Author's Note:

Thank you for following this story and a big thank you to all who have Fav'd, Alerted and left Reviews! Your interest and feedback continue to motivate and inspire.

Many, many kudos go out to Lyaksandra for beta reading. You tip the balance in my war on grammar and graciously lend a hand when I get stuck in a rut.

As always, thanks for reading! Now… on with the show!

Chapter 3: Wild Blue Yonder

Liara, who was standing next to the dining table, extended her hand toward Lakota. "Come on!" she said, a hint of panic woven in her voice. "We have to move. Now!"

The Spectre caught the asari's outstretched hand and allowed herself to be pulled from the chair. Immediately, Liara set off down the hallway that circled around the large dining room below – her death grip on Lakota's hand never relaxing. The private alcoves they passed were separated by two meters of solid stone which reduced the ambient noise level of patrons but also obstructed the view to the main floor. Each nook was fitted with a set of thick burgundy drapes located at the entrance and the balcony. These curtains could easily be drawn on both sides in order to give customers an added sense of privacy.

Liara noted that each of the occupied alcoves they passed had their curtains closed which blocked any view to the main floor. The inability to see the floor below annoyed the asari and she let out a frustrated sigh as they hurried along their path.

After traveling half the distance to the stairs, Liara ducked into an empty alcove. The unoccupied nook with its open drapery provided a convenient perch from which to view the main dining area below. While still holding onto Lakota's hand, the asari crouched down and began to inch her way toward the balcony. As she got closer to the wrought iron railing, she crouched even lower so her head couldn't be seen above the metal bar.

"Liara," said Lakota in a calm tone of voice. "What are we doing?"

The asari glanced behind her, realized the Spectre was still standing and unceremoniously pulled her to a kneeling position on the floor next to her. She quickly scanned the main dining area to make sure they had not been seen, and then returned her gaze to her lover. Blue eyes were wide in alarm.

Lakota opened her mouth to speak, but the asari's forefinger pressed upon her lips before any sound could be made.

"Shhhh…"

Lakota nodded her head in understanding and then the blue-hued finger fell from her lips. "Why?" whispered the Spectre. "What's going on?"

"We're hiding," replied Liara, her focused gaze had returned to the floor below.

Lakota rolled her eyes in amusement. "Really? You don't say. In any case, it would really be great to know who we are hiding from." When no response was heard, she added, "Or should I assume the whole restaurant is out to get us?"

Liara shot a playful look of disdain at her lover. "Very funny."

"I'm serious. What's going on?" The Spectre's voice was low, but concern had etched its way in.

Liara pointed to a table around which four people sat — there were two salarians, a turian and a volus. Lakota stared at the group intently, but didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. There was nothing spectacular about the way they dressed nor did anything stand out in their mannerism. She rifled through her memory but it also came up empty. None of them looked familiar. On any other day if she were to walk by them, she would have assumed that they were businessmen having dinner. Nothing more, nothing less.

"Who are they?" murmured Lakota. "Spies? Mercenaries? Members of a salarian beach volleyball team? If that's the case, then I bet the volus has no idea what he signed up for."

"Economists."

"What?" said the Spectre, a confused expression settling on her face. "Are they evil economists?"

While still in a crouched position — which was difficult to maintain in high heels and a full length dress — Liara backed away from the railing. She straightened her posture, reaffirmed her grasp on Lakota's hand and then resumed her path toward the stairwell. "They are hunting me."

Lakota stopped abruptly which pulled Liara off-balance. "Commander!" exclaimed the researcher.

"What's really going on?" questioned the Spectre.

Tersely, Liara said, "We don't have time for this."

"Doctor, I think we should make the time."

Lakota's eyes blazed with a devilish mischievousness. She looked around their surroundings making sure they were alone, and then spied another empty alcove. With the speed of a predator descending on prey, she boldly seized Liara, wrapping both arms around her in a tight embrace. She pushed her lover's back firmly against the smooth stone wall of the empty nook, and wrapped the satiny curtain around their bodies. A tiny shaft of light filtered in through a crack between the drapery and the wall, but for all intents and purposes, they were hidden from view. There was just enough luminance to highlight the facial features of both the asari and human, and for Lakota to see the surprise on Liara's face.

