"Twilit Terraces" (Radz-at-Han Main Story Theme) from Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker

XCIII. Twilit Triumvirate

(Tali'Zorah)

Existential dreams, dreaming of existence.

The apex of culture, philosophy, and collectivism on Rannoch.

Eternally existing in peace and stillness, even as the worst loomed over Thavnair's painted mountains.

I witnessed the Isle's magnificence as we approached by sea that afternoon. A full panorama of colors in nature, of nature as colors, so natural and unchanged, unmodified. Lush vegetation from the jungles and sprawling valleys. And the strength of those mountains painting over all of Thavnair, from the tiny towns and villages all the way to the larger capital of Radz-at-Han. That strength rolled and clawed its way across the getaway before us as muscled rock. Even as the cloudy day washed out some of those colors.

When I had first laid eyes on the Empire of Aht Urhgan, I had felt a sense of wonder. Right away the empire had felt like home to me. The mechanical metropolis felt mostly familiar to me. I understood.

As I lay my unmasked eyes on the Isle of Thavnair, I didn't understand anything. Thavnair's salty breeze blew through my hair, and this tropical heat drew sweat from every pore in my body. But I couldn't wrap my mind around the rest. The beauty sprawling out for miles. I had never seen anything like this before.

The island appeared unpopulated—a precious piece of untouched wildlife—and yet the many boats and ships in these waters spoke otherwise. Thavnair itself seemed undeveloped, unused. No skycars or skyscrapers anywhere. Not a single vehicle in the air or on the ground. And yet, when I looked closely, I saw those many towns and villages across the landscape, carved into the very stone of the mountains.

A culturally-rich civilization that had fortified itself directly into nature's embrace. One land, one people existing together as one optical illusion. All with a kaleidoscope lens of colors livening the landscape.

Our ship docked at the port of Yedlihmad: a small, cozy fishing town, and ground zero for trade between Thavnair and Rannoch's other nations. In the far distance, those jagged crags from the colorful mountains jutted through the sky, shadowed in the afternoon's gloom. In the nearest background, just behind the town, the tall trees from the jungle poked out above the roofs of the town's buildings. They stayed in my periphery as we crossed through this fishing town, over the stone piers filled with boxes and crates of goods. The nearby buildings, shops, and homes stood as painted brick and stone. Loud reds, yellows, and greens crafted from Thavnair's stone, meant to withstand this ever-changing tropical climate of harsh heat and rainfall. These beaten paths led to other towns and villages across the island.

Here in Yedlihmad, the merchants carried their products in those boxes. They transported them from ship to ship, boat to boat by hand. Slowly. Ever so slowly did they move, walking at a sluggish, stressed paced. They wore the most elegant and dignified clothes: colorful turbans, vests, sarouel, vambraces and half-gloves, boots and sandals. Thin and flowy fabrics perfect for the heat. Pride for their heritage.

Aphmau gave us a bit more context: "There are usually several fishermen casting their lines along the docks. I've never seen Yedlihmad this empty before… They know of what's to come. We shared the information with them. The Thavnairians didn't want to hear it. It seems they've decided to believe us."

We followed Aphmau to the town's western exit, leading out to a dirt path through the open wilderness.

I expected Shepard and Liara to walk next to me. Once I looked around, I found that they had lagged behind a few steps. Liara looked at Shepard in concern, wanting the two of them to hold hands for the walk. Normally, Shepard would take the initiative and hold her girlfriend's hand. Without thinking about it, really. This time, Liara had to take the initiative instead. We both looked closer, finding Shepard's scowling face awash with sweat. Such an adorable grump in her N7 armor, suffering the humid weather.

Liara giggled over the surprise. "Shepard, I thought you would be used to the heat. Isn't it normally hot in your hometown? I hardly remember the weather getting that cold while we stayed there."

"It's different," droned Shepard. "That was a dry, pleasant heat. This one is…"

Equally amused, Aphmau finished for her: "Thavnair's heat is neither dry nor pleasant. Quite the opposite in its overbearing humidity. And today isn't even a sunny day!"

"Yeah…"

As the best solution, Shepard activated her temperature implants. She decided this was enough of a hazard. Cooling off, she stopped sweating. That shared trust siphoned through to Liara—and to me. I quickly felt the effects of these changes in my suit, my own sweat having chilled over my skin by now.

For some reason, I didn't expect this strange connection of ours to still work…

Panicked and unprepared, I stayed quiet as we continued following Aphmau and her automaton, Ovjang. Aphmau, as Empress Nash'Meira in her disguise, walked ahead of us with quite the pep in her step. Her blonde hair and traditional red garb flowed behind her in delight. Was she that happy to travel to Radz-at-Han—the sworn enemy of her dynasty and empire? Aphmau did mention barely getting to leave the imperial palace before. I supposed she'd have been glad to go just about anywhere.

We had left through this westernmost gate manned by quarian biotics. Thavnairian blue mages part of the Immortals. Their elegant blue and black garbs made them look so mysterious. The lighter blues on their person; the pitch black of the mask covering their mouths and noses. The same garb my ancestor Raubahn had worn while he was still alive. His fellow blue mages quietly held such great power, not moving once to even acknowledge us. They just stood in place and did their jobs, keeping their azure-colored eyes on the lookout for possible threats on the road. I respected and admired their dedication.

Aphmau led us through the Saltwind's Welcome. We passed by these trees with red and green leaves, flanked by the mauve-tinted mountains rolling outward across the entire island. On the beach to our left, a few villagers from Yedlihmad tried to enjoy the sea. They ended up staring out at the water.

A few wooden caravans moved past us, pulled along by larger steeds, bringing goods to and from the fishing town. The Thavnairians really didn't use any modern vehicles for transportation. They enjoyed this pure, unadulterated nature mostly untouched by technology. I almost felt like we'd used a time machine to go back into the past. Thavnair had preserved everything of their history and culture.

We walked by a hill leading to a place called Svarna: a festive-looking outdoor location with open restaurants and shops. They'd decorated the area with lively baubles, and tents of all sorts of colors. But the people there drank their tea and ate their curry in a real sullenness. The future had paralyzed them.

Farther along the path, Aphmau announced, "And this is the Perfumed Rise. See those bird-like animals over there? Those are hamsa. The Thavnairians breed them as smaller steeds—and sometimes as pets."

We saw the hamsa grazing around in the grass: short, chubby birds with colorful green feathers over their front. I even noticed a few quarian children—and grown adults—comically riding the creatures as steeds, as Aphmau mentioned. The poor hamsa seemed to sweat under the weight of the adults, waddling along in a struggle as they passed us by on the road. Some of those adults looked us up and down. They knew our group were outsiders, but they couldn't guess where we had come from. I understood that non-quarians lived in nearly every nation on Rannoch, hiding away as isolationists for their own personal reasons. So Shepard and Liara didn't necessarily stand out. My modern suit made me fit in with typical imperial wear, yet Aphmau's elegant garb placed her firmly in the traditional past.

