Chakwas didn't always get off the ship whenever Shepard docked the Normandy, whether on the Citadel, where she did like to step off every now and then, Omega, where she flatly refused to leave the ship, or Illium, where she had never visited before.

Knowing that Shepard had been in contact with Liara, an old friend she hadn't seen since the last time they were together before everyone went their separate ways, she thought to kill two birds with one stone. Get off the ship and explore Illium, and see an old friend for the first time in over two years.

Illium was certainly different to the Citadel. It was more crowded than the Presidium, though perhaps not as teeming with life as the wards. She was aware of the reputation the world had, though it was no more lawless than certain other parts of the galaxy. There was no feeling of unease as she strode through the crowds, listening to the numerous conversations taking place or the traders calling out their wares.

Finding herself in front of an information screen, she located the building where Liara was based. After climbing a set of stairs and walking through a glass door, she was greeted by a receptionist. "May I help you?" she asked, friendly though there was a degree of caution. Understandable, though Chakwas didn't think she looked anything other than… well, friendly herself.

"I'm here to see Liara."

"Miss T'Soni is a very busy person. I'm not sure…"

"Let her know Doctor Karin Chakwas is here to see her. She knows who I am."

The receptionist keyed something on her desk. "Miss T'Soni, I have a Doctor Karin…"

"Send her through immediately, Nyxeris."

The receptionist smiled and gestured towards the door at the end of the hallway. Walking through, she was greeted by a very different Liara, who rose from her chair and greeted her with a hug. "Karin, it's wonderful to see you again."

"You too, Liara. It's been far too long."

Liara took a couple of steps back after their embrace and Chakwas used those few moments to look at her. The change in obvious. Gone was the wide-eyed, innocent youth she remembered vividly. There was now a look in her eyes, a demeanour that did not bode well. But then Liara smiled, and it faded slightly. "Come, Karin, you must see the view. It's spectacular!"

Standing side by side, Liara was certainly not lying about the view. "Are you okay?" she finally asked.

She didn't miss the sideways glance in the reflection. "Why do you ask, Karin?"

"You know why."

Another smile before she turned around and grabbed a purse. "Follow me. We should talk elsewhere."

Following Liara out the door, the asari told her receptionist to just take a message if anyone called, and they ended up outside in the plaza. Ending up at a taxi rank, Liara directed the driver towards another part of the city, far more vibrant and colourful than the rather dull business district they had just been in. Liara continued to lead, Chakwas not asking any questions. She figured Liara had her reasons for taking them wherever they were going.

It was little surprise they ended up in what was effectively a coffee shop. She didn't know if the asari had coffee before the arrival of humanity, but the galaxy as a whole had apparently grown to love the stuff. That, and tea. She always drank tea, Shepard loved his coffee, remembering that he lived on the stuff. She remembered Liara had definitely grown to love tea, particularly the one or two brands Chakwas enjoyed.

Liara offered to buy her a drink, the two eventually taking a seat outside on the promenade, quietly sipping at their tea, watching the crowds walk by.

"Are you okay, Liara?" she asked again.

"I can't talk too openly in my office, Karin. There would be people listening. That's why I brought you here." She took a deep breath. "There's a lot to tell, Karin. I'm not sure where to begin."

"What happened to archaeology?"

Liara grinned. "Ah, well… I've had a change in career."

She couldn't help chuckle. "I think that's obvious, Liara. But what led to it?"

Surprisingly, Liara started to look a little uncomfortable. "Well, I really should start by confessing something. To you, Karin." She felt her eyebrows shoot up, left wondering what she was going to admit. "Since joining up with Shepard again, haven't you wonder how he ended up in the hands of Cerberus?"

It was clear what Liara was admitting. "You were involved?"

A slight smile. "You believe, don't you? In him? And the threat?"

"Absolutely."

