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 32

It's been a good ride!

(Part 1)

… The night slips through the sheets, impalpable. It fades to dim light that, breath by breath, copiously diffuses on the Liara's face still asleep, revealing her peaceful relief. The glow spreads over her, like a bright caress, the delicate contours of her cheeks get drawn by the light. The narrowed lips of hers, the eyes closed, the gentle blue of Liara's arms tenderly wrapped around the pillow, while she dreams to be embraced to "her".

It is still early, but the daylight has become more intense, and Liara's eyes open up, reluctantly. She takes a moment to recognize the room. The empty bed, the deserted pillow, and ... the harsh reality! That dream was so nice. Liara would like to catch it back! So, she quickly closes her eyes, clinging the pillow, tightly. She breathes deeply, imagining "her" perfume, but ... it is already too late, and the beautiful dream managed to escape. But, maybe ... tonight it will come back!

… The Shepard's room is never silent. It echoes of breaths, heart beatings, of vital signs measurements set by rhythmic sounds, and continuous that never cease. Day and night, the same boring noise. Only when Liara begins to talk, suddenly everything becomes like a dulcet sound, which starts to vibrate in the air, like a pleasant melody.

L: Hi, My Love! ... You know, last night I dreamt of you. You slept on my chest! It felt so real that ... when I awoke, I smelled your perfume into bed! Ah, Shepard, you know, I'm sick and tired of bad memories! Well, we still have a lot, I know, but ... today I have no plans to think about it! Oh no, my Star, after Thessia, I don't wanna! I wouldn't mind ... something good, instead. I bet, you would like, too!

The war has been horrible, but ... it wasn't all to throw away! We've had lots of happy moments too, just you and I ... like our magical night, and sweet able to soothe Thessia's horror, but not just that! Every time that we've could let ourselves go, or carve out some time, to share only the two of us, it's been amazing! Well, I'm sentimental with that day back on the Citadel when I asked you to reach me at the Presidium Commons, not so long after the Cerberus attack, remember?

Well, that day had really started in the worst way. I woke up suddenly, all sweaty, the heart into a hurricane. My mother's voice seemed so real! The desolate tone of hers, broken by emotion, echoed in my head. "Little Wings, please don't go!" Just a few words, repeated over and over, blow up inside me, stuck in my soul, like splinters sharp-edged of pain, and I could see my skin bleeding!

For this reason, I was a bit out of sorts. I struggled to be positive about our own future, but I kept thinking about my mother, to that terrible day on Noveria, and ... I felt choking! Since she was gone, I realized how many things I wanted to tell her. How much valuable time I wasted! As a child, Mom had always been a very reassuring presence to me. She was my home, my family, and for long years ... even the perfect example that every daughter would like to follow!

Well, just until we started arguing because of ... the Protheans! As time passed, the quarrels of ours became an insurmountable obstacle, and brought me to walk away. The more I was thinking about that, and the more I felt guilty for having left my mom alone to handle the most complicated situation of her whole life, and dangerous! Although, I knew my mother would have tried to stop Saren, no matter what, I felt in my heart, that if I'd stay with her, I'd get at least one chance in order to talk her out of it!

I felt like I wasted quite a lot of time in my life, which unfortunately could no longer come back. I was feeling so nostalgic, like I had a big hole hollowed right in the middle of my heart, which gave off an unbearable emptiness that could not be filled! The threat posed over the entire Galaxy drove me to fear that, maybe nobody had the opportunity to make up for lost time, not even the two of us! So, that morning, many thoughts were going on in my head. I was a little sad, and I wanted to spend some time with you.

… As we talked, it seemed like you were reading deeply inside me. I had the feeling, you had every answer. You looked at me gently, your arms resting on the railing, your lips drawn in a thoughtful smile. The clear eyes of yours shone of determination, diffusing their light back on my face. Your voice's heartening sound took care of my discomfort, turning it in trust, one word after another ...

S: Hey, Little One, come on! You know, you shouldn't have any regret! No one could imagine how things would be! You loved her, and she knew it! That's the only thing you should be holding! She was your mother, Liara. She carried you in her lap for many months. You two shared everything, like the two ends of the same emotion. She exactly knew who you are, and she was very proud of you! I know you're missing her, but your mother has left you the best thing about her, who is living within you now, and always will. Her intelligence, determination, the wisdom of her teachings, and ... the same wonderful eyes.

