Dara is meeting Liara for lunch. It has only been a few days since the asari found out that her bondmate of over a year has been cheating on her with another asari, an asari commando in fact. Dara made her position clear. She does not want Valya working with Lahja anymore. She will not leave Thessia and more importantly Dava will not leave Thessia.

Valya is sleeping in the spare bedroom. Dara loves her very much but it is much too painful to share a bed with her just yet. It will take time to trust her again.

Making her way to the back of the restaurant she sees Liara facing her as she approaches.

"Hi Liara."

The asari stands and gives Dara a hug. "Hello how are you?"

"I am okay thank you, how are you? How were your classes today?"

"Good thank you." They both sit down.

"I was surprised to hear from you Liara. I thought you had office hours in the afternoon."

Valya asked Liara to ask Dara out for lunch. The asari commando told her that she needed a friend.

"Usually that is the case yes, but I made an exception today."

Looking up from the menu, Dara asks "Why?"

Caught a bit off guard Liara is about to say something when Dara beats her to it.

"Valya told you didn't she?"

"No."

"Oh please Liara you don't need to lie to me."

"I am not lying Dara. She only told me that you needed a friend. She told me nothing else."

Narrowing her eyes the asari can tell that she is telling the truth. One thing she has always been able to count on Liara for is the truth.

"Please believe me Dara."

"She requested this when she picked up Dava didn't she?"

"Yes."

Dava returns her attention back to the menu. Liara does not push her. After a few minutes a waitress stops by and takes their order.

"You don't have to tell me anything Dara. I just simply wanted to let you know that I am here for you."

"Valya had an affair."

Almost choking on her water Liara asks "What?"

"Yeah I was shocked too. But I guess now that I think about it maybe I am not so shocked."

Still stunned Liara says, "I don't understand."

"That makes two of us."

"What are you going to do?"

"Well she and I have talked and talked, though I don't know how much it is helping."

Liara has never seen Dara so angry before, it is as if she is beyond tears. She is not sure what to say so she doesn't say anything.

"She is still at home but staying in a spare room. She has told me it is over but sometimes I am not so sure."

"What do you mean?"

"She met the asari before we met. She has been seeing her since I was pregnant Liara."

A hot heat rises within Liara. She cannot believe what she is hearing. "Say that again."

"I know. I couldn't believe it either. It's a commando in her unit."

"I thought they didn't…" she stops herself before realizing what she is about to say.

"They don't allow it? You're right. Not if they find out, but they never did." Dara takes a sip of wine after it arrives. "They have been on and off again, but as far as I am concerned that doesn't matter."

"I agree."

"So now we are just living together as roommates for the time being. I am not really sure how to fix this."

"Do you want to fix it?"

Dara takes another liberal sip of wine. "I do Liara and I don't. I love her and I hate her all at the same time."

"And?"

"And I don't know if I can ever trust her again and without trust what do you have?"

"Are you seeing anyone?"

Another sip, "You mean a counselor?"

"Yes."

"No. We haven't talked about it. Oh do you want to hear the best part?"

"What?"

"She put in for a transfer because she knows she cannot stay faithful if she remains in the unit."

"She said that?"

"Well not in so many words, but she was pretty clear that she cannot be in the same unit."

"Does that mean you are moving?"

"Absolutely not." Dara finishes her glass of wine and pours another from the bottle that was left at the table.

"Does that mean she is moving?" asks Liara.

"I told her if she wanted to stay together she could not move. That we should work it out together and we cannot do that if she is off planet."

"What did she say?"

"She said if she had to choose between me and our child and her job that she chooses her family."

Liara knows how much being a commando means to Valya. It is a huge sacrifice. "Dara, I am so sorry. What can I do?"

Finishing her second glass of wine Dara says "You are already doing it Liara. Thank you for listening."


"Councilor Tevos will see you now."

"Thanks Juliana."

The Councilor's head of security leads Shepard to the main seating area of the hotel room. Tevos has not left Thessia yet and the retired Captain wanted a word with her before she returned to the Citadel.

"Hello Shepard."

