Uncommon Bonds Chapter 36, a mass effect fanfic

A/N: Bioware owns all. Strictly for personal amusement.

Usual enormous thanks to FemShepFanSR2, Bebus, and JadeDragonMTR. Each of you help me in so many ways.

Appreciate the reviews, messages, follows, and favorites as always!

Title courtesy of David Bowie.

Chapter 36 - Changes

Somewhere ...

"Status report, Mr. Sheen."

"I have spoken to Dr. Coré and she is prepared to be a most gracious guide. She knows that we need T'Soni's help, she will deliver."

"I gave Tevos two weeks begrudgingly and can't afford exposing myself if T'Soni doesn't find what she's looking for by then. The pieces are falling into place but we must have T'Soni's help with that beacon." Udina slammed his fists onto the desk. All of his planning, maneuvering, manipulating, and acting was not providing quick enough results.

"I have requested help through her mother."

Udina was not pleased with each wall they had found. "Use her relationship with Shepard to get her to Virmire if you have to. She's the only expert on Protheans in the galaxy who's not hiding on Thessia."

"I think we need to let T'Soni come to us." Sheen flicked an ash onto the floor. His eyes glowing just as the hologram behind him flashed. "Shepard has kept her alive and safe thus far, maybe we should help her be a better bodyguard. Entice her with the promise of implants if we have to."

"I don't care how you do it, just get it done." Udina had never been known for his patience. A seat on the council was nowhere near the highest goal he had in mind. "Has Dr. Lawson started cooperating with our other demand yet?"

"Her work on cybernetics is impeccable." Sheen took a drag, exhaling the smoke and choking on a ball of phlegm. "She still insists that cloning is not a practical option."

"Make the other deal." His weasel-like features wrinkled as he glared into the screen.

"Sir, she's the reason we are having success with the implants. I think we should reconsider. She is too valuable."

"Her father will more than compensate for losing her." Udina asserted his position. He started Cerberus, he found Sheen, and he controlled it all. "Make the deal."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Virmire

The raven haired scientist prowled like a jaguar down the long pristine hallway. The heels of her boots echoed as they clicked against the speckled floor tiles. She was as close to perfect as anyone could be. Her pace was as deliberate as her path through life had been since she rescued Oriana from her father, giving her the life Miranda never had. It was also as lonely as the corridor was empty.

Miranda was calm and focused. The door opened into the fading darkness as the lights flicked on in response to movement. Her destination was the shooting range. It was always vacant during the middle of the night while the rest of the facility slept which suited Miranda just fine.

Everything she did was carefully calculated and she regularly expected and achieved success. The holo-target against the far wall was still. She drew her pistol and pulled the trigger a total of three times, the action taking a split second. There was a double tap to the head and one through the heart of the human shaped image. She never missed.

Her aim did not falter even though her thoughts were focusing on an earlier discussion.

"Dr. Lawson, I can not impress upon you enough the importance of your cooperation in this."

"Cloning is not cost effective or viable. The time delay required is enough of a reason. To grow an entire army properly would require layers of security backups in large facilities only to have some natural disaster hit and destroy it all. It's a waste of my time and my talent."

She changed thermal clips and commanded the VI to initiate a moving target. Miranda aimed her pistol, holding out her arm as she tried to focus. She couldn't see the hologram through the cloud of cigarette smoke in her mind's eye.

"Dr. Coré will be joining you shortly to work on that Prothean artifact. She will be bringing her own team with her after they leave Mars."

Mars. Oriana was there with her employer, coincidently a Prothean expert. His statement sparked immediate action. She didn't even bother to wait until her connection with her annoying boss was severed. She hacked the feeds at the archive station until she found one scrambled with the program she designed for Cerberus. It was exactly what she feared and couldn't have planned for.

"It's imperative that we get T'Soni here to work on that beacon as soon as possible."

Miranda pulled the trigger and missed. Oriana. Coming here. To Virmire. She shot and missed again.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Mars

Shepard leaned against a table in the back of the lab as Liara, Tali, and Samantha worked with the archive expert. It had been eleven days since they arrived at the facility and eleven days of keeping herself entertained. There were no threats to watch out for and frankly, she was bored. Alliance security was as tight as volus' wallet. No weapons of any kind were allowed in the facility and numerous armed guards lined the most of the doorways.

All of these soldiers, way too many, earning paychecks from the Alliance in this opulent compound. It would take an army along with a few well-placed moles to storm the fortress they created on Mars.

When they had first arrived, she flashed back to the small recruiting office near Lynn's center. Advertisements sprung to life as people walked past, selling tours of duty in the Alliance for those seeking adventure and a steady paycheck. Shepard originally believed they were preying upon the poor and downtrodden kids who looked for a way off the streets. She thought it was only a facade, a pretty picture painted to gain recruits to defend against deadly batarian slaver attacks.

