TUCHANKA

Liara gave the command to open fire but then her heart wanted to break out of her chest when she heard Shepard say I love you. She has been trying to get a reply from her bondmate for that last ten minutes. The ship is finally landing outside of the compound.

Miranda and Arelia are with the other merc ships to take the main city. The couple took a shuttle over and headed that assault. Liara is waiting to hear a status report.

"Miranda, Arelia come in. Can you hear me?"

"Liara?"

"Yes, Arelia is that you?"

"Yes. Sorry Liara our communications were damaged. We have taken the city, say again we have taken the city."

"Thank the Goddess. I am landing now. According to Eli's Krogan the threat here is over but I have no intel on the city. Please be careful."

"Will do. Oh and Liara?"

"Yes?"

"Give Shepard a hug for me."

Before Liara can say anything the call disconnects. Liara powers down the ship, sets down the ramp and exits. She sees a Krogan approach. "Have you seen her?"

"Not yet. I have men searching the area at the coordinates you gave."

Liara quickly walks with Eli to the site where Liara told them to search.

"You have great timing Liara."

Liara looks at him and gives him a small smile. "The city has fallen Eli."

"It has?"

"Yes. Arelia just provided a status." She can see that he is itching to leave. "Go ahead Eli."

"No. I'm not leaving until we find Shepard."

Liara's heart sinks when she sees the piles of concrete blocks and the number of Krogan moving them. "Goddess."

Eli touches her shoulder. "We will find her."

Liara brings up her omni-tool. She wants to check the coordinates. When Shepard activated her beacon Liara gave orders to avoid the area, but the last ship didn't hear it because communications on the planet are being disrupted. Now looking at the pile she wonders how anyone could survive.

Liara starts moving blocks using her biotics. A few other Krogan join her with their biotics and things start to move quickly. Liara is reminded of when she was digging for Shepard after the reapers fell. It took days to find her and when they did she was nearly dead. She quickly blinks away the tears that are forming in her eyes. She refuses to believe that Shepard is dead. Liara would feel something if Shepard were dead, right?

After an hour of moving concrete blocks Liara has to take a break.

"No luck yet?"

Liara hears a familiar voice. She looks up and sees Wrex. She flings her arms around him. When she steps back from the hug she sees how fragile the Krogan looks and when he starts coughing her heart sinks once again. "Wrex, Wrex I'm sorry."

"Don't be."

She helps him sit down.

"Here." Wrex hands her some water. Liara drains it immediately.

"Thanks for coming Liara. We would have been defeated if it wasn't for you." He places his hand on her back.

"She has to be okay Wrex." Liara wipes at her cheek. "She just has to be."

Wrex growls.

"What will I tell the children?"

"Here! I found something!"

Liara quickly stands when she hears a Krogan shout out. She looks to Wrex who waves her on. Liara runs to the location. The Krogan is pointing to something. They part when Liara approaches. Liara looks to where he is pointing. It looks like a boot but she can't see much more than that. "We need to move this now!"

Without thinking Liara bends over and starts to lift with the male Krogan that yelled. Six people all together move a very large slab of concrete. Lying in the divot is a single combat boot. Liara kneels down and grabs it. She knows it is Shepard's.

"Can I have my boot back?"

Liara looks to her right. Did she hear right? It can't be. She must be hallucinating. The crowd of Krogan seem to be looking at something. They slowly separate. What Liara sees in front of her is simply a miracle.

"Hello my blue beauty."

"Shepard!" Liara drops the boot and rushes to her bondmate. Shepard nearly falls over at the force of their bodies meeting.

"Ah! Careful…careful Liara."

Liara quickly steps back, "What what happened? Are you injured?"

"Yeah, you stepped on my foot."

Liara looks at the human at first in horror then absolute relief. She hugs Shepard tightly.

The Krogan start to yell and applaud.

Liara kisses Shepard's forehead, her right cheek, her left cheek, her neck.

"Hey..hey..hey." Shepard tips Liara's chin up, "You missed a spot." Just like an old Earth movie Shepard points to her lips.

Liara softly presses her lips to Shepard's. The cheering continues as the kiss deepens. When they finally break from the kiss they remain in each other's arms staring at each other memorizing each other all over again. "How?"

"I was thrown over there." Shepard points. She rubs her head, "I must have blacked out. When I came too I saw people over here. I couldn't be sure it was Wrex's men so I hid for a bit until I could make sure." She leans in close so only Liara can hear, "You know how all Krogan look alike from a distance." She winks at Liara.

Liara hugs her again and kisses her.

"How did you get here? I mean how did you know we needed help?" asks Shepard.

Liara and Shepard turn their heads toward the roar of an engine. Eli approaches.

"Shepard."

"Eli."

He pats her on the shoulder. Liara sees her wince a little only because she knows her so well. Shepard is hiding an injury.

"We are heading to the city. We need to find Grunt and the others. Would you mind taking Wrex back to our base of operations?"

"Of course."

"Most of the women will also follow you Shepard. We will return as soon as we have secured the city."

"Sounds good Eli. Be careful."

Eli turns to Liara. He pats her on the shoulder. "Thank you again Liara."

