"I'm not sure we can do this Li." Frowning as she scanned through the data again Sam dropped her head and sighed. "If this key was created by the Inusannon like you think they either possessed incredible control over their biotics or they used some kind of machine to activate the pedestals."

The computer analysis of the patterns on the pedestals had revealed a definite mathematical progression, one that almost certainly was a key or access code of some kind. The problem lay in the progression of the pattern – it wasn't linear but exponential. Each pedestal had to be activated in a precise order at an exact time, the time between each activation starting small and quite rapidly decreasing.

Moving to stand next to Sam, Liara lightly placed a hand in the small of the woman's back and gestured to Sam's console with her other hand. "Show me?"

Bringing up a basic overhead view of the pedestals on the holoprojector Sam imported the progression data and triggered the simulation before winding an arm around Liara's waist. "It'll step through slowly a few times so you can see the pattern then it will pick up to the true speed."

Both stood in silence watching as the simulation flashed the pedestals in a complex pattern, the final sequence of activations almost too fast to separate. Liara could feel Sam's despondency as the loop repeated itself for the fifth time. Jabbing out a finger Sam paused the simulation at the final step, the image freezing to show six of the ten pedestals activated almost simultaneously.

"Are you certain that biotics are required to activate the pedestals and not some other means?"

Glancing at Liara, Sam nodded. "I'm positive. Here, take a look at this." Sliding her arm from the asari's waist Sam traced her fingers down Liara's forearm before taking her hand and leading her to a pedestal.

"As soon as I was certain this was the first pedestal in the sequence I tried a little experiment." Raising her free hand Sam made an odd gesture with it, flinching slightly as the biotic field that suddenly encapsulated her hand flared a little larger than she'd intended.

An embarrassed grin curling her lips she ignored the amused look on Liara's face and clamped down on the field until only the faintest glow remained. Leaning over she swept her hand across the pedestal, the stone suddenly flaring to life as fine blue lines suffused its surface, tracing through both the visible pattern and the sub-design.

"Listen."

The instant the entirety of both patterns was glowing blue there was a faint but unmistakable click from beneath the pedestal itself. After a few moments the lines started to fade, the biotic energy reversing its path through the designs until the glow faded entirely. When the final wisp of energy dissipated leaving behind nothing but cool stone there was another faint click.

Liara stared thoughtfully at the pedestal, unconsciously tightening her grip on Sam's hand until the woman winced. "Hey, ow. I'm going to need that later."

"Oh..." Blushing guiltily Liara raised Sam's hand to her lips and lightly kissed the knuckles before leaning in to place another kiss on the woman's cheek. Her eyes were thoughtful as she leaned back again, her gaze meeting Sam's. "I... have an idea. Would it be possible to create some form of training program so we may practice the pattern? Using the pedestals themselves would be quite dangerous as there may be a lock-out mechanism but if we could safely practice on something else first perhaps..."

Liara trailed off as Sam's eyes lit up. "Of course! A basic sensor array interfaced with my console... program in the progression... I can set it up near our domes... what?" Sam blinked at the smirk on Liara's face as the asari gave her a sly wink.

"Full sentences would be nice."

Laughing Sam quickly ducked in to kiss the tip of Liara's nose.

"Touché Doctor T'Soni, touché."

MWMWMWMWMW

Glaring at the red light on top of the marker post as though it had personally affronted her Sam turned on her heel and strode to the console, shutting the simulation program down. Standing stiffly, shoulders hunched, she jumped slightly as Liara touched her arm.

"It's impossible Li. We're both doing everything right and we get so close... the past week our runs have been almost identical but... " Gesturing helplessly Sam leaned on the table and closed her eyes, humming quietly as Liara gently stroked her back.

"There may still be a way Sam, if you are willing to try it."

Turning her head to look at the asari Sam cocked an eyebrow. "I'd be willing to gargle a full glass of pris para at this point in time if you thought it would be of any help."

Unable to help the laugh that burst from her Liara circled an arm around Sam's shoulders, hugging the woman briefly before her face became serious. Gently turning Sam she grasped her hands before searching her face carefully.

"If you are willing we could try a very shallow meld to assist in coordinating our timing. As you said in the past week we have consistently come very close. I believe a meld may allow us to achieve the precise timing required to successfully activate the key. If the Inusannon also activated the key manually it is possible they too used melding or a similar process to do so."

Sam shifted uncomfortably and Liara could sense the woman's uncertainty as her gaze flicked between the asari's face and their joined hands. "Just think about it for now Sam. I can take some time off in a few days and we can fully discuss it then. I will be happy to answer any questions you have." Liara smiled reassuringly when Sam nodded slowly and gave her hands a gentle squeeze.

"Yeah ok, I'll think about it."