Aphmau supplied, "The Thavnairians don't know what to think. They've yet to assume we're imperials. If they did, they would spit and call us colonizers under their breaths. It's nice to know they have no idea."

Colonizers…

Through a narrower enclosure between the painted mountains, I noticed a village entrance there within the stone. Some kind of banners or flags hanged there, reminding me of how the people on the Flotilla would mark the entrances to their homes. They had done the same back on the geth dreadnoughts, too.

"That is the Great Work," explained Aphmau. "It's a busy, productive little seaside village where alchemists work on their latest scientific discoveries. Nothing like the stereotypes of turning lead into gold. They stick to more practical work with life-saving medicines." Looking higher up the mountain, I saw a few steaming buildings at the very top. "Dr. T'Soni, maybe you'd be interested in seeing what they get up to. I know alchemy isn't your expertise. You strike me as a general science-savvy expert."

Liara definitely looked interested. "I wish we had the time to stop by… I have heard of alchemy, but I've never had the chance to see how it works up close. My homeworld doesn't dabble in this field at all."

"Then perhaps you'd like to visit Radz-at-Han's grander alchemical facilities. The Isle's central labs reside within the High Crucible of Al-Kimiya. You'll have time to go exploring there shortly after we arrive."

We continued higher and higher through the island. Then we reached a point where we walked on a raised level above the jungles down below. There within the Shroud of the Samgha, I saw such beautiful temples between the trees, and entire bodies of water constructed lovingly with colorful stones. The town of Vanaspati resided somewhere down there. The place where my ancestors had lived together. I wished I could've suggested we go and visit. With so much going on, we simply didn't have time now.

Then we finally made it to the showy entrance to Thavnair's capital. The city-state of Radz-at-Han had also carved itself into the stone of the painted mountains: an inverted pyramid fortressed in complexity, with several levels rising upward in enlightenment. Getting closer to the actual entrance, we had to walk across the long and winding Gajasimha Bridge, settled over those jungles and several bodies of water.

Manning the bridge stood more of those blue mages. They didn't speak to us. Yet they seemed to recognize Aphmau, bowing to her in respect. Then they allowed us to pass through without a word.

At the city's façade, dual fountains of water poured down in a calming rush of sound. The water fell from the powerful trunks of beasts resembling sharp-tusked elephants. The rushing grew nearer and nearer as we crossed the bridge, at last reaching the front gate.

Radz-at-Han's Gate of First Sight held several lit braziers of brass lighting the way. Flanking the entrance were a pair of flags, again, but this time the red, green, and gold bore a single menacing, open eye. Symbolizing how Radz-at-Han saw and remembered all. Their characteristic stubbornness. I looked higher up and saw that same eye crowned above the entrance to the guarded gate.

Aphmau led us up the winding staircase of the Loyal Rise. Up and up these brass steps, I felt the weight of our situation that much more. Up above I saw many colorful buildings with labyrinthine paths zigzagging through Radz-at-Han, leading every which way. I felt like I could've easily gotten lost in this place. The same loud coloration of the buildings from Yedlihmad, I noticed here. The strong reds, blues, yellows, and violets everywhere, camouflaging themselves as part of the painted mountains.

The grandness of this place, the imagination, the artistry. The city itself smelled fragrant from the many perfumes and spices around. Apparently, the Hannish nobles were obsessed with perfume due to the hot weather, not wanting to smell of sweat all the time. Perhaps they had gone a bit overboard…but I admired these little details, the character of this place. The depressing reminder: the Reapers could have taken this away at any moment. And now here I was, a complete stranger to the Hannish people, trying to negotiate for peace between them and the Flotilla—at the absolute worst time imaginable.

But I could still appreciate the beauty of this city. How at the top of the stairs, Alzadaal's Path awaited us in patience: a gorgeous city square with an iridescent fountain as the center-point. Clear water poured like steam from the brass contraption, surrounded by peacock-like feathers all around. Such pretty flowers of all colors floated atop the water's surface. A few quarian couples held hands together as they gazed wistfully at the fountain, the flowers floating along there in peace.

Radz-at-Han felt full and vibrant. I imagined this place alive with parties and celebrations all day and night, no matter the occasion. That was how things should have been.

Getting our attention, Aphmau let us know, "I'm heading to the Meghaduta now to speak with the crown prince, Ahewann. The Meghaduta is the Hannish government palace. Please feel free to look around the city. There's plenty to discover!"

Shepard asked, "Do you know the prince? How will he know it's you with your—disguise on?"

Aphmau laughed in a deceptive innocence. "Oh, I've done this before, Commander. Ahewann and I have our disguises only we know about. The tricky thing is, we were childhood friends…before rising to rule our respective governments. We still write to one another. On the outside, to the rest of Rannoch, we must hate each other. I'm hoping that by the end of our current conflict, we can finally set this aside."

How curious. Did the imperial palace know? Did her brother Grand Vizier Razfahd have any idea?

Before leaving to the Meghaduta, Aphmau promised: "If the Reapers suddenly show up during our stay here, I will act. I will give the order to evacuate the Flotilla's refugees from the geth ships to Whitegate."

"Really?! But I thought…"

"Our negotiations with Prince Ahewann are mostly a formality to prevent any hurt feelings, and to get the rest of Rannoch's citizens onboard with the move. However, if the emergency happens before we close the deal, then I will prioritize the refugees' safety. I shall take responsibility for my decision, should it come to that. I don't want you to worry, Tali. You've done more than enough worrying already."

Aphmau smiled at me, warm and uplifting.

"Thank you very much, Aphmau…"

"You're quite welcome. Now please enjoy what Radz-at-Han has to offer! I'm off to put a good word in with the crown prince. I'll let you know once it's time to join us at the palace."

She set off with Ovjang, again looking quite happy to see the prince. Her old childhood friend, hm?

Liara shared, "I would like to take a look at the alchemical facilities Aphmau mentioned. The High Crucible of Al-Kimiya. According to the map I've found, the facilities are located at the far northeast end of Radz-at-Han. I'm sure I will have a wonderful time trying to find my way around this beautiful maze of a city."

"You go ahead and do that," I replied. "I'm going to walk around with Chatika for a while. I'll see you and Shepard later at the Meghaduta."

As I went off with my automaton, Liara left in the opposite direction. I felt Shepard watching me. I expected, again, that she would join her girlfriend for their own adventures around the city. From the intensity of Shepard's stare, I had the feeling she would surprise me. I didn't want to get my hopes up.

