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 a 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 58
It's up to us now!
The first light of dawn brightens Liara's smile, as she is quietly asleep in Shepard's arms. The Asari's face lies, gently dipped in woman's hair, pleasantly enveloped in her perfume. A nice feeling of warmth emanates from their bodies as Emily's fingers move lightly over Liara's shoulder. The imperceptible sound of Liara's breath and the thrilling touch of her naked skin fill every sense with joy.
Shepard did not sleep a wink last night, but her soul was nourished by unique emotions, refreshed with love, satisfied by wonder and consoled by magic. However, an irreverent thought continued to hover in her head. "Too good... too good... too good to be true!" The same, inappropriate, annoying thought that materializes inside, whenever the last 4 years knock at the door of her mind, with their shocking burden of war, all the pain, the sacrifices... death! Shepard cannot believe she is alive, yet. She thinks of herself as a survivor, shamelessly lucky, or maybe someone who cheated death! She owes a great debt to fate that can no longer be underestimated, and she knows that.
"Hey, SHE doesn't want anyone else but you in the whole fuckin' Galaxy!" The matriarch has not missed a chance to chew her out. Disturbing anathemas were hissing out from her mouth, in recent weeks. "So, you dear Shepy... I strongly advise you to keep your ass out of trouble from now on. If I catch you dying again... There's no fuckin' hell where you can hide. I'll come and kick your fabulous ass for eternity... do you read me?" The threatening chanting of Liara's father, resounds, loud and clear, in the ears of the woman, halfway between the serious and the amused. It climbs on remorse, scratches the ropes of the soul. It struggles between promises, respect and expectations to be kept. Shepard is fully aware that Aethyta is right because what applies to Liara also applies to her. She would drag herself into the wind, no destination, no more reason, just a butterfly torn in half if... if the love of her life was forever lost.
The soldier who lives inside her feels tired! Of fighting, suffering, hatred and pain, death and destruction. The only thing she wants now is having a family. Raising little Keerah together with Liara. Being happy, finding a quiet place to call home. She needs to feel normal and to do normal tasks, such as making dinner, changing diapers, going to the park or shopping. The woman in love who lives inside her is yearning for moments to savor, for endless miles of seconds synchronized to the heartbeats of Liara, to count together in the middle of kisses, in a paradise of joy. And then travel, sleep in her arms... merge their souls, share all their breaths, every minute, every hour, every day of this new, extraordinary second chance!
Liara moves within Shepard's embrace, catalyzing the attention. Liara's still-sleepy voice and the sunlight fill the room, breaking the silence. "Are you sleeping?" She wants to know, as stretches, rubbing her lips on the partner's neck, in a soft greeting. Emily reciprocates, placing a soft kiss on the Asari's head. "Hope I'm not! Although not having to deal with suicide missions, crazy terrorists, or galactic threats, it still seems like a beautiful dream to me!" She whispers, from behind a lopsided smile. The asari nods, coloring the voice of irony, to escape the daily sting of concern. "I wonder what Admiral Hackett thinks... You know, I feel like he's dying to get you back on active duty." She confesses, candidly, as her fingers run through the honey of Shepard's hair, as her heart cannot avoid an apprehensive flip, right in the middle of Liara chest.
Shepard guesses why Liara's shoulders are suddenly tight and is quick to give her all the serenity she can muster. "No worries, I already talked to Hackett. He was very understanding when I asked him for temporary leave." The sudden wave of happiness sits Liara up in bed. The eyes, lighted with joy, shine on her face, as the rays of the sun shine on the ripples of the sea. "Emy! That's awesome!" She sighs in one breath, as she throws herself into Shepard's arms, like a dolphin in the wake of a wave. They kiss, both hearts dizzy with emotion. "I wanna devote myself only to us, our daughter... Being together, with the freedom of normal people. No more war, my love... Just the three of us, in peace and happiness!" Emily confirms, catching her breath. A dance of expectations, love, and emotion takes form and dimension within the eyes of the pair.
The asari settles in the embrace of her soulmate, heart pounding and stirring in a cape of trepidation. "Are you sure that... being a soldier, your crew, the Normandy... I mean, you won't miss all of this?" She hears herself asking, in a half voice, the breath hanging in her throat, like a child at the end of his kite. Shepard gives Liara a sweet look before reassuring her with a velvety voice. "Having had the honor of commanding the Normandy, her crew, it was amazing, priceless! I've had so much! Things that I'll always carry inside me, that made me the person I have become! In these years we have given everything, sacrificed so much, but it's finally over! I feel that my contribution has been accomplished. At least in this historical moment, because our new perspective is nothing less than... a future of peace!" She explains, with a soothing warmth in her voice.
