Secure comms room, Broker HQ, T'Soni private residence - Thessia

Shepard took a seat next to Liara and kissed her briefly on the cheek. They had not been alone since their morning breakfast and had parted company after the meeting with Aria and Nara El'Estrene.

"I hope you did not push yourself today," Liara noted her lover's slightly flushed appearance and damp hair.

"Following doc's orders and taking it easy," Shepard said with a grin, "you know it's pretty hot out there so I spent most of the day in the gym putting some muscle back. I'll take a run later."

Liara ran her fingers over the muscles in Shepard's upper arm, "you seem strong enough from where I am sitting."

Shepard heard the seduction in her bondmates tone and in one swift movement turned and found Liara's waiting mouth. She moaned as their tongues danced together. Her hand moving to cup one of her lovers' full breasts the other holding Liara's face.

"How much time do we have," Shepard asked in between kisses her breath quickening as Liara moved her hand inside Shepard's sweat pants.

"I have missed you… I need you now," Liara started to pull them into a sexual meld and they both jumped as the sound of an incoming call pulled them back to the moment.

Steadying their breath and moving a little further apart Shepard said quietly, with a wry smile, as the call connected, "I need you too Lee."

Around the table hard light projections of their fellow members of the shadow council swirled into being and Shepard was acutely aware of the three empty spaces. Three more reasons to hunt down Cerberus and all the other Reaper sympathisers.

Councillor Tevos took her usual role as meeting facilitator and they spent a few minutes reflecting on their lost colleagues. Then a more detailed briefing on the incidents and the evidence that pointed to Matriarch B'Lanea and Dalatress Esheel's deaths not being accidents and Primarch Quentius not having been shot by Turian rebels.

"Why have we not made this public," Liara asked to the room in general.

Hackett answered his steady tone a comfort and as reassuring as ever despite the new scaring on his face from the bomb blast on Arcturus, "we don't want to give our enemies any idea that we know they are trying to disrupt inter species cooperation. And we don't have a direct line to who organsised this but once we do we can go on the offensive. Until then we need to double our efforts in maintaining and developing joint planning."

"Yes, to this end, I have been looking at who might be a good replacement. Although Dalatress Esheel's loss is grave. And is being felt across the Salarian Union. There are considerable matters that need attending too, before a new family leader will emerge. I will speak to my own clan Dalatress. But I fear it will be some time before we have such an influential ally for our cause," Jondum Bau spoke quickly as most Salarian's did.

"I am having similar problems within the Hierarchy," General Aurelos said into the silence, "the only positive that has come from this is the renewed attention and efforts being put into the eradication of the terrorist uprising."

"But they were not responsible for killing Primarch Quentius," Liara looked confused and directed her comment at Aurelos.

"It is important that all our Governments are as stable as possible at this time. When the time comes we will need everyone to do their duty with no argument or doubt," Aurelos replied.

"I tend to agree, we have no idea if public dissent, attacks on our institutions or attempts to overthrow Governments is part of the usual pattern of political manoeuvring and game playing," Hackett paused slightly a look of distaste on his face, "or if it's a component of this pre-invasion softening up that we know is used by the Reapers."

The Fleet Admiral's words were met with nods of agreement around the table and again the group lapsed into silence.

"I'm afraid losing Matriarch B'Lanea has also been a huge blow to our cause," Alexia Irissa's tone was sombre, "as an influential member of the T'ara and head of one of Thessias' largest republics she will be difficult to replace."

"Do we still have someone on the inside of the T'ara? We all know the big decisions are made by the Matriarch's in that group," Shepard felt out of touch with the political situation across the Council races and made a decision to spend time getting full briefings from both Alliance intelligence and the Broker network as soon as possible.

"The T'ara are completely aware of the situation of course but there is still sharp disagreement about how to prepare and," Chandra Tevos showed just the slightest edge of frustration as she continued, "there are still those who say this is not what it seems. That this is an attempt by forces from within our Galaxy to upset the homeostasis we have achieved within Council space."

