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.

A/N - Wish you all the best this holiday season and throughout the year.

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! :))

Chapter 40

My only possible dawn!

Liara is just left, and Shepard already misses her. The darkness comes back to make fun of her thoughts, furtively. The constant hum of the terminal, keeps her watchful, awake, alert. She remembered every moment of that day on Cronos, and of that night, each heady breath!

For sure, it could not be a dream. Shepard has recognized her emotions, one by one, in each word of Liara. The perceptions of hers are still pervaded by the softness of Liara's voice. Every sensation is so pleasant that echoes long inside her, like the strings vibrated by a guitar, which gently inebriate her senses, invade every silence, complete every thought.

A word is resounding, tirelessly. It keeps her safe through the darkness... "daughter"... "your daughter!" Shepard feels overwhelmed with joy, inundated with happiness. She focuses hard, she is trying to for a long time, stubbornly, with all her heart. However, she can't move, she can't speak, she isn't able to reopen her eyes.

She feels a burst of Love, if just imagines the face of Liara. Every night she lets herself be cradled in her sleep, by the sweet melody of Liara's voice. Shepard knows what she promised. Within every fiber of her being, in each molecule, heartbeat, breath... she just wants to come back!

The night is tender, sensual, seductive. Karin is completely melted between the arms of Aethyta. Clinging to her lips, inside to her senses combined. All she wants is to feel joined with her love, as just in one single soul. She lets herself go to her feelings, merged in deep with Aethyta's emotions. Karin belongs entirely to her love-mate, and in her whole life, she has never felt so alive and happy!

So is Aethyta. Far more than she thinks she deserves. Nevertheless, she does not want to stop flying. Karin crosses every beat of her heart, gets each sense thrilled, makes sense of every breath. Aethyta perceives Karin, intimately linked, like a part of herself, heady, provocative and wonderful. She loves her, infinitely, and with all her heart, she wishes the day would come when Shepard will find the strength to open her eyes again.

The morning light fades the voluptuous shadows of the night, slowly, and makes inviting to wake up. Aethyta sighs in the pleasing aroma of coffee. As she touches Karin's lips, squeezes tightly her hand, chasing away a shiver of apprehension from the heart because... the voice of her beloved child is almost scary, today...

L: Well, Cronos had suddenly become deserted! It looked like a giant ghost wounded, snorting and moaning. Sometimes with a crunching of the bulkheads, or dripping here and there some water sprayed on our faces by the sprinkler system.

The echoes of our steps bounced fast against the steel of the walls, making obvious the pace of our frenzy. We were trying to reach the shuttle, as quickly as possible. Thank the Goddess, Cortez had been able to repair the damage caused by the landing, and was waiting for us, engine running. Unfortunately, the Hangar was at a dozen levels lower!

Time was our worst enemy, now more than ever. We had finally discovered the nature of the Catalyst, and yet... our situation had become nearly as bad as it could be. Because of the Illusive Man, the Reapers were about to discover our plans, definitively ruining any element of surprise.

So, we couldn't afford to sit down and complain. We had to act fast! While backtracking our way to the shuttle, you were talking to Joker over the radio. Miranda was trying to contact her sister Oriana. EDI and I managed to connect with a buoy in the Serpent Nebula, and bypass the security systems of the Tevos Councilor's office. Finally, her high-pitched voice, both startled and worried, filled my ear.

T: Dr. T'Soni?! How the hell did you call me on this frequency? No, wait... I don't wanna know. Given the situation, I can assume that's a matter of urgency!

Tevos was right, so I came right to the point, without preamble. I spoke in a panting voice because of the race at breakneck speed along a narrow connecting corridor, and barely concealed my tension.

L: The Station must be evacuated immediately, Counselor. It's highly likely that, at this time, the Reapers are on their way to the Citadel!

Although she tried to be calm and detached, as it was her custom, even Tevos' voice was trembling, and she barely kept it under control.

T: I know! I just finished talking to Admiral Hackett. We've already set up the Evacuation Protocol. All staff have been alerted and the docks are manned with every possible boot. The civilians are already following the boarding procedures, but it will take some time! The Destiny Ascension is 5 minutes from the Relay. I've to be at the Consular dock myself, immediately. My security guards have just arrived.

