Huerta memorial hospital, now just a pile of rubble, glass and erected cranes trying to begin important repairs; the sounds of hammers clanging and saws buzzing filled the air. An array of tents littered the open space, almost the length of a hanger. Doctors cared to injured and sick in this slum of a hospital erected to care while repairs are made. It annoyed Liara no end that the hospital wasn't repaired before the Presidium or the Citadel tower, but power is money.
Liara, Feron, Tali and Joker walked together as they neared the makeshift hospital, coughs and groans of pain echoing. Doctors jogged around carrying charts and datapads. Liara couldn't help but sigh at how they had to treat these people. The debt of the Reaper war had hit the galaxy hard.
"Keelah, would you look at how these people are being treated? It's bad" Tali huffed, wringing her hands together. Liara nodded with a rub of her brow.
"Agreed" Before she could continue a loud applause began to echo and she looked for the source. Over on the presidium was a massive group of people, a mix of species applauding at two people. These two were a Turian and an Asari.
"What's going on?" Liara asked. Joker stepped forward tutting at the view from the window.
"Yeah, that's the start of the new Council. They've been holding elections for a few months for new leaders. The Salarians and humans are still being decided on, but it looks like they finally got two Councillors" He shook his head.
"You don't approve Jeff? That's not like you" Liara smirked. He shook it off with a grin.
"You kidding? The last Council sucked. They ignored the Reapers till they were on our door step. But, I have to say that these guys may be an...alright choice" He shrugged.
"How so?"
"Well the Turian Councillor is Corinthus, a General on Palaven. He managed to pull some manoeuvres on Menea that pushed the Reapers from Palaven for a while. He saved a lot of Turians. The people voted he be the Councillor and it looks like he won"
"Who was he running against?" Tali asked.
"Adrien Victus"
"The Primark, seriously?" Liara shrugged. Joker nodded as his eyes stayed glued on the view through the window.
"Yeah, but after his son's stunt on Tuchanka, a lot of Turians didn't want him as Councillor"
"I remember, he made a mistake and got a lot of Turians killed, right?" Liara raised an eyebrow. Joker nodded as Tali stepped over, the artificial sunlight of the presidium glimmering on her gold accents.
"He did sacrifice himself to stop the bomb exploding though" Tali added. Liara and Joker nodded.
"True. Guess people only dwell on the negatives of a person. What about the Asari?" Liara asked, looking down on the Matriarch aged Councillor, a blue and pink dress over her slim physique.
"Name's Irissa. She was elected to stand in for Tevos if the Asari Councillor died during Sovereign's attack, but she lived, and ignored Shepard's warnings either way" Joker shrugged with a roll of his eyes under his SR2 cap. "Now though, I guess she could be an alright choice. She's already started a fund for war refugees, regardless of species" Joker added. Liara nodded with approval.
"Even Quarians?" Tali remarked, weight on one hip. Joker scoffed.
"I guess. We'll find out sooner or later"
Liara turned to see Feron conversing with shockingly...another Drell. He was blue skin wise and his jacket was primarily blue with black and silver accents. It was only when Tali remarked did she realize his identity.
"Kolyat!" Tali said with an obvious smile as she walked over. Liara had heard of him, but was unsure of his nature. Kolyat and Feron turned with a smile to Tali.
"Ah Tali'Zorah! It is a pleasure to see you again" Kolyat greeted with his signature Drell tone of voice. He shook her hand and gave a warm smile.
"Kolyat? I know that name" Liara rubbed her chin.
"Forgive me, I am Kolyat Krios, Thane Krios' son" Kolyat bowed his head slightly, his black round eyes peering at Liara.
"Oh Thane's son! I apologize. Goddess, how rude" She chuckled gently, shaking his hand.
"No apologies necessary"
"What are you doing here?" Joker asked. "Not exactly a Drell sanctuary...no offense" Joker defended.
"None taken. I am here working with the Salarian medical and science division. They have been given funding to look for a cure for Kepral's Syndrome"
"Oh your father would be so proud of you!" Tali said gently. Kolyat nodded to her in thanks.
"Kolyat was just explaining how Kepral's syndrome affects our race. I hope your father didn't suffer. He was part of Commander Shepard's team who rescued me from the Shadow Broker. I have your father's thanks, all of them. May Kalahira, Goddess of oceans and Afterlife look after him" Feron said kindheartedly to Kolyat. Thane's son gave a smile and humble nod.