Taking a cue from Liara, I used my omni-tool to guide me for my own little tour of Radz-at-Han.

I marveled over the gemstone creations everywhere, sold along the avenues in decadent houses as jewelry stores. The maharajas and maharanis of centuries past would get to visit those homes, sampling the jewelry there by invitation only. The Hannish goldsmiths cut and shaped the stones entirely by hand. Not by machines. I pulled up a view of the beautiful craftsmanship from the stones—especially their sapphires, reminding me of Liara's promise ring. I found a similar quality with her ring and the work here. I also had the sense that normally, they enjoyed quite a lot of business. Not lately. Not today.

Instead, several artists worked on their miniature paintings: intricate works of art the size of photographs, handcrafted with fine brushes that took years to master. Brushes made from animals who still lived, with the fineness of the brush unchanged by the animal's death. All handmade, again.

I passed by several schools of art, attended by the Hannish quarians—and even some geth! I pictured these geth artists living quiet, unassuming lives in Radz-at-Han, having chosen to assimilate with their creators. The quarians here seemed to appreciate the geth, treating them as regular members of society. Just like the imperials did with the geth back in Aht Urhgan. I caught a glimpse of some of the geth's artwork: their mechanical-styled interpretations of art and imagination. Depictions of many eyes looking at the same thing from different perspectives. Their work sold for thousands of imperial coins.

Yet I saw the Hannish exchanging those coins with resentment. I had expected Thavnair's capital would have a currency of their own. But for trading purposes with the rest of Rannoch, they used the global standard—the imperial currency. Just another reason for them to bury the hatchet with Aht Urhgan.

Radz-at-Han also enjoyed an abundant textile industry. Through these indoor palatial halls, I smelled the perfumed silks spinning from the Ruveydah Fibers industry. They created unique, one-of-a-kind fabrics no one would be able to find anywhere else on Rannoch. Even elsewhere in the galaxy. Unthinkably exquisite designs again all made by hand, custom-made for the customer. These fabrics also sold for thousands. Apparently in Radz-at-Han, they chose not to mass-produce goods for simple profit. This entire island moved at a much slower, more personalized pace for its relatively small population.

Upstairs from the textile shops, I returned outside to Paksa's Path, which surprisingly had an airship landing for civilian travel. I still had yet to see any aircraft roaming through Thavnair's skies. This building must have been from an era long-past, many years ago. But they hadn't thought to tear the place down.

Past the airship landing, I made it to an open area. After constantly being surrounded by Radz-at-Han's mismatched rainbows of buildings, this simple garden surprised me. Named the Dharma: for a reality as universal truth. Heading up the hills and these brass steps, I noticed a humble, graceful, well-guarded palace at the top. Most likely the Meghaduta where Aphmau had gone to meet with Prince Ahewann.

Chatika joined me near the waterfalls pooling off the side of this edge. The same waterfalls we'd witnessed on our approach to the city. I saw those same paths we took before, this time from my vantage point up above. Farther out, I saw what looked like a luxurious hotel resting atop a body of still water, gleaming in the gloom of the early evening. It looked like people could only enter the building after traveling by boat to reach the entrance. The romance of those boats as they gently coasted along, rarely interrupting the stillness of that reflective water. A breathtaking sight I would never forget.

Radz-at-Han and Thavnair both had so many of these unforgettable sights, experiences.

Already the blood red twilight began settling over the skies. Soon the sun would set to nighttime over the island. I couldn't imagine the weather growing chilly even at night. This humid heat would remain.

Sitting down in this secluded space, this equally unforgettable weight had brought me down. I had yet to fully process what I'd witnessed back on the Flotilla. And I didn't have time to process it with more dangers barreling toward us. Chatika sat with me, mimicking my posture. I felt a quiet understanding from her. She reminded me without words that I wasn't alone. I still had her, if nothing else.

I still had someone else, too.

Letting me hear her armored footsteps on purpose, Shepard approached me.

So she really had followed me this whole time. Hidden within the crowd to keep me from spotting her.

Something about her watchful, protective care comforted me—just in the way I needed right now.

"Hey, Tali," she said, kneeling down with me by the water. "I wanted to check up on you."

I held back the bigger smile I wanted to give her. "Hey, pretty boy."

Shepard smiled in reminiscence over our inside joke. Boyish and confident, curling to one side of her face. She glanced at the ground reflexively, charming in her appeal. Such warmth glowed and sparkled in her eyes from the sunset. Especially once Chatika waved hello to her. Shepard laughed softly and returned her wave, endeared by my forever-companion. Seeing their sweet interaction cheered me up a little bit more.

But of course, nothing escaped Shepard's notice.

"Tali, what's the matter? After what happened on the Migrant Fleet, I can imagine what's going through your mind. I feel like there's something else bothering you, too."

"I guess I'm traumatized by what happened," I admitted. "And I'm angry about it. I know it will pass. Once we get everyone safely to the empire—or here, if this is where they'd rather settle down. Wherever they want to live on the homeworld. We have this last hurdle to get over." From the concern in her expression, Shepard left me no room to ignore the last part—about something else bothering me these days. "As for the rest…well, I don't know what to say. I think it's obvious what the problem is."

"Are you upset with me? Or Liara?"

I shook my head.

"Then what's on your mind?"

For all Shepard's kindness and compassion in this moment, I wished she wouldn't make me say it.

Shepard naturally wanted to solve the problem. She wanted to fix the situation. I couldn't blame her for believing one conversation could do the trick. Yet I couldn't tell her there was no magical solution to this. We couldn't just fix things and move on.

The only solution I wanted…was something she couldn't give me on principle. Ideologically, she couldn't.

The only person she had ever made these ideological exceptions for was Liara.

I knew it wasn't my place to ask her for this. I couldn't possibly give in to my selfish wants with her. And I could never betray my best friend, either. So that left me with no options. No solutions. No relief.

Shepard could never know the nuances of my thoughts. She could sense my emotions, and take a good guess at where I stood. But for better or worse, she couldn't read my mind. I had to take solace in that.

Not wanting to push the issue, she suggested instead, "Do you want to go for a walk with me around Radz-at-Han? To wherever you didn't go before. There's still a lot of this city we haven't seen."

So thoughtful and sensitive.

"Okay, Shepard."

Standing up first, she offered her hand to me. I set my palm over hers, uplifted by her helping me up. Shepard kept my hand in hers as we set off. Chatika stayed right behind me, right at my other side.

We walked around together, leaving the Dharma from the side I hadn't explored last time. These soft sandstone paths took us through a residential district. We found more of those colorful buildings for houses, separated by wide roads, open plazas, and those same beautiful fountains from the city's entrance. Aside from a few children playing together, no one chose to roam around outside. From the high quality and excellent condition of the houses, everyone here seemed to live in prosperity. Or well-off enough to afford those expensive jewels, textiles, and works of art I had passed by earlier.

