Illium

Let's first head to Illium for fresh, new locales, a bunch of shopping, and more importantly a couple of crucial missions here. Warp to Tasale in the Crescent Nebula to find the asari-controlled planet. It becomes lucidly clear that someone has been expecting Shepard's arrival and subsequently prepared for it by having all docking fees waived. The friendly asarian asks you to speak with the person responsible: Liara T'Soni. You don't have to walk away from the initial greeting baffled by your good fortune, as you can proceed to interrogate the concierge for some answers and general information. It looks like Liara can help you with locating certain individuals as well, so let's pay her a visit.

As the concierge mentioned, Liara is found on the trading floor and can be found by heading up the first flight of stairs you see. Nyxeris sits outside her door and respectfully greets the Commander. Head inside to find a very frightening Liara in the middle of an important business call, but upon seeing Shepard her general mood submits to elation as they embrace. Liara's tied up with commitments here, so she won't join you when asked. She will, however, give up whatever information she has on the two dossier recruits here. Liara has a favor to ask of you, and you can choose to accept it right now, but know that this mission involves some seedy stuff and will earn you Renegade points.

Check out Serrice Technology, a kiosk selling high tech wares. As always, you can talk your way into a discount. And of course, no city is complete without its own premiere dance club. Eternity is the name of Nos Astra's hotspot and a good place to obtain information. If you're here on Miranda's mission, then her contact can be found here as well. A slave broker by the club entrance is stuck in a quandary with her Quarian slave. There are plenty of conversations you can eavesdrop for giggles. The bartender is an interesting character as well--chat her up for some interesting tidbits of info.

In the transportation hub of the city, you will find a myriad of shopping opportunities. Baria Frontiers is a kiosk that sells galaxy charts. These will help fill out your galaxy map and aid you in completing certain side quests. Gateway Personal Defense is manned by a very jaded worker who just shoos you along and refers you to the kiosk. The final kiosk of interest is one called Memories of Illium. Its operator, however, is embroiled in her own relationship woes. Speaking to her initiates the extremely short side quest: Blue Rose of Illium.

Now to take care of some real business…