Loyalties:
Mass Effect Trilogy is a Bioware game. For any reference to the Official Game All rights are owned by Bioware. The Fan Fiction "Mass Effect At Dawn Again" is fruit of my imagination and my work, it is a free tribute, passionate and personal to a great video game. It is not allowed any use partial or total for profit and not.
Chapter 2
Crossed Destinies
… Dr. Chakwas is so focused on crossing Shepard's data which she just found, with last week ones that she does not even notice someone who appears at the automatic door of her office. A scratchy and bossy voice tears her off suddenly to her work ...
A: Dr. Chakwas, I guess ...
Karin has a jolt, she looks up, meeting two Asari dark blue eyes, which fasten her with severity.
K: in person! Who are you? How did you get in?
A: I've Admiral Hackett's authorization ... You can check if you wish! My name is matriarch Aethyta, and I am ... Liara's father!
Karin stands still, on the spot, her eyes are staring at the tall and slender Asari, with Dark Dark Blue complexion, extremely different from than Liara. A number of small speckling embellish the face outline, just wrapping up all her scalp crests. Her gaze exudes severity, possibly accentuated by eyebrows absence. Her eyes are dark as night, her face, despite not being so beautiful is very pleasant, and definitely, it can remind on profile and some expressions, of face of Liara. As every Asari, of course, without any sign betraying her age. Her body is wrapped down to the feet with a tight and dark red dress, embellished with elegant motifs, in various shades of gray. It is a form-fitting robe, with sleeves tight to arms, descending up to the wrists inlaid with light gray they too, and with more dark contours, which gives her an austere stylish air. The voice is strong and sure like someone who had been plenty of time exploring life, down all deepest secrets, and about it learned a lot. For what Karin is informed, Liara never met her father, she only knows it is Asari. Matriarch Benezia in the past, suffered greatly because of her, but she never wanted explaining why they had left, not even telling her name. Someday, Liara confessed, she was fearing her father was ashamed of her, why "Pureblood" and this was precisely the reason, why she left them. Karin is now pretty sure not be able to hiding all her bad blood, for this reason, she focuses very much first speaking ...
K: Very nice to meet you matriarch Aethyta, are you here to see Liara?
Answer is even more arrogant, and proclaimed with determined tone, as someone well using to command ...
A: I don't want she knows I'm here! Not right away! I urgently need talking to you before, in private and immediately!
Karin acts on factotum, locking door electronic latch. Controlling tone of her voice start become impossible, and she can barely disguise her wonder ...
K: Well, we're alone now! No one will disturb! What can I do for you?!
A: I knew Commander Shepard is alive, but since she was recovered, has not still regained consciousness ... I guess Liara's here helping her get back in herself?
K: Unfortunately, your information is accurate! From several days, Liara joins her mind with Shepard's one, in an attempt to stimulate her cognitive function recovery, but ... Ah, to be honest, so far the results haven't been especially promising!
The Matriarch blurt impatiently, and her sarcastic tone ends up irritating Karin ...
A: mental mergers? What do you mean!? Ah, you can't have a mind meld, without partners' consent and participation ... Unless ... Ah it's ridiculous!
K: I assure you, Matriarch, for Liara and Shepard it is absolutely possible and it happens every day, by at least one month!
A: Why doesn't she wake up?
K: 'Cause she's not sleeping, and ... incidentally, is not even in a coma! I performed very accurate studies, concluding that loud explosion and overwhelming shock wave which her body undergone, had caused a "cognitive blackout". A kind of electric collapse, which prevents her brain impulses to flow freely in all her nervous system, prevent restoring the normal activity and conversely, forcing her in this "state of latency", from which she cannot wake up. Unless we are applying the same trauma again, with comparable energy amount ... In case, all of it will fail to kill her, Shepard's electrical connections at neural level, could starting normally function! … Everything is clear now?!
Karin's indignant tone, seems not minimally affect in seraphic calm of Aethyta which continues unabated of putting its burst irritating questions ...
