"I am not unwilling to make the 'hard decisions'. If your outlook is a pessimistic one, you do not need to shield me from it." Her tone was mild, even though her words were not. Liara was Head of House, after all. Although her accomplishments had earned her the respect of some, it was those who'd she'd known the longest who tended to try to protect her as a maiden, and not the sovereign she had been forced to become.
"Peeress! I would never!" The matron looked affronted. "I am very aware of the amount of faith that you have placed in me. I won't let you or House T'Soni down."
"Very well, Jedis. What news then? Matriarch Stallura has been expanding the operations at Khos much more quickly than I expected. I anticipate that we will have to liquidate assets faster than originally discussed to successfully fund this level of growth."
As usual, the matron's expression was sheepish. Liara waited with only mild impatience before Jedis looked back into the the lens of her terminal, to meet the gaze of her patron. "I have to apologize, Dr. T'Soni. I failed to foresee the impact of your mission itself on galactic markets." Again, the matron stopped while still leaving her explanation incomplete.
'I may need to have Iryra work with her soon,' thought Liara. 'Despite her skills, Jedis' rapid promotion appears to have left her with some insecurity in her position.' She loved her mother, but it was at times like this that Liara missed Benezia the most. Benezia, in her prime, had conducted House T'Soni affairs like a finely tuned orchestra. Benezia would most certainly have predicted the outcomes of Shepard's mission, of that, Liara had no doubt. And Jedis, Jedis would still be hundreds of years away from her current level of responsibility. Centuries she would have spent being groomed to be perfectly prepared for her role.
Liara knew her responsibilities as Head of House, and did her best to meet them. Still, Liara's minor victories on Mindoir, with the Alliance, and even on Thessia would not have impressed Benezia. Her mother would simply have smiled indulgently at her daughter's efforts, while effortlessly pointing out both her errors of judgement and flaws in execution. Liara knew that Benezia would have characterized Jedis as both. Still, the maiden would not reverse her decision. Liara trusted Jedis, and in times like these, trust was more important than almost any other factor. Liara banished the train of thought from her mind, before her faced burned from the nonexistent judgement of a deceased parent.
She returned to the moment. "Matron Panya." Liara's tone and the formality of her address left no question as to her dissatisfaction as to how slowly this conversation was progressing. "To what impact are you speaking?"
Jedis took a breath, seeming to center herself before continuing. "The Battle of the Citadel, Peeress. It has changed the priorities of colonies throughout Council space."
"Oh?" This was indeed unprepared for news. "Does that mean that there are those who will now support our cause as we prepare for the Reapers?" Liara could use additional allies.
"No Peeress," Jedis' focus was again not on her comm as she appeared to reference datapads that were out of view of the pickup. "However, with the Citadel Fleet being overcome with apparent ease, and the unknown intent of the Alliance forces that are now acting in their stead, there are those who are taking advantage of the apparent instability in Council space. Many colonies are seeing a significant uptick in pirate activity. Even those colonies that lie deep within Council space are choosing to expand their defense forces at a remarkable rate."
Liara considered, "Meaning that colonies are now suddenly in the market for armaments, defenses, and ships that never were before."
"Yes, Peeress," the matron nodded her agreement.
Liara understood Jedis' point, and expanded upon it. "These colonies have limited places to turn. Stallura had already converted the facilities under her authority to the manufacturing of ships and munitions, while also placing as many other facilities as were available under contract, also to manufacture to her specifications."
"You are correct, Peeress," Jedis did not go so far as to confirm Liara's suspicions.
"Khos now controls the largest manufacturing capacity in the Republics, either directly or indirectly." It was a statement.
"They do, Peeress." Jedis seemed willing to continue this time, now that Liara had expressed her understanding of the situation. "There were many inactive shipyards and factories that were available for commission. Some had laid idle for hundreds of years. Matriarch Stallura contracted with every firm she could. Due to the lack of demand for the type of facilities that Stallura required, many were more than willing to sign contracts with open ended durations, even under the poorest of terms."
Liara closed her eyes, holding back a smile. This turn of events was unforeseen, but not unwelcome. She returned her attention to her terminal, and the expectant matron looking back at her. "Your updated forecast is a profitable one then?"