"Why are they all so fascinated in cornering you?" Lakota's gaze quickly scanned over her lover's body admiring its graceful curves and lissome shape. With a lecherous gleam in her eyes, she said, "Not that I blame them."

Liara's arms had instinctually wrapped around her lover's shoulders and her hands had settled on warm, smooth flesh. The open back of Lakota's dress provided ample room for the asari's fingertips to revel in the fluid contours and surprising strength found beneath their explorations. "They are all amateur researchers. In one way or another, they are interested in the Protheans and are part of the conference."

"What makes this group so special?"

"They are also interested… in me."

"Oh?" In a protective move, Lakota's body pressed further into Liara's body – she could now feel the rise and fall of her lover's chest. "I've changed my mind," murmured the Spectre. "They are evil and must be vanquished."

A soft, regal smile curled on Liara's lips as the fingers of her right hand began to play within her lover's long black hair. "Through the Broker network, I discovered that they – as a group – were researching me and my qualifications as an archeologist! Can you believe that?"

"Really?" Lakota said in mock outrage, her eyes sparkling impishly. "That's ghastly!"

"Yes," agreed the asari. "They went behind my back and delved into my past! Do you have any idea how that feels?"

"Gosh, Liara, that sounds awful." The Spectre's head shook back and forth in exaggerated disbelief. "Someone poking around in your past without asking. What kind of maniac stalker does that?"

The asari's eyes locked upon her lover's and then understanding clicked. She was being teased. More than that, the Spectre was referring to her blunder in etiquette when she researched the commander's past those many years ago. Huffing in subtle indignation, Liara's left hand slipped down to Lakota's butt and pinched it.

"Hey!" squeaked Lakota.

"You deserved it!"

"Maybe," the Spectre conceded, her eyes still twinkling with merriment.

Lakota's right hand reached out — her forefinger touching under the asari's chin and her thumb casually brushing the top. Gently, she lifted her hand up until their eyes met and for a moment the Spectre felt as though she had fallen into a divine blue abyss – mysterious, dark and soothing. The beam of light illuminating their impromptu hiding place reflected off of the burgundy drapery and highlighted the asari's skin giving it a spellbinding purplish hue. To Lakota the celestial heavens would never be as appealing.

Contemplating her lover's beauty, the Spectre whispered, "So what you're saying is that they wanted to know more about you?"

Liara felt the commander's hands glide down her sides in an agonizingly pleasant motion until they settled at her waist. Suddenly the asari was all too aware of her lover's proximity. The feel of strong hands nestled on her hips, of toned thighs discreetly applying intoxicating pressure on a sensitive area, and of pliant flesh pressed on her own – all of which threatened to drown her in sultry eroticism.

"Yes," Liara gasped.

The Spectre's fingertips began to massage Liara's lower back in a delightfully slow rhythm – strategically pausing to allow the absence of sensation to amplify the next move of her fingertips as they delved back into her lover's flesh. "To understand what made you into the person you are?"

Awash in arousal, the asari murmured, "Yes."

Each of Lakota's fingers continued to enthrall and incite with their masterful application of seductive pressure to well-mapped, beguiling areas. "Perhaps they found something… compelling about you?"

"Perhaps," panted Liara.

"Maybe you intrigued them."

In a voice that was barely a whisper, Liara repeated, "Maybe."

Even as the heat emanating from Lakota's body burrowed through her dress and possessed her flesh, the unmistakable fragrance of sandalwood and sage assailed the researcher's senses stirring a primal urge within. She longed for more intimate contact.

"Maybe they…"

Liara's mouth descended on her lover's in a sensuous, bruising kiss, silencing the words that were going to be said. The kiss was hungry and full of need – delicate woven within robust, reverent bound in wicked. It was a kiss brimming with boldly expressive emotion. Liara's left hand snaked around the back of Lakota's neck, roughly tugging her lover further into the kiss as soft lips parted and inquisitive tongues snuck out to coax, taste and tease. At first, their ravenous caresses were imbued with heated, carnal tension, but unquenchable desire followed quickly and threatened to become a demanding, tempestuous storm.