Now, she wasn't so sure. Surely some of the many soldiers stationed on Mars could be sent to the city slums on Earth to help keep order, to maintain an authoritative presence, and to dissuade the gang activity. Systems Alliance was backed by Earth, why wouldn't they help at home as well? Perhaps it was their intention to toughen up their recruits on the streets before they even enlisted. She wasn't sure which scenario was worse.

Ultimately, this was what inspired her to explore ideas on Omega. Lynn's center would help the place she grew up and tackling her second home was the next logical step.

Simple investing was difficult enough if you were as uneducated as Shepard was in galactic economics. Thankfully, Liara had the experience and know-how to make up for it but investing was a slow process. Shepard found a purpose and the couple required steady income for their plans.

Starting and running a business was something completely different. Shepard had watched Aria for years and studied her every move. Aria also broke rules that Shepard was not willing to do. If she was going to be successful in her business venture, she needed to know more.

The long days Liara had spent combing the archives gave Shepard the time and opportunity to learn. She sat in the back of the room absorbing manuals, journals, and even a few college texts. She played with simulator programs that taught business strategies and how to adapt. She just needed to develop a plan that Aria would approve of. Liara and their future together were why this was so important.

Shepard paused and cleared her mind for a moment, allowing her brain to relax. She felt free since leaving Earth, she felt truly open with Liara for the first time. Her eyes centered on Liara and she smiled, allowing her love's emotions to soak into own. Currently, there was her persistent frustration with the lack of progress scattered with equal amounts of determination. Liara's presence was always welcome no matter what mood her love was experiencing.

Shepard noticed the time - it was still a few hours at least until they would quit for the day. Her eyes were tired from staring at the small print on her omni all day. She squeezed them tightly together and leaned her head back, thinking about the previous evening. Liara had suggested she play hard-to-get a few nights ago and that's exactly what she attempted to do, unsuccessfully.

Shepard had managed to keep her eyes focused on her datapad while Liara undressed. She rolled onto her side, facing away from her lover as the asari had crawled into bed. She somehow fought the urge to snuggle into Liara's embrace as the doctor wrapped her arms around Shepard's stomach. However, once Liara began whispering in her ear, she had simply melted. Shepard became flush just thinking about it.

Her omni tweeted an alert disturbing the sensual memory. She sighed and opened her eyes, the disappointment fleeting away as she realized the message was from Liara.

'Are you watching Vaenia back there?'

Shepard chuckled loudly - causing everyone else to turn and look at her. She smiled meekly while Liara proudly displayed a devious smirk across her lips. It was times like these that Shepard really loved the two way empathy the couple shared. She hoped she wasn't blushing while she apologized to the others. When they resumed their duties, Shepard typed out a reply.

'Who needs Vaenia when I have you to think about?'

Even in a crowded room, only Liara would knew what she would be feeling. The secrecy provided courage to go through with her mischievous plan and excited her at the same time. She flooded her mind with images of Liara.

Lying on the bed with one leg crossed over the other, delicately dragging her pointed toe up and down her lithe calf. Straddling her stomach, pinning her arms down and kissing her roughly, causing Shepard to moan into her mouth with passion. Using her body as a stripper pole, dancing and grinding as her fingertips explored Shepard's body.

And then Liara shifted in her chair, causing Shepard to smile triumphantly. Her own arousal was indistinguishable from Liara's but she was aware of both. The victory was small but satisfying and she was looking forward to the asari's payback that evening. Perhaps something a little more intense and I can convince her to quit early.

Her moist, wet lips sucking on Shepard's nipples. Her tongue ...

Samantha almost jumped out of her chair breaking everyone's train of thought. "I found it!" Her excitement was quickly masked with the calmer tone in her next statement. "We have the missing piece, Liara."

Dr. Coré had shown interest in Liara's work from the moment they met. She spent the previous days asking Liara about her journals and theories, sharing her own findings and beliefs in return. "Finally!" Coré rose from her chair and walked over behind Samantha in an attempt to peek at her terminal. "I feel the same thrill when I find what I am looking for. May I ask what you found?"

Shepard noticed Tali quickly type into her omni as the data feed changed on Samantha's screen. The quarian, no doubt, initiated a scramble program to protect their find from prying eyes.

"We were searching for a missing piece of readings from Eden Prime that were taken when the site was discovered." Liara gently touched the forearm of the human expert. "We are trying to study the state of decay to determine how we can improve today's architecture." Liara was skeptical of Dr. Coré at the beginning but 100 years of Benezia conditioning taught her that. As she realized her fellow doctor shared her passion and interest, she lowered her defenses slightly but was clearly not ready to share any secrets. "So much of their technology was lost and would benefit so many today."