So remember, we will defeat the Reapers, Liara, even for her! We'll do that together with all those ones we love. We'll do that together with all those who have gone because they always keep their place in our hearts, and they are continuing to light our way. They'll never fail to come along us, to lead us, and to exist for us, through love!

The swell of energy was rising from your voice, and climbed over the smoke column on the horizon. Little by little, it smothered the melancholy torment of my spirit, and rose, lightweight toward the sky, and ethereal. Suddenly, everything seemed lighter, brighter. I gently looked at you. My arms resting at the same railing next to yours, as I let myself involve with a pleasant feeling of relief. The warm glow of the horizon adorned your lips with seduction, as I was dying to kiss you ...

L: Oh, Shepard ... you're right! You know, sometimes, you are the only one in this part of the Universe who can really comfort me. The only one who always gets to be heard ... from me, and even from my heart! You know, I would love to spend more time with you, my Star ... valuable time, just like now, just the two of us!

I felt clearly that you too, you had the same irresistible urge. At the gentle touch of your hands, my heart started running as fast as the wind. My reason to be confused between your fingers. A spark of light waved your eyes. A thrilled smile widened on your face. Our eyes got closed, our lips approached, intoxicated of our breathing. They vibrated, attracting each other, until they could not wait any longer.

The Commons were crowded with people. We were kissing in public so deeply, for the first time. I've always been very reserved, and shy, and jealous of every moment we spend together. I would prefer that no one watched while I kiss you, and yet ... that day, I didn't care about other people. I felt like there was no living soul around because ... everywhere, around me, there was nothing but you! Just your lips, your heart, and your voice beaming with intriguing euphoria, as you said ...

S: C'mon, I got to show you something!

… The Space Planetarium was closed, but it took less than a second, before the electronic lock yielded to your Specter authorization, and did tamely open in front of us. The inside was deserted. The large room wrapped in a dark silence. During the Cerberus attack, some civilians had found refuge in. They had barricaded themselves, have been hiding until the rescue team arrived. Thanks to the Goddess, they all survived! The Planetarium structures were insignificantly damaged. However, all projections had been temporarily suspended. I turned to you, innocently saying ...

L: Shepard, I love this place, but ... we are sneaking around! Why? What are we doing here?

Instead of answering, your fingers run on your omni-tool, as you sent the Spectre level block to the door. Your eyes were hidden in the shadows, but your smile peeked out through the glow halo produced by the simulation software. As the light turned on, your gaze had lighted up. You were starting to unbutton your uniform, with enigmatic face. Although I struggled to keep my straight face, I could not control my lips that mechanically stretched in a hint of a grin, as I said ...

L: I don't know what you think we're doing here, but ... it's getting interesting!

Your eyes sparkled at mine long a wing beat, before bending down on your breast. As you talked, intriguing tone, limpid voice, seductive grin ...

S: I'm about to show you a little thing! You know, Little One, I was thinking about it, for a long time ...

Your skin was adorned with a small tattoo consist of the initials of both our names, gracefully twisted together, just where your heart beats. The sinuous style of the letters was really nice, with darker edges, the inside delicately nuanced in an almost three-dimensional way. It was so lovely, and I was absolutely wowed and delighted!

L: Oh, Shepard! It's amazing! I want to have one myself, absolutely identical to yours!

S: Hey, my little Baby Girl! I'm so glad you like it! The initials of our names are like a promise of love, did you know that? "L" as Love, and "E" as Eternity. "Love for Eternity." That's my promise, just here on my heart!

L: Oh, Shepard, I … that's my promise, too!

S: Ah, you know, I would love to be in Rio right now, on that wonderful beach! Being together to watch the sunset, waiting for the moon to be hidden behind the mountain, to get our eyes crazy of stars. But, I'm afraid this is the closest thing to a deserted beach I have to offer you, for the moment. So, let's sit down, it's about to begin!

I was so happy that I was afraid to burst into tears, if only I had said a word! So, I simply held your hand, my fingers wrapped around your own. We were sitting in the middle, as the lights went down. Our eyes were fatally seduced by the huge circular holographic dome, which was outlining the ceiling. Billions of photons started dancing only for us. A large sun, with its multifaceted yellow, red, and orange nuances was descending slowly, toward the horizon, painting the sky with wonder, before bowing to kiss the sea, so sparkly with millions of colored reflections.

In the soft sound of the sea backwash, your voice surprised me again, with passionate words. Like a sweet seal over that love promise, which materially tied our souls since long time, melting our hearts with the indissoluble bond that we jealously guarded within ourselves.

