Chapter 17

Cortez looked up from his work on the Kodiak as Shepard and Liara stepped out of the elevator and into the hangar bay. He waved them over and jumped down from the roof with a smile.

"Ready to fly?" Cortez wiped his hands off on his fatigues and looked to the pair as they stood in full combat gear in front of him.

"Almost." Shepard looked back toward the armory to where Javik stood, sliding thermal clips into his belt.

"You guys expecting action?" Cortez peered toward the prothean curiously.

"He asked if he could come along," Liara replied with a sigh.

"Yeah, but you two are dressed down for a fight, too."

It was true. Both Shepard and Liara were in their full combat armor and armed to the teeth. Shepard watched Javik for another brief moment before looking back to Cortez.

"Liara's reports show combat in many major cities. Better safe than sorry," Shepard said reluctantly.

"I don't mind if we have to kill a few," Liara stated coldly. "I want them off of my home."

"Hell yeah," Cortez responded. "So do we have a destination?"

Shepard looked to Liara as she nodded once. "Yes. I would like to visit Armali... it's where I grew up. I'd like to find the park that my mother used to take me to." She paused briefly. "And from what I hear the fighting still persists there."

"We'll find it," Shepard assured her.

"Shepard, may I interject?"

Shepard looked up as he responded to EDI. "Go ahead."

"On a hunch I scanned asari personnel movement within the combat zone in Armali. It appears as though our former shipmate Samara is fighting in the region. Would you like me to attempt to contact her?"

"You did all that? When?"

"Twenty seconds ago."

The commander shook his head and looked to Liara. "It's up to you. This is your mission."

Liara smiled warmly. "Of course we should contact her. EDI, can you request for Samara to transmit her coordinates and forward them to the shuttle should she respond?"

"Yes. Message away."

Javik, having finished gathering his ammo, stepped up beside Shepard and Liara and looked between them and Cortez. "I am ready."

Shepard nodded. "Alright, let's get in the air."

One by one the squad jumped up into the open hatch of the Kodiak and readied themselves for departure. As Shepard pulled the door shut Cortez fired up the thrusters and the shuttle jumped to life. He dropped onto one of the benches beside Liara as the shuttle ascended and turned toward the airlock, floating effortlessly in. The dropship hovered idly for a few moments before suddenly accelerating out of the Normandy and into orbit over Thessia. Cortez brought the shuttle into a flightpath and flipped on the monitors, showing the course that the craft would take through the atmosphere and to the city of Armali. Liara watched the monitor displaying a vid feed from the hull of the shuttle as they approached the planet's surface. They had entered the atmosphere over an ocean, though in the distance the faint sight of land could be seen lined with countless Thessian skyscrapers. Shepard suspected that the skyline was far thicker with buildings before the war.

"Hey Shepard, I think we've got coordinates for you friend," Cortez called from the cockpit as the shuttle veered ever-so-slightly to change its course.

"We are entering a combat zone, no?" Javik sat with his arms crossed at the far end of the shuttle.

Shepard looked from the monitor to the prothean. "Only a portion of the city is in combat. But if we're headed to meet Samara I bet we'll find a fight."

Liara adjusted herself with a deep breath as the shuttle rocketed toward the rapidly approaching shoreline. Shepard looked back to the monitor to see the waypoint for Samara's location less than a kilometer away. He felt the shuttle begin to decelerate as the vid feed showed them headed straight toward a superstructure.

"Looks like the coordinates are on top of this building. I'm bringing us in," Cortez reported. "Looks hot!"

Shepard, Liara and Javik pulled themselves to their feet and drew their weapons as the shuttle slowed rapidly and the hatch began to open via the lieutenant's command. The door parted to reveal a massive rooftop garden littered with the scars of battle. Corpses of Reaper forces were scattered everywhere along with those of a few uniformed asari soldiers. A good two or three dozen Reaper infantry units turned to the shuttle as it flew low enough for the squad to jump and land safely on the roof of the building. As the Kodiak lifted and accelerated away from the roof the squad unleashed a torrent of gunfire into the mob of Reaper forces, cutting them apart with ruthless efficiency. Within a few seconds of their landing a massive biotic shockwave traveled across the roof, sending their enemies flying and some off of the side of the superstructure. Shepard glanced to Liara to see her concentrating on firing her SMG with precision. He was fairly sure he knew where the shockwave had come from.

