Shepard is lying on her stomach on the floor with Raina watching her try to roll from her stomach onto her back for the first time.
"Hurry up Liara or else you are going to miss it!" yells Shepard.
Liara is in the secure room of their home working. She, Feron and Feron's wife Bria make up the persona of the Shadow Broker. Her work load has been pretty light in order to be with Shepard and Raina, today she is starting to increase her workload to give Feron and Bria more of a break.
It has been three months since Shepard, Liara and Raina have returned to Thessia. An agreement was made with Dr. Roger Dircks, the doctor that Kane had at his beck and call during her kidnapping. Commander Ashley Williams, who is also a Spectre, agreed to keep tabs on the man. Somewhat an innocent man, Shepard decided to let him go in return for his help. He provided data pads that Kane sent him that informed them where additional Cerberus cells were hiding. Commander Williams and her squad were in charge of staking out the locations and acting accordingly.
Shepard pops her head into the secure room, "I'm telling ya Liara you are going to miss it," she quickly returns to Raina.
Liara inputs a few more keystrokes then quickly leaves the room to join Shepard and Raina in the family room.
Raina Samantha T'Soni is the first child for Shepard and Liara. Her name Raina meaning wise and guardian was a name they both agreed upon, though it is such a hard decision to name a person because the name stays with them forever. Her middle name, Samantha, is for Shepard's mother. They also both agreed to have the last name of their children be T'Soni. Since they are asari Shepard wanted them to keep an asari name. She also didn't want people expecting more from her kids because of the name Shepard, though it is bound to happen because T'Soni is just as infamous.
Liara lies down next to Shepard; they are both on their stomachs encouraging Raina to roll over.
"Come on little blue you can do it," says Shepard.
Little Raina has a look of determination on her face as she struggles for coordination.
Liara quickly pushes a few buttons on her omni-tool to capture the moment.
Raina is a lighter blue tone than her mother and she has piercing emerald eyes that match Shepard's. Though the doctor mentioned that her body color can deepen and her eye color can change, Elly hopes her eyes do not change, she likes seeing a part of her on her child.
"Come on …come on you can do it," coaxes Shepard.
With a surge of effort Raina turns just the right way and she rolls over onto her back.
"All right you did it, she did it!" exclaims Shepard. She looks at Liara to see if she captured the milestone, Liara smiles and nods.
Shepard quickly scoops Raina into her arms, "You did it little blue what a good girl," Shepard plants her lips on her bare stomach and blows the sound it make is odd to say the least but Raina loves it as it tickles her. There is no better sound than an infant laughing.
Liara joins them and gives them both a big hug, "Well done little one," she says as she kisses Raina's brow.
"I'm telling ya Liara, she is gifted, we have a little genius on our hands," says Shepard as she hugs Liara across her shoulders. She plants a kiss on her bondmate, "I love you Liara."
Smiling, "I love you too Elly, thank you for getting me."
"Anytime Liara, this is just one of many firsts she is going to have. I am so glad we could both see it. Before you know it she will be walking circles around us, won't ya little blue," she says as she blows on Raina's stomach again."
"Why do I get the feeling you are going to spoil her Elly while I am going to discipline her?"
"Awww that's not true Liara. We are in this together, I can be tough."
What a funny thing to come from the savior of the galaxy, of course Shepard can be tough she took out the Reapers for crying out loud. But she is quite the big softy when it comes to Raina. It is a new side of Shepard that Liara enjoys seeing. No matter what the captain says Liara truly believes she will have to be the "bad guy", but only time will tell.
"Are you ready for your nap little blue?" Shepard asks as she sets Raina into her crib. Raina's room is on the same level as her parent's room. They figure once she gets older she can move upstairs to a bigger bedroom.
Liara hugs Shepard from behind as they watch Raina in her crib settle down and close her eyes.
"I could watch her for hours," says Liara.
"Me too, we really did do good huh Liara."
"We sure did."
"What time are Valya and Dara coming over tonight?" asks Shepard.
"I told them to come about an hour before we eat, so around 6," says Liara.
"You going to take a nap Liara, you have been working a lot lately." They move into the family room to continue their discussion.
"I want to start pulling my weight I believe the saying is. Feron and Bria have been great, I want to help them."
