A/N: Battle Dress Uniform, BDU's, is the militaries' daily working uniform. Also known as camos.

Reminder CHENG is a Chief Engineer in the Navy.

When Fates Collide

Chapter 28

~ ~ Embrace Eternity ~ ~

For the last two hours Commander Shepard sat restlessly at her desk, tapping her finger. Countless times the spectre searched her data terminal to keep herself occupied as time lingered. Standing, then pacing, the veteran soldier cursed the impartial time piece that effortlessly stared back at her. Aimlessly pacing her cabin she waited for the young asari, placed in her charge by her matriarch mother, to return from her check up with the Normandy's chief medical officer. Shepard was worried about the severity of the injuries Liara had suffered on Sybin.

The green eye beauty flicked her stylist pen vigorously between her fingers as she slumped down in the large leather chair. Glancing back at the electronic time device, the savior of the galaxy unexpectedly pushed out a deep sigh that resonated past her lips. Just as the confident warrior was about to scream from her impatience, the door to her cabin swished open.

"So, how did it go?" The redhead nonchalantly asked, pretending that she had barely noticed the maiden's absence.

Sensing that her favorite human wasn't as coy as she was masquerading, the alluring asari sauntered towards the captain's chair. "Dr. Chakwas amazes me with her knowledge of the asari anatomy."

"Are you ok?" Shepard shot back, needing to know her condition more than Dr. Chakwas' alien species expertise.

Amused by her impatience, the professor took pity on the worried spectre, "Shepard, she said I will be fine."

"Oh good" sighed the commanding officer.

Taking advantage of the soldier's disposition, Liara asked, "Commander, you sound a little worried. Does this mean, watching over me is no longer a taxing requisition for you?"

Greatly flustered, the redhead leaned down to pick up the water thermos she accidently knocked over while sitting on the edge of the bed. A sudden loud thud echoed through the quarters preceding a bout of muttered swearing. Capturing the asari's unwavering attention, Liara witnessed the spectre shaking her fist feverishly. When she saw the redhead repeatedly kiss her hand after wracking her knuckles on the night stand, a confused frown blanketed the maiden's face. Cocking her head to the side, Liara watched with great curiosity and asked, "Why do you kiss your hand?"

Sitting back down on the bed, the woman dressed in her formal uniform shook her hand wildly before suddenly feeling a little childish, and answered, "It's just something we humans do. It helps the pain go away faster."

Intrigued by the odd gesture, Liara slowly took a seat on the bed, reached out and collected Shepard's pale skinned hand into her own. The woman laughed as Liara's long white gloves, that matched her green scientist outfit, seemed to be looking for physical evidence of the relief the kisses had made. It wasn't very long before the commander started to blush heavily from the close proximity of the lovely asari. Attempting to keep face, like the great Matriarch Benezia, Shepard swallowed hard and grinned bashfully.

Shepard's green eyes locked hypnotically onto Liara's azure ones, it abruptly made the marine's knee's feel like jelly. Noticing the affect she was having on the human, Liara gradually lifted the pink hand close to her mouth and asked politely, "May I try?"

Knowing exactly what the asari meant, Shepard speechlessly nodded her head up and down answering, yes. Watching the indigo lips form into a circle and delicately touch her skin caused the human's heartbeat to skip. An euphoric emotion suddenly made the redhead feel like she was dreaming. The tantalizing sensation of the Liara's lips on her hand was incredibly softer than Shepard could have ever imagined. Shaking herself from the intoxicating experience, the veteran soldier tried to reason, Did Liara, the asari I have known all this time from a distance, really just kiss my hand trying to relieve me of pain? Whether the asari actually intended on helping or not, didn't matter. Witnessing the full azure lips pressed tenderly against her hand, did in fact make Shepard forget all about the throbbing she was feeling only seconds ago.

The asari's lips slowly parted from the skin with great compassion making the marine feel even fainter than before. Intensifying the delirious situation was the spectre's lost gaze into the blue eyes staring intently back at her as Liara questioned, "Did that help?" A sluggish and dumbfounded nod answered the scientist's question, making the professor blush as it became shadowed by a shy smile. "So it doesn't hurt anymore?"

