Karma: Take me home Chapter 1, a mass effect fanfic

A/N: Hello all and welcome to my second story in the Karma series...'Take me home' ...it will mainly be about Liara T'Soni and Kerry Shepard but certain chapters will show the rebuilding efforts of each world through the eyes of some of the Normandy crew as well as others. But the main storyline will follow Shepard and Liara as they come to grips with everything that has happened and the start of their family. Won't be as angsty as the last one but those of you who have read my last story and for some reason think I am evil know that the fluffy goeyness will only last for so long.

This first chapter will touch on some things that happened in the last story that I didn't bring any closure to and certain chapters will continue to go along the same line but not too many.

I am still going to have each chapter connected to a song but it will be a mixture of everything not just the crap I listen to. Thanks again for taking the time to read this and I hope you all enjoy.

Sklyer Grey

"Coming Home"

I'm coming home... I'm coming home

Tell the world I'm coming home

Let the rain wash away ...all the pain of yesterday

I know my kingdom awaits... and they've forgiven my mistakes

I'm coming home, I'm coming home

Tell the world that I'm coming...home

Home, it isn't much but it is theirs, at least for the foreseeable future. To finally be able to call somewhere home gives the Asari a feeling she hasn't had for a very long time, a sense of peace. Taking a deep calming breath, as much as she can anyway due to the thickness of the air, Liara looks out over the vast landscape of the planet they are currently residing on and she smiles again for what feels like the hundreth time.

The planet of Intai'sei can only be described as dry and hot with little to no protection from the scorching sun and due to the lack of fertilized soil and the limited water supply, food is at a premium even with the support of each government sending aid to those that they can. It is a program that was set up by the council after they decided to call a meeting and invite any race that wanted to be included. It was decided that aid would be given to anyone that needed it as long as they registered with the local governments before traveling through the relay to the respective system and planet. This would have caused a problem for someone who is trying to hide, whether from an illegal stand point or what Liara's plans were but having the use of the Normandy and Spectre Williams clearance made it a simple process.

After everything that had happened and all that Liara had said to the Asari councilor, Tevos finally listened. She went to her counterparts and went over everything the young Maiden had mentioned to her. Reiterating the fact that none of them listened at a time when it was a necessity. The others, minus Hackett argued that it's easy to look at their ignorance to Shepard's warnings and how were they to believe a story as far fetched as the Commanders, when the proof was only being given by one source? Tevos was adamant that that was the problem, no one listened, and it's the reason all of their home worlds were nearly destroyed. They had been put in their positions and were expected to do everything in their power to protect their people and they didn't. If they were to continue to be in their current position then steps are to be taken to ensure the faith that was there can be reestablished once again as the majority of the council races were calling for them to step down. No matter what the future held for any of them, Tevos was adamant about all of them helping in the recovery efforts siting, they themselves may have not been the cause of all the destruction across the galaxy but when it came down to it, they only got involved once it was too late.

Hackett had been impressed with the Asari's words, how she was able to convince the two other relatively stubborn councilors to see where mistakes were made and agree to her plan of aiding all those who were in need, not just council races. He became even more surprised when Earth was the first planet offered assistance. Everyone knew about the Human planet being unstable and eventually becoming uninhabitable but the Admiral never thought that after being stuck in the sol relay for so long that anyone would volunteer to come back and help. He was proven wrong as countless members of each race began to come through the relay and provide assistance where needed. He knew it would be a long slow process but with everyone's help it would make it that much more easier.

Liara had only stayed one day on Hackett's ship so they could fit the Commanders body with a sealed medical bed so travel would not be an issue. Unfortunately, with how the bed was set up, it almost looked like a coffin. The same type of coffin Liara had opened to look at her love one last time before giving Shepards body over to Cerberus. Liara had to remind herself on multiple occasions as they walked from the Adimirals ship to the Normandy that the person they were all escorting was in fact alive, just sleeping. No one really knew exactly what lengths the Asari went to in order to get Shepards body back after the Collector attack, but everyone in attendance had a feeling Liara was reliving it.

