26 Better to have Loved and Lost
Liara stepped off the transport, and walked with Karen toward Shepard's house... Her house... Their Daughters home.
She unlocked the door and they placed what little possessions they had just inside the door, then went to the markets. Karen was hovering over her as if she would break if not kept close. "Liara dear, I can do the shopping if you wish to rest."
Liara smiled, "Thank you, Although I think we both may need a rest, after telling them."
"And a drink." Karen added.
The two headed into Dignity, not sure how they were going to tell them, or even how it would be taken. Loony and Shi were sitting at a table, drinking in silence. Hackett sitting across from them in his dress blues, with his head down.
As Liara approached the table, Shi got up and hugged her tightly. "We were afraid you wouldn't come baby girl, here sit down."
Karen sat next to Hackett and put her arm through his. "did you?"
He pat her arm, "Yeah, I figured It was My Responsibility. How's Liara doing?"
"She's doing better than I hoped, which is what has me worried. I need to apply for a leave of absence." Karen waved Astrona over to order a drink.
He leaned his head on her shoulder. "Not necessary, You are officially assigned to Mars Naval Medical Center until further notice." he gave her a kiss on the cheek.
Loony was looking at his drink, as if the answers to the Cosmos were there in the melting ice. "Did you still want to give me that tattoo?" Liara woke him out of his daze.
He looked a little shocked at first, but then the realization dawned on his face. "Yes child, It would be my Honor" he squeezed her hand. "You're Family Kid. This is Your bar after all." The look of confusion on her face made him smile. "You didn't know? John put you down as Next of Kin."
Liara looked over at Hackett, the unspoken question written on her face.
Steven noticed Liara's questioning stare. "He transferred All his holdings to You, and I quote. 'As per Asari, and Krogan law. We are Bound. She is my Bondmate, or as you Humans call it. Wife.' You'll find the statements on your kitchen table."
Steven leaned over and wiped the tear from Liara's cheek. He looked down at her lap for a moment. Not sure if he was believing what he saw. In the darkness of the room, there was a dull glow lighting up the area between her belly and the table. "Liara? Are You?" The sad smile was all the answer he needed. He removed his arm from Karen and wrapped Liara in a Fatherly hug. "You ever need Anything Kid, you let me know."
She sniffed back a tear, "Thank you Steven, right now I believe the most important thing is to make sure no one else knows. We seem to have made quite a few enemies."
Karen got up. "Liara, why don't we get you home and let you rest? I am sure that a smoky bar is not the best environment for a new mother."
"That would be best." Liara stood, then bow to the group. "Please drop by when you can, and bring the twins. I don't wish to become a hermit."
Loony hugged her. "I will bring my gear by whenever you're ready."
She and Karen left Dignity, and after a short shopping trip at the markets, they headed home.
At a hidden station in the Horsehead Nebula.
The Illusive Man was listening to the brief from his agent within the Alliance. Off in the shadows, Miranda Lawson stood silently wondering why He didn't seem the least bit surprised by the news of Commander Shepard's death. (Well he does like to plan ahead, maybe he saw this coming? Shepard did have a dangerous occupation after all.)
TIM closed the link, and motioned for Miranda to come closer. "Miss Lawson, I have a project for you. I want you to put together a task force. You are to recover Shepard's body." he put out the stub of his cigarette, and lit another.
Taking a long drag. "It seems the Alliance has already forgotten His Value. We Need Shepard. I Want him Brought Back, at ANY Cost." He looked her in the eyes, the determination on his face making his point. "Project Lazarus Must not fail."
"Yes Sir." She walked out, reading the files she had just received on her omnitool. Already making plans for who she wanted on her team.
First however, she needed to pay someone a visit. "I just hope that Bloody Asari will listen to reason."
Miranda picked up the first one on her list. Jacob Taylor was a good soldier, if anti Cerberus at times. But she needed someone who knew Elysium, and he was her best choice. "You were on Elysium for three years, correct Jacob?"
He sat there quietly in the copilot chair for a moment before responding. "Yeah. We had a thing with some Salarians trying to take over control of the Colony."
"Lot of bloody good that did them, they sure didn't try to hard to defend what they wanted to rule so badly." She never took her eyes off the shuttle controls.
