It's choice, not chance that determine your destiny. - - By: Jean Nidetch
Chapter 2- Destination
Many cities from where Shepard & Miranda lived in south London.
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In Nottingham things where somewhat better. It was a strange thing to see. Much of the place looked like it wasn't touched by the Reaper War. It was also the only place Liara had told Shepard about. About if she ever had to live on earth that Nottingham England was where she wanted to live. At the time she told Shepard it was a story about a little girls childhood to live in a place where some of Earths most historic fictional and no fictional characters came from. It was just a little girls dream then.
Now here she was living that dream. However things from the stories are different then the real life world. She knew it would be when she got older.
So now sitting in her office in her home. Liara was doing what she could to keep her Shadow Broker connections going. Things have changed for her just like they have for many. She doesn't work the network as much as she did before. She has appointed Feron to run most of it. This is due to the fact she just don't have all the time she did. Even during the war she was keeping track of the biggest part of the network.
Now with being a mother her time is focused on her daughter. The last night spent with Shepard created life. Something she will never forget and never regret.
She looks at the photo of her and her daughter taken on the Normandy. A tear slowly runs down her cheek as she thinks of Shepard and the wonderful life they created. So many rumors have been going around about Shepard being dead and alive.
She's being kept in the dark from the Alliance. All they tell her is Shepard was found alive and is not stable or conscious. They won't even let her see Shepard. So she waits. That is all she can do. She had used her network to spread the word that she was seen in Nottingham. Just in case Shepard ever was able to look for her.
A soft cry brings her back from her thoughts. Liara went to check on her daughter. It had only been 30 minutes from the time she put her daughter to sleep.
When Liara opened the door to her daughter room. She could see that the stuffed toy of an animal that Earth calls a turtle was on the floor and her daughter was trying to reach it with her biotics. So while still out of sight Liara used her biotics to lift the toy into the air. Causing her daughter to giggle. Slowly the toy moved and as it did Liara could see her daughter concentrating on it. Trying to pull it towards her. So Liara helped by pushing it. Soon the toy was in her daughters hands and her daughter laid down and closed her eyes. A moment later she was asleep again. Liara covered her up, gave a kiss and left.
Liara went into the kitchen. She needed a snack. She started to think about her daughter biotics. How they aren't developing just yet.
As she makes a sandwich. One of her favorite, peanut butter and banana. (Her species are one of the few who can consume human food)
Liara thinks about the reasons her daughter has trouble using her biotics.
Liara knew her daughters biotics wasn't developed enough. She worried about it. Like many things mothers worried about. This was different. Liara knew that this could be one of the many signs that her daughter was an Ardat-Yakshi. She just prayed to the Goddess that her daughter just didn't want to develop her biotics. It wasn't uncommon but even with the ones who didn't, they did use them even if it was just reaching for a glass or whatever. It also could be that she was developing more slowly for natural reason. For now Liara would just have to wait and see.
As she finished her sandwich her front door opened. Jack had walked in.
Jack had been staying in Liara's guest room. Something that both of them was surprised about.
Jack was stationed in Nottingham after the war. It was due to it being the best location for the biotic squad she was leading to evacuate to once things got dicey. Not all of the kids made it out alive. The ones who did had a lot of injuries that varied from life threatening to just scars. Jack had her leg crushed while saving Rodriguez from a banshee. So not only does she walk with a brace it can be very painful.
It wasn't until the last year that she started living with Liara. After spending much of her time in and out of refergee camps. She would help who she could even with her own injuries. When Liara showed up at one of the camps they had talked and after a while both of them came to an agreement. Jack would stay with Liara recover and afterwards if need be she could remain.
So here Jack was. Now just coming in from work at a shelter that one of her older students worked at.
Jack- Hey.
Liara- Hi Jack. How was work?
Jack- You know. It was there.
Liara- Jack why do you always do that?
Jack- Do what?
Liara- Do that. You just did it.
Jack- Did what?
Liara- Did that. This is getting us nowhere.
Jack- Not true. You asked and I gave an answer.
Liara- A vague answer at the least.
Jack- So you admit I gave an answer.
Liara- I…. fine yes.
Jack- So how's little monkey?