Liara's heart struggles to regain a normal pace. "I'm so happy with your decision, Emy! Also, it's great that your request was approved by the admiral without any complaints. I had no idea you already talked to him!" She admits, a little surprised, exhaling joy and gratitude with every pore of her body and soul. Shepard straightens up, to look Liara in the eye, resigned to sharing even that one unpleasant detail. "Actually, Hackett said that the Council unanimously proposed me for the human Councilor position, but... I..." She begins to say, cautiously. Emily lingers in Liara's eyes, for a moment, before sighing through an aura of perplexity. "Well, I don't like politics, you know that! So, I don't know... Anyway, I took some time to think, but... I'm very tempted to say no! What's your opinion?" She finally resolves to ask.
Liara, on the other hand, seems to ignite with exuberant enthusiasm. However, she takes a moment of careful reflection, lingering in the concerned gaze of her soulmate, radiant but flexible eyes. "Well, to be honest, I can't think of anyone who could fill that role better than you, Shepard!" She assures, her smile expanding. Emily rolls her eyes, as she tries to drive away the increasing pressure that crushes her stomach. "Liara!" She blows her discomfort out of a sigh, giving her partner a meaningful look.
"Yes, yes, I know! Putting politics and you in the same sentence is... what do you humans say?" Liara smiles, trying to remember. "Like talking about the devil and the holy water, right?" She guesses, placing a pedant smile on the lips of Shepard who nods, returning a tender kiss. "However, all leaders value you and respect you. I am absolutely sure that you would be listened to and followed in any situation. Your presence on the Council would be invaluable." She quickly adds, in a more serious tone. "Besides... there's a lot of valuable information in my Shadow Broker archives that could come in handy, my love. It would be a shame to waste them, wouldn't it?" She asks, with a flash of lust in her eyes.
That kind of optimism was exactly what Shepard was expecting. However, she fails to share it fully. "Yeah... it would!" The woman mumbles with no much conviction. "Well, maybe you're right, but... if they're the devil... I'm not holy water!" She tries to joke. "Anderson was much more diplomatic than me, more experienced, more patient... However, he couldn't wait to return the position to Udina. I don't see how I could do better than him!" Shepard assumes. A veil of sadness darkens her face, as glimpses of her missing friend's memories come to mind.
Liara puts an understanding hand on Emily's cheek. She gives her a gentle caress, claiming her gaze. "Hey, you'd make a great Councilor! Leaders who are fully aware of the kind of hell we've just survived are crucial for the fate of the galaxy. Playing the old mean games of political chess, repeating past mistakes, or risking another terrifying nightmare with no return is not an option! We can't afford that anymore!" The voice of Liara passes through Shepard's senses as a pledge to keep. "Besides, I could help you out when you need it. It would be an intriguing and inspiring way to be together, even when we have to work." The Asari suggests, modulating her voice in the most seductive tone she can muster.
Shepard lightly strokes Liara's shoulder with her lips, whispering in a soft kiss. "Hmm, that sounds intriguing. I'll think about it, I promise. For now, how about stop... talking!" Smiles touch, lips caress, senses awaken. The kiss becomes deeper, arousing. Hands move, bodies ignite... Some sort of gurgle, indistinct at first, gradually more decisive, urgent, impatient, reaches Shepard's ears and bounces into Liara's. The sound becomes more acute, urgent, resolute. Not a cry, but a request that can no longer be ignored. The lovers remain for a moment staring into each other's eyes, leaning against each other foreheads, with a crooked smile, while the fire of the senses dies down in a shiver of resignation. "Time's up, report in! All permits revoked by the supreme commander. And most importantly, no sex until further notice!" Shepard jokes, mimicking a commanding tone, as she gets up to reach the cradle under Liara's amused gaze.