A: and Liara? What kind of connection with Shepard?
K: Why don't you ask her?
A: Doctor, please! I can't do, anyhow it's highly important to know it!
K: Oh fine! Shepard and Liara are madly in love for over three years now. They lived terrible experiences, but they always overcome together. They are totally soul mates, complementary, joined at the hip, made one for the other! I mean, I've never seen a couple well belong together, of them. I assure you, seeing them suffer in this way it is breaking my heart!
A: Yeah! Liara is absolutely smitten with Shepard, I know! She would fall through the fire for her, but I want absolute certainty, Shepard even is hopelessly devoted to her! Couldn't Liara have been just a pleasant distraction for Commander? An exciting adventure with a fascinating Asari beauty! Do you know what I mean?!
Karin just cannot refrain from reacting and she bursts into a sudden rage, her tone of voice is right off, set on fire ...
K: Ah, obviously you know a damn thing about Shepard! ... Otherwise, you could never had so goofy idea in your mind ... "pleasant distraction"! ... Oh, what a masterful piece of nonsense!
At first, Aethyta's voice hisses, like a venomous snake, regaining immediately after her control ...
A: Hey ... I saw how she looks at my daughter ah! So ... I'm not at all sure that was love! Anyway, for the moment I can't explain, then you must trust me! I can bring her back, but first I want to see with my own eyes, to be completely convinced, desire it ardently ... Otherwise it won't work. I'll tell you everything … at the appropriate time!
Say Dr. Chakwas is dumbfounded, it would be a monumental euphemism! She cannot accept situation, realizing if you find faced with a mad, or if you actually exist the possibility she is really able to help Shepard. Only one thing for sure: she cannot afford to miss this opportunity, even if incredibly remote. If really Aethyta is able doing what she says, she must take a risk! Finally, her resolute voice, sounds like a threat ...
K: OK Matriarch, fine, I'll trust you! There's a communicator, which I use tracking Shepard when she is alone. I'll switch on, and we can listen everything your daughter says ... But I warn you, I don't like it at all, spying them secretly, so you don't make me regret! Liara is already suffering enough, and I assure you, she doesn't deserve it absolutely! So if you were to make her still hurt, I could never forgive myself, and ... you will have to deal with me, I promise!
Aethyta slips slowly with her gaze on Karin, inspecting her from top to bottom with a sly smile on her lips. Her deep eyes are analyzing her, stopping finally in those of Karin. She can't help but grow to like that personality. Her voice becomes more and more flexible, unexpectedly gentle, when she say ...
A: Hey ... I am her father!
… Liara has just arrived, like every morning she smiles, turning to Shepard with tenderness. None tension or worry or anxiety, shine through her voice ... It looks like a normal conversation between them, as if Shepard is listening everything she says, comfortably sitting on the couch, maybe sipping a good drink ...
L: You know, I had a dream last night ... about the first time we met up, back on Therum ... remember? I was to grips with a Prothean archaeological site, full of very exciting clues, so I thought I'd given a turn to my research. Yeah! Until, several Geths arrived, commanded by a really scary Krogan. They sought me everywhere and I would have been definitely killed or carried away, without the accidentally activation of a Prothean force-field, which caught me, but at the same time, it protected me from him and all those disturbing synthetic beings. Krogan chief, tried in every way, turning off energy field, but thanks to the Goddess, he wasn't smart enough. Two or three days had passed, at least. I was totally without any livelihood and I was slowly losing my energy ... I prayed the Goddess, I felt close to the end, and I thought I would die in that prison suspended, completely alone, without the comfort of anyone. It had been years since I'd seen my mother! She and I didn't get on well, but at that moment I wished I could tell her how much I was missing, and how strong I loved her ... If I had really to die, I wished I knew my father! ... look straight in her eyes, asking why she had left me! I felt so lonely in despair. I had never been so frightened in my life. I could hear some noises in distance, getting closer and closer, until a louder noise made me fear it was over! I closed my eyes, trying to get me courage, when I opened them you were there! Oh Emily! You seemed appeared out of nowhere, like an Angel. You were so beautiful, in your battle armor, with the blond hair in gold color, clearer than now, but with the same wonderful eyes, light blue so deep and confident, loyal and incredibly sweet for the gaze of a soldier. You had a proud bearing, decided manners, and a calm that given the context I found absolutely incredible. I was immediately attracted by your voice, so warm, intense and fascinating. You seemed to be risen to the occasion, and maybe you got the plan to help me …
L: Can you hear me out there? I am trapped, I need help!
