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 19
Fatal Attraction
… Sur'Kesh was a hell! Firstly, the Krogan blood of Wrex began to boil dangerously, threatening to blow it to hell! We were not yet landed, as Wrex lunged out of the Kodjak furious. He wiped out all Salarians he met on his way, without a second thought. What is worse, completely ignoring any call to order! The thing immediately puts both of us in turmoil, forcing us to devise a plan B … in a hurry!
S: Wrex! ... Shit! Liara, be ready to fly him on, if I can't calm him! That headstrong will screw it up, if we don't stop him!
L: Don't worry, Shepard! Wrex is desperate, but he's not dumb! I suppose this was part of the plan. You know, just to make it clear, he doesn't stop at nothing. He will calm down by himself, you'll see!
S: I agree. But I won't risk to push it too far. This tomfoolery has lasted long enough. Come on!
Well, thanks to the Goddess, I was right!
… Later on, there was a breakthrough as unexpected as decisive which get us back into the game brilliantly! We met Dr. Mordin Solus, it was a welcome surprise! You didn't expect to see him in action! It was clear that, the relationship between you two had been excellent, when you faced down the Collectors. Your mood seemed considerably improved. Your tone revealed all your satisfaction to count on another old friend, and precious ally.
However, my destiny seemed became to continue feeling embarrassed. You grabbed Mordin's hand, squeezing it warmly between your own, saying ...
S: Nice to see you, Prof! Your tongue not stopped running at lightning speed yet, isn't it? You can still confound my ears like no other one, Mordin! I didn't think I would ever say, but ... I missed our chats! I introduce you Dr. T'Soni, someone ... very precious to me!
Mordin just smiled. His lively piercing look was already probing me out from top to bottom and back, carefully analyzing me. When his large dark eyes stopped suddenly into my own, I felt peer deep, from his insistent and sagacious gaze.
Mordin furrowed and stretched his brow with professional frown, until his expression relaxed into a sly smile. I barely was able to avoid blushing, while I was trying to hide my discomfort, behind the confident tone of my voice ...
L: It's a pleasure Dr. Solus!
Mordin retorted to you quickly, both by immersing into the same river of words ...
M: I heard of Dr. T'Soni. Liara. Excellent scientist. Archeologist. I read all her treatises on Prothean Civilization. Remarkable theory causes extinction. Interesting. However, perhaps too romantic interpretation. Anyhow valid element. Very pleased to be working.
I had to struggle hard not to be distracted by Garrus who, as usual found very funny my embarrassment. He did nothing to hide it, as he was exhibiting himself in one of his best "scar dance" performances.
Luckily, I managed to control myself. So, by struggling with my will, I smiled back Mordin, trying to sound sure of myself, as with the same professional tone, I said ...
L: Dr. Mordin Solus. Excellent scientist. Geneticist. A former operative of the Special Tasks Group. Very famous for his extensive studies on modification of the Genophage. Your knowledge in genetics is nothing less unlimited, Professor. There is no better expert. Very pleased to be working!
… The Base was a wealth of sensitive information, almost totally secret, concerning evolutionary studies, morphological simulations, genetic engineering and so on. In short, all things that Salarians have always used to complicate their own life in Inter-Species relationships.
In fact, not being able to count on powerful armies, they use the science, as a defense weapon, ensuring the safety of Sur'Kesh. However, they very often have crossed the line ... as in the case of Krogans females!
When I saw them, miserably aligned on the floor, lifeless, a gloomy sadness invaded me. A painful dismay penetrated into my stomach, as I realized those females Krogans spontaneously decided to sacrifice themselves, to allow others to survive. They offered their lives as a gift, by hoping of curing their Species by a so much inhuman plague!
Such a brave and desperate gesture weighed on my conscience like a boulder. I thought, it was a terrible way to live, and to die! I felt inside me that, so selfless creatures capable of such heroic sacrificially, they couldn't be brutal mercenaries, just merciless war machines, no more!
I was sure that, the pain had molded their evolution, by dramatically changing some of them! They were turning themselves in different creatures who masters of their own mental stability, able to manage wisely their invincible strength. Wrex and his people had already paid a heavy price for their fathers' mistakes. I thought, it was time to fully accept their redemption!
…The rescue of Eve, it was one of the most rewarding things to which I'd the honor to attend. I'm very proud, and I'll be honored for a lifetime! However, it was a mission complicated because, the Base was attacked out in forces from Cerberus troops who wanted getting rid of the only female Krogan survived, at any cost!
