Notes:

A Grá - My Love (Gaelic)

Anam Cara - Soul Friend/Mate (Gaelic)

Siame - "one who is all", a loved one cherished above all others (Thessian/Source: CDN)

Building Hope

Ilos, Refuge, Pangaea Expanse – 7 Jan 2191

Surprisingly – or maybe not so surprising, given the circumstances – Liara was out of bed at six in the morning, showered and dressed by 6:30, and down to breakfast before 7:00. She could sense Shepard's satisfaction with her partner's eagerness, which only made Liara feel that much more giddy regarding her first full day on an archaeological site since that fateful day on Therum. After breakfast, rather than plunge directly into the depths of the archives, Liara first led Shepard to the large courtyard.

"These statues are fascinating, Shepard. They are likely depictions of the very race we are studying – the Inusannon. They appear more like the Hanar than the Protheans, with their extended appendages, including their fingers… and I have to wonder, what was the purpose of all these tentacles that seem to have been part of their face?"

"Absolutely no idea… but I'm more curious as to the statue placement." Shepard's brow crinkled in thought as she looked around. "I mean… they're everywhere. Some solo, sitting in the middle of open space, others clustered together as if they were conversing. It's not what I would consider 'normal' for placement of art, so I believe they had another purpose… or, even more radical, that they aren't statues at all, but petrified versions of actual beings who once lived and breathed."

"Goddess." Liara looked at her in horror at the unspoken thought – quite literally – that followed via the link. "You think they were somehow frozen in time, petrified… like the Humans were by the Collectors, but were never picked up? That some other race of their time… akin to the Protheans… had been transformed into Reaper puppets! That is positively ghastly, that they would be frozen in time, aware of their surrounds, but left behind to slowly die from starvation!"

Shepard shook her head in regret at her inability to shut down that train of thought. Liara was right – it was ghastly. "I know… and there's only one way to know for sure; we need to do an in-depth bio-scan to determine what those 'statues' are made of."

"Or, perhaps, we could ask Arick or Aelia if it was ever investigated…" Liara felt an unpleasant shiver run down her spine. "Though, I am not sure I honestly want an answer to that question."

"It's your dig, Liara… so it's up to you."

"No, it's not; not really." Liara heaved a heavy sigh. "I cannot simply not investigate just because I don't want to know the answer. We seek the truth, not a slanted version of it that fits any preconceived designs or idealistic views I may hold of those who came before." She looked again at the statue before them. "I will not go out of my way to do so, but when we next run into Arick, we must mention your theory and see what he thinks."

Shepard nodded gently in understanding. "Agreed. For now, let's keep moving and head into the main dig site, locate Rasha, and get you started." Her lips slowly turned upwards into a smile as she spoke; their horrific conjecture shifting to much happier thoughts of the upcoming adventure that awaited them all.

Rasha was actually surprised to see Liara so early, a wide grin appearing on her face with the arrival of her Asari friend before late-morning. "Well, surprise, surprise… and good morning to you! Tyson wanted to say hello but figured you wouldn't be here until a bit later, so ran off with a Krogan engineer by the name of Jakaror Bronaka… known to us as Jak… to look at a questionable structure. Even the Krogan don't care to be crushed by tons of stone. Jak said it would be an 'inglorious death' for a warrior hardened in the Reaper War."

"Sounds like I need to get out and about with Tyson to meet the members of our Krogan contingent." Shepard smiled softly before turning to Liara. "You know how to contact me should you need me, A Grá …" Her smile spread to a full-fledged grin as she added, "…assuming you even think about me today, once you plunge into those ruins."

Liara gave her a playful swat on the butt, followed by a little shove. "Go find your Krogan team and quit teasing me. You know perfectly well you are constantly in my thoughts, Samantha. Be careful out there in those unstable buildings. I love you and need you to come back to me in one piece."

Shepard chuckled, a loving smile crossing her face. "You got it. I'll come find you for lunch… and make sure you actually stop to eat."