"Seriously…," Shepard's frustration was much less masked, "how much more evidence do they need, they had a fucking Reaper ship attack the Citadel… and I'm certain you've discovered plenty of Reaper tech over time but for some reason kept it all to yourselves."

"Thessia was instrumental in making the laws about the use and sharing of Prothean technology we are not the ones experimenting with Reaper tech," Tevos said sharply sounding more like the Council member she was, "you are in bad company Shepard as far as we know it is only Humans and Batarian's experimenting with Reaper and Prothean technology in complete contravention of Citadel laws."

"And we're doing everything we can to destroy Cerberus but you've done nothing about what's happening in Batarian space. In fact, you still accept their ambassadors…" Shepard was building up a head of steam and she realised this had the chance to derail their discussions so stopped talking as soon as Hackett spoke.

"This is not going to get us anywhere, we don't have the luxury of time in these matters. I suggest we move on to talk about what our priorities need to be and how we can achieve them."

Liara rested her hand on Shepard's thigh under the table, in a sign of support and comfort.

"Did the early warning system come online yet?" Liara asked.

"Yes, if anything is coming at us from dark space we'll get some early warning," Hackett answered and the meeting lapsed into silence.

Councillor Tevos broke the silence now fully composed after her exchange with Shepard, "I believe Spectre Bau has an update regarding what appeared to be random attacks or accidents in alpha gate systems?"

"Yes, thank you. With the data analysis provided from the work of the Normandy, we were able to add our own. And looking in more depth at debris collected from some other incidents that match the profile, you did not have this information," he looked at Liara and Shepard. "We not only identified the wreckage as Prothean, but its function appears to have been some kind of signalling system to the mass relay. I believe you were drawing the same conclusions that if activated it would interfere with the relay's function. Effectively stopping it from working."

"Is that possible? To lock down alpha relays, any relay?" General Aurelos asked.

"The Prothean were many levels of technology above even our progress collectively," Tevos went on, "but more interestingly to have started to create this system must have meant some foreknowledge of the coming invasion?"

"Or they worked on this and left if for us after the Reapers had arrived, like the back door to the Citadel," Liara said absently her mind already considering where that lost knowledge might be found.

"Well no point in looking back, we need something to shoot those pijak's out of the sky when they arrive this time," Wrex's deep rumbling tone was still evident even through the hollo projector.

"Agreed, from what we know we can't kill these things with conventional weapons, we can hurt them and take down their smaller ships… but those big capitals," Hackett left the thought hanging shaking his head slowly to emphasise his point.

"I may be able to offer some hope," Tevos seemed just a little less composed than usual and exchanged glances with Alexia Irissa, "I received a message from Matriarch B'Lanea after her death. She had made certain that this was for my eyes only and she was clear it was to be shared with the Shadow Council."

The silence in the room was palpable and some even leaned in a little, "I'm afraid it is rather cryptic and… well I will share it with you now."

Chandra Tevos hit send on her omni tool and the message pinged to all the members around the table.

"Chandra, if you are reading this then I am dead. However it happened you and the rest of the Shadow Council need to know what I am about to tell you.

"When all the secrets are uncovered and the lies exposed I hope the Goddess will forgive me my part. Whatever we have done, and continue to do, we do for Thessia.

"Even now I cannot tell you everything but with your combined forces and the expertise of Liara T'Soni you will find not only the truth but also how to stop this wretched invasion.

"The inner circle of the T'Ara knew it was coming but even then, some amongst us would not believe the archives. Although plans were made many generations ago we are out of time and our solutions are not ready. We failed. But that is not the opinion of most of the T'Ara and they would see everything crushed rather than share their shame and their secrets.

"There is a way to defeat the AG'gara yAtudh A'na and it is buried in the Prothean archives on Mars. The other copy is much closer but not accessible to those outside the most inner core of the T'Ara.

"Do not let the T'Ara dissuade you from your mission. I have left all my personal assets in your care to be used for the benefit of Thessia and all who would protect her.

"The weapon, the Prothean's called it Zastradevat'A, has not been built because our scientists could not work out how to use it and a key component was never translated. It is marked in the plans as Amesha Spenta with no further explanation.