Glistening emerald eyes still lost in the rich sapphires, watched as Liara looked back down and studied the human's hand. Seeing the professor chew nervously on her bottom lip was clear evidence to Shepard that the asari had relished the kiss as much as she had.

Fighting her own hesitation, Liara tenderly smiled and inquired in an enchanting tone, "Does it hurt anywhere else?"

The soldier released a weak chuckle that she was unable to contain and slowly pointed to her swollen cheek. The pair of soft blue lips descended on the pink skin. Hoping to engage the prothean expert in a game of point and kiss, Shepard licked her dry lips, and hesitantly touched her bottom lip. Smiling goofy she whispered, "Here".

Liara gradually kissed the puffy lip, ensuring she didn't place any unnecessary pressure on the tender skin. The intoxicating aroma of the young asari caused the human to inhale deeply as her eyes closed. Barely tasting the sweetness of the asari's lips, Shepard again grazed the top of her skin, however this time pointed to her top lip and muttered even softer, "Here".

For a moment, the professor grinned while she gathered her confidence before carefully leaning down and kissing the woman. Hell bent on not being interrupted by an outside source, this time the soldier did not remain perfectly still as before, she instead, reached around Liara's waist making sure the exchange didn't end too soon as she pressed into the cautious pressing of lips. The soldier found herself lured in by the kiss as both galactic women blushed beneath their natural skin tones. Still unsure, the asari maiden was the first to pull away.

Preventing the maiden to think too much about their sudden intimate encounter, the redhead teased, smirking from ear to ear. "Liara, did you just kiss me?"

The sharp asari quipped, "Shepard, I believe you kissed me back."

Smug about her actions the soldier replied, "Why yes I did."

Not releasing her hand from around the asari waist, a series of intimate glances exchanged before the former alliance officer asked, somewhere between a confident warrior and an awkward schoolgirl, "If you don't mind professor, I`d like to do it again."

Shielding her face, the young maiden turned an even darker shade of purple. Liara, allowing her desire to overcome her embarrassment, shifted on the mattress until she was staring directly into the redhead's eyes. A soft, but assured voice spoke. "Shepard, I believe I would greatly enjoy that."

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Meanwhile in the belly of CIC, the crew moved about with great purpose. They knew the ship was rapidly running out of places to look for the rogue spectre. Wanting to please their own residing council spectre, the crewmembers frantically searched the air waves for clues of where Saren had gone. Lieutenant Presley was having the ship run a thorough systems check on every major piece of equipment. The grey haired navigator wanted to make sure they were absolutely prepared for anything.

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"Are you…sure about this…Liara? I don't want… to pressure you." questioned the commanding officer in-between breathless kisses.

Unexpectedly pulling back enough to take in the redhead's entire face, Liara declared in a confident tone worthy of the T'Soni legacy. "Shepard, I have never been more certain about anything else in my life."

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A synthesized female voice yelled over the humming of the galactic engine. "I want to make sure everything is running perfectly smooth for Shepard. I don't need her worrying about the ship!" Commanding the engine room like it was her own personal nursery of children, Tali barked, "Peterson!"

"Yes ma'am!"

"What is the status of the barrier system?"

"I just completed a thorough diagnostic."

"Good. Check it again."

The twenty year old engineer gasped as he questioned, "What?"

The quarian genius explained without a hint of hesitation, "Do you want me to tell Shepard and the rest of the galaxy that we failed because third class Peterson didn't want to double check his work for the most important mission for all life as we know it?" Taking a daring step closer to the man, Tali added, "Do you think Shepard only puts in half the effort to saving us all? Perhaps she is laying on her back side right now, preparing for this mission?" sassed the quarian.

Suddenly feeling very stupid when the suited woman put it that way, Peterson shot a questioning look towards Chief Engineer Adams. The experienced CHANG, who served eighteen years of service, shrugged his shoulders agreeing with the new perspective of the tedious task in which the quarian engineer described. Standing tall, Peterson clicked the heels of his leather boots before heading back down to double check the barrier shields again. "I will put in every bit of effort the commander is putting in for us."