Leaving the residential district, Shepard and I arrived to a tall, wide tunnel that connected various sections of the city together. The loud coloration of the marble flooring held mostly reds. Strong reds that also made up the intricately-patterned walls and ceilings around us. This branching place led to all sorts of places: grocery stores with handpicked fresh fruits and vegetables, gender-mixed indoor saunas where they offered towels merely as a light suggestion, more specialized schools and trade schools for quarians and geth together, and so many other locations. Since this tunnel led to several other areas in Radz-at-Han, the business owners saw plenty of customers here. So they offered quite the variety.

We found our way to a small, ostentatious library that—of course—smelled of perfume. A few geth sat at the workstations, studying old texts on Thavnair's history. A quarian family browsed the shelves for anything that looked interesting. Shepard and I did the same, looking for whatever caught our eye.

So many of these books talked about the island's history. Thavnair's heritage and accomplishments. Mathematicians from ancient times who contributed to much of Rannoch's knowledge of engineering. Religious and philosophical scholars who set the tone for how my ancestors governed themselves. A lot of these philosophical books had the same title. Or at least the same proverb in their titles, repeating:

Gods Bound by Rules

Gods Bound by Rules – A History of Rannoch's Society of Accountability

Gods Bound by Rules – How the Empire of Aht Urhgan Dangerously Disregards Our Sacred Maxim

Ruling with Power and Respect: Why Rannoch's Leaders Must be Gods Bound by Rules

The Migrant Fleet Forgets – How the Perpetrators of the Morning War Are Not Bound by Rules

A few resentful literary texts described how much of Aht Urhgan's ingenuity came from Thavnair's scientific discoveries. But the empire received the credit because they had the military might to expand on everything: creating better technology, better weapons, and better ships to conquer other nations. I winced at the depictions of Aphmau's dynasty raping and enslaving weaker countries for their resources. Her most recent predecessors had taken steps to make up for the Nash'Meiras of before. Paying reparations, investing more in each country's economy, and so on. But any attempts by these nations to break away from the empire always ended in failure. They couldn't simply leave Aht Urhgan.

Colonizers indeed.

Though we did find some books discussing my ancestor Tahlia. The texts spoke highly of her, even as an imperial: she had brought a synthesis to Thavnair, using her extensive engineering knowledge to improve Radz-at-Han's medical facilities. Since then, the average lifespan of the Thavnairian people drastically improved. They'd also made several milestones with their alchemical research over the years. Milestones they never would've thought possible if not for Tahlia's exceptional work and contributions.

One of the books on Thavnair's religious myths caught Shepard's attention, titled Twilit Triumvirate.

She thumbed through the pages in a quiet disbelief.

"Shepard?" I asked. "What's wrong?"

"These myths sound so familiar," she replied in a hushed voice, blending with the turning of pages. "The same names. The same stories. The same concepts. How did Hinduism get to Rannoch from Earth?"

"Hinduism? Isn't that the religion from India that Samara has been obsessed with?"

"Yes, it is… This whole island reminds me of India. The main difference is that Thavnair is culturally and religiously homogenous. They all speak the same language. India is a melting pot of different experiences in one subcontinent. These Hindu myths unite different people of the same faith."

"How fascinating. What is a triumvirate? I've never heard of that term before."

Shepard taught me, "A triumvirate is a group of three powerful people. On Earth, it's about Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva: the three gods in the Hindu trinity, or the triumvirate. Brahma is the creator of the universe. Vishnu is the preserver and protector of the universe. Shiva is the destroyer of the universe, in order to recreate it. Based on this book, these gods and ideas exist in the major Thavnairian religion."

I wondered, "What is Thavnair's religion called?"

"Svadhisthana. It comes from Hindu Tantrism. Or maybe the Thavnairians thought of it first, and these ideas somehow found their way from Rannoch to Earth. I don't know. This is seriously throwing me off."

While Shepard continued poring through the book's pages, I did a bit of research on my own.

Using my omni-tool, I searched for Svadhisthana. The definition from Earth came up. Hindu Tantrism, as Shepard said. Svadhisthana, the second primary chakra. The sacral chakra. The creativity and sexual chakra. Associated with water: flow, flexibility, freedom of expression. Emotions and sensuality. A person could open this chakra through yoga or meditation. Only blocked by fear. The fear of death.

I read aloud, "Also known as one's own abode. Dwelling in a place of the self."

"Home," murmured Shepard. "Feeling right at home…in the water. The flow. The emotion. No fears."

Something seemed to unlock in her as she made these connections.

I could only wonder. She didn't speak of the change. I sensed this next transcendence within her.

After a while longer, Shepard had us leave the library. Only because I was hungry after such a long day. She prioritized taking care of me over digging in more to her latest discoveries. Even after we returned to Radz-at-Han's central tunnel, I felt Shepard's mind back with those books, those shelves we'd left behind. As she held my hand, walking with me in search of something to eat, she steadily came back to our reality. She remembered herself, shifting her focus to finding a nice place for a meal. Again, for me. It didn't take long for us to find what we wanted.

Several round, decorative tables of brass spread out across the duplex of Mehryde's Meyhane. Only a few patrons ate dinner or drank their tankards of alcohol. They mostly watched the classical Kathak dancers on the stage across from us. Those graceful artists told such beautiful stories through dance, their traditional garbs flowing with their movements. Off to our left side, a series of arcades opened up as tall, rounded windows. There the vermillion sunset dimmed along the endless horizon: bottomless through the sky from our raised vantage point, so high up over the mountains.

One of the waiters quickly came by to welcome us. No discrimination, no judgment. He directed Shepard and me to a secluded table nearest to the windows, off in a comfortable corner. Chatika curled up on the floor next to my leg, quietly absorbing the thoughtful mood from the meyhane's atmosphere. After handing us a pair of menus, the waiter went on his way, promising to return once knew what to order.

Shepard sat across from me, facing the meyhane's entrance. As we browsed the menu, she kept an eye on the doors, the windows behind me. I wanted to tell her not to worry about any of that. I wanted us to enjoy our dinner in peace—perhaps our last dinner before the mission. But I knew she cared. So much.

Instead I mentioned to her, "There are quite a lot of spicy meals on the menu. Did you notice?"

"Yeah," she agreed. "The Thavnairians apparently like their food as hot as the weather around here."

"Well, it's a good thing Liara isn't with us. She wouldn't like any of these offerings."

"We'll just have to tell her about it later. Anything caught your eye yet?"

"Hmm, this green jaljeera drink looks good. Spicy, tangy, and sour. That sounds fun! It says this is a traditional Thavnairian drink for cooling off on a hot day. So pretty much every day. They've engineered the recipe to fill anyone up as a regular meal. Should we try it?"

