Notes: Shmex warning! After our couple returns to the Knight Shade and they begin to talk about their unique link… and lasts until change of scene.
Aka - Also Known As
Grá mo chroí - love of my heart (Gaelic)
Gráim thú - I love you (Gaelic)
Ionúin Álainn - beautiful beloved (Gaelic)
LEAP - League of Earth Alliance Patriots
Le'wĕth - the soft ridges extending from beneath the rear of the scalp, merging into the back of the neck (Source: CDN)
Siame - "one who is all", a loved one cherished above all others (Thessian/Source: CDN)
Defectors Among Us
Offices of the Primarch, Palaven, Trebia – 3 Oct 2188
Mandibles wide-spread, Garrus stared at his long-time friend in slack-jawed amazement, searching for the necessary words to convey his shock at Shepard's announcement. If he had been in his home instead of standing in his private office within the Primarch's compound, he would have poured and downed a generously stiff measure of brandy in an attempt to settle his thoughts.
A few moments of stunned silence felt like forever to the big Turian; he finally caught his breath and moved to take a seat in a nearby chair; from there, he returned his questioning gaze to the Human Spectre and spoke in a low voice, the flanging notes of his speech rolling in and around as counterpoint to the echoing of his sub-harmonics. "Spirits… Are you absolutely sure of this?" Continuing quickly before she could formulate a reply, he said, "You can't simply… stop being Human, Shepard! To the best of my knowledge, it's completely unprecedented for the Asari to welcome a Human as a naturalized citizen of Thessia. I… don't know what to say!"
"Well, you could offer your good wishes for the transition, old friend." With a smirking chuckle, she added, "It's not as if I'm leaving the damned galaxy behind on a one-way trip to Andromeda. I almost wish I'd been awake for that… Liara and I just might have taken them up on the offer."
"Personally, I'm glad you weren't… and didn't." Garrus nodded his head slowly, in an imitation of a Human gesture… her gesture… he had seen countless times. "As for congratulations, you most certainly have that, Shepard… for what it's worth. I'm not so sure the path you have chosen will be an easy one." Thinking of what she had not said, he added, "Since you appear to be committed to this course of action, I probably don't need to remind you that it's likely the most difficult task will be relinquishing your citizenship in the Systems Alliance."
"I really don't understand why people keep saying that," Shepard scoffed. "The Systems Alliance is merely Humanity's representative body to the Council; they're the liaison for coordinating our military actions and exploratory expeditions within Council space… and now, apparently, overseeing the establishment of economic treaties with our allies." She chuckled softly and added, "I don't belong to them anymore, Garrus… not since they let me resign my commission. On Earth, technically, I'm considered a citizen of Ireland in the United Kingdom… because that's where my parents were born… and, while they might not like me changing citizenship, folks do it all the time, especially if they marry someone from a different part of the world."
Holding up a hand to stop her justification and press his point, Garrus added, "But you're not just moving across the world, you're moving halfway across the damned galaxy! They will brand you a traitor to humanity, Shepard. You'll become a target for every low-life bounty hunter in the Terminus and Attican Traverse."
"And you honestly think that's different from how things are now? The people who believe that have felt that way since Liara and I became a couple. I've already been labeled a race-traitor by the ungrateful bastards… and how many people have tried to kill either me or Liara in the past three years, Garrus?" She huffed in disgust before shaking her head as if to clear away the bothersome thoughts. "Besides which, I have long since ceased to care about what others think of me. Liara and I have discussed this… extensively, and we're moving to Thessia. Period. We've already spoken with Councilor Tevos and put the request in motion so, as soon as these trade talks are over, she will be meeting with Osoba to inform him of our decision. And, unless he wants me to start a serious shitstorm, he'll not get in the way of letting it happen." She paused only long enough to shrug. "Honestly? I don't believe he would deny me anything I asked for… not after I risked my own life to save him from a bullet."
"And you are totally serious about this… No misgivings?"
The Spectre drew her shoulders into a shrug and answered, "It's no big deal, Garrus. I'm a spacer – born on an Alliance Cruiser assigned to the Second Fleet. Been traipsing around space longer than all the time I ever spent on Earth." She had plopped down into the nearest chair as she spoke and kicked her feet out, crossing her legs at her ankles as she continued, "… My parents' heritage branded me as an Irish citizen on Earth, but I already consider Thessia my home. I believe it has been such ever since I accompanied Liara to Armali…" Feeling her throat tighten from the memories of that time, she coughed to clear it before continuing, "and then the Estate… where I proposed and became her Promised."