"Thank you Sam. Now, how does dinner sound? Speaking only for myself I am hungry enough to eat a varren."

The tension broken as Sam burst into laughter and drew Liara in for a quick hug. "Dinner sounds great. I don't know that I could eat a varren but I think I can stomach whatever the mess cook has come up with for tonight."

MWMWMWMWMW

"Ok, what do I need to do?"

"Just relax Sam."

Liara could see the woman was nervous, and understandably so. Most people were given the entirely foreign nature of melding. Surprisingly Sam hadn't had that many questions, though Liara suspected she had done some research over the extranet. Liara knew from personal experience however that no amount of research could ever prepare you for something like melding.

Swallowing as she scrubbed her palms down her thighs Sam offered Liara a tight smile. "I'm trying."

"Here, sit a moment."

Settling on the bench next to Liara Sam felt her nerves both soothe and flare simultaneously. Drawing a shaky breath she looked across the dome at the gift she had given the asari. The glade was just entering its dawn phase, golden light slowly starting to creep across the frame. Noting where Sam's attention was Liara smiled.

"Thank you again for the gift. I can not express how much I love it. It is truly beautiful."

Blushing slightly Sam ducked her head. "I'm glad you like it. I really enjoyed putting it together for you." Scrubbing her hands down her thighs again Sam took a deep breath and twisted to face Liara. "Let's do this."

Reaching for Sam's hands Liara stood and gently pulled Sam to her feet. Physical touch wasn't necessary but feeling it might help calm Sam she kept a loose hold on the woman's hands. "Are you sure?"

Sam nodded tersely, her grip on Liara's hands tightening as the asari's eyes changed from sky blue to black in a single blink.

"Embrace eternity."

Feeling as though the entirety of her being was captured in that black Sam started slightly as she felt something cautiously bump up against her consciousness. She knew it was Liara, she knew this was going to happen but her mind still instinctively recoiled from the touch.

Brushing her thumbs across the backs of Sam's hands Liara murmured softly "Sam, relax."

Staring even deeper into the black Sam felt the lines around herself blur, her sense of 'me' becoming hazy. Panicking at the loss of self she immediately threw up walls around her mind, her body tensing.

As her awareness returned more to her physical body again she realised Liara no longer had hold of both her hands. While one hand remained clasped with hers, their fingers now entwined, the other was raised and warm blue fingers were gently stroking her cheek. Pressing into the touch Sam felt herself relax slightly and raised her own free hand to cup Liara's cheek.

"Release your mind Sam, allow it to fly free. Focus on a peaceful place, let it become your entire world. We are one life, one creation, one universe. Have you found that place Sam?"

Liara's eyes were the most incredible shade of blue. That blue slowly bled into Sam's imagination until she was standing on the edge of a glacial lake, the water the exact shade of Liara's eyes. Soaring mountains seemed to embrace the valley, holding it safe and close. White clouds scudded across the sky while vibrant red and yellow flowers swayed softly in the crisp air.

"It's beautiful... "

Again the alien touch pushed gently against Sam's mind. Lost in the vision of the lake – of Liara's eyes – she didn't resist as Liara's mind slowly entered her own. Gasping as her awareness mingled with the asari's Sam realised she could feel two bodies, though the second only faintly. Brushing her thumb lightly across Liara's cheek Sam shivered as she felt a ghostly touch trace over her own face.

Sam felt Liara's consciousness begin to withdraw slowly and tried to hold on to it.

Wait.

Sam?

Focusing solely on the vision of her lake Sam imagined Liara there with her, her skin suddenly erupting with goosebumps as she sensed the asari joining her at the waters edge.

You were right, it is beautiful.

Letting out an explosive breath Sam blinked rapidly as the image faded away and she found herself standing in Liara's dome again, blue eyes staring at her. Taking a shaky step she sat heavily on the bench, Liara quickly sitting beside her.

"Sam? Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm good. That was... " Raising her eyes to Liara's Sam smiled at the asari. "Amazing." Lifting a hand she swept away the tears clinging to Liara's cheeks before realising her own cheeks were damp also. "That was only a shallow meld?"

"Yes. That is as deep as we will need to go in order to coordinate our timings for the pedestals."

Gazing at Liara, her hand unconsciously stroking the asari's face, Sam marvelled at the implication of that statement. If that was only a shallow meld... Shaking her head slightly Sam leant forward and touched the tip of her nose to Liara's briefly. One step at a time Williams. "Ok, so how is this going to work exactly?"

MWMWMWMWMW

Green.

The lights were all green.

Sam quickly spun around to view every marker post.

All green.

Eyes widening she looked to Liara, the asari turning to face her at the same moment, her own eyes – blue once again – also wide with surprise.