"Very. Khos Fabrications currently controls just under forty four percent of the shipbuilding capacity of the Parnitha system, and nearly sixty percent of the combined capacity of the ten largest Asari colonies." Jedis gave Liara a moment to process that information. "As the majority of these shipyards were not operating when placed under contract, Khos was the only fabricator of any size with capacity to accept new contracts at the pace of demand." This time the matron offered a smile of our own. "Shipbuilding alone will provide an increase of 720 billion credits for Khos during this fiscal period."
Liara nodded at the news that Khos would not be depleting T'Soni coffers, as she had anticipated. "I imagine that such an expedited retooling was relatively inefficient. What percentage of profitability should Khos expect on this new revenue?"
"That was the profit, Peeress. Gross revenue is far larger. As I indicated, the increase in defensive spending was unprecedented. It caught the majority of manufacturers unprepared. They will no doubt expand their capabilities, but for now, House T'Soni controls nearly all of the capacity in the Republics that was readily convertible for defensive use."
Liara was about to press Jedis for additional detail when Eliata appeared at her elbow.
"She has been asking about you, Peeress," the commando offered in a muted tone. "With increasing frequency."
"I did inform her that I needed a couple of hours to catch up with events back at the estate." Liara indicated the monitors all around her desk, a bedroom having been converted into workspace for the maiden.
"Would you like for me to relay that message, Peeress?" Obedient the commando might be, but her voice did nothing to conceal her opinion of being placed in the position of go-between.
Liara sighed as she checked her chronometer. "No Captain, thank you. It has been nearly four hours. Honestly longer than I expected to be left alone". She turned her attention back to her terminal. "Jedis, please forward your report, as well as the current liquidity position of the House. If Stallura is generating revenue at the rate she appears to be, perhaps we should be evaluating facilities operated by other races as well." She disconnected the comm before the matron could piece together a response.
"What have I missed?" She asked Eliata as she rose.
The commando fell in beside Liara as they left the office and headed towards the stairs. "Little of consequence, Peeress. Humans have continued to arrive throughout the afternoon."
"We were expecting a large turnout. Most of the valley communicated an intention to attend."
"Yes, but many guests seem to be more interested in the newly arrived maidens than they are in the food and entertainment."
Liara looked at Eliata, seeking hidden meaning in the comment. "Have there been any problems?" Although the residents of what she thought of as "Shepard's Valley" had been open to the idea of an Asari garrison, there was still opportunity for a cultural understanding this early in the encounter.
"None to my knowledge. Most of those engaging with the maidens have been adolescents or younger adults. Easily distracted."
"And the older adults?"
"Have been hospitable. Pamela has asked about 'Mrs. Shepard' several times."
Liara rolled her eyes. "This could have gone so much worse. I have little cause to complain if my greatest inconvenience is an inquisitive neighbor."
"As you say, Peeress," the commando agreed.
.o0o.o0o.o0o.o0o.o0o.
Liara emerged from the house blinking in the afternoon light of Oramonc. There had been a great deal of change at the Shepard farm in the few weeks she had been on Mindoir.
When she had arrived, there were crops planted nearly to the house, leaving the smallest of clearance available for skycar and pedestrian passage. Those crops had been cleared out to over a hundred and fifty meters from the front porch, exposing space that was currently occupied by cars and guests. The barracks for the garrison was finally complete, on the opposite side of the house from the barn, but of an identical design. Liara approved of the symmetry. Shepard had been concerned about appearances until it became clear that the T'Soni commandos were welcome in the community.
A community that was almost entirely present. From Liara's position she could make out nearly two hundred Humans who were attending Shepard's farewell festivities. There were even some individuals that the maiden recognized from their trips to DuBois. She was not surprised to see that neither Maître Marchand, nor Calvin Dahl, the former chair of the Mindoir Foundation, were in attendance.
Shepard had invited almost every family residing in the valley over for dinner over the last three weeks, using the opportunity to gauge the actual tone of the community, not just the one portrayed by those who'd had their sights on Shepard's land. The responses had been tentatively positive when Sarah had explained her goals and plans for the valley. The only exception had been the Collins household. Bobby and his family had decided to depart the valley when Shepard had made it clear that House T'Soni would be take over managing the Shepard farm itself. Sarah had yet to decide what to do with the Collins homestead. There was still enough land available in the valley that most of the residents were content to farm everything they had already claimed, but the land had unique value in being adjacent to the Shepard farm itself.