"Don't take this the wrong way, Shepard, but T'Soni has a vested interest in seeing you become a full citizen of the Asari republic. I cannot conceive of her ever discouraging you from taking this course of action."
"I can't honestly say you're wrong about that," Shepard chuckled. "But Liara simply wants what's best for me… what's best for us. During our discussions, she made sure to point out some of the pitfalls we might encounter. All that said, I truly want this, Garrus… and I plan to spend the rest of my very long life there, to raise my Asari children on Asari soil. And the way I see it, if I'm going to live there, I need to be an active participant in the Asari process… and I can only do that if I am registered as a citizen of Thessia."
"Not attempting to dissuade you in the least, but don't you think Humanity could be better served by you retaining your Alliance citizenship?"
"I've served Humanity long enough, Garrus… and I'm not a Systems Alliance officer anymore. I'm a Council Spectre now, and I can't afford to play favorites, including for Earth… especially for Earth. Yet, everyone seems to expect me to be the Alliance Council lackey, just because I'm a damned Human, so I'm creating distance. Tevos doesn't have those expectations of me regarding the Asari, so I'll be free to side with 'right' instead of 'race' and not have it held against me." Samantha took a deep breath, held it for several moments, then released it. "I have to do this, Garrus… for my own peace of mind and Liara's and my joint future with our kids."
"Alright then." The big Turian rose from his chair and moved to stand in front of her, sticking his hand out and drawing her up from the chair into which she had so casually fallen. "Not that you need it, but you have my support, Shepard. Seems you've thought this thing through and you've made your call… so go with it." So saying, he opened his arms and embraced her in a heartfelt hug.
Her own arms around him, she whispered, "I may not need it, but it means a lot, Garrus! Thank you." She released the hug and stepped back with a grin. "Now. Is it too early to break away from work for a celebratory drink at the bar?"
"It's never too early!" His mandibles waggled in humor as he added, "Just don't be introducing me to any more Turian females. Dee would clip my fringe!"
Palaven, Trebia, At Large – 4 Oct 2188
"Spectre Shepard? A moment, please?" She turned toward the voice, a welcoming smile on her face which only Liara could elicit by simply speaking her name. The Asari was also smiling… a very, very pleased smile… as she walked toward the Human and it made Shepard curious, mostly because Liara was purposely blocking the link and giving her absolutely no hints about why she had sought her out at the extended trade talks.
As such, her brow raised at Liara's seemingly playful mood. "Dr T'Soni… What a pleasant surprise. Do you need something?"
"Quite the opposite, Captain." Liara handed her a data pad and patiently waited as the Spectre opened the interface and began to peruse its contents. The surprise on Shepard's face grew as she scanned through the surprisingly detailed… and lengthy… testimony.
"Holy Hell!" Finally, Shepard's head lifted and she stared at the Asari in disbelief. "He gave them all of this? Willingly?"
Fighting to contain the grin that desperately wanted to erupt on her lips, Liara answered, "Yes. All of it. Sharon said that once Walker started talking, he told the entire story, non-stop… speaking for just over three hours." The grin finally won out and she was forced to pause as a laugh escaped her throat. "Goddess, Shepard! The only reason he stopped there was because his recently repaired jaw started to hurt, so he wanted to take a break. He says it is only the beginning, but it is already more than we could have possibly hoped for!"
"Apparently, Sharon's approach worked much better than expected." Shepard continued to scroll up and down through the copious amount of data as she continued, "All of this is going to take a while to verify…"
"Yes," Liara interrupted. "I've already forwarded it to Miranda and Oriana, so they can begin searching records. Miranda is going to focus on various data bases and Oriana and her team will look through public records surrounding the various time frames."
"My concern is the current events." Shepard raised her eyes from the data pad to meet Liara's blues. "I'm sure you already told them to focus on that first… the rest can come later."
"Of course." Liara nodded. "Barla Von had already traced the various exchanges between accounts for Walker's payment, but with the additional data, he should be able to locate the actual transaction records and pull the digital authorization codes." The Shadow Broker's smile vanished with the comment, "From that, we'll identify who actually authorized the payments. Added to the contract notification… which, apparently, Walker was more than willing to provide… we'll have what we need to arrest whoever signed it, with multiple charges; conspiracy, treason, assault, attempted murder…"
"And more importantly, if Saracino wasn't stupid enough to do it himself, we should be able to use that leverage to get them to roll on the boss, exactly like Sharon did with Douglas Walker."
