The apartment's comm chimed. Karli answered , and was surprised to see Dr. Brynn Cole's image appear on the screen. She had been involved with the re-building of the relays, but this call originated in London. Karli found out that Dr. Cole had been working in London for over a month now, but the other woman had deflected other questions, and insisted they visit her.
"Miranda and I want to do a routine check, Commander. And it will be good for you to get away from the Citadel for a bit. We are having a wonderful summer, make sure you bring clothes fit for hot weather."
It would be lovely to spend a few days together. Plus, it will be hot and sunny! Our schedule is completely open because of the move. Miranda's involved as well, what do they want?
"Liara and I will take a shuttle this afternoon, and Ms. Cole, shall we set a time for ten O'clock tomorrow morning?"
"Thank you very much Commander, and please call me Brynn. I will make reservations for you at Hotel Galaxy."
The taxi that brought the couple to their hotel was pre-programmed, so they could focus all their attention on the landscape outside.
"This used to be London?" asked Liara, while studying the ruins overgrown with shrubs and grasses.
Karli nodded. "The southern outskirts. Most parts have not been touched yet, as all attention is focused on the inner city. Inviting the Australians was a brilliant move, since many have ties to this country. There are almost 2 million of them in the city right now - and I even read that they started work on London zoo."
Liara was intrigued. "Zoo - is that the place where one can see exotic animals?"
"Yes love, and you will be happy to know it is only 2 blocks away from our hotel."
"That is good to know," the asari exclaimed, "shall we visit there together?"
Shepard smiled at her partner's enthusiasm. "Sounds fun! It's late now, and tomorrow I have to go see Dr. Cole. How about we plan it for the day after tomorrow?"
"Agreed. I am very much looking forward to it."
As Shepard awoke the next morning, the temperature was rapidly climbing, and she found the sheets sticking to her sweaty skin. She quickly activated climate control.
What does Cole want? Must have something to do with my health if Miranda is involved. If it's bad news, I would rather hear it first. Hope Liara doesn't mind I go by myself.
"Hey Blue! Do you want to sleep some more?" She trailed her finger over Liara's cheek, then tenderly rubbed her lover's shoulder.
"Mmm... it is nice in bed, but I would love to see the city."
"Why don't you go out and see London? It will probably be a very boring scientific talk with Dr. Cole."
Understanding her lover's need for privacy, Liara kissed Karli's lips lightly and headed for the shower.
"Go ahead Karli, and give my greetings to them. I will have a good time exploring."
It was obvious to Shepard that Liara was eager to get out. Within 20 minutes, she had washed and dressed.
"How do I look?" asked Liara, as she inspected herself in a very large mirror.
She was dressed in a short sleeved, light yellow dress that ended well above her knees, and showed most of her legs. A white band around her waist accentuated her bosom, and she was wearing yellow summer shoes to match.
Staring for at least 20 seconds, Shepard struggled to find the right words. It did not help that Liara used that intoxicating asari perfume, the alien fragrance made her head spin.
"Liara... ah, you, eh..."
"Yes my dear Commander, what are you trying to tell me?" Teased Liara, as she approached Shepard.
Karli placed her hands on her lover's cheek.
"You hypnotize me, blue. I am just stunned with joy that you are mine. You look amazing, more than I can express."
Liara blushed, and for a second Karli could see the shy archeologist she'd met years ago.
"Too bad it's getting close to 10 O'clock" Shepard sighed. "But I will see you tonight!"
30 minutes after Liara had left, her Omni tool chimed.
"Councillor Tevos, it is nice to see you again."
"Commander Shepard, the honor is mine, thank you for taking my call."
"How is Thessia, Councillor?" Did she just bow to me?
"Thessia is well, thank you, better than I would have expected at this point."
"I am glad to hear that." Why did she just bow to me?
"Commander Shepard, it has come to my attention that you will be moving here soon."
"Wha... my partner and I have bought a property on Thessia 6 days ago. How did you know about this?" How does she know that?
"Commander, here on Thessia you are regarded as Mandein, and everything you do is followed by our press. I'm sure a reporter paid good money for this story to someone. It's been a headline for the last two days."
"Yes, we are moving to Thessia." What is a Mandein?
"You have already turned down the position as the human councillor, so I won't bring that up again. But I invite you to accept an honorary position as an ambassador for the council."
"Mmm. What position are we talking about here?" I will not be turned into a politician, they know that already!
"Commander, you united all the races to defeat the reapers. That was an amazing accomplishment. Everyone in the galaxy knows you, and respects you. You have a great talent to bridge differences, and bring sides together. I would like to appoint you as Interspecies ambassador, someone who will monitor race relations in the galaxy and mediate any tensions."
"Monitor race relations... mediate, so I will be a galactic peacekeeper, is that right?" Does that involve fighting wars?
"Galactic peacekeeper, that sounds correct Commander."
"Councillor, I have a question: If violence is necessary, do you expect me to use it?"
"Of course Commander, but you have proven again and again that you can solve almost all problems with your oratory skills. Even now we have a situation on Palaven, where-"
"I did not accept this position yet, Councillor. Let me think this over, and I'll call you back within a few days"
"Thank you Commander, I am looking forward to your call."
"Goodbye Councillor."
After ending the call, Karli looked around the hotel room for her bag. It was a very luxurious room, and as a soldier she felt out of place. The room was quite dark; brown wooden floors, brown walls, and dark purple curtains. Her surroundings weighed on her. After the war, she'd found herself very sensitive to things like that.
Brynn obviously did not look at this place before she booked it, I want to go out in the sun now!
Liara had placed white and yellow flowers in a few spots, and it helped a bit. It also gave the room a very pleasant fragrance. The flowers would not last long in the sweltering London heat.
Where is that bag?
She found it on the bed, and checked her chrono.
I've got 20 minutes, must hurry a bit. What does Brynn want?
In the elevator down, she thought about her call with Councillor Tevos, and what it would mean if she accepted.
Let's see what Blue thinks about that.
Going out the front door of the hotel, sunlight fell over her like a warm embrace. She took a deep breath, happy to leave the dark room behind her.
Yes, I like this... Why do I live in a space station again?
She looked directly into the sun, and enjoyed the warm light through her closed eyelids. For at least two minutes she stood there, mesmerized by the light of humanity's star.