He laughed, "Hell Miranda, No one else Had to fight, Shepard ran those slavers off Single Handed. If I hadn't seen the vids? I would never believe the stories."
"Stories Jacob? You believe in stories, I prefer cold hard facts." she smiled to herself. Knowing he was blushing. "Ready?" getting a nod, she pulled the shuttle in for approach.
They landed at the port, and walked into 'Fountain Square'. She stopped by the statue. "Hard to believe, the Alliance could forget him so easily." she told the silent reminder of a family lost.
The streetlights, shutting off suddenly caught them by surprise. "Damn!" Jacob was reaching for his pistol when he noticed the figure approaching them, but he relaxed when he saw it was actually a child, and the statue was her destination.
The Turian girl, kneeled at the base of the statue as it lit up from within. The subtle glow casting long shadows behind them. She was clutching a stuffed lion in her talons so tight, it was almost crushed as she started to pray. "Spirits Please watch over The Lion. He is a good person, and Lady Liara misses him. So If you can; let him finish his mission soon, and tell him that we all still love him, and miss him. And I won't forget my promise, I Will be a SPECTRE one day. I will make him Proud."
Miranda had to stop herself from sobbing out loud, "Do You know the Lion, little one?" she squat down next to the child.
"Traneth!" the young Turian smiled.
Miranda looked at her blankly, "What..."
"It's My Name,Traneth, and Yes I know him silly. Look" she held up the stuffed lion. Wrapped around its neck was a Star of Terra, stitched down so it wouldn't fall off. "He gave it to me, said It was for when I become a SPECTRE. He's my friend's cousin!" Her voice took on a hint of sadness. "But I don't take it when I go visit Lady Liara, it seems to make her sad for some reason. I think she misses him a lot."
Miranda smiled at her. "That's was very nice of him, and very considerate of you. Nice to meet you Traneth, My name is Miranda. " then she looked around at the darkened square. "Won't your parents be worried? It IS getting rather late."
Traneth gave Miranda the Turian equivalent of a smile. "Nope! They are right over there. They always let me come and pray by myself! I'm almost 8!" she waved to her parents.
Miranda's smile grew. "Wow, almost 8. I was almost sure you were already in SPECTRE training. It was nice to meet you Traneth. Now I believe I need to go and get some rest, it was a long flight. Do you know which direction the hotel is?"
Traneth pointed, "Sure! It's over the..." she tripped on the cobblestones as she pointed toward the hotel. Before she managed to hit the ground, she was wreathed in a biotic glow as Miranda kept her from falling face first on the hard stone.
Miranda carefully set her back on her feet. "You ok Little One?" the concern in her voice was clear.
"That was so cool!" Traneth giggled. "It tickled! It must be really fun to be a biotic."
"I never thought about it that way, but I guess you're right. There are times it does come in handy. Did you learn anything from that fall?"
The child had a curious look on her face. "What do you mean? Miri... Randa?"
Miranda chuckled. "It's Miranda, but You may call me either one of those if you wish."
"Ok Miri, thank you. What did you mean did I learn anything?" Traneth asked.
"That Even Spectre's have to be careful." Miranda shook her small hand. "Thank you Traneth, and again. It was nice to meet you."
Miranda led Jacob over to the Turian couple Traneth had waived to. "You have a brilliant daughter Sir. I enjoyed talking to her." she offered her hand to the proud parents. Once the pleasantries were over She and Jacob started making their way to the hotel.
She caught him staring more than once. "What is it Jacob?" came out cold for a reason.
He looked afraid to say whatever it was that was on his mind. "It's just, I've never seen you act so... Human? What was that about?"
She spun on him. "What do you mean ACT? That was No Act Jacob! She is just a Child. Shepard fought off an Entire invasion force for these people. Show them the same respect, or they will be the Least of your problems." her voice carried a dangerous tone, even though it could barely be heard more than a foot away.
"Ok, Ok. I get the point. Not another word" Jacob put his hands up in defense. They walked the rest of the way to the Hotel in silence. She checked them in and went straight to her room, leaving Jacob standing in the hall confused.
After getting cleaned up, and changed. Miranda went down to the lobby, and asked for directions to Dignity. As she walked, she was admiring the small community. She could see how easy it would be to fall in love with this place. Once inside the club she found a seat and started watching the show, amazed at how much she was enjoying this small slice of 'normal' life.