"That's why we study the past, isn't it? To better face the future." Dr. Coré turned her attention back to Liara. "If I can be so forward Dr. T'Soni, may I say how impressed I am with your team? I have seen hundreds of scientists comb these archives without making the progress you and your team have in less than two weeks. I would love your input on other sites that I have been studying as well, most specifically on Virmire."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Citadel - 3 days later

All of the secrecy was fucking bullshit. Aethyta had decided to wait until she could meet with Liara in person to discuss the details of Shiala's visit and her other theories. Each time she replayed the meeting with Shiala in her mind, one thing rang clear: Shiala wanted Liara and her to meet for a reason. She just wasn't quite sure if it was only to help Liara find her father or if there was more to it.

Around the same time that Benezia had acquired Shiala's services, Aethyta's relationship with her bond mate began its decline into eventual demise. Prior to that, Benezia and Aethyta discussed most things from business to council matters to debates on the future of their people. When Shiala was introduced as Benezia's newest acolyte, Aethyta was floored. It wasn't the fact that her bond mate had never even wanted an assistant before, it was the fact that an enormous business deal was made for such a personal confidant and Benezia never even bothered to mention it in passing.

'You bailed them out of that much debt for a fucking personal servant? Athame's ass, Nezzy. It can't be that she shits credits so what the hell's so special about her?'

'She has many skills and she's loyal. She knows her duty and she will do it.'

'If she's so fucking loyal, how can she leave her family for you?'

'Because serving me also serves her family. They gain stability and money. I gain someone to train and eventually serve my heir. We both gain a powerful ally for centuries to come. If she fails in her duty to House T'Soni, she also fails her family now and in the future. The contract is specific. She will always be loyal to her family.'

'Heir ...' The word had hung in the air like a thick fog. They had never discussed the topic of children before. 'You mean ...?' It was one of the rare moments that Aethyta was speechless. 'Is that the reason for the secrecy? You were worried to talk to me about having our daughter?'

Aethyta remembered the look on her beloved's face. She noticed a glimmer of ... something in her eyes. Was it regret? Guilt? Hesitation? Before she could decide, it had faded into an emotionless mask. 'Shiala must be trained before that is even discussed.'

"What a fucking jumbled pile of varren shit." Aethyta looked at the time and took one final glance at the contract in her hands. Benezia's influence was widespread and after everything Liara had told her, that was an understatement of epic proportions. It was time that influence decreased. Coincidentally, Liara and Shepard would be arriving at any moment.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Thessia

"Tell me exactly what Aethyta said, Shiala."

"She said nothing of worth. The conversation was brief and when I relayed the message that you were concerned about her interactions with Liara, she displayed her usual lack of manners." Up until this point, the matriarch had been content with a brief synopsis of Shiala's meeting with Aethyta. It was what Benezia had expected and there was no logical reason for even sending Shiala there in the first place.

"Before I speak with my daughter, I would like to know Aethyta's exact words. I need to know what I am dealing with."

"Matriarch, there is no need to ..."

"I will decide what the need is. Tell me." Of course, Aethyta was one of the few who could stop Benezia from thinking logically and become emotional.

Shiala's face remained as calm as possible, her eyes lowered to the ground. "She said to 'go fuck yourself'." She only wished she could see the look on Benezia's face as she delivered the line. "She also questioned if I had been given that duty after she and you parted ways."

Shiala heard Benezia inhale deeply as she rose from her chair, only to sit down once again. She held her breath, no doubt trying to maintain decorum. "Just as you have always insisted, the moment I tell Liara to not do something, she will do it if only out of spite."

Shiala lifted her gaze but remained silent.

"We need something to balance any influence that Aethyta may have on Liara. She will not be respected if she begins to mimic Aethyta's behavior. The council ignored her regardless of how intelligent her input was. I will not have Liara suffer the same humiliation!"

Shiala could only hope that the change in Benezia's normal calm demeanor as well as time away would cause a new and different reaction from her student. She trusted that Liara would finally assert herself in a more grown up manner.

Benezia connected the call after motioning for Shiala to take a seat. "Hello, Liara. You finally decided you could tear yourself away from your busy schedule and contact me as I requested, numerous times."

"I have been occupied, mother. My work is time consuming and this trip was planned to facilitate my research."

The matriarch's annoyance was less controlled and more apparent than usual. "I have not spoken with you in months and the last time I spoke with your bodyguard, she disconnected the call while I was in the middle of speaking."

Shiala recalled the day Shepard had employed the same argument that she had used on Benezia time and again. In order for Liara to grow up, Benezia had to allow it. Shiala believed this expedition would facilitate that goal.

Benezia continued. "What is so important now that inspired you to speak to me? Do you want something?"