"Let's try it."

Our waiter magically knew to return in this moment, taking our simple order, and again promising to return. Shepard and I both shared an understanding. That a simple meal would be best on an evening like this. I would have loved to experiment and try these other dishes—like the traditional dal bati churma or laal maas. We'd have to return someday. After the war, once everything calmed down.

Or perhaps we could have gone to India on Earth for a similar experience.

I noticed an unexpected sorrow in Shepard's eyes. These reminders of home—or at least her homeworld—had no doubt gotten to her. I knew she wanted to go back. I knew, if given the chance, she would have returned home as soon as she could. The one place where she always felt safe, comfortable.

"You never cared this much before," I noticed. "About Earth. Not on a personal level, I mean."

"I resented Earth before. Now that we've lost it…everything's changed. I try not to think about it. But I can't always escape the reminders. It's complicated. You know."

"I do know. I feel the same way about the Flotilla. You're not the only one."

Shepard smiled a bit in our shared misery. Then we had our drinks to brighten the mood. Flavored with a strong spice mix, I couldn't wrap my mind around everything I tasted. Mint, lime, salt all blended together with those spices. And with such a nice cooling effect, adding to the chill of Shepard's implants.

"What do you think, Shepard? Do you like it?"

Shepard made a face as she sipped her drink. She didn't want to say anything.

I giggled over her politeness. "It's okay if you don't. You've never been an adventurous eater."

"Well…it reminds me of a spicy lemonade. Like drinking it on a hot summer day. I'll finish it."

"If you're sure. What else is on your mind?"

"You," she said, boring her eyes into mine.

I nearly choked on my drink—"Wh-what?!"

"I want to know how you're doing. I'm still worried about you."

"Oh…" Shepard really needed to dial back on her usual intensity. "I feel like something's changed in me, just from being here in Radz-at-Han. This place is so beautiful. I'm eternally grateful that this city and this island exist. I also feel a lot of sadness from having missed out for so long. Like being stuck on the Flotilla had robbed me of these experiences. I could have learned more. I could have broadened my horizons." I drank a bit from my cup: this delectable and delightful jaljeera. Another pang of sadness. "Even the food here is incredible. The sights, the culture. The Thavnairian quarians speak with an entirely different accent, you know. Nothing like the imperials or the Fleet's refugees."

"I understand what you mean. That's why when you first showed me around on the Rayya, I was…kind of unsettled. You and your people were stuck there. You found ways to make peace with your situation, but it wasn't right. You deserved way more than what you had. Then again, you don't seem to think, culturally, that you deserve anything as a society. I think it's what kept you all complacent for so long."

I soured over the memory of our elders repeating to us: "Life isn't about what you deserve."

Another piece of propaganda? Something to subdue into submission to keep us from rebelling?

The patterns and evidence went much deeper than us hating the geth as our enemy. Unnecessarily.

"…but as you know," I went on, "That isn't everything I've missed out on."

Patient as ever, reluctantly drinking her drink, Shepard waited for me to continue.

After spending this time with her today, I felt much closer to her. I felt our longstanding bond deepening. I wanted to get at least a few things off my chest. I wanted to speak freely. But I worried…

"Tali, I don't want you to bottle this up. It's okay."

"Okay, then… I guess I'm mostly feeling guilty. This is like a constant greed I can't seem to resist. Isn't that Mammon's sin? The Reaper devil ship who's supposed to attack the homeworld soon. That somehow must be about me and not the Flotilla…"

"Are you fighting against your feelings?"

"Fighting against them? What do you mean?"

"You said you feel guilty. Are you trying to suppress how you feel? Are you ashamed?"

"I… I'm not sure if I'm trying to do that. Or if I feel ashamed. I suppose I don't understand the point."

"The point of your feelings," she rephrased, as if she could relate.

"Right. If I can't have you to myself, then why do I still feel this way? Why do I love you so much?"

Shepard hinted, "Those answers will come to you in due time. Maybe sooner than you think."

How cryptic. Yet oddly reassuring.

Not wanting to dwell on my misery, I changed the subject a bit: "I've noticed you're far more attached to Liara these days. More than you allowed yourself to be in the past. With anyone. How do you feel about her, Shepard?"

She quietly admitted, "I gave Liara that promise ring. There's more to the story. I want to ask her to marry me. I want to propose to her now. I want Liara to be my wife right now… But I knew I had to slow down. I can't rush this. So I'm waiting for the perfect time to ask her. Feels like I'm on the edge of my seat."

I smiled over her anxieties. Shepard had never felt this way about anyone before. I knew she hadn't.

Pleasantly surprised, I asked, "When did this start? Was there a turning point?"

"Our crazy night out on Illium. Then everything that happened with the Shadow Broker. I almost lost my mind when we lost Liara, when she went missing… I—I wasn't expecting that to happen. I thought if anything went down, I would stay rational. I'd stay focused on doing what I needed to do. Then those emotions came up. Once we left for Hagalaz, my feelings exploded. I'm fucking obsessed with her."

"Are you afraid, Shepard? Afraid of loving Liara this strongly? How she might affect you?"

When she couldn't answer me, focused on sipping her drink, her silence again spoke volumes.

If this all started on Illium, with Jack's stupid brownie-drugs, then…maybe I couldn't stay angry with her.

Maybe I owed Jack an apology. For shouting at her that night, insulting her. For giving her the cold shoulder ever since. However unintentional, she had brought Shepard and Liara much closer together.

I made a mental note to revisit this later. Possibly, maybe. I needed to make up my mind eventually.

"I understand how you feel," I shared. "We've all spotted the changes. Just in the way you look at Liara now compared to before. It somehow reminds me of this place."

"Radz-at-Han?"

"Yes," I replied, looking around the meyhane. "How everything here is so unique in craftsmanship. The enlightenment, the dedication. You regard Liara in the same ways. You covet her with that same attention to detail. As if she were a work of art that you continually gaze at, finding new spots of beauty and inspiration over time. I'd say that describes your entire relationship with her. Your whole love life together. The two of you have had your ups and downs, to put it lightly. You're stronger than ever now."

Far too precious, Shepard nodded in her shy agreement.

The eternal glow in her eyes helped shed a light for me. The love there for Liara and me both—differently, separately—helped me shift my entire perspective.

"Well, Shepard, you have my blessing to marry her. I want you to propose to Liara—when it's right. When it's the perfect time. I'm sure you'll know exactly when that time arrives. You have my support."

"Really?"

"Yes, really," I promised with a smile. "Things between us will stay the same, won't they?"

"Nothing else has to change," she confirmed, sounding relieved. "Liara seems happy with how we are. I want you to be part of our family. You're still a priority for me, Tali. I don't want you to feel left out."

