xxx

A/N - Since the plot is really all about the mission on Thessia, it is pretty straight forward. I have used game dialogue as the basis, but have redacted, added, conjectured and embellished to flesh out my characters, and frankly...to make myself happy. Of course, the story is focused on FemShep and Liara, but their shipmates are lurking about as well. It's really my novelization of what happened and the personal consequences for Liara/Shep's relationship.

This story is dedicated to two of my favorite authors:

WordKrush for your timely advice, ideas, encouragement, generosity and your wonderful stories. You are a gem!

and to -

Rae D. Magdon for your inspiration, generous spirit and encouragement, as well as your lush tales and the growing mythology of Tevos and Aria.

Cheers to both of you !

xxx

Chapter One - Prelude to Fire

War Room – Normandy SR-2 - Post-Rannoch

Shepard scrubbed a weary hand through her short, dark hair and palmed the back of her neck as she leaned into the war console railing. She could feel a headache just begging to emerge from the tension in her shoulders and the muscles at the base of her skull. The Reaper war was beginning to take its toll on her. As if fighting wave after wave of the sinister machines and their minions weren't enough, she also had to contend with the Illusive Man's hidden agenda as well. Then to top it off, there were the constant demands of the politicos, and the tension and infighting among the very people she was trying to save.

She grimaced at the thought. Yeah, cross being a diplomat...or a mother duck off my bucket list.

As she prepared to log out, she reached to rub a sore spot on her collarbone and felt her hand brush the chain holding her dogtags and a small, silver, non-regulation medallion. The little medal had been given to her as a special gift. A reminder that hope is always alive. That even in the darkest times, lost things could be found. Things like discovering the missing piece of the Crucible. Things like the Catalyst.

She realized her headache and tension were the result of thinking way too much coupled with major over exertion. Liara was probably feeling it too. That's why they pay me the big bucks but some sleep might be good.

As weary as she was, she was wary of going to bed, at least when sleeping was the objective. Sleeping involved dreams, usually bad ones. During these days it did anyway. But for now, she had to admit that since Liara had finally consented to move into her cabin, being in bed was a pleasant thought.

As she turned to attend to those more pleasant things she was interrupted by the voice of Sam Traynor. "Commander, you are being hailed by the Asari Councilor."

Straightening her uniform, she prepared to take the comm. "Put her through, Traynor."

The conversation with the Councilor was blessedly brief. The upshot was that Tevos wanted a meeting with her on the Citadel. But, Shepard sensed that there was much more to it. Beneath her congenial, congratulatory words there was an unspoken tension. Curiosity piqued, the Spectre was suddenly very anxious to get to there.

Shepard keyed the comlink to the Normandy's cockpit. "Joker, lay in a course for the Citadel and give me an ETA"

The helmsman quickly accomplished the task. "Aye, aye Commander."

"ETA is nine hours, forty-two minutes and fifty-three seconds," EDI chimed in.

Shepard yawned. The last mission had taken its toll on her body. It's not every day she had the opportunity to paint a target on a Reaper destroyer using a hand-held ladar gun, with only her feet, her reflexes and her cunning to keep her from being vaporized. "I'll be heading back to the loft shortly. EDI, give me a wake-up call in eight hours."

"Very well Shepard," EDI pleasantly confirmed.

"Say hello to Liara for us...She's still in her office." Joker's knowing chuckle echoed on the comm as he turned to tease the AI. "Now EDI, we both know you're just taking a wild guess at that...you sure you're not rounding off. Where are the milliseconds?"

"Would I lie to you, Jeff? It is, after all, an ETA. That is estimated time of arrival...," were the last words Shepard heard as she cut the link and turned from the war terminal, leaving her helmsman and the ship's AI to their playful banter.

xxx

Normandy - Liara's Office

As Joker predicted, Shepard's trek through the Normandy took her on a side trip to the door of the Shadow Broker's new lair. Casually leaning on the door frame, she took a moment to let her eyes rest on the stunning scientist that had become the center of her universe. Liara peered at the monitor intently, a slight wrinkle creasing her forehead, muttering to herself as she worked, completely immersed in the data flitting across the screen.