Liara watched her stride away… more of a confident, yet rushed pace, than a simple walk. Shepard always seemed to move with purpose; Liara hoped that perhaps, someday, Sam would actually learn to relax and not always move like she was on a mission. Her expression softened, a wistful smile playing on her face until Shepard turned a corner and disappeared from sight. Only then did she turn to Rasha. "Shall we?"

"Absolutely, Doctor T'Soni. You have no idea how eagerly I await our first major discovery!" Rasha let out a laugh. "Who am I kidding? You know exactly how I feel, because I am rather confident you feel exactly the same way! Come on, let's get to it!"

Moving into the catacombs of the Archives, Liara first noticed how clean they were. "Where is all the growth? The roots and plants that were growing down here?"

"Oh, the SILC cleaned that up within the first few days… sent a crew of six in here with plasma cutters, zipping right through even the thickest of vines. Why? Did you want to study them? If so, I'm sure there are still plenty of passages they haven't cleaned up yet."

"No, no…" Liara drew a deep breath. "It just looks so different than when we raced through here the first… and only… time, during our hunt for Saren and the Conduit." She suddenly stopped and turned to Rasha, a bit of urgency in her voice as she asked, "Have they looked at the terminal that housed Vigil?"

"I believe you are truly asking if they managed to repower the station and reanimate the hologram program?" Rasha's voice was quiet. "They have not… but that is because it has not been their priority – which is to first ensure the catacombs are safe for the investigation and excavation teams." She reached out, laying a hand gently on Liara's forearm. "I learned from the files you gave me the Alliance sent a team – which I also know was unsuccessful – but I can most certainly ask the SILC lead, Vidan, to assign someone to it, should you desire. I mean, really… it can't hurt… and I imagine the SILC hacking and electronic repair technologies are likely far beyond anything the Alliance can do."

"There is no rush, but I would appreciate it, Rasha. If nothing else, perhaps they can access the memory banks, even if Vigil is no longer functional as an interactive program."

"I'll ask Vidan, Liara, and I am confident they will do everything within their abilities to make it happen for you." The Drell smiled. "For now, I have something to show you. I know Vigil told you he had discontinued power to the pods… but in your hurried passage, did you happen to notice any that were actually still lit?"

Liara stopped abruptly, turning to the Drell in shock. "I did not… but are you saying what I think you're saying?"

"Yes, I am. We found one passage that had a few pods that were still powered up… and, yes, they still had live Protheans within… a total of only 24, thus far. They were, however, extremely weak and are not doing well. They are in a special medical ward, basically under intensive care by their own; their lives hanging by a thread, and Aelia has forbidden all contact by outsiders."

"Even so, why were we not informed and why are we down here?" Liara's eyes were wide in surprise, and even Shepard tapped in, curious about the shock that crashed through the link like a tsunami. "By the Goddess! Let us proceed immediately to Aelia to check on their status! Seeing them is not what is important here! If the Council has decided to not help, then, on behalf of House T'Soni, I will personally pledge any support or specialty equipment she may need to aid in their recovery!"

"Liara! It is good to see you." With a warm smile, Aelia welcomed the Asari. "I was wondering how long it was going to take you to escape Arick and make your way to me."

"I just heard the most wonderful news about the amazing discover in the catacombs!" Liara gave Aelia a questioning glance. "How did I not hear about the survivors, and how can House T'Soni, Serrice University, or the Alliance help? Is there any specialty medical equipment you need? Specialists who may be able to assist? I swear to you now, any assistance I can use my influence to provide in acquiring what you need is at your disposal."

Aelia, somewhat shocked by the open offer, took several moments to consider it before finally responding, "Yes… an additional 24 of our people… but what we truly need, you cannot provide. We need our natural foods – which no longer exist – so we are synthesizing what we can, just as we have always done for our people since our awakening. With the new relocation here, we haven't had a chance yet to establish crops from our seed banks…"

"If you have a seed bank, then I would bet the Quarians could help us…" Shepard walked in through the door, having been summoned by Liara via the link. "Did I hear you correctly? You have a seed cache in addition to your DNA bank?"

