Chapter 51
Author's Note: One of my reviewers noted that Liara wasn't getting enough love, so I edited the chapter a bit to include a romance scene. Incidentally, this chapter is rife with them. There's little plot exposition here, being the "calm before the storm" moment that Bioware is known for including before the final battle. If such things make you squeamish, just skip over this chapter, as you will have missed nothing but character development. Enjoy!
Club Afterlife was surprisingly quiet. Aria must have cleared out the bar for their meeting. The only ones he could see were crew from Normandy and Dover. A normal person might question battle-hardened veterans "boozing it up" before a battle. Yet this is how it had always been. The fleets were still jumping in-system, Liara and Shiala were still organizing their forces. It would be hours yet before the teams were ready to move out. So it was time to prepare for battle. A bar was as good a place as any, for some.
The SPECTRE walked up to Zaeed Messani, who was sharing stories with Vash, their resident Vorcha. The alien was snarling at the barkeep for more of whatever green liquid was currently gracing his mug. Zaeed asked for the same.
"Watch it Messani," warned Shepard, "the stuff kicks like a mule. I daresay it's toxic to humans."
The mercenary smirked, "only in large amounts. Besides, I'm alternating between this and whiskey. The better to share old stories with."
Shepard shook his head, "so, you and Vash have a history eh?"
Vash nodded, issuing that coughing laugh of his, "Messan-ee save me many times."
"The boot's been on the other foot too," followed Zaeed, "the Vorcha's gotten my bacon out of the fryer more than once."
"Why am I not surprised?" said Shepard, "I'll leave you to it."
"No, Shepard," replied Vash, "drink with us."
The SPECTRE raised his hands, "the last time I had ryncol, I wound up all but passed out in Aria's lap."
Zaeed arched an eyebrow, "really?"
He shook his head in reply, "yeah, I don't want to give Jack and Liara an excuse to kill me just yet. See you on the ship…"
The two nodded to him, while they continued their boisterous discussion. He moved on to a nearby table, further away from the bar. Shepard nodded to Garrus, and took a seat. Garrus turned over a shot glass, pouring a rich amber liquid into it, before sliding it over. Shepard raised the glass inquisitively.
"Scotch," answered Garrus, "safe for dextros and non alike."
The human nodded, reading the expression in the turian's face, "to absent friends."
Vakerian sniffed, before knocking back his drink.
"You want to talk about it?"
Garrus sighed, "spirits Shepard, when is it enough?"
He thought for a moment. Shepard hadn't gotten a chance to know Elana Pytar, but he knew what she'd meant to Garrus. Thinking back, they'd both lost loved ones and squadmates alike.
"I could say something about honoring their sacrifices," he replied, "but think of it this way…"
Out the corner of his eye, he caught sight of someone walking towards them. Garrus paid no heed, focusing on Shepard.
Shepard considered his words, "how does Tali make you feel, Garrus?"
The turian shook his head, "I don't see-"
"Just answer the question."
Garrus blinked, taking his time. The figure walking up to them stopped.
"I love her Shepard, need her in a way I'd never thought possible…"
"But?"
"But I cared about Elana…as a fellow soldier. Anything else that might have been is long since in the past."
"So what's the problem?"
Garrus shook his head, "I've never been in love before Shepard. Most turians don't go about romance in a way you would understand."
The figure in the distance shuddered slightly, Shepard gestured for Garrus to continue.
"Not saying my parents didn't care for me, it's just that…humans, and quarians, you…'empathize,' I think is the best term. Before we met the asari, it wasn't an emotion we gave voice to."
Shepard grinned, "ah yes. Tali said that Elana told her once, she thought it made you a better leader…"
"But a piss poor turian," laughed Garrus.
"You afraid of what this is doing to you?"
"Spirits Shepard," groaned the turian, "it isn't that. I couldn't imagine a life without Tali, any more breathing in a vacuum…it's just…"
Shepard finally understood, it was a sentiment he'd felt more than once, "are you allowed to feel this way, with all the destruction you've seen? Are you what's best for her, is that it?"
Garrus nodded, knocking back another shot.
"You tell her this?"
"How the hell can I?"
Shepard glanced to the figure behind them, then back to Garrus, and grinned slightly, "well then, just ask, how does it feel when you hold her?"
Garrus thought a bit more, before answering, "like nothing in the world can stop us, like I will do anything for her…and damn the galaxy if that's what it takes to make her happy."
The turian sighed, "I want to grow old with her, Shepard…"
"Well then," finished Shepard, "I think that's all that matters, wouldn't you agree Admiral Zorah?"