She said with alarm, frantically. Hearing that the Destiny Ascension was about to reach the Station made me feel much more relieved.

L: Oh, that's good! Counselor, please, tell me you have news about my father!

I asked again, my heart in my stomach. I had lost track of Aethyta for a few days, and I had no idea where she was... Actually, I was a lot more worried than I would admit to myself.

T: Sure! Don't worry your father is fine. She's about to be boarded on the Ascension along with all the other Matriarchs.

The Counselor's voice had in my eyes the same comfort as a lifeboat in the middle of a stormy sea. As much as I tried to keep myself, I couldn't suppress a moan of joy, as I sighed under my breath.

L: Oh, thank the Goddess!

I cheered, before my voice sounded once again concerned.

L: Actually, Councilor Tevos, I have a huge favour to ask you. Two really good friends of mine live on the Station, and I'm very... very worried about them! I'm with Commander Shepard right now. We're on our way back to the Normandy. Unfortunately, we can't get there immediately!

So, please, tell me that you are going to help me! You can find Dr. D'Lani at the Huerta Memorial. Please, get her aboard the Ascension with her daughter, and... after that, my father will take care of them!

Tevos did not have to think about it twice. She replied immediately, gratefully.

T: Sure, I'll do it! I wouldn't mind avoiding the wrath of your father this time. Nevertheless, that's not the reason. Consider it my personal favor, Dr. T'Soni. I want to thank you for all the priceless aid that you managed to provide on Thessia. Our species will forever be in your debt!

L: Thanks! I can't tell you how much I appreciate it! Look after yourself, Tevos... good luck!

I said, heartily. The Councilor returned the good wishes, warmly.

T: Thank you, Liara. May the Goddess be with you... good luck!

Our trip back aboard the Kodiak was quite short. We were breathless and nobody wanted to talk. The growing concern about the development of the situation was catalyzing all our thoughts. The last remnants of calm gnawed from the inside, like the low water mark before a tidal wave.

Except for EDI, the rest of us were gasping for the hard ride. We were overwhelmed by the recent emotions, and the adrenaline still flowed in our veins, alleviating the signs of tiredness. However, we all badly needed a hot shower.

Suddenly, Traynor's squeaking voice exploded in our silence. She was in great apprehension, and almost unable to handle herself.

{Commander, Admiral Hacket wants to talk to you, yesterday! His repeated calls are jamming our comms waiting systems. I'm afraid that, if you don't hurry, the QEC will explode! The last time he asked me for news... was roaring like a hungry lion!}

S: OK Sam, copy that! I'm on my way. Keep him calm just another two minutes.

You retorted, patiently, while we entered the shuttle bay. Your voice immediately turned into expectation, addressing Miranda, the moment we all strode towards the elevator.

S: Will you join us, Miranda?

Miranda gave you a fraternal look, eyes sparkled with devotion.

M: I'd be honored to be on your crew once again, Commander! Actually, I look forward to joining your lovely shindig. You know, I managed to talk to Oriana. Mercifully, she and her family are safe and sound! Her parents are part of the engineers team working on the Crucible. So, I can assume, they're in the safest place in the Galaxy right now. Whether the Crucible unfortunately will be found and destroyed... well, probably there would be no need to worry about Oriana, because all of us would quickly follow the same fate!

S: Yeah! Luckily, we have other plans. Welcome home, my friend!

You gave Miranda a sisterly grin, showing all your friendship with an intense handshake, before vanishing into the elevator with EDI.

To be honest, I hoped that Miranda would stay with us, me too, and I was glad. Nevertheless, I could not help but notice that, since we had boarded the Kodiak, she had become silent, wistful. We were alone in the Cargo Bay, Miranda took a kit bag from her shuttle, and a couple of guns, brooding face.

L: Hey, are you all right?

I ventured in a low voice, though I already imagined the tenor of the answer. Miranda's gaze had a restless gleam, like someone who could no longer hide her frustration, guilt, regret. All her uneasiness cursed against the fate, in a long, angry sigh.

M: The dipshit lied to me from the beginning, Liara. God, I hate feeling like an idiot! On top of that... he's just ran off me like a proper coward, and... I wasn't able to prevent it! Oh, shit... shit!