"Councilor."

Shepard sits after the Councilor does.

"What can I do for you?" Tevos takes a sip of tea.

"I wanted to apologize for my behavior the other day. I could have handled it better."

Setting down her cup, "Does this mean you have reconsidered your resignation?"

"Hell no." She clears her throat. "I mean no it does not. It only means that I wish I had done things a bit differently." Shepard doesn't really mean it. She can't stand half the Council, but she knows Tevos has been in her corner and deserves something slightly better.

"I appreciate you stopping by Shepard, but I assure you it was not necessary."

"Well I disagree." Standing she asks, "Do I need to submit something in writing or sign something?"

Tevos also stands, "Yes something in writing will be sufficient."

Shepard opens her omni-tool and types a quick resignation note. She holds up her tool. Tevos nods to Juliana who approaches Shepard to hold out her own omni-tool. Juliana punches a few buttons then nods to the Councilor.

"Very well Shepard thank you for your service as a Spectre. I will forward your resignation to the other Council members, though it is just a formality. We all considered your word as your official notice."

Shepard holds out her hand. The asari takes it and the human gives it a shake along with a half-smile.

"Before I go," says Shepard. "I understand you helped my bondmate with a meld, specifically for me?"

"That is correct."

"I don't need to tell you that anything you saw…"

"I hold in the strictest confidence Shepard. You have my word."

"Good. Thank you." Shepard nods to show her respect and their mutual understanding. "Have a safe trip back."

"Thank you Shepard. And again thank you for your service."

Without looking back Shepard leaves the hotel room.


"I will check with this Dr. Snowden Liara thank you," says Dara. She has switched to water now as their lunch is nearly finished. After her third glass of wine she is feeling much too tipsy.

"I do not know if she works with couples, but if she does not I am sure she can recommend someone. She has been a great help to Elly."

"That is good to hear. I haven't actually learned much about her mission from Valya given the circumstances."

"Well let's just say it has left her a bit…" un-expectantly Liara turns her face from her asari friend. The sudden heat behind her eyes gets the best of her.

"Liara?" Dara places her hand over Liara's. "What is it?"

With her free hand Liara wipes her tears. "She has been through so much Dara. I don't know how she is okay."

Dara moves to the chair next to Liara so she can give her a hug. "What do you mean?"

"I just don't know how much more of all of this I can take. I feel just awful that I am even complaining considering what she has been through."

"Hey don't do that Liara. If she is hurting it makes sense that you are hurting too. I mean you two are partners after all." Now it is Dara's turn to face away from Liara to hide her own tears. "I'm sorry."

"Goddess, what for?" asks Liara.

"I am trying to be here for you and I start crying."

"We are quite the pair are we not?" Liara manages a half-smile.

"We certainly are. I also know that you two are going to be fine."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because you two saved everyone. Because you two have survived too much to let this get you down. Because together you two can conquer anything and everything that is thrown your way."

Wiping her tears, "You certainly sound sure of yourself Dara."

"Oh I am. There is no doubt whatsoever Liara. You two are rocks. You support each other and find your own strength from each other. It is amazing to see actually."

Liara takes a sip of water. "You are too kind."

"I mean it Liara. If you two don't make it I don't know what couple can." Dara starts to cry again. "There I go again."

Liara chuckles a little as she hugs her asari friend. "I know you two will work things out."

Holding her tightly Dara asks, "How can you be so sure?"

"You know how important being a commando is to Valya."

"Yeah."

"Well she chose you Dara." Liara pulls back from the hug to look her friend in the eye, "She chose you and your daughter."

"I guess you're right. But what does that make me exactly?"

"What do you mean?"

"I make her give up her career because of this?"

"She would have to give it up if she was caught Dara."

"I know but…"

"But what?"

"What is she going to do for a job or career now? How will she help support our family? Maybe my making her quit the unit is not such a good idea."

"Dara, first of all it sounds as if she is the one who cannot stay in the unit here on Thessia."

"Yeah?"