… When we took the elevator, we were both exhausted, but our euphoria was still out of control. We were thrilled about the mission outcome. As soon as the door closed, I hugged you, right away, saying ...
L: Oh, Emy! We did it! It was amazing! I'm so happy!
You clasped me strong, smiling. Then, you lifted me up from the floor, turning on yourself as you held me upward in your arms. Finally, you made me fall down on your thirsty lips, dragging my own in a long kiss, so ardent, and sweet. You've ignited my senses, making fun of my stomach, getting hopelessly insane my breath. And then, you proudly said ...
S: Oh yeah, you're right! I'm so happy! To rescue Eve has been amazing, and wonderful ... just like you! You were great, Liara! I'd never did, without you!
Meanwhile, the elevator opened on your cabin's deck. Without saying anything I locked it, and I pushed you against the wall. I kissed you again, for even longer, more and more intensely. Our fingers woven tightly. Our lips mixed together, passionately. My chest was throbbing on your chest, by amplifying every emotion. Your heart resonated in mine, accelerating every beat. Then, in my eyes your smile once again, while a sweet embrace, accompanied the sound of my voice still visibly moved ...
L: Do you think Mordin will find a cure in time?!
You answered me in a low voice, while you were holding me in your arms, gently fondling my face with your fingertips. Your tone was very relaxed ...
S: Sure! Mordin is the only one who can do it! I know him, and I trust him! His conscience has become very heavy. You know, he cannot find peace since we were together back on Tuchanka. Ever since, I got the feeling that, he wants strongly to find a cure. For this reason, he helped Krogan females. I'm sure, he had already begun studying the Maelon's notes. So, thanks to Eve and Wrex, he's gonna synthesize the cure!
I touched your lips in a tender greeting, caressing your face and hair, as I was saying ...
L: Excellent! You know, your optimism is very encouraging, always able to brighten my day! Anyway Shepard, please, try to get some sleep! The Primarch can wait. You cannot help him, if you can't stand on your own two feet for tiredness!
You reciprocated on my lips your greeting, then you winked at me, giving me an intelligent smile, as you said ...
S: hmm ... okay mommy! But just if you promise, you'll do likewise!
I unlocked the elevator, smiling back, as answering softly ...
L: okay, my teeny, I promise!
… Shortly after waking up, I ran into Wrex, in the Crew's Quarters who face grim, he walked to the Bar, grumbling and snorting. He had just left the Inf bay, and he seemed overly agitated.
I knew that, Wrex was in great pain for the fate of his people, but it was not a mystery, he didn't completely trust in Mordin. I thought, perhaps something had happened between them, so I began to worry.
I've always had a soft spot for Wrex, I'm very fond of him. He's a truly unstoppable gentle giant, but wise and loyal, who never gives up! For this reason, to see him so worried about, was heartbreaking.
I wanted to find out what was troubling him, trying to get him a little good spirits. So, I joined him in the Bar. Wrex was sitting on a minuscule footstool, all alone, behind the bar. He had the rapt eyes lost in the void somewhere far away, well beyond the floor. His hand was already clutching a half-empty bottle of Ryncol, from which he sipped slowly, with no glass, keeping his eyes beyond the floor.
I tried to make him talk a little, guessing the reason for his discomfort. I poured just a splash of Batarians shard wine, while I was saying ...
L: Hi, Wrex. May I keep you company?
Wrex stood motionless, just touching me with his blank stare, directing it right after back down the floor. His thick voice revealed an increasingly worrying discomfort ...
W: Hugh, Liara! Of course, you always can stay, my Dear ... but I'm afraid, I'm not a pleasant company!
I felt my heart crushed in my chest, a deep tenderness throw me an upset stomach. Wrex looked so sad! In his long life, he was gone through a lot of bad moments. However, he always had been able to react with character. I'd never seen him so ... frangible! I really wanted to instill a little optimism to him ...
L: Hey, I like your companionship, Wrex! I'm glad you're here. You know, I feel much more to safe with you around.
For a fleeting instant, the Wrex eyes gleamed red satisfaction. He gave me a look of gratitude, saying ...
W: Thank you Liara. Very kind of you, trying to comfort me, I'm grateful.
I spoke him gently, revealing to him my mind, and what was beating in my heart ...
