Disclaimer: Same as all the ones before.

Count On Me

~I'll be there...~

-Bruno Mars

A loud beeping rang out in the Commander's quarters. It echoed throughout the eerily silent room. A balding head poked out from the bathroom. After a moment it stopped. Shrugging the man returned to his work.

Several minutes passed and it sounded again. Once more his head popped out from the doorway.

"…"

The man peered around waiting for another beep, when none came he returned to the mirror he was replacing.

A third echoed and he peeked out the door again. A small light on Shepard's private terminal was blinking; he looked left and right as though searching for his CO to come and answer. When it became apparent that the Commander wasn't going to magically appear out of thin air the Mess Sergeant decided that the best thing was to ignore it.

Once again he returned to the mirror. And once again it rang out, but now there was no intermission between the beeping. He began to wonder who so desperately wanted to talk to Commander Shepard. Well, I imagine she's a popular gal. She did save the Citadel…probably has a lot of fans. He had finally managed to pull off the last of the shattered pieces from the mirror base, the incessant beeping continuing, as a thought struck him. Most people believe she's dead…so no fans would really be calling…and this is now a Cerberus vessel so… He tossed the last piece in the bucket he had and poked his head out again. What if it's important? Rupert Gardner awkwardly walked to Shepard's private computer. Someone could be in trouble. They seem pretty desperate… Hesitantly, the Mess Sergeant reached out and pressed a button, answering the call.

Half of Shepard's bedroom blacked out so that the large empty display, meant for model ships, could double as a screen. A man's face appeared. His hair was a dark grey peppered with silver; and his face youthful and mature all at once. The steely-blue eyes he possessed glowed brightly and were piercing as if he could look at you once and see your deepest darkest secrets. This thought alone made the Mess Sergeant fidget slightly, that and the fact he answered a call for the Commander without her permission.

The man blew out a puff of smoke his eyes examining him.

"You're not Shepard." He stated the obvious with a hint of annoyance and something that someone might interpret as concern.

"Ah…no. I'm Mess Sergeant Rupert Gardner."

"And why are you in her quarters?"

Rupert picked up an undertone of displeasure in the man's tone and crossed his arms. "That's not really any of your business." Making it quite evident he had no idea to whom he was speaking.

This seemed to mildly amuse the man who took a drag of his cigarette. "Considering I'm funding this entire mission, it is my business."

Gardner's eyes widened and he took a step back in disbelief.

"I-illusive Man?!" The Normandy custodian exclaimed.

The Illusive Man chuckled briefly before his eyes narrowed dangerously. "I reiterate, why are you in Commander Shepard's quarters?"

Rupert stood at attention saluting him. "I-i am currently repairing a mirror the Commander broke in anger and cleaning up all her blood from her back and hand wounds, sir!" Not leaving a detail out, feeling that if he did it would incite his CO's boss' anger.

Again something one could interpret as concern, flashed across T.I.M.'s face. "Is she alright? Where is she?"

Mess Sergeant Gardner blinked and remained standing at attention. "She is fine. Dr. Chakwas and the Salarian doctor took care of her injuries." He had to think on the second question. "A-and the Commander is currently in Nos Astra."

"Why?" The Illusive Man grew agitated by the lack of intel he had received from both EDI and Miranda since the A.I. informed him of the incident in the briefing room between the Commander and the scientist.

"I-I don't really know s-something urgent came up I thin-"

"Liara T'Soni sent Commander Shepard a message. Whatever it entailed made the Commander immediately set course for Illium."

The cook turned and saw Miranda walking over. "O-operative Lawson, w-what are you doing here?"

"EDI informed me that an encrypted call was coming in for Shepard, and that it had been answered. However, since she is currently ashore I found it strange that a call was answering itself…" Her eyes bored into the man; he gave a sheepish grin scratching the back of his head. She then turned her attention to the Illusive Man. "Shepard ordered me to not send you any reports unless otherwise stated. And EDI agreed that until the Commander's mood greatly improved she would also refrain from sending information."

"And you followed that order?" A small smirk briefly graced his lips, his annoyance placated by the fact something could worry Miranda enough to disobey his own orders. "Good, she is your commanding officer. However, this is not a report, Miranda, this is checking in on a friend. What is she up to?"

"I…" Miranda hesitated. She was caught off guard by the word 'friend'; though she quickly rationalized it as simply an excuse for any form of information. "I honestly don't know. After the incident, both Mordin and Shepard acted as though nothing happened. In fact the two seem closer than before, not that I've had the time to confirm this of course. Considering when the four finally returned to the Normandy the Commander immediately ordered Joker to set course for Nos Astra. She seemed extremely worried about something."