Abruptly, Liara withdrew her lips. She paused momentarily in an attempt to rein in her thirst and then leaned forward – her breath still coming in irregular gasps, her thoughts seeped in longing – until her forehead touched her lover's. The soothing contact acted as a salve to the furor burning within. Breathing raggedly, she said, "I'm glad you decided to make a command decision and come to Elysium."

The Spectre took a deep breath, barely taming her own physical turmoil, and then smiled. "So am I."

With an impish gleam in her eyes, Liara razzed, "I still can't believe you threw a tantrum."

"Well, it wasn't so much a tantrum as it was threatening to space the Hammerhead because of its crappy controls. For the record, Garrus agreed to help me." Lakota's head pulled back until green eyes – dark as an emerald forest – joined with blue. "Plus, I was under duress."

"Oh?"

"My bags had been packed for a week and then the Council sent their emergency request. I mean… it's not like I was counting just the days until I could see you again."

"No?"

"Nope," said Lakota. "It was more like the hours."

"I was counting the minutes."

"You've always been an over-achiever."

Liara's lips impulsively captured Lakota's in a sweet, tender kiss which ended with both lovers smiling happily.

"So, Doctor," said the Spectre, "I still haven't wrapped my mind around one thing …"

"What is that, Commander?"

"Why are they all so interested in cornering you?"

Sighing heavily, Liara stepped out of the drapery, grabbed Lakota's hand and began to lead her down the hallway. "Follow me."

"To the ends of the universe."

-XXXXXXXX-

The pair managed to make their way down the spiral staircase and to the main entrance without being spotted by the four economists. Liara quickly found the hostess, paid the bill and then she and Lakota walked out of the restaurant and into the chilly night air. Darkness had fallen and with it the temperature had dropped a few degrees. Neither the asari or human complained, though. They just entwined their arms and began walking down the sidewalk in the opposite direction from which they had come. Although pedestrians were still walking to and fro, the number had dwindled significantly. Even the traffic above them wasn't nearly as thick as it had been earlier in the evening.

"So, Doctor," Lakota began, "where are we headed?"

"You wanted to know why those economists are so interested in me. It is easier to show you rather than tell you."

"Really? Well, this should prove to be interesting, then."

They trekked a kilometer down the walkway, passing cafés, pubs, retail stores and buildings that housed professional services. When they stood in front of the Meridian Hotel and Conference Center, Liara halted their progress and pointed to the brightly illuminated marquee above the entrance. It read – "Welcome Prothean Experts."

Lakota gazed up at the sign and then turned to her lover. "This is where the conference is being held?"

"Yes," replied Liara. "And before you ask, I made reservations elsewhere because I wanted a beautiful view of the mountains." The asari smiled shyly. "Plus I wanted you and I to have our privacy."

"I like the way you think, Doctor." The Spectre wrapped her left arm around the researcher's shoulders and placed a tender kiss upon her cheek. "But how does this explain their interest in you?"

"It doesn't," said Liara cryptically. "The answer is inside."

The interior of the hotel was both grand and elegant with its domelike vaulted ceiling and eighty-five stories of luxury rooms, boutiques, spas, and shopping plazas. Most floors were dedicated to guest accommodations but a few were directed toward entertainment and recreational needs. It was literally a city within a city. Lush floral arrangements were scattered throughout the main lobby among the multiple clusters of fashionable couches, tables and chairs giving patrons and visitors a comfortable place to relax. Feeling slightly chilled by the outdoor temperature, Lakota was grateful for the warmth that the new space provided.

Liara led the Spectre to the main stairs in the center of the room. The width of the staircase was enormous, but it only ascended to the second floor – one of the levels solely devoted to supporting the hotel's conference needs. Seven other conference levels existed and were accessible by elevators or separate staircases. The second floor, with its large assembly hall was the most prestigious, though. When the pair reached the top of the stairs, the asari headed down the corridor to the left, which led to a set of large double doors.

"This is one of the rooms we're using for the conference," explained Liara. "We have ten different rooms on this floor alone, but this is the one that I'll be lecturing in." Her hand reached out to the keypad and she punched in a code.

Nothing happened.

She tried her code again, but it produced the same results – nothing happened.

"I don't believe this," fumed Liara. "The door is locked."

"Don't you have some super secret decryption thingy that will open any door for you?" asked Lakota.