L: I'm sorry for all the females who did not, Wrex! I will never forget their bravery! We cannot bring them back, but we can make sure that their sacrifice is not in vain! At last, the mission paid off! Eve feels better, I'm sure of her complete healing! I know the reputation of Dr. Solus, he's simply the best! Chin up, Wrex! Mordin will find a cure, you'll see! You and Eve will rewrite the future of your people! Look, he's a Salarians, I know, but ... Shepard trusts blindly him! Mordin is one of her close friend, this must mean something, don't you?! Please Wrex, why don't you try to give him a chance? ... Everything will be fine ... trust me!
For answer, Wrex slipped into his mouth the whole bottle neck, downing avidly few gulps, by continuing until there was nothing left to guzzle down. Finally, he roosted on the stool better, moaning in pain, and grumbling again, before answering with even more suffering tone ...
W: Humph, Mordin. Ha, that damn Salarians! I granted him well four chances! ... He said he needed a tissue sample by a male Krogan in good health to synthesize a cure. I replied, "Of course it's me! I'm very healthy, and modestly, the more manly Krogan in whole Tuchanka!" His little Pyjak snout was grinning evilly, as he took out shown a huge syringe with never ending needle! I thought, he would take a sample from an arm, a leg, what do I know? From a foot, but ... no! Oh, poor me ... it's so ... embarrassing!
Wrex put his huge big head on the counter, hiding his eyes with his hands, as he moaned again. The occasion was so tempting, I couldn't resist, so I said ...
L: Oh, come on, Wrex! After the poor figure you've made me do, you cannot talk to me of embarrassment, never again!
Wrex smiled, caressing my eyes with an affectionate glance. Then, he added in benevolent tone …
W: huh, huh ... I say it truly! You and Shepard are a cannon shot, together! I was just kidding Liara! On the contrary, Shepard is not at all weakling, she rather seems to me stronger than ever before! Huh, huh, and I'm sure, it's all thanks to you!
Soon, the smile faded on Wrex face. His thoughts went back to the reason for his discomfort, while his voice became still serious. His discontent pervaded his tone once again, as he thundered ...
W: Oh, to hell! I couldn't talk about it with no other! My ... my testes ... are on fire! That damn Salarians has really enjoyed torturing me. Oh, Liara, what a pain! I hope my virility is not lost forever! Promise you won't tell it anyone ... not even to Shepard, and … especially you don't tell Garrus!
Poor Wrex, I felt so sorry for him, but ... he was so droll! I could feel the laughter explode like a shot in my belly, making vibrate my stomach, fluttering in my chest, my throat tickle to death! I feared, I would be exploded loudly. I don't even know, how I could avoid it!
Instead of laughing, I put my hand on his shoulder. I clasped his arm, as hard as I could, trying my best to reassure him. Meanwhile, the embarrassment was tinging my cheeks with purple, making them more and more warmer! I began to talk in a whisper, gaining gradually more and more security.
L: Oh, I see! ... I guess it's a terrible ache ... I'm sorry Wrex! Come on, don't worry, I'm sure it's only a temporary disorder. It will pass soon, you'll see! Why didn't you ask some ice to Mordin? It would make recovery quickest, and much less painful!
For answer, Wrex uncorked yet another bottle of Ryncol, taking two long gulps. Finally, the alcohol was beginning to fog up his reason. His tongue was much more loose, but his mood was increasingly dark. He let out a big sigh, as he looked up to heaven, exclaiming ...
W: Ha, because I couldn't!
L: Why not?
W: Because ... because SHE was in the next room! I couldn't go out with the ice in my hand! She would've thought I'm a weak! I have a reputation to uphold. She's so brave, and tough. She endures everything in silence, with pride! I never heard she complains, not even a single time! Oh, Liara, she's ... so … so strong! I have no hope with her, if she'll think I'm a Pyjak!
By the Goddess! Wrex's tone was so devoted, and enraptured. Suddenly, he had the stunned look, and dreamy expression! All things indeed very difficult to imagine on the face of a Krogan! Even after he has gulped down two whole bottles of Ryncol. However, Wrex looked just ... fallen in love with Eve! I replied to him with a competent expression, showing my most confident tone ...
L: Well, my friend, there's no doubt ... this is called Fatal Attraction! You're talking with a real expert, believe me! I already lived the same with Shepard! You know, I really like Eve. I think, something really clicked between you and Eve! I guess you both have much in common. I got the distinct feeling that, Eve is so wise and strong, just like you Wrex! So, if I were you, I would not worry. You know, you're the more stronger and wiser Krogan that I know, and ... of course the most attractive! I'm sure you've already made quite an impression!
Wrex couldn't hide a smirk of satisfaction, as he hurried to ask interested ...