"I thank you for saying that. Well it has been nice to see you all, I must return to my work. May Arashu, Goddess of Motherhood and Protection watch over you" He said as he departed. They watched Thane's son walk away with his head held high. They could all see Thane in him, in spirit and mind.
"Keelah, I remember being with Shepard and Thane when they found him, about to execute a politician. Look at him now" she said with an obvious smile behind her mask. Liara nodded with a large smile as they watched Kolyat leave. It then became apparent after many searching head swings that Joker wasn't there.
"Joker? Jeff?" Liara asked. He'd wandered off to find Chakwas no doubt. With an eye roll Liara went to follow, Tali and Feron behind.
"Hey, Tali'Zorah?" Feron asked, Liara listening to the conversation behind her.
"Yes Feron?"
"I have a question, about Quarians"
"Shoot"
"When you say Keelah Se'lai, it means 'By the home world I wish to see again', correct?" Feron asked gently. Liara could feel Tali was questioning his motives by her tone of voice.
"Yes...why?"
"Well, now that you have your world back, do you have a new saying?" Feron asked as the trio stepped through the first double doors.
"Actually, we do. It's Keelah Doi'Vech, which means 'By the home world we now walk upon.' But I've been saying Se'lai for so long, I guess I've grown to prefer it" Tali shrugged. Feron nodded at the history lesson he'd just received. It was then that Liara stopped suddenly, Tali bumping into her and Feron into Tali. Liara jerked forward and Tali stumbled slightly, the pearly eyes within her purple mask turning to slits at Liara and Feron. Feron rubbed his head as he stepped back.
"Sorry" Feron nervously chuckled. Liara stood staring with a smile. Doctor Karin Chakwas, her short waves of silver across her fringe and smile as she talked with Joker were all too familiar. Liara stepped forward with Tali and Feron in tow.
"Yes, take these pills once a day and you'll be fine Jeff" Chakwas gently spoke in her soothing voice. She peered up over Joker and her eyes widened as did her smile.
"I don't belie...Liara! My how long it's been" She greeted the Asari with a hug and squeeze.
"Hello Chakwas! How have you been?"
"Busy" she half joked. "I've been here working in these poor medical conditions. God forbid the Presidium looks bad!" She rolled her eyes.
"I know, the funding should be being poured into the hospital!"
"Yes well, we don't have the great Commander around to beat the politicians into place" She sighed gently.
"Well, that's why Joker's getting his medication in such a large amount. We're going to find him" Liara smiled. Karin's eyes widened.
"Y-You've found him? Commander Shepard?"
"Well, no but we know he's alive. We'll find him, I know it. Goddess I can feel it!" Liara beamed.
"Always so optimistic. My how I've missed you Liara" She peered up and laid her eyes on Tali.
"Tali? My word, look how you've grown. Such a gorgeous Quarian!"
"Thank you Doctor Chakwas" Tali bashfully said.
"I like all the gold accents added to your suit. Very smart, and grown up" She smiled to Tali.
"And...I'm sorry, I don't believe we've been introduced. I'm Karin Chakwas" she reached her hand to Feron, who accepted the handshake.
"Feron; I helped Liara find Shepard's body all those years ago"
"Well, I'm glad you're here to help find him now" She chuckled. Other doctors bustled past Chakwas as they tended to the ill and wounded.
"Chakwas, I hate to ask, but would you join us?" Liara asked gently, delicately.
"I would love nothing more than to traverse the stars amongst friends again, but I'm needed here. I can't abandon my duties I'm afraid. I do wish you all the best though Liara, all of you. In fact, here; A discount for some medical supplies. It's the best I can do I'm afraid, I wish I could do more" She sighed as she handed the chit to Liara.
"No, this...this is perfect. Thank you Doctor Chakwas" Liara smiled.
"Please, call me Karin" she smiled, batting a stray silver lock aside.
"Thank you...Karin" Liara smiled. They turned slowly to leave as Karin tended to the wounded. It was a blow to not have Chakwas with them, but sooner or later someone was going to have to be unable to join them. Tali had joined them so immediately it shocked Liara, same with how quickly Joker dropped everything to come along.
