A/N - I actually feel kind of hesitant to call this an epilogue, considering it's half the size of the rest of the chapters put together. So much so, I've split it into two parts (Thanks ll027241!). So sorry for the double alerts/emails/what not. Turns out I'm not terribly comfortable writing already scripted scenes, so I'll be keeping to original content in future, or at least veering violently left of canon. So yeah. I'm sitting on the fence with these bits. Hope ya like it, and thanks for reading! :)

2183 CE – Artemis Tau /Knossos/Therum Orbit
SSV Normandy

Commander Alex Shepard sat at the mess table of the SSV Normandy, mug in hand and brow furrowed in thought. It had been a strange few days. Since landing on Eden Prime, Shepard had lost a good man, gained a good woman, watched a friendly Spectre die, became mortal enemies with another, had the nightmares of a long dead alien race burned into her mind, became a Spectre herself, was promptly belittled and ignored by the Council, contracted the services of a tense, trigger happy Krogan, bonded with a cowboy cop Turian, befriended a befuddled young Quarianand had even been given command of her own ship. Wait until David hears about this on the vid call. It had all moved so fast. And Shepard had the distinct feeling that things were only going to get stranger.

While such career altering happenstances would normally warrant several days' shore leave, a crateful of alcohol, many a pat on the back and inebriated declarations of love, the Normandy found itself en route to the mining planet Therum. How did I even get here? Her thoughts drifted to her previous meeting with the Council.

"This evidence is irrefutable, Ambassador, Saren will be stripped of his Spectre status and all efforts will be made to bring him in to answer for his crimes."

Finally. The Commander allowed herself a smug smirk. It's not every day one gets to prove the three single most important people in the Galaxy woefully wrong.

"I recognise the other voice, the one speaking with Saren. She is a powerful Matriarch, a formidable biotic and has many followers. She will make a formidable ally for Saren." The Asari Councillor's brows knit.

"She has a daughter, a scientist, who if I recall, published papers on some form of hypothetical Conduit, similar to what Saren mentioned. It seems too coincidental for Mother and daughter to share such an obscure interest. We don't know for sure if she is involved, however it would be advisable to try and find her, see what she knows, bring her in for interrogation if you must. I have reports that Dr T'Soni was last seen exploring an archaeological dig on one of the uncharted words in the Artemis Tau cluster."

The Salarian Councillor cleared his throat noisily, clearly growing tired of the conversation.

"I'm more interested in the Reapers, Commander. What do you know about them?"

"Well, Councillor..."

T'Soni? She could have sworn she had heard that name before. Shepard felt a knot tightening in her stomach. Could this Doctor be trusted? She's only an archaeologist, how much trouble could she be? The Council had requested she immediately be brought in for interrogation, not questioning, which only furthered Shepard's unease. Regardless of her opinions on the Doctor, Shepard had little faith in her new employers. Just thinking of the potential diplomatic fall out of the situation gave Shepard a headache. So. Much. Paper work. As if on cue, a dull throbbing made its presence known in the back of her skull. She had barely gotten respite from the aches since face planting that damned beacon.

She flinched as static from the tannoy flared above.

"ETA to Therum fifteen minutes, Commander."

She sighed.

"Copy that."

Shepard drained her mug, and began psyching herself up for arrival. Time for your game face. Glancing up, she addressed the marine currently toying with a control panel on the opposite side of the mess hall.

"Lieutenant, suit up and head down to Cargo, tell Vakarian to get his gear and fire up the Mako. Be ready to drop in five."

2183 CE – Artemis Tau /Knossos/Therum
Prothean Ruin #Delta17

A shot narrowly missed her head. Liara gave a yelp.

Running. Just keep running.

She heard the guttural laugh of the Krogan battle master behind her, as another shot exploded a nearby wall.

Goddess, too close.

She jumped thirty feet onto the walk way below, using her biotics to soften the landing.

Keep going, almost there. Almost at the elevator. Almost out.

She neared the end of the walk way when the Krogan repeated Liara's movements behind, only this time without the aid or grace of biotics. The walk way bent and buckled, sending Liara airborne before crashing into the perfectly carved alcove of the ruin. She scrambled to get up; hauling herself up on the machinery she had been studying before. Her hand slipped, colliding with one of many unknown buttons.

