Author's Note:
I want to thank those who read, Fav'd and/or Reviewed this tale! Your interest in this story and the feedback you provide are very much appreciated. Thank you!
I also want to extend a big round of applause to Lyaksandra, my beta-reader. Your input and sage advice are—and always have been—invaluable.
Chapter 24
Lakota stared at her ghostly reflection in the shuttle's observation window. Her brows were furrowed in contemplation as troubled pale green eyes returned the steadfast gaze, their luminance peppered unnaturally by the starry background of deep space. She thought her mirror-image looked defiant and intense, almost mockingly so, since it was in direct contrast to the tendrils of uncertainty slowly and methodically infiltrating her thoughts. As soon as the shuttle left the Normandy, heading towards the planet surface, the magnitude of the situation, thick with unanswered questions and perhaps unrealistic expectations, settled heavily within her mind. It was a veritable breeding ground for self-doubt.
The Prothean ruin held clues if not outright answers about the mysterious energy wave that, in one fell swoop, wiped the Reapers from existence. She felt this truth within her very bones, but there were other unsettling concerns weighing in on her thoughts as well. What really happened on the Citadel with the Illusive Man and Anderson? She had watched as her mentor slowly faded away, releasing his final breath just after words of praise for her left his lips. She felt the flood of anguish that followed, shaking her to the very core, but apparently none of it had been real. In reality, the Admiral was very much alive. And how, after destroying the Catalyst, did she end up under a pile of rubble on Earth instead of reduced to ash by the flames that had engulfed her? She could still recall the feel of blistering heat sear her skin, swallowing her whole as it consumed everything in its path. But the confusion wasn't just about individuals or individual moments. The very fabric of all Synthetic life had not been expunged, and the vast majority of Geth, and EDI, had survived. Even though their annihilation was supposedly woven into the decision she had made, the alleged inescapable outcome of choosing to end the Reapers and their cyclical plague. Even the Mass Relay system remained intact.
Of course, if she were completely honest, some of the most pervasive questions had to do with her vacillating health and the cataclysmic nightmares that had only just recently tapered away. Bolstered by the profoundly intimate exchange of melding with Liara, finding herself within those hallowed moments as they reaffirmed their mutual, deep-seated devotion, may have aided in abolishing the apocalyptic visions and the phantasm that seemed to perpetuate them, but she would never forget. Bearing witness to the deliberate and unrelenting destruction of thousands of worlds, their splendor and glory snuffed out with beautifully horrific precision, would haunt her to the end of days.
She opened her eyes, looking once again on her translucent image, and became lost in the pained expression staring back.
Then her brow furrowed again, creating a deep worry line in her forehead as the importance of all those unanswered questions bore down like a one ton weight on her chest, oppressive and constricting, making it difficult to breathe. In the best moments, this rush to Eletania felt like the surest course to discover the answers she sought. In the worst, it felt like a futile, pointless endeavor, as though she were grasping at straws, desperately trying to find hope in a place where no hope existed.
She hated the feeling of all those unknowns being just beyond her reach, elusive and unpredictable, like untethered ropes thrashing in the wind. The longer the questions remained unanswered the more their presence couldn't be ignored, and it caused a cold, sinking feeling in the middle of her gut as though a ball of ice was forming. Pinching the bridge of her nose with her thumb and forefinger, she closed her eyes against the proverbial albatross and focused instead on what she knew and what was within in her ability to control. Eletania was the next step of the journey. They would scour the ruin for answers and then move on.
Nodding her head, she made a simple but solemn vow to herself. Regardless of what pieces were discovered at the ruin, if they didn't complete the larger puzzle that made all of the questions consolidate, then she would continue to search for the truth. No matter how long it took. To whatever end.
After another moment of solitary deliberation, Lakota smiled.
"Kaidan wouldn't have done anything, you know." She sensed rather than saw a familiar presence behind her. "Other than make an ass of himself."
"Yes," Liara said, stepping just behind the Spectre and placing a comforting hand on her armored shoulder, "he seems quite good at it these days. But I also know we didn't have time for his childish tirade."
Chuckling softly, Lakota turned her head toward the researcher. "So the biotic field was all about effective time management?"
"In part."
"And the other part?"
"Maybe I didn't like the way that he looked at you." Liara's hand slipped from the shoulder, her forefinger gently pressing into her lover's lips, halting any pithy reply. Then, arching a challenging eyebrow, she added, "Ever."