Liara- I don't know why you insist on calling her that. However she is fine and now sleeping.
Jack made her way to the fridge. She was going to make something to eat when she spotted the last part of Liara's sandwich just sitting there on the table. Liara was pouring herself some milk and was distracted. So Jack snatched the remainder of the sandwich.
Jack- This is good. (she said with a mouth full)
Liara was now putting the milk away.
Liara- What is good? Jack what are you eating?
Jack- Nothing.
She had finished the sandwich and as Liara was turning around with the glass of milk Jack quickly grabbed it also. In two gulps she drank it.
Jack- Thanks I needed that.
Liara- I…. your welcome. I can't believe you some times. Well I can that is why I can't.
Jack- Talking about me and the way I talk. That blue just didn't go together.
Liara- Are you hungry? I'm making another one.
Jack- No I'm good.
Liara knew that was a lie. Every time she asked Jack that. Jack would end up doing the very same thing she just did. Taking her food while she wasn't looking. So she made Jack and herself a sandwich and poured a glass of milk for the both of them. Then sat back down.
Jack- I was out delivering a package to north London and while I was there. Someone from the group said they seen Shepard.
Liara- Many say that. I haven't heard anything lately. The Alliance is still keeping things quiet.
Jack- Yeah but this guy worked with or for the Alliance. Said that Shepard was living in London with some bombshell.
Liara- I know that I may be just wishing. What else was said?
Jack- That Shepard was severely injured and didn't seem to know about the Reaper War or much of anything.
Liara- I see. So how do you know they are telling the truth.
Jack- Yeah see I knew you would ask. So I asked the nurse a few questions. She said that for the most part the guy was right. She was working at the hospital where Shepard was being kept. Apparently all involved was and is under strict orders to not say anything. Something about memory.
Liara- That…. Oh… the know cases of memory loss form something traumatic like what Shepard went through. Yes that could be….
Jack- Your rambling again.
Liara- Sorry. What I was trying to say was it would make since. Not knowing who you are among many things. It would be the reason Shepard isn't here. Why no one will let me know. They wouldn't want to cause process of memories to comeback prematurely. It's best if it happens on its own if at all.
Jack- Yeah I read about that on my lunch break. Its can be dangerous. Along with other things. My only question was who is the bombshell.
Liara- Well Kasumi did say Miranda was working on something secret and then received the tech they needed to put EDI back together. However she did say that she seen Miranda at a hospital several times.
Jack- So you think that Miranda is the one. Wow.
Liara- With what happened. Yes. Maybe somehow Shepard….
Jack- Yeah ok…so now what?
Liara- Time for me to somehow contact Miranda or….
Jack- You could just ask Aria.
Liara- Yes, I suppose I could.
Jack- Yeah well I got to get to bed. It was a long day. They haven't got the road fixed from here to there. If you want we can talk later.
Jack gets up and heads for her room.
Liara- Goodnight Jack.
Jack just gave a nod and continued to her room.
Liara finished up and put the dishes in the sink to soak. She didn't like to leave things but it was too late to do them now and she was also getting sleepy. As she passed the coffee maker she looked at the clock. It was 2100(9:00pm). She made a quick walk around the house making sure things was locked or turned off. After that she checked on her daughter and then went to her own room.
Once the door was shut she let out a sigh. So much emotions she carried within her. Much of it dealt with Shepard. Knowing that Shepard was alive had stirred up old wounds. Memories of what she had done to bring back Shepard. Tears started to stream down her cheeks as she undressed. Silent sob rocked through her. Her thoughts of why and could it be true started to plague her mind. She knew this was going to be a restless night. More so now that this news of Shepard started to weave it way though.
Liara looked at the bed. So big and empty and cool. She turned down the covers and slowly her naked body climbed into bed and laid down. For a few moments she just laid there. Letting the cool night air chill her skin. Then she slowly covered herself up and formed into a ball holding herself as she cried herself to sleep.
Slowly Liara slipped into a dream state.
Like many nights that Liara dreamed of Shepard this dream was just as vivid. However this dream was many different events woven together. Not quite in order.