"We do, Shepard, but how does that help us?" Aelia looked at the woman, hoping beyond hope she actually had a solution.

"The Quarians have live-ship tech which, I imagine, have already been translated to a ground version for use on Rannoch. The facility can mimic any variety of climate conditions and accelerate plant growth; enough so the entire remnants of Quarian civilization – what became known as the Migrant Fleet – managed to survive in space after the Geth forced them from their homeworld. I can call Tali immediately… and we can identify and clear a few places to set some pods down while she gathers the resources and gets them here. We did similar emergency responses following the Reaper War to keep the galactic population fed; I am fairly certainly we can do the same here."

Aelia stared at them in shocked surprise. "I cannot begin to imagine what that will cost! We cannot…"

"Yes, you can… and you don't have to pay us anything." Liara left no doubts with her tone. "As the leader of a major house on Thessia, I have resources beyond what I could ever spend in a lifetime. It would be my honor to help your people in your time of need." Looking to her bondmate, she nodded in consent. "You know what we need, Shepard. Please make that call."

Shepard turned, walking away as she answered, "I'm on it."

"I take it you have not even considered a 'no' as our answer?" Aelia's eyes flashed with hope and a small smile of relief flirted with her lips. "It is not possible to thank you enough, Liara T'Soni. My people will always be in your debt… I have heard the Asari call it a Debt of Life? Whether or not we are successful does not matter in this case; it is the attempt and the effort that speaks volumes and we will always remain steadfast allies." She released a troubled sigh and asked, "I suppose you would like to speak with the survivors?"

"Not at this time, no." Liara shook her head. "Rasha says you have forbidden all contact by outsiders, and I will not believe you made that decision on a whim. I will wait until you deem such contact as both safe and prudent before I speak with anyone. Even then, I will not push the issue; it is very likely they will want time to adjust to their current circumstances. I was simply surprised with the news… especially after Vigil said he had terminated power to all the other pods in his attempt to save the chief scientists…"

"Yes. I can only imagine he feared you would hesitate in your mission to stop Saren, knowing there were still pods… still living Protheans… scattered throughout the catacombs. My guess is that he ran the calculations and decided the galaxy did not have the time for you to pause long enough to process that information, much less get distracted by it. Had you stopped to help, who knows how the Reaper War may have progressed. It could have started immediately… and you, just like us and all those before, would not have been even remotely ready for the fight that would have ensued."

Shepard returned, catching Aelia's attention as she started to respond. "We would have pressed on… perhaps regretting the loss of the opportunity, just as Liara regretted the lack of time to further question Vigil. We knew the urgency of our mission and would not have laid it aside… but, I would have to say I agree with Vigil in his decision to not risk it."

Her attention then shifted to Liara. "As for Tali, she also recognizes the urgency of the mission and says she can gather the necessary supplies for at least two pods in a couple of days… and she'll be here with that initial shipment within four… so we need to immediately identify and clear two, 100-square-meter parcels, with available power, to have them ready and waiting for her." Shepard's face split with a grin. "No matter the circumstances, it will be good to see her in person; it has been too long."

"Tali is coming here? In person?" Liara's eyes lit in excitement. "That's wonderful!"

"Yes, it is." Shepard was still grinning ear-to-ear. "She says she won't trust this to anyone else; it's too important to fail, so she is coming to oversee the construction… along with Len'Dazza as a personal assistant and bodyguard."

Liara smiled, sensing the undertones of Shepard's last comment. "Whom, you believe, is much more than a mere safety specialist for Admiral Zorah vas Moreh?"

"Yep," Shepard chuckled. "By the tone in her voice, I think he has become more… much more, than a bodyguard. I honestly hope I'm right… and that she has moved past the loss of Kal." Shepard's humor faded at the memory. "That one really hit her hard." Looking at Liara, she added, "Something both of us can most certainly understand."