The confessional undertone of the remark was not lost on the Spectre as she tilted her head slightly, capturing the Asari's hand in her own and placing a quick kiss on the palm. "Well, for the record, thank you. I'm glad I can count on you to have my back. Not that I ever doubted it," she amended quickly, "but it was comforting to see, even at Kaidan's expense."
"I will always, as you say, 'have your back'." Liara's hand tenderly cupped her lover's cheek, the pad of her thumb grazing the soft skin in unspoken affection. "Always."
Lakota grinned, her eyes sparkling with a sudden mischief. "I also have to say, off the record, seeing your protective streak in action was very sexy."
"Oh?" The beginning of coy smile tugged at the corner of the researcher's mouth.
"Stimulating really."
"Behave, Commander," Liara warned playfully.
"I always behave, Doctor." With Liara's hand still cradling her cheek, Lakota took a step forward, invading the Asari's personal space. "Sometimes, though, I behave badly."
"Yes, I am well aware." Lithe, blue fingertips wandered across the Spectre's face, slowly tracing its profile from her forehead, down the curve of her cheek, and following the outline of her jaw until finally coming to rest on supple lips. "And if I hadn't seen your very serious expression a moment ago, then I might have indulged your bad behavior." Liara's forefinger affectionately tapped the tip of her lover's nose before she removed her hand, crossing her arms in front of her chest. Her pose exuded seriousness. "You're concerned that the ruin may not hold all the answers you seek."
Lakota sighed, smiling ruefully. The words had been voiced as a statement, not a question. "I believe you know me too well."
"I believe in many things, but even I don't think that is possible. Nor would I ever want it to be."
"When did you become such a sweet talker?"
"When I learned it was the cause of that captivating rosy hue on your cheeks. Like now."
"You're also a little bit evil."
"I seem to recall you saying that was one of my more alluring traits."
A soft smile formed at the corner of Lakota's lips, but her eyes still held a far-off look as though her thoughts were caught between two worlds.
Raising her eyebrow, Liara questioned, "Are you going to tell me what's bothering you? Or do I have to pry?"
"What makes you think something is bothering me?"
"Remember that you're dealing with a researcher who spends her time collecting and analyzing a wide variety of data from across the galaxy. I can formulate and deduce behavioral patterns with the best of them."
As her lips pursed together, Lakota's gaze dropped to the floor giving her face a perplexed appearance. "I know. I'm just being difficult and I'm not even sure why." Then she looked up, and for the second time that afternoon found herself immersed in the feeling of being unable to breathe, but for a completely different, completely wonderful reason. Liara was staring at her with those sparkling blue eyes that rivaled the darkest sapphire. They were full of concern, adoration and something the Spectre couldn't identify, but if she had to name it, she would have called it unconditional love.
Fortified by the look, Lakota glanced over at the corner of the shuttle where Javik and Samara were sitting. Each had their eyes closed, as though meditating with seemingly little outward interest in anything else. Whether they were consciously attempting to give her and Liara some privacy or it was just some stroke of blind luck, Lakota didn't care. Without any more hesitation, she turned back to Liara and proceeded to quietly update her about the conversation with EDI, and then what had happened when she shook Kaidan's hand prior to drawing her gun on him. She still didn't know how to describe the moment other than to say she that she just knew about his questionable loyalty, just like she somehow knew there were answers to be found on the planet.
For Liara's part, she didn't do anything but listen. She didn't ask any questions or fidget or tap her fingers or smile or frown or move. Not many listened with such focused intensity. It was one of the Asari's traits that Lakota appreciated most.
Once the Spectre finished, Liara remained quiet for moment as though collecting her thoughts. Then, she said, "That sounds like Javik's ability to read DNA markers. It sounds Prothean."
Lakota blinked. Her chaotic thoughts fell heavily within her mind. "I know."
But before anything else could be said, she heard the familiar chirp of a private communiqué. She tapped her earcom and responded. "Miranda… Shepard here."
"Commander. The first squad has secured the mercenary's comms and security network."
"Anyone notice them?" Lakota replied, instantly on track with the mission at hand.
"No. The base appears to be occupied by far fewer than we thought. Maintenance crew most likely. Either the intel we were given was incorrect or the mercenaries no longer consider the Prothean ruin a high priority."
"Maybe something is finally going our way. Do they still have a security detail at the site?"
"Yes. Garrus and Specialist Traynor are standing by, awaiting your orders."
"Then let's get this show on the road. Tell Traynor it's time to send the distress call to those at the site, have them high-tail it back to their main base. And tell Garrus he can finally have his fun. I want the planet-side mercenaries velcroed to that base."