Miranda looked away, as snorted her frustration out. She approached the table, stately pace, then began cleaning her gun, carefully. As a rule, she was very good at controlling her emotions. I'm positive I never could've guessed her thoughts, if Miranda didn't want to let me look. However, it was clear that she needed to talk with someone. There was just me, and I was hoping to be of any help. So, I did my best not to let her down.

L: Sure, I understand your feelings, Miranda. Besides, he lied to me too, and more than once, if it's any consolation! All of us wanted to stop him once and for all today... so far we failed to do this, but we're gonna do it... together!

I gave her a faint smile of sympathy, nodding. I spoke with heart, soothingly. Miranda would listen quietly, and seemed pleasantly surprised.

L: You were very young when you joined Cerberus. You went through a difficult time, and probably you were alone and scared. Harper gave you his help. He protected and supported you, and the way he spoke seemed perfect. Whoever in your shoes would've trusted him, believe me. You should not blame yourself, Miranda.

Throughout this time, none of us realized what the Illusive Man was doing. However, your presence in his organization made the difference on several occasions. Thanks to Cerberus you saved Shepard life. You both have leapt through the Omega 4 Relay, and stopped the Collectors. You saved millions of innocent lives. No doubt it was worth it!

Miranda nodded some slight embarrassment, as she thanked me. A sincere smile hovered around her lips. She put a hand on my shoulder, lighting up her smile more. I felt an unpredictable impulse of affection in her soft voice and grateful.

M: Yeah, I suppose Shepard and you are right. Thanks, Liara! I had a strong need to hear exactly what you told me. And, it means a lot to me that you really think that!

L: Glad I could help!

I said, honestly. Some slight of shyness colored my cheeks, but Miranda pretended not to notice, as she said, warmly.

M: Well, you know, got to admit that bringing Shepard back to live has been something totally cool, so much cooler than anything else, and fulfilling! Besides, I was truly happy when the two of you found each other on Illium. I think you two are perfect together, and deserve a whole life of happiness!

Miranda's respectful attitude, her friendly words, the unexpected closeness that had arisen between us, flattered me, greatly. Her wishes for happiness resounded deep inside me, like an omen of hope, and it made me stronger.

L: Thank you, Miranda! I'm willing to fight for it, and... I'm glad you are here!

We had already set a course for the Sol System. All the Galactic Alliance forces were converging on the Charon Relay, and unfortunately... so were doing the Reapers!

During the trip, preparations were in full swing. The crew was all abuzz. Each of us used the time available to be prepared at best, and to get accomplished everything left unfinished. One of the most important tasks was to be able to contact relatives and friends in order to see their condition, and for a last goodbye. The flow of communications was such that, to avoid jamming the buoys, no video call was allowed. The voice of my father over comm, made my heart burst with joy. I felt a shudder go through myself, as I greeted her with relief, loudly.

L: Father, thank the Goddess! Finally! I was worried about you... are you OK? ... Where are you?... Are you safe?

My pressing questions list made obvious both my eagerness to know, and the need of a reprieve.

A: Hi, little one... holy tits, hang on a sec... let me breathe! Yes, yes, and yes. I'm safe and sound. Don't worry, sweetheart, I'm a pretty tough cookie, but that's not that easy to get a fucking connection with this whole bloody mess! Well, I was damn worried about you, too! Are you okay, kiddo?

My father's rough voice, her crude ways, but unexpectedly cared, seemed to me so damn cool. I felt my eyes warm and wet, and I've struggled not to cry, as my heart sped up and up.

L: Yes, father, I'm fine! I'm aboard the Normandy. We're headed for the Sol System! I was afraid you were still on the Citadel!

I said in a troubled tone. Aethyta seemed very relieved to hear my voice, but of course, she told me that in her own way.

A: Thanks Athame, my sexy goddess, remind me that I owe you one! Well, I'm aboard the Destiny. We're headed for the Charon Relay rendezvous, too. A big mess just happened! The Reapers came and took the Citadel! We jumped through the Relay just in time, but the Station has gone off the grid! The damn thing happened before it was completely evacuated!

I felt a shiver of pure terror running down my back, as I said, audaciously.

L: I know, the Reapers have just placed the Citadel orbiting Earth. We're all converging there. The day of reckoning is coming!