"Save Thessia or ensure continuity of our civilisation. I pass this into your hands now."

The silence continued long after everyone had completed reading the letter and Liara was aware of Shepard struggling with her anger.

"So the mighty Asari had a head start on all this bullshit and kept it to themselves… I should walk away now and just look out for my own people," Wrex snarled his tiny pin sharp teeth showing as he growled.

"What else has Thessia not shared with her oldest allies," General Aurelos continued, "I should take this information to the Hierarchy, this is a breach of trust and completely dishonourable."

Jondum Bau drew everyone's attention as his laughter broke into the tension, "I'm afraid you forget Aurelos we all have secrets and some of them connected to Prothean technology. Perhaps not the Krogan granted. And they have more right than most to feel aggrieved."

"I didn't get the translation on some of those terms Chandra," Hackett said looking at the Asari Councilor.

High Priestess El'Estrene spoke quietly into the room, "It is very old, classical Asari, and only a handful of scholars can translate the densest of the writings. The closest Galactic translation for what Matriarch B'lanea called the Reapers is a chaotic, abstract form of destructive energy or spirit but that does not do the term justice, you need to experience the words," she looked directly at Shepard who nodded her response. "As for the Amesha Spenta we have no translation."

Shepard moved in her chair and everyone focused on her waiting for what most of them expected would be a violent outburst given her previous exchange. Everyone knew and on the whole sympathised with her position that to have any chance of success they had to share everything and work together.

But her brief exchange with Nara El'Estrene and the closeness of Liara had steadied her, "we have a small chance of uniting all the greatest minds in the Galaxy to find a way to survive annihilation. It goes without saying that we need also to harness all the resources we need if we are to survive but if even the few people in this room can't find a way of sharing their secrets, "she looked around the room but settled on Tevos, "or putting the greater good above old arguments and politics then we might as well all start making arrangements for our families to escape to a dark corner of the Galaxy and wait for the Reapers to find them."

There was a long silence.

"I will pick up the work my good friend had underway and reach out to members of the Hierarchy who are close to the Primark of Palavan," the General gave Shepard a quick nod and a small smile.

Wrex punched his fists together which was a clear indication of his approval.

Other heads around the table nodded and the rest of the meeting was spent on strategies for increasing their influence and intelligence networks.

Liara was feeling exhausted and could sense Shepard's own fatigue as the meeting closed.

"I think I need to eat and then go to bed I am afraid today has been very draining," Liara stood and watched concern flash across Shepard's face, "you are as tired my love, all I need is to rest and be near you."

"You go up and I'll go to the kitchen and arrange the food and let Liselle and Tash we won't be joining them for dinner."

Liara nodded gratefully and leaned into Shepard as they left the room.

T'Soni private residence - Thessia

Tash watched Shepard walk away towards the kitchen and marvelled at the fact that it had only been a handful of days since Liara was back and her cousin had had her operation.

So much had changed and yet things were beginning to feel normal again. As she walked into the dining room and caught Liselle's eye a surge of something that felt like happiness engulfed her.

"Yeah we'll catch you next time we get leave, gotta go hun," Liselle finished the call and tilted her head slightly and smiled, "what's that look."

"You make me absurdly happy."

Liselle laughed as Tash sat next to her at the table, "back at you."

"Did I see Shepard in the hall just now?"

"Yep, she's getting food for Liara they're going to have an early night."

"I'm going to grab some time with her tomorrow before we leave. I think I might tell her… about us."

"Shepard?" Tash said a little surprised.

"No, Liara… you know I'd be cool with you telling Shepard."

"But not Aria," Tash said with a grin, "not sure I'll be ready to be interrogated as to my intentions again by your mother any time soon."

They were joined by various members of the household including Liara's personal commando unit Captain. Half way through the main course a familiar tonal voice cut through the chatter around the table.

"Seems I missed all the fun," Garrus drawled as he walked into the room which erupted with welcome backs.

Tash and Liselle rose from their seats and went over to meet him offering a hug from the young Asari and a slap on the shoulder from the young Human.

