A/N: Hi there. This chapter was an absolute delight to write, I have hidden some clues to the future, and we will be leaving Earth very soon. Please leave your thoughts, I'd love to hear what you think! Bebus and vector 71, my thanks.
Chapter 11, Shadow of the Reapers
When Liara awoke, Karli was already on the comms. As the blue alien slipped into the shower, she overheard the end of Shepard's conversation. "Yes, Admiral, I said toasters."
Turning on the tap, Liara tried to fathom how a toaster would come up in a conversation with an admiral. Is she discussing breakfast with Hackett? The thought was so ridiculous, that she giggled to herself as she enjoyed the hot water, and her lighthearted mood enticed her into a carefree song.
Ending Hackett's call, Shepard immediately connected to Councillor Tevos. "Hello Commander, thank you for calling me."
"Councillor, I have considered your offer, and would like to accept, under certain conditions." Karli's voice was warm and friendly, "But first of all, with all we have been through together, and thinking of our future cooperation, please... call me Karli, or Shepard, whichever you prefer."
Tevos was visibly uncomfortable. She'd known Shepard for years, and their relationship had seen some difficult times. She'd often supported her against a hostile Council, and genuinely liked the woman. She is Mandein, but she wants me to use her first name...
"I would like that... Karli, and feel free to use my first name, it's Heesi. What conditions do you have in mind?"
Usually it was impossible to read Tevos' face, but her curiosity was evident. It's not like I'm going to ask for Thessia's throne.
"My health is not optimal, Council... er, Heesi. It would be unwise for me to enter combat, I will endanger not only myself, but my companions as well." Shepard took a deep breath, "Therefore I suggest we assign a capable individual to be the strong arm of my peacekeeping activities." The Shepard's task force, ha!
She continued, "My partner and I also insist I do most of my work from our home on Thessia. We imagine a work space where we can set up the necessary computers and communications equipment."
Tevos took a moment, then nodded. "Both requests seem acceptable Commander. I'll talk it over with the Council, but it is safe to assume we agree with your conditions."
"Good!" Well that was quick! "Excuse me Heesi, could you please hold on?" Tevos nodded, and Karli walked to stand next to the shower, to enjoy Liara's marvelous voice and song.
Putting the asari Councillor on hold to hear you sing? Absolutely Love!
Mischievously grinning to herself she thought about surprising Liara, but decided against it, not wanting the song to end. One minute quickly turned into five as Liara started a new song, this one slower, sounding almost reflective.
Oh shoot! Tevos!
"Heesi, when we get to Thessia, I would love to meet you as soon as possible. There are a few matters of Galactic safety which we need to address right away."
Tevos nodded, "Of course Karli. We will set a time and a place. You may remember, in our last conversation I mentioned Palaven. I'm afraid there is a situation that urgently requires our attention. A large group of krogan has been helping with re-building, but two days ago they raided a warehouse with food and two turian guards were injured."
"Can't the turians handle this themselves?" Shepard frowned, "Have you tried to contact Urdnot Wrex?"
"The turians actually asked the council for help; they sent two diplomats to the krogan, and those came crawling back, without clothes. They do not want this escalating into an armed conflict with the krogan. Urdnot Wrex... we have been unable to establish communications with Tuchanka for the last two days. As Interspecies Ambassador, could you please talk to the krogan chief on Palaven? You should know that I also dispatched Spectre Alenko to Palaven, should things get... complicated."
"You sure are moving fast, Heesi. Was Alenko your first choice? Garrus Vakarian told me he's had difficulties adjusting to a leadership position."
"Actually, he was not, but the Council will observe closely if he is worthy to remain a Spectre."
Karli looked at the ceiling. She remembered her annoyance with Kaidan, as he questioned her again and again about her loyalties to the Alliance and Cerberus. After the Cerberus coup, they'd shared a cold meeting, where she made it crystal clear that the Normandy was doing well without him.
Spectre status just fell into his lap, maybe it's too much for him to handle. She should consider my opinion. "Kaidan's a good soldier, but not Spectre material. We both know Udina pushed for his promotion so he could have a puppet close to the council."
"Agreed," nodded Tevos, and she added thoughtfully, "he's very unprofessional. One meeting I had with him, he kept staring at my, er, ... he kept staring!" Shepard and Heesi shared a moment, as the both of them chuckled.