"Well as long as you are getting the rest you need," says Shepard. "I think I am going to lie down. Who knew a baby would be so tiring, no amount of N7 training I went through prepared me for this," says Shepard as she kisses Liara. "You know…we could take a nap together."
"Oh really?" says Liara as her hands wander over her bondmate.
Kissing along her neck and jaw line, "Ummm hmmm, in fact I think we would sleep better together," she says as she leads Liara into their bedroom.
"Goddess Shepard I think we slept too long," says Liara as she frantically moves around the kitchen.
The asari couple Valya and Dara is expected to arrive shortly for the evening and Liara has not put the main dish in the oven yet.
"It's okay Liara, we are not supposed to eat for awhile anyway, besides they will be so enthralled with Raina they won't even notice. What can I do to help?" asks Shepard as she tries to stay out of Liara's way.
"Does Raina need changing, is she dressed?"
"No and yes."
"Where is she?"
"She is in her playpen, I can see her she is fine," says Shepard in a calming voice to try to settle Liara down.
She knows Liara likes everything perfect when they entertain, which they do not do very often. But it is important to her blue beauty that her guests feel welcome and their every need is met with grace and precision. If Liara wants dinner at a certain hour if something happens to alter that time table she gets a bit stressed. Shepard knows to keep her distance and help where she can. She wishes she could help Liara not be so stressed, friends come over to visit, not critique on the person's house or food, but she knows that with her mother Benezia, things were different and that expectations were different. Shepard remembers her parents having friends over with their house being messy, piles of stuff in the corners because there wasn't time to pick it up. To Shepard it is more important to spend time with someone than worry about where they are spending the time.
"What else can I do Liara?"
Liara places the main dish in the oven and looks over the items on the kitchen counter. "Just get their drinks when they arrive please."
"Not a problem."
The door bell rings, Liara lets out a small gasp. Shepard pulls her in for a quick hug, "Relax honey, everything is going to be fine."
"Please get the door Elly," there is no comforting her at this point.
"Will do," she says as she gives Liara a quick peck on the cheek.
"Welcome!" says Shepard as she opens the door gesturing Valya and Dara to enter.
"Hello Shepard," they say in unison.
Dara is the first to enter; she is on a mission to see Raina. "Hello Liara," she says as she looks around for the little asari.
"Dara hello, it is so nice to see you," they give each other a quick hug. Liara notices her looking around and she smiles. "Follow me Dara."
"So Shepard how does it feel being a father?" asks Valya. Valya and Shepard met almost a year ago; they were training partners when Shepard was training with the asari commandos to get ready to return to active duty.
"It feels great actually; I love every minute of it."
"Does she sleep through the night yet?"
"Sometimes, other times not so much. But she does not fuss a lot, we are pretty lucky." Shepard leads Valya into the family room to join Liara and Dara.
"Oh my Liara she is just so beautiful," says Dara as she can't help but hold the baby close. She wants a baby herself but Valya thinks they are too young. The asari couple is close in age to Liara, but since they share the same lifespan Valya thinks they should wait until they are closer to their matron stage in life which can be anywhere from 300 to 350 years old, they both are around 110 now. Of course the asari can have a child earlier than the matron stage like Liara; it just depends on the individual asari.
"Thank you Dara," says Liara.
"She takes after her mother," says Shepard as she gives Liara a quick squeeze. "What do you two want to drink?"
"I'll help you Shepard," says Valya. "Not sure I can tear Raina out of Dara's arms yet."
Entering the kitchen Valya asks, "How do you like working with Arelia?"
"So far so good," replies Shepard.
Arelia is the chief commando that Shepard has been working with. Admiral Hackett offered Shepard a position to act as the Alliance liaison to the Asari. She is working with Arelia to come up with a training program for the Alliance. The idea is to have the different military squads from the different species as part of their training to rotate at each species home world to learn from each other, so far the Turians and Krogan are on board along with the Asari. The purpose for the cross training program is to learn different techniques and exchange information from the different military styles to enhance effectiveness. The hope is to continue the improved relations between the species since the war with the Reapers.
"When do you think you will start the program?" asks Valya.
"Not sure, we are still working out the details."
"It seems like a good idea," says Valya.
"Yeah I think so. Once we start having troops arrive we will see. I guess the plan is to give the idea a year or so to see how it works out."
"When does that clock start?"