Ilos, Refuge, Pangaea Expanse – 11 Jan 2191

Tali arrived with much more than just Len. Watching the monitors, it seemed to Shepard that the entirety of the Quarian Special Projects Fleet was popping into the space surrounding Refuge. She chuckled as she 'spoke' with Liara. {It seems Admiral Tali'Zorah vas Moreh has arrived… in force. I'll contact the ship and have Tali come down to survey our chosen sites… make sure they meet the requirements for her to get started. See you soon, Blue.}

{I am on my way to the Spaceport, Siame. See you in a few moments.} Liara walked quickly, Arick, Aelia and the Council Ambassador having to hurry their steps to keep up.

"This is a momentous occasion, Doctor." Furant flashed a smile. "I am happy to announce the Council has agreed to pay a portion of the fee, under the standard colonial establishment contract… even though the Protheans remain in applicant status and are not yet accepted as full members at this time. It is obvious they see the worth of the Prothean technology… and want them as allies."

Her pace unrelenting, Liara glanced at the ambassador in surprise. "That is most welcome news! I also received word back from Serrice. If we identify any specific equipment the Quarians need and are unable to source, they will assist in the purchase of said equipment. They are willing to contribute up to what any standard expedition fees they would have had to normally pay… which, given the richness of this site, could be as high as 400,000 credits. It may not buy much but will certainly help defray the costs." Liara paused and let out a sigh. "That offer, however, does come with a contingency of accepting two or three doctoral students… whom I will then have to mentor for the duration of their doctoral thesis."

As they approached the group at the spaceport, Shepard replied, "Which would mean student supervision… and less personal, hands-on dig time for you."

"Yes." Liara nodded. "But it would also mean full doctoral pay for me – for the duration of their research time here – which could help lower our expenditures even more. Serrice University is my sponsor, so I can't honestly say no… as teaching responsibilities lie within my contract."

Shepard's brow wrinkled in thought. "But they also gave you an exclusive publications offer… so how does that work with any doctoral research that gets published?"

"Their papers must have entirely different focus areas; they cannot be related to any specific research I am doing. Also, I would be listed as their managing editor, which means I will need to guide their focus choices. I would also be the final approval authority on anything they submit to the doctoral board."

"Ah." Shepard shook her head, a slight smirk playing on her lips. "I begin to see how that could become really time consuming. Can you limit it to two?"

"I think so, yes, but I will need to speak to the dean to determine how they are going to select who comes." Liara shrugged and smiled. "Initially, I was excited enough by the opportunity, I didn't think to ask about student selection criteria."

"Which will all come in good time." A big grin spread across Shepard's face as she continued, "For now, we have a Quarian Admiral to welcome!"

Liara had been wrapped in her own thoughts during the discussion and only now heard the quiet roar, growing louder by the moment, of the approaching shuttle. A joyous smile erupted on her lips as she watched the craft complete its final approach and settle on the landing pad. It was only moments before the door popped open and an eager Tali'Zorah hopped out, even before the steps had been completely extended.

"Shepard!" Tali ran forward and crashed into the woman, wrapping her arms around her and giving her a tight squeeze. "It is so good to see you!"

Shepard hugged her back, a long moment passing before Tali pushed back and moved to Liara, repeating the process. The grins on all three of their faces spoke volumes, the moment broken only by Furant Colis clearing his throat. Liara chuckled and backed away from the happy Quarian. "Oh, right… Tali? It is my pleasure to introduce Ambassador Furant Colis, Colonial Administrator Jorè Lentos, and the science lead, Arick Vythan."

She paused and turned to the welcoming committee, adding, "Everyone… It is my honor to introduce Admiral Tali'Zorah vas Moreh of the Quarian Special Projects Flotilla… and former crewmate of Captain Shepard, aboard both the Normandy SR-1 and SR-2, as well an integral member of Shepard's Spectre crew aboard the Knight Shade. Our relationship is long, and she has obviously been a steadfast ally through our most trying times; we trust her completely – quite literally – with our very lives." Her gaze returned to her friend. "Welcome back to Ilos, Tali!"

Once the introductions were complete and the normal pleasantries exchanged, Shepard finally asked, "Is Len not coming?"

