A/N: For the sake of the story, the gestation time for an asari is 14 months (Liara is currently 10 months into her pregnancy). Thank you for reading and please feel free to leave a review or send me a PM. Your comments are always welcomed.

Chapter 2: The Orb

Longing for other worlds and no longer needing to be trapped in the depths of a forgotten planet, Leviathan concentrated on their windows that had been sent throughout the galaxy. They required resources, they hungered for thralls and they demanded dominance. Their orbs would provide all that they needed and more. Their thoughts were united and singular in purpose.

Rise… Conquer… Dominate…

Leviathan reached out with its mind, searching for resources, yearning to touch another. They had slowly been accumulating things over the course of their long exile. The evidence was strewn across the surface of the ocean in a collection of wrecks that had become a false island that grew as they commanded it to.

There… Close by… A garden world destroyed by the Reapers... Element zero… Yes…

The orb pulsated and drew the attention of the nearby worker. The miner picked up the object and gazed at it, unable to avert his eyes. Soon another approached, and another. The voice of Leviathan filled their minds.

Despair… Fear… Obey…

The voice could not be shaken or ignored. The miners were compelled to bring the orb inside and display it for all to see. The effects were almost immediate. It pulsated and captivated and spoke to all of them in unison. Leviathan gave them a purpose.

Dig… Process… Refine…

The voice dictated their every action. No longer tasked with needing sleep or food or conversation, the eezo mine became a hive of activity. Production soared and the eezo was loaded for shipment to Leviathan. Those not needed dropped from exhaustion or died from exposure, the master did not care for the thrall, only for the mineral. Those that lived now had only one purpose, one continual thought… serve.

We are your voice… We are your salvation… We are your master…

The planet Watson had been known for its garden-like settings, beautiful oceans and rich element zero mines. Prior to the Reaper War, it had a flourishing human population and was one of the worlds in Sigurd's Cradle that had thrived. As a result, Watson and its inhabitants were targeted by the Reapers and suffered major losses at their hands. After the war, Aria T'Loak had used some political capital to obtain the contract of the largest element zero mines on the planet and had sent misplaced workers from Omega to help secure the mines and rebuild the settlements on Watson. She also appointed a trusted krogan battlemaster and leader of the Blood Pack in the Terminus Systems, Ganar Drace over it as its administrator.

Ganar Drace was not known for patience or accepting failure, he was much like Aria when dealing with his people. Since the end of the Reaper War, he had been serving as one of Aria's lieutenants on Omega, a position that allowed him much in the way of authority and wealth. He and his people had played a pivotal role in helping Aria retake the station from Cerberus and he had benefited greatly as a result.

Currently though, Aria was not happy. The delay in the shipment of element zero was costing them both profits. To address the problem directly, Drace decided to head to the mine on Watson to see what was causing the interruption of their shipment and the complete blackout of communications.

"Drace… we approaching the mine," Hiss announced over the transport vessels comm system. "Still not able to raise miners… ETA ten minutes."

Pacing back and forth in the hold, Drace looked over his squad. It was made up of four vorcha, including Hiss and three other krogan. The krogan were all battle ready, wearing heavy armor, sporting M-300 Claymore shotguns and carrying an assortment of grenades. In typical vorcha style, the vorcha had little in the way of armor, but carried various weapons from pistols to flame throwers. All were equally ready to engage whatever enemy was waiting.

Prior to landing, the transport ship swung around overhead the cargo area of the mine to assess the situation and give a better perspective of what was happening. On first look, the mine appeared abandoned, but recently used. There were crates and loaders littering the port that made it apparent that someone had been busily loading cargo onto ships in a hurried and haphazard way. The team was on guard as they disembarked the transport and set out for the mine.

"Over here… this looks like one of the miners," one of Drace's scouts called. Upon inspection of the body, it was obvious that it was a miner. He was dressed in the garb required to excavate and process eezo and he was covered in thick grime and dust from the mine. "It looks like he just keeled over. There's no obvious trauma or signs of struggle."

"Smells like he hasn't bathed much either," Drace said dryly. "Keep your eyes open, this doesn't look right."