"10-4, Commander. And Shepard… good luck. I hope you find what you're looking for."
"Thanks, Miranda. So do I. Shepard out." Lakota tapped her earcom, shutting down the channel. That was when the icy knot began growing in her gut again.
Liara watched while Lakota conversed with Miranda. She knew whatever discussion she hoped they would have time for was now out of the question. It would have to wait until after their mission was over. Even though the postponement was frustrating, what troubled her more was the shift she had witnessed in her lover's demeanor. By the time the transmission had ended, Lakota looked somewhat pensive, equally lost and agitated as though caught up in some dark reflection. Liara empathized because she too had moments of feeling utterly helpless, especially when she was confronted with the unexpected physical issues her lover had experienced in the aftermath of her recovery, and apparently from the conversation they just had, was still experiencing. She also drew from her very personal ordeal, just after the Normandy crash landed on Pragia, when she toyed with the thought that the one she loved most was lost to her forever. She knew how easy it was to become tangled in the spiral of unending, unanswered questions. Fortunately for her, Garrus had shaken her out of that dark trench, but the Turian wasn't here now, so the task to divert her lover's thoughts was in her hands.
Frowning somewhat theatrically, Liara asked about the first thing that came to her mind. "Velcroed?"
The Spectre shrugged her shoulders. "Human expression. Basically means 'to stick like glue'."
"With all of your expressions, it is a wonder how humans have any language left at all."
"Give us a few hundred years," the Spectre parried. "We'll adopt yours and make similar improvements."
The researcher rolled her eyes in not quite feigned exasperation. "Apparently, humans are also arrogant."
"It's not arrogance if it's true."
"No, it's hubris."
Lakota shook her head and chuckled, glad for the light-hearted moment before they touched down on the planet's surface. She was also grateful that Liara was so in tune with her, was able to read her darker mood and offer up a playful exchange to help soothe her raw nerves. Taking a deep breath, she consciously shelved the thoughts and questions that had gotten away from her for a later, more appropriate time of rumination.
"Samara, Javik, get ready," she said, her voice once again commanding and confident. "We'll be planet-side in five."
Without a word, the Justicar and Prothean prepared for the landing, completing a final check on their weapons and armor and then buckling into their seats.
Running her fingers roughly through her pony-tailed, black hair, Lakota took another deep, calming breath and sighed. Then, she looked back at the researcher with an expression of resolute determination.
"Are you ready?"
Liara stepped forward, capturing the Spectre's face within both of her hands, blue eyes earnestly delving into pale green as though trying to imprint within their luminous expanse. She loved this woman unreservedly, had spent the better part of four years aiding her quest, championing her cause. In one form or another, even when separated with the uncertainty of their relationship looming precariously between them, she never stopped loving her or supporting her pursuits, albeit indirectly at times.
She wanted a life with this woman, wanted the 'happily ever after' she had read about in all of those tales and grand stories, and she was more than willing to fight for it. To fight for her. To fight for them. Eletania was just the next step on the path towards that future.
Liara looked a Lakota for what seemed like a long time. Neither had anything to say, but that didn't stop either of them from taking in the quiet moment of reprieve. When Cortez's voice sounded out over the intercom, indicating that they should buckle up for the final descent, the researcher nodded slowly.
Lakota thought that in its solemnity, her lover's face was quite beautiful.
"We're in this together," Liara said. "We will see this through to the end, together."
Then Liara's serious expression softened and she leaned in placing a firm, decidedly chaste kiss on her lover's lips, but still suffused with deep emotion.
"Now, Commander, let's go get some answers."
…
To Lakota's eyes, Eletania appeared to be a world eminently suited for colonization. But appearances are sometimes deceiving, and in Eletania's case, gravely so. Surrounding the Prothean ruin was a vast landscape of rolling hills covered by a lush carpet of vibrant colored mosses, algae, and lichen, a stunning ecosystem boasting forty shades of green within a single glance. To the south, rugged, snow-capped mountains dominated the skyline, while the northeast horizon was caretaker to a slightly less dramatic mountain range, which was still impressive.
Visually the planet was breathtaking. Ironically, so was the air.
Although possessing a thick oxygenated atmosphere, within the planet's animal kingdom existed a web of microscopic symbiotic creatures that were impossible to filter from the air, and were necessary for the native life to thrive. Unfortunately, they also caused anaphylactic shock when inhaled by non-native life, so everyone was required to wear fully enclosed suits as protection. Four years prior, when Lakota and her crew first landed on the planet, the filters in their environmental suits lasted less than twenty minutes before they had to be replaced. Fortunately, with Tali's upgrade, the filters would last an hour or more before the need to return to the shuttle arose.
