Notes:

Arashu - Goddess of Motherhood and Protection (Drell)

Ionúin Álainn - beautiful beloved (Gaelic)

Rassikberry - Salarian fruit (CDN)

Yurthet - Salarian food crop, from Mannovai (CDN)

It Takes a Team

Oasia, Ilos, Refuge – 30 Mar 2191

After Shepard had delivered her news regarding the SILC taking on the task of locating the Raloi, Liara had breathed easier, somewhat relieved of the guilt that had weighed upon her soul. Once again able to place her entire focus on the task at hand, she quite literally had dug into her work, carefully working with the team to clear the debris trapping the artifacts in the rubble within the underground structure, finally revealing the long-buried objects.

Once the SILC secured the first two chambers of the facility, Rasha had guided them in setting up various imaging devices, basically recording the team's every move. More importantly, the equipment recorded the exact position and dimensions of every single artifact as surrounding debris was removed and each object was revealed in full. The devices also recorded every bit of non-invasive data that could be gleaned through full spectrum imaging, allowing them to determine the structural stability of the various artifacts, so the team knew which ones could be moved for more in-depth study and, more importantly, which ones were more delicate, requiring shielding to protect them from inadvertent damage.

The taunting familiarity of the objects currently being revealed was still vexing Liara, as she had yet to place where she had seen those fleeting images both she and Rasha recalled. After nearly three days of torturing herself over it, Liara had finally given up and turned the project over to Glyph – just this morning – which likely meant they now had the processing and search power of every member of the Consensus not occupied with other tasks. So, instead of chasing vague memories of distant places, Liara could now focus on revealing and preserving the tangible objects right here on Ilos.

After the first day, the archaeological team had been able to bring in some of their more compact equipment, including buckets and a few small shaker screens to ensure they wouldn't miss any small artifacts or pieces that could be otherwise easily overlooked. Now, without other distractions, the troubles of the galaxy simply faded away and Liara was finally able to focus completely on the task at hand. It felt good… great, actually… to be concentrating solely on these ancient shards, these tangible remnants of a society long past. A small brush in her hand, a medium-sized triangle trowel in her back pocket and wooden sculpting tools of various sizes and shapes tucked into the side pocket of her utility vest were the mainstays of her daily working tools. However focused, the one thing Liara could not ignore was Shepard, constantly in the back of her mind, her ever-vigilant protector.

This particular morning, Liara had woken alone, only to receive a gentle, comforting mental tap concurrent with her achieving full consciousness. Shepard quickly relayed she was already up and about at the dig site, making sure everything had gone well overnight and the site was secure, prior to the arrival of her Ionúin Álainn. As Liara stood and stretched, she sent a mental hello, gently caressing Shepard's cheek, even if only in her mind.

Just like anything else passed through the link, especially when they were relatively close in proximity and their connection was strong, Shepard felt the sensation as if Liara was standing beside her. Liara could sense the smile in her bondmate's 'voice' as a thought fluttered across her consciousness. {Good morning, Blue. Meet for breakfast?}

{Absolutely, Samantha. See you in the group dining facility… say, maybe fifteen minutes?}

Once they had said their morning hellos in person, eaten, and made their way to the dig site, Liara had jumped in and started working as soon as Rasha finished her morning update. Shepard simply stood back and watched her work, Liara's intense focus not much different than during the war, even if the objects of her study were much more pleasant. Finally, Sam couldn't stand it anymore and simply had to comment on her observation, adding something about how the 'studious archaeologist look' suited her so much better than a pistol and armor. That, by itself, wasn't bad, but Liara had to laugh when Samantha added, "The aura of quiet intensity that surrounds you when you're on the dig site is something to see, Doctor. Even for those who know you, it instills respect… and maybe even a little bit of fear at the thought of needing to disturb you… for any reason short of imminent danger to your person."

Chuckling quietly, Liara immediately stopped what she was doing, stood and placed her hands on her hips, arching and stretching her back before turning to the woman. A coy smile on her face, she sauntered over and draped her arms over Shepard's shoulders before placing their foreheads together. "You, my dearest captain, are a horrible distraction… but always seem to know when I need a break."