"There was a huge discussion about contacting you but it only kicked off a few days before you were due back and for some reason Kas was really adamant you shouldn't be disturbed," Tash said as they walked back to the table and a space was made for him, "I mean you were only on the Citadel…"

Turians were hard to read for humans but Asari had lived and worked alongside them for much longer and the Asari were really good at reading other races.

"Ok spill it Turian you weren't on the Citadel, it wasn't any ordinary holiday was it," Liselle said cutting across her lover after studying their friends' reaction to the question...

Garrus served himself some food from the dextro-protein serving and the silence drew out between the three crewmates.

"I, well, after losing Jamie in the explosion you know I spent a lot of time with Kas," there were nods from Tash and Liselle whose own thoughts went back to that terrible time of uncertainty and loss. "Somehow Kas got me to talk about my own loss… and, well she found Va'ine and my daughter."

Only a very few people knew about Garrus's relationship with an Asari matron who worked on the Citadel when he was starting out with Citadel Security. And the ensuing family rift between him and his politically powerful father when Garrus told him of his intention to raise a daughter with her and the possibility of their bonding.

The only thing that has stopped Garrus defying his father, even though it would have meant effective banishment from his family, were the very real threats his father made about ruining his Asari lover's career and reputation.

"So you met your daughter?" Tash asked quietly.

Garrus nodded and his mandibles were twitching in a way that, to anyone who could read Turian face plate signals, indicated he was happy.

"So how about we get some drinks after dinner and you can tell us all about it," Liselle said smiling, "and we'll catch you up with Liara's return and Shepard's recovery.

T'Soni private residence, Liara and Shepard's private quarters - Thessia

Shepard shouldered her way into the bedroom a large tray resting across one forearm and a bottle in the other.

The room was warm but the long, light, drapes around the open balcony doors moved slightly to an almost imperceptible breeze. Light was coming from the bedside lamps and subdued lighting on the vid screen wall which gave the room a cosy glow.

As she pushed the door shut with her foot Liara spoke from the bathroom, "I will be there in a moment, shall we eat on the balcony?"

"Of course, I'll take it out."

Just as Shepard finished setting out the meal and was pouring them a drink Liara walked onto the balcony. The long, silky almost see through dress she was wearing showed her heavy breasts and swollen belly as the fabric clung to her contours.

Liara moved to stand facing Shepard her hand reaching out to brush her lovers cheek, "you must find some time to rest tomorrow my love. You are meant to be taking your recovery slowly."

Shepard grinned and covered Liara's hand with her own then placed a kiss in the soft blue palm, "my thoughts exactly but about you, today was pretty full on."

Liara moved closer and for the first time Shepard really noticed how big her bondmate was with their daughter, "she's grown so much while… while we've been apart," she said quietly.

"You were with me every moment my love, we leaned on your strength and your love for us," Liara said moving one of Shepard's hands and placing it on her swollen belly.

"Is she really ok," Shepard looked into Liara's eyes the almost pleading tone in her voice a reflection of her fears.

Liara smiled widely and Shepard's world burst into light, "Yes Shepard she is strong and healthy and content. I cannot wait for you to meet her."

"How long," Shepard kissed the side of Liara's neck softly as she spoke, "I read somewhere Asari can choose the time."

Shepard's fingers instinctively went to the back of her lover's neck to the sensitive folds and was rewarded with a short gasp from Liara who leaned into her touch.

"Yes… once the baby is ready," Liara moaned as Shepard moved her other hand to a breast and started to trace around the hard nipple, "we can hold the moment for up to a moon cycle… oh… for safety and… mmm… Thessia," Liara's voice trailed off and her breathing started to come in gasps.

"To give birth on Thessia, of course," Shepard said her own breath hitching in her chest, "and we can make love without it hurting our daughter."

Liara gasped as Shepard's fingers began to unfasten her dress, "yes… yes we can…"

Arousal swept through them mixing with a desperate need on the next wave of sensations coursing through both their bodies and minds as Liara pulled them into a sexual melding of consciousness and nervous systems.