Over the next minute the company of Reaper infantry on the roof was cut to a single Marauder, who quickly found himself cut to pieces by Javik's rifle fire. As their enemies fell silent, so did the squad's weapons. Shepard scanned the roof of the building to be sure it was clear before spotting a familiar figure stepping over a large, overturned column. Samara surrounded herself in biotic energy as she slowly descended from her perch and began a swift walk toward Shepard and his squad. The commander looked to Liara and Javik and waved them forward as he slid his rifle onto his back. The group met in the center of the building amid the bodies of their fallen enemies with Samara smiling softly to her allies.

"Shepard... my friend," Samara acknowledged as she stepped forward and embraced him in an amicable hug.

The commander, though slightly caught off guard, returned the hug. "So you're hugging now? I never thought I'd see the day."

The justicar smiled as she stood back. "I am trying to be more personable. Traveling with you and your team was a reminder of the pleasures that come with being around those you care for." Samara turned to Shepard's squad and bowed her head. "Liara T'Soni, yes? It is regrettable that we have only met on such informal terms."

The young asari smiled and bowed her head in return. "It is an honor to see you again, Justicar Samara."

"Merely 'Samara' will suffice." The elder asari turned to Javik and tilted her head slightly. "I do not believe I have met this companion, Shepard."

"I am known as Javik," the prothean replied with slight disinterest.

"He's a prothean," Shepard added.

"And to think people find it rare to see a justicar," Samara noted with a serene smile. "May I ask what brings you here, Shepard?"

The commander nodded out toward the city. "Liara's looking for something."

Liara seemed to have been made aware of the view only after Shepard motioned toward it. She turned and slowly walked to the railing at the edge of the roof and gazed out. Shepard looked to Samara and Javik before turning and following her with Samara in tow. Javik remained still, his arms crossed as he watched. The sight that lay below them was, as it had been on Earth and Palaven, utter devastation. Buildings like the one they stood on were torn asunder and the ground was littered with the debris of battle. Smoke plumes from distant fires dotted he horizon. Shepard glanced to Liara to see her staring, almost devoid of emotion, out to the sight of her destroyed home.

"You okay?" Shepard asked.

Liara nodded softly. "Yes. I think so. Samara, how long have you been here?"

"The day after the Battle of Earth was declared a victory I sought passage on an asari military vessel. Since then I have been here on Thessia fighting wherever I have been needed." The justicar, stood straight and looked out over the vista of devastation as she replied.

"Thank you..." Liara stated as she looked to the justicar.

Samara turned to face Liara. "I require no thanks for my service. And if what I have heard of you is true, I believe you are due thanks from all of us as well. Much like Commander Shepard."

The commander shook his head with a smirk. "How about we all agree that we did our part. Everyone fought for this."

"Agreed," Samara replied. "You mentioned that you were searching for something. May I inquire as to what?"

Liara looked down bashfully. "Oh... it's nothing important. Just a place called Saneela Park."

The justicar looked back out to what remained of the city. "I know of this place. It is nearby and secure from battle. Would you like me to take you there?"

"I would not want to interfere with your duties," Liara quickly replied.

Samara smiled and turned back to Liara and Shepard. "If it interfered with my duties I would have not suggested it in the first place. I would like to meditate briefly; the park is quiet and by the sea. The journey would be mutually beneficial."

Shepard looked to Javik as he stood silently a few paces away. "Javik, would you like me to tap into asari battle reports and find the nearest hotspot?"

The prothean stared back to Shepard for a few moments before responding. "No. I am content with traveling with you."

Shepard was intrigued by the response, but nodded in response. "Samara, should I call in Cortez?"

"If it is not far... I would actually like to walk. If that's okay," Liara quickly interjected.

Shepard looked to Samara for affirmation. She nodded and drew her weapon. "We must make our way out of this building and remain vigilant while doing so. I had not finished clearing it of foes before you arrived."

Shepard, Liara and Javik all drew their weapons as Samara turned and walked toward the far side of the rooftop and the wide doors that lead to the elevator. The justicar glanced back to her allies with a smile.

"I had hoped we would travel together again, Shepard."

As Samara spoke the large doors opened to reveal a pair of husks that the justicar dismissed with rifle shots to the head. She lowered her weapon and lithely stepped over the corpses without a second look.