"My pleasure Eli."

Most of the Krogan get into Tomkahs and head toward the city about five miles away.

Liara turns to Shepard, "How bad?"

"It's just a bruise Liara."

"Are you sure?"

Shepard kisses her, "Yes I am sure." They start walking toward Wrex's location. The Krogan is sitting on a small pile of concrete. Eve is by his side. There are three Tomkahs which should be enough to fit everyone in for the trip back to base.

"Let's head for the base," says Shepard. She extends a hand to Wrex who growls and slaps it away.

"I've got it Shepard, thank you," says Eve.

Shepard steps aside so Eve can help the dying Krogan.

Liara squeezes Shepard's hand at the sight of him walking. She sees how much he is leaning on the woman he loves. It breaks the asari's heart. "How long?"

"Not long." Shepard doesn't fight the heat behind her eyes. She lets the tears falls. She is going to miss her friend.


THESSIA

Akira is sitting by Atalia's bedside. The lead detective is sleeping. When the medical examiner checked with her doctor the doctor told her that Atalia still has not started her physical therapy. Today she will be forced to. Akira tried to reason with the doctor but the doctor told her that she either start or leave the hospital and that is something Akira knows cannot happen. Atalia needs to regain her strength. She had a lot of muscle damage to her left hip and calf. She has a lot of hard work ahead of her.

Dara checked in a little less than an hour ago. She and Dava are getting settled at the safe house. When Akira asked what Dara told her daughter what is going on Dara made up a lie. She did not tell her daughter that a Justicar was after her though Dara doubts the lie will hold up too long. Dava is very intelligent. When Dara asked about Valya Akira told her that the former commando was sleeping the last she saw her. That as soon as she is done at the hospital she will be heading home to check on her. Dara thanked the medical examiner for her help, something that made Akira cringe a little with guilt because of what she almost did. She is still asking herself why on Thessia she leaned in to kiss the detective. Maybe it was her emotional state and feeling so rejected by Atalia, maybe it was curiosity or maybe….

"What are you doing here?"

Akira is startled out of her reverie. She looks up to see if Atalia is awake. It has been days since she has heard her lover's voice. "Where else would I be?"

Atalia rolls her eyes and turns her head away from her. "Get out."

"I thought you should know what is going on."

"I don't care, get out."

Akira lets out a deep breath. She is a bit rattled; there is only so much an asari can take. "Your physical therapy starts today."

"Like hell."

"Atalia you need to regain your strength. If you just lay around your muscles will…"

"Get out Akira! I don't want you here!" Atalia turns her head toward Akira. "Get out!"

Akira's hands start to tremble. Her lower lip starts to quiver but she bits it back. She will not cry. "There is a Justicar in town. She is going to aid in the investigation. She has been tracking this Shadow person for like six months according to what Valya told me."

"Is that right?" Atalia narrows her eyes at her.

"Yes." Akira swallows. "Her name is Samara. Apparently Shepard and Liara know her. They worked together during the war."

"Small galaxy."

Akira cannot tell if Atalia is humoring her or really interested. Her tone of voice is too even. "Valya is still recovering from a concussion."

"Oh that's too bad."

Akira hears the sarcasm in her tone. She crosses her arms. "You are a bitch do you know that?"

"There she is."

"I mean it Atalia. You have treated me like shit ever since I saved your life!"

"Saved my life?"

"Yes! If it weren't for Malin and me that Shadow person could have finished you off!"

"Well you should have let her!" Atalia sits up when she yells at her lover and winces at the pain. She clutches at her hip and lies back down. Agony is painted all over her face.

Akira hates to see her in such pain but when Atalia is in pain she pushes people away. That is the main reason why they are not bonded. Akira does not want to be with someone long term if she can't have all of them. Something she has been communicating to Atalia. The lead detective obviously has forgotten.

"Do you want me to call the doctor?"

"I want you to GET OUT! NOW!"

Akira feels the sting in her eyes. She slowly walks toward Atalia with a hand reaching out.

"NOW!"

In a calm even tone Akira says, "You continue to treat me this way Atalia and I won't be here when you are released."

That got her attention. The lead detective looks at her straight in the eye. Akira wonders what she is thinking; her face is so hard to read right now.

Atalia breaks eye contact, clears her throat, makes eye contact and says in a matching calm tone, "Good."

Akira cannot help the small gasp that escapes her mouth. This is not what she was expecting. This…this can't be happening. Atalia turns her head away and it feels like the asari is a hundred miles away. Akira takes a step closer to the bed but then stops. She is no longer wanted. Atalia doesn't want her. Akira is shocked. She is frozen in place and cannot move.

Thankfully the doctor enters but what she says is lost on Akira. The asari looks a bit blurry to her through the tears in her eyes. Akira hears murmuring and finally realizes that she has legs and they work. Slowly she turns her back on Atalia and walks out of the hospital room.

When Akira reaches the sky car she can feel she is going to lose control. She quickly unlocks the door and gets it slamming the door behind her. Her tears flow freely now and she wails. Her entire body shakes with each sob. She cries into her hands. She screams and she bangs on the steering wheel. She cannot believe this is happening. After over eighty years it's over. How can it be over?