Shepard drank in the sight, proud of the asari's dedication, as always impressed, but worried. She works too hard.

It amazed Jane to believe that she'd managed to bond with the enchanting, amazingly capable creature toiling there. She felt very lucky indeed. Quietly, Shepard padded to the space just behind the asari and enveloped her in a gentle embrace, kissing the sensitive folds on her neck, intoxicated by the soft warmth and fragrance of her bondmate. "Are you dealing with a pressing issue, my dear Shadow Broker?"

Liara leaned back into the Commander's warm presence turning her head for a quick kiss. "It seems that I have more than one." A little smile of contentment graced her mouth as her lithe body relaxed and melted into the N7's embrace. "What did Tevos want with you?" The Shadow Broker missed very little aboard the Normandy or anywhere else for that matter.

"To request a meeting on the Citadel. She was vague about the particulars and she seemed a bit nervous. Said she has some useful information for me, but to be honest I'm not sure what it's about." Helpless against the lure, the Spectre nuzzled further into the asari's exquisite neck.

Cocking her head to give Jane's wandering lips room to roam she made her report. "It is likely that she is concerned, as am I, about the rumors of Reaper encroachment on the homeworld. I'm worried, Shepard. We know they've taken Dekunna. I've been searching for coordinates for Reaper activity nearby. But there doesn't seem to be any reliable data."

Liara's face tensed as she continued, Shepard sharing her view of the monitors from over her shoulder. "Asari commando units are very capable, but it is an understatement to point out that the strategies they employ would be virtually ineffective against a full scale invasion. As my father pointed out so colorfully, "as useful as tits on a hanar." Without allies, or a major miracle, the Reapers are likely on course to rapidly take Thessia."

Stepping back a pace, Jane massaged the maiden's shoulders. "I'm worried too, but we won't let them take your home without a fight, Liara. If we could just figure out what the damn Catalyst is we could end this for everyone."

"That is precisely the major miracle I was speaking of...along with the knowledge of how to use it...and exactly what it does." Liara pivoted in Shepard's arms, head bowed, her usual radiance subdued, rubbing her hands over the sleeves of her lab coat as if she were chilled. "At any rate, it will be interesting to see what the Councilor has in mind".

Lifting the maiden's chin and gathering her close, Shepard appraised the shining blue eyes gazing at her, addressing the tension and fatigue reflected in them while gently stroking a soft cheek. "We won't really know anything until I meet with Tevos. In the mean time, we're both overworked and in need of food, a shower and some rest. Something tells me that whatever the Councilor wants, we'll need to be at the top of our game when it comes out. So...instead of spending the next few hours staring at your terminal and guessing...let's regroup together."

Furrowing her eyebrows, Liara's captivating blue eyes narrowed teasingly. "Are you suggesting that I have body odor, Commander?"

Shepard shrugged and flashed a grin. "No, in fact you smell divine, Doctor. However, I am heading from barely tolerable into the realm of kroganish very quickly. Because I am so very happy that you have agreed to share my life...and my bed, I think a shower is the very least I can do."

The maiden softly laughed, her eyes sparkling impishly. "There are some who find the scent of krogan delightful."

"Yeah," Shepard responded with a mock grimace. "Your grandmother, almost certainly Aethyta, and definitely other krogan." Smirking, she continued her complaint. "I know Wrex flirts with you incessantly, but honestly...well he's a bit stinky, don't you think?"

Wrinkling her dainty nose in distaste, Liara looked thoughtful. "I suppose that's true. Wrex is charming in his own special way, but being too close for too long isn't a particularly pleasant thought." Drawing her soft, dark lips into a sensual smile, she finished with a theatrical sigh. "Since you've made such a compelling argument I suppose I should assist you with your mission."

Shepard snorted softly and playfully rolled her eyes. "Yes, we marines hold cleanliness in the highest regard. It would be an honor to have your talent and skill at the ready. Although I really think this is just an excuse for you to get your hands on my body."