Before she knew it, Liara found herself suspended in stasis and wrapped in a large blue bubble of biotics.

Fantastic. She blushed, embarrassed by her own ineptitude. The Krogan strolled up, jeering, his prey all but served to him on a platter.

"So, Doctor T'Soni, you going to reconsider Saren's generous offer? Bend to his every whim like that mother of yours?"

All embarrassment evaporated, as Liara flushed with anger.

"I am not my mother."

The Krogan merely laughed at her indignation.

"I'll take that as no. Well, lucky for me, capturing you alive was only a secondary objective. It's been fun, Doc." He said, cocking his shotgun, aiming it squarely at the Asari. Liara scrunched her eyes and tried to turn her head.

At least I've had a good run, she thought. Who am I kidding? Of course I haven't. You've been nothing but a failure and disappointment, T'Soni, from the mome-

A thundering crack stopped her train of thought. She waited for the pain to begin. Gingerly, she opened her eyes a fraction, relieved to see she had remained unscathed. The Krogan however, looked furious.

He fired again. Liara only blinked this time and watched as the bubble absorbed the blast effortlessly. The Krogan roared and went to punch the barrier. However, the bubble collected the force of his fist and ricocheted it back, sending the Krogan sprawling unceremoniously across the bent walk way. He clumsily got to his feet with what Liara suspected was the Krogan equivalent of a pout across his face, bringing a smug grin out on hers. He walked back to the barrier and examined the Asari.

"If I can't get in, you can't get out."

Her smug grin vanished in an instant, transferring over to the Krogan. He gave a throaty chuckle.

"Hunt's back on. I'll be back for you, Doctor and next time, I won't be so forgiving."

She watched in despair as he skulked away. She was trapped. Goddess, what I wouldn't give for a Justicar in flaring biotics right about now.

That had been two weeks ago. Or at least, she thought it had been two weeks. It could have been three, or one, or a month. Liara wasn't certain. Time seemed to lose all meaning after the first day or so. Nor did she particularly care. She had resigned herself to a slow agonising death, her suspended skeleton serving as a joke to whoever decided to plunder the ruins next.

She was hot, she was hungry, she was thirsty and she was tired. Liara had taken to praying for the Goddess to deliver her into the Void. Preferably without further embarrassment.

She often wondered what had happened to the Krogan. Had he just forgotten? Lied and said she had been taken care of? The worst injustice of the whole ordeal had been that she hadn't even been able to see the ruins she had originally arrived to investigate. Instead, she was displayed, mockingly, for anyone who entered, only the dull brown of the excavated wall and rusty walkways to tempt her sight.

She sighed. There was the faint tap of boots on metal from above. The Krogan? No. He stomped. No grace. No finesse. So now you're hearing things. Excellent. The descent into madness begins here.

The tapping grew louder as faint shaped, blurs moved above. Oh look, now I can add hallucinations and mirages to that list, too.

The figures drew closer. The unmistakable silhouette of a Turian, what appeared to be a human male and- no. It couldn't be. Though the blue bubble distorted her features, Liara could make out vibrant red hair, and electrifying emerald eyes. Her heart skipped and pounded in her chest. She had only known one person who possessed that particular phenotype combination.

But it couldn't be, she was just a child last time you saw her. It had only been fourteen years. She couldn't be here, she simply couldn't.

Could she?

Shepard removed her helmet and approached the barrier, examining the figure that was suspended behind it. Even through the blue haze, she'd recognise that face anywhere. Suddenly her voice caught in her throat. After fourteen years of being dead and buried, the crush Alex had felt for the Doctor back on Earth flared back in full force.

You don't even know it's her. And what if it's not? It'll sound like you think they all look the same and that's racist. I think. The Council already hates you enough. Fall back on your training. Be professional. Play it cool. She swallowed.

"Dr T'Soni?"

"I yes- are you- Oh of course not Liara, why would humans come down here? And why would they bring a Turian? Don't be so dense. And look, now you're talking to yourself."

She gave a nervous laugh. The Human regarded her, puzzled.

"How'd you end up like that?"

"Hmm, yes, make myself retrace my steps. That would make sense. I had assumed this facility to be some form of Prothean experimental lab. I fell against the console behind, I am not sure what exactly happened. I would theorise that I activated the cell's door."