Her dinner arrived. "The Shepard's biotic special. Hmm, been a while since I've had real eggs and bacon, much less in this large amount."
"Try the potatoes too, been told they're pretty good. The boss had-uh, Has high standards. Tought me to cook it himself, when he was 14. Kid loved bacon." Shi sat down at Miranda's table with a sigh. "It may seem like a lot now, but being a biotic; well you already know how important it is to eat enough."
Shi was watching the show intently, scrutinizing the costumes and makeup. Mentally preparing for the next show. "Don't mind if I sit here do you? Was checking to see if the costumes needed any adjustment. I can move if you'd rather."
"No you're fine. I really don't mind the company." Miranda put her hand out to stop Shi from leaving. "You said Shepard taught you how to cook? When he was 14? That's... I never heard that before. So, he is a good cook?" Miranda made a mental note to put that in the already extensive file on her new project, as she delved into the simple food. "Wow, I would say he taught you Well. Miss?"
"Shi Drassa, Manager of the best club on this rock. Just call me Shi." Was delivered with a practiced smile.
Miranda put down her fork, and offered her hand. "Miranda Lawson. But just Miranda please... I notice that your show is exotic, but not very racy. Was that by design, or accidental?"
Shi studied Miranda for a second. "No It's the Whole point of the club. John's Father was the one who designed and built it. Always said you shouldn't have to show any skin to have a good show. Some people come here as a novelty, Burlesque dancers that Don't show any nudity. But most of our regulars come for just that reason. Hard work to keep the show fresh, but I think it's worth it." Shi's voice took on a tone of sadness. "So does John's bondmate, sorry. Wife."
"Shepard got Married? Didn't think he would be able to settle down with his SPECTRE work. Sounds like a lucky woman." Miranda said in-between bites. "
"She's a good kid too. For 106, damned Asari. Always make me feel like a grade schooler." Shi was making notes on a datapad. "She'll be in tomorrow around noon, if you'd like to come in for lunch. We always have lunch as a family, been a tradition here for almost as long as the place has been open."
Miranda smiled at her over her drink. "I would like that. Would it be ok if I brought my co-worker with me? As annoying as he is, I would hate to have him miss out on real food."
Shi stopped taking notes. "Here on business? Anything I can help with, let me know Miss Lawson."
"Miranda please." she had to play this next part just right, or lose the opportunity to contact Liara the easy way. "My employer sent me to get in touch with a Miss Liara T'Soni for a possible business proposition. Do you know how I can contact her?" (Well, no weapons fire yet, that's a good start) Miranda was watching the stage as if she was only slightly interested in the answer.
Shi gave her a warm smile. "It's T'Soni-Shepard now. Like I said, she'll be in tomorrow around lunch. Still hungry? I can whip up some more. Or do you want dessert? we have a nice homemade ice-cream."
Miranda's eyes lit up. "Homemade? Please tell me it's vanilla?"
Shi stood, gathering her datapad. "Yes it is, want hot chocolate, or butterscotch on it?"
Miranda rubbed her stomach, trying to decide if there was enough room for dessert. "Butterscotch please." she probed Shi for any information she could get while she ate her dessert. When the show was over, Miranda walked back to the Hotel feeling contentedly overfull, and for once slept well past the morning.
She finally woke when Jacob couldn't take a hint, and refused to stop knocking. "Dammit Jacob! What is so Bloody important?"
He tried to ignore the icy glare she was giving him. "Miranda? We have to start looking for a workaround today if we are going to find T'Soni."
Miranda threw the door open for him and stalked back to the bed laughing. "I've already found her. We are having lunch with her today so go get changed. We're here with a business proposition for Miss T'Soni-Shepard. Which by now she already knows."
"How?" was all he managed to get out.
Miranda walked over to her case and pulled out the clothes she needed. She started to get dressed, ignoring Jacob's stolen glances at her brief nudity. "We'll see how it plays out at lunch. Just Try not to embarrass me. She checked herself in the mirror. Satisfied that she looked like the business professional she was pretending to be, they left for the meeting.