Special Operations Center, Earth, Sol – 7 Oct 2188
Culver smiled as she hit the send button; Douglas Walker's full testimony was now on its way to the Knight Shade, where she knew it would be quickly dissected for accuracy and validity. Since his medical treatment was complete, Walker would be relocated from the hospital to a secure facility in the state of Pará, Brazil, for the duration of the verification process; if it all worked out, he would remain there the rest of his days. She pushed away from her desk and took a relaxed, leisurely stroll to the hospital, eventually making her way to his room.
He opened the door at her knock and smiled knowingly. "So, my time here is done, no?" He stepped back and motioned her into the room, the two guards at the doorway accompanying her as she entered.
"Yes, Mr Walker, it is. We'll be moving you to your new home in the morning… assuming, of course, what you have told us pans out and you actually get to stay there."
"Oh, believe me, it will." Walker's smile faded. "I had every reason to comply with your requests… and every reason to continue being cooperative, else have my life terminated rather prematurely." He forced a smile onto his face again as he made light of his circumstances, "Assuming, of course, what you promised me pans out and I get to live out my days in paradise."
"I have to be honest, Mr Walker. While I appreciate the assistance you have given us, I certainly could have done without your reason for being here in the first place… and I won't miss our daily chats in the least."
"You wound me, Colonel." He sat at the small dining room table and invited her to take the seat across from him with a wave of his hand. "And here I thought we had come to some sort of mutual understanding."
"I did what I needed to do to get your testimony quickly and you did what you needed to do to stay alive." Sharon ignored his invitation to sit as she scowled at the man. "My preference, once I deliver you to your new home, is to never see you again, as should be yours… because if I do, it will only be because they need me to identify your body after an attempted escape or to verify your death of natural causes. That is my understanding of our arrangement, Mr Walker."
In response, he simply blinked and canted his head in a muted nod of acceptance. "I don't suppose I get to know where I'm going?"
"Absolutely not. You'll figure it out soon enough… when you wake there in the morning." Sharon activated her omnitool. "Bring in the transport pod, please."
Walker stood in surprise when the door opened and three attendants slid a stasis pod in through the door. "You're making me travel in that?"
"Yes, we are… to ensure we avoid any potential complications. You have thirty minutes to pack whatever personal items you've accumulated over the past week here." She signaled, and the med techs opened the pod, pulling out a number of collapsible storage boxes and popping them open, ready to be used. "Take only what you want; we'll be happy to dispose of anything you leave behind."
Terra do Meio Ecological Station, Earth, Sol – 8 Oct 2188
Douglas Walker slowly opened his eyes and yawned, sitting up and glancing around the very nicely appointed room. So far so good, but they must have doped me as they removed me from stasis. Rising from the luxurious bed, he ran his hand down his silk pajamas and walked to the master suite bathroom. He smiled softly; his personal affects had been collected from his penthouse and been relocated, exactly as he'd requested… though he was absolutely positive each individual item had been run through a very thorough scanning process.
He relieved himself and rinsed the bidet before grabbing the robe hanging on the back of the door and making his way out to the main room. His hopes of being left completely alone were shattered when he was met by a man who Douglas felt sure was an agent disguised as a valet.
"Good morning, Mr Walker. I am Daniel, your personal attendant." He motioned at the dresser. "All of your clothes, along with the rest of your personal effects, have been brought here. I took the liberty to arrange them as best I was able, based on the pictures provided to me. I hope there are no surprises."
"My only surprise was your presence," Walker growled. "I thought I made it very clear I wanted no one but the guards… who are to remain at a distance, so I don't have to see them any more than necessary."
Daniel stopped in his tracks and turned to face his charge. "If that is truly what you desire, I will disappear, Mr Walker. The house is completely stocked with most of the items you asked for… minus the weapons list…." He pointed at an intercom system on the wall. "… and that is the communications system; there is an identical interface in every room. You are under 24-hour surveillance, so you can contact someone at any time of day by simply pressing the button." He bowed cordially and smiled. "We will do our best to make your stay with us comfortable, Mr Walker. Enjoy your solitude."
After Daniel walked out, Walker opened the armoire, selected a pair of trousers and a starched shirt and dressed quickly. "Why the fuck do I need an attendant? I've lived on my own for years… don't trust anyone to cook for me…" He huffed and shook his head. "And what time I can waste on exploration would have been taken from me if he showed me where everything is."