It was a very comprehensive and methodical search Shiala undertook in order to locate the lone protector both T'Sonis had agreed to. The escort needed skills to compliment Liara's biotics, a survivor's instinct, and most of all she needed someone who would not be intimidated by Benezia. Shiala had also hoped Liara would absorb some of the human's fierce independent streak.

"I need to see you, mother. I have matters I would like to discuss with you in person."

"Yes, a face to face meeting would be beneficial. Your skills are needed by some of my business associates and we have other matters to discuss as well." Benezia interlocked her fingers and placed her hands on the desk.

"I have my own commitments I cannot break them each time you would like to send me somewhere." Liara's voice was not as timid as it usually had been when speaking with her mother.

"I own your ship, Liara. Or have you forgotten? I can do whatever I wish with it, including putting it in dry dock at the Armali spaceport."

"Very well. When can I meet with you?" Liara sighed.

"I will be busy with other matters for the next two weeks and then I must visit Illium. We can meet there and discuss your next position after this joyride is complete."

Shiala was taken back by the admission of Benezia. Normally she kept her plans hidden from her daughter until the last possible moment. It was part of the game the two had been playing with each other for decades. Was this what the matriarch meant by balancing out any possible influence by Aethyta? Sending her to train with Tevos already?

"Position? Mother, I am more than capable of planning my own future." There was confidence in Liara's voice that growing with each sentence.

"We all do what we must, Liara. It is time you get accustomed to that. Shiala will also be joining you to continue your training. I will not have you picking up bad habits from every new person you meet." Apparently, Liara's newly found spark of self-confidence was noticed by Benezia as well and it unnerved the matriarch.

"I thought this was to be my expedition with my own crew?" The volume in Liara's voice was growing with each sentence that left her mouth.

"Things have changed. I still own that ship and I want Shiala on it."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Citadel

"I need to see you, mother. I have matters I would like to discuss with you in person." In actuality, Benezia was the last person that Liara wanted to see but it was necessary.

"I have my own commitments I cannot break them each time you would like to send me somewhere." Liara felt the support from Shepard. She drew strength from it.

"I own your ship, Liara. Or have you forgotten?"

Liara was well aware of who owned her ship. It was something she was working diligently to change. She had another option for quicker results, but she was still undecided on if she should pursue it.

"I can do whatever I wish with it, including putting it in dry dock at the Armali spaceport." Benezia always had a way of making Liara feel like a child.

Be patient. Soon enough that will change. "Very well. When can I meet with you?" Liara sighed. After hearing back from Dr. Solus about the DNA analysis, Liara was hopeful. He seemed to believe that he could detect genetic patterns in Liara but needed something to differentiate it from, someone more specifically. They needed to take an actual scan of Benezia - there was no way around it.

"I will be busy with other matters for the next two weeks and then I must visit Illium. We can meet there and discuss your next position after this joyride is complete."

"Position?" Liara looked at Shepard smiling in her direction. They had plans after her mission was complete but it did not involve anything to do with whatever Benezia had planned for her. "Mother, I am more than capable of planning my own future."

Liara knew exactly who she was referring to. She had expected a direct confrontation on the matter. She would have challenged her mother on this statement if the other revelation was not so much more offensive. "I thought this was to be my expedition with my own crew?" No matter what Aethyta believed were Shiala's motives, Liara wanted nothing to do with her.

"Things have changed. I still own that ship and I want Shiala on it."

"Send me the information on where you would like to meet. I will see you in two weeks." Liara disconnected the call abruptly and shut the terminal completely off. She did not want to even hear the alert come through if Benezia decided to reestablish a connection.

Shepard was behind her immediately, wrapping her arms around Liara's neck. "That's going to change, beautiful. We'll buy the ship from her soon enough."

Liara had made a decision. They were presented with an opportunity earlier in the day to finally break free from financial ties to Benezia. While speaking with her mother, the desire for independence became an immediate must. "Yes, we are. We are going to take that loan from Aethyta."

"I thought you didn't want to owe anyone? Not that I think it's a bad idea. I already told you that I think we should."

"The deal is more than fair and the interest rate is lower than a banker's loan." Liara smiled and leaned her head back into the comforts of Shepard's breasts. "And when we see Benezia on Illium, and she tells me to bring Shiala aboard her ship, I will explain to her that credits have been transferred to her account to cover the purchase and it belongs to me."

"And if she says it's not for sale? Do we need to look for a replacement ship?"

"She has no choice. When Shiala approved the purchase, ownership was put in my name with Benezia only controlling the lean on the vessel. Once I pay that amount, she has no recourse." Liara smiled, recalling what Aethyta's message to her mother had been. "And then she can go fuck herself."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A/N: The next chapter will be a short and fluffy chapter just because I feel inspired to spread love and affection. :D