S: Are you OK? What happened to you?
L: Listen, this thing I am in, is a Prothean security device. I cannot move, so I need you get me out of it, all right?
S: Your mother is working with Saren. Whose side are you on?
L: What? I am not on anybody's side! I may be Benezia's daughter, but I'm nothing like her. I have not spoken to her in years! Just please, get me out of here!
From the start, you have proved very helpful and resolute, your presence was truly encouraging. I spoke you about the Control Panel placed beyond containment barrier, and about Krogan's repeated attempts trying to reach it. I was afraid you'd given up however, I immediately had the pleasant feeling of all that seemed impossible for me, it was nothing but routine for you!
S: we just have to figure out, how to bypass this energy field ... We'll find some way to help you!
Tone of your voice became so gentle and comforting, and I suddenly felt that no longer had anything to fear. You, Ashley, and Kaidan have rid in a few minutes Geths in cave guarding, activating Mining Laser, by opening up access to Underground Hall. In a flash I was free, but the troubles were not yet over! In fact, the Krogan came, remember? He wanted to take me off, bringing me Goddess knows where. We were surrounded when he said to want me alive. I thought it was the end, you conversely were extraordinarily quiet ...
K: surrender or die that would be more fun!
S: In case you didn't notice this place is fallen apart!
K: exhilarating, isn't it? Thanks for getting out of those energy field for us. Hand the Doctor over!
L: whatever it is you want, you're not getting it from me!
S: She'll stay with us, thanks!
K: not an option. Saren wants her, and he always gets what he wants ... Kill them. Spare the Asari if you can. If not, doesn't matter!
In a snap, all hell broke loose! You used your rifle with such mastery, it seemed dancing in your hands ... You faced a krogan with such boldness, while I huddled down ... Soon all was over, and your voice was again, kind and worried ...
S: it's all right? Are you hurt?
I never had dealings with humans so closely, and rumors about your Species were not at all reassuring, so I thought this was the reason which feeling your look, and your voice so close to me was dragging hopelessly my stomach in the middle of a hurricane!
L: I'm fine ... thanks! You've just saved my life!
We ran away at breakneck speed, hovering among mine's ruins, trying making way, desperately rushing through dust of collapses, avoiding several boulders was tumbling on us from every side. We were reaching the exit by a hair, before the mine was forever buried under tons of solid rock!
It was so, I arrived on the Normandy and you told me about the strange visions you had back on Eden Prime, coming in contact with a Prothean beacon. Oh, I was so excited! In fifty years of research in all of various archaeological sites scattered throughout the galaxy, I had never come in contact with an intact and working Prothean beacon. I couldn't believe it! Actually, it got transmitted something directly inside your mind, without kill you! You had highly needed of my knowledge of Protheans civilization, and for my part, I was completely fascinated by Protheans beacon, by your theory about Reapers and ... by you!