Out of the shadows came the figure behind them. Of course, it was Tali. He eyes were glazed over, holding back tears. She managed to affect an arrogant grin, brushing back her hair.
"Well, I can't blame a turian for being ignorant in the ways of a woman's heart."
Shepard took a final drink, before rising to his feet. Garrus stared at him, dumbfounded and stammering.
"You're welcome Garrus," said Shepard, "take care of the esteemed Major, Tali."
The quarian smiled at him, kissing him on the cheek before sitting down. The human turned without another word.
"Tali, I-"
"Oh shut up Garrus," replied Tali, "and kiss me already…"
Outside Club Afterlife…
The trip back to the ship was a blur, a torrent of caresses and searing kisses. Tali could only wonder at Garrus' emotions, especially after that confession.
"He meant them," Tali thought. Even if he hadn'd intended for her to hear it, the words had passed his lips.
Those passionate lips now demanded her attention, striking further thought from her mind. The noises and atmosphere of Omega combined together, a neon metallic haze, highlighted by the occasional chuckle of a passing batarian or asari dancer. She was sure that they must have looked like quite the pair, attached at the mouth, hips, and arms.
Tali didn't care how she and Garrus looked to the world. In the calm before the oncoming storm, they had more...pressing matters. All that mattered was that Garrus loved her. This was a mere moment, a sweet prelude to the night of passion to come.
"Empathy" is what Garrus had called the turian view of romance. Part of her had to agree. As they had grown closer, Tali had come to love the SPECTRE, not just for his bravery and fierce loyalty, but for his "oddities" as well.
Tali was no stranger to the cultural differences between species, whether human, quarian, or turian. Romance seemed to be the foremost curiosity between all species. Xenophobia was fast becoming a thing of the past, necessitating acceptance of all sorts of relationships. However, the cultural norms that dictated tradition were harder to kill than she had ever thought.
It pained her that some considered Garrus a "pitiful excuse of a turian." He was anything but that to her. Garrus' "quirks" were more than some amusement to reflect upon in the middle of night; something to ponder as she considered their relationship. Rather, she considered them a boon, and a blessing.
Tali recalled how Shepard had once shown her an image of a flower on Earth before the Reaper Invasion. Crichton had identified the plant as a lily, and it was unlike any flower that Tali had ever seen before. The species came in a variety of colors, though the yellow variety had resonated with her. The beautiful contrast of the color against stark white had left her speechless.
Yet despite the beauty, what had astounded her the most was Shepard's comment of the flower's atrocious odor. Tali had wondered, how could something so naturally beautiful be so foul smelling?
Garrus' urgent hands demanded her attention once again. She didn't know why such a random thought had come into her mind now, of all times.
"Blame it on the scotch," Tali thought, as she resumed her onslaught on Garrus's mandibles. The act elicited a shudder from the turian, and she smiled at the result.
Tali had always secretly loved how the powerful soldier's muscles rippled at her slightest touch. It stirred a something primal in her, and she reveled in the slight feeling of dominance it afforded her. The rest of the trip back to the captain's quarters seemed little more than a rush of lights, beeps from the intercoms and control panels barely heeded.
Piece by piece, they stripped each other of armor, tearing away clothing to be dropped nonchalantly onto the ground. Tali let out a surprise chuckle as Garrus picked up her body and tossed her onto the bed. She was only absent his presence for a mere second, before the turian nestled sweetly atop her. His muscles rippled with barely contained passion, seeming fit to burn her quivering flesh. Her senses were overcome with the euphoria.
The rest of the night was an undending tide, a sweet sensation of release that dominated all thought and sense. The two war veterans exchanged no words, as their bodies conducted a silent orchestra, accentuated by haltering breaths…until they were utterly spent…
When the night was a sweet memory, Tali lay next to her SPECTRE. His eyes were closed, a sheen of sweat glistening against his muscles. As she watched the slow and deep breathing of the turian, Tali realized the answer to her own question earlier that night.
Garrus had said that when he held her, everything seemed right, that he could take on the whole galaxy for her. While the notion seemed rather childish, it made her smile regardless. Locks of her long black hair fell over her face as she shifted in the thin, soft sheets. The single pillow that held her head tickled her pale cheek.
If Tali was the lily, then Garrus was undeniably her light, tradition be damned. Whatever would come after this battle, death or life, Tali knew that Garrus was the one. It had taken her till now, amidst the stillness following their ferocious lovemaking, to see it. She chuckled quietly to herself, feeling her heart flutter at such naive notions. She'd always considered herself a bit of a tomboy. "Girly" though her thoughts might be, Tali couldn't help but smile at the feeling of content that took hold of her…
Inside Club Afterlife…
Samara, Ashrai, and Revenant were sitting at their own table in silence. Shepard cocked his head to the side, walking over and taking a seat. He swiveled in his chair, still able to see Kasumi, Kolyat, and Falere, in a table across the room.