That romantic way of yours to emphasize it, despite such an uncertain moment of our existence, like if we had absolutely a future after the war, made me felt overwhelmed with happiness. While you were talking, I could see my hope shining in the sky, together with that wonderful sun ...

S: You know, the time we spend together is so special, Sweetheart! That's why, I cannot get enough! Everything is "perfect" between us, and there's probably no need to tell you, I know, but ... I wanna do it anyway! I love you, Liara T'Soni, and ... if we are lucky half as much as I guess we are, we gonna kick out the Reapers back in the nowhere where they came. So, I don't care a damn thing about Reapers, Cerberus or anything because, I know this damn war soon will be over! Well, for the next 140 years at least, I don't plan on going anywhere without you! So, if it isn't that you're too scared at the thought, whatever happens ... I want to spend my life with you!

Your words crossed me, making me tremble from within. They turned into a gentle sound, like leaves whispered in the wind. I felt like I had never heard nothing more sublime, but your voice. Word after word, you lighted me with joy, flooded my senses with happiness, like I had never dreamed before. My breath trembled in yours, as I came closer. My fingers drew the contours of your face, while a long whisper of emotions warmed through my voice ...

L: Emily Jane Shepard, Commander, I love you so madly! And, I love your "perfect" plan, too. You know, I was hoping you would say something like that because, actually, I cannot imagine my life without you ... no more!

… "Join me to my apartment. Not talk to a living soul ... hurry!" I received your message on our encrypted channel, and it sounded rather urgent. After the conspiracy, just staged by nothing less than your devilish alter ego, any cryptic variation in our plans had a tendency to make me nervous. We planned to take up preparations for the party that day, and we had to go along with buying everything we needed. However, there were still several hours before our date! Secondly, we had to meet in Apollo's Cafe, not at the Tiberius Towers.

That's why I thought something had changed, and it sounded to be something pretty important. The Normandy was back into the dry dock to finalise the retrofits. I got authorization to access my cabin despite we earned shore leave. I had an urgent need to check and verify my resources, to make sure that all the Shadow Broker's delicate devices were still OK.

You agreed that the organization of our resources had to be perfect to our success. In addition, you knew I was about to receive my Agents' reports. So, for sure, you weren't going to call if it wasn't anything really important. Actually, the definition of "important" is also quite alarming in itself, when we are speaking about you, given that, just a handful of other people are able to care for themselves like you are.

So, the more I tried to see sense about the question, the more my stomach unconsciously turned over, getting my anxiety grown at an alarming rate. In no time, the last bit of self-control, became like a distant memory. A flash of concern kicked my heart, which bumped hard against my chest, all the air sucked out of my breath. I began to think carefully, forcing my thoughts to be as detailed as possible, trying to keep calm. I had to stay focused, thoroughly analyze the situation, examining with order all the possible options, and last but not least, try to hide myself that ... I was officially worried!

Two things of vital importance, at least I knew. I knew exactly where you stood, and that I had to hurry! However, I couldn't just roll up to your apartment without a plan! Since, I shouldn't tell a soul, I came to realize that, it meant only two things.

Number one. You were under threat from someone! Nevertheless, you were able to send me a call for help. It might be someone well acquainted with your crew, who wasn't supposed to see your backup team coming. Cerberus maybe, but probably only few people, and you thought, the two of us would have prevailed, just took them all by surprise. So, I had to be very discreet, and sneak through your apartment without being detected. Number two. You had no choice but to take some terrible decision for the greater good. You didn't want the reputation of our friends to be ruined because of you, and you were desperate for my help! However, I didn't feel your presence crossed my mind, yet, nor your senses vibration within me. No signal of your perception came through. Into my eyes, on my body, nothing but silence! So, I was increasingly convinced that it was the number one, and I had to move rapidly.

Reaching your apartment unnoticed had been not at all easy! I wore civilian clothes, and I mixed with the crowd. I took a taxi, and I made a quick stop at the Silver Coast Casino before slipping stealthily into Tiberius Towers' elevator. I was more than sure I wasn't followed. There was nothing unusual along the way. No movement near your apartment, no one around. I activated my omni-tool to bypass the security camera. After replacing the outside image with a static one, I could work unseen by anyone who got in your apartment.

