Chapter 138 - The Ties That Bind Them
"Commander, it is a pleasure to see you," Councilor Tevos smiles at Shepard as she receives her visitor in the asari representative's private office at the Council chambers. As she takes Morgan's hands, it feels as if every new greeting between them becomes warmer, but Shepard is pleased by this, herself feeling happy to see the councilor. Didn't think I'll ever feel like that about meeting Tevos, but hell, stranger things have happened...
"Councilor," she bows her head, accepting the seat. "The pleasure is all mine."
"How are you finding life on Earth, Commander?" Tevos asks curiously.
"...it has been difficult to adjust," Shepard confesses. "Even more so for Liara, she often feels very anxious. The fact that some humans still feel a little wary of aliens is not helping."
"That is regrettable," Tevos shakes her head sadly. "I had hoped you would bring Liara along, after I received a notification that you had arrived on the Citadel together."
"Oh, she would have liked to come, but she had to..." Shepard pauses a little, unsure if Liara would approve of her spreading the news of her pregnancy. Well, it's not like she can hide it anyway. "Uh, she needed to see her obstetrician, and I am simply not keen on seeing another doctor for as long as I can help it."
"Trust me, I understand the feeling," the councilor winces slightly, inadvertently tracing a finger across her chest where the husk had pierced the tender flesh with its claws. "And please accept my congratulations. Of course, we had noticed it during your visit, but I did not think it would be polite to discuss it, since you did not make a mention of the fact."
"Thank you," Shepard smiles. "So, how is everyone?"
"Just fine, thank you for asking. Rila has been working on your portrait, Shepard, but she expressed a wish to see you again before she can complete her work." Tevos then hesitates, a slight hint of a blush creeping into her cheeks. "Commander, I wished to apologize for... whatever discomfort Aria's actions caused for you and Liara..."
"Huh?" Shepard blinks. "What... I thought Aria was surprisingly polite and pleasant the whole time during our visit? What specifically are you referring to, councilor?"
Tevos' blush deepens rather considerably. "Err... I... please, Shepard, ignore what I said. I did not realize that by not being asari you would not have paid attention to... such details, and as such would not have taken offense. It was my mistake to make you aware of it, please, forgive me."
"Uh... okay?" Morgan is still not sure what is going on, but manages to shrug her shoulders. "I think you're overreacting, though, Liara would have noticed Aria acting inappropriately, but she made no mention of it, so there are no lingering issues between us."
"She did not make a mention... oh... I am very relieved to hear that," Tevos says, managing to quickly recompose herself, while Morgan makes a mental note to ask Liara just what she was supposed to feel insulted about.
"And the invitation to visit us on Earth still stands," Morgan adds.
"I appreciate that, Shepard, but with the latest news about this Alliance admiral being killed, I do not think that I wish to risk taking a shuttle down to Earth. Aria has expressed interest, but I have forbidden her to take the girls along."
Forbidden? And here I didn't think anyone could forbid Aria T'Loak anything. Hey, I think I know why I like Tevos a lot better now, she has become bossier, Morgan smiles, thinking to herself. "Yes, the death of that admiral has really poured a lot of oil in that heated frying pan," she says. "Are you feeling any recriminations from the way the Alliance have been acting lately?"
"Our relations have eased up, a little surprisingly," Tevos replies. "And since Admiral Singh no longer bothers us daily about the Council nomination, our people on Earth can breathe a little easier. However, I understand this is a result of the Alliance intensifying their efforts to break the local resistance, who have in turn became more hostile towards the military. Truly, Shepard, I am saddened and dismayed about the actions of your people. And I do not say this with the condescending implication that the asari would never be at each other's throats like that... our history has plenty of shameful moments as well."
"Well, at least we're leaving your people out of it and you can all focus on rebuilding the relays quickly, as humans continue to shoot each other," Morgan chuckles grimly. "We do have some plans how to end it, though... and the favor I asked of you is one part of this overly complicated plan."
"I see. As it happens, Commander, I think we can actually work out something mutually beneficial," Tevos nods. "I have discussed your proposition with both Valern and Sparatus. They both agree that we could benefit from someone who coordinates the efforts between our enclaves down on Earth. Being the eyes and ears of the Council, so to speak."