Shepard turned to Samara, "it's been too long."
The Justicar smiled in return, "good to see you."
Ashrai tipped her head to Shepard, who ducked his head to the side in equal measure.
The SPECTRE gestured to the other table, "how are things?"
Samara shook her head, "hopeful…which is unexpected."
"Be thankful for small mercies," offered Ashrai, gesturing to Falere, "we just need to forge a better future for others like her."
Shepard nodded at the batarian, "so, what are you doing?"
"My father is gathering our forces for the final push," said Ashrai, "those not left behind to defend Karshaan are currently on their way."
Samara gestured to the geth at her side, "Revenant and I will be coordinating several battle groups. Kasumi was working with Miranda on some sort of interim communication system…I believe she called it 'radio.'"
Shepard nodded.
"Meanwhile," Ashrai continued, "Revenant is gathering his brethren through this fledgling communication system. We are watching over him while he remains in stasis."
Shepard noticed how the geth's "lightbulb" was off, as if asleep.
"I've given my daughter a few moments," continued Samara, "then she and Shiala will be communicating our strageties through the Rachni queens."
Shepard nodded. It was a boon none had expected, not even their enemies. When the relay and communication systems went down, it should have crippled any plans for a concerted counter-offensive. However, the Rachni didn't need the mass relays to communicate, and could relay battle-plans almost as effectively. It was still a cumbersome system, but between them and Orthos' "radio" systems, they had a chance.
"Few can claim to be so far-sighted," said Ashrai, "you should be proud."
Shepard shook his head, "I didn't save the Rachni for this. I just did what I felt was right."
Samara smiled, "it is who you are."
Ashrai laughed, "who else could forge a peace between disparate nations?"
"More than once," added Samara, "how many times is it now Shepard? We'll soon have to name you 'The Arbiter.'"
"Alright, enough already," he chuckled, "try to get some rest before the battle, you deserve it."
"Terric would be proud," said Ashrai, "my people have a future, thanks in no small part to you and yours."
Samara nodded, "as does my daughter, I have everything I need…but thank you for the concern Shepard."
Crichton stood once again, nodding to EDI and Joker in the corner of the room. She'd talked the pilot into slow dancing, of all things. Shepard issued a loud wolf-whistle, causing Joker to shake and duck his head in embarrassment. The SPECTRE chuckled, as he drew a chair next to Jack, who was currently busy drinking with Miranda.
He nodded to the leader of Orthos, "you seen Grunt or Kirrahe?"
Miranda nodded, "off organizing with my team, planning a surprise of sorts."
"Ah, best not to ask then," replied Shepard, "nice trick on that 'radio' system."
"Just taking a page from your exploits on Feros. It isn't really radio, just tight spectrum waves, bounced cross-system," Miranda deflected, "the name is a holdover from old Earth lore. It wouldn't be enough without the Rachni bolstering the system."
Jack rolled her eyes, "damn it, stop jawing you two. We should be getting drunk right now."
Shepard grinned, "I'll be happy to drink you under the table once the fighting is over."
She glared at him pointedly, "after the fighting is over, I'm going to tie you down to the bed, there won't be time for alcohol."
He laughed, "promises promises. Isn't like you to swear off booze. What have you done with my Jack? For that matter, why aren't you two at each others' throats?"
Miranda and Jack stared at each other, shaking their heads.
Lawson shrugged, "can't explain it Captain, we just clicked, all of a sudden."
He shook his head, "you two really are going to run off together. I hear makeup sex is the best."
"He says, as if he doesn't know," said Jack, much to Miranda's growing chagrin.
"Now who would ever risk pissing you off Jack?" asked Shepard, "it isn't worth the makeup if I never survive the foreplay."
She arched an eyebrow at him, "well, there is that. What do you say Miranda, should we educate him?"
Miranda buried her face in her hands, "by God, why do I even speak to you?"
Jack smirked, "because you can't resist my feminine charms."
Lawson stared up at her, arching an eyebrow.
The tattooed woman rolled her eyes, "yes yes, you have an ass that can go for miles. Don't think I haven't looked; I'm only human. But you can't work it half as well as me."
"Stop teasing the poor woman," chuckled Shepard, as Miranda buried her face in her hands again, "you owe her, after all."
