The Asari Consort, Sha'ira, has asked you to speak to General Septimus. She's concerned that this former client is spreading false accusations and could damage her reputation.
Acquisition
This assignment can be acquired once you're permitted to explore the Citadel Presidium for the very first time, after a meeting at Ambassador Udina's office.
Visit the Consort's Chambers on the Presidium and speak to Nelyna. After you finish speaking to her, Sha'ira will ask to see you. She explains that she and her friend Septimus have had a falling-out, and that he has been spreading lies about her as a consequence. Hoping he will listen to a fellow soldier, she needs you to speak to him on her behalf.
Walkthrough
Head down to Chora's Den in the Wards and speak to Septimus. He is smitten with Sha'ira, but she had to reject his advances because of her position. Go through the dialogue, choosing the obviously correct options to convince Septimus. If you give up, this finishes the assignment but you will no longer be welcome at the Consort's Chambers. The Charm (skill level 4) and Intimidate options here (skill level 4) do not result in any Paragon or Renegade points.
Eventually Septimus will give in and agree to start acting like more of a general. He then asks for a small favour, to fully clear Sha'ira's name. Septimus added to his campaign against Sha'ira by telling an elcor diplomat, Xeltan, that the Consort gave up his secrets, when in reality Septimus discovered them himself, and spread the elcor's secret out of spite. Simply talk to Xeltan, at the elcor-volus embassy, to complete Citadel: Xeltan's Complaint, then return to Sha'ira to complete the assignment.
Sha'ira will reward you with credits, XP, and 'a gift of words' that differs according to your chosen pre-service history and psychological profile. During the conversation, choose "Glad to help." for 2 Paragon points, or "Let's talk payment" for 2 Renegade points. Choosing "No problem" results in no morality points.
If you express dissatisfaction with her reward (by choosing "That's it?") Sha'ira will initiate a sexual encounter with you. This does not result in any morality points either way.
Gift of Words
I offer a gift of words, an affirmation of who you are, and who you will become
The second phrase of the gift of words is based of Shepard's pre-service history.
- Spacer: I see you, your uniform fits as though you were born wearing it. You are a soldier through and through. Proud, solitary, alone, but it gives you strength.
- Colonist: I see the sadness behind your eyes. It tells a story that makes me want to weep. Pain and loss. But it drives you, makes you strong.
- Earthborn: I see your skin, tough as the scales of any turian. Unyielding. A wall between you and everyone else. But it protects you, makes you strong.
The third phrase of the gift of words is based of Shepard's psychological history
- Sole Survivor: That strength is what kept you alive when everyone else around you was dying. You alone survived. You will continue to survive.
- War Hero: It is that strength that people are drawn to. It is why you lead and others follow, without question. You will need that leadership in the battles to come.
- Ruthless: You never hide your strength, either. It serves you well. Terrifies your foes. Few will dare to stand against you.
This may be who you are, but it is not who you will become. It only forms the basis for your future greatness Commander. Remember these words when doubt descends, Commander.
Mass Effect 2 Consequences
If the player does complete the Asari Consort assignment, Sha'ira will send Shepard a private email re-affirming her previous "gift of words." She also highlights the importance of winning over allies for the commander's future battles. However, due to a bug with the data import, the Galactic News will report that she is leaving the Citadel over rumors concerning her intelligence leaks, regardless of the player having reconciled Septimus and Xeltan.
The Trinket
If you completed Citadel: Xeltan's Complaint before returning to her, Sha'ira will give you a bonus reward, a small trinket that appears to be of Prothean design. This can be used on Eletania, a planet in the Hercules system of the Attican Beta cluster. Use the trinket when examining the anomaly at the ruins, and you will experience a short burst of information about the Protheans studying cavemen on Earth. If you do not speak to Xeltan before returning to Sha'ira, her door will be locked and you won't get the trinket.
This assignment is connected with Citadel: Xeltan's Complaint →