Liara stepped in front of the Spectre, oblivious to anything but the Prothean artifact she was walking toward.
"This is amazing," she said, the tone of her voice awash in awe. During the previous visit, she had not yet joined the Normandy crew, so this was her first encounter with Eletania's ruin. "In all of my years studying Protheans, excavating dig sites, I have never… ever encountered anything like this."
The site consisted of a large circular shape platform with seven columns spaced equally around the perimeter as though encapsulating its focal point, a massive, self-floating sphere. The base and pillars were constructed out of a dark grey alien metal that had been embedded with a maze of circuitry, a stark contrast to the verdant scenery encompassing it. The orb was roughly six meters in diameter and hovered in the center of the platform one meter above the ground. It had a smooth, liquid-like surface that reflected everything in the surrounding area. Or rather, almost everything, which was unsettling for nearly all who stared into the dark, fluidic surface.
When Liara was within a meter of the sphere, she gasped. "I don't see my reflection."
Lakota looked over her shoulder, watching the researcher scrutinize the surface. "I didn't see mine the last time I was here, either."
"But I should be able to see my reflection," Liara countered in disbelief. She raised her hand toward the sphere, being careful not to touch it, with the same results. No reflected image. "This is fascinating."
The Spectre turned her head toward the Prothean, who was scanning the area for signs of mercenaries. Apparently, Traynor's faux distress call worked, the ruin had been left unguarded.
"Javik, are you familiar with this type of technology?" she asked, jabbing her thumb in the direction of the sphere.
"In my cycle, I was a soldier not a scientist."
"I'll take that as a no."
"You would be wise to do so."
"This looks like a larger version of the Leviathan artifacts," Liara said as she took a step back, placing her hands on her hips and gazing up the orb. "I wonder if it's based on the same principle. A communication device used to observe the planet and it inhabitants."
Lakota snorted. "Don't forget that whole mind control thing, too."
"Yes, of course," Liara replied absent-mindedly, clearly absorbed in the opalescent artifact in front of her. She circled the perimeter assessing its size, shape and mass. She wanted to gather more concrete data by scanning the artifact with her omni-tool, as it had a personalized imaging component installed, but decided against that course of action for the moment. If they determined the artifact was harmless, then she would reconsider the option. She had learned an important lesson on Therum: be mindful of what you activate within a Prothean ruin. For the researcher, surviving that one encounter with unpredictable Prothean technology was more than enough for any lifetime.
Kneeling down, Liara examined the metal platform, wondering briefly if the circuitry's intricate design had any aesthetic purpose. She glanced at Javik and immediately dismissed the idea. She doubted the Protheans who built this structure would have taken the time to consider the beauty in their creation. Of course, she also knew her opinion wasn't free from bias.
She had devoted fifty years of her life to the study of Prothean technology and culture, concentrating specifically on the Prothean extinction. During that time she had come to idolize them, seeing them as keepers of wisdom and enlightenment. Much to her chagrin, her original and admittedly naïve image of Protheans was thoroughly shattered after finding and reviving Javik from his cryogenic slumber on Eden Prime. It took only one conversation for her to discover that her benevolent rulers were actually a ruthless, imperialistic race bent only on furthering their own territory and might.
At first, she resented Javik for destroying her fantasy, for not living up to her idealized image of what a Prothean should be. Eventually, through heated arguments and somewhat civil conversations, she was able to work through her disappointment. As that feeling finally dissipated, they were able to establish a tentative friendship. But even though Javik had done remarkably well with adapting to this new era and had forged amiable relationships with some of the Normandy crew, a part of her would never forget that he was still the last surviving member of an imperialistic society. A society that expanded its empire by assimilating other spacefaring races, sometimes forcibly, and demanding that those servant races adopt the name "Prothean" for themselves as well. That distasteful knowledge and the fact that she had held them in such high regard for so long would always be difficult for her to stomach.
Lakota watched Liara navigate through the ruin examining its nuances with deliberate and scientific precision. Every step she took, every aspect she scrutinized, was done methodically and with a silent but focused intensity. Until this moment, the Spectre had never seen her lover in full "archeologist mode", because once their paths crossed, Liara's career as an archeologist had been sidelined in lieu of tackling more current events. Having this opportunity to see her working in her chosen academic field, even in this minor form, was an unexpected boon. The researcher was completely absorbed in her work, almost to the exclusion of all else, and the Spectre found this both adorable and endearing.