He took a swig of his bourbon and pulled up feeds of Nos Astra. "And you just allowed her to leave without a single explanation?"

"I felt asking her would only further to provoke her ire, she wasn't the calmest person from what Chakwas observed in her quarters prior to them leaving for the clinic. Not that she'd comment any further on either subject." He peered at her momentarily as if to say something but she quickly added. "I did however manage to place a tracker on her shotgun since it seems to be the only thing she keeps on her person at all times."

He nodded returning his gaze to the screen. His eyes scanned the videos searching, and finally he spotted his target making her way through a crowded plaza. "Found you."

~x~

The Commander pushed through the crowd. Sometimes she'd shove too hard and have to call out an apology but it didn't slow her as she forged a path to a certain information broker's office.

Liara…

~…~…~

"Shepard," the Prothean expert's voice almost echoed in the silent clinic room. "There are rumors of your return floating around. And while, at this time, I cannot confirm them…I pray they are true. There is so much I have to tell you…so much that I should've told you before-" her tone sounded hesitant and the three present knew exactly to what the Asari was referring. "I'm an information broker now. I started back on the Normandy. That day when you walked in so suddenly, I was dealing with some info…though knowing you you're probably thinking that porn would've been a more entertaining situation to have found me in. Reminiscing aside, I'm sending out this message with several Asari Commandos in the hope the rumors prove accurate." She stopped again, but not hesitant this time, like she was trying to find the right words. "Do you remember what we talked about that day? How you felt you had forgotten something? Something important in the place where it all began? I believe I found it. However, I can't say what it is. I have asked that no reports of it be sent out, so as not to gain attention from the wrong people, therefore it's a complete mystery to me. Go there, Shepard, and tell the excavation team what you told Vigil on Ilos…word for word. They'll perform a scan and be thorough so that only you can retrieve it, whatever it is." The three could hear her take a breath before practically whispering. "I wish…I wish I could go with you but I have something I need to take care of. And with the Shadow Broker out for my head, there's no guarantee I'll even be alive by the time you get this." A long pause before a sigh and finally her voice again. "Goodbye, Shepard."

She took in the whole message repeating it before looking to Mordin. "She can't die right? She becomes the next Shadow Broker for god's sake!"

Mordin thought on this. "Could be this time Shadow Broker is closer to disposing of her. Don't know how she took over position in first place."

This didn't ease the Commander's growing fears. She hopped off the medical table and stumbled forward falling into Zaeed, who was just returning from shopping. He caught and steadied her but before he could ask what her hurry was she immediately ordered them all to return and told Joker to set course for Nos Astros.

~…~…~

She continued to push through the crowd before sprinting up the stairs. Nyxeris stood alert to see the commander barreling up the steps having received no reports of her arrival.

"C-commander Shepard? W-wait-"

The Commander ignored her and rushed into the office.

Nothing.

She panted heavily, worry growing in her already anxious heart. The Asari assistant rushed in after her and the Commander turned to her with eyes that spelled murder. "Where is Liara?!"

Nyxeris raised her hands in defense not wanting to anger the woman further. "Last I knew she had a meeting down in the Cargo Terminal!"

"How long ago was that?!"

"Al-almost a week ago…" he voice was soft and she looked off to the side.

This new information did not settle well with the human and she gripped her shoulders, bruising them. "And you just sit there doing nothing?!"

A wince and gasp escaped the Asari. "Ms. T'Soni has been known to disappear for days on end, I just assumed that-"

Shepard released her, her jaw tightening and ran off commandeering a taxi. "Please be alright…"

~x~

Panting heavily and glancing at her clips she cursed to the Goddess.

She was running low.

A week ago she had a meeting with a contact and per her contact's usual request the two conducted business in an empty cargo container, hashing out payment and information. Due to the extensive amount of info he had for her the meeting took a few days. On the fifth night the two had been discovered by Shadow Broker operatives. They easily took out her contact and attempted to end her life but she managed to escape with only bullet grazes on her cheek and thigh. For two days they chased her through the underbelly of Nos Astra. For the moment she was hiding behind several crates.

If I can I need to make it to the elevator, then try to lead them somewhere where I have the upper- A click and smug chuckle. Or not…

~x~

Shepard menacingly stepped over the dead bodies of several operatives, ignoring Joker in her ear switching the comm off as she approached the bleeding Shadow Broker associate. She was lucky enough to have found them all 'camping' in the Cargo Terminal she had been directed to.

"Where is Liara T'Soni?"

The dying woman laughed and coughed up blood before spitting in her face. "Scew you."

Gritting her teeth the Commander gripped her throat tightly not bothering to wipe away the blood. "Tell me wher-"

"Boss, we found the Asari. Orders?"