"Thank you, all of you. For helping. You stopped your lives to help me find Shepard" Liara smiled to her group as they walked.
"Liara, Shepard gave us these lives. Like I said, it's time to return the favor!" Tali's purple visor beamed. Liara gave Tali a one armed hug.
"Thanks guys"
They soon headed to the exit of Huerta Memorial Hospital. As her team exited first, Liara took a glance back over her shoulder at the distant hall, Kolyat conversing with Salarians in the corner while Chakwas desperately thumped with CPR on a dying patient. Liara lowered her gaze. Even after the war, loss was everywhere.
...
Hours later, and Liara stood with her arms resting on the hand rail at the Presidium, peering up at the trees. The same spot she stood at during the Reaper war. It reminded her of home, of Thessia. The leaves swayed gently in the Presidium breeze. The bright light of the artificial sky lit the aura behind the swaying branches.
Liara sighed and dropped her blue eyes downwards. She felt like an autumn leaf. She'd fallen from her branch, her loved one. And even though she landed so close to the trunk, she was yet so far from the branch.
"Shepard...Goddess...I promise I'll find you. We'll be together, I swear" Liara said gently to herself.
Suddenly another set of arms lent against the railing, clad in black rubber and purple cloth with gold accents. Tali's purple visor and pearly eyes looked at Liara in worry.
"Hey...You okay?" Tali asked. Liara huffed and dropped her shoulders.
"I honestly don't know how Shepard did it. This leader thing, it isn't easy"
"I know, I know. But it'll get easier, just give it time. We'll do exactly as you ask, you know that" Tali said gently. Liara smiled and a soothing chuckle escaped her lips.
"Yeah, I know you will"
"Joker said we need to grab something before we catch our shuttle to Earth" Tali added. Liara raised an eyebrow.
"What is it?"
"Something important, said it'd help us get the Normandy greatly" Tali shrugged as her purple mask looked up at the tree.
"Well, help is appreciated. Hey, Tali?" Liara asked. Tali peered at her.
"Thank you" Liara muttered.
"For what?"
"Dropping everything to join us so quickly"
"Keelah Liara, you have evidence that Shepard is alive! His voice, and whoever this Church Bosh'tet is, he'll get what he deserves" Tali boldly stated. Liara nodded weakly.
"And you'll get what you deserve: Shepard" Tali said with finality. Liara scoffed a smile and peered up from the hand rail. "Come on. Let's go find Feron and Joker before they get lost" Tali chuckled.
Liara laughed aloud as she pushed away from the railing to follow this new bold grown up Tali. Sure she was always brave and bold, also nervous, but she had grown greatly. Being an Ambassador for your species must have been a hard task.
"So...ambassador huh?" Liara asked. Tali nodded proudly.
"Yeah. Rannoch needed one to negotiate with other races. I got elected"
"Just you?"
"No, three. Me, Zaal'Koris and Shala'Raan"
"Your Auntie?" Liara asked as they walked up the steps of the Presidium Commons, past the bustling Apollo's Cafe. The smell of Coffee and hot food filled the air with an inviting aroma.
"That's the one. She took my work on while I'm on my holiday"
"This'll hardly be a holiday" Liara sighed at how difficult the following journey will no doubt be.
"An adventure with my best friends sounds like a holiday to me" Tali chuckled. Liara smiled at her Quarian best friend.
They left the commons by an elevator and soon wound up at Dock bay D24. It was surreal to be here and not see the Normandy docked through the glass window overlooking the Citadel. The unfinished arms of the Citadel stretch out at different lengths and Earth's horizon was in sight beyond them. It was a beautiful sight to behold. Liara cocked an eyebrow at Joker stood with a Salarian and a Turian. Two large crates were stacked behind them. Joker leaned against them nonchalantly, making the lighter top one slide back slightly, startling him and making him quickly jerk upright.
Liara and Tali laughed at the sight. Liara peered around and saw Feron stood leaning against the railing, watching the ships go by. She shrugged and turned back to Joker.
"Who are they?" She asked.
"Sorry! Allow me to introduce myself!" The Salarian smiled brightly and spoke loudly. He was wearing dark grey and black Salarian clothing with Salarian armor. "I am Marab! I met Shepard a few times. One time was when a Volus left his Credit Chit in my store" He kept smiling. "Big fan of Shepard's, big fan!"