"Liara!"
The maiden peered into the dust strewn air, raising her hand against the sun as she sought the person who called her name.
It took some time, but her eyes eventually locked on her bondmate, who was waving her arms for Liara's attention. The spectre had changed into shorts and a tank top since the maiden had seen her last, and even from this distance Liara could tell that she was filthy. Her fair skin was covered in beaded sweat everywhere it was exposed, but the sheen and the dirt wasn't enough to prevent Liara from detecting the telltale tinge of an impending radiation burn. 'Goddess, Humans are so fragile,' she thought. If Liara wasn't mistaken, there was even dried mud streaked through her hair. Liara was shaking her head even as she stepped down from the deck and walked towards her.
Shepard was surrounded by a combination of running Humans and Asari, kicking up a cloud of dust in their frenzy of activity.
"I wondered when you would come back out," Shepard said as Liara drew close.
The maiden kissed Sarah's cheek in what was likely the cleanest spot. "You grew tired of waiting, and sent Eliata in to get me."
Shepard's expression was unrepentant. "You did say you were only going to be two hours."
Liara chose not to reply, knowing it would do no good to protest. "What are you doing, Shepard?" The maiden indicated the activity that Shepard had separated herself from.
"We're teaching the commandos how to play football!"
"Is that how you got so dirty?"
Shepard looked down at herself, as if realizing her state for the first time. "Probably," she looked up with a smile. "Or maybe when we were down in the ravine."
"Why were you down in the ravine, Shepard?"
"Hey!" Shepard ignored Liara's question as she addressed an Asari off to their left. "Nyave! No biotics!"
"I wasn't using them on the ball," came the remorseless response.
"You can't use them on yourself either. The other team gets a free kick."
"That isn't fair!"
"You know the rules. You just thought I wasn't watching." Sarah turned back to Liara. "Kids, always trying to get away with things. Isn't she a little young? She can't be a hundred and fifty and she's already one of your commandos?"
Liara just shook her head at the incongruity of the statement. "The majority of commandos selected for the garrison are maidens, Shepard. They are somewhat eager to travel, and more willing to accept a posting away from the estate." She looked around, seeing blue faces interspaced throughout the guests. "A few might even end up settling here."
Shepard considered. "Good point. Some of the girls might not appreciate the competition though."
"Only the girls?"
The spectre grinned. "You're right, probably not only the girls." She extended an arm to Liara.
The Asari stepped back, a chastising look on her face. "Not until you clean up Shepard."
"Liaaaaaara…" The commander's tone was as childish as she had accused the commando of being a moment before.
The maiden took the commander by the shoulders and pointed her towards the house. "Go, now. And put some medi-gel on your burn," she added when Shepard tried again to protest.
"Fine." Sarah's tone was one of defeat, but she started towards the house at a run.
.o0o.o0o.o0o.o0o.o0o.
Shepard came out of the house at a similarly brisk pace, seeming to begrudge the time it had taken to shower. Still, the approving look on Liara's face made it all worth it. She continued running her fingers through her hair, pushing out all the moisture she could, in lieu of the towel she had chosen to forgo.
She looked out at the dozens of faces turned in her direction. "Please tell me there's still food left," she asked no one in particular.
"Of course there is," came a familiar voice from off to her right. Owen Garner, middle aged farmer, former Alliance lieutenant, and chairman pro tem of the Mindoir Foundation was wearing a dirty apron and holding a spatula. "We've been taking turns on the grill all day." The man indicated in the direction of several picnic tables, indicating one piled with various meats and vegetables. "That is, once you'd let someone else near it."
"Thanks Owen," she thanked the man as she made a beeline for the food. "It isn't that I didn't trust anyone else to do it…"
"It's that you didn't trust anyone else to do it," a chorus of voices interrupted.
"OK, OK. I get it. It's just possible that I might have control issues." The spectre assembled her meal to the sounds of laughter and conversation.
She sat down between Liara and Zelana at one of the long picnic tables, Liara now far more willing to be close to her since her shower. "It looks like we've had a decent turnout," she said in response to the assorted Humans and Asari seated at tables all around her.