"Yes, but I used it when we blasted our way into the broker base," quipped the asari. "Not quite the option I was hoping for at the moment." Frowning in frustration, Liara tried a third time, but still the doors did not open. "My code should have worked…"

Lakota stepped near and put a calming hand on her lover's shoulder. "You okay?"

"I am fine," replied Liara. "But if you want your answer, then we have to get past those doors."

"So how do we get in?"

"You're an infiltrator."

"So?" said Lakota.

"So infiltrate!"

"Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't that illegal?"

Raising a skeptical eyebrow, Liara sassed, "When has that ever stopped you?"

Gasping in faux admonishment, the Spectre teased, "T'Soni, I am appalled. How could you say such things?"

"Shepard, I thought you've been breaking into things since you were six?"

Lakota shrugged her shoulders noncommittally. "I have, but there was usually some profit in it. Or a good prank."

Smiling mischievously, Liara moved in front of the Spectre wrapping her arms tightly around her lover's waist. Then she placed a soft, lingering kiss on Lakota's neck before coquettishly whispering, "I'll make it worth your while."

The Spectre inhaled sharply as the reverberations from the asari's succulent words sent pleasant chills down her spine. "Why didn't you say so in the first place?"

After taking a moment to collect her wits, Lakota walked over to the door, activated her omni-tool, and furiously began to punch in commands. She had been a member of the Tenth Street Reds while growing up on Earth and quite literally had been breaking into buildings since her early childhood. As she worked on the door, Liara nervously paced the floor making sure nobody unexpectedly blundered upon the scene of the Spectre hacking the hotel's security system. For her part, the researcher activated her omni-tool, which was being used to block out all images of her and Lakota from any and all digital imaging equipment in the immediate area. When the doors finally opened both the human and asari held their breath, but no alarm followed.

"So? How'd I do?" asked Lakota as she turned around to face her lover. "Not bad, right? Kind of reminded me of when I break into your base."

"Commander, your attempts at infiltrating the base would be more impressive if you didn't state 'It's just me' before taking each camera offline."

Feigning hurt, the Spectre said, "Hey…if I didn't do that, you might actually think someone was breaking in and send the mechs after me."

The researcher stepped forward and playfully swatted her lover's butt. "I sincerely doubt a few mechs would slow you down."

"True," Lakota said with a grin, "but they might cost me a cred or two in the end."

"Yes, Commander." Liara said with a grin of her own, "I may have to take their cost out in trade."

Lakota's mind sifted over the various ways in which she could make payment. "Next time, Doctor, send the mechs."

Once the Spectre and researcher stepped through the threshold, the door closed behind them.

-XXXXXXXX-

"This is amazing," said Lakota as she peered up at a life-size replica of the Prothean beacon on Eden Prime. She reached out to touch it, but when her hand was six inches away it stopped and then dropped down to her side.

Liara, who had witnessed her lover's hesitation, said, "It's not real. You can touch it."

"Last time I did, my brain was scrambled for a good week."

"That's not going to happen."

"Says you," replied Lakota. She was still looking up at the faux beacon with skepticism. "I'm not taking any chances."

The conference hall was spacious, but like most large assembly rooms, it had a sterile atmosphere. Although a singular rectangular room, the massive space had been divided into two parts – one third was an impromptu Prothean museum and the rest a lecturing area. The Prothean museum consisted of artifacts – both real and replicas – from private collections across the galaxy. Liara herself had lent a few of her own prized possessions – including the pulsating black sphere that Lakota had given to her on her birthday. Most of the pieces were in secured glass cases with holographic displays detailing the history of the object, but some pieces, like the replica of the Eden Prime beacon, were free standing.

The opposite end of the room housed the lecture hall. Hundreds of seats were aligned in a very organized fashion of rows and columns, a podium stood at center stage and behind that was a large white wall which would have been ideal for projecting images. In order for all members of the audience to have the ability to see the speaker, the podium had been constructed on a raised platform.

The Spectre walked around the room, taking time to pause at each and every relic on display. In a way, the setup of the pieces reminded her of Donovan Hock's vault – each had a unique isolated viewing area and was accentuated with its own spotlight. As she continued to admire the collection, she caught sight of a stack of data pads. Lakota assumed they were for the conference and had been preprogrammed with the various itineraries, lecture information and data on all of the Prothean artifacts on exhibit. She crossed the distance to the data pads and a familiar sight caught her eye.