The threat we were about to face was terrible. By the Goddess, the Reapers! If they really weren't a myth, all galaxy was in serious danger, and each of us was duty to offer whichever its capabilities available, contributing whatever the cost. After the reckless adventure I passed through, to be still alive seemed me a real miracle. However, I didn't any intention pulling me back. Moreover, idea that Benezia was involved in something evil, gave me no peace. I knew my mother: she was a great Matriarch and a good person. Regardless of our complicated relationships, I loved her, and I couldn't accept she had become a criminal. I hoped to meet her, talking with her, trying understand her reasons. At that moment I had a desperate need to believe there was a really good reason if my mother turning up on the wrong side. Moreover, you also have just saved my life, obtaining all my more great goodwill, which inevitably binding me to your destiny. So, it took me a flash to decide, staying on Normandy, getting in trouble with you, turning whole galaxy, hunting Saren and Sovereign, attempting reward you, with all help I could give. To be honest, it didn't spend two days, and I already realized that real reason I wanted to stay ... it was you! I had no idea anyone could live in such chaotic and reckless way. However, I began finding it really exciting, immediately! One day, returning from a mission back on Feros, when Shiala transferred Thorian's cipher into your mind. I told you about the ability of us Asari, sharing memories or part of our mind with someone, proposing to you, a mental merger, trying to explain your visions … You knew me, only a few days, but you accepted immediately. During merger, I felt right your great trust in me. I was very impressed because it was the same I also had instinctively for you. When you opened your mind to me, a great warmth pervaded me. I blended me, inside your strength, I sensed your will really indestructible, your heart so honest. It was so emotional wrapping myself in your indomitable determination, sinking into tenderness of your gentle soul, unable to hide me all that ... all that pain! Then, all frightening images of beacon, raged furiously into my head ... It was unbearable! Visions of death, destruction ... of annihilation, but ... not complete. Eventually, I got a sudden illness, so Dr. Chakwas took care of me again. I found her really pleasant, immediately. She was friendly and competent. I had no idea how human's doctor could know physiology Asari so well instead, thanks to her treatment, I felt better right away …
… Shepard is still, between her bed clothes, her eyes are closed, her expression is peaceful, as if asleep. Liara sighs, gently laying the gaze on her, then she attracts her hand, bringing it on her lips, and caressing the back with a kiss, then she smiles very kindly, continuing to speak ...
L: Oh Commander Shepard! The more time passed, and you seemed to me more and more fantastic! You were so young, only 29 years old, but already so mature and competent in your job, such skilled and wise. You were in command of space Ship, and it shone through clearly how great respect and trust, all your crew felt for you ... You always walked on a wire, constantly tread the line, in endless game of chess with death! Sometimes, I had impression you believed yourself too fast to get caught ... or too expert to let it win ... Soon I realized instead, you were above all, too brave to stand back down! As for me, I was 106 years old, which are few for standards Asari, but I anyway studied Prothean for 50 years and this made me an expert ... In front of you, I couldn't help but feel like a little girl! You were always so kind and protective, treating me with great respect and you made me feel safe, even in the middle of a battle. Do you remember our pleasant small talk in those days? You had got into the habit coming visit me at my room at infirmary, after every mission. I waited impatiently because, I couldn't help but think of … you. If I only looked at you, if you only spoke with me, if you only were coming closer, I felt so overwhelmed by emotion that I missed completely breathing. My stomach was overthrown by anxiety and my heart would not stop banging in my throat ... I had never felt anything like this, in all my life. I sensed, you too, felt something for me so, one day, even now I don't know how, I found the courage to say …
L: You intrigue me Shepard, but I am not sure if it was appropriate, to act on my feelings ... I thought there might already be a relationship between you and Lt. Alenko.
At first, you seemed a lot surprised, I might feel some attraction with you ... Oh help me! What a fear I was wrong!
S: You want a relationship, with me? Even though we're both women?!
L: We Asari are mono-gender Commander, "male" and "female" don't have any real meaning for us ... I am not ... a woman! I'm sorry if it is awkward for you Shepard. I'm only trying to be honest. I feel as if we share some types of ... connection. But none of this matters if you are already involved in a serious relationship with Lt. Alenko!
S: The Lieutenant and I are just friends. Nothing more!
L: But what about us, Shepard ... Is there a mutual attraction? Or was I wrong about that, too?
S: No, you were right! There is something between us ...
L: I knew it! And I knew you felt it, too. But ... doesn't this not seems rather strange? Why do I feel so close to you? We have only known each other a short time. We are from two different species. We have almost nothing in common … This makes no sense!