Keerah listens enthralled to the familiar voice, which approaches. The large wide-open eyes shine, like small diamonds of light. Their attention is immediately drawn to Shepard's face, which is leaning over the cradle with her chest swollen with tenderness. "Hi, Tiny blue! I'm guessing it was uncle Joker who instructed you to wake up right now, wasn't it?" Emily smiles, kissing the forehead and cheeks of the newborn, who warbles an incomprehensible response, candidly enough to seem fishy. "Yeah! That poker face is gorgeous, huh?" After sitting on the bed again, Shepard hands the baby over to Liara, who hugs and gives her tender kisses, before nursing the little one at the breast.
For a long time, a father remains breathless, admiring the wonderful spectacle of that little creature who shines with life, love and fulfillment. As Liara's clear blue eyes shine like two small summery skies, Emily's heart skips a beat, another one. "I can't wait for Sunday!" She whispers, softly. Liara smiles, brimming with expectation. "Wanna go to the Memorial Ceremony?" She asks in a tone as innocent as possible. "Very funny!" Emily sighs with eloquence, assuming a fake pouty face. Liara leans in, offering her soulmate a kiss, as whispers, sweetly. "I can't wait to marry you, too, my love!"
Shepard cheers in her mind as settles down so she can welcome Liara and Keerah into her arms. "Well, this amazing blue peanut will have to fall asleep, sooner or later, and then...!" Emily begins to whisper, placing a kiss on Liara's lips, every two or three words. "Anyway, remind me to strangle Joker, the next time we meet him. You know, just in case!" She proposes, kissing and smiling at the same time. Liara giggles between kisses, as she considers the option. "I wouldn't be so drastic, Emy... However, I might have two or three things in mind to boycott, one by one, any future attempt at a romantic dinner between Joker and EDI. If you are interested..." Liara suggests, in a mock conspiratorial tone. "Hell yeah! I love Asari diplomacy!"
...It is a beautiful sunny day. Autumn has just begun. When it is not raining, London lights up with hope. The streets have regained a clean and well-paved surface, with bystanders talking, children laughing and a pleasant feeling of good omen, which shines through the confident looks of people. Traffic started flowing, normally. A multitude of shuttles of different sizes flying at different altitudes fills the clear sky. They silently glide between the houses, hovering over the roofs of the buildings, or among the ultramodern skyscrapers of the commercial districts, now almost completely renovated.
Despite the Citadel being still in orbit around the planet, the repair work is progressing rapidly. Everywhere there is excitement, enthusiasm and a great desire to start over. The traces of the reapers are fading a little more every day, scratched away with a lot of work, great effort and deep dedication. Self-denial is removing the devastating signs of war from every corner of every city on Earth, from every World, one brick at a time.
All the Planets are blooming, slowly regaining their former glory. The only bruises that will never heal are those that every human being, every Turian, every Asari and Salarian, every Quarian and every Krogan, will bring deep into their wounded and bleeding souls, forever and painfully.
The Memorial Ceremony drew a throbbing crowd, which is gathering in the packed square, politely. Many are humans, of course. However, a large number of members of each Species now part of the New Galactic Union of Systems are recognized. They are all standing. Neatly and fraternally gathered, side by side, in a respectful silence. The numerous military and musical parades, complete with quick and spectacular acrobatic aircraft movements, have everyone amazed.
Right above the large covered stage, immediately behind the central podium, Shepard is also watching the show, from the main grandstand, with a multitude of emotions carefully hidden in her chest. Everybody stares at her with admiration and she cannot help but feel embarrassed. The Commander looks gorgeous in her elegant formal uniform. For a few hours she has held tenderly the hand of Liara who is sitting next to her. Their fingers are lovingly entwined. They often look into each other's eyes. When Shepard smiles, Liara reciprocates gently, trying to control the impatience, joy, excitement. She is going to marry Emily, in a few hours, if she (Liara) does not die of emotion first!
"Hey... are you okay, baby girl?! You're trembling like a leaf! Do you want me to get you some water... a jacket?!" Shepard wants to know, in a whisper of apprehension. Liara shakes her head as she drives Shepard's hand towards her lips. She kisses her partner's fingers, closed eyes, in an attempt to disguise a stubborn flicker in her voice, but in vain. "I'm fine, thanks my love! I was just thinking that in a few hours we'll get married and... Oh Emy, I'm so happy I... I can't breathe. Goddess! I wanna marry you, right here, right now. I... I'm not at all sure if I can wait a second longer!" She confesses, struggling to suppress a wave of impatience that rises from the pit of her stomach up to her throat.