My father was furious, and so do I.

A: Holy shit! How I wish to put a gigantic firecracker in the ass of every crappy Reaper. Then, I'd like to sit just you and me, knocking back a whole bottle of Serrice Ice, as the last time, watching them blow up in the sky, like fireworks!

L: Oh, father, so do I, I swear! Actually, that's more or less what we are about to do. Well, metaphorically speaking... Goddess, this war is just horrible! All I want is for this to be over!

I said in anger and sadness together. In any case, I had the feeling that my father was next to me, and it was a good feeling. Besides, she had followed all our progress and seemed totally impressed by you. She also entrusted me with an "affectionate" message for you, pretty funny, indeed. You know, Shepard, I don't remember I've had the chance to give it to you yet. Well, Aethyta looked pretty pleased, but very persuasive at the same time... so, love, be warned. She said...

A: Hey, by the way... fragmentary news is coming here, but sounds like your foxy girlfriend is still showing her serious balls! May Athame strike me dead, if she's not a damn quad! Are you completely sure there are no krogan in her family?

L: She's human, father...

I pointed out, gently, with a proud smile, but I knew she was giving you a compliment.

A: Really! Well, tell her not to give up, and she'd better take care of my kiddo, from now on because, if she doesn't... I give her my word that there's no bloody hell where she can run and hide from this pissed-off father! Not enough balls in this universe for saving herself from a flood of kicks in the ass!

I had no idea if my father really wanted to protect me, but I liked the way she said it. It made me feel like she really cared about me.

L: Ah ah... yeah dad, alright, I'll do it!

I said with an amused tone. Shortly after, I felt torn by anxiety again.

L: Look, I was wondering if I might ask you for a big favor...

I ventured cautiously, as I tried not to look embarrassed.

A: Sure, baby, whatever you want!

Aethyta was immediately willing, and it surprised me, pleasantly. There was something very affectionate in her voice, which suddenly made me feel like I have always had a father. I had to admit to myself that I really liked that feeling.

L: I need you to check a name for me, and see if Dr. Careena D'Lani and her daughter are aboard. The Councilor Tevos assured me personally for their boarding, but after what happened to the Citadel... I wanna be absolutely sure!

A: Sure, I do it right away. I'm accessing the passenger list from this terminal. Here they are, they both are on board, H61 cabin. So, baby... are you trying to tell me that you've a secret double life, by chance?

Aethyta speculated ironically, in a dulcet tone full of expectation. I could barely contain myself to burst out laughing. I was grateful to my father because she sought in every way to ease my tension.

L: Ah ah, very far from it... Careena was my therapist when Shepard was missing in action. You know, she's a good girl, and I owe her a big favor.

My father snorted in disappointment, continuing to joke. However, her concern about me seemed genuine.

A: "Oh tits! Yeah, I remember. The good old days, when we used to get drunk together!" Um, what a bummer! And here I was hoping that finally, you had eyes on someone who suits you...

Her irony crossed the communicator, with the comfort of a pat on the shoulder. I snorted pretending disappointment, in a soft tone. In any case, I wanted to make clear to my father, what I wanted most.

L: Oh Goddess, father! We already had this conversation. There is no one better suited to me than Shepard, and no one in the whole galaxy could make me any happier!

My father let out a groan of resignation, while expressing her "professional" opinion as fancy as uncensored.

A: Holy boobs! Okay, okay, I get it... you're bang in love, beyond repair, kiddo! Well, I actually have to admit that your Shepard is a damn great piece of ass! You must've gotten something from me, after all...

I grinned, while I bobbed my head, resignedly.

L: Oh, you're so hardcore beyond correction!

Little by little the playful voice of my father became soft, serious and pervaded with a sweetness I had never heard before. Her words vibrated within me, and enveloped me like a hug of genuine affection.

A: Thanks, little one, I'll take it as a compliment! Listen baby, I... I... shit! Liara, there is so much I have to tell you. Just please, don't die out there, you hear? ... I don't wanna lose you, kiddo... now that I just found you. When the whole crap will over, I... well, I wish I had the honor and privilege of trying to be your father, Liara... possibly better than last time! If you just wanna give me one more chance...

L: Are... you serious?