"Oh, for the love of all that's blue!" exclaimed Lakota. "This is priceless!" The Spectre held one of the data pads in her hand, her eyes fixated on the holographic image that appeared – Dr. Liara T'Soni standing tall, her hand cocked on her hip, dressed in her blue and white jumpsuit and white lab coat. A faint smile could be seen on the image's lips. "You're like the Prothean conference cover-girl!"

The researcher sighed in embarrassment. "Now you know why they are focused on me."

"I need copies!" exclaimed Lakota. "Many, many copies!"

"No," Liara stepped in front of her lover and stared her directly in the eyes as if to punctuate her point, "you don't."

"Oh yes, I do!"

"No. You. Don't."

When the last word was out of her mouth, Liara made a move to grab the data pad, but the Spectre's hand was too quick and she missed. The asari lunged for the prize again, but Lakota sidestepped and all Liara caught was air. So, their struggle for the elusive data pad began in earnest – the asari never being quite quick enough to catch it, though. The ridiculousness was not lost on either of them as spontaneous laughter took hold making the game even more challenging. It was then that Liara – laughing so hard that her sides hurt – stretched out her hand and caught her lover in a web of shimmering biotic tendrils, immobilizing the Spectre a few inches off of the ground.

"Okay, okay," Lakota chuckled. "I can see you feel very passionate about this."

"I am passionate, Commander," said Liara as she stepped directly in front of her lover, "about a great many things." She took the data pad and then let the biotic energy field dissipate.

With her feet back on the ground, the Spectre tested her balance and then grinned roguishly. "Many things, eh?"

"Yes, but only one individual."

Smiling serenely, but with a devilish glint in her eye, Liara reached out with her right hand and cupped her lover's cheek. Her mouth slowly curled into a sultry grin as her dazzling deep blue eyes locked onto ones of pale green which were teeming with curiosity. The tip of the asari's thumb gently traced the sensual outline of soft lips as if preparing the way for better things and then she gently pulled Lakota closer. The asari's face nuzzled into her lover's neck, breathing in the warm familiar scent – one that immediately set her soul at ease but ignited raging desires that sifted below. Then, her lips began to leisurely explore the Spectre's neck, her cheek, her chin, and found their way to her mouth, pressing in with gentle persistence – savoring the pliant feel, sinking in it with slow, passionate determination.

Lazily withdrawing from the ambrosial kiss, Liara leaned forward until their foreheads barely touched, and then held herself still in quiet devotion. The human and asari remained statuesque, listening to the harmony in their breathing, feeling the warmth of their close proximity, tasting the tranquil flavor of their melded senses. The passage of time was beyond their notice.

"You know," whispered Lakota, "I don't really need the data pad." Her hands fell to the asari's waist and pulled their bodies closer.

"You don't?"

"Nope. I already have the real thing."

Supple lips, lusciously swollen from their previous encounter, pressed upon one another again and began their mesmerizing dance anew. Rousing in its sublime nature, the ethereal caress was held captive by intensity alone – a kiss that haunted the senses like a half-remembered dream of fabled promises. Even as the delicate kiss lightened its touch, the lips remained connected relishing the taste, reveling in the feel, and were ultimately consumed by the enticing sweetness of the endearment.

Lakota's fingertips began to surreptitiously knead and massage the contours of the Liara's lower back. With seductive precision they forged an enthralling path toward the asari's epicenter of carnal sensations.

"Commander."

"Doctor?"

"Behave."

With her eyes still closed, Lakota smiled wolfishly. "When it comes to you… never."

When the two lover's broke from their embrace, Liara shook her shoulders in an attempt to release some of her physical frustration the Spectre's deft fingertips had produced and then returned the data pad to the pile.

"It's a good likeness," teased Lakota.

Liara shot her a playfully annoyed glance. "Hush."

"I'm just saying, for a holographic image, it's a good one of you."

"Yes, well, I didn't ask for it. I had no idea the committee was going to vote on a keynote speaker."

Lakota wandered over to the case housing a familiar relic – the pulsating jet black globe she had given Liara. "It's a great honor to be elected by your peers."