The club was much busier at lunchtime than Miranda expected. The whole staff, and most of the neighborhood was already inside, preparing for the feast. Miranda and Jacob were seated at the main table. "Hope you're hungry Miranda. Buffet style, so dig in, help yourself. And you must be Miranda's associate, Mr?" Shi pulled the chairs out for them as she poured some purple drink into the glasses in front of them.
Jacob looked at the purple liquid suspiciously. "Jacob, Jacob Taylor. Purple? What's that supposed to be?" He sat the glass down and picked up water instead.
Miranda not so gently kicked him under the table. "Purple is Shepard's favorite drink, and since today is his Birthday, I thought it was a fitting choice." Came from the regal Asari seeming to glide over to the empty chair next to Miranda. "I believe you were looking to discuss a business proposition with me Miss Lawson?"
"Yes I was actually. Shall we discuss it later? I don't wish to have it intrude on today's festivities." Miranda stood and shook Liara's hand. "Nice to meet you. Miss T'Soni, I'm Miranda Lawson, and this is my co-worker Jacob Taylor."
Liara seemed to suddenly be overcome with a melancholy look. "Actually It's T'Soni-Shepard now."
"Congratulations Mrs. Shepard, that is Quite the accomplishment; getting a SPECTRE to settle down." Miranda smile was genuine, and warm.
"Thank you Miss Lawson." Liara sat down, resting her hands on her lap.
"Just Miranda please." returning to her seat, she took a drink of purple. "Wow, I don't think I've ever had this before." she was watching Liara. Studying her disposition, taking notice of the Asari commando blending into the crowd, but still close enough to intercede on Liara's behalf should something happen. She decided to stop her observation for now, as not to start an incident.
"Randa! You got to come to the party!" Traneth came running up and shook Miranda's hand.
Miranda smiled when she heard the voice, her eyes lighting up before she had even turned around. "Yes I did, Hello again spectre candidate Traneth." She faced the little joyful child. "How are you today? Any important missions you can tell me about?"
Traneth hugged her fiercely "No silly! You know that spectre's are not allowed to talk about missions." then she leaned in close to Miranda's ear. "But I could use your help in the battle after lunch. My friends always gang up on me."
As if the whisper called them. A set of Batarian twins came running in just before a harried looking Batarian father. At close to 4 Earth years old, the boys were already bigger than Traneth. Batarians age almost 2 times faster than Humans, thus the average lifespan was between 40 to 60 years. Shi got the twins seated, and told them to settle down. "You were supposed to be here 15 minutes ago Husband." the stern voice making Loony flinch.
Miranda took in the interaction between the extended family with a smile that would have been impossible to hide. She didn't object when Traneth climbed up in her lap, simply readjusted her chair so the girl had more room. She caught several funny faces the twins were making at Traneth. Then the first blob of food was flung at the little Turian Spectre.
Traneth squealed when the food flew at her, but it turned into shrieks of joy when the potatoes suddenly stopped and hovered in place, covered in a biotic glow.
Miri leaned down and whispered to the little spectre. After getting a nod, the mashed potatoes split into two pieces and flew back across the table, splattering on the shocked faces of Wratch and Johnny.
Liara coughed, as she nearly choked on the purple drink. Her smile lighting her eyes in a way the others had not seen since the unveiling of the statue. "I take it you two have met?"
"Yeah, we met last night, she kept me from falling with her biotics!" Traneth bounced on Miranda's lap. "I wish I was a biotic."
Miranda leaned in close to her. "You might be, most Turian biotics don't manifest their powers until adulthood."
"Really?" Traneth squirmed.
"Yes, really. Now let's get you something to eat. What is your favorite?" Miranda asked, biotically floating a clean plate over in front of her.
Lunch went well. The watergun fight afterwards went even better. Jacob was volunteered to join the twins to keep it fair, and he and 'Randa made sure that the kids had a good time. They played for so long in fact that when it came time to talk to Liara, they were told she had went home. "Oh, I apologize for making her wait. Do tell her I will speak with her tomorrow if she isn't upset with me." Miranda told Shi, as she tried to look as sheepish as possible.
"Alright then, I am going back to the hotel. I need to get into some dry clothes." Jacob told the empty chair on the porch next to Shi, causing Miranda's eyes to darken in anger. She cast a glare at him as he made his way up the street, earning a smile from Shi.
"Take it he doesn't care for Batarians? Oh Well! Some people still can't get over that... disagreement Our people had a few years back." Shi exhaled a long billowy cloud of smoke.