"This was a good idea," offered Garner. The colonist had managed the majority of the grilling once Shepard had had released the cooking responsibilities to others. "Lots of folks wanted to spend time with the new neighbors, and once you add the temptation of food, who could resist?"
"I'm not exactly new," responded Shepard around a mouthful of cheeseburger.
"You're not exactly staying, either," retorted the man. "Your dad did a lot for us. You did a lot for us. You're still doing so much for Mindoir, and there's never been any opportunity to thank you."
Shepard glanced down at her wrist, Liara's hand ever so gently wrapping itself around it as she had taken a breath to reply. She turned to her bondmate, saw the understanding there, the compassion. She hadn't had to shake her head to communicate to Sarah that her automatic response would have been an incorrect one. The habitual "I didn't do anything," or "No thanks necessary," were both inappropriate in this case. The spectre wondered what it said about her that she knew such comments were inappropriate, and always had been. What did it mean that she was tempted to hide behind them anyway? Was she growing as a person? Was she a coward? She knew Liara wouldn't agree with her answers to those questions either.
She turned and met Garner's gaze with new intention. "My father was a stubborn man, with a strong sense of morality. All I can do is hope to live up to his example." She felt Liara squeeze her wrist in approval.
"I knew your dad well, Sarah, and your mother. They'd be proud of all you've accomplished, and they'd be delighted about your relationship," he nodded at Liara. "Mostly, they'd have wanted you to be happy."
"Thanks, Owen. That means a lot." Another squeeze.
"I mean it. Neither of them would ever have wanted you to spend your life trying to live up to some unattainable ideal."
"Is that what I'm doing?" Now the pressure on her wrist increased.
"I hope not," Owen's wife Elsie chimed in, seated just beyond him at the table. "But no one would have blamed you Dear, if you left this place without a backward glance."
"Lefevre Valley was my father's dream. I could never leave that behind."
"And how you fund the Foundation? Was that his dream too?" Elsie was smiling, but the question was serious.
"Someone had to do something. The Alliance wasn't interested. No one seemed to be doing anything here." Several heads turned away, but Elsie met Shepard's glare without discomfort.
"You're right. There weren't very many people who were stepping in to help. That didn't mean that you had to."
"Of course I did. Once I was old enough to control the trust, I had the means. There were plans, they just lacked funding." She waved her free arm, taking in the entirety of the valley, and the party going on around them. "I didn't need the money. Besides, I wasn't going to be here."
Elsie's smile grew. "So you made sure that things would be taken care of in your absence, your way. You're right, you do have control issues." Her tone was light, but the words were serious even as they were supportive.
"That's not what I was doing," Sarah replied through a deepening frown.
"Yes, Dear, you were. You've taken personal responsibility for the well being of Mindoir in general, and the residents of your father's valley specifically. I hope you realize that you assumed that obligation because you're truly a good person, not because anyone expected it of you."
Shepard turned to Liara, as if for defense. "I hope that you do not expect me to argue on the side of you not being a good person," the Asari at her side said with a smile.
"Fine!" Shepard huffed with an air of exasperation. "I'm a good person. Is everyone happy now?"
"You won't get an argument from me," replied a teen boy passing behind her. "Anyone who can make cookies like this is great." He was carrying several.
"Those aren't mine," Shepard didn't have to turn to look. She'd been relieved of baking duties even earlier than she'd been removed from the grill. "I taught Anedra. She taught Deneru. I don't know how many people Deneru taught, but the kitchen's been full of maidens for almost two weeks, since the commandos arrived." Liara had assisted her through a particularly emotional, memory-filled afternoon, but otherwise Shepard had enjoyed that the house had been filled with the smells of her mother's recipes.
"Speaking of your 'commandos'," Owen rejoined the conversation, "They are still staying, yes? That hasn't changed?" The valley had been a place of rapid change over the last two weeks.
Shepard deferred to Liara, as Garner had seemingly posed the question to her.
"There will be many members of the House remaining, Mr. Garner, not just commandos. But to answer your question, yes, there will be a garrison. They have been tasked with protecting the valley, as well as upgrading and maintaining the defenses that Shepard originally placed here seven years ago."