The only one who had an idea of the dark thoughts the Asari was dealing with was Miranda and she made sure she was there for Liara with each step. Liara was grateful at the small gesture Lawson had done. It made it easier to remember that she and Shepard were travelling to their new home and would now have a future together, a future they both fought for with every ounce of strength they had, just so they had a chance to create more moments together. It was still hard seeing her love in the medical hover bed but she knew Chakwas and Miranda would not give her false hope. They told her Shepard would soon wake since her injuries were not severe but the lasting effects of the drugs the Commander was given needed to be purged from her system.

No one who had examined Shepards blood could say with any certainty that there wouldn't be permanent side effects from the drug but all gave her a clean bill of health, even prior to her waking up. Lawson was confident in her work and the only necessary steps Liara had to take was a simple blood test every few months to see that the implants and nanites were doing what they were designed for. The Commanders heart trnasplant still concerned her bondmate but with the advances in medical technology over the years the Asari was assured it would not be an issue.

The two friends went over everything Lawson had done in order to extend both of their lives. The process was long and drawn out but Liara had understood all that Miranda had said to her, with regards to Shepards cellular degeneration. The process in which the ex-Cerberus operative slowed her aging down, thus increasing her age, while a medical breakthrough, had been talked about by everyone who studied genetics. It was even studied extensively in the Asari's schooling, how each races age expectancy is based off of these strands. How everyone has these cell strands attached to their DNA and each time the cells divide they become shorter and closer to the cell dying as well as the host. However, no one could make the theories come true until Lawson was succesful. It took her years to develop and perfect and in the end she performed a miracle and gave the two heros the opportunity to be together for centuries. Miranda would be considered the greatest scientist ever but that would only pose more problems so her creation must be kept quiet.

What Miranda had done to extend Shepard's, and her own life was to lengthen each of these strands. The implants were to work along with the nanites to slow the process in which they divide and keep her organs functioning properly. Liara was worried about her new heart being rejected by the synthetics but was reassured multiple times by Lawson that as long as the Commander stayed away from people who wanted to shoot her at a constant, which had been a long list, they'd be with each other for a long time.

Looking out at the landscape of their home, Liara starts to think back to the last time her and her friends were together. They were on the Normandy, a ship they called home for years, and we're discussing a rare subject, peace. They were traveling to the planet her and Shepard were going to stay on and at the time the Asari was content with staying quiet and listening to what everyone was discussing. It didn't seem possible that they'd be given the opportunity to be here discussing their futures instead of how to destroy an enemy, or what system and planet they had to go to next and save.

They are all on a ship that had been designed and calibrated for one purpose, war. It gave the Alliacne an edge with its advanced technology but it is much more than that to those who served on it. It has been home for some, a beacon of hope for those that are in need of help, yet it has one thing in common, memories of friends. Some still here, some that sacrificed it all and are now imortilized on the memorial wall but all of them have left a lasting impression in the Asari's heart.

The more she looks around the more she realizes she is in the place where her and Shepard would talk for hours when she first came onboard. It isn't the SR-1, but the memories are there, of the times spent talking while they were chasing after Saren. Not knowing what the future held but they wanted to make the most of their time together. They'd spend hours talking about anything and nothing, just so they could spend time together. Knowing they felt something for one another but not sure if they should act. By the grace of the Goddess they ended up admitting how they felt and soon after acted upon those feelings. Smiling at her memories of her beloved and how confident the Commander was with everything she did, but how nervous she'd get in the Asaris's presence. Everytime her and Liara were alone the Commader would trip over her words, fearful that she'd say the wrong thing.

These are just some of the memories of the times spent with her friends and loved ones and they always cause the Asari to smile. As Liara sits listening to her friends talk about what the reports were saying about the different systems and planets she can feel the tears run down her face. It was then that she realized this may be the last they'd time spend together on the Normandy. They had all been through so much together on the Alliacne vessel and the Asari knows she will see her friends but not as frequent but at least they had futures to look forward too. Her thoughts move to those that are no longer here.

Those that were lost over the course of the war like Kaiden, her mother and even Saren. What she had said was the truth, she felt sorry for the Turian. Then there are the more recent deaths in Javik, Jacob, Thane and Mordin. Liara only really knew the Prothean, only breifly knowing the others but it is still hard to deal with. Kerry had served with them, and just like any other crew member that served with her, formed a bond with them all.