Shepard came over to give me a hug. The one hug I needed most from her. The pinnacle of reassurance and security—as everything I could've asked for and more.

I hadn't seen this day coming, either. When Shepard would openly talk about family like this. She just…never seemed the type to embrace these sorts of things. Shepard had her own views of family as more of a ball and chain. A source of stress, an unnecessary distraction. Or a weakness for others to exploit and manipulate. Yet not anymore. Over and over again I felt this relief. A heartwarming relief that Shepard had finally welcomed Liara and me into her heart like this. Even with her layered fears.

As the expected end to our moment, my omni-tool went off with an alert. Aphmau messaged me, letting us know it was time to meet at the Meghaduta to speak with Prince Ahewann. I forwarded the message to Liara as well, knowing we would probably never find her in time. Liara quickly wrote back, promising to meet Shepard and me at the palace. She wrapped up her learning at the High Crucible of Al-Kimiya.

So after paying for our meal, Shepard had us leave the restaurant, holding my hand as we set off together. And I felt so glad that she and Liara hadn't left me behind for each other. Now I trusted that they never would. They'd always remember to keep me with them. They wouldn't abandon me.

Slowly but surely, I began to find my peace with this secure structure of our family.

By nightfall, Shepard and I met up with Liara at the Meghaduta: Radz-at-Han's dressed-down palace. At least compared to the imperial palace in Whitegate. Warmer and cozier than that ostentatiousness we remembered, this lavish home reminded me more of a ballroom. Or a very expensive hotel. The many colors from the rest of the Isle dripped in muted golds and shining marble. I smelled a similar drenched scent of perfume everywhere from the nobles, and even the blue mage Immortal guards. Aphmau soon joined in the vibrancy around, finding us with an easy smile. She led us to the prince's meeting room.

After entering the room, one of the Immortals announced in a clear authority:

"His Royal Highness, Prince Ahewann."

In the center of this comfortable indulgence, Radz-at-Han's crown prince awaited us in patience. Quite the handsome prince, he gave us a smile that made him seem gentle and worldly. No flair or flamboyance in his appearance. He dressed the same as the well-off quarian men across the city. I sensed that he might've been just a few years older than Aphmau and me. With his gentleness, I didn't feel any aura of power or command from him. So unlike my meetings with Empress Nash'Meira from behind the veil. Perhaps he was more of a ceremonial figurehead than an actual head of state. The reason for the Hannish government's weakness compared to the empire, at least according to Aphmau.

She approached him first, just as alight as the palace in the night. "Your Highness. I have brought my newest friends to visit, as promised. They are eager to meet you."

"Yes, as am I," replied Ahewann in a profound, peaceful modesty. "Thank you all for accompanying Aphmau from Aht Urhgan. She has made the journey before—alone—and each time I worried for her safety. I was able to rest easier this time, knowing she had such legendary companions by her side."

I clammed up, not knowing how to respond all of a sudden.

Back in the imperial palace, the empress' advisers had expected us to kneel to her.

No one else stuck around this time in the crown prince's meeting room. Were we supposed to kneel? Bow to him? Shake hands? I didn't know enough about Hannish customs to guess the protocol… Liara looked equally clueless. Shepard glanced to the ceiling, still playing as the follower instead of our leader.

Ahewann noticed the problem, insisting, "There's no need for any of that. As a Thavnairian prince, I am a mere servant of the people. You needn't show such deference to me as you would the magnificent Empress Nash'Meira val Zahbi. I have not earned her same renown or respect. Let us be as equals to one another, Tali'Zorah. I extend the same offer to Commander Shepard and Dr. T'Soni as well."

Aphmau leaned over to me, whispering in sarcasm, "He has quite the inflated ego, doesn't he?"

I smiled over her attempt to lighten the mood, figuring I should just get to the point.

"Thank you, Your Highness," I told him. "Well, as I'm sure Aphmau's explained to you, I'm here because of the Flotilla. I understand my people aren't welcome on Rannoch. They know the reasons why they aren't welcome. They're willing to assimilate. They want to do all they can to prove themselves. The empress has agreed to give them a chance. If there's any way we could convince you to do the same—"

"—you've convinced me, Tali'Zorah. It will be done."

What?!

"Already!? But, Prince Ahewann, I thought…"

He gave Aphmau such a prolonged stare. Meanwhile, she smiled back at him in a satisfied glee.

Aphmau had certainly put in a good word for me. They must've had a wonderful time earlier. I should've known… Seeing the same, Shepard snorted back her reflexive laughter. Liara elbowed her to keep quiet.

Ahewann cleared his throat. "It seems you are now privy to our long-kept secret. I apologize for the, ah, sudden and unexpected discovery. I shouldn't give the impression that this is the only reason I have agreed. That would be rather anticlimactic after all you've faced. Will you allow me to explain further?"

"Please," I requested, needing the full story.

"The refugees—your people—face a devastating situation. Unfortunately, Rannoch is on the eve of a devastating situation of our own. You are aware of the Reapers' arrival. Now is the time to set aside the past; to embrace one another. Even in the face of our centuries-long resentments, the homeworld understands the need to join together as one. I have noticed the gradual change across Thavnair as well: the still-present, yet fading animosities toward the Empire of Aht Urhgan. My people know we will not survive as isolationists. We need the empire's help. We dearly need your help as our unexpected allies."

Shepard stepped forward to say, "The Alliance is on their way to us as we speak. My military's bringing reinforcements with them. The Flotilla's former marines are ready to defend Rannoch with their lives."

The prince smiled in optimism. "You are our timely saviors, my friends. The geth are advanced indeed, but we were unsure if their fleets would be enough to protect us. This is just the message our people need to hear. Knowing we will survive this, they'll soon begin to associate the refugees with this hope."

"The empire as well, I hope," added Aphmau. "I have given the order for the Imperial Army to arrive first thing in the morning. With your blessing, we will begin evacuating Thavnair's rural citizens here to the capital. Once everyone is safe behind the city walls, our army will set up defensive positions across the island. Will your esteemed biotics be prepared to protect Radz-at-Han?"

"They are prepared. But I'm afraid their numbers are too few to withstand attacks from the Reapers. I welcome the empire's help in escorting the rural folk to the capital. Dr. T'Soni, I'm afraid I must ask for your help as well. As a powerful biotic, you have been successful in shielding against the enemy. Could we trouble you to join with the Immortals for Radz-at-Han's defense? If your teammates would allow it."

Liara replied in surprise, "Certainly, Your Highness. As long as I am not needed elsewhere…"

She looked to me as our leader for the operation. Shepard seemed more than okay with this.

I remembered, "Aphmau, are you sure you won't need Liara to protect your capital at Whitegate? Or will your ancient Alexander automaton really be enough?"