When Akira enters her home she doesn't remember flying there. She enters the kitchen grabs a glass of water and downs it in four large gulps. She throws her purse on the counter and heads for her bedroom. She feels numb. She feels lost, like she is watching a movie of herself walking down the hallway. She enters the bedroom and undresses as she walks to the bathroom flinging clothes on the floor. She doesn't care where they land. She brushes her teeth but doesn't linger too long in front of the mirror. She doesn't want to be reminded of her red blotchy eyes. Her head feels like it is filled with cotton. She cannot form a clear thought. She climbs under the covers and just lies there on her back wondering what the hell just happened.

"Hi honey."

Akira feels an arm snake around her waist. She is pulled close and before she knows what is going on she is being kissed. Is she dreaming? Her body tingles all over. Goddess this feels good. Akira lets the kiss deepen. She loves the taste of her tongue. The feel of her skin. Akira hears a moan and wonders….her eyes snap open. She isn't kissing Atalia it's Valya!

The medical examiner sits up quickly. She pulls the bed sheet to cover her nakedness. "Valya what are you doing?"

"Hmm?" she doesn't open her eyes she just reaches for Akira. "Come on Dara I miss you."

Akira furrows her brows. Valya is lying on her stomach. She feels her forehead to see if she has a fever. Something she wished she hadn't done because Valya latches onto her wrist and pulls on her arm to get closer.

"I want you Dara."

"Valya." Akira fights her off. She moves away from Valya as far as she can without falling out of bed. "Valya can you hear me?"

The detective slowly opens her eyes.

Akira can tell she is having a hard time focusing. "Valya?"

"Akira?" Her eyes suddenly grow wide. "What are you doing?" Valya sits ups and almost falls off the bed when she tries to gain distance.

"Me? Are you kidding me?"

"Are you naked under there?"

Akira lets out a long sigh. "You were confused."

"Confused? What are you talking about? We didn't…I mean you didn't…I mean I didn't…"

"No of course not! What do you take me for?"

"Gee I don't know Akira you did try to kiss me last week."

"Last week? That was yesterday!" Why am I correcting her? Akira lets out another long sigh. "You have been confused due to your concussion."

"Well I'm pretty sure I didn't ask you to get naked. Did I?" Valya scratches her head as if that will reveal everything.

"Relax." Akira starts to get up.

"Don't get up!" Valya covers her eyes.

"Oh my Goddess Valya. I have a robe." Akira reaches for her robe which is on the chair in the corner of her bedroom.

"Can I look now?"

"Yes."

Valya sits up against the headboard of the bed while Akira sits in the chair to her left. Valya looks around the room.

"You're at my house."

"And why is that exactly? And why are…or were you naked? You still haven't told me that part."

"I forgot okay."

"Forgot what?"

"I forgot you were in here."

"Why am I in here?"

"Ugh!" Akira yells at the top of her lungs. She doesn't actually say a word more like a long and loud scream.

Valya covers her ears with her hands.

Akira takes in and lets out a deep breath. "You needed sleep. So Dara and I thought it best to…"

"Dara? She knows I'm here?"

Akira can see panic cross the detective's face. "Will you shut up and let me finish please!"

Valya flinches at the loudness of Akira's voice. "Okay, sorry."

"You are suffering from a concussion. You met the Justicar. You are convinced she wants to kill Dava. So we called Dara to get Dava out of jail. In the meantime you agreed to come here and sleep because we didn't think it was safe to go to your house."

Valya looks confused. "Okay…"

"I came home. I forgot you were in here and I climbed into bed wanting to go to sleep. Then you started kissing me."

Valya touches her fingers to her mouth. Akira wonders if she is savoring the heated kiss. It has been a long time since Akira was kissed like that. "Um. Why was I kissing you?"

Akira lets out a long sigh. "You thought I was Dara."

Akira sees relief wash over Valya's features. "I said that?"

"Yes." Akira stands and starts heading for the hallway.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm exhausted. I need some sleep." Akira starts to walk out of the room.

"Wait."

"What?"

"Come in here please."

"Valya. I'm tired. I want to go to sleep."

Valya extends her hand, "Come here, this will only take a minute." The detective swings her legs over the side of the bed so Akira can sit next to her. She pats the bed.

Akira sits. She notices that Valya will not let go of her hand. "What is it?"

"What's happened?"

Akira rolls her eyes, "I just told you."

"No." Valya cups Akira's cheek with her hand. "What happened? Why have you been crying?"

Out of nowhere the floodgates open once more. The medical examiner cannot believe a simple question can trigger such an outburst but everything hit her as if for the first time. Atalia doesn't want her anymore. Atalia doesn't need her anymore. What is she going to do now? Who is she without the lead detective?

Akira knows she was supposed to come home and care for Valya. Never in a million years did she think that Valya would be taking care of her. At this moment she doesn't care. It feels nice to be taken of. Akira blocks out thoughts of the future. She focuses on this moment and the tenderness she feels from Valya makes her heart hurt all the more. She allows herself to cry over what has been lost and over what will never be.