The team made for the main entrance that would take them to the miner's living quarters and the mine entrance. On the way, they noticed other bodies in a similar state as the first. All looked as if they just died while in the middle of whatever task they were working on. There was no evidence of distress or weapons discharge. Drace and his people had expected some type of pirate raid or other violence, not serenity. It was a disturbing scene.

Upon entering the living area, an orb the size of the krogan's helmet was found sitting prominently on display. The living area looked almost as if it had been made into some type of shrine. The orb had been placed on a makeshift pedestal so that it was the center of the room. Furniture had been moved to make it accessible on all sides of the pedestal.

Shaking his head and flailing his hands, Hiss was obviously disturbed by the scene left in the room. "Very bad feeling. Hiss no like this… Drace, need to leave this place now."

Not use to Hiss being jumpy or taken aback by anything added to the unease that Ganar Drace was feeling. Something was off… the smell, the bodies, the very air all seemed to be a warning that the krogan could not shake. "Head to the mine, let's find out where the eezo is and get the hell out of here."

More discarded bodies were found in the mine, again all looked like they had just stopped what they were doing and died. The mine itself appeared abandoned. A large haul of eezo had recently been removed and to make up for the lost quota, more workers and new equipment would be needed. Drace had seen enough, he was going to make his report to Aria, deal with her temper and get off the planet. "Everyone out, back to the ship… now!"

They all hurried out of the mine and to the living quarters. When they arrived back at the orb, it was pulsating. The vorcha in team, including Hiss, suddenly stopped and instead stared at the orb. In unison and without a word, they directed their weapons at the krogans and started firing.

Without hesitation, Drace unshipped his shotgun, took aim at the orb and fired. He repeated firing until the thing vaporized. He had seen indoctrinated soldiers before and he was determined not to become one.

With the removal of the orb, the vorcha all grabbed their heads as if in sudden pain and collapsed. Two of the team had blood flowing from their nasal cavity, but all were conscious and seemed to be slowly recovering from the possession.

Attempting to stand up, Hiss's placed his hand down on the ground for support and tried to push himself back to his feet. Still dazed from the effects of the orb, he slipped and fell back to the ground. He was shaken, something the vorcha was not used to, "Voice in head, could not get voice out… Gone now… Bad voice."

Angrily grabbing Hiss by the arm, Drace pulled the vorcha to his feet, "What the hell was that! What did that thing do to you?"

"Not know, spoke to me, told me to shoot, could not disobey," Hiss spat out.

All of the vorcha had heard the voice, the krogan seemed unaffected and with the orb destroyed, everyone seemed to be getting back to normal. The whole mission did not sit right with Drace and he could not wait to be off Watson and away from the mine.

The asari dreadnought Destiny Ascension was entering the Sol Relay, bringing the Earth and the five year anniversary of the end to the Reaper War closer. They were set to dock at one of the new space stations now orbiting the Earth, Terra Station. From there, Shepard and her party would be shuttled to London and the ceremony.

Commander Shepard stood before a full length mirror in her dressing room inspecting her Alliance Dress Uniform. She never liked wearing the dress uniform and it had been over two years since she had donned it. It felt stiff and uncomfortable, overly formal, all the things that reminded her of the rules and regulations she was quick to break. There's going to be a damn statue. The whole idea of the ceremony made the pit of her stomach hurt.

"Don't you look dashing," Liara said playfully as she walked in and gave her wife a kiss on the cheek. "You will be fine and I will be right beside you through the entire thing." She was attempting to get herself into a very fashionable lavender A-line dress with a slight v-neck and light pleating across the top. It was cut perfectly for her and accentuated all of her new curves, including her pregnancy. The color of it brought out the purple hues in her skin tone and made her look both sexy and regal, the daughter of two Matriarchs. "Zip me up?"

Enjoying the sight of Liara in a very flattering dress, Shepard could not take her eyes off of her. I am one lucky woman. Shepard stepped behind Liara to accommodate her request and then slid both arms around her and drew her wife into her embrace. She kissed the back of Liara's neck gently and placed both of her hands on her belly to feel the form of her daughter. Inhaling Liara's floral scent, she whispered, "I love you Liara."

Giggling at her spouses affections, Liara placed her hands on Shepard's and allowed the moment to be undisturbed, "I love you too."