Lakota shook her head and smiled, grateful for the shielding her helmet offered, which allowed her to shamelessly admire the researcher without notice.
"Javik," she said, "any of this seem familiar to you?"
The Prothean stood at the edge of the ruin with an assault rifle held loosely in his hands as his eyes canvassed the structure and the surrounding area. "I have never been to this planet, so… no."
"Well, on a bright note," the Spectre said, "at least nothing has tried to kill us."
"Not yet," Samara commented dryly. She was near one of the pillars examining an odd indention within the metal surface. "The day is still young and you have a way of attracting the most interesting trouble."
Chuckling, Lakota said, "I'm sure a seasoned Asari Justicar can handle whatever crosses our path."
"If it's of Prothean design, then prepare for that path to be blocked with destruction," Javik stated haughtily.
Lakota glanced at the Prothean. "Um…I thought it was obvious but that's why you're here. So nothing Prothean kills us."
"In my cycle, relying on others to protect you was a sign of weakness."
"Well in this cycle we rely on the buddy system," the Spectre said testily as she knelt on the platform, looking at the underside of the sphere. "It gives the enemy someone else to shoot at."
"Do you know what we are looking for, Human?" Javik grumbled, clearly not amused by the sarcastic comment.
"Good health, eternal happiness, a never-ending supply of pancakes… beyond that, I say we focus on anything unusual."
"This is a Prothean ruin, Shepard," Liara chided playfully, "everything is unusual."
"Good point. So let's just focus on what Eternal Sunshine there would consider unusual."
Javik turned to face the Spectre but remained silent, his expression hidden within his environmental helmet.
Liara crossed the platform to stand next to her lover. "I read the reports about this planet before coming here. Some have proposed limited colonization at altitudes above the symbiotes' range, or in areas where favorable winds keep the air clear."
"Seems like an awful lot of trouble and I bet you'd still have to wear environmental suits. Nature is just too unpredictable." Lakota continued to examine the artifact, then she noticed the small, irregular slot on the underside of the surface. "The Consort's trinket fit in that slot."
"Do you still have the device?" Javik asked, still looking at the Spectre. "Maybe that would reveal some clue."
Shaking her head, Lakota said, "It was lost a few years ago when the first Normandy was destroyed by the Collectors."
Liara inhaled sharply as nightmarish images of that day flashed though her mind, then her hand reached out, automatically clasping her lover's shoulder for support as much as comfort.
"Many things were lost that day," she whispered.
Lakota looked up at the researcher. "Only temporarily."
"True. I believe I demonstrated the lengths to which I'll go to hunt you down."
"I don't know if I should be flattered or frightened."
"How about fascinated?"
"Sprinkle that with smitten and you've got yourself a deal."
"Shepard," Samara called out, "over here. I think I have found something… unusual."
To Lakota, the Justicar's normal sedate countenance seemed a bit ruffled. "Will Eternal Sunshine think it's unusual?"
Samara raised a single, challenging eyebrow. "Yes."
Nodding her head, Lakota said, "Okay. What did you find?"
"I am not sure," the Justicar replied as she stepped aside and pointed to the square indentation she had been studying. "But this appears to have some purpose."
Everyone gathered around the column to examine it, then a moment later Javik said, "This is a switch."
"For what?" Lakota asked.
"The endless pancakes you desire?" Javik retorted. "I have no idea."
"Did you just make a joke?"
"If I had made a joke, your primitive intellect would have been unable to comprehend it."
"And you just made another one. I'm impressed."
"After 50,000 years of slumber, my journey is complete."
"Okay Mr. One-liner, when this is over we'll get you your own standup show. Until then, I say let's press the button and see what happens."
Liara cleared her throat. "That has never worked out well for us in the past."
"There's a first time for everything," Lakota said, jovially. "Besides… no guts, no glory." Then, she took a deep breath, and as everyone tensed for action, she pressed the button.
Nothing happened.
She stared at the pillar, crossing her arms in front of her chest. "Well, that was slightly anticlimactic."
"Hold on," Liara said as she quickly scanned the platform and columns. In all of those years searching for Prothean ruins and studying artifacts, it was exceptionally rare that she found any working Prothean technology, and although this one appeared dormant, something nagged at the back of her mind telling her it wasn't. "Look. The other columns have the same kind of switch. So what if we pressed them all?"
The Spectre barked out a laugh. "You are such a rebel, Doctor."