The Human laughed.

"Stop it. Oh Goddess, I'm going to die down here."

"Calm down, Indy. We're here to rescue you." Liara tried to remember.

"Indy?" She paused, trying to remember. "Short Round?" I never did find out what those had meant. The human male snorted. The female bit back indignantly, turning on the man.

"Hey, I am not Short Round; if anything I'm Han."

"And what does that make Garrus?" the man said, pointing toward the Turian. "Chewie?"

"Can it, Threepio." She retorted. The man groaned.

"I have no idea what's going on, but I am deeply offended." The Turian drawled. The other male laughed and shook his head.

"The Commander's been watching too many old Earth vids again."

"Can't ignore the classics, LT." The female returned her attention to Liara, who was now terrified. This was bad.

"Even my hallucinations are mocking me."

"Blue, I'm not a hallucination and it's just some gentle ribbing. Promise. We're going to get you out of there. Look, I'm-"

She swallowed. Oh god, why was she so nervous? It had been fourteen years, she was a woman now, not a girl. She was the Hero of the Skyllian Blitz for crying out loud, and here she was getting tongue tied over a stupid teenage crush. Training. Professional. Cool. Take a breath.

"I'm Commander Shepard, with Special Tactics and Reconnaissance. Don't worry, I know you're not- how'd you put it? One of the organisation's most fervent supporters?"

She gave a grin. The Asari only frowned.

"Now I know you're just mocking me; taking my memories and words, twisting them for your own amusement. Fine. I shall play along. If you are as real as you say you are, you will find a way to lower the barrier. However, the only controls are on this side. So good luck with that."

"Please, all I'm hearing is a challenge." Shepard addressed her squad, putting on her helmet.

"Alright men, move out."

The trio delved deeper into the ruins, leaving Liara alone once again.

Of course, just hallucinations, nothing more. She heard rumbling and even felt a shudder around her. At least her hallucinations were good enough to be heard the tap of boot on metal once more and out the corner of her eye saw the helmeted Commander.

"I must be getting delirious, I just imagined I had heard thunder." The female approached her with smug nonchalance.

"Yup, that was me, mining laser, boom, hole in the wall and here I am in all my imaginary splendour." She said, holding her arms out and twirling. The human male piped up.

"Uhh, Ma'am? I distinctly recall the mining laser being my idea?"

"Yes, LT and I gave you an honorary promotion to Lando for your troubles. Now I wouldn't be a very good Han if I didn't try to take credit for everything now, would I?"

The Turian cleared his throat.

"Han, your Indy is still trapped in that barrier thing."

"Oh right yeah, just mash your hand over the console. Seemed to work for Blue, here." Shepard teased, taking her place below the captive. She heard a huff in response.

"Kidding, Blue, kidding."

The barrier flickered before going out and Liara found herself falling straight into the arms of the waiting Commander.

"You- You're real." The Asari said, staring up into bright green eyes shining even through her dirtied mask. The Commander opened her mouth to reply, but only a small squeak escaped. Quickly clearing her throat and turning a deep scarlet, the Human helped Liara to her feet, keeping her steady as she regained balance.

Liara led the way to the main elevator as a dangerous rumble reverberated around them. Her entourage looked apprehensive.

"What was that?" the Turian asked, scanning the room for hostiles.

"Your liberal use of mining equipment," She glared into the back of the Commander's helmeted head. "would have triggered a seismic event, possibly waking the dormant volcano."

"Volcano?" The Commander spun around, eyes incredulous "They built a base inside a volcano? What were the Protheans? Stone age super villains? Next you'll be telling me they've got a moat full of sharks with frickin' laser beams attached to their heads."

The elevator shuddered to a halt, bringing the quartet level with the Krogan and two Geth units. Shepard kept eye contact, only tilting her head slightly in the other human's direction.

"Alenko, radio Joker, tell him to get his ass in gear and be ready for pick up."

The Krogan stepped forward, leering at his prey.

"Surrender. Or don't. That would be more fun."

Shepard only glared.

"Unless you hadn't noticed, this place is falling apart."

"Exhilarating, isn't it?"

"And I watch too many Earth vids?" Shepard muttered. The Krogan stepped closer still.