"Of course you do. So do I. So did everyone on the Normandy. After the original ship was destroyed, and our team was broken up, I decided I should look for him. Even knowing he was probably dead…"

"So I assume you did. What sort…" She paused, and then shook her head. "No, I don't want to know."

"I did what I thought was right, Karin. And I'm sorry for not letting you know. But I didn't want to get your hopes up that he might recover. It's why I didn't tell anyone. Cerberus offered promises, but the science involved went beyond my grasp."

"Mine too. I saw the rebuilding phase. Miracle doesn't even begin to describe it. And you don't need to apologise, Liara."

"I did the right thing? Giving him to Cerberus?"

"Of course you did. The Cerberus connection doesn't sit easy. Not with me, and definitely not with him. But if you'd given him to the Alliance, they would have just stuck him in the ground. I will always be thankful to Cerberus for bringing him back. That's the only thing I'll ever be grateful to them for."

"He admitted surprise that I'd go to such lengths just to retrieve his body. But he was thankful that I did. He wasn't happy about the Cerberus connection too, but he echoed what you just said. They offered to bring him back, so he could see the reasons why."

"Okay, so that's Shepard. What about you, Liara? Can I be blunt?"

"Of course, Karin."

"Where's the real Liara gone? I've only been here an hour or so and I can see and hear the difference."

The chuckle was bitter. "I wouldn't know where to begin."

"So start there and work your way forward."

Liara started from the day the team had been split up by the Alliance, and Chakwas listened, rapt with attention, as Liara told a story of intrigue. Little wonder the wide-eyed youth has long disappeared. A life of what feels like constant danger would drain the vibrancy of anyone. In addition to the rescue of Shepard, there was also her work researching the Reapers, while she was surprised to hear of the main objective.

Tracking down the Shadow Broker.

Chakwas had to admit that, in addition to surprise, she admired Liara for wanting to tackle such a foe. She knew next to nothing of the Shadow Broker. Knew the name and the fact whoever it was could be incredibly influential. But as her life was about medicine, she didn't give it a thought. But then Liara dropped the biggest hint yet as to what she wanted.

"I was hoping Shepard might help me once he's done on Illium."

"You mean…"

Liara nodded. "Whoever the Shadow Broker is, they're dangerous. And I think it's the right thing to do."

"And have you broached that subject with Shepard?"

The asari shrugged. "Not in so many words. I dropped enough hints though."

"Though he is busy, he will always help a friend, Liara."

"Am I still a friend?"

She reached across to grab her hand. "Always, Liara. It's lovely to see you again."

She noticed Liara blink and looked away, taking a deep breath. Eventually looking back, the asari returned a smile, but the demeanour had changed again. There was a slight air of… sadness. "I often wonder what our lives would have been like had Shepard not…"

"Don't think like that. It's not healthy. Just appreciate the fact he has returned. It's what I do every day."

They eventually had to part as Liara obviously lived a very busy life. But she was polite enough to walk her all the way back to the Normandy, the two embracing before parting, with promises that they would keep in touch this time.

Chakwas had no idea how soon she would see Liara again.


She didn't always ask Shepard what mission he was on. She only ever wanted to be informed if they would be visiting a hazardous planet, just in case she needed to prepare for specific treatments. But when Liara appeared in the mess after the Normandy departed Illium, she knew they were certainly off to do something very different.

Shepard and Liara both walked into her office, taking a seat across from her. "So, I guess we're heading off to take on the Shadow Broker?"

She took a little delight in seeing surprise appear on his face before he glanced at Liara. "Blabbermouth."

Liara just smiled. "Karin and I had a wonderful conversation, Shepard. It reminded me of all our heart to hearts we used to share on the old Normandy." She looked at her. "And I'll admit that I've missed them terribly, Karin. You were always full of good advice."

"If I'm not around physically, I'm at the end of a phone or you can easily send me a message. I'll always respond." She looked at Shepard. "So where are we going? And do I need to worry about anything specific?"