His eyes scanned the room, easily locating the pinhole camera. "Tell Daniel to not take it personally. Perhaps, if he knows how to play chess, I may engage him in a game… later."
Walker made his way to the living area and paused thoughtfully; he understood why his bedroom would be kept dark, but not the living room. He walked to a large window and threw open the drapes. "Holy fuck." As he gazed out the window, he realized he was staring out at a tree canopy… a rainforest tree canopy. "What in Hell?"
He made his way quickly to a set of double doors, which he assumed would open to a balcony. He opened the righthand door and stepped out, approaching the edge and staring out at the trees, quickly realizing he was in a small cluster and nestled high in the canopy. He immediately began to wonder if the house even touched the ground… or if he was imprisoned in a tree house, with no access to the forest floor. From the balcony, he retreated indoors and located the lift, pressing the button for the lowest level… labeled 'Veranda.'
When the lift stopped, he cautiously stepped out and sighed with relief; he found himself on a sizeable patio, screened on all four sides, but definitely at ground level. There was an open firepit, with a sizeable supply of wood stacked against the side of the lift cage and a positively wonderous view of the forest floor. He had expected dense undergrowth, so was pleasantly surprised by the view, quickly realizing it had been cleared for quite a distance in all directions. Off to the east, based on the position of the sun, was a small river – not nearly large enough to be the Amazon. Must be some minor tributary… of what, though?
He noticed an area where numerous vines still hung from the trees, so wandered slowly in that direction. Years of habit stepped in and, without thinking, he found himself taking detailed mental notes on his surroundings. When he arrived at his destination, he realized it was an exercise area, literally carved out of the forest itself. His hand came up and he rubbed his chin in thought, making him realize he needed a shave. Beyond that space was a wide clearing; it stretched off in the distance to each side and Walker quickly realized it was a border zone. The trees had been removed to a width of roughly twenty meters, leaving a clear zone between his new habitation and the outside world. He could just barely make out an extremely tall security fence against the backdrop of undergrowth on the far side.
With a heavy sigh, he turned and began to walk back toward his exquisite prison, whistling as he went and adding his sad melody to that of the many exotic birds singing happily in response. Once he reentered the lift, he rode in silence to the main level, ready to begin a detailed exploration of his new abode.
This is an extraordinary location… obviously remote and likely somewhere in Amazonia. I wonder if I will eventually be permitted to go on Safari… or, at least, a guided hike? If not… just how quickly will I begin to go stir crazy in this place… from such a mundane existence… and begin seeking interesting ways to hasten my own premature demise?
Knight Shade, Palaven, Trebia – 10 Oct 2188
Shepard sat quietly in the lounge, her mind whirling as she thought of everything that had happened over the past couple of years. She was only 34 years old, with a potentially much longer lifespan than normal – the true length of which was yet to be determined – and the newest discovery by Miranda had her staring through the large viewport into the sea of stars above Palaven. Miri and Jude had been hunting through old unsolved assassination files, looking for anything and everything they could potentially link to the recent testimony of Douglas Walker, when they confirmed a particularly interesting piece of information.
The sharpshooter had his start in the Alliance military as a sniper by the name of Rocky Kotara. He vanished during an assignment and was presumed dead when, in reality, he had been recruited by Jack Harper. Following his induction into Cerberus, he worked and trained as an assassin for approximately seven years before being assigned to Terra Firma. His initial task had been to eliminate Claude Menneau and then infiltrate the political party… Assuming he was successful, he was then to gain Charles Saracino's trust and guide the new party leader toward a path more 'acceptable' to Harper's philosophy regarding Human interactions with alien cultures.
That little tidbit had led Miranda to hunt more thoroughly through Cerberus records. She didn't remember ever hearing the man's name – not during the entire time she had worked for Jack Harper… and certainly not while she was the Illusive Man's Chief of Operations – so she was left to discover exactly which operations Kotara, aka Walker, had been assigned to in the early days of Cerberus. The most shocking data she managed to discover had little to do with Walker; instead, her search had led her to a small cache of the Illusive Man's early-era private records… buried deep in multiple layers of sub-files… regarding the origin and intent of Project Lazarus. What they revealed had resulted in Shepard and Liara's rather long discussion about their future… and cemented their decision regarding Shepard becoming an Asari citizen.