"So attractive...and perceptive you are. However, I think we had better get a quick meal before we go to our bed. You, my brave commander, are going to need quite a bit of energy to accomplish your mission." Casting a smoldering glance at Shepard, she let her hips sway seductively as she started for the ship's galley.

xxx

Normandy SR-2 - Captain's Quarters – The Loft

Their 'mission' had proven to be quite a workout. Liara had been deliciously attentive and Shepard was relaxed. Although she had dozed a bit she had been unable to stay asleep. She thought about getting up, but couldn't bring herself to even make an attempt as she felt the asari's pliant, subtly pebbled crest resting on her shoulder, and the warm, sweet breath teasing her neck.

Over and over again, she found herself captivated by the breathtaking maiden. Doesn't even put any conscious effort into being desirable and utterly loveable...she just is.

Shepard gazed at the closed eyes, tempted to tenderly kiss those eyelids and stroke the delicate, ebony lashes she knew were as soft as butterfly wings. She took a deep breath and relished the smell of her mate's skin, the warm, slightly herbal fragrance that reminded her of the fresh sweetgrass that grew on her grandparent's farm. She took delight in the realization that it was mixed with the cedar scent of her own body from their previous exertions. The Commander couldn't get enough of looking at her sleeping lover, at just waking up next to her.

A wave of excitement tickling her brain, she chuckled at her own incorrigible thoughts. Looking is great but the touching is totally awesome.

She'd had lovers in the past, but those relationships were fleeting and utilitarian. She'd always believed that attachment could make a soldier weak. It had been an epiphany to find that allowing herself to love Liara T'Soni had made her more of a warrior than she had ever been.

Her excursion to Therum changed her life forever. She had fallen into the sapphire pools of the trapped asari maiden's eyes and had become trapped herself. Liara inspired her. She wanted to be more and do more. She was hungry to love this passionate, amazing soul for as long as she possibly could. She craved life. She wanted the war over.

As she lay in the dark with her straying thoughts, she watched the stars streaming by through the overhead skylight in the loft. Liara stirred a bit, her refined fingers tracing a trail of warmth as she moved her hand from Shepard's neck to its favored destination on the human's breastbone. Shivering slightly from the touch, the N7 gazed at the sleeping asari, contemplating the maturity that had begun to manifest in her lovely face and supple body.

The transition from guileless asari maiden to the most powerful information broker in the galaxy had been costly for Liara. Forged by the hardships and tough decisions she'd been forced to make, the shy, inexperienced, but gifted scientist she fell in love with had been augmented with confidence, an iron will, and a new assertiveness, that not only made her irresistible, but powerful.

That package offered a glimpse of who Liara might become in her matriarch years, and had allowed her to emerge as the new Shadow Broker. It had all been very difficult and she rarely spoke of it. In fact, Liara offered few complaints. Even in the face of disaster, she was still generally soft-spoken and kind. But she was also tougher than she appeared and deadly capable. The gentle maiden was still inside, still vulnerable, but only Shepard was privy to that facet of her being.

Shepard also knew that as a member of the venerable T'Soni lineage, Liara cared deeply for her people and respected the asari matriarchs. It would be trial for them both if Thessia were invaded. The Reaper invasion on Earth had been sudden and devastating. It was the stuff that fueled her nightmares and often kept her from sleep. Jane desperately wanted to protect Liara from that, but she didn't want to underestimate her either. It was important that they have balance, that they were equals. She never wanted her partner to feel inadequate or less in any way.

Benezia had nicknamed her daughter, "Little Wing". It always made Shepard think of the quail her grandfather raised on the back porch of the old farmhouse during her childhood. The times she had been able to spend there were her most cherished memories of Earth. When she got the chance to visit, she'd delighted in holding the fluffy babies and remembered the first time her grandfather had shown her the right way to do it. Silently laughing at her own sentimentality she reminisced.

Her grandfather's rich, resonant voice echoed in her mind as she pictured the bright eyed chick settling into her palm.

"Cup your hands..that's right...not too tight...now don't squeeze... she needs to be able to feel like she can move around a bit...you know, spread her little wings...good...that's right...just talk to her real gentle...let her know she's safe...just be there."