"What the hell for? You aren't going to say she saved my life, because the Collector Base was one giant clusterfuck we were all lucky to get out of."
"True," acknowledged Shepard, "but she DID bring me back from the dead."
Jack went silent at those words, blinking several times. Miranda rose in her seat as well, breathing in sharply.
"Mmm," offered Jack, trying to lighten the mood, "I suppose I can forgive her for seeing my man naked for so long. Good work on his body girl, no complaints from me."
Shepard sniffed, rolling his eyes as he reached for Jack's glass. He poured himself a few sips and drank, grimacing at the burn.
He shook his head at her, "damn, this lighter fluid will kill you before the Paladins get a chance."
He turned back to Miranda, pointedly ignoring Jack's smug grin.
"Well, just wanted to make the rounds, and thank you."
Shepard drew close to Jack, kissing her lightly before drawing back, "I think I'll see what Liara's up to, maybe lie down for a bit. See you in a few hours?"
Jack had never thought herself one for public displays of affection, but she couldn't help caressing his chin, enjoying the feeling of his stubble across her palm.
"I'll be there."
Shepard nodded, before heading out the club.
Jack sighed, before turning back to her drink, "damn it, I can't get this stupid grin off my face."
Miranda laughed, "it looks good on you."
Jack looked sideways at her drinking mate. A dozen ribald jokes came to mind, but she settled for "thanks."
Then she poured them both another set of drinks, and they tried to ignore, for a few hours at least, the looming prospect of death that awaited them…
Liara sat in front of her monitors aboard the Normandy...
She'd not yet discarded the formal dress she'd worn at meeting. The asari closed her eyes, a slight groan of delight escaping her lips, as Shepard's hands messaged her neck and shoulders, working through the terrible knots. The tension eased out of her muscles with each sweet caress.
"Mmm," moaned Liara, "I'm going to have to steal you all for myself after this is over."
"You always work too hard," Shepard laughed, "it's your nature. You seem to love tormenting yourself."
"Look who's talking," she retorted.
Her eyes rolled back in ecstacy once more, as she reveled in his ministrations.
"Never said it was smart," he answered, "I'm still carrying the weight of events since before I left the colony as a kid."
"I suppose," she pondered, "I never really had a childhood either."
"You had to grow up so fast," continued Shepard, "never got a chance to enjoy life. I suppose we could both use a vacation."
Liara shook her head, "I'm sorry, here you are trying to cheer me up, and I'm-"
He turned her around in her chair, and put a finger on her lips, "shh, hey now, we have plenty to worry about, so none of that."
Shepard smiled, his palm cupping her left cheek. Liara's face was flushed red now, her heart beating so fast she could swear Shepard should hear it. The asari's mouth parted slightly. Shepard looked into her eyes, closing the distance between them, but not daring to bridge the gap between their lips. Liara dared, bringing her hungry mouth up to meet his, her arms caressing the rippling muscles along his back. Liara smiled into his mouth, remembering the first time they had kissed.
Shepard seemed to be thinking the same thing, as he whispered, "I guess all we needed was another war to fight."
She brought her right hand to his chest, tracing a path up to his neck, "no we don't."
And she brought their lips together once more...
She put her left arm about his right, bringing his hands to rest against the small of her back. Shepard reached beyond it, caressing the pliant silky smooth flesh against the chilled black cloth. Liara moaned into his mouth, her body molding against his, as her hands began to knead the flesh of his buttocks, causing a reaction in him that she could feel pressing against the front of her waist.
He shuddered against her, causing a matching sensation to ripple down her skin, the coolness evaporating. The heat spread across their grinding bodies. As Liara pulled Shepard against her, he began to nuzzle the nape of her neck, exploring her with his lips. A sigh escaped softly from her mouth.
He placed his hands about her hips, as he lifted her onto a short counter against the wall. Liara breathed huskily, bringing his mouth up to meet hers again, their tongues fighting for supremacy. Crichton forcefully pushed backwards, and Liara's head bumped slightly against the wall.
Shepard drew back, his face flush, laughing, "sorry."
She smiled as well, grabbing him about the collar and bringing their faces closer again, "if you stop now, I'll have to kill you."
"What," teased Shepard, "and flay me with your mind?"
He had to laugh at the look that Liara gave him, equal parts lust and frustration. She raised her hands, running them through his hair. Then she smirked, and forcefully guided him to the valley between her breasts. Liara groaned roughly, as Shepard began to dip his fingers through the lingerie beneath her dress. And like that, all further thought was banished from their minds; nothing else mattered.
Liara gasped, silently demanding him to continue. Shepard grinned wolfishly, happy to comply…