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The smooth side of a gloved hand gently tugged at the zipper that contained the woman behind the uniform. Directly in front of her, another woman gasped, as she realized what wonderful treasures were about to be released from behind their clothed prison. Tantalizing flesh peeked out beyond the garment as the zipper moved painfully slow, lower and lower, revealing more and more skin as it went.

Midway between her breasts, the owner of the gloved hand paused and peered up, making sure her audience was well satisfied by what she was offering. As it were, no one other than her own species had ever seen what she was about to reveal. However, despite their earlier differences, the gloved woman wanted more than anything to bare more than her mere body. She wanted to bare her soul to the counsel's gladiator before her.

When the hand suddenly froze, halting the downward progress of the zipper, a pair of emerald irises glanced up and stared deeply into the glistening sapphire pools that gazed back at her. Void of almost all its moisture, a raspy voice uttered, "You're sure about this Liara?"

When the blue asari didn't answer, the spectre released a small disappointing sigh. Not wanting to dissatisfy the commander, or lose her nerve, Liara unexpectedly took another step towards the savior of the galaxy continuing her zipper's downward spiral. The soldier's breathe, all but escaped her, when her piercing green eyes fixated on the soft blue skin that was slowly, centimeter by centimeter, being greeted by the cool air that surrounded it. Being so intently focused on the smooth skin of the professor's svelte abdomen, Shepard did not realize, until Liara moved forward, that she had dropped the last of her scientist's uniform onto the floor. Taken by the curvaceous woman before her, the spectre actually began to shudder.

Slinking her way even closer to the fully clothed human, Liara asked, with a hint of mischievousness in her voice, "Something wrong Shepard?"

Now finding herself chewing on her bottom lip, like the prothean expert characteristically did when she was nervous, the redhead's raspy voice once again answered for her as she studied the naked blue beauty before.

"No, no, nothing at all."

"Are you sure, you want this too?" The asari maiden softly asked.

Taking the silky blue hands in hers, the soldier smiled and like a black hole swallowing up a dying sun, the commanding officer's zealous confidence returned as she stated, "Just tell me what to do, Liara."

An innocent, yet vixen type smile, tugged at the asari's face as she pressed herself against the galactic officer. Nuzzling closer to the spectre's ear, the maiden whispered in a voice that was saturated with arousing lust, "Have I ever told you, how much I like it when you say my name?"

Invitingly wrapping her hands around the matriarch daughter's bare waist, the redheaded woman spoke in an alluring tone in which she hoped her guest would find greatly appealing. "Why no Liara, I did not know that."

Snaking a leg around the council's champion, the professor uncontrollably arched her back into Shepard, hearing her name spoken so seductively off the human's tongue. The same human she once tried so desperately to prevent having feelings for.

Gliding her hands behind Liara's back, taking in as much of the maiden's tantalizing skin as possible, the soldier outstretched her fingertips, grazing the top of the asari's rounded posterior. Breathing heavily on the professor's neck, the commander asked, "What else pleases you Liara T'Soni, that haven't you told me?"

Like butter, sitting on the counter on a hot summer's day back in Brazil, the asari maiden melted instantly into her would-be lover's arms. The warmth from the redhead's arms consumed her as she pressed even closer to the commanding officer of the Normandy. Barely comprehendible, the asari breathlessly whispered, "Oh Goddess Shepard."

"Liara, I've…" trying to avoid embarrassing herself, the former rogue soldier confessed, "I've wanted this longer than I dare to admit."

Feeling the spectre's lethally, strong hands soften as they gingerly wrapped around her nude form, sparked another bold action from the normally docile professor. Unable to contain the desire within, Liara reacted with lightening fast reflexes, worthy of an asari commando. The velvet skinned asari lurched upwards, cupped the commanding officer's face, and frantically placed a long, deep kiss on her wanting red lips.

Demanding ruby lips pressed down on azure ones. Engulfing the prothean expert as much as possible, the redhead lifted Liara off the ground without severing the passionate kiss. Quickly overcome by desire and want, the maiden cupped the commanding officer's cheeks, while Shepard eagerly stroked the asari's back as both women became instantaneously lost within each other's hunger. Narrowly avoiding hyperventilating, the experienced soldier finally broke the heated embrace, as oxygen suddenly became a greater necessity then the zealous maiden. Drawing in large gasps of air, the women panted, smiling wildly at each other while desperately trying to breathe normal again.