Shepard let out a penitent sigh, knowing that rehashing the data repeatedly in her mind wouldn't change it… and it most certainly couldn't make her unlearn it… but she couldn't stop herself. Part of it was guilt; while she had explained most of her reasons for leaving Earth and the Systems Alliance to her family and close friends … she and Liara had decided to keep this latest information to themselves. Shepard felt it was a lie of omission… but a lie none the less… and consoled herself with possibly yet another – that she would eventually tell her mother, at the very least, the full truth that she was truly no longer fully Human. She huffed and admitted the truth, at least to herself. Most likely, I'll never tell a soul outside of those who already know.
Her mind wandered once more, back to the end of the war. After all the Illusive Man's assurances that he wanted the 'real' Shepard, he still had Wilson install a damned fail-safe to ensure Shepard would die if she ever turned her back on the man. Miranda had been appalled when they had discovered the modification to Shepard's bio-amp even existed. Their newfound knowledge of the minor circuit had prompted the three-woman team – Miranda, Chloe and, eventually, Karin – to run an exhaustive series of additional testing. Much to everyone's relief, the tests had turned up nothing and Shepard and Liara had been reassured by the entire medical team that absolutely zero Reaper tech remained in her body.
Everyone involved knew that Shepard had received gene therapy and genetic upgrades during her two-year medical coma. But, once Miranda shifted her loyalties, she had informed Shepard of additional cybernetic upgrades that were available. After they had unequivocally determined that no Reaper tech was involved in their development or within their construct, Shepard had opted to complete the additional upgrades – the heavy bone, muscle, and skin weaves – with Liara's blessing and encouragement.
A smile returned to the Spectre's face as she recalled the Asari's words, a blue hand resting over Shepard's heart as Liara spoke them to her. "I love you for your soul, Siame, and if bone weaves will strengthen your charge, muscle weaves will allow you to make those seemingly impossible jumps, and skin weaves will make you more impervious to those bullets you always seem to run into, then by all means. Do them, my love."
The smile faded once again. The fact that her enhanced body was physically superior to any organic Human – male or female – was no secret. What they hadn't understood was the full extent of the genetic modifications… and Shepard still wasn't sure exactly how she felt about them, now that she knew even more about what they had done to her body. The newly discovered Lazarus files contained information regarding a team of Cerberus researchers who had genetically mapped a variety of other levo-amino life forms. They were studying the various DNA structures to locate the specific locations and sequencing of what Cerberus determined to be the more desirable traits; strength, speed, resilience and biotics, to name a few.
What they did next was beyond any established ethical boundaries of the time; they mapped those sequences to equivalent locations within the Human genome, spliced them in, and then grew multiple clones, each to determine which sequences had the highest success rates at remaining viable within Human DNA and transferring the desired characteristics to the Human body. Shepard leaned forward and dropped her head into her hands. Thinking about this shit gives me a headache… and I don't know how to turn it off. Don't know that I can… I don't even know what I am anymore.
Shortly after that errant thought wafted across the link, Liara appeared in the lounge, moving directly to the couch and sitting at Shepard's side as she whispered urgently in the woman's ear. "You are still Human, Samantha! This information changes nothing in regard to who you are." Liara smiled softly and ran the backs of her fingers softly down her Siame's face. "If you think about it scientifically, Sam, the Illusive Man's process was not all that different from Asari reproduction… It is possible that the seed for his idea originated with us. What he accomplished through gene therapy is not dissimilar to what we do within a procreation meld. As Asari, we locate and select the desired characteristics of our chosen mate and then arrange our genetic code to emulate the qualities within the Asari genome. The child produced by our mating process is very much Asari, no matter what species the selected patterns originate from… just as you are very much Human, no matter where the Illusive Man may have located the DNA sequences that were then integrated into your genetic construct."
The corner of Shepard's mouth twitched up into a smirk and her subdued voice carried more than a hint of teasing sarcasm as she replied, "And that's supposed to make me feel better, T'Soni? Knowing that not only I am the result of some mad scientist's genetic experiment… but that our future children will share my fate?"