"Shouldn't be any worse than usual. Some medi-gel might be required at the end of it all."

"Well, as usual, I will sit and wait with baited breath for your return, Shepard." Liara burst into a fit of giggles as Shepard stared, smirked, before getting to his feet, shaking his head and walking out of the room without another word. Chakwas couldn't help having a giggle too. "I've missed this," Liara admitted

"Well, with Shepard, there's always bound to be a next time."

Liara spent most of the time wherever they were going with her in the med-bay. It was nice to have company all the time, and the breadth of their conversations was broad, as they always were on the original Normandy. Liara continued to drop hints as to what she was doing with her life. Enough that Karin could put together what she did, and how dangerous it all was. But she could also see the asari had well and truly changed. Whether for better or worse was only an opinion. She certainly carried an air of confidence. Whatever the case, Liara had definitely grown up.

She disappeared with Shepard a few days later on the mission, Karin fully aware that they were after the Shadow Broker. She simply wished them good luck before they departed, and got on with her own work. She never sat at her desk and worried after Shepard and his team. They were professionals, excellent at their jobs, and Shepard had yet to lose anyone under his command this time around. Of course, this whole affair being a suicide mission, she didn't think their luck would hold forever, but she would keep her fingers crossed.

Shepard didn't return until the next day, ship-time. He returned without Liara, and for a moment, her stomach plummeted when he entered the med-bay alone. Her face must have been easy to read, as he smiled. "All is well, Karin. Liara will return shortly."

"And?"

"Well, let's just say there might be a new Shadow Broker."

She knew her jaw dropped, as Shepard started to laugh. "You're kidding? She's…"

"I don't think that was her original intention, but she's adamant that, by doing it, she can help us, or me, regarding the Reaper threat. I mean, despite this mission against the Collectors, the Reapers are still out there. She's hoping the resources the Broker has at their disposal will help that fight."

Karin didn't even have to think long. "Liara will make an excellent Shadow Broker. She's got a good heart and will only use that power for worthwhile causes."

"My thoughts exactly. And I'm sure she'll be back to say goodbye to her friends before we depart."

Liara returned the next evening. Karin would admit surprise when Liara said she was the last person she would visit before leaving the ship. "I've got just the thing," she said, grabbing the bottle of Serrice Ice Brandy.

"You shouldn't, Karin!"

"I can only think of one other person on this ship I'd rather share it with."

She poured two large glasses, clinking them together before taking a sip. They sat back in relative silence, enjoying the taste. "So, I'm going to broach the only subject we haven't touched, Karin," Liara said, a smirk forming.

"I know exactly what you're talking about, Liara."

"So…?"

Karin could only shrug. "We'll see. That's all I can say."

"He loves you. You know that."

"I know."

"And do you love him?" Karin just looked at Liara. Didn't say a word. Didn't nod or shake her head. Liara smiled. "I'll take that as my answer." Liara took a sip. "Maybe I should give you advice for once."

"Oh. And what would that be?"

"Don't let the opportunity pass through your fingers a second time. Grasp it. Hold it close. And don't let it go."

She looked down into the liquid of her glass, thinking over the words just spoken, before taking another sip. "I think about it every day, Liara."

"One day you will have to stop thinking, Karin. He won't wait forever. He can't."

She nodded. "I know."

"Anyway," Liara drained her glass, "I'm sure Shepard has places he needs to be, and I have a network that requires rebuilding. So I should go."

The pair got to their feet and embraced. She wasn't surprised she felt the need to shed a tear or two, unsurprised when Liara leaned back and her eyes were wet too. "I hope to see you again soon, Liara. And please, don't be a stranger. I'm always at the end of… well, a message at least."

"Of course, Karin. And I'll definitely want updates!" Karin laughed as Liara let her go and walked towards the door, turning and waving almost shyly. "Goodbye, Karin."

"Goodbye, Liara."

And, with those last words shared, the doors closed and Liara disappeared from her life a second time.