"That seems like quite the responsibility," Morgan remarks.
"The work to repair the relays runs slightly ahead of schedule, but we are certain that it can be hastened even more. We have several of our Spectres trapped in the Sol System with us, but considering that you are already stationed on Earth, you would have always been our first choice," Tevos explains further. "Thus we have agreed to establish the temporary position of the Council Relay Task Force Supervisor and extend an offer for you to accept this post."
"I accept, even if I would like to know the nature of tasks that I would have to perform," Shepard says.
"Well, as it happens, I already have the first task prepared for you. For some reason, the amount of scrap metal salvaged by the krogan recovery teams has dropped significantly over the past week and as of late we have had difficulties conducting meaningful conversations with Urdnot Wrex. He always claims to be too busy to speak with us. Shepard, I need you to go to the krogan enclave and get to the bottom of this, we need the krogan pitching in as well, or else they will not earn their Council nomination!"
Morgan inwardly rolls her eyes, already knowing the explanation of this mystery, but thinking that perhaps on this occasion the councilor does not need to know the whole truth. "Understood, Councilor," she says simply. "Liara and I will head over to investigate and kick krogan asses back in shape if needed, you can be sure of it."
"Thank you, Shepard," Tevos smiles, pleased. "I would like the krogan to be good allies, worthy to sit next to other species on the Council, and for that to happen we cannot risk them acting... unreasonably. We must... tame them, so to speak, before they feel the need to reproduce to dangerous numbers."
"Yeah, I agree," Shepard nods. "I'd advise you to get Matriarch Aethyta involved with everything that has to do with krogan relations. She is a true expert."
Tevos cannot help but to let a lilting laugh escape her lips. "You are very wise, Shepard, that is an excellent advice," she agrees wholeheartedly. "She has assumed a very enthusiastic leadership role in leading our clans to restore Thessia quickly. But once that is done, I will not allow a precious resource... no, a valued friend and ally like Aethyta to fade into obscurity by tending a bar somewhere on the other side of the galaxy."
She really has learned. She may yet become a true leader of the galaxy, Shepard again thinks approvingly. "Are there any other interesting political developments that I should know about, Councilor?" Morgan asks.
"The motion to temporarily suspend humanity from the Council has been since vetoed by Councilor Valern before I could even come to my own decision in the matter," Tevos begins to recount items of interest. "The salarians have only just begun sending their specialists down to the planet, so I think he simply did not want to worsen the relations with humans and endanger his people. Perhaps it is for the best."
"Yeah, I wasn't completely certain that this was the right course of action," Shepard agrees.
"The quarians are making the most of the invitation to establish an embassy on the Citadel. Admiral Shala'Raan has assumed the position of a temporary ambassador to her people, and because of her efforts, we are all quickly seeing the worthiness of the quarian people. They are proving to be hard working and reliable allies, who understand and value peace above conflict. I would expect to see the quarians accepted on the Council as first."
"That's very good to hear," Shepard says. Without certain idiot admirals in charge, the rest of them appear pleasantly reasonable overall. Whoa... hadn't noticed how well that would apply to humanity right now!
"As for the krogan... the offer regarding the embassy is still on the table, but they have not done much with it yet, and we need something positive soon," Tevos continues, looking at Shepard. "I will remain hopeful that you can bring them to their senses."
"I'll certainly try my best," Morgan nods. "And what of the geth?"
"Their diligent work and exemplary behavior has managed to convince the other councilors, and we have invited the geth to also establish an embassy on the Citadel. It is... certainly a new and interesting experience, dealing with this synthetic race. Particularly this ... platform that calls itself Legion and speaks so highly of you, Commander. I am learning to appreciate the often very creative insights provided by this geth."
"I'm not going to lie to you, Councilor. It is my deep belief that ensuring the goodwill of the geth is almost as important as 'taming' the krogan, if we want to have any sort of lasting peace in the future," Morgan says. "It fell to our cycle to break the old adage that the created will always rebel against their creators, and now we must put in our best efforts to preserve this peace and cooperation."