I whispered under my breath, incredulously. I couldn't prevent my tears from falling, my heart from accelerating, my emotions from enveloping me with joy. I could not pretend I had not wanted it, not to have hoped for it a lifetime. However, since I discovered Aethyta was my father, I always tried not to have any expectations about her, and I hadn't anticipated such a request. I felt happily unprepared!

A: I'm fucking serious, kiddo! So, please, you just make sure to take good care of yourself!

L: I'll do my best, I promise, and... dad... you know, you're right, Shepard is a damn great piece of ass!

The moment I heard you enter my cabin, my heart began to gallop on the beach of my emotions. I did not look up at you immediately, because I was very busy to forward final provisions to my agents. I was sending all the Broker's operatives still available on Earth. In order to extend what help they could, coordinated them by Feron. I was wishing him good luck, when I felt the gentle contact of your arms, which wrapped around my hips.

S: Hey, are you okay?!

You whispered softly, brushing my neck with a kiss. After Cronos, we had not yet had the opportunity to spend some time alone. The memory of you... about that heady night, so romantic and inflaming, was still so vivid that, I was breathless at the contact of your body.

I was actually not okay at all. I was very anxious, instead, and... at the mere thought that I might lose you again, I was seriously going into panic! I perfectly knew I couldn't hide such a state of mind from you any longer.

L: I'm more worried about you than for me... does it sound possible?!

I sighed in a low voice, leaning my head back, and resting on your shoulder, trying to ease my tension. You looked much calmer than me, more confident. You could even smile.

S: Oh, you bet it does, because... it's the same thing over me!

Your lips breathed on my cheek, as you turned me gently towards you, to look me in the eye. Your fingertips on my lips moved in a gentle touch. I smiled, faintly, and fell into your eyes hungry for looks. You paused, to caress my own smile with yours. Then, your voice got deeper, serious.

S: Look, Little Thing, that's what I wanted to talk about...

No one would have guessed an ounce of embarrassment in your voice, a quiver of insecurity, as you took my hands, pretending to be confident. No one but me.

S: You know, I'm actually worried about you, and I'd really feel more comfortable if, for this time, you'll stay aboard the Normandy to coordinate my supporting operations. I could really use you over here, Liara. So please, Little Heart, tell me you will!

I heaved a sigh as my soul crumbled. I perfectly understood you, because I would also have preferred to know you were relatively safe aboard the Normandy, rather than on Earth going through hell! But I'm madly in love with a soldier, probably one of the best ever.

You were commanding a war frigate, during the terminal phase of the most terrible conflict in all our Civilizations' history. You've never backed down, and you've never spent a minute of your life worrying about yourself! You have gained every single inch of every victory at the price of intense suffering and sacrifices. Besides, as a matter of fact, we all needed your great talent, your invincible strength. Everyone expected such great things from you, like never before.

I couldn't exactly ask you to stay on the ship, just because I was afraid of losing you! But, you shouldn't have asked either! The only place I wanted to be was together with you. I was absolutely determined to fight by your side for our future! I knew how dangerous it was, but neither did I have any other choice. All l knew was that we had to do it together, because this time, I hardly could live... without you!

I intertwined my fingers between yours as you were exploding in my eyes. I embraced your soul with my own, until I felt it did envelop your spirit, like a cloak. I tied you down on your promise forever, inevitably. My heart was beating against yours, which hammered madly. I collected in my lungs all the air I could find, and let my emotions slowly become my voice.

L: Emily, ah, love, please listen carefully, and don't interrupt, because I don't think I'll be able to repeat it. I love you so... so much, and... I've already lost you once! It was... devastating to me! However, we were not yet so deeply bound as we are now, and indissolubly. The truth is that I do not want to see the dawn of another day without you, Shepard... never more... none of this makes any sense if I lose you once again!

You made me a promise, right here, in this room, before we landed on Menae, remember? So, I'm not looking for protection here, Shepard, and it is not your burden. I've already made my choice, Baby, and I'm not going to change my mind! Anything can happen tomorrow, but for sure... wherever you go, I'll be there, my Love, right by your side, and... if you were to die, well... you won't be alone this time, because I'll stay with you, Shepard... until the end... until my very last breath, because... my only possible dawn... is you!