"Wait, yes! I remember those Bosh'tets. A C-sec officer and Volus trying to blame a poor Quarian on her pilgrimage for stealing his Chit. Glad Shepard was there." Tali sighed, aggravated by the past event. Marab nodded eagerly.
"Indeed. Shepard was quite a hero. Jeff tells me you may know of his whereabouts and need help? I am pleased to assist in any way that helps save our Savior!" Marab grinned. Liara nodded with thanks to the talkative Salarian.
"And who are you, I don't think we've met either" she looked to the older looking Turian, long mandibles and spiky crests on his head.
"Name's Illo Nazario, I'm an Arms dealer, Jacob Taylor cured me years ago from an infection. Shepard was with him. They saved my life. I want to return the favor" the Turian said boldly. He was clad in red and black armor.
Liara nodded to him as well.
"What's in the boxes?" She finally asked.
"Well, after the war and all the Reaper war debt, weapons are hard to come by. If you're looking for Mass accelerator powered weapons, forget about it, too expensive or the Alliance has em all" Illo said as he hauled the first box down and began to unclip its clasps.
"i had to speak to an old human friend of mine, but I was able to get these" He flicked the lid open and everyone bar him cocked eyebrows.
"What...are they?" Liara asked.
"Earth history, called em AK-47s. Or Kalminovs, or something" He shrugged.
"Kalashnikovs" Joker sighed, rubbing his brow. The group peered at him.
"Oh what so I listened to my history lessons at school, big deal" He shrugged, crossing his arms. Liara scoffed and looked at the crate. Inside were four very outdated weapons, wooden grips and butts on them, metal torsos and barrels, long curved magazines stretching under to the modern weapons of this space faring age, these were an abomination.
"Very reliable from what I hear" Illo said as he lifted one up and removed the curved magazine, cocking the silver leaver back. Liara was somewhat alarmed that he would just bring a weapon out into the open like that, but the Dock was empty bar them.
"Where...does the thermal clip go?" Tali asked innocently. Illo laughed from his belly.
"No thermal clip, sweet thing" He smiled to Tali. She crossed her arms and narrowed her gaze at him. Even through her mask he could feel the glare.
"Anyway, we got four of these with two mags for each"
"Well, we've still got a couple of Predator pistols as well" Liara shrugged.
"Ah yes! I managed to get you some stun slugs. They'll hit the armor and send all the suit electronics haywire, frying the guy in it!" Illo chuckled. "Knocks em out cold" He finished.
"So we've got stun rounds for our pistols and some really old rifles. Well, not too bad I suppose" Liara shrugged.
"Hey, I got these rifles for 15 credits each" Illo defended.
"How?!" Liara asked bright eyed.
"These were made in the thousands, years ago on Earth. So many of them still exist, the only M4 left is in the Earth history museum on Ilium" He shrugged.
"Well if they've lasted this long, they must be good" Liara shrugged. Illo nodded as he put the rifle back in its crate and sealed the lid back down.
"Thank you, both of you for helping steal the Normandy"
"Getting Shepard back and sticking it to the Alliance. Can't go wrong" Illo smirked, Marab glaring at him.
"Happy to help ma'am!" Marab smiled to her. Liara smiled and turned back to Tali and Joker. Feron had just causally waltzed over.
"Okay guys, our shuttle departs to Earth soon. Let's load these crates on and get ready to go.
"And I only managed to grab to my toothbrush" Joker rolled his eyes.
"Wait, I got something else!" Illo called. He opened the second crate. Along with two more Kalashnikovs, was a launcher of some kid with a large spherical rocket.
"What's that?" Liara asked.
"It's a powerful Eezo absorber rocket. Latches to the target and when you activate it, sucks all the power out of the Drive core. Shuts the ship down and it goes into emergency power. The ship'll have to land or hover somewhere till they can restart the drive core" Illo explained the device proudly.
"That's perfect! Good back up plan in case the Normandy takes off early" Liara nodded with approval. Joker rolled his eyes at Liara's change in behavior. There was a time when she'd never dream of stealing a ship.
They all made their way to the dock and the awaiting shuttle, tagged with graffiti and showing several different colored replaced parts. The galaxy was definitely in debt. Next stop Earth, and the feared Normandy heist.