Miranda smiled a ferocious smile in Jacob's direction. "Wait until he has to close a deal with a hardened Turian General on Palaven!" then the two women laughed.
Shi put out the stub of a cigarette, and pat Miranda's leg as she stood. "Come on. I have to go gather my boys before they cause my husband to mess up the tattoo."
They talked about everything, and nothing as they walked through the neighborhood. When they reached a 2 story home, Miranda stopped out on the porch. Shi waved her in, "Come on. I was told to invite you over to talk with her."
"Thank you." Miranda nodded, as she entered the house. She was immediately taken aback by what she saw. Everywhere were pictures of the crew of the Normandy, most had Shepard in them. All along the walls were weapons of every make and type. The weapons were on what appeared to be racks, but on closer inspection the racks were revealed to be charging stations. (Those are live, feel sorry for whomever is stupid enough to try anything.)
Miranda was listening to the music coming from the sound system. "That's classical - baroque, from Earth's first classical period." She was trying so hard to take in the house, she had missed the young Asari sitting on the couch reading. She turned around to see the young girl there. "Oh forgive me. Are you Liara's sister or daughter perhaps?" she offered her hand to the girl.
"No, my name is Atheen. My mom works for Lady Liara." She shook Miranda's hand.
"Nice to meet you Atheen. What is that you're reading?" Miranda sat down next to her.
The girl's smile was radiant. "It's a book about Angels. My mom and I were studying them before we came here. Even before we met Gabriel."
Miranda looked puzzled. "Who's Gabriel? Is he one of your teachers?"
"He's an angel, My Archangel. He saved me from an evil man. Then he brought us here, so mom and me would be safe." Atheen smiled, her eyes seemed to be watching the past.
"Your Archangel sounds like an amazing person. I'm glad he was able to save you from the evil man." Miranda put a comforting hand on Atheen's shoulder.
"So am I." came from behind them in a cold Motherly tone. Miranda turned around to see the Asari Commando from lunch standing in the kitchen. "He saved my baby. Got me a job that I can work, while keeping my daughter safe. And brought us to a good home. He really is an Archangel."
"Sounds like a good man, I would love to meet him." Miranda's eyes had a glint of mischief.
"He is a good person, the likes of which only graces the galaxy once in a millenium. Oh, sorry. I'm Anora, Miss Lawson. Lady Shepard will see you now." she told Miranda as she set down a plate for Atheen.
Miranda looked at her. "Thank you. If I may ask? Why did you decide to study Earth history, and Ideology?"
"My Father is Human. He named me after a Greek Goddess." Atheen started eating her food.
"Yes, the Goddess Athena was the Goddess of wisdom. Atheen means wise." Miranda's smile was radiant. She stood, and followed Anora into the bedroom. Once inside she took in the sight. The twins sat with Shi, begging to go outside and play. Shi's husband Loony; was leaning over Liara's back, tattoo gun in hand, buzzing away its hypnotic tone.
Miranda studied the Asari laying face-down on the bed, there was a design on her back that looked like the outline covered most of her back. The exposed skin she could see had ink as well. Shi smiled at Miranda, "Well I will leave you to your meeting. Husband, we will be outside in the garden." then she got up and left with the twins.
Her observation was taken for hesitation, causing Loony to speak. "Don't mind me, I have quite a bit of work to do. Whatever you say is between the two of you."
"Oh No! I apologize, I was merely admiring your work, and Miss T'soni-Shepard's dedication. If she doesn't mind you here for our meeting, It is fine by me." Miranda was embarrassed, she wasn't used to being unprofessional. Much less being caught gawking.
Liara finally spoke, breaking the tension in the room. "Miss Lawson, I know you work for Cerberus. Just tell me what a Human Centric organization wants from me. Let's not dance anymore."
Miranda swallowed, noticing just how close Anora was to a nasty looking shotgun hanging on the wall. "Ok, I need your help Miss Shepard."
"With what? I might ask." Liara's tone betraying her impatience with the situation.
"We... Cerberus I mean, is going to bring Shepard back." Miranda waited to be splattered across the walls. Feeling no imminent threat, she continued. "I need your help to do it."