Letting her hands slide down the object of her desire's face until they rested on her shoulders, the aroused prothean expert suddenly realized that her commander's body was shielded by her battle dress uniform. Anxiously tugging at the spectre's collar, Liara lightheartedly pouted, as a single word floated off her lips, "Off".

More than happy to comply with the asari's request, galactic commander quickly unbuttoned her uniform's blouse. By the third button, the professor's patience had whittled away as Shepard's fingers didn't move fast enough for her. Gripping the top with each hand, Liara ripped the shirt wide open, sending several buttons spinning to the floor. Numerous giggles filled the air as the duo watched the buttons scatter across the steel floor. Not waiting for the last button to stop spinning, another libidinous request escaped the formally docile maiden as her hands tugged at the soldier's trousers, "More".

As compliant as the first request, the redhead tore at her clothes and sent them hastily hurling to the ground as the asari remained in very close proximity to the spectre. When Shepard removed her sportsbra, being the last article of clothing to be taken off, Liara's azure eyes beamed bright with anticipation. Trailing a cobalt finger over the newly bared chest, the aroused professor, angelically purred, "Hmmm, now that is divine." Continuing to follow an unscripted path, Liara disclosed as she traced the pale skin under her hand, "Shepard you are as beautiful as you are gallant."

The council's champion was about to engage the young maiden in another passionate kiss, when she unexpectedly felt the asari's hand firmly upon her chest, holding her back. A silent expression, asked why there was a sudden halt in affection. Cocking her head to one side, the prothean expert again let a mischievous smirk slip across her face. A long, slender blue finger covered the commanding officer's lips when she tried to inquire what was going on. Dragging the digit across the wet lips further enhanced the playful expression from the maiden. Without warning, Liara intriguingly guided the redhead over towards the largest bed on the ship.

Being pushed down onto the standard double mattress; Shepard contemplated, "Oh Goddess -" as she watched the asari seductively slink away, "how did I get so lucky?"

On the other side of the cabin, the prothean expert gently tossed the deadly spectre's last garment on the table, taking full advantage of having the soldier's absolutely undivided attention as she sauntered across the room. Taking a moment, the asari giggled as she pondered, Wonder if this is the kind of attention the consort was trying to retrieve from Shepard that day. Feeling as if she had spoken aloud, the professor spun around and gloated from the peering gaze of the commander.

Directly facing the woman, she had not only come to trust, but have strong feelings for, the asari maiden swayed her hips as she presented herself to the savior of the galaxy. The redhead's cheeky smile more than signified that the maiden's gift was to be well received. The newly reformed officer sat still, firmly gripping her knees trying to restrain herself from utterly ravishing the beauty before her.

Successfully establishing the asari custom of demonstrating want, the sensual T'Soni seductively sauntered towards the bed. Using only her passionate gaze, the captivating professor pinned Shepard on the mattress as she glided across the room. A second later, in a cat like fashion, the asari slithered her way up the soft pink skin, not allowing the spectre to become dominate. Much to her liking, even in this unusual position Liara had her in, the redhead greatly enjoyed how her fingertips gently grazed the blue azure skin as it pass by. Finally reaching the top, the irresistible asari leaned down to kiss her spectre. But to her surprise the soldier was no longer going to be submissive; after all she was the counsel's champion, and she rolled over on top of Liara, taking control of the next advancement in their love making. Without objection, the maiden dissolved into the smoldering kiss that Shepard placed upon her lips.

The spectre's hand tenderly slid down Liara's curvaceous side. Gripping the back of her thigh, Shepard lifted the asari's leg, wrapping it around her. Thrusting between her legs, the maiden raised her chin allowing the commander to dine upon the succulence of her neck. "Oh Goddess" breathlessly floated off the T'Soni's mouth, as the redhead's ruby lips and tongue glided over the sweet tasting azure skin.