"I believe we are off to a good start, despite a few setbacks," Tevos smiles. "Legion has even offered to send the geth to any Council world they would be invited to and help in its restoration. We were quite taken aback by such generosity, and though the salarians and the turians appear a little concerned about inviting the geth to their homeworlds, I believe that I might be able to convince my people to accept it, as I am certain that it will help to rebuild Thessia and other asari worlds more quickly."
"I think you will not regret it, Councilor," Shepard agrees with a smile, before checking the time. "Hmm, I think Liara will be free soon, and we have agreed to meet at one of the restaurants on Kithoi Ward. If there's nothing else..."
"There is nothing else that requires your attention, Commander," Councilor Tevos rises from her seat, coming around the desk to wish her farewell and accompany her out of the office. "I hope to hear from you soon, Shepard. And please, know that I will always appreciate another more informal visit from you or Liara, if you would be willing to consider it."
"Certainly, I think we both would like that as well, though I foresee we will be quite busy in the coming days and possibly weeks," Morgan says, before taking her leave. "But maybe we can squeeze in a dinner on the Citadel at some point."
"There is a place on the Citadel that I have often used for more informal talks, and which has miraculously survived the war, despite being close to Zakera Ward. Their cooks are extremely skilled, and their staff pride themselves in the privacy they provide. It would be safe for Aria to join us there."
"Sounds brilliant," Morgan grins. "Let's keep in touch and sort out details later. But now... now I need to be off and meet Liara!"
Liara cautiously looks around the abandoned Shalta Wards apartment that Aria has given as the place for their meeting, along with the access codes for the electronic lock on the doors. The apartment appears in a better shape than the rest of the buildings on this level of Shalta Wards, though a layer of dust has settled everywhere, a clear sign that nobody had visited this place for months. This particular hideout of Aria's is located at the very bowels of the ward, the traffic through the neighborhood had been slow and Liara had met only a few unsavory individuals on her path, wisely deciding that she was not an easy pray and staying out of the way.
The entire level still appears in a very poor shape and even the gangs have moved elsewhere in search of better targets to mooch. The keepers had understandably placed this level of Shalta Ward very low on their priority list of things to fix, and on her way to the apartment, Liara had been forced to employ an impressive mix of biotics and acrobatics in order to scale large piles of debris and garbage lying in the streets.
Once inside the apartment, Liara slowly walks around the living room, trying not to touch anything, hoping to avoid causing a cloud of dust to rise and assault her nostrils. She eventually strolls up to the window and patiently waits, staring at the morbid, post-apocalyptic scenery outside, quickly coming to understand why Aria prefers to stay at her Kithoi safe-house instead of this depressing looking pit of gloomy despair.
"Ah, you're finally here. Good," Aria's voice suddenly startles her, Liara swirling around to notice the Pirate Queen strolling into the living room, carrying a glass with some kind of electro blue tinted beverage. "I almost thought you had reconsidered," she grins at Liara in a way that makes the young scientist slightly more nervous and uncertain whether this meeting is such a good idea after all. "I'd offer you a drink, but… probably best not to risk it," Aria's eyes drop to the level of Liara's slightly swollen belly as she speaks.
"It is not necessary, I'm not thirsty," Liara speaks up quickly in hopes that it will hide her nervousness. "I'd prefer to get this over with quickly, Aria-"
"Yes, what a flattering attitude, T'Soni," Aria rolls her eyes in reply. "Keep this up and I might just reconsider my offer for aid."
"I… I meant no disrespect, Aria," Liara mumbles, lowering her eyes.
"I know you did not," Aria nods, pointing at the nearby sofa. "Now sit down and try to relax as much as you are able."
Easier said than done in the presence of Aria T'Loak, Liara sighs to herself, perching in the furthest corner of the sofa, as far as possible from Aria. She is right, though, I need to try and relax… I must remember why we are both here… she's not here to harm me, we're allies now… perhaps even reluctant friends.
"T'Soni, I have no patience to indulge in this ridiculous shy and demure act," Aria growls, reaching out with her hands, swiftly and insistently pulling her closer. "You know perfectly well that physical contact will help greatly in what we plan to do. Your struggling will only make this much more difficult."