Tears glistened in your sunny eyes, as you pulled me into your arms, without speaking. You grabbed yourself to my love, tightly. You greedily kissed my lips, flooding them with loving caresses, melding them with emphasis to your own, intimately, feverishly, desperately.

We remained chained in a deep kiss, long and overwhelming. Our senses pervaded of impetuous emotions, like at the mercy of a storm of love, which had us join in the same soul. I caught myself desperately praying that that marvelous instant would never end! Then, your passionate voice made the strings of my soul vibrate over notes of hope.

S: Oh, Liara! ... You're not gonna die, baby girl, because I won't let that happen!

Your words pulsed. Your heart still grabbed to my own, which did not stop to hit. I pressed harder my chest against yours, and sighed on your lips, in a whisper.

L: Oh, Emy! ... I'm not afraid for myself! I don't give a damn, if... if you don't take me with you!

Silent tears slipped down our cheeks, copiously. You looked at me with resolute eyes, as you grabbed both of my arms, held them tightly in your hands. For a moment you stared at me in silence, still wet eyes, before speaking in a solemn, firm, unquestionable voice.

S: Oh, all right! But there's a condition absolutely nonnegotiable! If you get hurt, you'll have to leave immediately, and... that's a fucking order that you can't argue, Liara. You understand?!

I embraced you with all the strength of my love. My heart crushed against your chest. I had to fight hard not to cry again, winning a furious battle against every tear...

L: Yes, ma'am! Ah, OK... aye, my love, thank you! You won't be sorry, I promise!

I whispered under my breath. You closed your eyes, and whispered back.

S: Yeah, I know!

We stood in silence for a moment, our foreheads were touching, gently. Closed eyes, the heart out of control. The whole room was spinning around me. The only thing firm, motionless, unmovable, it was you.

S: I love you, Liara! Get ready... we're almost there.

You breathed on my lips, in a voice brave, determined, confident. I pressed my lips on yours, softly, as I whispered back.

L: I love you, Emy! I'm definitely ready!

The final epilogue was about to take place. We had reached the Portal of Charon, to face our destiny. The whole galaxy together with us. The waiting was over. The moment to lay it all on the line had come. It was Victory... or death!

How much guts it takes! How hard! But, this time, we were cohesive, unified! The Normandy was scrubbed clean and polished, and there was an atmosphere of great brotherhood on board. The crew was all lined up at attention, with its valiant Commander in the front row, in her dress uniform.

Hackett came on board with a firm step, escorted by two officers. His gaze was fearless and proud... exactly the same as yours!

S: Admiral.

H: Are you ready to bring the might of the Galaxy to bear on the Reapers?

Oh, of course you were ready! Your determination hovered in the air like suspended, scattered everywhere, even in far-flung corners of your ship. It was reaching each member of your crew, making them proud to be present. Your presence was putting the courage of each of us together, making us stronger, firmer. Making us determined to fight strenuously, tenaciously and with honor... until the last breath!

You used to get a real nourishment from our strength, as did we from yours. Our confidence fed off your determination, making it grow out of all proportion. Our unshakable faith in you was where your willpower fed, as it also in the courage of each of us.

S: Yes, Sir!

It was your predictable response. The same atmosphere that reigned on board the Normandy, hovered around every other ship of any other species from any other world. It was expanding everywhere, resonating deeply in each of us, like the exciting sound of a battle drum.

Hackett gave a memorable speech. Our hearts were puffed out with pride of belonging and hope. From the most unlikely of the improvised soldiers to the highest officer in command, we all felt deeply close each other. We all were ready to resist, to make our own contribution with obstinacy, hope and heroism. We trusted in our own strength and were supported by our fortitude.

The voice of the Admiral spread throughout every vessel, echoed in each frigate, thundered in every fighter. His intrepid words were those of a valiant soldier, but above all of a fair man!

We were about to face such a monumental undertaking, which getting scared just thinking about. However, the alternative of a slow agony under the blows of the Reapers, was far more frightening. The Crucible was our only hope, but for using it, we needed to open the Citadel's arms. We crossed the Relay. The Station was there, orbiting Earth.