Start Liara's Dream …
People screaming. The sound of metal crashing. Smell of smoke and burning flesh. She rushes to Shepard side. People panic. The Normandy had been attacked. It was being ripped apart. Shepard giving orders. There left to evacuate. Shepard orders her to go, to get to safety. That she will get to Joker.
In the evac pod she feels hopeless. She can't cry. Not now, not in front of them. Must be strong.
(Liara rolls over)
Flashes of bullets. All the time she had was to put up a barrier. She dodged and grabbed the file. Left the backup with clues to Shepard. Hope Shepard finds them in time and her. She makes it to the towers. Commotion panic. People rushing to safety as another bomb goes off. She must flee once more. Her contact dead. She hears footsteps running. Then a voice that isn't Shepards. She hides as another set of foot steps come close. She hears Shepard's voice and she knows she is safe.
(Liara grabs for the covers)
The night before Ilos. Shepard standing looking at the screen. Like always poise and in command. The soft curves and chiseled muscle blind together. In this light Liara can see them both. The strength and softness of Shepards body giving off the appearance of a ideal strong female soldier. However now as they touch Liara comes to know more. See more of Shepard then anyone will ever know. There bodies entwine and so do there minds becoming one. No matter what happens this night was perfect. She awakes to Shepard looking at no inside her. Looking at her soul. That look will remain with the for the rest of her life with the memories of the night.
(Liara sobs and rolls over)
The Reapers attack. Her homeworld burns. Lives are lost. She needs to save them but can't. Her government hides behind a mask. Politics and its fear that anyone should be above them. They preach equal for all. This is what they hid. Something that could of gave more time even just a fraction. Her people crying dying because her government hid behind the mask, and for what? To rule? Afraid of the humans? The very species that is saving them or trying to. Hopeless alone but not alone. Shepard puts her thoughts of Earth behind and reaches out for her. To comfort her. Love.
(Liara rolls over and shivers)
They are standing looking at the memorial wall. Word of so many dead have reached them. Joker slowly recovered. His hear broken missing EDI. They all are. She holds the plaque with Shepard's name. No word but many believe Shepard is dead. With a heavy heart she walks towards the wall. Head drops, hands clinching the plaque. She runs her fingers over the name. Takes a breath, calms herself and
(Liara flinches and rolls over something banging awakes her)
End Liara's Dream
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While Liara is asleep dreaming….
Shepard drives for several hours. The main road to Nottingham is still rubble for most of the way. When she makes it to town it is becoming morning. The town looks like it wasn't touched by the Reapers. There is some damage but much of it is cosmetic.
The road she is on taking her to Liara twist and turns. She passes various shops that are just starting to open while others are closing. As she travels and gets closer to her destination. Her heartbeat quickens. Its too much to hope but she just can't stop herself. It has been to long. Then so many things start entering her mind. Has it been to long? What if Liara had moved on?
She makes the final turn onto the road that leads her to the house. The house her source said Liara lived in. As it comes into view. All the details of the house becomes visible. It is just as she was told. She slows down and pulls into the drive. She cuts the engine and sits and tries to calm her nerves. Moments pass and finally she exit's the car. Walks slowly up to the door. Shepard has reached her destination.
Her heart starts to beat franticly and what to her seems loud. She goes to knock and her hand is shaking from her nerves. Hand and door come together. Her knocking becomes pounding no frantic banging. The door opens to a half naked Jack. Slowly someone emerges from behind Jack just as naked.
Shepard's eyes try to focus. She hears Jacks voice then someone else.
Jack- What the fuck?
Liara comes into view. Shepard blinks and goes to leave. Thinking that she made a mistake coming here. Liara pushes past Jack and runs to Shepard. Grabbing her and pulling her close. Shepard starts to fight it at first. Then the touch of Liara skin calms her and she allows Liara to hold her.
Moments pass and they remain like that for some time. It is Jack's voice that brings them back to what is going on.
Jack- For fuck sakes. Get your ass in her before the snoopy man see's you.
Liara looks over at Jack and then takes Shepard by the hand. They all go inside.
Before anyone points it out. I know I call the pods evac pods when in the story they are called emergency pods. It wasn't until later that I found the link that states what they call them in the game. However it is one and the same. Both names are correct.
Also I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
I will update as soon as I can.
Thank you all.
On to the next...