There was a ventilation panel right next to your door. I wasn't crazy about this whole crawling like a worm through a narrow duct in evening dress. However, thanks to my ventilation system map, I knew exactly how to get into your room, and reach your armor locker, and weapon bench.

That damn tunnel was hot, dirty and smelly, even worse than the one back on Mars. Anyway, thanks to the Goddess, much less crowded and shorter! The ventilation grid of your bedroom, was right under the weapons bench. When I finally slipped out, my lungs widened as to explode. I felt like I didn't breathe fresh air and clean since weeks! I picked up your Locust, and the Scorpion from the bench, then I headed for the door with a weapon in each hand.

Such a deafening music came from downstairs that I felt like I was in the Chora's Den! My first thought was, they were torturing you! Or maybe, the noise could be used to cover possible shots! Fear froze the sweat droplets on my forehead. I felt like I was broken into a million shards, my stomach as big as a coin. I tried to convince myself that if the music was still on, you had to be still alive! "Be warned, whoever you are ... get your hands off of my Soul Mate!" I thought. With all that noise, at least they couldn't hear me coming. All I had to do was find out where you were being held, and how many there were! I walked stealthily toward the stairs, holding my breath. I cast an eye downstairs, I could feel my blood throbbing in the veins, as the music hammered, getting all my internal organs bouncing.

Suddenly, the explosion of joy went in, expanding my stomach. My tears of relief stopped on the edge of my eyes, a moment before falling. I had to lean my arms against the gallery railing, waiting for my knees would stop shaking. I was relieved, but confused. I didn't yet decide whether to laugh, or throw you into the air! You were right there, in the living room. The coffee table taken away, while the reason for the music, eventually, turned out more than obvious.

There was no threat, no danger, no mysterious enemies. You were just ... "dancing"! Goddess knows how long! You were diligently trying to replicate some dance moves, like you thousand times seen dancers doing in the clubs. With great zeal, I must say, but... with such clumsiness! Well, if I can speak freely, Commander ... your movements reminded hard at one of those big monkeys, to the origin of your species!

A few minutes of that show had a magical effect on my irritation which was definitely fading away. I was about to join you downstairs, when you let yourself drop onto your couch, disheartened, as the music went off. You sat in the living room, disconsolate face, still ignoring I was there, cursing aloud ...

S: Oh, fuck! How the hell do they move like that?! Ha, no way! I can get through the Reapers, but ... I can't handle at this ... this ...!

A wave of sugar burst through my veins, slowly getting all the fear dissolved, and the last shred of harshness being erased. I struggled hard to resist the urge to run and hug you. I had the control of myself, although a slight hint of laughter still moved in my voice ...

L: So, maybe my lovely dancer needs some help!

At the sound of my voice, you got your shield activated in a flash. Before you even think, you made a big jump, rolling over your back, looking for cover behind the couch. I stood still staring at your couch, motionless, my arms resting on the railing, amused face, my body wrapped in a sparkly biotic field.

I heard a noise on the right side of the couch, as your hair popped up from the left, the gun in your hand, ready to shoot. That's when you realized it was me. You came out of your cover, with a priceless stunned gaze painted on your face. As your gun fell on the couch, your voice resounded in the room in an exclamation of genuine surprise, unbelief ...

S: For Jesus Christ's sake! Liara?! But what...?! But, how the hell...!?

I started down the steps to reach you. Wordlessly stomping down the stairs slowly, feline motions. Only a pungent tinge of tension was inadvertently forgotten on my face, barely veiled by a seductive smile. I stared you straight in your eyes, charmer face. Before I could even say anything, your gun appeared back between your fingers as by magic. The bluish hue of your shield shone your uniform of light, while your voice cut like a knife, in a commanding tone ...

S: Stop right there! Hands on the railing, right now! Don't make a move. Who the hell you are?! Where Liara T'Soni is? Be careful what you say, you don't wanna piss me off!

I did exactly what you said, trying not to laugh, but it was a truly paradoxical situation. However, I tried to be as reassuring as possible, my best cuddly voice ...

L: Shepard, it's me! I can understand that reaction, but there's no reason to doubt. Please, trust me!

You were looking at me, metallic eyes. Your gaze ran from my feet to my face, lingering on my breast, for a while, before starting to rise again, staring straight in my eyes. Your scowl so penetrating and sharp was like a dagger of ice. Finally, your curt voice cut through the air over my head like a shot ...

S: Then prove it!