Shepard looked over to the headpiece on a nearby crate and grinned slightly. "Never mind, looks like I have my answer." Releasing her Shepard shot the woman in the head figuring it a more merciful end then letting her bleed to death.

"Boss?"

The Spectre picked up the headpiece attaching it. "Tell me your location, the Shadow Broker wants some answers."

"Right. Dock 83."

~x~

Several operatives were restraining the weary Asari. If she had the energy she'd warp one and throw the other but she knew she'd barely perform one ability before earning a bullet to the brain. She glared intensely at the third one, this one had a gun fixed to her head.

Three, with their boss on the way with who knows how many more…damn it…

A shot rang out and the third operative fell to the ground dead. The other two released Liara and looked around wondering where the shot came from as something fell from above landing on the second. Liara ducked instinctively as a second shot echoed through the dock and the last one fell. It took a moment for her to realize that she had been saved and looked up. Her eyes widened as she stood.

The rumors were true…she threw her arms around her savior. "Shepard."

"Miss me?" Shepard chuckled hugging the Prothean expert back.

"H-how did- why are you here?" The Asari questioned.

The human sighed. "What did you expect me to do after getting a message like that? That I'd just head to Eden Prime without making sure you were okay? Come on you know me better than that, and besides it seems I was right to worry."

This made Liara laugh a little as she released her, nodding, and held her at arm's length. She was touched that her previous commanding officer and good friend would drop everything just to make sure she was alive. "You're right I should've known…I can always count on you."

Shepard looked the info broker over to make sure she was okay. "Come on let's get out of here."

The Asari nodded and walked with the Commander to the elevator when she suddenly recalled something. "How did you know where I was?"

"Your assistant told me you had come to the Cargo Terminal for a meeting."

Liara looked at her, then forward, her eyes narrowing. "Did she now…"

Shepard sighed and rubbed her brow. "I know that tone. Let me guess, you never told her where you were going?"

"Nor what I was doing." Liara's arms were crossed, her jaw tightened. "I think it's time to have chat with Nyxeris."

The Commander slammed her fist on the elevator button as she rubbed the back of her neck. "Want any help with that?"

She shook her head. "No." Her biotics flared up. "You can-"

"Just wait at your place with well-deserved drinks and food." Liara looked as though she was about to dispute this but Shepard stopped her. "Liara, I know what you're facing." I may not have thought much on it in my previous life but I get it now…why you couldn't join me then. You had things you needed to see through, debts you felt you needed to pay. "But you're driving yourself too hard. I know what extreme exhaustion looks like; the aching slumping shoulders, the heavy bags and dark circles under the eyes are just some of the few symptoms I'm very well acquainted with. We both know those are brought about by months of sleepless nights." The Asari nodded remembering well the Commander's condition as they grew closer to catching Saren. "If you all hadn't pushed me to try to sleep and relax I would've broken down I'm sure. Which is what will happen to you if you don't take a break every now and then."

She conceded with a soft strained chuckle. "Fine, Shepard, you win. When I'm through with my…chat I'll head home, we'll eat and have a drink or two." Shepard grinned and nodded. "Here's my address, I'll meet you there."

Shepard waited at Liara's apartment for several hours. As she did, she marveled at the Prothean artifacts and found herself at a loss for words when she saw her mangled armor on display in one of the cases. She had never expected Liara to care so much to keep it. Inwardly she thanked Liara for retrieving her body. By the time Liara returned Shepard had left to get some take out and returned.

"You're just in time I was about to pour a drink." Shepard said with a grin as she grabbed another glass.

Liara wearily chuckled and sat down at the table. "How did you know I liked this restaurant?" She asked tracing the logo on the take out box.

"There was a ton of old containers and bags with the logo in your fridge. You know Chakwas would have your head if she learned what has been in your diet for a while."

The Asari blushed from embarrassment. "Please don't tell her."

Shepard smirked and placed a drink in front of her. "It'll be our little secret." The two laughed and ate.

Spending the rest of the night conversing and drinking.

~x~

Her omni-tool rang out, stirring her from her drunken slumber. She cursed, angry that she was woken from a dreamless sleep. She snatched up her omni-tool and glared at the screen and only frowned when she read the message.

'The rooftop oasis.'