"Just following your lead, Commander."
"Well, I love it. Let's do it."
Samara and Javik stood guard while the Spectre and researcher made their way to each pillar, activating each switch. When the final one was pressed, the intricate circuitry embedded with the seven columns lit up, illuminating the ruin in a pale amber hue. A moment later, in the center column, a console became visible on its smooth metal surface.
"A control panel," Javik stated. "Although I admit that I am not sure what it is for. It appears to be deactivated."
Lakota walked over to the column, which was taller than the others, and examined the panel. "Oh… wow…" she mumbled, "I had no idea any of this existed the last time I was here."
"I am surprised," Javik said. "On Thessia, you seemed to sense that artifact's hidden console."
"We came to this planet before going to Feros, before I was given the Cipher." The Spectre stepped closer to the column, raising her hand so it hovered, palm up, in front of the console. "But I think if I'd had it back then, I would have found this. Even through my armor I can feel something. An energy vibration, like a magnetic field."
Javik mimicked the Spectre's hand placement, then tilted his head. "Yet I sense nothing."
"Well, still… you're obviously more familiar with Prothean technology than any of us. Think you can get it working?"
"I will attempt to do so."
While Javik inspected the device, Liara continued to search through the ruin, looking for anything else that seemed unusual. Samara chose to stand at the edge of the platform acting as a sentry, dividing her attention between the surrounding area, making sure no mercenaries returned, and keeping a watchful eye on the illuminated platform for anything suspicious.
Seizing the momentary lull, Lakota contacted Miranda, giving her an update on their status, and then was apprised of the incursion at the base. The distraction had worked perfectly. The planet-side mercenaries were busy with the other squad while Traynor and EDI kept any distress calls from reaching the mercenary ships orbiting the planet.
Fifteen minutes later, Javik stomped away from the column grumbling that the panel was defective. Without commenting, Liara took his place and began her own visual examination.
"Maybe I should take a look," Lakota said, as she stepped next to researcher. "Last time you were around a Prothean control panel you got trapped in a bubble."
Liara rolled her eyes as she released an exasperated sigh. "It was a security device."
"Still a bubble."
"You're never going to let me forget that, are you?"
"Are you ever going to forget that I drove over a thresher maw with the MAKO?"
"That was different. I was in the MAKO when it happened. Both times!"
Lakota grinned as she and Liara circled the pillar trying to find any other oddities. Shaking her head, she returned to the control panel and stared into its blank, deactivated console. "We're missing something. Something simple. I know it."
"What makes you think that?" Liara asked. She took five steps back, trying to find a pattern in the intricate design of circuitry within the platform.
"Well, you know my motto. If everything seems to be going well, you've obviously overlooked something."
"You have a lot of mottos."
"There's a reason for that. I helped Murphy write his law."
Liara paused as though contemplating the Spectre's statement. "Who's Murphy?"
"I'll explain when we're back on the ship."
To satisfy her curiosity, Lakota raised her hand in front of the console and again she felt the tingling of energy pulse through her fingertips. The longer she left her hand hovering near the pillar's surface, the more familiar the sensation felt and the stronger the invisible pull became.
"Liara," she said, the soft commanding tone of her voice immediately capturing the Asari's attention.
"What is it, Shepard?"
"I need you to stay where you are, but watch this column and see if anything around it changes."
"What are you going to do?"
Beneath the Spectre's visor, pale green eyes were illuminated in an unnatural light. "I'm going to touch it," she said simply, then placed her palm on the panel.
Before Liara could reply, all daylight within the ruin vanished as it was enveloped within an impenetrable darkness. Then, in the next breath, a soundless explosion, a colorful confusion of bright, reflected lights emanating from the center column assaulted all of her senses. It was followed swiftly by a suffocating blanket of dead silence. She knew she was still standing, facing the column, but her limbs felt leaden as though weighted down by an unseen gravitational force.
Blinking rapidly, she shook her head in an attempt to clear the blurriness from her vision and fogginess from her mind. Then, she thought of Lakota and her chest constricted as fear resonated in every fiber of her being. She forcibly swallowed her panic, willing the blurry vision to dissolve, and concentrated on the scene in front of her.
Lakota stood in the same place and position, at the column with her hand on the control panel, as though time itself had been frozen. Then, as she started to turn, the platform beneath her vanished and she fell silently, swallowed within a nebulous chasm.
Without forethought, the researcher launched herself in the same direction as her lover, effectively following her into the abyss, and both plunged into an absolute and unfathomable darkness…