"When was the last time…"

"That last night on Illium… but we are here now…"

"I need you… always"

"Push the darkness away…"

"So much lost time…"

"We are here now my love…"

"Across lifetimes… I will find you…"

Their thoughts the same, their minds and souls laced together as they found each other through touch, thoughts, filling each other with love and light. Shattering the night with their cries of passion.

Shepard became aware of the light trying to pry open her eyelids. She moaned and snuggled even tighter into Liara's warm soft body and laid the tenderest of kisses on the exposed neck. One arm was still under her lover from when she held Liara as they fell asleep. Her other hand still rested on the swollen belly where their daughter slept waiting for the right time to start her journey into life.

Liara murmured in her sleep and pushed back a little into Shepard's body which sent a flash of arousal and she tried not to act on it knowing they both needed rest. Her mind had other plans though and almost unbidden Shepard's had drifted down making light circles with her fingers as her lips caressed the sensitive soft folds at the back of her lovers' neck.

She felt the body next to her stir, thighs opening to give her access and finding the warm sensitive bud her breath quickened. Liara moaned still half in sleep.

Shepard started soft circles on the now hardening bud and felt an answering tightening in her own clit. She drifted her fingers down and dipped into her lover's hot core already wet from her touches. She marvelled at how ready Liara always was for their love making at the sexual connection between them that continued to grow in strength over time.

She had to take Liara, own her, possess her because she was owned and possessed in equal measure.

As she pulled the wetness up over the pleasure giving bud Liara was now awake and moaning with pleasure pushing forward against her fingers and they found their rhythm. The meld that Liara opened between them that Shepard joined was less desperate than the previous night. Last night then needed to touch, taste and feel every part of each other body, mind and soul. They needed to re-connect on every level. But this morning, well this was the pure joy of finding pleasure in each other.

The slick wetness coated Shepard's fingers and both their bodies tensed, breathing ragged she switched from light circles to stroking with more pressure. They both felt the undeniable edge of their orgasm building. When it broke over them, ripped through them, they moaned and before the ripples had finished pulsing through their bodies Liara rolled over onto her back.

"More, I need more of you."

Shepard knew what her lover wanted from experience and the connection of the meld She angled herself on an elbow she slipped her fingers deep into the hot, wet and welcoming core. Raking her finger tips over the pleasure giving ridges inside her lover she moved slowly in and almost out meeting the answering thrust of Liara's hips.

Their bodies moved in unison as Shepard's strokes became more urgent, faster, harder, pulling them both over the edge in thundering rush of release and pleasure that always left them both at peace as well as sated.

Shepard rolled onto her back after moving slowly and gently out of her lover.

"Left handed, I just want that noted… left hand," she said with soft laugh.

"Oh, I am aware how… versatile you are my love," Liara's tone was teasing and Shepard felt her heart lift sensing her lover's playfulness.

"Dammit, you didn't eat last night we got… well… a bit carried away," Shepard turned on her side and leaned on an elbow so she could look at her lover.

"We did not eat. You need to recover and rest as well."

Shepard silenced whatever else Liara was going to say with a soft, loving kiss and was rewarded with a hazy look of satisfaction as she pulled back.

Her eyes drifted down her bondmates' body taking in the baby bump, "you are so beautiful, and powerful. I don't know what it is but being pregnant makes you look, feel, even stronger than you usually are," she let her hand rest gently again where her daughter was growing, "it's just so…"

Words failed her and she felt tears burn the back of her eyes and had no idea why she felt like crying. Liara shifted slightly and pulled Shepard into a hug. She buried her face in the lover's neck and tried to hold back the tears, "I'm not unhappy Lee. Just so many emotions I feel like I can't hold them."

They both knew how much Shepard kept control of her emotions and it was very unlike her to cry, "Sometimes it is the only way to ease the pressure my love, you are safe here with me. Whatever we feel we can share with each other. You are home."

The words were like a balm to Shepard's soul and as the tears flowed silently down her face the only thing that mattered was they she was with her soulmate in this moment whatever else had or would happen. Right at this moment the universe was as it should be. And as their breathing deepened they both fell back into a dreamless sleep.