"When the first soldiers arrive and I think we are a ways off from that," says Shepard as she hands Valya her drink.
Looking at the human woman Valya wonders if Shepard misses being in the fight so to speak, she decides to ask. "Do you miss the action?"
Shepard looks at her, "Not really. I mean I miss the strategy, the planning, the getting ready for the mission when your adrenaline starts pumping, but I sure don't miss getting shot at."
"I hear that," says Valya who herself is a commando.
Shepard takes the additional drinks to Dara and Liara.
"So do I get a turn Dara?" asks Valya.
"What..oh yes ..sorry," she blushes a little as she transfers little Raina to her bondmate.
Liara was not sure when she first met the couple if they were bonded or just together. Turns out they have been bonded for almost two years. The pair is their first friends on Thessia, Liara is very happy to have met them as is Shepard.
"Hello there little one," says Valya as she coos at the baby.
"Please excuse me, I am going to check on dinner," says Liara.
Shepard steps away and joins Liara.
"I have a feeling Dara will be talking to Valya tonight about having a baby," says Shepard as she helps Liara in the kitchen.
"I suspect you are right Elly. Dara just told me that she still does not want to wait to have a child."
"Well if they do have one then Raina will have at least one friend," smirks Shepard.
Liara looks at her with furrowed brows.
"It was a joke Liara."
"It was a bad joke Elly," Liara states matter of factly.
Shepard smiles and gives Liara a quick kiss on the lips. "I love you Dr. T'Soni. What more can I do to help?"
"I think you can start placing the food on the table, everything is almost ready."
"Will do."
During their meal together Raina is as quiet as can be in her play pen. Dara and Valya caught them up on what they have been doing while they were on Earth.
Valya continues to train as a commando while Dara continues her education. Dara is very much like Liara, she is working toward her doctorate in archeology. She and Liara can talk for hours and hours which makes Shepard very happy. Liara grew up without a lot of friends, she preferred to be alone, but now she has made a few friends and is blossoming, Shepard likes the change in her.
"Well I do think you should come to the listen to him Liara, I think you would like it," says Dara.
Dara is referring to Professor Burns who will be speaking at Thessia University on the Protheans.
"I think you should go Liara, see if he actually knows what he is talking about," says Shepard.
"It does sound interesting..I mean I have read a lot on the Protheans, but I suppose there might be something that I do not know about them," says Liara.
"I highly doubt that," says Shepard.
"I agree, I mean everyone knows you are the leading expert on them," says Dara. "You should be the one speaking."
"Who is this Professor Burns anyway," asks Valya.
"He is from Earth. Apparently he wrote a book and is doing a tour," says Dara.
"I would like to know what book, so I can read it before I listen to him speak," says Liara.
"Sure I can get you that information."
"Thank you Dara."
They finish their meal, the asari couple insists on helping clean up. The kitchen is clean and the dishes are put away in no time. Raina has fallen asleep. Shepard takes her and puts her to bed.
The four enjoy an after dinner drink with more conversation before the asari couple call it a night.
"Thanks so much for having us over," says Dara. "She is just so precious Liara."
"Thank you Dara and thank you Valya for coming."
"Next time we will have you over," says Valya. "I will probably see you at the training facility come Monday."
"I'm sure you will," says Shepard, "Good night you two."
"Night," they say as they leave.
Shepard pulls Liara close and slowly kisses her on her lips. She finally breaks away for a breath, "I have been wanting to do that all night Liara."
"Hmmm," is all the asari can muster as she leans in for another kiss.
As Shepard leads her to the bedroom she says, "You know Liara I think you should think about writing a book on the Protheans."
Laughing a little Liara says, "What, you cannot be serious."
"Why not Liara, I mean they are right, everyone knows you are the leading expert, why not share your knowledge. I bet we could even track down Javik to help if you wanted."Shepard starts to unzip Liara's dress as she kisses her down her neck.
"And when exactly would I find the time?" asks Liara as she arches into Shepard's kisses.
"You…make….the….time," her kisses trial to her shoulder as Shepard slowly removes Liara's dress.
"Hmm, I will think…about…it," she says as she starts to pull at Shepard's shirt.
Shepard hears Raina crying but Liara clearly does not as the asari keeps tugging at her shirt. Shepard smiles and steps back.
"What…what are you doing?" asks Liara.
"Raina is crying."