The hardest ones to think about are the more recent friends that survived the war only to give their lives later on. Each of them like Vega, Engineer Adams and even Rebecca Finch all died heroes trying to help. It is difficult to think about any of them but the Asari knows that each of them gave their lives so they could all have a future to look forward to.

Her thoughts move to what her and Shepards life will be like now that there isn't a war to fight. She wishes her beloved was awake so they could enjoy these moments. The other problem Liara has is that she still doubts that her decision to 'runaway' with the Commander was the correct one and in a way was dreading Shepard waking up and being furious with her for making a decision of this magnitude. At the time it was the only thing the Asari could come up with after Shepard had asked her to take her home. Her thoughts on Kerry's negative reaction to the decision made, were eased a bit once again by the Normandy's doctor. As Chakwas sits down in front of the distracted Asari, Admiral Hacketss voice comes over the ships comm system informing all Alliacne personnel that shore leave would be cut short due to the evacuation of Earth.

Hackett had only told Liara initially, that Earth may have to be evacuated as the atmosphere was extremly unstable and with the damage that had been done feared permanent. It is doubted that the once all human world would ever be habitable again. When the Admiral spoke about this to the Normandys crew everyone was saddened at the news especially Ashley. She had grown up on Earth along with her family and she knew the evacuation process was not going to be easy for anyone. It had only been a little more than a few months since the Reapers attacked, only three since they were defeated but the affects were to be felt now and for generations to come.

After everyone made there way to their respective stations, Garus making sure his travels brought him to the bridge to pick on Joker some more due to him leaving in the middle of everything, the two doctors were left alone to talk but not before Garus announced his intentions of making fun of the ships pilot once again. Apparently when the engineers of the Normandy were called back to the ship someone let it slip that EDI may have been able to be brought back online. The Turian found it easier to ask if a bird had pooped on the windshield causing the Alliance pilot to clean the whole ship with Traynor's toothbrush and he wanted to continue with his abuse of the lieutenant.

Liara and Chakwas both were still smiling after Garus had made his leave. Appreciating the fact that even with all the horrific news coming out and all the death that had been witnessed there was still hope left and certain peoples sense of humor was still there. Even with the laughter that sometimes seemed forced, being at a higher level than expected, the sadness is still there. Liara's thoughts went to Traynor and everything that had transpired over the course of the war and more recently. The Asari was saddened at the news from Chakwas after the specialists surgery was complete, even though she would recover from her wounds, Samantha would never walk again. The Commander didn't kill the Alliance specialist and Liara was grateful but it is just something else to add to the long list of shit that Shepard would be dealing with.

With everything that was transpiring the Human doctor knew the Asari sitting in front of her still seems to be questioning everything. Even after the Admiral all but told her to go and recover, they deserved the break and the galaxy would rebuild without them. Liara seemed to be doubting all of it and once again Chakwas happily found herself being the voice of reason. Since the Asari came on-board the Normandy all those years ago she had found herself at one time or the other talking to both Liara and Shepard and in the beginning it was about getting both of their heads out of their asses and admit thier feelings for each other.

During the mission against the Collectors, the doctor had received messages from the information broker after they left illium, asking about Shepards well being. Liara pleaded with the older Human not to say anything about her inquiries and as much as the doctor wanted to yell at the both of them again, she did what was asked of her. After the shadow broker was killed and they were reunited and again after the Reapers invaded and the war began they continued on with their romance. Chakwas was relieved because they needed each other for support but still found herself every once in a while talking with the both of them.

It was never anything serious and most of the time it was about Shepards lack of experience in relationship matters. But Karin had a feeling Shepard was being her humorous self and dragged poor Liara in as well. Their talks would consist of Shepard asking what color bonding bracelet she should get, wanting to get her favorite color blue but didn't think anyone would be able to see it. Or Liara would come into the med bay and ask how long it took for human hair to grow back. And if Shepard would get mad if the Asari were to shave her lovers head, wanting to keep it for herself as she was infatuated with it. Insane discussions that would leave Chakwas shaking her head, wondering how she got so lucky with the two of them constantly going to her with their rediculous queries. Mainly they did it because the two of them tried to test the doctors patience by coming up with some of the most rediculous questions and knew she'd listen.