You were in the cockpit, your hand resting on the Joker's shoulder, a heart full of strength. You couldn't afford to doubt nor be afraid, certainly not to fail. You had only one aim in front of you, one mind, one mission. Getting the bloody Hades cannons destroyed... no excuse!

Many thousands of the allies vessels filled the sky in a heartbeat. Motionless, and fully operational, they were standing by to fire on your word. You were watching. Silent, in complete and utter focus. Engrossed, intent on seizing the best moment, our perfect moment. My heart was beating in yours, in perfect sync.

The Earth was waiting in our sight, wounded! It was even worse than you had left it. The fires of destruction were distinctly visible from the orbit. Huge explosions were raging everywhere, tearing the entire planet apart. Your home planet was burning, and our fury with it!

Our warships were in position, ready to start the assault. The Reapers were waiting, menacingly. The Earth's orbit filled with hatred, as they lurked, like greedy insects and sordid, eager for pouncing on another tasty morsel.

They protected the Citadel, which kept stationing with its arms clamped. The Reapers formed an impassable shield. Then, your voice filled every communication channel, while your commanding tone directed every fragment of attention to you.

S: This is it everyone! Be ready on my signal ... Fire!

Aethyta is patiently waiting for Karin to fall asleep. She lovingly holds her in her own embrace, as strokes Karin's shoulder with her fingertips. The woman human breathes more and more deeply and evenly. The facial contours of hers get more and more peaceful, relaxed.

The Matriarch slips quietly out of bed, taking care not to wake her partner. She does not want Karin to be worried. Aethyta knows how scared she is at the thought of losing her, of being separated each other forever because she also is sharing the same torment for months.

Shepard's room is dark. Everything is still, except for the time. It never stops to flow, to be measured by the rhythmic noise of the medical equipment. The Commander is there, just in front of the still charming Asari, motionless between her sheets. Shepard's eyes are closed, and her expression is calm. Maybe she's sleeping, or she just heard the door open, then close behind someone.

Light steps, Aethyta approaches the bed, and brushes a hand of the woman laid down on her back, instinctively. She has to admit, she is getting attached to Shepard more and more. For some time now, the bubbly Matriarch started to have a strong protective instinct for the incredible human creature her daughter is madly in love with.

She looks at the heroine who saved the galaxy with infinite respect. The young human woman her daughter is soul mate with, arouses feelings of great solidarity, and... an incredible affinity of mind and unexpected. The soothing voice of Liara's father touches Shepard's hearing. Just as confident as unexpected, it rubs against the silence of the night, roughly.

A: Hey, Babe! I bet you remember me, don't you? You know, I'm more than pleased you brought your great piece of ass back from the fucking Station, and...

Aethyta smiles, while her approval expands through Shepard's senses.

A: Well, maybe I should start calling you Emily, since you're about to become my grand-baby's father!

Shepard's face is changeless, does not show any emotion, like the stone face of a sleeping statue. However, her expression is calm, relaxed, embellished by the usual luminous beauty. Aethyta's voice is soft. Its gravelly notes sway against Shepard's senses, and caress the shadows inside her, like velvet.

A: I... good... look, I'm sorry I laid all that stuff on you that day, on the Citadel. You know, I was bloody worried about Liara! But, I was wrong about you... you're really the best shot of her! May Goddess strike me dead... I've been an ass! My kiddo and you are perfect together. I couldn't dream of a better bond-mate for my fabulous baby, and... well, I finally got it, sweetie! So, better late than never, isn't it? Anyway, now I know why Liara won't have anyone else but you in the whole galaxy. No one can love her the way you do, girlie!

Aethyta sits on the bed. A thin veil of melancholy on her face cannot be hidden by the darkness, but Shepard's eyes are closed, and she cannot feel about it. Instead, she gets her senses completely invested by the force of Aethyta, attracted by her vigorous determination.

A: Look, I know you're as stubborn as a mule, and you're trying hard. I bet you're doing anything and everything to come back, but... for some fucking reason, you can't do it! Well, don't give up, damn it! Then shake a leg, and get the fuck out of that bed, do you hear me!

Aethyta pauses, while her grit fades away, slowly. There is a spark of emotion that comes into her eyes, hidden in the darkness, and makes her voice softer, more affectionate.