"We did it."

Sam's shocked whisper was barely loud enough to be heard but Liara nodded anyway – she didn't need to have heard Sam to know what she said.

"We did it." Louder this time, almost as though Sam needed to reassure herself. Grinning broadly Sam closed the gap to Liara with a few quick strides, sweeping the asari up in a tight embrace and swinging her around. "Haha! We did it!"

"Sam!"

Settling Liara back on her feet Sam shivered slightly as Liara slid her own arms around the woman and returned the embrace. Voices dropped as blue eyes met brown, the weariness from weeks of practice melting away as their gazes locked.

"We did it."

"Yes, we did."

Everything else suddenly seemed to fade into the background. The marker posts, the simulation program, that infernal pattern with its once impossible timing. All that existed now for Liara was Sam and judging by the look on her face the same held true for Sam as well.

Arms flexed slightly, pressing their bodies closer together. A soft murmur, lips brushing against lips with the faintest of touches.

"We did it."

"Ah Doctor T'Soni!"

Starting at the intrusion Sam started to pull back, her movement stopped by Liara as the asari held her even tighter. Liara's voice was low but clear as she replied, her eyes never leaving Sam's face.

"You do recall I said I was having the day off and you were to have the day off also Norlan?"

His momentum stolen by the tone of Liara's voice Norlan's efficient stride forward faltered to a stop near the edge of the marker posts.

"Well yes Doctor T'Soni. Apologies for the interruption. Howev..."

"Is it something of vital importance that absolutely cannot wait until tomorrow?"

"Ah well, not my place to decide. You are project leader. Quick explanation, quick deci..."

"Norlan, you decide. Is it vital or not?"

"Er... no?"

Flicking a quick dismissive glance towards the salarian who was now hastily backing up Liara returned her gaze to Sam.

"I have had enough interruptions at inconvenient moments to last me a lifetime."

Ignoring the startled look on the woman's face Liara pressed her lips firmly against Sam's, quickly drawing her into a deep kiss. Feeling Sam relax against her Liara gently nipped at the woman's lower lip drawing a surprised gasp from Sam before she rejoined the kiss with increased enthusiasm.

Eventually the need to breathe became too great, though the reluctance of the pair at breaking the kiss was almost palpable. Eyes still closed as their foreheads rested together they both panted lightly, each trembling as the breath of the other puffed softly against her lips.

"If I had have known that was the prize I would have nailed this days ago..."

Huffing indignantly Liara briefly pressed her lips against Sam's again before drawing back.

"We still have a long way to go. We must be able to get the sequence right every time before we can attempt to activate the pedestals."

"Anyone ever tell you you're a killjoy Doctor T'Soni?"

Pressing another quick peck to Sam's lips Liara smirked.

"Actually, yes."

Rolling her eyes at the asari Sam grinned. "Let's just enjoy the moment shall we?" Firming her grip around Liara, Sam drew her forward again eyes flaring with desire.

"To us."

MWMWMWMWMW

"I didn't think it would take so long to master after we did it the first time." Taking a sip of her drink Sam looked over the rim of her glass at Liara. The asari sat on the other side of the table toying with a small glass of pris para.

"It is a difficult sequence Sam and we could not risk trying it without being able to carry it out perfectly every time. Now we can."

It had been three weeks since their first successful simulation – and that kiss – but Liara and Sam could finally perform the sequence flawlessly every time. The meld was almost second nature now and that, rather than the sequence itself, is probably what took the most getting used to. It had been invaluable in allowing them to perfectly coordinate their timing.

Draining her scotch Sam glanced at her chrono, eyebrows raising as she noticed the time. Just as she stood with the intention of saying her goodbyes for the night the dome groaned and a strange pressure settled the air. Moments later a low howling noise started, gradually increasing in volume as the dome shuddered violently. The wail of weather klaxon's broke into the night seconds later.

"Oh you have got to be kidding me."

Liara quietly finished her own drink before rising and moving around the table to wrap her arms around Sam's waist, her chin resting on the woman's shoulder.

"Hmm, it seems you are going to be stuck here for a while."

Turning within the asari's arms Sam lightly rested her hands on Liara's biceps. "Seems like it. Any suggestions as to how we might pass the time?"

Liara looked thoughtful for a moment. "I have some reports that you could help me with... "

Laughing at the sudden scowl on Sam's face Liara quickly captured the woman's lips in a brief kiss, barely pulling back before Sam shifted her hands to Liara's back and drew her in again, their lips meeting forcefully.

Eyes burning with desire as they finally drew apart again Sam shivered as Liara traced a finger slowly down her breastbone.

"You... have never been with an asari before have you?"

Ducking Liara's gaze Sam blushed and mumbled a quiet reply. "No... just the melding we did for the simulation."

