Mass Effect - A Hero Rises Ch. 19

Though she would have liked to stay on Earth, she was very much her own woman, and after allowing herself a little time to wallow in self-pity, she needed to get her mind and body back into something to get her mind off the thought of him. Her resumé was glowing, so finding a job shouldn't prove too difficult, it was just a case of what and where. She was a cop, or at least an investigator, she knew that much. Find something that appealed to her strengths, something to keep her busy, her mind occupied, and perhaps not living alone would help as well.

She was in the process of casting her eyes over a few offers when she received a phone call.

"Miss Parasini?"

"Yes, who is this?"

"Liara T'Soni. You may remember me from the Normandy. Not sure if we ever exchanged pleasantries, but I do remember you."

"No, we did speak briefly, Miss T'Soni. I am surprised by your call though. What is it in regards to?"

"I've been informed you are no longer on Noveria and that you are currently pursuing new career opportunities."

"How did... How do you know this?"

"I will be honest, Miss Para..."

"Gianna."

"Okay, Gianna. I'm Liara. And I will be honest. I am an information broker, but more importantly, I am keeping an eye on the activities of those closest to Shepard. I am more than aware of the... affection you held for the Commander, as much as he had for you. When I read that you had departed Noveria, I was curious as to why. I've since learned you are looking for a new job."

"Shit, and here I thought..." She heard Liara giggle as she trailed off. "You offering me a job?"

"No, not with my company, but I have many associates who could do with the services of a keen investigator such as yourself. Have you heard of Illium?"

"I have, not all of it good, to be honest."

"And you would have reason to be cautious, but if I put in a good word for you, I will ensure you are... Well, let's just say I look after those Shepard cared for."

"And what have I done to earn this... generosity?"

"Nothing, Gianna. But I lived, worked and fought alongside Shepard. I remember our time on Noveria. I know he remembered it fondly, as I'm sure you do too."

"Understatement of the century," she whispered, before clearing her throat, "What are my options?"

"I can send through job specs once we close this call and we can correspond via messaging if you wish. More importantly, I figured you could perhaps do with... a friend."

"Part of me just wants to forget it all."

"And do you think you will?" She couldn't help scoff. She heard a sigh through the connection. "Those of us who served alongside him felt the same way, Gianna."

"Send me what you have, Liara. I'll have an answer by tomorrow evening at the latest."

Closing the call a few seconds later, she soon had a flood of offers from Illium. Liara prefaced them all by making sure she read the fine-print, asking Gianna to send it to her first to give it a once over before agreeing to sign. The jobs Liara sent were fantastic, far better than what she'd been doing on Noveria, and certainly far better paid. Two eventually took her fancy over the others, so she sent those to Liara. The asari replied quickly, stating both contracts were above board, and it was simply her decision as to which one she wanted. She chose the one with more responsibility and money, thinking that should keep her busy, her mind occupied, so she didn't have time to think...

Arriving on Illium a week later, she was greeted by Liara herself. Gianna was just going to bunk in a hotel until she could sort things out, but Liara proved to be incredibly generous, leading her to what appeared to be an upmarket part of Nos Astra, where an apartment had already been purchased in her name. Only a rental, and not too large, but it came furnished, with some terrific sights provided.

Gianna could only gaze out the window before stating, "I'm not sure what I've done to deserve all this."

Liara stood beside her, gazing out as well. "Shepard looked after his friends, Gianna. I intend to carry that forward."

"Thank you."

The asari looked at her and smiled. "You're welcome. Come on, we should head out and grab something to eat, if you're hungry?"

"Ravenous. Food on ships hasn't improved in centuries, it seems."

That made the asari laugh as they headed out. Gianna may have lost Shepard, and she knew it would take a long time to get over that, but perhaps making a friend in Liara would help them both get over the loss.