A: In any case, you don't need to be worried if you can't do it alone. One way or another, you are going to come home, honey, because I... can get you back!

Aethyta grins, saying.

A: Yeah, yeah, I know what you're thinking now. Oh, sure, I do! You think I'm an old fossil Asari who doesn't mean what she says! Well, I'm pretty old you're right, but I've not lost my marbles yet, and holy Tits, I perfectly know what I'm saying!

The Matriarch lets out a breath, her heart pulled in a strange brew of emotions. Fear and joy, love and pain expand from her, and make warm and soft the sound of her voice, as reach Shepard's senses, which are completely embraced.

A: Yes, well... it's the classic long story I have no time to tell now. However, unless you come back by yourself, Liara will tell you about it when you've recovered. I won't be able to do it myself, because this magic trick will be at the cost of my life! So, babe, if you can wake up by yourself, better you hurry up! Alternatively, I could die of old age in the meantime, wasting a one-time-only opportunity to save your amazing ass!

Whatever happens, get it through your head - if it was me that brought you back, it was my choice and you must promise me you won't feel guilty, girl! Look, I'm not gonna lie to you. Not thrilled at the thought of dying! Well, of course I'm prepared. You know, that's funny, I'm already in my 1000's yet I've never had so many reasons to live!

Aethyta's gaze affectionately travels the Shepard's face, slips on her shoulders, along the supine body of hers. Her eyes linger a moment on Shepard's hands, still absolutely motionless between the sheets. The face of the Matriarch is bright. Her lips outstretched in a serene smile. She looks up at the sky, her voice in a tone of whom has just unwrapped a gift that she's been waiting, her whole life, for unwrapping.

A: You know, I think I could finally be a decent father for Liara, from now on. Also, she could be happy to finally have a father. Besides, I can't wait to meet my lovely grand-baby!

The voice of Aethyta is passionate, her words full of feeling get the pride of Shepard excited.

A: And then... shit! You know, I fell in love! She's the best thing that's happened to me since my bonding with Benezia. Girl, let me tell you something, the amazing doctor in your crew just puts me on my knees, and... well, I never expected to be once more this happy!

Shepard's senses are pervaded with emotions. Her perceptions, lulled by a warm affection, are resounding in the sweet and resolute awareness of Aethyta, pleasantly. Until her voice becomes serious, grave.

A: By the way, I have a favor to ask. Liara and you take care of Karin. Don't leave her alone, just in case. Karin and I, we always knew it could be so fucking short between us. Nevertheless, we have chosen to follow our hearts and live our feelings fully, as long as fate would have it, and... may Athame kick my ass if that's not worth it! Well, we're so damned happy, Emily, and we intend to stand that way every last wonderful moment we'll get as a gift!

On the other hand, Liara and you are so young, and the two of you have a wonderful future ahead of you. You had a heavy price to pay to get your happiness. Now you deserve to enjoy your love, day and night, rolling around on the mattress. You deserved to be damned happy for the rest of your life! So, Commander, you better take care of my kiddo from now on, and stay out of trouble... did you hear me?!

Well, now I got to get back before Karin realizes I'm not in bed. Thank you from the heart of my heart for what you have done for this galaxy, and for my lovely kiddo, Commander Shepard. C'mon, babe, get your ass out of that bed because this galaxy would boil down to very little... without you!

Aethyta takes a Shepard's hand, squeezes it tightly between her own. Fingertips slight stroke the back of the motionless hand. The Matriarch smiles in silence, in the warm sweetness of the farewell...

A: Good luck, Babe!

Karin moves in her sleep, unconsciously looks for Aethyta's embrace, and fortunately she finds it. The Matriarch crawls into the bed, just in time and picks Karin again in her arms, wrapping her, lovingly. Then, she is absorbed in watching her sleep, fascinated, merged in Karin's breath. She squeezes her gently, eyes closed, to savor the warm contact of Karin's skin, like the most precious gift.

The sleepy eyes of Karin barely open, as she sighs in her drowsiness the name of the love of her life. The kiss of Aethyta in response whispers on her lips, with sweet passion. Aethyta embraces Karin closer, pouring all her love on Karin's lips, while the low voice of hers caresses the silence.

A: Hey, I'm just here, Sugary... Merry Christmas!

To be continue...