S: love affairs have never sense! These things happen, things that overwhelm us like a storm. Love is an alchemy doesn't follow any rules and doesn't make any sense ... It happens, that's that, and ... you too, intrigue me! Quiet, thinking like a scientist, logic doesn't work when it comes to relationships. Just let yourself get swept up on the storm!
L: You make it sound so … chaotic! So ... dangerous ...
S: don't tell me a bit of danger can scares you!
L: This is all a bit overwhelming ... I am not used to ... this. You ... I need some time!
Oh Emy, How happy I was that day! I felt fainting with emotion ... I wished I should take your hands, touching your face looking for your lips, closing my eyes and feeling them, lying on my own ... hug you and hold you tight to me! Sense your breath, the warmth of your body, beating of your heart, confusing in my own, but ... All those overwhelming feelings was throwing me into a hurricane of emotions, dragging me out of control, completely at the mercy of elements! I was sensing my heart go crazy for you! If only I thought, you too were feeling something for me, it suddenly made me feel completely terrified! Moreover, if casually all this wasn't enough, we had also a suicide mission to deal! Saren and Sovereign were giving us no break, therefore, it was necessary to stay focused. We could not afford any distractions, so the next day I said you ...
L: You are very special to me Shepard, but with all that's happened... Saren, the Geths, the Reapers, I do not know if we are already for this! There is too much at stake. We all, have to make sacrifices. We need to put aside our personal feelings, and focus on stopping Saren!
You had no intention of putting pressure on me, conversely, you were very kind and understanding but ... The night before reaching Ilos, facing Saren, I was alone in my cabin, I could not sleep! I kept thinking about you, and I couldn't find peace ... I would I join with you once, at least, if I had really to die! Sharing myself all with you, to feel you to be mine ... to be completely yours, becoming One! I felt very strong feelings for you: a deep involvement, which made me shake my legs, and bursting my heart inside throat, if only you smiled at me, or if your beautiful eyes casually, intercepting mine! It might be our only opportunity, I couldn't give up on ... us! So I picked up all my courage, and without even realizing it, I found myself in your cabin. You were sitting at your desk, with little light ... You seemed very thoughtful. When the door opened, you had a jolt ...
L: Shepard, may I speak with you?
S: I was just thinking about you ...
L: I have been thinking about you too, and what we are about to face ... I do not know what is going to happen on Ilos. We will stop Saren, of course, but part of me fears we are already too late. There is something I must tell you, in case we fail ...
S: We're not going to fail. I promise!
L: Please, I am not looking for comfort! Saren might already have the Conduit, it is time to be completely honest with each other. These could be our last moments together. Ours last chance to show each other how we feel. I want this to be special!
S: Oh, Liara, I want you so much! But ... we don't have to do this, not unless you are sure!
L: I have never been more sure of anything in my life! Will you join with me Shepard? Let our bodies and minds unite!
S: Tell me just ... What I have to do!
You were standing, right in front of me, so close I could sense your breath. I touched your forehead with my fingers, starting a mind meld. While your eyes were lost deep inside mine, my desire to kiss you it was too out of control, and your lips too close, to be able to resist! Oh yeah, my first kiss! Well, now it was clear why I waited so long before giving it to someone. I never might give it, to another creature in whole galaxy because, from the beginning that kiss, had always belonged to you! I dragged you at me, with force, and the contact with your lips was immediate. Our bodies were touching so intimately for the first time ... it was beautiful! I felt your passion mingle with mine. Thrills and emotions long hold back, exploding and overwhelming us of pleasure, then ...
S: Oh, wait! ... Wait, not so fast!
L: Oh, sorry! ... I've never ...
You whispered very gently, enlightening me with your smile. Your hands never stopped for a moment caressing my face, and sometimes you laid your lips to mine, tenderly ...