She retracted her right arm, the fingertips of her hand trailing across Shepard's left cheek, exactly as she had used her mind to do earlier that morning, smirking lightly as she spoke aloud. "I love you… certainly more than my shards, Samantha. You never need fear any retribution for disturbing me while I work."

Chuckling, Shepard wrapped her arms around Liara's waist and drew her close. "That's good to know, Doctor T'Soni. And, seeing as I've already interrupted your work, care to get out and take a walk for a bit, see if we can get your back to relax some, before it really starts to bother you? Even I can feel the ache starting to work its way in."

"Huh." Blinking, Liara replied in something of a surprised voice. "I hadn't really noticed, but I am stiff. Is that why you said what you did? About disturbing me?"

"Yup." Shepard smiled softly, a bit of an uneven turn up on her lips, but not quite into one of her smirks. "I'd hate to interrupt a thought… just as you were about to come to some magnificent conclusion… and have it jump straight out of your head. I fear you'd hate me for forever."

With that, Liara laughed outright. "Even given what I just said about you being safe, my initial reaction toward you, should such timing ever occur, may be less favorable than I would prefer. You just need to realize that it will pass. I promise."

Stepping back, Shepard grinned as she looped her arm through Liara's and gave a gentle tug. "Come on. Let's stretch our legs, get some sunshine, and maybe breathe some air that's not filled with centuries-old rock dust?"

Clinging to Shepard's arm, Liara smiled. "Agreed. That sounds positively wonderful, Sam."

Liara gave Rasha a nod as they passed, the site manager acknowledging Liara's departure with a smile for the couple, giving a wave of her hand as they walked toward the exit. Before returning to her task, Rasha briefly considered just how close she had come to losing her dear friend just eight years ago – a seeming lifetime – within the volcano on Therum. With no one close enough to hear her, she let out a quiet little huff of appreciation and once again offered thanks to Arashu for protecting that particular Asari from deadly harm. Without you, we wouldn't have survived to be here now, Liara. Both you and Shepard have made all this possible!

Liara's feet stopped moving as she froze for a second and blinked, a long-elusive memory finally popping to the fore of her consciousness. Shepard watched in curiosity as she exclaimed, "By the Goddess!" before quickly opening her omnitool to call the ship. "Glyph! Right at the start of the Reaper War, an Asari expedition team requested an emergency evac… but I don't remember from where… there were so many evacuations taking place! Anyway, they sent out an image package with unique artifacts they had discovered in some underground ruin, along with a research site registration request. I need you to locate that request, along with the site specifics; I believe that is where I saw the artifacts that look so hauntingly similar to what we have here. Can you do it?"

"Absolutely, Doctor. Limited subject, limited timeline. Should take no more than a day, assuming the claim was actually filed and did not get overlooked because of the war."

Liara had felt her entire self – body and mind – relieved by her revelation, only to have Glyph's response reseed her frustration. "There has to be some record, Glyph – even if the actual claim wasn't filed after the discovery – regarding the expedition leaving Thessia! If necessary, pull the records of every expedition that departed in the five years prior to the war's beginning. There shouldn't be that many to sort through."

"Understood, Doctor. I will begin the query immediately."

"Thank you, Glyph. I will come by later and check your progress."

As soon as she terminated the call, Liara looked at Shepard and shook her head. "If I ever regret loss of access to all the Brokerage records, this would be the reason. I suddenly remembered seeing that evac request in the message traffic, but we had so much going on, I don't think I filed it."

"What?" Shepard chuckled, earning her something of a scathing glance from the irritated Asari. Holding her hands up, palms facing her bondmate in mute apology, she smiled and continued, "You filed everything, Liara… and you have Barla Vons' personal contact info. Call him. He'll find it."

Within a few minutes, the Volus was on comms and quite willingly listened to Liara's request. "Seriously? That's all you need?" Frequently interrupting his words with the 'Shh-h-s-k' sound from his re-breather, he continued, "I am inputting the query as we speak… and cannot imagine that taking more than a solar day, Liara. Admittedly, there is a lot of data to sort through, but with that many search parameters, particularly with the timeline being so limited, I should be able to find that particular message with relative ease."