"So we won't have to worry about shooting each other down anymore?" Garner seemed to be only partially joking.
"The automation will remain in place, but now the overrides will be in the hands of trained personnel," Shepard reassured him with a smile.
"That's good. I know the thing is nearly foolproof, but I also hate having to worry if I'm going get shot down if someone gets nervous while I'm running to DuBois." He turned to his wife. "Or maybe because someone's annoyed with me."
"You should be fine. Eliata assures me that the system will be safer than ever, and I trust her team." The matron nodded her acknowledgement to Shepard from her place beyond Zelana. "Many of the upgrades would only be necessary if we weren't going to be leaving staff behind, but since we are, everything should be doubly secure."
"And the rest of the staff?" Owen again directed his question to Liara. "Over dinner last week you'd only mentioned the garrison. Who else is staying?"
"As Shepard mentioned earlier, it is customary for any residence of the family to maintain some personnel."
"Asari custom," Sarah added with a smile.
"I knew what she meant," Owen chuckled.
"Although you and Elsie now hold Shepard's letter of attorney for any instances where the matter of species might be an issue, Shepard desired that the homestead remain a working farm." She waited for the nods before continuing. "As the Collins family had always worked the farm before, and with their departure from the valley, we decided to operate the farm ourselves. The additional House members remaining on Mindoir will perform that function."
"I can't say I've ever imagined an Asari farmer."
"You don't have to imagine. There's one right here." Penora, one of the recent arrivals, chimed in from further down the table. "I've grown crops on eight different worlds. Usually I have to start from scratch, clearing the land, drilling wells, fighting off local wildlife. I don't think that maintaining a working farm will be all that difficult." She looked around the homestead. "And mature orchards? So long as we have enough water, those might just be the easiest crops I've ever managed."
"Were you a farmer on Thessia?" Elsie drew her further into the conversation.
"No, Mrs. Garner. I was working as a structural engineer for House T'Soni. When this opportunity came up, I volunteered. It'll be nice to work the soil again. I've always loved growing things."
"Then why did you stop?"
"I had grown tired of it, but it's been a few hundred years. I was ready to go back."
Silence fell across the group at the comment.
"Penora is an experienced agriculturalist, and I was glad that she was available," Sarah pushed the flagging conversation along with her statement.
"Anyone with that much experience will be a valuable addition to the community," Owen added graciously.
"We would be happy to provide any assistance that we can," Penora replied. "But I was given to understand that the farms in the region are all productive, with healthy crops."
"They are," another adult joined the conversation, a man about five years older than Shepard. He seated himself at the table next to Penora before continuing. "But we'd be stupid not to take all the help we can get." He looked around the table, a combination of agreement and dissent on the faces that looked back at him. "Humans are a stubborn bunch, but some of us need to remember that we've only been growing things off Earth for a hundred years, and out of the Sol system for less than thirty." He turned to Penora. "It's a cliché, but you've probably forgotten more about agriculture than I'd hope to learn in my lifetime."
"That's flattering," replied the matron, "and as much as I'd like to live up to that, each world is different. You're already here, and that means you've got an advantage on me, Mr…" she trailed off.
"Douglas. Peter Douglas."
"Pete farms the land just to the North," added Shepard around a mouthful of her second cheeseburger.
"As I said, you have an advantage on me, Mr. Douglas," Penora continued. "It takes many seasons to learn the ways of a region, let alone a world. I'll be learning as much from you as you are from us. I've never grown Terran crops before."
"I've never grown anything else. I might like to try growing something we can sell outside the Alliance."
"We have seeds for several Thessian crops, as well as those from a number of other worlds. I didn't know if there would be any use for them here, but I thought it best to be prepared."
"And they'll all grow in this environment?"
"Quite well, actually. I selected crops with this climate in mind."
"I'd love to know some of your methods, when opportunity presents itself."
"I have published several works, I welcome the chance to discuss how their principles could be applied on Mindoir."
"You've written books about farming?"
The matron seemed hesitant for the first time. "Only a few. Is it uncommon to publish one's works among Humans?"
"Well, no. Not in all cases, anyway." He paused as if making a decision. "Could I get a copy?"
Penora immediately brightened. "Yes! I brought some with me." She rose to her feet. "Unless you didn't mean now."