"If I may remind you, Commander, I am trying to maintain a low profile." Liara moved to stand behind her lover, wrapping her arms around her waist and squeezing tight.

"So I assume that all of this – the conference, the collection of Prothean experts – has nothing to do with you wanting to be the first to unlock whatever secrets this black beauty holds?" Lakota pointed to the sphere in front of her. She knew the enigma surrounding this particular Prothean relic was of great interest to her lover and that, for the researcher, being able to unlock its mystery would be like a child unwrapping a much coveted gift on Christmas.

"Me?" said the asari, innocently. "When have you ever known me to have a personal agenda?"

"Liara, whenever something comes into our proximity that has to do with the Protheans, your eyes light up like two tiny suns. And do you know what words these two tiny lights spell out?"

"What?" Liara's arms loosened their hold so she could slip around and stand next to her lover.

Lakota rubbed her hands together for added effect. "Mine! Mine, mine, mine! All mine!"

"Oh, now that is a lie, Shepard!"

"I don't lie…"

Liara shot her a disbelieving look.

"Not to you," retorted the Spectre.

"Well then, it's slander."

"To be slander," countered Lakota, "it must be false. That's two down."

"Well," fumbled the asari, "then it is… it is very inconvenient."

Smirking, Lakota said, "The truth always is."

The Spectre then kissed Liara on the cheek and moved off toward another relic.

Liara scrutinized the spherical artifact in the case and smiled fondly. "Besides," she mumbled, "it is mine."

"Shit!" yelled Lakota.

Liara spun around quickly and caught her lover in an unusual pose. The Spectre was crouched low with her arms coiled back like a snake as thought ready to strike. Her head was moving frantically from side to side scanning the area in front of her. The oddest part of the image wasn't her lover's agitated state or the sight of seeing a woman in a tiny maroon dress ready to pounce – it was seeing a knife being held in her right hand.

"Shepard, where did you get that knife?"

Lakota didn't look up from her frenzied scouring of the floor. "It's Chaos. You know I always carry it with me." The Spectre had lost her original knife with the destruction of the Normandy SR-1. This was a new knife, but she called it by the same name as the original.

"Yes," said Liara. "But where have you been concealing it?" The asari visually examined her lover's outfit – there wasn't much to work with.

"Inner thigh, but that's not important! Finding out where that… insidious monster went… THAT'S important!"

Confusion was imbedded in Liara's expression. "Shepard, what are you talking about?"

"There!" yelled Lakota, pointing to a spot on the floor next to the case that she'd been standing near. "There's the bastard!"

The asari padded over to the case and crouched down to see what the commander was making a fuss about. Chuckling, she said, "Shepard... it's a spider."

"That thing is not a spider! I've seen spiders. They don't look at you with beady, menacing little eyes!" Lakota shuddered. "Mice, rats, pyjacks, biting insects I can handle. Miniature baby rachni… GAH!"

"Don't you think you're being a little dramatic?"

"Dramatic! That thing is one evolutionary gene away from developing language skills!"

Laughing, Liara crossed the distance to her lover and placed a kiss on her forehead. "Don't worry. This time I'll protect you."

The researcher grabbed the Spectre's free hand and directed her toward the entrance of the conference room. After they exited the room, Lakota discretely re-secured her knife, re-initiated the security protocols and then they headed down the stairs to the main lobby. As they made their way to the exit door, the researcher wrapped her right arm around her lover's left.

"Spiders?" teased Liara. "I never would have guessed."

"Miniature baby rachni," corrected Lakota.

The researcher chuckled. "Yes, of course, Commander."

Sensing something was not quite right with her lover, Lakota asked, "Are you okay?"

Liara sighed heavily, as a look of melancholy flashed across her face. "I'm sorry about our date being ruined."

"It hasn't been ruined," said the Spectre optimistically. "In fact, it hasn't even begun."

"Oh, it hasn't?"

"Hell, no! I know the perfect place that will cheer you up and where no pesky economists will be looking for you."

"And no miniature baby rachni will hunt for you."

Lakota shuddered again. "Yes, that too."

The Spectre captured her lover's hand and they passed through the hotel's doors, heading back out into the chilly night air.

Next up: Dance the Blue Away