Shepard followed an impulsive path down the asari's neckline, as Liara's chest heaved from the want bursting within. Planting well placed, smoldering kisses on the soft skin below her, the experience soldier skillfully maneuvered downward, allowing the edge of her thumbs to gently threaten to touch the soft mounds in which they encircled.

To the professor's surprise, her own body reacted much differently than it had with past lovers. For the first time, her extreme intellect wasn't drifting to prothean artifacts or ancient writings. Her every thought and sense was exclusively focused on the redheaded woman slowly making her way down her body. Struggling to disguise what she was truly feeling, the young asari hid the impulse to shutter beneath the human's touch. The Thessian born native, moving what little she could, slid her fingers across the sheets above her head. Feeling the teeth of the spectre nip at her rip cage, the prothean expert gripped the cover, tugging it closer to her mouth. Liara bit down on the cloth wrapped over her hand fighting the urge to scream out in utter ecstasy nearly pulling it off the bed.

Sensing the voluptuous form below her tremble, the concerned human raised her head to determine the maiden's demeanor. Shepard slowly lifted off the bare body below her seeing that the presiding professor was unable to break her locked position from the fisted sheet. Feeling the asari's leg wrap tighter around her backside, the commander knew in an instant that Liara wanted her to continue. A pleasurable groan unexpectedly escaped the warrior's mouth answering the silent request of the prothean expert as she continued to devour the azure skin beneath her.

Carefully guiding herself lower down the blue woman's body, Shepard caressed the smooth skin under her own, leaving a trail of wet kisses behind. Tracing the curvature of the professor's frame, the spectre's hands finally reached the flat sublime stomach of the asari. Mystified at the magnificent body she was laying upon, the redhead placed extremely soft pecks on the svelte form below. Allowing her bottom lip to slowly drag over the slightly quivering skin, the commanding officer imprinted the emotions and feelings she was experiencing for future accounts.

Placing another long passionate kiss on the azure skin, the savior of the galaxy peered up at her lover. Liara's approving gaze was more than what she needed to continue, as the ruby red lips enticingly brushed the maiden's stomach. Not breaking the sensual stare, the veteran soldier playfully bit down on the young T'Soni's pelvis bone. With locked eyes, the spectre slid over to the other hip, gripping the appealing body part as she placed another provocative kiss on it. The luscious pecks quickly turned into sensual lapping and soon ended with a combination of suckling and lite biting.

Unable to maintain her normally reserved demeanor, the blue skinned beauty thrust her head up and arched into her lover as she succumbed to the pleasures she was receiving from the human gladiator. Struggling for every breath, the prothean expert gasped, "Shepard, oh Goddess Shepard!" The erotic sensations were not new for the professor, but the intensity from this lover made the encounter so much more gratifying. The redhead soon found herself having to forcefully pen the maiden's hips to the bed; preventing them from bucking too wildly. Snaking her strong arms inside and around the asari's enticing body made the human's heart pound faster.

The commanding officer savored the positive reactions her captivated lover was feeling, as she wrapped her hands around the asari's smooth ass, combined with each focused bite and nibble on the azure skin. Tediously dragging her teeth across the sensitive skin, Shepard relished as Liara's body reacted strongly to each provocative gesture.

Nestled between Liara's slender legs, the pale skinned human teasingly kissed the inside of the tender blue thigh. Feeling the asari's entire body quiver beneath her, the redhead slowly glanced up and studied the silent pleas from her lover. The wanting professor desired her to both proceed, and stop. Suddenly the galactic spectre felt even more roused as she observed the naked form before her. Liara's provocative squirming instantly stole the soldier's breath. Overwhelmed by passion, Shepard lurched forward and vigorously pressed her lips against the blue stomach, before moving back up Liara's body; kissing the tender azure skin along the way. Ruggedly tugging and pulling the prothean's body closer as she moved, the pale skinned woman quickly found herself staring feverishly back into an equally hungry pair of eyes.

The redhead skillfully inspected the blue beauty and pondered God, I could get used to this.