"I… I know, it's just that…" Liara manages, finally giving up her weak attempts to resist, handing Aria the control that she likely craves and allowing the elder asari to settle them both in comfortably next to each other. Feeling Aria push her head down on her shoulder before snaking an arm around her back at first makes her want to break free from the light embrace, but Liara once again reminds herself just why is she going along with this, the resolve to help her child clearing any slight discomfort that she might have felt.
"Just sit still for a while, like this, breathe deeply and try to relax your thoughts. Free your mind and remember your meditation," Aria instructs, as Liara is more concerned how to stop thinking that the firm hand gripping her shoulder and the leather-clad thigh tightly pressed against hers belongs to the infamous and intimidating Aria T'Loak. "Better?" Aria asks a few moments later.
"I think this is as relaxed as I can be given the circumstances," Liara mutters, unable to quite loosen both her body and her mind as much as she would like to. "Let's just… go ahead with this…" she adds, her eyes beginning to darken as she forces her consciousness to seek out Aria's mind, to initiate the forming of mental connection… suddenly finding herself as if harshly slapped through the link.
"How very rude, T'Soni," Aria chides her. "Remember who you are. This is not up to you to initiate."
Liara feels her cheeks burning with shame, knowing full well what Aria means by that. Amongst their people, it is considered a very poor form for a maiden of her age to be the one to latch onto the mind of a matron at least five centuries her elder, if not more. "I'm sorry… I've just grown so used to melding with a human and having to initiate all our melds…"
"Understandable. Now, shut up and let me do all the work," Aria growls impatiently, and soon enough Liara begins to feel the essence of the Pirate Queen beginning to push at the back of her mind, insistently forcing her way in, as it is to be expected of someone like Aria, brushing aside Liara's small efforts at resisting.
For a while, Aria is content to keep the meld shallow, allowing them both to adapt and get used to each other's mind, a flurry of conflicting emotions surging through Liara as she feels traces of the essence of the formidable Queen of Omega, her undeniable strength and overbearing willpower combined with sweeping brashness, flair and irreverence. Through it all, however, Liara is surprised to also feel a streak of protectiveness, something that closely reminds her of Shepard.
'I like what you've done with the place, T'Soni,' she hears Aria's thoughts echoing within her mind. 'So much so that I am very tempted to stay for after hours.'
'Aria... this is no joking matter,' she sends back, along with a wave of frustration, hoping that Aria does not feel the extent of her desperation.
'Very well. Just hold on tight, T'Soni, and don't break the link with me. I will try to sense your child... but to do so, I will need to go deeper. Are you ready?'
'Yes.' A few tremors of fear seize her body as Liara speaks the words, but Aria simply wraps her hand more tightly around the maiden's shoulders, the physical contact providing the little reassurance that she needs. 'I am ready.'
Liara possesses no adequate means to describe what happens next, she concentrates only on one thing and that is to maintain her connection with Aria, not really certain what the Pirate Queen is doing, only feeling parts of her mind being flipped open, the sensation as if she was slowly getting stripped naked by Aria's wantonly exploring hands, her body shaking from the effort, but still she refuses to let go, the thought that Aria is bringing her closer to her child giving her the strength to endure.
Then, suddenly, everything is calm again, and Liara almost seizes with panic thinking that Aria might have failed, but then sensing relief along with slight frustration seeping over the open mental link. 'T'Soni, you carry... so much shit here that it's hard to dig through all of it. How can you even function with this misplaced guilt and other crap eating at you like this?'
'Let's... just not get into that, now. We're here for other reasons.'
'Fair enough. I'm just using the opportunity to tell you that you're being stupid,' Aria's thoughts feel a little amused as well as frustrated. 'I needed to sort through all that shit to find a way to reach the child... no wonder that you were blocked, with your limited experience. But I have found her.'
'Goddess... I almost feared that... can I see her? Please?'
'Of course, bringing you to the child was the whole point. But Liara... you need to be prepared. When I probed the mental link to the child, she sensed that I was not her parent and withdrew in fear.'
'What... what should I do?'
'You need to instantly make her feel loved and protected. Muster the entirety of the feelings you have and then, when you are ready, follow me and reach out to her. Tell me when you are ready, and I will bring you across.'
Liara tries to mentally gather herself, as much as she is able, but she does not have to do anything specific to conjure the feelings that Aria speaks of, her essence is brimming with the love and protectiveness for her unborn child, filling her with newfound strength and determination. 'I am ready, Aria. Show me the way.'