Before Liara could answer, Shepard leaned forward and captured her blue lips in an affectionate kiss, letting the love she felt for her Ionúin Álainnflow freely through the link as her fingers crept up to slide tenderly across Liara's sensitive Le'wĕth, sending a shiver of pleasure down the Asari's spine. {Grá mo chroí… you always know just what to say. Gráim thú, Liara.}
In response, Liara placed her hands against Shepard's shoulders and pushed her slowly over on the sofa before climbing up onto her knees to straddle her bondmate and sink down slowly to sit lightly upon the woman's hips. "It is easy to speak the truth, Sam." Liara's soft blue eyes shined with devotion as her hands wandered the woman's body. "Like your sculpted torso… and these wonderfully formed shoulders and strong arms… Do you believe it bothers me to think you can hold onto me so securely only because you are enhanced with a trace of Krogan musculature? You're not the only one in the room who is part Krogan, you know."
Shepard couldn't help but to laugh until Liara leaned over and placed a quick peck on now smiling lips before whispering, "And our link? Goddess! I don't know what we would do without it… it is so unique… and positively wonderful! I think it very likely to be a result of the theory Judea proposed… that it is merely an unexpected side-effect of the Asari biotics coding that was part of your genetic modification. A trait that certainly didn't manifest before you were altered during your reconstruction… and one which I find very desirable."
Staring down at her with an intensity that made Shepard quiver beneath her, the Asari engulfed the woman's lips with her own as a blue hand trailed down rock-hard abs to undo Shepard's belt. Samantha attempted to intercept her, only to gasp as an image of what Liara wanted to do to her slammed shamelessly into her mind. She whispered breathily, "Li… We're in the ship's lounge, for Gods' sake."
Liara grinned wolfishly and asked, "And your point?" Samantha answered with a groan of desire as skilled blue fingers curled into moist heat; no amount of self-restraint or concern over their public location could prevent her hips from rocking in her search for pleasure.
Liara wasted no time and, as the first arc of biotics fluttered through her insides, Shepard's head pushed back into the cushion as her insides spasmed joyously in response to the sudden and unexpected biotic stimulation. "Ah… fuck!" she growled, Sam's hands snaking between the quads and calves of Liara's bent legs as she sought any anchor point she could find. "When did you become so damned Asari?"
Through the link, Liara could sense the meaning behind Shepard's question. Once their bonding preparations began in earnest, Liara had begun to exhibit more typical Asari Maiden behavior… but only once – and hidden beneath the bubbles in the spa at the townhome – had they made love in such a public location. Not that Shepard was dismayed… or complaining in any manner… about what was happening at present; she was simply dumbfounded by Liara's brazen actions.
"After the last time you almost died…again… but survived so we could actually bond, I vowed I would never waste even a moment of the remaining time I had with you, Siame." Liara fell silent, concentrating on what she was doing and grunting with effort to keep up with Shepard's growing desire and constantly increasing pace. Between breaths, she finally continued "I believe… Humans have an … antiquated saying… Carpe Diem… Live for the day?"
"Seize the day… actually… You and your…" Shepard grinned up at her just as Liara sent yet another pulse surging through her fingertips. "… ahhhhh!" She stopped talking and her eyes almost rolled up in her head as the powerful tremor seemed to begin in her legs, only to spread its bliss quickly upward through her entire body. All she could do was buck her hips in pure ecstasy as Liara drew her out; the positively delightful, protracted release stealing away any remaining ability to think clearly, much less form coherent speech.
When her body finally collapsed in exhaustion following the consummation of Liara's efforts, Shepard's eyes remained closed while she focused on drawing breath into her burning lungs, hoping her breathing would return to some semblance of a normal rhythm. She felt gentle kisses chasing the freckles across her cheeks and bridge of her nose, and she started to giggle, while opening her eyes to find Liara stretching out beside her. She tried to capture Liara's lips with her own, but her muscles still refused to fully cooperate, her reactions slowed by the lassitude and total serenity that filled her, body and soul.
Stopping her little pecks to meet Samantha's pitiful, failing attempts, Liara pressed their lips together as she extracted her fingers, slowly and stopping intermittently to ease the jolts caused by their movement across Samantha's overly sensitized area. Once free, she gently cupped the neatly trimmed patch of hair that covered the juncture between the Spectre's normally powerful, muscular legs. "I don't care about anything, Siame, except you being here… now and forever. And, just in case it is not blatantly obvious, know that I love you as you are, Samantha Shepard… more than anything else in the galaxy."
Vision blurred by the mist in her eyes, Shepard had to swallow the lump in her throat before she could say, "I love you, too, Liara, and… thank you; for everything." She finally managed to push herself up onto an elbow and peered into the Asari's deep caerulean eyes, the tide of emotion sweeping through the link threatening to overwhelm them both. Raising her hand to gently cup a soft blue cheek, she whispered, "Let's continue this in our quarters… because I want you naked, with the heat from the full length of your gorgeous body pressed against my augmented, heavy latticed skin…" She smirked as she finished, "…and that is not something I wish to share with the crew. You're all mine, T'Soni."