Tearing the human from her thoughts was a slender blue finger guiding the spectre into another long passionate kiss. The commander's eyes slowly closed as the maiden's lips descended upon her. Liara's refined and angelic tone transformed into a soft purr, announcing, "Shepard, Embrace Eternity with me." The asari's deep blue eyes turned black as onyx stones, announcing the beginning of the meld. Wrapping her long slender leg around the human, the professor pulled the spectre in closer. Strengthening the meld, she gently placed her forehead against Shepard's intensifying both the physical and mental bond.

The redhead felt a bit woozy, as the last conscious memory she had was the maiden tugging passionately on her bottom lip ending yet another provocative kiss. The warrior's mind twirled before everything went black. The galactic champion felt surrounded by an abyss of darkness; characteristic of the beginning stages of a meld. Before the spectre had time to panic from the extreme absence of light, a blinding luminous beam appeared. The commander raised her hand to shield herself from the rapidly growing light consuming her. It felt calming and safe, warming the pale skin of the redhead. Shepard saw a figure standing in the direction of the glaring light. Allowing her eyes to adjust, Shepard quickly realized that it was Liara standing before her.

The asari maiden's hand tenderly reached out for the redhead. Shepard hesitated briefly until she peered into the endless ocean blue eyes of her lover. Transferring trust to the asari that had once been given to her, all doubt left the commander as she allowed her fingers to intertwine with the prothean expert's, solidifying the bond. Liara gently tugged on the appendage, encouraging the human to follow. Shepard had barely taken a single step, before feeling her mind once again swirl. The daughter of Matriarch Benezia was taking her to another place.

Like a new born baby, Katherine's eyes slowly opened. She was back on her ship, back in her bed, back with her lover. Establishing her bearings, the redhead squeezed the asari's body ensuring what she was feeling was real. However, when the galactic commander pressed her hand against the asari's back, she immediately felt the same soft pressure Liara was feeling on her lower back. Testing her new found sensation, Shepard sensually stroked the maiden's thigh wrapped around her. Almost instantaneously, the ship's captain experienced exactly what Liara enjoyed as if she had just touched herself.

Captivated by the shared phenomenon, Shepard nuzzled her way under the professor's neck and placed hungry rousing kisses upon the tender blue skin. The spectre could feel the maiden's purr deep in her chest as if it were her own. Stealing her attention from the raspy hum was the mental images Liara was experiencing. Feeling every nerve and muscle linked, the human female sensed the strong connection between herself and the lovely asari she held a soft kiss away. Relishing every tantalizing caress of the soldier's body, Liara forcefully pulled the redhead closer. Unintentionally, the refined prothean expert suddenly released an unexpected grunt in Shepard's ear. Libidinous in nature, the human instantly found herself even more aroused.

Drowning in her erotic desire caused the spectre to snicker as her thoughts transferred to Liara. No wonder every one is so fond of asari. This is amazing.

The prothean expert blush before she too became lost staring into the endless pools of green. The young maiden returned in a tone that felt like music to Shepard's soul. You haven't seen anything yet commander. I want to take you to a place that few asari, much less humans ever experience.

Before curiosity and perhaps a twinge of fear crossed her thoughts, Shepard felt Liara drift comfortably into her mind as their bodies had become one.

It is a place reserved for only very close bonds.

Still admiring the maiden's splendor inside and out, Shepard absentmindedly inquired, how close?

Trying not to scare the veteran soldier by their intimacy, the prothean expert related something she felt the commander could understand. Like the ones that are forged on the day we are born; with our mothers, our families, bondmates and a few chosen lovers.

Another unexpected soft chuckle escaped the spectre's thoughts as she teasingly questioned, Liara, you're not falling in love with me are you?

A mature voice worthy of her matriarch mother answered in an equally playful manner. Shepard please, I will live to nearly a thousand years. I hardly believe I will fall hopelessly in love with the first human I meld with.

Tracing her thumb over the edge of the professor's jaw, the soldier marveled the maiden's beauty. "Good, the council's champion doesn't need to leave anyone behind." Directing the maiden with her thumbs, Shepard released the maiden's head and spoke as if she were speaking directly into the asari's soul. "I don't want you to get hurt." Whispering in a tone that was tainted with regret, Shepard added, "The mission must come first."