The tattoo gun died as Liara sat bolt upright. Her towel dropping to the floor. "Do NOT even joke about THAT!" Miranda was able to catch a glimpse of the Asari's distended stomach, before Anora grabbed her and walked her over by Liara.
Liara latched on to Miranda's hands, and her eyes went black.
Miranda was in a white room. Liara's blue form materialized in front of her. "Why would you JOKE about that?" she leaned in close to the Cerberus Agent. "I should KILL you where you stand for such a thing."
Miranda put her hands up in defense. Realizing that it would do no good in this place she let them fall to her sides. "Miss Shepard... Liara... I would NEVER be so cruel as to make a joke of this. We think we can do it. But I need you to make sure that it is The Real Shepard we are working with. Also, when it is done I will need you to make sure He is EXACTLY the same man. Otherwise there is no point in it."
Liara seemed to look conflicted, her indecision was clear. When a small Asari child came walking up from out of nowhere. "Mother, If it will bring Father back, what do we have to lose?"
Miranda was confused. "Who are you little one?" she asked leaning down to the child.
"Atraya, my name is Atraya. Can you Really bring back Father?" the child asked, as if it were the most casual thing.
Liara relaxed slightly. "Alright, What do you need from me?"
Miranda shook Atraya's hand. "It is a pleasure to meet you Atraya. Yes I believe we Can bring your Father back." she turned to Liara. "Liara, I will need you to make sure that who we recover Is Actually Shepard. And when we Succeed, I will need You to make sure it is still Him. The threat we face as a Galaxy, is too important. We Need Shepard if we are going to have a chance against the Reapers."
"Which One do you intend to awaken? Or do you wish for All 3?" Liara had a far away look in her eyes.
Miranda put a hand on her arm. "We need The Beast Liara... We Need Tombstone."
Liara's smile was borderline psychotic. "You think you can control him? I have seen what Cerberus did to him. You take your life into your own hands by tangling with 'The Beast'. But for a chance to have My Love by my side, and my Daughter to have her Father. I will do it."
Miranda's eyes lit up. "Then I will be in touch, once we recover him."
"Your Price Agent Lawson?" Liara's tone was ice.
"The Price Lady Shepard? I believe, can be discussed over tea." Miranda was more sure of herself now that sudden death wasn't assured.
She turned back to image of the small child. "It was nice talking to you Atraya. I look forward to meeting you in person." Miranda shook the small hand feeling hope well up from her as she did.
Liara shook her hand, and Miranda started to wake up back in her own self.
The two of them discussed just what the price would be, while Loony filled in the intricate tattoo on Liara's delicate skin. After a long discussion, and many heated exchanges. Miranda had what she came for, a way to verify that Shepard was indeed himself. More information on the man himself than she expected. Also she had made a friend, like it or not this Family was now bound to her. Which meant that they both agreed, for Tombstone to help them, he needed to be Isolated from his friends. Distasteful as it was; they reluctantly although mutually, agreed that he couldn't know about his daughter... Yet.
Miranda headed back to the hotel and gathered Jacob. "Come on, I thought I would treat you to another good meal to celebrate my success, before we leave."
"What do you mean success? When did you talk to her?" Jacob sounded hurt.
"I been speaking to her for the past few hours. The details of our arrangement have been discussed, and accepted. We leave after dinner." She leaned back against the door frame, crossing her arms over her chest. "Incidentally; If you Ever disrespect and alienate a potential ally as you did with Shi... The repercussions will be severe."
Jacob stiffened. "Since when did you care what a Batarian thinks?"
She leaned toward him, "You endangered the mission Jacob. Don't make the mistake of trying to make this a race issue. If We expect Shepard to help us, we have to show we can work with the other species." Miranda spun around, heading out the door. "On second thought, I will be going to dinner alone. You may take public transport now or wait until I finish my dinner. Do yourself one small favor. Don't bother showing up at Dignity, I can assure you that your presence will Not be welcome."
Miranda went to the club and had another of Shi's fine meals, then checked out of her room. Finding Jacob already gone she let out a relieved sigh as she boarded the shuttle and prepared for liftoff. "I hope I don't have to put up with him for long before a suitable replacement can be found." She took the shuttle out of atmo, then plotted course for Cronos station. The illusive Man would need an update on the Lazarus Project before she could get to her new post.