Transcendent Love

Chapter 2 - Old Bonds

The ship was getting close to Sur'Kesh. Garrus might have went missing for a long time, but he still had contacts all around the galaxy. Especially after his time as Archangel on Omega. Therefore he managed to find transport to the planet quite easily.

Once they reached the planet's orbit, Garrus took a shuttle in order to reach the coordinates that were sent on his Omni-Tool. He armored up and took his classic loadout: the trusty Black Widow and the versatile Vindicator. Before he landed, Garrus glanced quickly at the picture of him and Layla during the Citadel party. That was the moment they promised each other they will start an actual relationship if they won the war. He closed his eyes for a second, clearing his mind, his mandibles moving with grief.

'I failed to keep that promise, Layla. But if somehow you are alive and I am not losing my mind, I will find you.' he said to her. She wasn't there but he felt better thinking she could hear him.

After he reached the landing zone, he was greeted by Major Kirrahe. Garrus decided it was better to have a familiar face with him around until he reaches the meeting point, especially since they both held each other in high regard, as he did not know Sur'Kesh that well to begin with.

'Agent Vakarian. A pleasure to see you again.'

'The pleasure is all mine, Major.', said Garrus as they shook hands.

'What brings you on Sur'Kesh, if you don't mind me asking?', said Kirrahe as they made their way towards another, smaller shuttle.

'I... am rebuilding old bonds, I suppose.' He stretched his neck, trying not to give himself away to Kirrahe just yet. He was not sure about what is actually going to happen himself.

'I see...' his tone suggesting that he knew Garrus was not telling him everything. 'Well, it is always an honor to help someone from the Commander's crew, and I am deeply sorry that she did not survive the war. She was an excellent and honorable soldier.'

'Thank you, Major.' Garrus said coldly. Since he left Normandy he got annoyed by these formalities. 'Should we?', he said, pointing towards the shuttle.

'Of course. It won't take long to get there.'

They boarded the shuttle and headed towards the meeting location. Garrus could feel the nervousness building inside him. On one hand, he did not know what to make out from the dream and the message and on the other hand, it has been a while since he talked to anyone from the crew.

When they reached the coordinates, Kirrahe landed the shuttle and Garus was getting ready to meet his old friend.

'I will wait for you here, Agent Vakarian.'

'Copy that. It shouldn't take too long.'

As he left the shuttle, his eyes looked around in order to get familiar with the place and the best spots for a sniper. An old habit even now he cannot get rid of. Like the whole planet, the flourishing vegetation covered the land in a bright green. Only a few rocks were breaking the pattern here and there. He could notice a wide blue opening at the end of the tree line, suggesting he was standing on a cliff. Suddenly, a friendly, blue figure caught his eye.

'Well, well. Look who is here! The better and improved Shadow Broker. You did not spy too much on me, did you?', said Garrus, surprised by his own, old attitude, that he thought he had lost.

'Garrus! It is such a relief to finally see you after all this time.' Liara approached him and gave him a long and tight hug.

'Would you be so kind to not cut my breath completely, please?', he said with a smirk appearing on his face.

'Glad to see you haven't lost your sarcasm yet.'

'Not with you anyway.'

'Very charming, like always.', she said, shaking her head.

'So... please tell me this is real.' Garrus' voice changed, not being able to control his impatience anymore.

Liara took a moment to think, now facing the landscape below the cliff they were standing on. 'I do think so. But it is a long story...'

Garrus approached her, gently laying a hand on her shoulder. 'I have all the time in the galaxy. I just... If there is even the slightest possibility that Layla is alive, I need to find her.'

Liara could see the sadness in his eyes, saying those words. She wasn't sure if her knowledge is accurate, and she did not want to mess with his old friend's feelings. But like Garrus, she wanted to know what happened to her.

'I know. And I might be able to help...' she said, trying to keep her own uncertainty hidden.

[I hope you like this new entry! Because it has been a while since I worked on this, I thought two chapters in one week wouldn't hurt. I am not sure how often I will update the story but I will try to write a new chapter every week at least. Hope you enjoy.]