Aftermath

Chapter 8

There was sun filtering in from the windows when Liara woke again. She reached out for Shepard but found the bed next to her empty. A sudden fear gripped her. Maybe it had all been a dream.

She sat up, the covers falling to her waist and found Shepard standing by the window, looking out, lost somewhere in her thoughts. Liara took a deep breath, calming herself. It was real. She was real.

She noticed for the first time looking at Shepard's naked body in the light of morning the scars marring her. Some were old, some were still red and angry. A dark bruise wrapped around her ribs on her left side and Liara felt a pang of guilt.

She walked up behind Shepard and gently slid her arms around her, resting her head against Shepard's back. Shepard placed her hands on top of Liara's and leaned into her, but remained staring out into the Thessia sun. After a moment Liara ran a hand gently over the dark bruise along her side as well as a ragged scar. "Are you sure you are alright?"

"I've died twice, this is nothing," Shepard said, giving a small smile. She tore her gaze away from the landscape and turned to hold Liara in her arms. "I have to say I was impressed. I think your biotics have gotten stronger."

Liara nuzzled her face into Shepard's neck, breathing her in, feeling suddenly intoxicated as she always seemed to when they were this close. "They are always stronger here on Thessia. The Element Zero content is very high here which..."

Shepard had begun trailing kisses down her neck and Liara was loosing her train of thought rapidly. "...which boosts... oh Goddess..."

Shepard captured her lips, kissing her deeply, reveling in the feeling of their skin against each other. She could feel Liara's consciousness beginning to mingle with hers and pulled her closer.

The com link beeped insistently at least three times before either of them heard it. They ignored it further, but it was persistent. Liara broke away from the embrace, breathless. The com link beeped again and she let out a frustrated sigh.

Reluctantly she walked over and activated the com. "Yes, what is it?" Shepard smiled to herself at the undisguised agitation in Liara's voice.

"Apologies Dr. T'soni. Ms. Lawson is insisting on speaking with you urgently."

With a node from Shepard she said, "Very well, show her in." Liara tossed Shepard a well worn pair of her own N7 sweats. Shepard lifted an eyebrow in question and Liara merely smiled and pulled on her robe. They met Oriana in the adjoining room.

Oriana was twisting her hands nervously when they walked in. "Morning Oriana," Shepard said, giving her a smile.

Oriana spun and stepped forward ready to launch into something but stopped short upon seeing Shepard, tilting her head analytically to the side. "Commander, you look... relaxed."

Liara sat, crossed her legs and cast Shepard a satisfied smile. Shepard fought the grin that threatened, "Liara tends to have that affect on me."

"Oh," Oriana seemed at a loss for a moment.

"You had something urgent to discuss?" Shepard prompted.

"Yes, oh, yes of course." Back on track she continued, "Miranda asked to speak with you on vid com. She said it's urgent."

Oriana produced a small quantum communicator and in a moment the image of Miranda Lawson resolved in front of them. "Shepard, good to see you're still alive," she said dryly. "Liara," she said by way of greeting, a distinct chill in her tone.

Liara said nothing, her eyes steely. Shepard could feel the ripple of anger that radiated from Liara. Something had obviously transpired between these two in the nine months since the Reaper attack. Shepard made a mental note to ask Liara about it later.

"What have you got? Any intel from the Redeemer operatives we stopped?" Shepard asked.

"Unfortunately no. They were prepared for capture and managed to poison themselves before we could even begin to question them."

Shepard frowned, "All of them? That's dedication."

"I warned you these people weren't to be trifled with. They are extremists and very dangerous."

"They are gone now," Liara stated.

"Right. What's so urgent?" Shepard said, crossing her arms.

"You are needed back on Earth immediately," Miranda answered.

Shepard could feel Liara's eyes on her. "Why immediately?"

"Hackett is aware of your recovery and is demanding to see you at Alliance HQ. He wants to debrief you personally. I haven't told him about your little field trip, of course."

Shepard nodded, not looking at Miranda or Liara. "Alright, we'll leave within in the hour." Her voice was resigned. She felt an ache tighten in her chest.

"Very well, contact me when you've passed through the first relay." Miranda's image disappeared.

"Oriana, ready the ship, I'll meet you there," Shepard said, her voice still subdued.

"Can I assume Dr. T'soni will be joining us?" she looked from one to the other, noting some tension.

"I will not be joining you," Shepard heard Liara say. Shepard had known that would be her answer but hearing the words made the tightness in her chest increase.

"Very well Commander," Oriana said, and then she was gone and Shepard and Liara were once again alone.

After a moment, Liara said quietly, "You know why I cannot come with you?"

Shepard didn't answer and instead sighed and rubbed the scar on her forehead like it was aching.

"I need to finish what I started here..." Liara continued.

Shepard nodded, raising a hand, stopping her. "I know Liara. I know how important it is to you." Shepard said.

Liara made her way over to Shepard. "Once the Normandy returned to Earth after... everything ... I needed to do something... for my people." She shook her head, "After we watched Thessia fall the feeling of guilt was overwhelming. I..."

Shepard stopped her by taking her hands in hers and kissing them. "I know Liara. I understand. I just hate the thought of being away from you again."

Liara met Shepard's eyes. "The last thing I want is to be away from you," she said softly. "I need a few weeks to finish what I started, then I will meet you on the Citadel." She hesitated in a brief moment of insecurity, "If you want me to come."

Shepard answered by taking her in her arms and kissing her. Any doubt Liara had was swept away. When they parted Shepard whispered, "Don't be too long Liara," not hiding her need any longer, knowing Liara felt it too. She paused, looking into her eyes, trying to convey the depth of her feelings, "You mean everything to me," she repeated softly.

Liara rested her forehead against Shepard's, "And I am yours, always."