Liara, who was getting dressed, looked at her curiously.
"Please send information on the krogan chief to my Omni-tool, I will contact him after we finish our conversation." Shepard wanted to conclude the call.
"...eh, Karli, can I ask you a personal question?"
Frowning, Shepard did not know what to expect. Oh-oh, where's this going?
"Your partner, Liara T'Soni... I knew her mother very well. I would like to invite you both for a more informal meeting at my house." Tevos' voice dropped to a whisper, clearly embarrassed to ask, "Liara... is she pregnant?"
Grinning, Karli made eye contact with Liara, who with three graceful steps, placed herself in range of the comm's camera, "Hello Councillor, it is a pleasure. No, I am not with child."
Tevos' face turned a deep purple. "Doctor T'Soni, I didn't, I mean..."
Throwing an arm around her partner, Shepard playfully added, "She's not pregnant, but we will correct that very soon."
"Karli!" Liara's face instantly adapted the same color as Tevos', as Shepard doubled over laughing, seeing the two properly embarrassed.
"Er, wasn't it the asari who are so comfortable with their sexuality?" she teased, clearly enjoying the moment. "Heesi, we kindly accept your invitation, and look forward to meeting you. I actually am very curious to see Thessia. How is the rebuilding going?"
"There is still a lot to do," answered Tevos. The Councillor stood taller and straightened her red dress, trying to compose herself. "The rubble and debris has been cleared, and we have started reconstruction. But the damage done to our cities and infrastructure is severe; it will take years until all evidence of the Reapers is gone."
Shepard thought about that for a second, while she subconsciously fidgeted with her collar. "I look forward to meeting you, Heesi, and just one more thing..."
"Yes, Shepard?"
"I have seen you bow a couple of times, and please, don't do it anymore, it doesn't feel right, it makes me... uncomfortable." Did I just give the asari Councillor an order?
Tevos looked down. She removed an invisible blemish from her dress. "If that is your wish..."
"Good!" replied Karli in a very chipper tone and she severed the connection.
"We have come a long way with the Council and with Tevos," reflected Liara, "and I did not know she knew mother." Her face became a somber mask. After all these years, Liara still had not properly dealt with the death of her mother and her own role in it.
Karli flawlessly read her mind and naturally wanted to help, "It would be good for you to sit down and listen to stories about Benezia... and share memories. And not just with Tevos, your Munde is also on Thessia."
"Thessia..." the asari sighed, her longing apparent, "I haven't seen Aethyta in a very long time..."
One question from her call lingered in Karli's mind, "Why did Heesi agree to our conditions so quickly?"
Liara threw her head back and laughed. Shepard blushed and tried to be indignant, she failed.
The asari decided to enlighten her, "It is endearing how you are so in the dark about your own importance. You are the savior of the galaxy, twice. To asari, you are Mandein; you have noticed the bowing. Councillor Tevos is obviously thrilled to be able to work with you again. She likely would have agreed if you asked her to name her first born after... you."
Liara's voice trailed off. She suddenly surprised herself, her voice now full with wonder, "Which she may very well do!"
"Gah!" Gasped Shepard, "Do you really think people will name babies after me?"
Ignoring her question, Liara placed both hands on Shepard's waist and pulled them closer until their lips met. She cherished the lovely salty smell, the feel of Shepard's curvy hips; their kiss drew out as the asari carefully nibbled on Karli's lower lip, tasting her lover. "I never got a chance to say good morning." She leaned in to rest her head on Karli's shoulder. "Or how wonderful last night was."
Shepard grinned, extremely pleased to see the abundant joy in Liara's eyes. "You said it, lover."
Chief Grom Kuwek had not expected a call by Commander Shepard, and he did not look too pleased. The call was very short, with Kuwek politely promising everything Karli demanded of him.
A concerned frown on her face, Shepard ended the call and addressed Liara, "He's lying. He told me everything I wanted to hear, he was just saying all the right things to get me off the comms. Have you ever seen such a polite krogan before?"
She sighed, "To impress a krogan, you have to get in their face with threats and force."
Karli thought for a second, "Logic and reason just don't apply to them! I expect more trouble. Let's hope Alenko can keep an eye on things."
"Let's go downstairs to get breakfast," an impatient Liara offered. "I want more of those scrambled chickens."