They could hear the amusement in his voice as he continued, "And no fee, of course… as promised. But next time you call, you must swear you will present me with something… shall we say… a bit more challenging, so I can at least have a little fun looking for the data you need. I had no idea this job would be so boring without a war going on… not that peace is something I should be complaining about, as it most certainly beats the alternative of fearing imminent death!"

"No, it's not," smiled Liara. "But I understand the sentiment. That was one of the reasons I formed the triumvirate. Sharing power also meant sharing time… and gave each of us more time to actually have a life. I do not want to know how you plan to go forward with the Brokerage but having partners… well considered and trusted ones… can most certainly ease that burden."

"Thank you, Liara, for your insight… and it did seem to work very well, so I will keep that in mind. Unfortunately, as of yet I have no such partner, so I need to get back to work. It has been nice chatting with you. Do enjoy your archaeology, Doctor."

They didn't even have a chance to say farewell before the connection dropped and Liara's screen went black. She looked at Shepard and shrugged. "Only one solar day? That would be wonderful, but I'll believe it when I see it."

"I wouldn't put it past him," smiled Shepard. "He does have the galaxy at his fingertips, just like someone else I used to know."

"Used to know?" Liara asked, her left brow marking quirked up.

"Yup, used to. I don't run in those circles anymore." Shepard's smile shifted to her slanted smirk. "I've moved up in status and am now hanging out with the galaxy's preeminent archaeologist. It may not be quite as exhilarating as chasing Reaper spawn and Cerberus troops around the galaxy but, without question, it is definitely safer… and soooo much more personally satisfying."

"Oh… is it, now?"

Shepard laughed, "Oh, absolutely, Doctor T'Soni! I wouldn't trade this for anything in the galaxy!" She paused briefly, an idea flitting about her brain, before closing on Liara and wrapping her arms around the shapely Asari. Her hands slid teasingly across the folds in Liara's back as she asked, "How's your back feeling? Care to head back to our room for a personal massage? Maybe loosen it up a bit more?"

Liara blushed slightly, feeling a rather pleasing tingly sensation ripple through her body as she quietly replied, "I do not believe a massage is the only thing on your mind, Captain."

"So, is that a no, Doctor?"

"That is most definitely not a no, Samantha."

It was early evening when Liara opened her eyes and slowly rolled over, only to find Sam still sound asleep in bed beside her. Liara normally would have been surprised but, during their joining, she had discovered her captain had been up and about since midnight, accompanying the night shift security team on their rounds. The thought made her smile; Shepard was always so conscientious when it came to those for whom she was responsible, making sure they had everything they needed… and her concern was not limited to what equipment they had available.

Both she and Shepard recognized that night shifts could be hard on the body, screwing with the normal diurnal body clock and leading to restlessness and exhaustion. Shepard was always the one who got up and checked on them, who made the rounds with them. She giggled at the thought of getting up with Samantha some night; the surprise that would appear on the faces of the commandos. It had been a while now, since the last of her wartime shifts during the Reaper War, but, just perhaps, it was time to change that and take on more responsibility regarding the commandos. She thought about her mother and realized she had no idea how involved Benezia had been in the daily workings of those who protected her house.

Obviously, by necessity, she was very involved with the Personal Guard… but what about the rest of the commandos? Especially those at the Estate, when Mother spent most of her time in the city. I never thought about it… but now that the secret of my father is out, I wonder how much they would tell me of Mother and times past, if I only ask.

During her distraction with her silent musings, Liara didn't realize she had reached over to Shepard, simply seeking the security of touch; of knowing the love of her life was alive and well, lying at her side. Without even realizing, her hand gently stroked down her bondmate's arm; Samantha had awakened and emerald orbs shadowed by barely opened lids peered at her, unnoticed until Shepard's whisper broke her silent reverie.

"Hey. You okay?" Samantha reached over and wrapped an arm around the Asari. After pulling her closer to her body, she raised her hand to gently stroke Liara's cheek as she peered into deep, crystal blue eyes… eyes filled with loving devotion.

"I am," Liara smiled. She pressed a soft kiss against waiting lips. "Just thinking about your night shifts… and contemplating joining you once in a while."

"And also wondering if your mother ever did so… and if the commandos can tell you more about her… especially during the years you were off to school and so out of touch."