Portside Pub, Vancouver B.C., Earth – 12 Oct 2188
Sheldon Webster took several appreciative swigs of ale from his pint glass; wiping the foam mustache away with a wadded-up paper napkin, he carefully set the glass down in the middle of the heavy cardboard coaster, meant to preserve the finish of the polished surface of the antique wood bar, and looked around the place. It had been just over two years since the worst threat to humanity's continued existence – Hell! The entire galaxy's existence! – had initiated an all-out attack on Earth and every other space-faring race; well over a year had passed since the Reapers had been destroyed. Webster had not seen the extent of the city's destruction during the initial attack, but in the ten months since his previous visit, it appeared that the reconstruction efforts had made huge strides in returning things to some semblance of normal.
Taking another swig from his glass, he quietly belched, then sighed as his thoughts drifted back to the first Friday of January. He had traveled to Atlas Headquarters on the Fraser River to attend a Saturday memorial service in honor of Angelique Warren and Marisa Frost. He had met the agents in 2187 during their visit to New Cousteau, the main human colony on the planet Trident in the Hoplos System.
Their brutal murders at the hands of LEAP's second-in-command Marco Tilzer had shocked everyone in the Atlas organization. Their deaths, in addition to the Christmas Day massacre of his colleagues and their families in the colony, had prompted a good deal of soul searching upon his return to the colony. In the intervening days and weeks, he had done his level best to recruit new members for the New Cousteau Atlas Chapter. Cassie Meyers, his second in command, had grown increasingly concerned about his mental state, particularly since he had begun ceding more responsibility for overseeing day-to-day operations of the division; it had come as no surprise to her when he had quietly announced his resignation from Atlas, effective the first day of June. What had surprised her was his stated intention to ultimately leave New Cousteau behind… forever.
Sighing with a mixture of sadness and regret, he drained his glass and motioned to the bartender for a refill. Once another full glass was in front of him, he stared into the depths of the amber liquid as he thought about his upcoming meeting with Atlas' senior leadership. He had expected that he would be meeting with Jana Cantrell; what he had not envisioned was that Zoë Lawrence, the hardened former top assassin for Cerberus, would be in an Alliance hospital recovering from serious injuries received while preventing a cloaked attacker from killing the human ambassador to Palaven, Arthur Hoffman. Of some real concern, Tim, Boris and Rich had all been detained by the Alliance for trespass and the possession of forged documents; he had heard that Zoë herself wasn't immune to being charged for the same minor infractions. Apparently, the ability of some human-centric organization to successfully infiltrate and murder both the Prime Minister and his military secretary… the top two positions in the military, had the Vancouver leadership running around in a state of nearly blind panic.
Finally hoisting his glass to take a couple of appreciative swallows of the fine ale, he mused, I couldn't have chosen a time more inconvenient for Jana if I had tried! As he sipped his beer, he continued to think about his next day meeting with the Atlas research director, a title that belied Jana's importance as Zoë Lawrence's 'second'. She had all the research team members looking for leads on the location of former Cerberus assassin Douglas Walker, the man everyone in Atlas believed had been the catalyst for the all-out attempts to kill four well respected human leaders at the dedication of the twice-repaired Alliance Defense Committee headquarters building. After being picked up at the general passenger spaceport, he had checked in with a plainly distracted Jana, then borrowed a speeder for some sight-seeing just to clear his head; he had decided to stop at this pub for a bit of liquid refreshment.
He socked back the rest of his pint, settled his bill, then left the pub. Glancing up at the western sky, he could see the brilliant orange and golds of the mid-autumn sunset; the atmosphere planet-wide was still laden with dust and heavy particles from all the destruction wrought by the Reapers, causing him to wonder if it would ever be clear again as he entered his X3M. Setting the autopilot for Atlas headquarters, he engaged the drive core and sat back to enjoy the scenery.
Tomorrow was going to be a difficult day. It had taken him ten full months of soul searching to reach the decision to leave his former life in New Cousteau for a new and uncertain future in Vancouver. It was only the third time in over thirty years of colony life he had been off Trident. He could only hope he hadn't made a huge mistake by forsaking his former home.