The door buzzed and before they could answer, Matriarch Aethyta entered the couple's quarters. Her husky voice called out, "Where are you both?" She made her way into the bedroom and saw the two of them holding each other in their dressing room. "Really, are you at it again?" She smiled at the couple and then sarcastically scolded Shepard, "You better make sure to give my daughter some rest."

The moment was broken, but neither was ready to let go. Liara finally turned to address Aethyta, "Really Father, we are getting ready for the ceremony."

"Yeah, yeah… Aria and Thea are waiting for us. Those two are something else. Aria is wearing skin tight black leather pants, a scarlet leather jacket and boots that could impale a krogan… Thea looked like she could kill her. Thea portrays herself to be so proper, but you know all she really wants to do is peal the mighty Aria T'Loak out of all that leather and have her way with her."

"Goddess, not everything is as tawdry as you make it out to be."

Aethyta shrugged her shoulders and gave a throaty chuckle, "Yes it is, especially if Aria is involved. Don't get me started… you should hear some of that woman's stories."

Thinking about Aria's outfit and Thea's love of formality during her speeches, Shepard couldn't help but laugh. I'll have to thank Aria later, Shepard thought. She took Liara's hand, "I think that we're ready to go. Come on… let's get this thing over with."

They headed to the docking bay to meet Aria and Thea. Through the viewport, Shepard could see the form of the Normandy docked two platforms away. Feeling all sorts of mixed emotions at the sight of her former ship, Shepard inhaled deeply and held her breath momentarily. Not able to avert her eyes from the place that had been part of her for so long, she allowed the memories to flood her thoughts.

Liara saw the look on her wife's face and squeezed her hand. "Are you okay?"

Shepard broke her gaze and turned her head to face Liara, she was smiling, but there was something else in her expression that made Liara feel sadness. Shepard's eyes looked slightly glazed over, as if she was holding back tears. Liara briefly thought about initiating a meld to help comfort her wife, but stopped when she heard Aria and Thea ahead of them.

Clearing her throat slightly, Shepard pulled herself back to the moment, "I'm good… there are a lot of memories though." She returned the squeeze, gave Liara a quick kiss and attempted to reassure her, "Really, maybe Ash will give us a tour."

"Yes, it will be good to see Ashley again… and I know she would be proud to have you make an inspection." Seeing movement in their direction, Liara focused her gaze on the striking form of an asari heading towards them.

Councilor Thea Tevos, dressed in formal asari attire and looking stoic, quickly approached the group. Ever the diplomat, Thea was doing her best to distract them from the heated conversation her bond mate was having. "Greetings… Commander, it will be an honor to be part of this remembrance." Seeing Shepard glance toward the Normandy, Thea added, "I believe that your former shipmates have already arrived and gone down to the memorial."

Not wanting to cut the Councilor any slack, Aethyta chimed in, "What the hell is going on over there?" and pointed at Aria. "Thea, you should have worn matching outfits, sex up this thing a bit. I think that a little leather on you would really add to the whole circus nicely."

After spending the last two days with the Matriarch, Thea hardly even raised an eye at her remark, "I think that Admiral Hackett might have a heart attack if I showed up like that." Aria's voice was rising and Thea noticed the group taking an interest at her spectacle.

Never ashamed of being the center of attention, Aria was speaking rather loudly to someone on her omni-tool's comm line. "Not good enough, damn it Drace! What do you mean the mine has been emptied and the miners are all dead? A Prothean orb did what to your team? Indoctrination… what the hell are you talking about? I don't have time for excuses and this is coming out of your profits… We will definitely discuss this when I get back to Omega!" Aria disconnected the comm line and turned her attention to the group now standing in front of her.

Both Liara's and Shepard's attentions were piqued at the mention of a Prothean orb and indoctrination. Liara's eyes got large and she was slightly more excited at the mention of a potential new Prothean artifact being discovered. Shepard had the opposite reaction, her stomach suddenly hurt even more and an icy cold feeling came over her. The word indoctrination had only one meaning to Shepard, the Reapers.

Shepard could not help but ask Aria about her call. Indoctrination was something that she did not want to have to think about or deal with. She tried to keep the fear out of her voice, "Aria, what was that about?"