Sealing a part of her heart and mind, the matriarch's daughter returned as she pressed into the human. Gripping the back of Shepard's head exposing her throat, Liara breathed heavily into the redhead's ear as she nipped at her lobe. "Being only a century old, I certainly do not need to be bonded so early", declared the prothean expert.

The titillating sensation Liara caused, quickly took over the spectre's every thought. The hours passed slowly as the lovers remained entangled, both physically and mentally. As the couple tossed and turned wildly in the sheets, had it not been for the contrasting skin colors, it would have been hard to determine where one body started and the other ended.

After every bodily explosion and mental eruption, the couple would collapse, exhausted and near motionless until they regained their strength. The unique meld was mentally taxing as it was physically. Wave after wave of emotional satisfaction crushed over the pair as time stood still in the captain's quarters once again. However, for the commanding officer of the Normandy, this particular dragging of time was extremely welcomed.

As the evening passed, countless orgasms blended into each other, until sleep finally overtook the two former adversaries. Feeling her eye lids flutter close for the last time, knowing that her thoughts were once again her own, Shepard languidly intertwined her fingers with those of Liara. Stroking her thumb over the azure skin, a soft "thank you" floated off the commander's lips just as she drifted into the most peaceful slumber she had ever had.

Several hours later, the galactic commander felt the prothean expert, who had been fast asleep on her chest, awaken abruptly and sit up in bed. "Oh Goddess!" erupted the asari.

Gently stroking the maiden's arm and shoulder, the seasoned soldier asked, "Liara, are you ok?"

A worried expression blanketed the professor's face as she turned slightly towards her recent lover, "Oh Goddess, how did I not see it?"

Watching the asari scientist leap from her side and start pacing like she had never seen before, made the spectre acutely aware something was very wrong. Slowly sliding out from underneath the cotton sheets, Shepard feared that the blue beauty was suddenly regretting their time together. As her feet touched the steel floor, the concerned lover asked, "Liara, what's wrong?"

"Shepard, I don't understand how I could have been so blind."

"What is it Liara?"

Halting her frantic pacing, the prothean expert froze, focusing on her commander. "It was right there the whole time." Still deeply confused, the council's champion hung on the professor's every word. "It was under my nose the entire time." Before the commanding officer could get another sentence out, the maiden started her fierce pacing once again as she blasted herself. "Liara, even your mother couldn't have laid it out more perfectly for you."

Seeing that the young prothean expert was clearly upset about something, the veteran soldier strode towards the disturbed woman. Shepard carefully reached out, and gently grabbed her arm, abruptly snatching the asari's attention. Pleading, the human questioned, "Liara, what is it? What has gotten you excited all of a sudden?" When no answer came, the galactic warrior wondered if she were to blame for the maiden's distress, "Was it something you saw in my visions?"

Sympathizing with the lost commander, the blue skinned woman enlightened her. "I did see something when we melded. It must have been there the entire time, but I was too afraid to go any deeper." Feeling that she should be apologizing, the young asari continued, "When we melded last night, I realized something." The prothean expert turned and took a few more steps, massaging her head in deep thought, "Shepard, I am sorry I did not see it sooner. I apologize extensively for being too afraid to explore my feelings."

Still puzzled by what the professor meant, the redhead patiently waited for the distressed maiden to clarify. Disregarding the fact that she was standing only a few centimeters from her naked lover, Liara divulged, "Shepard, we are in the wrong solar system." Visually begging for forgiveness, the asari beckoned, "The conduit is on Ilos. Saren is going to Ilos."

A sense of relief splashed over the human, fearing the worst; that she had been an insignificant lover for the asari. Stifling her pounding heart, the hopeful savior of the galaxy affectionately stroked the woman's blue shoulders, and placed a tender kiss on her cheek. Gazing directly into her lover's eyes, the commanding officer cupped the prothean expert's face and declared, "Then Liara, we too are going to Ilos." A cocky grin smeared its way across the spectre as she added, "And we will have the advantage."

Comforted yet confused by what the seasoned warrior meant, Liara quickly regained her composure and asked, "What do you mean Shepard?"

Gathering the asari in her arms for an affectionate embrace, the commanding officer declared, "Saren doesn't have a Prothean Expert on his side."

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