"Oh Goddess, I didn't even hear her."
"It's okay Liara, I will check on her, you can keep the bed warm," smiles Shepard as she gives her a quick peck on the mouth.
Shepard walks into Raina's room and picks her up. "What's the matter little blue?"
The wailing has turned into crying now upon being held. Raina snuggles in close to Shepard as she walks around with her. "Did you have a bad dream honey?"
Raina stops her crying after awhile. It feels like Shepard has walked a mile around the house before she finally settles down. Asleep now, Shepard places Raina back in her crib.
Returning to her bedroom Shepard sees Liara is fast asleep. She changes into her night clothes and crawls in next to her bondmate. She pulls Liara close and whispers "I love you," before falling asleep.
Liara is the first to wake. Remembering last night she feels bad that she fell asleep while Shepard was tending to Raina. She leaves her bedroom to check on Raina.
Sleeping soundly Liara decides not to wake her baby so instead she starts breakfast.
Shepard hears Lira in the kitchen and decides to join her.
"Hey Liara."
"Elly, what are you doing up?"
"I heard you and wanted to make sure you were okay."
"Me, you are the one who was up half the night. I thought I would make you some breakfast before I woke Raina," says Liara.
"It smells good."
"I am sorry Elly that I fell asleep last night."
"Hey none of that. We have plenty of time to be together Liara; we need to sleep when we can. Think nothing of it."
"You are too good to me Elly."
"Right back at ya," she says as she gives her a quick peck.
"Still, I think you should go back to bed after you eat, I feel very rested thanks to you."
"Good idea," she yawns.
"Also Elly, I have been meaning to tell you," Liara stops talking.
Shepard looks at her and sees she is suddenly sad.
"What is it Liara?"
"I feel so awful Elly with everything that has happened I…"
"What..what is it?"
"I found Miranda Lawson."
"Okay, so why do you feel awful?" Shepard asked Liara months ago if she could track down the ex-Cerberus operative.
"Because I found her months ago Elly, when…"
Shepard knows what she is going to say. "When you were tracking down Kane."
"Yes. I am sorry."
Liara became obsessed with finding Kane as he was the mastermind behind Shepard's kidnapping. Shepard made Liara realize her obsession by walking her through her torture with Kane strapped to a table, much like she was. The plan though was to shock Liara into seeing what her obsession was doing, but instead Shepard lost it and killed the man. She still struggles with it today, calling herself murderer because she did in fact kill an unarmed, tied up man.
The reason why Shepard wants to find Miranda is to see if she can have her scars removed from her torso and hip. These scars were created by Brad Whitmore, the man who tortured her. She doesn't like the sight of them every day nor does she like the feel of them.
"Hey, what's done is done Liara, you know that. I appreciate you telling me. Maybe I will give her a call if you are all right with that."
"Of course I am, I want you to do what makes you happy," says Liara as she sets a plate of food down in front of Shepard.
"Thanks Liara. Besides maybe she can come for a visit and see Raina."
"It would be nice to see her again," says Liara as she sits at the table to eat with Shepard.
"I may not have her do anything; I just mainly want to talk to her about it ya know. I don't know what it will entail and I want to be able to help out around here, I cannot be out of commission for any length of time."
"We can see what she says, but if you want your scars removed, we will make it work."
Shepard smiles, "Thanks Liara," gesturing toward the food, "This is very good. I think we need to talk about having a party to honor Raina's arrival, invite our old squad, what do you think?"
"That would take a lot of planning Elly."
"Well we don't need to do it next weekend," Shepard laughs. "I think we should send out a communication to everyone and set the date two months out, that gives us and them plenty of time to make arrangements. I can take care of everything if you want."
"No Elly, I will help, of course I will help. I think it sounds wonderful. I do hope that Tali and Garrus can come."
"Yeah and maybe James, Jack of course Dr. Chakwas, Ash and the Admiral along with the new squad too. I think it will be a great time. We can try to reserve a block of rooms at the hotel, since we cannot accommodate everyone here," says Shepard.
"Sounds good Elly."
"Oh good, it will be great seeing everyone.
The couple hears crying coming from Raina's bedroom.
"Oh, it's time to feed little blue," says Shepard as she stands up to fetch the baby.
"No Elly let me. You need to go back to bed."
"You sure?"
"Quite sure, I will see you later."