For nearly an hour the squad had been moving through the ruined streets of Armali. The expansive walkways and catwalks that served as the city's avenues of foot transportation were in poor condition and in many places impassable or destroyed. Still, they marched on toward the sea over which the setting sun forced Shepard to squint lightly. He was relieved that they had not encountered any hostiles for about a half an hour, and those that they had posed virtually no threat. They had even run across an asari commando unit patrolling the area. Samara walked at the vanguard of the four, leading them over piles of rubble and under collapsed columns. As they reached a top of a small hill Shepard could see the shoreline growing closer and hurried to catch up with Samara.

"Almost there?" He slowed as he reached her side.

"Just another few minutes, yes," Samara replied calmly.

Shepard held his rifle in one hand as they walked, not worried about having to use it anytime soon. "How have you been, Samara? We haven't really had a chance to talk one on one for... feels like years, doesn't it?"

The asari nodded. "I suppose it does. I am well. The fight has been demanding, but it grows easier each day, and soon this one will be over."

"It's difficult for me to wrap my head around it sometimes. It might be hard to get used to," Shepard admitted.

"It has certainly been an exciting year or so since we met, hasn't it?" The justicar glanced to Shepard with a small smile.

"Yeah. It has. You know, I just realized... when we met you had been chasing Morinth since you took up the Code. And after you found her you turned your attention to the Reapers. What comes now?" Shepard glanced to the asari as they climbed over a long-crashed skycar.

Samara remained silent for a long while before replying. "I suppose that is what I will meditate on when we reach our destination."

"Got any options in mind?"

She nodded once. "I have one in particular, yes. If you recall, my daughter, Falere, stayed on Lesuss in the remains of her monastery. I would like to assist her in rebuilding her home."

"A noble cause. But then again, that's a given with you," Shepard smirked. "So you're not planning on finding the next big injustice to put down?"

"I will never ignore the call of justice. The Code demands this. But there is nothing that would prevent me from setting my own goals in aiding the galaxy."

The two slowed as the walkway connected with the ground and formed a path into Saneela Park. A few trees dotted the green field, along with numerous craters and scorch marks. Shepard glanced over his shoulder to see Liara and Javik only a dozen or two meters behind them.

"Can I ask something of you, Samara?" Shepard turned to her as they came to a stop.

The justicar nodded. "Of course, my friend."

"Everyone in the galaxy has seen enough of war to last a thousand lifetimes. Not just you or me." He paused briefly as he gathered his thoughts. "When you meditate, think about what happiness, not just peace of mind, means to you. As a true friend, as you've called me, I just want you to know that I believe you've earned the right to a little joy. And from what I understand of it, happiness isn't mutually exclusive with the Code."

Samara smiled softly. "I will keep that in mind, Shepard. Now, if it is alright with you, I will find a spot near the shore to meditate. Please, find me before you depart. I would like to say goodbye."

Shepard nodded as Samara turned and continued to walk toward the ocean. He smiled as Liara approached him. "Is this the place?"

Liara nodded gently and stepped up beside him, looking across the field to the sea. "It's... just like I remembered, only with a few more craters."

Shepard chuckled softly and turned, looking out to the field with her as Samara reached the edge of the water and turned out of sight beyond a hill. Javik walked up to Shepard's side and scanned the park with a long gaze before glancing to the human and asari.

"Your planet is in better condition than I had expected, asari," he stated bluntly.

Liara nodded, still looking into the park. "I suppose it is, isn't it?"

"I wish to rest for a time. Contact me when we are preparing to leave." Javik turned and began walking to one of the sitting areas, sliding his rifle onto his back.

Liara reached down and took Shepard's hand in her's. "Let's go for a walk by the shore."

The couple started on down the path at a slow pace, admiring the surprisingly intact scenery around them. Shepard looked down and shook his head softly in amusement as they walked hand in hand, clad from head to toe in heavy armor.

"I can see why your mother took you here so often. It's a beautiful park," Shepard noted as they approached the water.

Liara leaned her head on his armored shoulder as they walked. "Thank you for taking me here. I feel so lucky to have you sometimes."

"Why's that?" He glanced down to her curiously.

"You know answer to that question. Not only are you the savior of everything we know, but you're also more thoughtful and kind than I could have ever dreamed of." Liara stared onward as she spoke.

Shepard squeezed her hand. "And you call me a flatterer."