"Yes." Liara released a quiet sigh, a trace of her smile remaining as she continued, "There are no secrets with us, are there?"

"Not when you're broadcasting through the link, there's not." Shepard chuckled quietly, a contented sigh accompanying the smile on her face. "I love you, Doctor T'Soni."

"As I do you, Samantha." Liara slowly pulled away and sat up, the sheets falling away.

"You are such a temptress, T'Soni… your naked body nearly impossible to resist." Shepard shook her head and turned away, climbing out of the other side of the bed. "But, right now, we need to get cleaned up and go to dinner. No way I'd last another session like this afternoon's without replenishing my reserves." She couldn't keep from laughing as Liara responded with a familiar phrase that was now a joke between them.

"Maybe later?"

Gurji's Promise, Annos Basin, At Large – 31 Mar 2191

During the previous two, maybe three weeks, Kasumi Goto had become increasingly concerned about her shipboard companion… her close friend and partner, Spectre Jondum Bau. Even though there was nothing about the Salarian's appearance or actions she could point to and say, 'Aha! That's the problem!', the perceptive woman's gut was hinting that Jon was a bit… off.

Normally, Kasumi would never have hesitated to make her feelings known, but Jon was special. They had been working together ever since Shepard had introduced them to each other in the Citadel embassy offices assigned to the Hanar; after Bau had killed the traitorous Zymandis, she had hacked the Hanar's communications terminal to interrupt his attempted upload of a computer virus – one that would have totally disabled Kahje's automated planetary defense network.

Spectres normally worked alone, but Bau had welcomed Kasumi – who had previously worked with Spectre Shepard to eliminate the Collectors – as a clandestine partner. He continued to maintain his ties as a member of both the Salarian Special Tasks Group and the Council Spectres and, in a relatively short period of time, their trial partnership had blossomed into an extremely close friendship. For Kasumi, her bond with the Salarian was based, above all else, on mutual respect – as was his bond with her. And now, he was ill – she was sure of it. Sharing her belief with him could be… problematic, in Bau's words… but she needed to know.

It was still early morning when Jon entered the ship's small, combo lounge/dining compartment. After exchanging their usual morning pleasantries, Kasumi pretended to focus her attention on her comms terminal. She furtively studied the Spectre as he prepared his morning breakfast of yurthet with rassikberry preserves, accompanied by a mug of tea – genuine Kombucha, from her home country of Japan. It had become Jon's favorite morning beverage, due in no small part, she suspected, to its kombu – or kelp – seaweed base.

After several long, quiet minutes, Kasumi couldn't endure 'not knowing' any longer. Turning her full attention to her companion, she asked him point-blank. "Jon, how are you feeling?" Bau turned just his head to look at her, mug of tea paused mid-way in its path from table to mouth. Before he could answer, she added, "Don't forget, I've been traveling with you for quite some time now. Your color is… I don't know how to describe it, exactly, other than it's… off. Kind of like an overall wash – or a tint – of grey. It's most noticeable when you first awaken."

The mug slowly completed its trip. The Salarian took several long, appreciative sips of the aromatic contents. Setting the mug back on the table, he cupped it with his hands and blinked several times at the perceptive Human seated across from him. With a wisp of a smile, he nodded slightly as he began speaking. "I am fine, Kasumi…" he began, then raised a hand, fingers spread wide, as he continued, "… for a Salarian of my age."

"I don't understand. You're not much older than myself."

Realizing he needed to explain further, he took several bites of yurthet, followed with a few more sips of tea, then continued. "I am simply slowing down, Kasumi. I can feel it… my life is approaching its end… an ending I could never have anticipated. As a member of the STG, and a Council Spectre, I had no expectation that I would live very long into my third decade." He paused to drain the last of the liquid from his mug. Setting it gently on the table, he sighed and concluded, "It would appear I have been luckier – certainly more fortunate – than most of my contemporaries, having just recently entered my fourth decade of life."

Kasumi's expression – what could be seen of it under her cowl – became somber with the realization of what Jon was telling her. "Slowing down? Is that a Salarian euphemism for dying?"