You ordered me to stay still. So, I couldn't approach you enough to touch you. Then, I left what I felt for you went through my voice to get inside your senses, making them warm, your soul painted of sparks of passion. All around us every sound got softened, as each word glowed of emotion ...

L: I love you, Emy! We're Soul Mate, and the whole reason I'm here is because you called me.

Your face was emotionless, like a salt mask. Your voice crossed my heart, stern and virulent, like the crack of a whip. Though, a generous ray of light was expanding from your eyes, and shining with sweetness in mine, like the solace of a silent caress.

S: Everyone knows it. So, it doesn't prove a damn thing!

I looked at you with a shimmer of admiration, which made every precious word so emotional as the unforgettable thrill into a declaration of love ...

L: Actually, it does! All people know is that I love you! Anyone knows we're together! However, nobody could say we're "Souls Mate," nor that you contacted me just 15 minutes ago, Shepard! That's because you did it on our private channel.

A faint ripple around your forehead revealed a tremor into your thoughts. The raised eyebrow imperceptibly wavered over to your first signal of convincing. Very fleeting, and yet, so labored to hide. Your tone was pressing. It relentless trickled down through my heart, which impatiently jumped, like innocently worried ...

S: If you were a clone of Liara, you could easily pick her brain, and get it down for deduction. What was the message?

I replied by heart, letting the subtle unease of my breath chasing my words...

L: It said, "Join me to my apartment. Not talk to a living soul ... hurry!"

The barrel of your gun got up fiercely, like a tiny knowing nod, but threatening. Every word was exactly what you were expecting to hear. Your mind ran, you studied every possible clue, every option had been carefully considered, before you spoke again.

S: Ok, tell me something about me that no one else knows but you! I meant ... SHE!

I disclosed my soul, like a corolla of emotions. I left my thoughts go through the path of my breath, getting our memories blossom like a bunch of little flowers ...

L: OK, that's easy! For example ... you always call me "My Little Baby Girl," and you know I love it! The night when we became Souls Mate, you asked me the word for "gorgeous" in my language, remember? I answered, "Oh well, it says Emily!" It was the night when you vowed for the first time, "I swear, never again!" The second time, instead happened while we merged in our first distance fusion, when you were on the Collectors Base.

And then ... "Moonlight Serenade" is our song. Oh, it's crazy sweet, and you know how to dance it very well! Your favorite song is called "Beethoven's Silence". You told precisely because it's me. I heard it, like, a million times, when you were locked up! ... Besides, I've always been so jealous of Kaidan, and lately of Traynor too! Well, once we fought over that, remember? Although, to make peace in your shower was something ... priceless!

My words lit in your eyes some flashes more and more brighter. I could touch your love, feel it invading all my senses. Nothing but love gently wrapped my heart, spreading across us. However, your arm was stiff, your more and more convinced body still tense. I kept speaking with great sweetness, transfusing my heart into the hectic heartbeat of yours.

L: But ... you know Shepard, I can understand you! You're wondering if all that information was extorted out of your Soul Mate, likely obtained through the use of force, and now ... you're terribly worried about her! So, I suppose, to get all the answers you need, you should do what I've done, back on Illium. So, let you be guided by your senses, listen to your emotions, don't try to ignore the way your heart is beating.

Emily, please ... let my soul touch your own! Like that day back on Nos Astra, when I was sure that you were really you! If you come closer, you can feel my face, my perfume, my eyes, and ... you'll feel the ground is still shifting beneath your feet! So, anything will be magically clear in your heart. You'll be able to feel my love so strong way that it will explode in every cell of yours. All I feel for you will shake and resound inside you, like the unmistakable vibration of your soul. Fear not, my Life because, you'll recognize that thrill, so exclusive, and special ... and then, you finally will know who I am!

You put down your gun, and you came closer, without words. Our eyes blended in the sweet light of a single glance. Our fingers interwoven into a cascade of chills. An invisible force was attracting you in my breath, getting your senses confused, and thrilled together with emotion. When you touched my lips of sweetness, it was like the ground opened up beneath our feet. The bouncing of indescribable love went through every single cell, befuddled our hearts together, banging them against each other, like crazy hail into something inexplicable such the euphoria of our senses.

You hugged me stronger, as you raised me up over your head. Your lips widened in a smile of unspeakable happiness. You spun in a hurricane of joy, illuminating me with your resonating light. Finally, you put me back on the floor, pulling me inside the ardor of your embrace, so moving way that, our eyes got wet of emotion. Your heady excitement was whispering among dozens of kisses on my face, on my lips, in the passionate intimacy of the tone of your voice ...