The two came to a stop as the path reached the water and diverged into two ends leading in either direction along the shoreline. The sun had just begun to slip beneath the waves of the sea before them, sending orange and yellow rays dancing across the ever-shifting surface. Liara took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Shepard looked down to her and watched as she bit her lip and slowly nodded to herself.

"Are you alright?"

The asari exhaled deeply. "Yes. Just building courage."

"What for?" Shepard raised a brow and turned to her.

She turned as he did, still holding his hand in her's. "I have to tell you something. I've been putting it off for much too long."

Shepard tilted his head slightly with a smile. "You know I've died before and I took that news pretty well. I'm not sure there's much worse you could tell me."

Liara smiled softly and shook her head. "John... do you remember the night before we attacked Cronos Station?"

"Of course," Shepard replied.

Suddenly his stomach jumped. She had only called him by his first name a handful of times. He was sure of what she would say next, but he stayed silent. This was her moment.

"That night I..." She paused with a sigh, unsure of what to say. "We're going to have a daughter, John."

Shepard felt his gut jump once again. Without hesitation he wrapped his arms around Liara in a tight embrace causing the asari let out a surprised "oof" before returning the hug eagerly. Shepard let out a small laugh of joy as he stepped back, his hands finding her's and squeezing tightly.

"Is this what you've been so secretive about?" He looked to her eyes with a beaming smile.

"I- I was scared to tell you... when you promised all of those little blue children I wasn't sure if you were serious!" Her face had quickly lifted into a smile as wide as his own.

The commander leaned his head down and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. "I'd never been more serious in my life."

She looked down. "I'm so sorry I didn't tell you. That night I just... I didn't inhibit anything. It could have been our last night together and I-"

"Liara, you don't have explain. I understand."

The asari glanced up to him briefly before looking out over the water. The sun had sunk nearly half-way into the sea, weaving a tapestry of colors that melded from yellow to orange. Behind them a deep purple and blue was following the sunset and just beginning to blanket the sky. The two stood in silence for a moment before Liara looked back to him with a soft smile.

"You know... it takes an exceptionally strong connection between bondmates for a maiden to conceive a child."

Shepard grinned. "I was gonna ask about that, but I thought it might ruin the mood."

"It's a good thing I know you so well then, isn't it?"

She winked playfully and stepped back, slowly turning in a circle as she gazed over the world around her: the green hills of the park, the dozens of skyscrapers, clouds that spotted the pink sky and finally the ocean.

Liara let out a soft sigh. "It's still here. And it's beautiful. We did it, Shepard."

The commander turned and looked out over the water with her. "Yeah. We did."

The sky had darkened in few hours that Shepard and Liara had spent sitting by the ocean, but moonlight had taken the sun's place and illuminated the landscape around them. They talked about everything Shepard could have thought of and then some. After a while they realized that they would have to return to the Normandy eventually and set off, hand in hand, along the seaside path toward Samara's squad beacon. A few minutes of walking later they caught sight of a glowing figure sitting at the crest of a hill that overlooked the path and sea beyond it. As they climbed the hill the soft biotic glow slowly dimmed as Samara sensed their presence and exited her meditation.

"I suppose you are preparing to leave?" Samara looked to Shepard and Liara expectantly.

Shepard nodded. "Yeah. I think we've finished everything we had to do here."

Samara looked between the two knowingly and smiled. "I see."

"Thank you for taking us here, Samara," Liara said with a soft smile.

The justicar nodded to her friends. "It was rare pleasure to see both of you again. I hope this will not be the last time our paths cross."

Shepard extended a hand. "It won't be, trust me. Stay in touch, Samara."

The elder asari took his hand and grasped it firmly. "I do. And I will."

Liara stepped forward and bowed her head to the justicar, to which she bowed her head in return.

"Be safe in your travels, my friends. And if you ever find yourself in need of my aid, I will be there." Samara stepped back and lowered to the ground to resume her meditation.

Shepard and Liara waved goodbye one last time before turning to walk back down the hill as the glow from Samara's biotic field illuminated once again and cast their shadow down in front of them as they walked. As the reached the pathway Shepard exhaled deeply.

"I suppose we should get Javik and Cortez on the comm," Liara stated regrettably.

Shepard nodded. "Yeah... I think I'm ready to call it a day."

Author's Note

Well then. I think this chapter filled the quota required for this story to be filled under the "Romance" category. Hope you enjoyed the read!