Douglas rose as well. "Sure. I wouldn't mind seeing what an Asari would write about farming."
The matron took her leave and made her way towards the house, the Human in tow while Shepard watched with no small amusement.
"See what I mean Liara?" Said the commander in a stage whisper while she elbowed her bondmate. "The girls aren't going to appreciate the competition."
"I thought you would be pleasantly surprised at how well everyone is getting along. As I recall, you were worried about the anti-alien sentiment we encountered when we arrived." The maiden had maintained some awareness of the conversation while having gone back to a conversation with Owen and Elsie Garner. "And you have a dirty mind, Shepard. They are going to discuss farming."
"That may be," agreed Sarah with a smile, "I don't know about farming, but there's a seed being planted between those two." She wiggled her eyebrows. "And I was only worried until we found out that Bobby was the one stirring up the majority of the pro-Human bias we encountered. He seemed to think that farming my dad's land made him heir apparent around here or some shit." She nodded in the direction Penora and Douglas has gone, "I still want us to farm the Shepard homestead, but with Bobby gone, maybe we could turn the land he was on over to those two so they can experiment with Thessian techniques."
"Are you still talking about farming?"
Sarah just wiggled her eyebrows again.
Liara sighed.
.o0o.o0o.o0o.o0o.o0o.
Oramonc had long since dipped below the horizon, but the gathering was showing no signs of winding down. Liara wondered if the number of Asari might be a contributing factor. They needed less sleep, and tended to take a long view of events, allowing them to conclude naturally instead of at a predetermined time.
The pace and tone had changed somewhat. There was no longer any frenzied activity. The party was distributed nearly equally inside and outside, although heaters had been deployed on the porch to ward off any impending chill. The majority of guests were engaged in conversation over coffee, tea, or alcohol. Some had secluded themselves, seeking intimacy in pairs. Liara hoped that such liaisons would serve to cement their place in the valley as opposed to harming it.
The maiden noticed that several bottles of elasa had been opened. She imagined that few Humans who tried it would be able to refuse the sweet wine's flavor, nor withstand it's soporific effect. She resisted the temptation to point out that some guests would be in no condition to return home tonight. There was no need. Her people knew their jobs. Any reminders on her part would be based on her own insecurities, not her staff's ability.
She and Shepard walked casually from one group to another. Offering conversation and accepting compliments. They worked the crowd as she had seen Benezia do so many times while growing up. The irony of this moment was not lost on the maiden. In any other time, House T'Soni would have hosted any number of soirees, galas, and receptions by now. Each tailored to a different group or need, all allowing the formal introduction of the new T'Soni patron to the Armali social landscape. Instead of occupying one of the estate ballrooms, Liara's major first social event was on a Human farm, outdoors, in the dirt. Where her guests might have been expected to be matriarchs, politicians, and heads of state, instead they were farmers and soldiers.
Still, there was no doubt that although this was Shepard's home and Shepard's people, this was Liara's event. It was her planning and execution that had allowed it to occur. It was her intervention that had prevented any negative consequence, and it was she that the guests had greeted and then expressed praise and flattery to. Even when someone wanted to speak to Sarah, they subtly signaled their intent to Liara before doing so. It seemed that the maiden had been embraced in a role similar to lady of the house, even if being repeatedly referred to as "Mrs. Shepard" hadn't been enough of an indication.
Finally even Shepard tired of talking to her neighbors, and to members of the House. The pair moved to the front deck, and the starlit view they'd shared their first night on Mindoir. This time however, the porch swing was occupied, and Shepard crashed down to sit on the topmost step. After a moment the commander pulled Liara down to sit on the steps beside her.
"You did an fantastic job with this," she kissed Liara on the cheek. "I was sure there'd be shooting."
"The fact that Asari huntresses are renowned for their aim can sometimes prevent incidents from occurring before they have a chance to begin," Liara replied playfully.
"Be that as it may, we'll be leaving things in better condition than I ever hoped."
"Do you still want to leave tomorrow evening as planned?" The Human had ceased expressing her desire to leave Mindoir nearly a week prior.
"I do. I think we're done here, and even if we weren't, we have work to do on Thessia."