Bau's smile was thin. "Yes. That is certainly a more… direct… way of expressing what I just said, Kas." He paused before adding, "A Salarian living to the age of 50 is unheard of. That I have reached the age of 42, with everything I have faced in my lifetime? Quite the minor miracle, I would think." The woman's somber expression was troubling. "I have grown old, Kasumi. Do not begin mourning me prematurely. Whether tomorrow, in a week or two, or a month, maybe more, it is the inevitable result of having a hyper-fast metabolism. It is simply a fact of life – not just for me, but for every Salarian that has ever lived."

"What can I do, Jon? Surely, there must be something…"

"There is only one thing you can do, Kasumi Goto. Enjoy the time we have been granted to continue living and working together. I have no regrets… absolutely none, especially since meeting you during the Reaper war." The thin smile from before grew larger. "Every day, I celebrate the good fortune that brought us together. My life is blessed by your companionship, and I am privileged to have you as a dear friend and, with the honesty that the concept of imminent death brings, I will admit you have most certainly been much, much more than that to me." He met her hooded eyes and continued, "And, I do believe, you would say the same."

Oasia, Ilos, Refuge – 1 Apr 2191

Liara was sitting at her message terminal and reading through the many messages regarding the data she had been sending back to Serrice University, when her inbox pinged. The lack of any information in the sender data field grabbed her attention and she immediately opened the note, not surprised to discover it was from the Shadow Broker.

Barla Von's note, whom she knew it was from based on the topic, was short and to the point and, while it lacked details, it most certainly provided the data they needed:

- Asari expedition: Carcosa, Agaiou System, Nimbus Cluster. Photo pack attached -

Summary: Carcosa thought natural hothouse planet. Palatial ruins on barren surface say otherwise.

Only intact chamber appears to be throne room, overlooking large depression believed to have been

enormous lake. Likely seat of ancient people, crumbling edifice initially dated back more than

2.7 million years. Evidence suggests Carcosa inhabitants polluted planet beyond recovery:

triggered runaway greenhouse effect, spoiled fresh water supply. Additional research paused;

Reapers forced emergency evacuation. Data drones left by researchers may provide additional

data, assuming survival post Reaper attack. - Have fun. -

However scant the information, it gave her what she needed… and Liara had to chuckle when she read the last short sentence. Those two words alone convinced her the message was sent personally by their Volus friend. She immediately informed Samantha via the link, then began the application for a Serrice University research expedition, filling in the necessary details before forwarding it to the Dean for actual submittal. Within moments, the communications system chimed with an extremely short message, including the necessary contact information. "Please contact me via vid call at your earliest convenience," so Liara immediately placed the call.

"Ah, Doctor T'Soni. So good to see your face! You look well. I take it being back out in the field is enjoyable?"

Liara smiled and nodded. "Yes, Dean Tevany, it is. I assume you received the latest updates, along with the research application?"

"I have! I can't wait to see the final results, once the analytics are complete… fascinating! To think those sculptures are not from a single cycle back… but two? Goddess! That cavern may hold the oldest discoveries yet, Liara! And, it seems, you are not yet done with new 'firsts' within the field of archaeology! Here, after our millennia of existence, we thought we knew almost everything about our little galaxy. Yet you have this knack of proving us wrong… repeatedly. I love it! It brings the excitement of new discoveries back into our lives!"

"I am happy to be of service, Matriarch." Liara blushed at the praise, then smiled as she politely queried, "But I am quite certain my latest discoveries do not merit your request for a vid call at my earliest convenience. What is it that you need from me?"

"Not only have I seen your progress reports, but the request for the new research permit on Carcosa also pinged my message feed this afternoon." Tevany suddenly seemed a bit unsettled. "I am loathe to say this… because I am sure you, of all my researchers, do not need to be reminded of your contractual obligations to engage your selected doctoral students in meaningful research." She sighed sadly and continued, "Yet, here I am, doing just that… and hoping, at the same time, that it was merely an oversight or, perhaps, a failure on my part to make it clear, that the outline of work in the research application, needs to include projected work for your assigned students. You did, after all, have first choice of students to pick from."