Tali actually sighed before responding, "No. As XO, he must remain aboard the Moreh in my absence. He did, however, send his regrets… along with suspension of the normal requirements for me to travel with a security team." Her expression lightened and a knowing smile returned to her face as she continued, "He actually said 'she's going to be with Shepard. There is no safer place in the galaxy for her to be,' with which I completely agree." She then let out a little laugh. "Though, I will say, when we last parted, I demanded you come to my rescue if ever I called… and now, it seems, those roles have reversed, with you calling for my aid, instead."

Shepard laughed and shook her head. "I told you you'd never need me again. You are more than capable of taking care of yourself, Admiral Zorah."

Tali grinned and looped her arm through Shepard's. "Enough chatter. Come on… take me to these project sites and let's get started on fixing the Prothean food shortage issues."

"As you say, Admiral." Shepard looked to the Prothean contingent. "This is your show, Arick. Lead on!"

Arick's eyes flashed with humor as he nodded and replied, "I shall lead the way, but this 'show,' as you call it, belongs to Aelia, who is awaiting us at the first of the chosen sites."

As they walked, Jorè chatted with Tali, giving her a quick summary of the Prothean people's past, from their awakening in the current age until the present day, along with the roles played by each of their key members. After that brief introduction, along with meeting Aelia, Tali looked over the site, nodding in approval. Looking out at the group standing before her, eagerly awaiting her assessment, Tali smiled. "You have chosen well. I will contact Len and have him begin sending down the necessary materials."

Her gaze shifted to Shepard. "Who is your SILC lead here? They have assisted us in setting up all of our farms on Rannoch, so hold the knowledge within the Consensus and would be a tremendous asset to the team. Having no learning curve on the construction, they can have these first two pods built within the week."

Her gaze shifted to Aelia. "If you will show me the remaining sites, we can also work on getting them prepared, as the materials for three more pods should be arriving within the next couple of weeks. We will also need your expertise on what you consider the prime growing conditions for each type of crop you need to produce, so the settings on each pod can be optimized."

Aelia looked at the Quarian Admiral in wonder. "Your assistance is most appreciated, Tali'Zorah. It will be my honor to escort you and learn more of your people while we work together on this project. Just how long will you be able to remain with us, on Ilos?"

"I brought my entire flotilla here for a reason. I can work from anywhere, so long as I have my people with me." Tali smiled and laughed softly. "We could stay here permanently, should we desire… but will remain only long enough to see this project through to completion before we return to Rannoch and the Fleet. I will note, however, that as far as I am concerned, 'completion' is defined as a full successful harvest, followed by a second planting – done solely by you and your people – emerging from the soil. Also, the SILC who remain to help you continue your reconstruction will have access to that knowledge, should you need any additional assistance in the future." She paused thoughtfully before adding, "I will, however, return to my ship via shuttle at the end of each day, to spend time with my crew aboard the Moreh and sleep in my own bed. I hope that does not offend you?"

Aelia laughed. "No, it does not. I understand completely about wanting to sleep in the place you call yours, as that is exactly what we are trying to accomplish here. We need to make this place home… no matter what or how long it may take. Ilos was once our homeworld, and we need to make it so again. In that, we are very much the same. Our Ilos is your Rannoch."

Her head cocked slightly to the side, Tali looked at the Prothean lead female. "So it is, isn't it? We Quarians have managed to secure our dream… it will be my honor to help you do the same."

The communications lights on Prime Vidan's faceplate flickered quickly. He then shifted to focus on Tali. "Creator Zorah. The SILC are happy to provide additional assistance to the Prothean people. We understand the organic need for sustenance is a high priority, but so is securing the safety of the passages that are the subject of exploration and study on Ilos. For this new task, we will deploy additional SILC teams, specializing in construction, to assist. We are currently selecting the necessary runtimes and they will be downloaded into the spare chassis we carry aboard our mothership. Two teams of twelve will be groundside within the hour to assist in the distribution and placement of materials at each of the proposed build locations. Is this acceptable?"

"Thank you, Vidan!" Tali's face held a more-than-pleased grin as she answered. "That will be perfect. We do, however, need to renegotiate your payment, given the additional platforms that will be necessary to complete the new tasking."