"Thanks for taking out those barriers, by the way. Spent weeks trying to figure out how to disable them. Now, hand the doctor over."

Alex placed herself between the Asari and the Krogan, raising her gun. The oh so familiar places. Her jaw clenched.

"She's staying with us. Now step aside."

The Krogan smirked.

"I can do better than that." Shepard only had time to register his pupils dilate and nostrils flare before he was on her, charging her into the back wall. Dazed, Shepard fired her gun directly into his neck. It had little effect. Mentally, she cursed. Blood Rage, just what I need. She was vaguely aware of an echo of gun fire not her own, as her squad made short work of the accompanying Geth.

She felt a sickening thud as she connected with concrete. Milliseconds later, she felt the back of her helmet crack under pressure, as her mask splintered under the Krogan palm, embedding shards of reinforced plastic into her face.

Suddenly the Krogan went cross eyed.

Liara panicked. Tired and wholly unprepared for confrontation, she barely had time to react as Commander and Krogan volleyed past her, slamming into the wall behind. Without thinking, she threw a biotic wave at the pair, slapping the Krogan across the back of the head. She fell to one knee, exhausted. It was a weak volley, but it did the trick, dazing the beast momentarily.

The two soldiers flanking her turned their attention from downed Geth to deadly Krogan, quickly unloading several rounds into his hide. Letting out a guttural roar, he spun around, dropping the Commander and charging the three. However this time, he was quickly cut down by the heavy fire, landing lifeless at their feet.

Liara glanced at Shepard, who was drunkenly stumbling into a standing position. The Asari let out a strangled sob as she saw the Commander. Blood cascaded down her face, her features hidden through jutting pieces of helmet so that only her chin appeared unscathed.

The elevator shuddered again. Shepard half staggered, half ran to her squad.

"Move, move!" Her two associates bolted, ensuring the path was clear of any further hostiles. Shepard grabbed Liara, who was still on her knees and hauled her to her feet, all but dragging her along, before pushing the Asari in front of her.

Ash and soot burned their lungs as the scrambled for the exit. Liara stumbled and was immediately grateful for the Commander's hand on the small of her back, urging her on.

Running through the exit, Liara's eyes were streaming, as smoke billowed around them. Glancing up she saw the blurry outline of a ship, easing down on the ground below.

She felt three fingered hands around her shoulders as the Turian ushered her toward the ship as the Human male helped the Commander. The two women wretched as the cargo hold opened, revealing another woman, in medical fatigues and with an exasperated expression. The team hurried aboard.

"Commander, your repeated appearances in my med bay are beginning to make me think you have ulterior motives for getting so banged up during your little escapades."

Liara could make out a wide grin on Shepard's bloodied face.

"You think I'm falling for my nightingale, doc? Well, in that case, you could hardly fault my tastes."

Shepard sat on a crate as the medic approached, tilting the Commanders chin with her hand, examining the wounds, tutting. She set about de-sharding Shepard's face.

"You have the most curious methods of flirting, Commander. Unfortunately you're not my type. I prefer my paramours to keep themselves in one piece."

The Commander winced as further shards were removed.

"You wound me with your words doc. My heart's just about as cut up as my mug, right now."

"Mhm. Lucky for you, those cuts aren't terribly deep. Some medigel and there won't even be scarring in an hour. Go up to the med bay, and clean the blood up. I'll be with you shortly."

Shepard nodded and made her way to the elevator. The doctor approached Liara, a gentle smile on her face as she scrutinised the Asari.

"Dr T'Soni, I presume? Dr Karin Chakwas, Chief medical officer. Are you alright? You look a tad peaky."

By now Liara had managed to catch her breath and apart from her blackened attire, she was relatively unscathed. They entered the elevator.

"Yes, Doctor. Just a little fatigue." She said, feeling a heat creeping into her cheeks. Liara felt nervous, like a child being reprimanded by their mother. Goddess. I am not a child. They stood in awkward silence, as the doctor continued to scrutinise her.

"All the same, I'd like to give you a look over, after the debriefing. The Comm room is just behind the CIC, on the upper deck." She handed Liara a handkerchief as they stepped into the mess hall.

"I shall see you soon." Liara gave a bashful smile as the Doctor disappeared into the med bay. She made her way up the stairs.

Goddess, what have I gotten myself into?