S: Oh yes, it's you ... you! No one but you, my Eternity! Oh, I love you so much! So much! You're my Little Baby Girl! There's no doubt in my heart! The only one in the whole universe who makes me feel that way, it's you! Oh, for a second, I feared the nightmare of the clones was not over! I thought in a flash that maybe you were dead! I just had the scare of my life! But, why is your dress so dirtied? Wait, I ... I could swear no one entered that door!

L: Oh, I'm hopelessly head over heels in love with you, Emy! So, do you know how this made me feel, now?! Really Shepard, can you realize how much the tenor of your text was alarming?! By the Goddess! That's our encrypted channel we're talking about! Less than 12 hours ago a clone exactly like you, but totally out of her mind, was still trying to put us in the ground! So, chances were that some goons of hers was looking for payback. Or Cerberus ... or who knows ... maybe a new one?! Oh, Emy! I've been worried to death, I swear!

I felt the faint touch of your hands, seeking after my face. Hesitant fingers of yours were moving softly over the curves of my cheeks, gently pulling my eyes into the regretful of your gaze. Embarrassed eyes and contrite, so much that, my heart instinctively melted into tenderness, as I hugged you tight. Your tone was a quiet whisper, all the blame flavor spread through the sound of your words ...

S: Yeah! What an idiot, right?! You know, I didn't wanna risk EDI hacked our comm. All of our friends will be to the party tomorrow, and ... well, I was hoping you might teach me a couple of small dance steps, before the new guys too will be seeing at me while I flail around like a gorilla on hot coals, and they officially start laughing at me, like everyone else on the crew!

I let myself embrace, enveloping your waist in my arms. I got absorbed in your eyes, and lost in your soul, where everything found its own sense back. Finally, I could not help but stretch the angle of my lips in a playful whisper...

L: Well, yes, but ... a "lady gorilla", yet ... so sexy, when she dances only for my eyes, indeed!

You held me close in silence. Your lips smiled over my mouth, one last time, before slipping in a sigh of apologies, mixed through the tender lightness of your sweet explanation ...

S: Hey, so now it's you too! I just wanted to impress our friends, for once in my life. That's why it was supposed to be a secret! But, it sounds like my fate in every one party is to make sure all guests have fun ... playing around with me!

Your voice was becoming more and more sexy, it slipped softer to every word.

S: Hey, Sweetheart, I'm so sorry! I didn't want to scare you away! I've been a little too frivolous indeed, and selfish, but ... perhaps, I could find new ways to make up for it, my... little Sexy Thing.

I smiled at you, my arms gently wrapped around your shoulders. I stroked your back lovingly, with "comforting" movement, and seductive. Finally, I touched your lips for a second, intriguing face, before whispering in my most alluring voice ...

L: Oh, there's not doubt in my mind, Little Star! But, first ... you'll have to dance!

Your body stiffened barely, as a spark of disappointment crossed your own gaze. Your mind feverishly sought the best excuse in the book. It was pretty clear that you were no longer thinking about dancing ...

S: Nah! I'm such a basket case! The new comrades of ours are about to find it out soon enough! So, I might as well bite the bullet, and take advantage of this golden alone time just the two of us ...

You were moving your fingers on my cheeks, your sensual look gleamed with sweetness on my face. Your breath was attracting, the touch of your lips seducing. Your hands spoke to my body with bewitching caresses. I felt my heart stop, and restart at stunning speed so that I really wanted to let myself go into your arms. However, such a fright was calling just a little something, like some sort of lesson to be learned.

L: Aw, that would be great, but ... you know, Shepard, it just so happens that I'm the one who crawled into a dirty duct, and smelly, in the throes of concern. So, now it's up to me write our own today's list of priorities. Thus, my Star, I hate to disappoint you, but first ... you'll have to dance! Anyway, the sooner you'll be teachable, and ... the sooner we'll take advantage of this "golden alone time" just the two of us!

You reluctantly upped your hands from my backside, grinning face but resigned. Your tone barely in balance between disappointment and the good mood ...

S: OK, OK, copy! I brought this on myself! So, you're the boss now, right? Let's get a move on!

When the captivating dance music spread back into the room, we got caught up in the rhythm. We let ourselves be guided by. Our bodies captured by the arousing rhythmical movements. At first, faltering, then in more and more nimble way.