"Eggs sweetheart, the egg comes before the chicken."
The duo enjoyed the fresh morning air and their breakfast on the terrace of the hotel. The sun would not be there for long; in the distance they could already see dark clouds forming, and the weather forecast spoke of a large storm coming to chase the summer heat away.
"I have had some lovely days here in London. If that is an indication of our new life on Thessia, I will be a very pleased asari." Contentment was clear in Liara's voice, her face a pleasant smile.
"Our life there will be even better," reasoned Karli. "We have a beautiful house by the sea and all the time in the world. And after these days in London, I am anxious to get away from the Citadel; too many people and too many reporters."
"Scones?" frowned Liara, "is that even a breakfast food, Shepard?" She inspected the odd cake, which had been slathered in Jam.
Karli took a huge bite, while trying to answer at the same time. Chomp, chomp... "Mmm... don't know, don't care either. I like 'em!"
Liara looked at her bondmate with fond appreciation. Over time Karli had gotten so much more expressive, so much more relaxed in her mannerisms, the asari squinted her eyes as she tried hard to see the tough soldier.
She is fantastic! Goddess, she is my life!
"Did you call me?" asked Shepard, as she glanced at Liara, who denied. "Mmh! Could have sworn I heard your voice."
Liara frowned and opened her mouth to speak, then closed it again. For now, she decided to hold her thoughts to herself.
Turning her attention back to the breakfast, the asari took a bite and addressed her lover, "Have you tried this black pudding? It is quite tasty."
Shepard made a gagging motion, while she grabbed her lover's shoulder, "Spit it out, spit it out! For the sake of our children, don't eat that!"
"Blue, we have a few hours before the shuttle leaves, what would you say about a visit to Westminster Abbey? I'd like to light some candles for our fallen friends and all casualties of the war. It's been on my mind ever since we landed."
Many ceremonies had been held during the last 12 months, but Karli had virtually missed all of them. Following Crucible Day, she had spend nine months in a coma, her hospital release quite recent after which she'd spend most of her days inside her Citadel apartment. Shepard sensed an opportunity for a small, private ceremony.
She explained the human tradition of lighting candles for the dead, and tried to make the idea more appealing to the archeologist. "It's a gorgeous old building, with a strong cultural-religious significance."
"It sounds like a nice idea, shall we invite Brynn and Miranda?" Liara offered. The asari did not mention it, but she fully intended the two brilliant scientists to be a part of their future life, for the sake of Shepard's health.
Karli agreed and called Miranda; surprisingly, both of them could take time off. An hour later the four walked through the front door of Westminster Abbey.
Unbelievably, the church had suffered only minor damage during the Reaper War and there was only one area visible where they detected repairs.
Once inside, Brynn read from a large poster, detailing the history of the church. "The Abbey has been the coronation church since 1066 and is the final resting place of seventeen monarchs. The present church, begun by Henry III in 1245, is one of the most important Gothic buildings in the country, with the medieval shrine of an Anglo-Saxon saint still at its heart."
She paused there; the rest of the text was a description of the paintings, stained glass, pavements, and artefacts present in the building.
Very interested, Liara persuaded Brynn to keep reading. Shepard smiled when she saw her partner's enthusiasm and she continued walking up the center aisle.
After a few minutes they all gathered in the centre of the church, taking in the vaulted high ceilings and stained glass windows. None spoke as the tranquility and the age of the building weighed down on them.
Liara smelled the moist air and the musky smell of old tapestries. She touched one of the huge columns in appreciation and closed her eyes; the ancient stone radiated patience and wisdom. She stood there for a few seconds, an awed look on her face. "I am delighted you brought me here," she whispered at Karli. "This building speaks to me."
Befuddled, Shepard stared at her and stored away a question for later; she realized there was still so much to learn about her asari.
Slowly, the group toured the church, finally arriving at a huge rectangular metal plate, which held many small candles. "I will light a candle for Jack." Miranda announced, sadness in her voice.
Those two had fought consistently on the Normandy, but Miranda had surprised herself; inside the Collector base she'd tried hard to guide and protect Jack, but was unable to reach her when Jack was eaten alive by the seeker swarms. Miranda held the young biotic as she trembled in pain; the spark of life leaving her. That event severely shocked Miranda, never before had Shepard seen her so distraught.