Liara nodded in agreement as she leaned against Shepard. "It will be good to be home, even if for a short while."
Sarah put her arm around the Asari and pulled her close, nuzzling her crest when the maiden put her head on the spectre's shoulder. "It will definitely be good to be home."
.o0o.o0o.o0o.o0o.o0o.
"Are you coming to bed, Shepard?"
"Eventually."
Zelana ignored the conversation going on beside her with an ease granted by recent practice. If she was still adjusting to Liara's style of running House T'Soni, that was nothing to the complexity of interacting with Sarah. The Human was a constant surprise. Zelana had expected that the spectre would either ignore the members of the House completely, or attempt to direct them like minions. Instead it was not unusual to find her helping out in the kitchen, assisting Liara with the delegation of House T'Soni tasks, or just standing in a hatchway with her ever-present cup of coffee, waiting for an opportunity to ask some personal question or other. After their journey to Mindoir, the pilot was sure that Shepard knew more about her than Benezia ever had.
"We are still hours from the relay. Are you planning to stay in the cockpit, or come to our cabin?" Liara gently ran her fingers across Shepard's shoulders, causing the commander to shudder lightly in the copilot's flight couch.
"I won't be up all night."
'She's evading the question,' thought Liara. "What are you waiting for?" This time Liara asked directly, hoping for an explanation instead of deflection.
"Well, I've never seen the Oramonc relay. I thought this might be the night, but you're right. I probably don't want to stay up that late."
Liara squatted down next to Shepard, making eye contact. "And?" It was so difficult to get Sarah to reveal her emotions.
The spectre's asymmetrical smile appeared, the one she always used to hide her true feelings. "I grew up here, right? This is only the third time I've left." She paused to make certain of Liara's understanding. "I was unconscious the first time. I didn't wake up until Arcturus. The second time I was so drunk that I might as well have been. Bobby, Calvin. I didn't ever want to see them again. I didn't want to see Mindoir again." She looked down as Liara took her hand. "I was never coming back, you know? I never intended to come back."
"And that was why you did so much for the Foundation, for the residents of the valley. To compensate for the fact that you were never going to return."
The faraway look in Shepard eyes cleared as her wandering attention snapped to Liara with a laser focus. "You knew?"
"Of course I knew, Shepard. You hold yourself responsible for occurrences outside your control, carry guilt for things you never should. Then you work to repay debts you did not incur."
"It's never enough."
"For Commander Shepard? It never would be. Perhaps it could be enough for my bondmate, Sarah. Possibly if we worked together?"
"I was angry at you for making me come here." Sarah's voice was flat.
Liara nodded. "I know."
"But I'm glad I came. I'm glad you made me come. I think I needed this." She turned away from the maiden. "Isn't that a kick in the quad? All life in the galaxy might be coming to an end, but I needed to take time out to face my past."
"You are not a machine. You are a Human woman, and as such, despite what you would prefer to believe, are influenced by the sum of your experiences." Liara turned Shepard back to face her, "Might I remind you that not all of your experiences are negative." The Asari leaned forward for a gentle kiss and felt Shepard smile against her lips.
"I think I'm ready for bed now."
.o0o.o0o.o0o.o0o.o0o.
Again, Shepard was jerked back to consciousness.
Cortical stimulation was barely enough to pull her from her memories this time. She took a deep breath to help ease the pain in her head, but felt no relief even as she sensed herself begin to hyperventilate. She wasn't in vacuum then, but her HUD confirmed that her body already told her. Oxygen levels were near zero. Her CO2 scrubbers were still working, but the atmosphere in her hardsuit was almost exclusively nitrogen by this point.
'At least I won't die choking,' she thought grimly. The light headedness she experienced before was already on the verge of claiming her again.
Fighting her way through the encroaching darkness, she again located the debris that had once been her ship, a small formation of escape pods moving away from it, and her.
She focused on one, certain in her knowledge that it held one specific passenger. She could feel it, even as she found it difficult to feel anything else.
She closed her eyes, wondering if that passenger could feel her too.
'Liara…'
A/N: Assumptions here include:
FemShep/Liara
Post ME1 ending - after the Battle of the Citadel, before beginning of ME2
Shepard is:
Colonist / Vanguard / War Hero
As always, feedback is welcome and desired.