Aphmau promised, "Alexander will be sufficient to protect our lands—though not against Mammon, the devil ship itself. As it stands, the Immortals cannot defend against even a destroyer on their own, let alone the Reaper commander. Thavnair needs Dr. T'Soni's expertise more than we do. Besides, this will send the message we wish to convey. That the homeworld should no longer fear or hate any outsiders."

"Of course, Aphmau. I'll leave you to coordinate with Shepard on the details. She's the expert with this."

"Thank you, Tali. We should get started right away. My brother Razfahd is waiting to hear from us."

Ahewann let us know, "You are each welcome to spend the night as my guests. We have already prepared rooms for you to stay in. However, Tali'Zorah, I wondered if we might share a word together."

"Oh—" Just with me? "I'm happy to speak with you more, Your Highness."

"Very good, then. Aphmau, you know the way to the vid comm and how to reach the grand vizier."

Aphmau offered, "Then I'll bring Dr. T'Soni and the commander along. Don't wait up for me."

Ahewann smiled after her. "I will anyway."

More smiles from the rest of us followed as they left the room. Once they left, Ahewann extended his arm, gesturing toward the open pathway nearby. We went outside to the palace garden brimming with life in the night. The same care and craft from Radz-at-Han's artwork, I spotted in this meticulously-shaped greenery everywhere. So many exotic flowers of all shades, shapes, and sizes. And a decorative fountain right in the center, the fresh water twinkling beneath the stars. We had an incredible view of the rest of Radz-at-Han—an overhead perspective of the quieted city, soon off to sleep at this hour.

We sat down on this bench at the fountain, listening to the garden for a while. As always, Chatika stayed by my side, sitting nearby as she absorbed the nature around us.

Ahewann spoke his mind, "We will be victorious against the Reapers. With the Alliance, their reinforcements, and the Imperial Army helping us, this will be the undertaking of a generation. This victory will bring Rannoch together. It will be a time of healing and unification for Thavnair, Aht Urhgan, and the Migrant Fleet's refugees. I've already begun preparing a speech to give tomorrow."

"You're confident about this, aren't you?"

"Yes, I am. I have been waiting for a moment like this for a long time. A very long time. My servant-like position doesn't allow me to enact my will upon the people. I have no such authority as Crown Prince. I have instead taken on the role of Thavnair's principal observer. I see which way the winds are headed."

"Well, I'll take your word for it. I just wish it didn't take so much to bring everyone back together."

"I feel the same. But with how far back our conflicts go, only a situation as historic as this could possibly unite us. And you are at the center of it all, Tali'Zorah vas Normandy. Although, considering your own history, it is only right that you are our central player."

"Yes, I'm starting to feel the pressure…"

"You know, Aphmau speaks very highly of you. After your first visit to Rannoch, our conversations often drifted to you. She knew then just how special and unique you are."

"You're a charmer, Your Highness."

"A genuine charmer. Any friend of Aphmau's is a friend of mine—though I can't admit this publicly."

"Given her place in the empire, I couldn't say she and I are friends… Is that even possible?"

"I believe so," said the prince. "She is a free spirit, as you've witnessed. In another timeline, I could see the two of you getting along quite well. I'd say even your automatons seem to know one another: Chatika and Ovjang. Perhaps friends from the past." A free spirit trapped behind an unknowable veil as the Empress of Aht Urhgan… "Something tells me you also value your freedom. Or am I off-track?"

"You're right, actually. But how could you tell?"

"Aphmau's clued me in to the rumors surrounding your more personal feelings. With the commander. Yet you don't seem broken up over your situation. You have found your peace."

"Only recently," I clarified. "I've gone through the ups and downs already. Many times before. I can't control the way I feel about her. It would be so much easier to let go and get swept away in something else—except I can't. I'm free to love her from a distance. I'm free to live my life as I want. I value that."

"Yes, your words ring true. I needn't explain how I can relate in some ways."

"I can imagine. It helps to know that she and I will always have this. I enjoy the good things with her. No drama, no arguments, no expectations. No heartbreaking disappointments with one another. It's nice."

Ahewann observed, "As it stands, this does indeed appear to be your path. You, Commander Shepard, and Dr. T'Soni are a triumvirate of gods. Your lives are inseparable."

The triumvirate:

"Do you mean Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu?"

"Hmm, not directly. You are a new trinity of your own. For the existing one from Svadhisthana myth, the commander perhaps occupies two of those roles. I can't decide which one she is. Vishnu or Shiva."

Vishnu, the protector and preserver;

Or Shiva, the eternal destroyer.

I already knew. "I don't think she's only one. Shepard is both."

"Yes, she is many contradictions in one. The entire galaxy and the center of the universe in a single person. I understand why you find her so compelling." Inspired by our shared experiences, Prince Ahewann looked to the stars. Such a majestic sky stared down at us. "Tali, your presence and your actions have changed Rannoch forever. Before you arrived, I never thought… I never believed I could dare propose to her again. That I could be her husband. Her Imperial Majesty. Not just because the empire would never make me an emperor. A mere Thavnairian prince of little domestic influence. A figurehead without a true voice, unable to mend old wounds between the Isle and Aht Urhgan."

I sensed something more: "This secret nearly broke you and Aphmau apart. Didn't it?"

"I'm sad to say you're right. I'll spare you the messy details of our years-long affair. If word had gotten out about us before, it would've destroyed her legacy, her dynasty. She felt a great deal of guilt over it. There came a time when we stopped speaking. Bitterly so. And then, one day, you traveled to Rannoch. You inspired her to imagine the possibilities again. She believed again. Then she returned to me. We both apologized to one another; we reconnected. Now, thanks to you, everything's changed for the better. I have the opportunity I've waited my entire life for. She might finally tell me yes this time."

The prince conveyed his hopes and dreams through the gentlest smile. I never imagined I could inspire someone like this. That I could ever inspire so much change for someone else—across an entire world.

Prince Ahewann inspired me to better consider the effects of my choices. Cause and effect; actions and consequences. Every single decision I made would make a difference. Every word, every hesitation, and every decisive instant would ripple outward. All in ways I couldn't see or comprehend in the moment, taking shape in the future. The magic of our shared experiences as people, together or apart. Collective.

After saying good night to Ahewann, I only got a few hours of sleep.

Waking up in the dark about an hour before dawn, I felt a strange weight. Added gravity pushing down on me, pulling down. I tossed and turned in this bed, this wonderful bed in the palace. Eventually I heard Chatika's steeled jewels. Her movements. She trotted over to me. Closer to the bed. I glanced down at her through the dark, her brass attachments glinting through the shadows. Her presence comforted me.

"Good morning," I told her. "Doesn't look like I'm going back to sleep. Should we start our day early?"