For a while, she closely follows Aria's essence floating as if through a misty veil, wondering just how the other asari is able to find the way through her consciousness, but suddenly all those thoughts are brushed aside as she feels... something, close by, an essence of someone else, tiny, weak, frightened... but also bright, and so very beautiful. 'There, can you sense it?' she hears Aria in her mind again.
'I can feel her... goddess, she is so beautiful... should I just...'
'Yes, just push through to her, and let your feelings pour forth and do the rest.'
Liara can feel Aria respectfully remaining behind as she submerges into the last barrier of this deep void that still separates her from the baby, beginning to swim towards the child, trying to reach out with all the love she can summon. 'My baby... my child... you are so beautiful... come to me, please... don't be afraid...' For a moment the amount of fear wafting towards her from the small, bright bundle of joy almost makes her hesitate, but Liara does not allow herself to stop, pushing forward with increased urgency. 'Let mommy protect you, little one... let my love be your shield... please, you don't have to be afraid... never again, now that I'm here...'
And then... then there is only acceptance, as her consciousness washes over the tiny but powerful bright beacon, anchoring her love and allowing her to become one with her child, fusing the connection between the young mother and her baby, and making it permanent. Soon enough, Liara becomes completely overwhelmed by the sheer brilliance, joy and delight enveloping both herself and the child, all individual thoughts and senses merging into a single, powerful expression of love, happiness and protection, as the bond between the mother and her daughter gains strength, grows and expands rapidly, much to the joy and relief of them both.
Some undeterminable time later, Liara finally shakes free from the meld, finding herself lying on the sofa, instinctively reaching out to touch Aria, but the other asari is gone, both from her mind and from her immediate physical presence. The sensations of having felt her unborn child are so overpowering, that Liara cannot stop the tears of happiness flowing down her cheeks, ceasing only when she hears Aria giving a polite cough nearby.
Liara quickly bolts up from the sofa and wipes her face clean. "How... how long?" she does not immediately recognize her own voice from the hoarseness.
"Roughly forty-five minutes," Aria shrugs, standing by the window, her face having slipped back into that emotionless mask of hers. "Which means that Shepard will start looking for you soon. You should get ready to leave."
"I... I think I'm good to go," Liara manages, despite her legs still feeling a little wobbly and shaky. "Aria... it was beautiful..."
"I know," Aria replies curtly, as if she wouldn't want to elaborate, but it is enough for Liara to sense that the Pirate Queen knows perfectly well what she is talking about.
"I'm... not sure how I can ever thank you properly for-"
"Please, T'Soni," Aria cuts her off, almost sharply. "I hate these declarations of gratitude. Good way to piss me off. Let's just say... perhaps you or Shepard will have a chance to repay me with a favor. I like the thought that you both will be properly motivated to aid me should I require it in the future."
"Of course, you should never doubt that," Liara nods fervently.
"I don't. And actually... I have one more thing for you," Aria points at two crates placed nearby the doors. "It was meant for the girls, but they insisted that I give it to you instead."
"What's in those crates?" Liara wonders.
"Frozen fruit from Thessia, last supply to ever make it off from the homeworld," Aria replies with a smug sense of satisfaction. "Raided a nearby restaurant to get it. That nutrient paste doesn't do much good for the child, but this stuff..." she nods at the crates again. "Eezo rich. Just what the baby needs."
"I don't understand this at all," Liara shakes her head, bewildered and confused. "Aria... why are you being so... so nice?"
Aria walks up to the younger asari in that swaying step of hers, bringing up her hand to briefly and gently caress Liara's cheek. "That is for me to know, and for a curious and impertinent young maiden to lose sleep about," she says with her trademark grin, making Liara sigh inwardly. "But I'll tell you one thing, T'Soni. The thing you did... trusting me enough to let me into your mind? That was pretty gutsy... and that kind of thing goes a long way with me," she nods approvingly, before pointing to the doors. "Now come on. Let's grab those crates and get out of here."