Shepard tries to resist the urge to give Liara a kiss. But her heart bounces off her sternum, in a hailstorm of pain, pushing toward Liara's lips, inescapably. She barely smiles, as their breaths mingle, in a soothing touch of sweetness. "No one can understand that feeling as well as I can... I'm going crazy with emotion!" Emily whispers, shaking the asari's hands as she tries to smile, breathless. "OK, let's keep calm now! We just need to stay focused... I'm sure it won't be long!" With more conviction, she smiles and touches Liara's face with her fingers, while joking in an amused voice to lessen the dramatic mood. "We'll make it... usual way!" Liara feels the tension disappear in a laugh, as she exclaims, "Aye aye, Commander! I gonna trust you... it's paid off so far!"
Shepard and Liara spend a few minutes that seem like hours. At last, the ceremony is entering the final phase. It is time for Admiral Hackett to take the floor, while a surreal silence envelops the square. Many tens of thousands of people are waiting linked together by a single and profound sense of pride and closeness. Hackett takes the stage sure step. The straight back, the clear and penetrating gaze, the immaculate uniform that sparkles with decorations. Adjusting the microphone with measured gestures, he stares into the crowd's eyes with a sense of complicity. He begins to speak in a deep and passionate tone.
"The war is over! The reapers have been defeated! Against all odds, we have survived the greatest threat this galaxy has ever faced!" He declares, distributing glances into the mindful gazes of the ocean of absorbed and speechless people all around. "We suffered many losses, the mass relays were severely damaged, but we won! Look at each other and be proud, because this Victory belongs to each one of you! To every man, woman and child, to every species, to every planet. Although we are safe now, we mustn't forget how we came to victory!" The old soldier's voice bounces far away, carried by the wind. It resonates loudly in every corner, like a single thought that can infuse everyone with heroism, pride and satisfaction. The man clenches his fists as he continues to speak, vehemently.
"Not thanks to one Fleet. Not thanks to one Army. Not thanks to one Species. Just like any major challenge does, this great victory also brings with it an equally major lesson... We can only achieve the best if we stick together! All of us who to stop the reapers managed to put aside our conflicts, old rusts and hostility, working together, fighting together, dying together, winning together, as one species. Today, we are here as a new community, survivor, conscious and evolved!" He nods in front of him with all his conviction, toward the tide in listening that nods back, producing a wave.
"It will take more time, but nothing will be lost! We are rebuilding our houses, our worlds, our fleets and defenses, and we are doing it together! Together, we can achieve our best future. A Future of Peace guaranteed with the sacrifice of those who fought together with us, until their last breath of life... Today, we are here to remember how... we got here! To honor, with our stable alliance, all those who sacrificed themselves, to give us this wonderful second chance. Today, we are here also to celebrate all of you who went through hell as heroes, and as heroes you were able to get home! I am grateful to each of you, in a personal and profound way!" The applause erupts into the air, like the sound of thunder. The crowd is dressed in thousands of colored flags and balloons, with gleams through the smiles, with shouts of joy. Everywhere, it is a swarm of raised hands, roars of joy, and festive hearts. The Admiral patiently waits for the eruption of enthusiasm and participation to subside before speaking again.
"However, it is only right to extend a sign of particular esteem to someone who the entire Galaxy owes immense gratitude, as well as sincere apologies..." Shepard's heart freezes with tension as Hackett meets her eyes with a glowing look of respect. "This is it!" She thinks, with a growing uneasiness, as the admiral speaks, heedless of the slight tremor that stirs his voice. "The incredible talent and invaluable contribution she tirelessly put into the difficult and delicate Galactic Species Unification Project has made it possible for all of us to be here now!"
A buzz of impatience rises from the tide in listening. Hackett continues to speak, forced to raise his voice to be heard. "I'm talking about a unique and incredible soldier who, more than any other, sacrificed herself, suffered, fought... for a long time, tirelessly, valiantly, always on the front line! Someone who gave her life twice, with great heroism, and twice... was able to come back! It's an honor to call here on this stage... Commander Shepard!"
The crowd explodes, in a deafening roar of unanimous acclaim. Tens of thousands of pleased and admiring eyes watch Shepard reach the stage, with a decisive step. Admiral Hackett is waiting for her, motionless, proud eyes, solemn bearing. At a steady pace, the Commander walks the short distance, looking straight ahead. She listens to the beats of her heart, which never stops taxiing, like a Trident taking off. Shepard stops in front of the superior and gives a salute with genuine respect. The Fleet Admiral Steven Hackett feels really proud of his assignment. He reciprocates to the Commander's saluting with an elegant gesture, before turning to the crowd that gradually ceases the noise. A shiver runs through Hackett spine, voice filled with emotion.