"Secondly, if she wants to be part of your life and Dava's you let her know that you are not moving. So the choice is up to her. You are not making her quit or do anything. It is her choice."

"I am not really convinced Liara."

"She is the one in the wrong Dara."

"I know…I know. I just wish …."

"What? You wish what?"

"I just wish the cost wasn't so high."


"Hello Valya please come in."

"Thank you Bistra."

"What can I do for you?"

"I wanted to ask you about my transfer."

"Oh that." Bistra checks a few things on her desk. "I am afraid I have not put in for that yet."

"Why if I may ask?"

"Well I was hoping you would change your mind. You are one of my best commandos. I hate to lose you."

"I appreciate that Bistra, but actually I have changed my mind."

"Excellent!"

"No no… that is not what I mean."

"What do you mean then?"

"I am resigning from the commandos."

Looking at her with furrowed brow Bistra asks, "Ah. Lahja I presume?"

The asari nods.

"Why not transfer Valya? You love being a commando."

Looking at her superior the asari says "I love my bondmate and child more."

"I see."

They are both silent for a few minutes.

"I am sorry to see you go Valya, but I understand why you are leaving."

"Thank you Bistra." Valya stands to leave but turns around.

"What is it?"

"I hope that there will be no repercussions for Lahja."

"I have not decided yet."

Valya looks to the chair and Bistra nods. The asari sits and says "If you could spare her I would be grateful. I know we broke the rules and you do not owe me anything, but it is not her fault."

Shaking her head Bistra says "I beg to differ. You did not break the rules alone Valya. She should face consequences just like you are facing consequences."

"Yes but if I did not tell you something was going on then you wouldn't have known. Please don't make her suffer because I was honest. It is not fair to her."

"Again I beg to differ."

"Bistra…"

"Valya you listen to me now. What you did was against the rules and if I did press either of you on what I suspected you both would lose your jobs and it would be doubtful either of you would work as commandos again."

"But you didn't."

"No I did not."

"Please. I don't want to make trouble. I just want this to be over."

Bistra gets the double meaning. "Very well. I will not pursue charges against Lahja."

"Thank you."

"Have you thought about what you are going to do?"

"Not really no."

"I may be able to help."


Liara returns home to find Shepard on the couch alone.

"Hi Elly."

"Hey Liara." She stands and gives her bondmate a quick kiss on the cheek. "How was your day? Actually you are home a bit early aren't you?"

"I had lunch with Dara today remember?" Liara sits on the couch.

"Oh that's right. How is Dara?"

Shepard is about to sit when Liara's question makes her stop mid motion. "Did you know about Valya?"

The human continues her motion and sits on the couch but Liara notices her hesitation. "Elly?"

"She told me when I was recovering on the Normandy."

"What? And you didn't tell me?" Liara stands with her arms crossed.

Standing again Shepard says, "I didn't think it was my place to…"

"I cannot believe you Elly. I had to sit and watch Dara fall apart today. You could have warned me!"

Liara starts to walk away but Shepard grabs her arm, "Hey?"

"What?"

"What is going on?"

"Just…just leave me alone Elly." Liara pulls out of her grip and enters the secure room.

Shepard knows not to follow. She knows when Liara enters that room that she needs to be alone. She sits on the couch and waits.


Entering the house Valya is surprised to find Dara sleeping on the couch. She bends down to grab the blanket that must have fallen on the floor. She covers Dara with it which wakes the asari.

Stretching a little Dara mumbles, "Valya?"

"Hey go back to sleep."

"What are you doing?"

"I just got back. Where is Dava? Is she upstairs?"

Dara shakes her head as she covers her mouth to conceal a yawn. "Liara's father."

Valya adjusts the blanket. "You sleep. Should I pick her up?"

"Sleep over."

"Oh really?"

Dara nods as she shifts to her side and puts her shoulder under the blanket.

"Okay then. You sleep. I will be here if you need anything." Not sure if her bondmate heard her, Valya leans over and gives Dara a soft kiss on her cheek. She swears she sees a small smile. She also swears she smells alcohol on her breath. She hopes her lunch with Liara helped.