"That is incorrect, Creator Zorah." The Prime's lights flickered yet again before he continued, "T'Soni Doctor included an expansion clause within the current contract. We need simply activate that preparatory clause."

A wry, knowing smile on her face, Tali immediately looked at Liara. "I suppose I should have known better… that you would have all the possible variations covered, Liara." She chuckled and shook her head. "What was I thinking?"

Liara laughed quietly along with the young Quarian. Reaching over to gently squeeze Tali's arm, she responded, "I will let it go, this time, Tali. It has been a long time since we have worked together, after all."

"I suppose I have to give you that one!" Tali drew a deep breath and looked around. "So, with Vidan and the SILC taking over the basic site preparations and beginning construction, I suppose I have time for a tour, Doctor. What exactly have you been up to since you arrived on Ilos?"

"Goddess. I don't even know where to begin! There is so much going on!"

Shepard shrugged and offered, "Why don't we start with the base camp and show her our quarters… maybe grab some lunch in the Mess Tent… and introduce her to your research team? Simply use the time to do a bit of catching up?"

"That sounds just about perfect to me!" replied Tali. "I do believe I've even seen a couple of Quarians… so, you must have dextro food selections here. Lead the way, Liara!"

"Yes! Zuli'Faaras nar Zaereh and Jana'Taeme nar Figro are both interning with us, providing technical support to the Ambassadorial staff." Liara's eyes lit up. "I will most definitely introduce you… but only if you are prepared for the 'Goddess worship' you will likely receive from them once they realize you were a member of our team during the wars."

Shepard laughed. "I doubt that will be necessary, Liara. Don't forget… I spoke before the Conclave when they accused Tali of treason… My bet is they know exactly who Admiral Tali'Zorah vas Moreh is, no introductions required, for other than accepted protocol standards."

"Oh, right!" Liara blushed. "That is very true. So, with that, let us grab lunch and relax a bit while we catch up!"

Ilos, Refuge, Pangaea Expanse – 11 Jan 2191

Late in the afternoon, an ecstatic Tali rejoined Shepard and Liara at the main dig site. "Shepard… Aelia has provided a tremendous amount of assistance in laying out the requirements for the first two sites. I believe constructing and outfitting those first pods there will require very little time on my part… giving me plenty of time to spend with you two!"

"That's wonderful, Tali," Shepard grinned. "So, are you ready to fly back to the Moreh for the evening?"

"I am, but…" she paused. Splitting her attention between her two friends, she asked, "I would really like for you both to accompany me to my ship." Shepard detected a touch of shyness in her voice as she 'dry washed' her hands. "It would mean a lot for you to join me, and Len, for dinner at the captain's table, as our guests of honor… oh, and the invitation extends to Riana and your protection detail, Liara. It would give all of us some time to relax, visit and catch up on everything that's been happening since my visit to Thessia last March."

Liara answered for both of them with a teeth-baring grin. "We would love to have dinner with you, Tali. However, we really need to get cleaned up and change into fresh clothing before we can join you; we can come up in our own shuttle, so you don't have to send one down."

Tali giggled softly, then offered, "I will provide you with accommodations for the evening, if you like. I have to be here in the morning anyway; it will give us an opportunity to have breakfast together before we leave the ship." Tali ducked her head for a moment before adding in a hopeful tone, "These days, there's more than enough room on the Moreh for guests."

Shepard glanced at her Anam Cara before replying, "That sounds like an offer too good to refuse, Tali. At least no one will be shooting at us. We'd be honored to stay overnight as your guests. Sounds like fun."

Tali's smile seemed to light the inside of her mask. "That's wonderful! I'll head back to my ship so I can set things in motion." Nodding her head at the pair, she added, "I'll see you soon," then turned to return to her shuttle.

Shepard kissed Liara's cheek, took her hand and said, "Let's go get showered and changed, A Grá. It's been a while since we had lunch. A night away, starting with a dinner hosted by my little sister, sounds wonderful!"