This was different though, this seemed to just be a continuation of the two doctors conversation a few days prior, if the look on the Asari's face was any indication. The same one where Liara was second guessing herself as to whether or not the Commander would feel like the Asari abandoned her and Chakwas knew once again exactly what Liara needed to hear.

"Liara, I do hope you believe me when I say that Shepard will be fine with this decision and I too believe it is the best way for the both of you to recover from all this madness that's happened...as long as you are with each other I can think of nothing else that will help in your healing. The galaxy will still be here with its problems whether the two of you are in the middle of it or not...let someone else have a turn for once. You two have done nothing but hog all the attention of every homicidal maniac roaming the traverse...We'll take it from here."

Again the Asari finds the doctors words comforting and even though that is not everything on her mind, Liara is grateful for having met such a kind and caring person. Chakwas took them both under her wing and guided them when she could. Liara felt bad for driving the poor woman crazy with their questions, even though Shepard was to blame for the majority of them. Still the idea of shaving Shepards hair was still an option, especially now that she is asleep. But the Asari only had one thing to really say and it was hard for her to even form the simple words as they were not substantial enough for how she truly felt for the Human woman in front of her.

"Actually doctor all I wanted to say was thank you. For everything you've ever done for us. I didn't want this to be goodbye even though it feels like it is. But I need you to know something...ever since I was younger and even up until a few years ago I always felt like I had a void in my life. Mainly due to not knowing who my father was and before I met all of you the void was bigger since Benezia and I were estranged for so long. Then I came aboard the Normandy and gained everything I thought lost. All the friends I made in Garus, Tali, Wrex and even Ashley. I found love hear with Shepard and ...a mother in you. Words can not properly justify what you all mean to me so again I wanted to say thank you."

Trying to keep her emotions in check at the heart felt words that were just said to her the doctor can only think of what Liara had said earlier to the Admiral, about how Shepard rememerbed everything he had done for her and was grateful to him. Chakwas wondered if the Asari was only trying to upset everyone then leave. She knew the archeologists intentions were good but was still having a difficult time forming words.

Liara even had Tali and Garus upset. Tali had come running out of the med bay with Garus in tow, sobbing. Initially Chakwas thought something had happened to the Commander but the Turian clarified everything due to the fact that Tali was almost hyperventilating that the Asari's heart felt words were a little too much for the Quarian and himself as well, even though he'd never admit to it. Taking a deep breath to calm her emotions Karin smiles at the young maiden in front of her.

"Well...you certainly know how to make a girl cry and no this isn't goodbye my child...after all there is a baby and a wedding to prepare for."

Now as Liara turns to enter her home she can only smile at everything that had transpired only a few weeks ago. She wishes Shepard would wake up so she can share it all. She is also getting lonely even though Kerry was next to her every night. And as she reaches the door panel and it opens, walking into the kitchen to put the rations and some equipment away she hears a noise. It is subtle and Liara is unsure of what it is but moves to investigate. The closest area that had any sign that there is or was life on the planet is almost a four hour shuttle ride so she doubts anyone has broken in, yet she still has her pistol and biotics at the ready.

Walking through the smaller prefab home finding nothing until she reaches their bedroom. Her heart feels like it is soaring to new heights as the one thing she has wished for over the past few weeks has finally come true. Her one true love Kerry Shepard is awake and looking back at her with beautiful green eyes as the now speechless Asari is the only being in the universe. Liara loves the way that Shepard would look at her. Even witout saying a word the Asari knew what her bondmate was thinking, how she feels, and it amazes the Asari Maiden how each time the Commanders gaze falls upon her she can feel all the love that Shepard has for her.

Moving as quickly as her feet can carry her she almost jumps into awaiting arms, kissing every part of her lovers face as she can. To be able to feel her loves touch again has taken all the worry away. This is the time for them to be together, a time for their love for each other to reach new heights. To be with each other once and for all without a mission or a war to tear them away from one another. This is their time and nothing would pull them apart, they were home.