"Which, I understand, is not necessarily standard practice… so, for reasons obvious to both of us, you granted me special dispensation." Liara looked down and shook her head, continuing, "I honestly do not remember you saying anything about that needing to be included in the research plan, but that does not mean you did not tell me… and also explains why I have heard nothing regarding their travel plans and estimated arrival, now that Shepard's' and my holiday is over." Raising her head so she could meet the eyes of the Dean, she smiled. "I will get you an amended version within the hour, based on what I believe will be their initial focus on the project. Obviously, I will guide, but not dictate, their choice of thesis dissertation… but that cannot, and will not, be predetermined by me; that will depend on what we find and what specific subjects they choose to follow. I assume you want me to amend my original application, for the site here, on Ilos… Correct?"

"That is what I was originally thinking, yes." Tevany smiled and nodded her head in emphasis. "Carcosa, while intriguing, isn't really possible; not yet anyway. A long application process should be expected, actually, because of project reviews to make sure there are no sacred sites, permissions from the governing bodies, blah, blah, blah. You know the politics of the whole routine." Her smile spread to a grin. "I was surprised to see you left the lead researcher position blank, but you just explained that away, with those dates likely far in the future and yet to be determined. Not exactly good for current doctoral students, as they need something in the more immediate future."

"Absolutely." Smiling softly, Liara continued, "Given my current research and work here on Ilos, with the Protheans, I purposefully left a number of fields blank in the draft application for Carcosa. There is, however, one other thing… a very important step which I feel needs to be completed regarding the site on Carcosa, prior to assigning a lead archaeologist to the application."

Tevany leaned forward in her chair, concern showing in her eyes as she asked, "Which is?"

"The site was originally discovered by an Asari expedition team but, shortly after discovery, they were forced to request emergency evac due to the start of the war, when Reapers showed up in the Agaiou System. The expedition had at least one researcher, possibly a science officer, on the team, who took notes and, supposedly, set up data-collection buoys before departure. I would like to determine who that was and learn if they survived the war. If so, I firmly believe they should have first rights to investigate the site. Should they not claim the research rights, whether for lack of desire or credentials, an invitation should be extended to become the site manager or, at the very least, a member of the research team. Either way, the team will need a site manager, just as I have Rasha Medis, here. It would also grant me the flexibility to move between the sites, should that become necessary."

"I just knew you have at least thought about taking lead on that project! How could you not? The potential there is so exciting!" The dean smiled brightly. "But that is neither here nor there, for now at least. First things first… the revised application for Ilos, with a timeline for the placement of your doctoral students, both of whom are ready for deployment at any time, Doctor T'Soni, and eagerly awaiting this opportunity."

Liara chuckled. "I imagine they are. My apologies, Dean. I must admit to getting a bit carried away here… and actually not realizing I needed to have their deployment plan in the original application. However, with the discovery of this underground facility, we can most certainly rectify that with ease. As I said earlier, you will have the revision within the hour. Their deployment timeline will be immediately upon securing transportation. If necessary, House T'Soni can provide that for only a nominal fee to cover expenses."

"Most excellent, Doctor!" Tevany grinned and added, "Along with their deployment, of course, your pay will increase to that of full professor, for the duration of the students' stay on Ilos. I am confident you will utilize them in their full capacity and to the great benefit of our growing knowledge of the many races that came before us. Here we thought we had experienced most of the galaxy… and, as it turns out, we are but mere specks in a longer timeline of which we know so little. May the Goddess guide your research, Doctor… and we will speak again soon. Perhaps with a bit more regularity, just to check in and make sure all is going well with the students?"

"We can certainly do that, Dean Tevany… perhaps monthly?"

"Sounds like an excellent plan, Liara." Tevany smiled. "I'll make a note… let's say the first standard workday of every month? With flexibility, obviously. If something pops up, just send me a note with a proposed alternate date… and I will do the same. Agreed?"

"Agreed. Have a great night!"

"Thank you, Liara. You, too… and I very much look forward to our chats!"

As the screen faded to black, Liara opened her omnitool and crafted a quick note to Rasha. There were arrangements to be made if they were to have doctoral students arriving… possibly within the week, certainly within the next two. She laughed when she received an immediate response:

Already done, Doctor. You did tell me, some time back, they would be arriving shortly after your holiday.

Thanks for confirmation, but arrangements for lodging, gear, and supplies have already been made.

We now need to decide how to use them once they arrive. We can speak in the morning.

Sleep well, Liara. Your devoted servant, Rasha –