Chatika made a wide stretching gesture. Like stretching in bed to wake up. I managed to smile at her. In her innocence, she somehow reminded me that everything would be okay. It had to be.

After getting ready for the day, I still had a bit of time. Prince Ahewann had asked us to meet in the palace foyer in a short while. So I used my omni-tool to check Rannoch's news networks. Already, the leaders from Aht Urhgan and Thavnair had put out broadcasts to the homeworld. From the empire: Grand Vizier Razfahd spoke from the throne room of the imperial palace. Empress Nash'Meira appeared to be next to him behind her veil. Perhaps pre-recorded—but Rannoch's people believed this broadcast was live, helping the imperials think the empress was currently at the palace. I imagined Aphmau and her brother had recorded this before we traveled to Thavnair.

During the broadcast, they told their people the story. The Migrant Fleet's story. What happened to the refugees; what the admirals had done to them. The empress and the grand vizier explained that my people knew the truth; that we'd grown ashamed of our ancestors and our former leaders. They asked the imperial citizens—and the global citizens of Rannoch—to embrace the Flotilla during our time of need. To come together in unification and healing with the enemy on its way to the homeworld.

Prince Ahewann said the same during a similar broadcast to Thavnair. As promised.

I looked outside my window to Radz-at-Han's sunny morning, brightening by the moment. Beyond the Meghaduta, the blue mages began to mobilize, much like the Imperial Army did back in Whitegate. Liara would stay behind with them to boost their biotic defense of Radz-at-Han. Samara would join her, too. I could've sworn I saw Samara already among the biotic quarians, speaking with their captain. If she was already here, then the Reapers must've been on their way by now. We didn't have much time to waste.

In the palace foyer, I met up with Shepard and Liara. Aphmau and Prince Ahewann soon found us.

"Good, you're all here," said Aphmau. "It's time for us to mobilize. Everyone's moving into position. The grand vizier warned that the Reapers will arrive within the hour. It's all the notice we could've gotten."

Liara supplied, "That sounds about right. It is a good thing we prepared ahead of time."

"Indeed," agreed Prince Ahewann. "Tali'Zorah, an update on the plan: our biotics will protect Radz-at-Han alongside Dr. T'Soni and Justicar Samara. A sizable portion of the Imperial Army's forces are spread across the island, taking up defensive positions. We'll need the rest of your team to bolster the army's remaining defenses outside of Aht Urhgan. The geth are spread thin sending their ships and units all across the homeworld. The refugee marines will be outside Whitegate. They require your assistance."

I asked, "Does that mean your people have accepted us…?"

Aphmau promised me, "The acceptance process has begun, Tali. I'm sure you saw the news broadcasts. Our people are shocked, but they understand the urgency of the situation. Your marines have made clear their willingness to lay down their lives for the homeworld. They now have the empire's support."

The prince added, "Thavnair is slow to accept outsiders, but the island will come around. I assure you."

"Thank you, Aphmau. Thank you, Your Highness. This is a great relief. Now that that's settled, we should head back to the empire. We can help protect Whitegate from any Reaper ground troops headed our way. But what about Alexander? Is the automaton ready to deploy over Aht Urhgan?"

Aphmau told me, "In this short window before the invasion, our engineers are working down to the wire. I would feel more secure if you went to oversee the process, Tali. The process of Alexander's activation. Our techs are gathered within the Alzadaal Undersea Ruins: the same underground labyrinth you explored while traveling to Nyzul Isle. This is a precarious process. We have not actually summoned Alexander in several centuries. It's critical that we get the automaton up and running."

Shepard asked, "What's the calculation, here? If Alexander's protecting the empire, then our forces outside Whitegate will protect the automaton? You said he could withstand just about anything—except attacks from the devil ship."

"Yes, Commander, that's correct. The automaton will protect all of Aht Urhgan. It's imperative that your team, the Imperial Army, and the refugee marines prevent any ground forces from needlessly attacking Alexander. He will need all of his energy to withstand the assault from destroyers and capital-class ships. We'll of course need you to go and disable Mammon as soon as possible. Once you find an opening."

"Understood."

"I will take an imperial transport back to Whitegate. Prince Ahewann will remain here and coordinate with the Immortals, following your plans we solidified yesterday. I'm trusting each of you to ensure Rannoch's continued survival. When this is over, the Imperial Army will be at your side to retake Earth."

"As will the Immortals," vowed Ahewann. "We could not do any of this without you. Thank you, my friends. This is goodbye—for now. When we meet again, we will have this conflict under our control. Given how much you have crippled the enemy's morale in the past, I expect this will not be a difficult battle. The Reapers should be weaker."

Would the Reapers be weaker this time?

Was that reasonable to expect after we'd lowered their morale so much?

Outside the palace, Cortez had found a safe spot to land the shuttle. Liara accompanied Shepard and me to say our own goodbyes. We probably wouldn't see her again until after the mission. So Liara hugged me first, mindful of what little time we had left. I still needed this time. This time to connect with Liara for safety, for reassurance. Just the motivation I needed to pull off yet another impossible mission.

Liara murmured, "Promise me you'll stay alive."

"I will, Liara. I'm sure you and Samara will be great. Radz-at-Han needs you."

Then I watched Liara go over to Shepard. Our captain stood in place for a moment, stoic and reserved. Liara simply smiled and embraced her. Shepard returned her hold, leaning down to whisper something. Something I couldn't quite hear. Liara smiled more, anyway, massaging Shepard's back in that standing position. Enough for them to motivate each other, too.

I heard Liara say, "Take care of Tali for me."

And Shepard responded, "You know I will."

More prepared than ever, Shepard and I boarded the shuttle with Cortez. He flew us over the Isle of Thavnair, bringing us back to Aht Urhgan Whitegate. With this bird's eye view of the tropical island, we saw the activity everywhere. The Imperial Army—quarian and geth troops together—escorted the rural citizens to Radz-at-Han. The troops also took up those defensive positions, ready to protect the now-empty towns and villages, knowing the people would want to return home once it was safe again.

When we made it over Whitegate, we had a similar overhead view. The refugees at last escorted inside the city—also by the Imperial Army. The citizens had gathered in a silent shock. They watched their paramedics hurrying to get the injured refugees to the hospitals. I noticed the imperial people displaying their sympathies, not minding that the refugees would take up precious beds and resources. Because, presumably, the citizens would not need that hospital space themselves. Alexander would protect them. Otherwise, I worried there could've been civil unrest with both the imperials and the refugees taking up that space, undoing our efforts for peace between the Flotilla and the homeworld. And if the empire fell, then all of Rannoch would fall soon afterward. Everything hinged on getting that automaton up and running—for his perfect defense of Rannoch's strongest and critically strategic nation.