Most of the items on the menu in the restaurant they have agreed to meet in have been checked as unavailable due to shortage of supplies, but fortunately for Morgan, human dishes seem to be unpopular in this part of the Citadel. There is plenty of pasta to choose from, and she selects simple spaghetti Bolognese before uploading the menu to Liara's omni-tool, the asari having informed her that she is on her way from the doctor's appointment. Due to their excellent planning skills, two delicious looking servings of pasta are delivered the very moment that a radiant looking Liara strolls into the restaurant, looking over the tables to spot her bondmate.
"How did everything go?" Morgan asks, watching as Liara ravenously digs into the food, almost forgetting to first exchange a tender kiss with Shepard.
"Oh, just fine, the pregnancy is proceeding according to the plan," Liara manages, finding it a bit of a challenge to eat spaghetti in a dignified way. "I'm due for another visit in two weeks, but the doctor was very encouraged by the progress we've made. She says that my chances of uncomplicated delivery have improved rapidly."
"Hey... that's brilliant news!" Shepard replies, feeling instantly elated. Despite Liara's reassurances that the complications are unlikely to be severe, she has been feeling a little worried about the baby, and these news lift a massive weight from her shoulders. "I... couldn't be happier to hear it, love," she reaches across the table to briefly give Liara's hands a loving, reassuring squeeze.
"Yes, I am delighted and relieved as well," Liara beams at her happily, before sucking a loose spaghetti string into her mouth with an amusing audible pop.
"I was just wondering... you know how I'm kind of allergic to the doctors right now, but... is
there perhaps something else that I should be aware about asari pregnancies? I'm not expected to do anything at all, until you just pop the baby out or something? I've been reading up in the few quiet moments we have-"
"Morgan, I'm still quite early in my pregnancy," Liara shakes her head with reassuring smile. "I might need assistance once I enter the later stages, but not before the last two or three months, so please, there's no need for you to concern yourself with these things right now. You can focus on the tasks you need to do. And speaking of your job, how was the visit with Tevos?"
"Oh, fine, fine," Morgan nods. "I have my first mission, too, visit the krogan enclave, kick their asses and get them back to work. You're welcome to come with me and help."
"I'd love to, it will be fun to see Wrex, Grunt and Kurin again," Liara smiles, before resuming her struggles with the disobedient spaghetti.
"Also, Tevos would like to spend more time together informally," Shepard adds. "We agreed on a dinner in some restaurant that she uses for her diplomatic dealings. It would allow Aria to join us as well."
"Oh... that is good," Liara agrees, a slightly odd, unreadable expression on her face at the mention of Aria's name. "And a restaurant is a public place, so it should be nice and safe."
"Safe? I don't think we need to be worried about getting shot on the Citadel," Morgan asks, curious at Liara's odd choice of words. "Also, Tevos spent considerable time apologizing about something that Aria did... do you have any idea what it might be?"
Liara immediately blushes deep purple and lets out a small groan. "Oh, goddess... so it was true... and she shared it with Tevos? Morgan, please, I can never see Councilor Tevos again, not in the next few centuries!"
"Now hold your horses, Aria shared what with Tevos?" Morgan presses, totally in the dark over what is happening. "Come on, babe, you're killing me with anxiety here!"
"No... no, no, no, I can't say, I won't say it!" Liara looks both horrified and embarrassed at the same time.
"Alright, in that case I'm messaging Aria myself," Shepard sighs, activating her omni-tool. "I'm sure she will be kind enough to explain!"
"Don't!" Liara squeaks. "I... uh... I can't even say something so terribly embarrassing... but here, let me type it to you in a message..."
Shepard rolls her eyes at Liara's antics, patiently waiting until she finishes typing and then sends the message. As Morgan opens the text message and slowly begins to read it, her eyes slowly begin to widen with every word she reads, and her face assumes color similar to the Bolognese sauce on her plate. "She... she didn't..." she only manages a strangled gasp.
"I'm afraid she did," Liara nods, letting out a pained sigh. "And then she shared it with the Councilor. Goddess, I won't be able to sit at the same table with them now!"
"I, err... see what you mean..." Morgan manages. "Do you think that Tevos would mind if we tracked down Aria and killed her? Just a little bit?"
Liara only answers with a slightly embarrassed giggle. "Perhaps let's not be too hasty... but give me time to think about it for while... maybe I will be able to figure out a way to get back at her..."