She didn't know who the message was from, and frankly she hoped it was an ambush just so she could shoot whoever it was for disturbing her. With a reluctant huff, she tried to get up but felt a weight on her legs. Looking over the woman faintly grinned seeing her unconscious friend clinging to her calf with one hand as the other held tightly onto a bottle of booze. Shepard carefully pulled her leg from the sleeping Asari; realizing that at some point in the night they must have decided to go to bed, seeing as she was in just her black tank top and boy-shorts underwear while Liara was in a nightgown that more resembled conservative lingerie than anything else. Not to mention that there was a discarded pillow and blanket on the floor nearby. But the two obviously never got that far if the dozen or so shot glasses and bottles that were strewn about all over, half of which she didn't remember consuming, had anything to say about it.

Once she was free, and convinced herself to get off the couch, she grabbed up the blanket and covered her friend before going over to her crudely folded armor. She glanced at it, inwardly groaning, having no desire to put it on only to have to remove it again once she returned. Deciding to forego protection she retrieved her shotgun, nestling an extra clip between her breasts, and headed out.

The Commander activated the elevator to travel upwards as she dashed up the stairs, hoping that if it was an ambush that they'll keep their attention there ignoring the access door. After bounding up several floors, she rested against the wall panting softly waiting for the elevator to sound out. As it did she opened the door and rushed out with her shotgun at the ready. Seeing no enemies, hearing no shuffling or gunshots, she stood there silently listening and waiting. Her eyes slowly adjusted to the orange glow the lights gave off, as they were meant more for accentuating the exotic foliage and giving a romantic seeming atmosphere than for lighting one's way through the oasis. Slowly she made her way along the path, her bare feet silent against the faintly chilled stone. When she made it to the sitting area her eyes met his in an instant.

Admittedly the woman was taken aback by the sight of him, especially after she oh so blatantly told him she would be his demise. She stared at him and as angry as she was at the man the surprise of him being there in the flesh diluted her rage. Her jaw tightened and she swallowed hard; part of her wanted to lower the weapon because she knew she needed him for the time being but there was still the memory of the citadel floating around in her head and of what this man became and had done and so, against all rational thought, she kept her shotgun trained on him.

"Illusive Man…what do you want?" He snuffed out the remainder of his burning cigarette and watched her silently. "I didn't think you'd actually leave the safety of your base."

"I know." He nodded his head to the ledge where a limousine silently hovered. "But it's time we talk, someplace more private."

She stood straight and thought on this. Am I hearing him right? He's wanting to talk, now of all times…"So this is you saying that you want me to tell you the truth behind my...knowledge?" The Illusive Man nodded and Shepard gave a snarky grin. "Well then, where's this private place? That massage place you mentioned once?" She lowered the shotgun.

His eyes continued to bore into her. "No. Though you're certainly dressed for it."

Her eye twitched a moment, before she finally managed a dark smirk. "I'll be back, Timmy-boy."

Shepard was about to turn on her heel when she caught him shaking his head. "I'm afraid we don't have time for you to change into your armor." He headed to the expensive car. "The Collectors could be monitoring the city's cameras."

The woman looked at him. "You think the Collectors would really attack Nos Astra to get to you? It's not a poorly defended colony."

"Not me, Shepard, you." She tensed at this peering at him. "If my aliases fall through, my presence here would indicate your location."

"You could be meeting some Asari prostitute or some backer of yours. Why would anyone assume where you are is where I am?" Her jaw tightened, hands clenching.

The Illusive man opened the limousine door for her. "I can control my urges and a backer I can contact through overly secure back channels. You are the only reason I would leave the…safety of my base while humans are currently under attack by the Collectors and you and Cerberus are the only ones trying to stop them."

Shepard ran a hand through her bangs thinking on this. "But doesn't everyone still think I'm dead? Surely rumors aren't enough for them to come and attack Illium."

"I have so far erased your image from security cameras in hopes to keep you dead for as long as possible but it's better to be safe than sorry. And who knows what information Nyxeris sent to the Shadow Broker before her 'chat' with T'Soni." He indicated with his hand for her to get in.

Sighing the woman got in and accessed the mobile computer inside. She wrote to Liara apologizing for the abrupt departure, stating something urgent came up, and asked if she could send her armor to the Normandy for her. Finishing the email she sent it and leaned forward resting her elbows on her knees. "You know it only takes me a second to change right? I'm sure I'll look more suspicious walking into this private place like this than in my armor."

"You're armor would be equally suspicious, I assure you." He stated as he sat across from her, crossing one leg over the other. "Which is why I brought you a change of clothes in advance." He nodded his head in the direction of a black garment bag before pressing a button that placed a privacy screen between them. "Get changed quickly."

Shepard's eyes narrowed. She didn't particularly enjoy the prospect of having her attire chosen for her by the Illusive Man, but biting back her commentary she grabbed the bag and opened it before her jaw dropped and her eye twitched. "Where the hell are we going that I have to wear this?!"

All she got in response was an amused chuckle.