W: Hmm, really?! So, tell me ... how many Krogans do you know Liara?
I wrinkled my brow thoughtfully, as I tried in vain to keep serious ...
L: So, let's see ... including you? ... One! Ha, ha, ha, but ... hey, I'm serious, Wrex! You have a lot of qualities which have already made a hit with Eve, trust me!
I could not say if it was due to alcohol, or to my encouragement, but finally, Wrex seemed to have found his good humor back, and I was very happy about this ...
W: huh, huh, huh, yeah! Unless Garrus will come to know, or the Pyjak of Mordin has already destroyed my excellent reputation once and for all!
L: ha, ha, fear not Wrex, all your secrets are absolutely safe with me! I'll say to Karin, I suffered a hit, and I needed some ice ... don't worry, Eve will never know!
W: Oh my friend, thank you! You're ... you are ... priceless!
A moment later, Garrus entered the room. He was watching Wrex with a defiant smirk, as he said ...
G: Hey, who's here, the Emperor of Tuchanka is raiding the bar! Hi Liara, great job on Sur'Kesh! Can I get you a drink for celebrating?
L: Surely Garrus, just a splash of Batarians shard wine will be fine. You were on the ball you too, as usual, you have not missed a shot!
Garrus poured a drink for everyone, as he watched Wrex. He was still quietly sitting on his tiny stool, in silence. As usual, Garrus tone was very playful, but as equally provocative ...
G: Come on Wrex, why don't you spill openly? You can't wait to go home, laying back your lard and flaccid old arse on your throne, can't you?! Oh, don't worry about, old fat boy. If something goes wrong, it will think the old good Garrus, saving your Krogan damsel, getting you out of trouble!
Wrex, stretched out his lips putting good out an infinite number of big teeth, scattered all around a mocking grin defiant, as he answered in hissing tone ...
W: Yeah Garrus ... clearly! As the once back on Virmire, when you've finished your clips, while a Saren mercenary was pointing you in blood rage. Not to mention the dozen of Geth henchmen ready to bite your young butt cheeks! What would you have done that day, without the old uncle Wrex who saved your ass, all by myself?!
Wrex probably hit home! I could bet that one painted on the Garrus face was true embarrassment. His cheeks twitched in a strained smile, as he struggled to control his voice. He needed to downing a generous glass of Turian brandy to be able to find something appropriate to answer ...
G: OK, OK ... I admit it! In the good old days you were one sharp cookie, Chubs! However, you were not sitting on your throne yet, playing to be the Emperor of Tuchanka!
… Another ride through the memories is finished. Liara feels the urgent need to get intimately in touch with Shepard. She cannot resist the longing out of control to perceive Shepard who flows inside herself. She craves to float in the Shepard's thoughts, shrouding in her heat, deeply fusing all her own senses in the sweet guess of Shepard ones.
Liara smiles as she wraps in her blue cloak, seeking the mind of Shepard, involving her in a thrilling fusion, once again. Soon, she feels Shepard's energy, penetrating deeply inside her. Every thought of Liara, each sensation, every feeling perceived is rampant even in the mind of Shepard, in her heart. Their souls merge into a strong emotion, by exchanging even the slightest mood.
Every memory is inextricably blended. Time becomes an elastic band which continuously flexes and stretches, by prolonging every moment, making it immense, as the two become One. Then, the contact dissolves, slowly. Until, each of them recovers consciousness of one's mind. They are wrapped in a sense of fullness, a total inner peace which pervades they both.
Liara is very tired because, the mental effort she has to bear is much more intense than usual, given the Shepard conditions. However, despite the remarkable amount of effort, she is really euphoric. She feels explode with happiness. In these precious moments when their Souls brush against, Liara feels Shepard radiates inside her ... communicate! It does not exist in the world, something more personal and beautiful, of touching the soul of whom she loves. Being able to feel the strength of Shepard within herself, to be shrouded by it.
Shepard can't move, she cannot speak. She is chained to the bed since months, wrapped in an immutable silence. Her face frozen in the same unreachable expression. However, during the merges, Liara can feel Shepard, she can communicate with her through the emotions. This is an uncanny mental hug, able to fill Liara with relief, consolation, and hope.
Everything that beats into Liara's heart, into Shepard's heart, it suddenly illuminates the way. Day after day, it turns into an unstoppable power, an irrepressible need to continue, and never give up! Liara feels her heart beat faster, overflowing with love, with hope. Any doubt, each hesitation is turning intensely inside her, time after time, becoming finally, nothing but ... faith!
To be Continued …