Your hips sensuously swayed to the left and right. All their movements drawn to the pleasant ease the music was suggesting. However, the rest of your body was barely moving, like it was bound in a strange slumber. Some sort of clumsy effect that inhibited your senses.

L: Come on, Shepard, loosen up! It's all in your head. Just feel the music, and allow it to go through your body in a natural way!

Your arms began to trace wider movements. Your legs performing some little hops, but rather clumsy, and hardly matched with the sensuous waving of your hips. You were pretty funny, when you struggled to replicate the movement of my arms. The more I danced, the more admiration I read in your eyes. The incredulous face of yours, as your amused voice and nice was echoed over the music ...

S: Why does a scientist like you are, so sexy, but as you said yourself, with no social life to speak of, should dance such an amazing way? I thought all your adolescence was frozen until the "bubble day!"...

L: Ah, ah, yeah, it was! Well, because fortunately, it didn't depend on my insignificant social life! Actually, we Asari learn to dance in our childhood. You know, dance is an integral part of our learning process, and we are taught even before we go to school. Learning how to move your body harmoniously, following a melody, is good practice of mental training. That's also a nice game for the kids, pleasant and funny, which introduces with no annoy, to other more complex techniques of mental discipline.

S: I see. Well, I'm delighted how you can dance, by the way ...

You turned around, spinning and circling your arms over your head, in the not entirely managed attempt, to follow the rhythm of the melody. Your spirit floated with the sounds, barely in balance between serious and humorous, as you asked, in an exploring face ...

S: Wait! Are you saying, by chance, there's something wrong in my mind?

L: Ah, Ah, of course not, Shepard! Fear not, it's just a matter of practice. We Asari start dancing at a very early age. That's why, one once we grow up, our movements sound so natural. And then, your mind is very trained, indeed. You are able to handle your body outstandingly well! In battle, for example. Also, you are fully master of several close combat methods, and you can do spectacular moves, in such a natural way, so fluid, and with extreme precision. You know, sometimes, the way you move your body looks like a dance.

S: Well, yeah! You know, I'd never considered that way. But, the fact remains that, I've been trying for hours, but my body doesn't want to hear from me! ...

L: You just need to relax a little, Shepard. Don't look so tense! The dance is like some transportation, which connects the instinct, all our senses make feel us, with our rational side, by putting them in touch, and make them communicate each other in a coordinated and harmonious language. That's why dancing makes you feel good!

S: Well, I don't know! My own senses love this music, my mind is pleased with it, but ... every part of me seems to want to go in the wrong direction! To be honest, all of this, is on the verge of pissing me off!

L: Aw, c'mon, Shepard! And one ... two ... three ... four ... and ... seven ... eight! Yeah, way to go! So ... five ... six ...

The redness on your cheeks became scarlet. The sweat beaded across your nose and brow. Tiny drops were running down your temples, glossing your face like rivulets, before spreading, here and there, through the air, at the rhythm of the music.

To be tired was flowing your movements, making them graceful, more elegant. Actually, on the whole you were dancing more and more intriguing way. My senses succumbed to your charm, gradually surrendering in the thrill of the music. I felt drawn to your body, getting closer and closer, like a sort of little coin with a big magnet ...

L: ... and, five ... six ... hey, you're getting better, my Star!

The music suddenly vanished, leaving a slight buzz in my head, mixed with a strange feeling of insides movements not entirely calmed down, still rumbled, like in the wake of a wave. We both fell down exhausted on the couch, breathless. You looked pleased with yourself. The last train of breathlessness dissolved in the colorful expression of your voice, as you rolled your eyes, saying ...

S: Thank to heaven! Still another minute, and you could see my butt cheeks, rolling on the floor!

L: Well, to be honest, I must say that, the lovely booty of yours made a very good impression on me all along, Little Star!

S: Thanks for the pep talk, Little One ... you are so sweet! I'll take that as a compliment! So, maybe I am not hopeless! You know, after all it was great fun dancing together! Secondly ... well, I learned my lesson! No more disturbing messages on our encrypted channel, I promise!

I felt your hand intertwined between my fingers. Your own attractive grin drafted my thoughts of suggestion, as you got up, and you pulled me tenderly toward the stairs. A wave of impatience sparkled the bright light of your eyes, barely masked in the thoughtful tone of your voice ...

S: Come on, Sweetheart! I think we deserve a massive dose of R 'n R right now!

To be continued ...