Still fuming from the call, Aria was quick to answer, "You remember the old krogan from the base on U-71, Ganar Drace? Well I sent him to find out what happened to my shipment of element zero from one of the mines on Watson. He said that the miners found some type of Prothean orb that spoke to them and caused them all to work themselves to death, literally. When he and his team were leaving, the vorcha in his party all heard a voice and tried to shoot Ganar and the other krogan. Ganar vaporized the orb and everyone regained their senses. Did I mention that my entire shipment of element zero was stolen?"

"What did he say specifically about indoctrination," Shepard pressed.

The anger started to subside as Aria processed what Shepard's concerns were. The thought that the miners or Drace's team were actually indoctrinated suddenly brought back the memories of the experiments that were done to the people of Omega. Aria's voice was more controlled as she spoke, "I don't know. It didn't sound the same as what Cerberus was doing and there weren't any mutations or husks, just some type of strange orb that was pulsating. Drace called it Prothean, Liara have you ever heard of this?"

In hearing Shepard's tone and seeing Aria's swift change in mood, Liara's enthusiasm waned and she mentally changed gears to be the scientist that was such an ingrained part of her personality. She thought for a moment, trying to recall all that she had known about the Prothean civilization and what little was left behind. Her brow furrowed and then something triggered a memory, "Did you say the mine is on Watson, in Sigurd's Cradle?"

"Yes, it's one of the planets that were decimated by the Reapers. Aria and I sent some of the refugees there to help repopulate the city and take back the eezo mines," Thea offered.

Liara's voice had gotten slightly higher and her eyes widened, she faced Shepard wearing a very businesslike expression, "Sigurd's Cradle is home to more than Watson… Shepard, 2181 Despoina is where we found Leviathan…"

Understanding immediately, Shepard had the same thought as Liara, "There were dozens of orbs all over the wreckage, and it was an orb we found at T-GES Mineral Works and another one in the office of Dr. Bryson. We need to find out what Leviathan is doing." She instinctively turned to look at the Normandy, the feeling of dread now radiating from inside her. Not again damn it, never again, I will not let that happen…

Recognizing that Shepard was now staring at the Normandy and seeing the distant look on her face, Liara's color seemed to lighten slightly. She instinctively held Shepard tighter in an attempt to keep her close. Her hand went to her belly and she delicately rubbed it for comfort. She will not leave us… she will stay by my side… she loves us…

Aethyta had been listening to the exchange and saw the sudden distant look in Shepard and the concern in her daughter. Fuming at Shepard, Aethyta suddenly stepped in and gave her daughter-in-law a piece of her mind, "What the hell is wrong with you Shepard? Your wife is ten months pregnant and you are about to receive some highfalutin praise from all of the Council reps and all you can think of is some wild goose chase. Don't you even think about running off and getting yourself killed… again! You are not going to hurt my girl, damn it… I won't let you!"

Snapping her attention back to the group of concerned looking asari now staring at her, Shepard shook her head and added her caress to Liara's belly. "I will inform Admiral Hackett and bring Ash up to speed." She looked right into Aethyta's eyes when she spoke, "I'm not going anywhere, except to London to get this ceremony over with."

Sensing an opportunity to divert the conversation, Thea pointed to the shuttle ahead of them. "Yes, we need to get going. I have to meet with the council before the ceremony begins. I'm sure you can all talk about this later." Thea took Aria's arm in hers and started heading toward the shuttle that had been awaiting their arrival.

Never one to miss making a sarcastic comment, Aria called back, "Right now we need to focus on that shiny new statue of the Commander." She wrapped her arm around her bond mate and allowed Thea to direct her onto the ship.

Shepard knew that Liara's greatest fear was losing her again. She pulled her wife into a deep hug and tried to reassure her, "Honey, I love you and I will be right next to you when our daughter is born. I know what you went through each time you thought you lost me… I will not do that to you or us again." Reaching up and touching her wife's cheek, Shepard could not help but feel the dampness from Liara's tears.

Believe her… she will be there, Liara allowed her bond mate to wipe her tears away. She focused on Shepard's beautiful green eyes and kissed her lips lightly, "I know… we should get going." Liara felt Shepard take her hand and they headed to the shuttle and their party.