"Commander Shepard was the first human Spectre. In these long years, she was de facto the Captain of the SSV Normandy, one of the most advanced Alliance frigates. Commander Shepard and her brave crew defeated Saren Arterius and his Geth army. They destroyed the Sovereign. Twice, Shepard saved the Council... She crossed the Omega4 Relay, thwarting the dangerous threat of the collectors.
She did the impossible, to avert the invasion of the reapers, making choices difficult and painful, but necessary, to give us precious time. Shepard intervention made possible the cure of the Genophage, an alliance between Krogan and Turian, the peace between Quarian and Geth, and the defeat of Cerberus and the Illusive Man. She fought so bravely, to come back on Earth, pass through the Conduit, open the arms of the Citadel and activate the Crucible, thanks to which the reapers were permanently annihilated!
For all these reasons and for many others that would be too long to mention, I am extremely proud and honored to bestow upon Lieutenant Commander and First Human Spectre Emily Jane Shepard, the rank of Admiral of the New Galactic Union Fleet. I am proud to bestow, personally upon her the highest honor the Union gives its most valiant heroes, the Galactic Cross of Systems! Welcome home, Admiral Shepard, congratulations!" Hackett concludes, holding out his hand to Shepard who shakes it, with gratitude, still a little bewildered by such a warm and unexpected welcome.
A deafening applause breaks out. Shepard's senses are suddenly overwhelmed, flooded with emotion. Peace is healing her for every unspeakable pain she has suffered over the years. The annihilation of the reapers is the reward for every terrible sacrifice made! Admiral Hackett looks at the microphone, as a hint of a smile screws into the old war scar on his face. He gladly stepped aside, inviting Admiral Shepard to say a few words. Some words of good omen, at the conclusion of a beautiful ceremony. Shepard walks up to the microphone, looking dazed. She certainly did not expect such a warm reception.
She tries to keep her hand from shaking, while setting the mic. Tens of thousands of eyes are staring at her. Tens of thousands of ears are eagerly waiting the sound of her voice. Emily eagerly peers into the crowd, hoping to catch Liara's eye. Her future bride's reassuring eyes and smiling face, as usual, infuse her with all the courage she needs. Admiral Shepard lets out a deep sigh of concentration. A small grin lights up her face, as the silence is broken by her touching and intense voice.
"It's funny! You expect me to convey meaning through my words... However, the only words that come to mind right now are those of my dear Quarian friend Tali... Tali'Zorah Vas Rannoch! You know, she was recently raised to the rank of Admiral too. The very first thing she told me was how inadequate she felt to fill that role... Well, Tali, my friend... actually, no one, in the entire Union of Systems, could understand you better than I could!" Shepard tries to break the ice, with a little humor. Giggling stopped the moment the tone turned serious and resolute.
"The esteem and trust you place in me is something I am truly honored and grateful for! I promise you all I'll do my best to honor the Peace so painfully won, but I tell you right now... I can't do it alone! This goal can only be achieved if every one of us contributes! So please, my friends... It's important that we never forget what it's like to witness our worlds on fire, destroyed, and annihilated... Never forget how it feels watching our loved ones be killed, indoctrinated and turned into monsters... Never forget all the fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, children and friends, who sacrificed themselves in the hope of protecting us. Never forget all those who died to guarantee us a future of peace and freedom!
We commemorate every soldier from all species and world who perished in battle as a hero. We remember every single civilian of every species and every world who has fallen innocent victim to a brutal soulless enemy... We are all doomed to fail if we don't do it. If only we forget about it! We won't have any escape if a new threat comes and we're alone and have forgotten our past... our story!
To maintain peace, we must welcome these valuable changes and overcome the suspicions, conflicts and fears that used to divide us. We must stand together, to resist the enticements of power, the slavery of political, economic and territorial supremacy and the selfishness! We must move forward and progress together. Our New Galactic Union's growth can only occur if we work together. It is our responsibility to instill a new culture of unity of purpose and brotherhood in all future generations. That's way, this is the only way to defeat the Reapers forever. That's way, my friends... It's up to us now!"
To be Continued...