"What kind of dinner are we having again?" asks Mark as he kisses Oriana on her neck. The two have been nearly in separable since professing their love for one another.

"I told you, Miranda and Arelia are making dinner and they want us to come over."

"I thought you said they didn't cook?"

"They don't. I mean, they are learning to cook."

Mark continues to hug Oriana from behind, "Sounds to me like we are their guinea pigs."

Oriana slaps at his arm. She leans back into his lips which are on her neck. Turning she finds his mouth and they kiss while their bodies press closer together.

Finally breaking from the kiss, "Do we really have to?" asks Mark.

Resting her forehead on his shoulder, "Yes we do. Maybe you can stay at my place tonight."

Mark lets her go and steps back.

"What? I told you it's like we live in separate homes. The only thing we share is a roof."

"I know."

"Then what's the problem?"

"No problem."

"Oh that was convincing Mark, tell me. You don't like my home?"

"No it's not that. It's not that at all."

"Then what?"

"I just don't feel like we have any privacy."

Oriana places her hands on her hips. "You are not serious."

"Umm yeah."

"That is ridiculous Mark. I have a separate entrance. The estate is practically two homes in one. What more do you want?"

"Something that is ours."

"Well this place is not ours," she uses her fingers as quotation marks when she says the word 'ours'.

"I know that…"

"Besides it is a little early in our relationship to be thinking of sharing the same space don't you?"

She starts to grab her purse but Mark stops her and takes her hand in his. "You think it is too soon?"

She stares at him a moment to see if he is playing with her or being serious. She swallows, "Yes Mark I do. I am sorry but I do." She can see the disappointment in his eyes.

"Okay." He lets go of her hand.

"Mark?"

He is looking in the kitchen for his keys.

"Mark?"

"Hmm?" He doesn't look at her.

"Just because I am not ready to live together doesn't mean that I don't love you."

He stops his searching and looks at her. He sees how serious she is.

She steps closer, "Do you hear what I am saying?"

"Yeah I do."

She steps closer again until they are embracing. "I love you. I just think we need to take our time. There is no rush is there?"

He loves hugging her and smelling her hair. He doesn't know what she uses for shampoo, but he can't get enough of it.

"Mark?"

"Hmm? Oh sorry. No. You're right. There is no rush….no rush at all."

Leaning back Oriana looks him in the eye. "So you understand then?"

"I do." He kisses her on the tip of her nose.

"So then," she says with a wry grin "my place tonight?"

"Absolutely."


"Elly?" Liara is shaking Shepard's shoulder to wake her. The human fell asleep on the couch waiting for Liara to come out of the secure room. "Elly wake up."

Feeling a hand on her shoulder Shepard takes it in hers. She knows it is Liara's. "What time is it?"

"It is early evening."

"Are the kids home yet?" Shepard sits up.

"No not yet. I have a feeling Dad is spoiling them."

"Are you okay Liara?" Shepard still has the asari's hand.

Liara sits next to her. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Letting out a sigh Shepard says, "I didn't think it was my place I guess. I know you are closer to Dara and I guess I wanted you to hear it from her."

"What did you say to Valya when she told you? Did she tell you why?"

Shepard's sly grin makes an appearance. "I was pissed I wanted to punch her. For a while I thought I was going to."

Liara gives a small smile. "I cannot believe it Elly. How could she do that to her and to Dava?"

"I don't know."

"What else did she say?"

"Just that she wanted my advice on how to put a stop to it."

"Do you think she will stay away from the other asari?"

"I sure as hell hope so." Shepard looks at Liara and places her hand at the small of her back. "I am sorry I didn't tell you."

Liara leans in to give her a kiss. "It's okay. I understand. I am sorry I over reacted."

"Don't be."

They rest their foreheads on one another and sit in silence for a few minutes.

"Elly?"

"Hmm?"

"Will you please sleep in our bed tonight?"

Shepard looks up her, "Are you sure? I am still having nightmares Liara. Not as bad, but…"

Liara quiets her with a kiss on the lips. She breaks from it, "I am sure."