Pressing herself even closer to Sam, Liara leant forward, brushing her lips against Sam's cheek briefly before whispering in her ear "Here..."

Moving away slightly Liara slid her hands down Sam's arms, gently grasping Sam's hands and guiding them around her waist. Slipping both pairs of hands beneath the hem of her tunic the asari placed Sam's palms against her lower back, delighting at the shiver this drew from the woman. Withdrawing her own hands Liara rested them on Sam's shoulders and leant back slightly to meet the woman's eyes.

Swallowing nervously Sam closed the gap between them and gently touched the tip of her nose to Liara's, her lips pressing lightly against the asari's a moment later. Gradually the kiss deepened and seemed as though it would never end until Sam swept her thumbs softly down either side of Liara's spine. Gasping, Liara broke the kiss and nuzzled into Sam's shoulder as the woman's caresses lit trails of fire across her back.

Lifting her head slightly Liara murmured into Sam's ear. "Doctor Williams, you are either a liar or a very fast learner."

A low chuckle brushed past the asari's ear as Sam answered ."The second one."

Sliding her hands from Sam's shoulders Liara pressed them firmly against the woman's shoulder blades, forcing their bodies almost impossibly closer. Head swimming from the fire dancing across her skin Liara bit lightly at Sam's earlobe before trailing kisses and nips down the woman's neck. She was rewarded with a soft growl as Sam's hands stilled momentarily.

"Liara."

Taking advantage of the moment Liara stepped back from the woman, the disappointment in Sam's eyes mirrored in her own as warm hands were replaced with cool air against the asari's back. Reaching out towards Sam, Liara stepped backwards again, her calves bumping lightly against the edge of the bed. "Join with me Sam. Be one with me."

Hands clasped tightly Liara drew Sam forward into a hungry kiss, both left breathless when it finally broke. Opening eyes of ebony, Liara cupped Sam's face in her hands and started to lose herself in the woman's gaze. "Embrace eternity."

MWMWMWMWMW

Eyes snapping open Sam's muscles tensed like a coiled spring as her still-asleep brain hastily tried to to determine the 'what' and 'where' of the bone chilling sound that had woken her. The strange call sounded again – 'local wildlife' and 'outside'. Exhaling slowly Sam began to relax only to tense again as the blue arm draped across her stomach shifted and flexed around her.

"Sam?"

Turning her head Sam brushed her lips against Liara's forehead. "Sorry if I woke you." The call came again, further away this time, but just as chilling. "Whatever that is made my skin crawl, even in my sleep."

"Hmmm." Sitting up slightly, Liara brushed an errant strand of hair away from Sam's face before softly kissing her. "How are you feeling?"

Sam took a deep breath before answering, her gaze shifting to the ceiling. "Better. Less... overwhelmed."

An unmistakable look of sorrow passed across Liara's face. "Sam, I... "

Quickly lifting her head Sam drew Liara into a gentle kiss, her lips pressing against Liara's and cutting the asari off before she could apologise. Pulling back slightly Sam gazed into Liara's eyes, almost losing herself in the blue.

"It's ok Li, really. It was just... confronting I guess. The melding we did for the pedestal key prepared me a little but this... I could sense so much emotion, so much love and loss, joy and pain. And I know what I felt was only the merest fraction of what you carry with you every day. " Raising her head again Sam briefly touched the tip of her nose to Liara's before rolling onto her side and gently pulling the asari down beside her. "I keep forgetting just how long you've been alive, and that what's a history lesson for me is a very vivid part of your life."

Smiling sadly, Liara traced her fingers along Sam's jaw. "Yes, but that part of my life over now."

Capturing the asari's hand Sam pressed Liara's fingers to her lips briefly. "It's still a part of you though Li, and it made you who you are today. I... really like who you are. I really like you. So I'm happy to accept everything you carry here," Sam gently pressed Liara's hand over the asari's heart, "and I'd like to help you carry it, if you'll let me."

Liara's eyes misted, the sincerity she could see in Sam's eyes blurring as tears obscured the asari's vision.

"Li... hey."

Rolling onto her back Sam pulled Liara close, drawing the asari slightly on top of her as she embraced her tightly. Neither of them knew how long they lay there like that, Sam gently stroking Liara's crest with feather light touches as Liara simply clung to her, hot tears spilling onto the woman's shoulder. Eventually Sam felt Liara relax against her, her breathing becoming deep and even.

Shifting slightly Sam placed a gently kiss to the asari's forehead, Liara murmuring sleepily into Sam's neck as she stirred then dozed off again. Listening to Liara breathe, feeling the warmth of her body as it pressed against her own, Sam smiled quietly into the darkness as she drifted off to sleep herself.