S: Oh, no, no, easy! It is not what I meant. It's all right! You don't need to worry. This is the first time for me too! You know, I had never felt before, this kind of feelings with someone so different from ... a man! Oh, I want you Liara! As I never desired no one before! I like this fire, oh really to die for, but ... a burst of flame may goes out, in a few minutes ... There's no rush, instead. It will take a long time to get Saren, and I wish it be endless! ... I want to remember every moment of this night with you, for the rest of my life! It will be our first time ... I want to make it special!
More I looked at myself in the mirror of your sweet face, and more and more I realized it was really possible to die of emotion! No one had ever said to me such wonderful things. At the moment, I thought I would die in happiness explosion! I fought hard, with all my strength, finding my voice, when I said ...
L: Oh, Shepard you are right! I want to make it special too! It's just that ... when I am with you I ... Ah, I cannot reason!
S: hey ... my little baby girl! Don't worry, you have not to reason ... Let you go, listening only your heart ... Whatever you do, it will be fantastic because, I will listen my heart, too!
L: OK ... OK!
S: oh Liara, you ... You make me so crazy!
L: oh you too ... Emily Jane Shepard ... Emy!
S: then soon … give me the sweetest, kiss you can find!
We remained long braided into those emotions, tight like petals of a single flower ... Kindled of passion, hearten of consolation! Together at last, protected by our precious feeling, it was blooming with such intensity, keeping us safe from every pain!
… Liara no longer speaks, from many hours she is shaking Shepard's hands in her own, accompanying her, sweetly through the memory line. Colour of her eyes changes once again in black, embracing eternity. A faint blue glow, gently both enclose, finding together whole intensity of those emotions. Thoughts and sensations are joined, distinct identities are mixed, memories and emotions penetrate each other, giving life to a new and unbreakable One ... The merger mental is retracing memories most intimate, which only belong to them, reviving in a very vivid and realistic way.
… Endless minutes are spending, Shepard's beats detector is ringing (150 / m.), but steady. Merger is still active, it all becomes normal after two minutes at least. Liara's eyes are light blue again now, she finally starts talking with so emotional voice.
L: When I awoke, you were already standing, leaning on your desk. You were watching me sleep, who knows how long! Your look was so amazed, gratified and pleased ... You seemed very happy! I could not describe what I felt at that moment. I thought I had dreamed, instead it was really happened, your eyes spoken for themselves! Neither do I. I'd never felt more satisfied, in disbelief and thrilled ... so run over with happiness in all my life! However, I could not say almost anything ...
L: By the Goddess! That was incredible, Shepard!
You told a lot of beautiful things, instead ...
S: You ... had been ... Incredible! You know, I had already known "love" and ... I thought I knew as well my emotions, the level gets my passion, intensity of what I feel at certain moments ... All attraction I can feel towards another person, the inexplicable involvement of ecstasy, but ... Everything I lived before, do not nowhere near close how I shared this night, together with you! It was a long time since I was so good. In fact, to be honest, I never felt so happy and satisfied in my entire life! I have really strong feelings for you. I don't know if calling it Love is too early. I will not, if you don't, but ... You are entry inside me Liara, like a storm, changing my life radically! I feel intimately bound with you, I can't describe the way. If I think you are sharing with me all these emotions, you are sensing same feelings, I am wild with joy and I thank fate, it brought you, in my life! Given what we'll face, I just thought you might like to know it ...
L: Oh Emily! You also, might like to know ... I didn't dare hoping even in my most secret dreams, meeting someone like you! You ... you make me feel some sensations, feelings and emotions so overwhelming, so deep involvement, inexpressible senses' elation. Until last night, I would not even imagined I am able to try! I don't know what it's called! Only one thing I am absolutely sure ... Nobody else in the whole galaxy, would be able to make me feel same sensations, sensing me same emotions, to trigger in me same deep feelings ... because I ... I am sure that ... you are destiny I was waiting ... You, Emily Jane Shepard … Oh, Emy! No one else, but you!
S: Hey, my little baby girl ... You know, I love it, when you call me that way!
To be continue …