Miranda picked up a candle from the box, illuminated it, before placing it on the metal plate. Stepping back, she closed her eyes and thought of her friend.
Brynn got on her knees in the ancient wooden benches and closed her eyes, whispering words that Shepard instantly recognized, "Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come..."
Karli remained silent, but her mind was racing at full speed. First came the images and voices from her nightmares during the Reaper War. She quickly cleared her mind, not wanting to see that damned dream again.
Ashley's face appeared behind her closed eyes and she tried with all her might to hold that image. The poetic soldier, who had willingly sacrificed herself on Virmire to accomplish the mission; how it felt like that was a thousand years ago. "You did good, Ash," whispered Shepard, as she lit a candle, "I will never forget you."
Recalling Mordin, she smiled. The singing salarian had always held a special place in her heart, and she had fond memories of their time together. On Tuchanka, he'd placed a crowning achievement on his genetic work and had died with a peaceful heart. Karli nodded, while she placed a candle, "People credit me with curing the genophage, both of us know better. Hope you found the seashells."
More faces came to her, and she realized there were just too many. Thane, Jacob, Zaeed, Palaven, Earth,Thessia... goodness there is no end, this one is for all victims...
The Commander managed a compassionate smile as she placed the third candle on the plate.
Liara was not smiling. She'd found a small seat and as she watched her companions' introspective conduct, her thoughts automatically moved to her actions as the Shadow Broker. Helping Shepard had always been her primary motivation and the Broker's assets had helped the war effort enormously.
But the collateral damage...
Which is another word for people dying...
Liara knew and agreed her actions had been necessary. Her reason, her brain could calculate it. That did not mean she liked all the results.
Goddess help me!
Innocents died by my hand...
Wringing her hands, she felt extremely conflicted. No one was going to accuse her, except for the only person she could not get away from: herself.
The Reapers forced my hand, forced my actions, they are to blame. I did what had to be done, my actions were to end the war. Let go T'Soni, there is a future waiting for you, please let go...
She clenched her fists, her face a tangled frown, trying through sheer willpower to take away the weight of history.
The Reapers shaped our times, shaped our lives. My time, my life!
Even after their destruction, I cannot escape their long shadow. Goddess, can I ever leave those cursed creatures behind?
Liara strained herself to control her breathing, inhaling deeply.
The past is gone, we cannot change one thing about it. The present is very good, I am thankful. And the future...
She relaxed her fists, then her shoulders. Suddenly very grateful for her religious education, she folded her hands in her lap, and entered a meditative trance, oblivious to the entire world.
Karli's head snapped up as a massive crack echoed through the vast abbey, and she realized the massive storm had reached the heart of the city. She checked on her companions: Liara was seated, frozen solid in her pose, eyes closed. Standing next to the huge entrance doors, Brynn and Miranda were having a whispered conversation.
The asari looked extremely fragile and vulnerable. Feeling a strong need to comfort her bondmate, Karli quietly seated herself next to her partner, trying to give support by her mere presence.
Liara shifted a bit, as if she'd sensed her lover; she moved her hand and flawlessly found Shepard's leg, resting it there, drawing strength from the contact with her other half. After ten quiet minutes, she opened her eyes and gave Karli a knowing smile. "It is time."
The storm hit London, the sky was completely dark and heavy rains rushed down as they exited the church. Miranda and Brynn ran for a cab, while Shepard paused on top of the steps, clearly enjoying the thunderstorm. Liara lingered in the relative shelter of the large doors.
Karli raised her head to the heavens and closed her eyes, as the rain pounded down, her spirit swept in the the power of nature.
This is it. Can we leave the war behind? Can we leave the past behind? It's time for a whole new life, what will happen to us?
Liara moved to stand next to her partner and remained silent as she sensed Shepard's contemplative mood. Within ten seconds they were completely soaked, but neither cared.
Thunder shook the skies, violently booming amidst the black clouds; a crackling flash illuminated everything in a blinding second.
Eyes full of understanding, the pair looked at each other. Rain streamed down, as Liara unhurriedly moved one tress of hair that stuck to her lover's nose.
For a full minute they stayed, the storm raging around them.
Liara tenderly took Karli's hand and placed it on her heart, "Let us go."
Her eyes filled with water, Shepard agreed, "Thessia is waiting."
Holding each other tightly, the couple slowly descended the wet steps.