Chapter 4
Doctor Liara T'Soni stood in front of the full-length window looking out over the courtyard of the Citadel Tower. After four months of frantic activity, this area was one of the first to be restored. Being the daughter of a Matriarch had its advantages, one being this penthouse apartment in the center of the Citadel. Its sharp lines and bold colors perfectly reflected Benezia's character.
It was only with sadness that she thought of her mother now. That, mingled with regret. There were so many questions that were never answered and many more that she had never asked. How different they were. Benezia, an indomitable driving force, always seeking to gather others with whom to share her vision. Liara, on the other hand, was quietly thoughtful, preferring solitude and research. Well, that's how she used to be, in the time before Therum.
The past months had been a blur. An introverted scientist caught in the whirlwind of events. Liara knew she should be preparing for the tomorrow's Council session, but she couldn't stop thinking about one particular Spectre. She was often distracted now; her thoughts seem to have a will of their own and refused at times to cooperate. Shepard had petitioned for a return to Ilos, sure that the search for the Reapers should begin there. Liara hoped that her knowledge of the Protheans would make her invaluable to the team and would earn her an invitation. She didn't even want to think of the alternative, for being alone was no longer where she cared to be. She smiled as she thought of their first journey to Ilos, reliving that memory yet once again. It was so much easier now, that the outcome of that voyage was in the past. But the future now called and she wanted to be a part of it.
Liara turned away from the window glancing toward the elaborate elevator door. She had sent Shepard a message through Joker, just a location and a security code. Liara could just picture his rolling eyes and pointed jibes as he passed along her note. Would the Commander be able to get away or even want to come? So many more questions. So few answers. Turning back, she gazed at the Council platform, trying to concentrate on the deliberations that would take place. Decisions would be made and assignments given. Shepard would begin her quest. Liara tried to focus, but again, her thoughts betrayed her and drifted off. Soon maybe, some answers. At least the waiting would be at an end.