "What could he have possibly told you that would be worthwhile?"

"It is your fault, Doctor T'Soni. If you had not interfered with my plans, none of what has happened would have been necessary. As for the drell, he is paying the price for his betrayal." He then looked at me. "And the Collectors still wish to claim the bounty for your body, Commander. I will hand you over once we're done here."

"Bring it on, big fella."

"All we want is Feron. Let us take him and we'll at least let you live," Liara warned.

The Broker simply laughed at such a statement. It boomed around the room, emphasising his sheer size. "Doctor T'Soni, you do not understand. None of you will be walking out of here at all. I know every secret, asari, while you have spent two years fumbling in the dark just trying to find me. Do not think, and do not believe, that you can challenge me."

Liara glanced at me and smirked. Oh, I loved it when she was in this sort of mood. "I know more than you think. For starters, let's try what you actually are. You're a yahg, a pre-spaceflight species, quarantined to your home-world for massacring the Council's first contact teams. Add to that, it's quite easy to realise this base is older than your planet's discovery, which probably means you killed the original Shadow Broker at least sixty years ago, taking his place instead. Now, what I'm guessing is that you were originally taken from your home-world, likely as a trophy, or a slave…"

"Oof, how's that for truth, big guy!" I exclaimed.

"Or maybe he took you as a pet. Am I getting warmer?"

The talking ended, the Broker flinging his desk out of the way as he roared. Gunfire erupted immediately, but the bastard had strong shields, and it appeared yahg had tough skin, or maybe he was wearing special armour. Then he pulled out what look like some sort of energy shield, which blocked most of our fire, Liara pointing above.

"Some sort of shielding technology. Get his into the right position and we can end this quickly."

So I charged and got in close. He moved fast for such a big creature, not using a sword but some sort of blade, as if he was some knight from the Middle Ages. The team was spreading around the room, opening fire, but the shields he was using were almost stupidly advanced, so I just egged him on, dragging him forward into the right position. I didn't want a long fight. I wanted to end this quickly. We'd done enough fighting just to get here.

I chanced a glance and noticed he was almost in the right choice. So I lifted my shotgun and sent blast after blast into his body and face. His shields blocked nearly everything but it certainly pissed him off, and he charged at me. I had to move quickly and it meant he was out of position. Groaning to myself, I beckoned him forward. He was surprisingly cautious, and I thought he may have caught on to what we were trying to do.

So I put my shotgun away and cracked my knuckles, taking on a fighting stance. That simply made the Broker laugh. I could understand why. He was at least a foot taller, three times as wide, and probably ate humans for breakfast. So when I got in close, no fear whatsoever, and hit wherever I could, the bastard slammed the shield into my body. That sent me backwards, but he followed me, just as I wanted. I took another two, three, four steps back, beckoning him forward with my hand.

"Come on, big guy. Come and get it."

Chancing a glance up, I was in the right position. The Broker only had eyes for me. Everyone else had stopped firing. I glanced to see Liara was getting ready. The smile on her face was almost pure evil. We were definitely fucking afterwards.

"Hey, big guy, you did forget about one thing," I stated.

He stupidly came to a stop. "And what is that, Commander?"

I just pointed up. "That," and then pointed at Liara, "And her."

The last sound he made me chuckle as Liara summoned her biotics and tore apart whatever was in the roof. Looking away as there was an explosion, the light so bright it was almost like looking directly at the sun. When we looked back, there was no sign of the Shadow Broker, as if he'd faded into nothing. Liara looked at me and grinned before our hearing seemed to return. Turning around, we noticed a large bank of screens. We walked towards them. Most of it mean nothing to me, but Liara seemed to figure out most of it. "I don't believe it," she muttered, "No security whatsoever. Arrogant bastard thought no-one would ever try why we'd just done."

"What are you thinking?"

The voices were insistent, asking for information, asking why the Broker had gone quiet. Liara looked at me again and I knew immediately what she was thinking. "Do it," I said.

She cleared her throat before finding the button that would allow her to speak to everyone. "This is the Shadow Broker. The situation is under control. We experienced a power fluctuation while completing system upgrades. We experienced a momentary failure of all communications. However, all systems are now online. I want a status report regarding any and all operations within the next solar day. Shadow Broker, out."

Before anyone could ask what the hell just happened, the door into the room opened, all of us turning with weapons raised to see Feron leaning against the frame of the door, weapon raised, which he lowered immediately. "So now you're the Shadow Broker?" he asked.

Liara shared another glance with me before she replied, "I am."