She heard her young self ask, "How do you know for sure if you're doing it right, Pappy?"

She remembered his grand smile and amused answer. "You'll know when she nuzzles into your hands without fighting to be free...just like she's doing now..."

With a featherlight touch, she softly caressed her lover's brow with her thumb. "Little Wing," she thought as Liara nuzzled closer into her neck, still in deep slumber. Finding comfort in her grandfather's wisdom, Jane blinked to clear the pesky liquid she felt in the corner of her eyes. She vowed to herself that whatever happened, she would do her best to deserve the love of this amazing soul in her arms. They would get through Thessia and whatever else life might have in store for them together. She would cup her hands, but remember not to hold on too tight. Epiphany had. Resolution made. She finally joined her lover in sleep.

xxx

Citadel – Human Embassies

Although they had gotten off to a rocky start, Shepard had come to believe that Tevos was a truly decent soul and the Commander had actually developed a soft spot for the asari. There was a strange kinship in her respect for Tevos' fierce desire to protect and care for her people. In that way they were more alike than any past differences could make them.

Rounding the corner to enter the human suite, Shepard took a deep breath, rolled her shoulders and entered the Human Ambassador's office. She was greeted with a flurry of activity, no doubt due to Udina's role in the recent attempt to take over the Citadel. Grimly, she remembered the last time she saw him. His traitorous acts had earned him death by her own hand. As she turned to a nearby turian C-Sec Officer to ask for the Councilor's whereabouts, Tevos strode into the room, issuing orders to an aide.

"I want all remaining files secured and marked for Tentron clearance only." As the secretary hurried off, Tevos, elegantly dressed as always, turned and greeted her warmly. "Commander Shepard, thank you for coming."

Though she stood tall and looked immaculate as ever, Shepard couldn't miss the dark lines of fatigue rimming Tevos's leaf green eyes. As if the war wasn't bad enough, the attack on the Citadel had been harrowing, resulting in widespread damage and disruption, not to mention nearly costing the entire Council their lives.

She cocked an eyebrow. "Did you find something?"

"The Council has ordered a full review into Donnel Udina's activities. We're still piecing together his coup attempt." Beckoning Shepard to join her, she pivoted gracefully and moved quietly to the balcony overlooking the Presidium Commons. "But that isn't why I asked you here." Her voice grew hushed and she drew a ragged breath. "The situation is growing urgent for my people. We are aware your Crucible is still missing a key component."

Stunned, the Spectre stood with her at the balcony rail. "The Catalyst. Do you know something?"

"Not exactly." Her tone grew more subdued. "But there is an artifact on our homeworld, Thessia, known only to the highest levels of my government."

Sensing the need for privacy, she moved closer to the asari. "What is it?"

Shifting to her omni-tool, Tevos lowered her head, quickly tapping the interface. "With any luck it is a means to help you find the Catalyst. The artifact is being kept in a temple located at these coordinates. I've ordered a scientific team to meet you there."

Tevos looked up, but her eyes quickly slid away, refusing to maintain contact. Her fingers plucked nervously at her sleeve as she deactivated her omni-tool.

"If this artifact is so important, why keep it hidden? And why tell me now?"

"Every species in the Citadel has its secrets." Tevos responded rapidly. "But this one, in the wrong hands, could upset the balance of power, Commander." She made that last admission quietly.

"The Reapers are doing that now. I know you are aware of the fact that they could be within range of Thessia as we speak." Shepard pointed out.

"Yes, they could be. In fact, it is very likely...though as unreliable as communications have been I can't be sure." Tevos sighed heavily and finally lifted her gaze. "Until recently, I was unaware of it myself. Consider my revelation an act of repentance for not acting sooner...and personal gratitude. I owe you my life, many times over."

Shepard understood that the asari councilor was taking a risk. "Do I want to know how you found this and what it will cost you?"

The white stripe on Tevos' lower lip twitched as she fought to keep it from quivering. "No." She whispered.

Respecting her reticence, the Spectre thanked her with genuine warmth. "I appreciate the help, Councilor."

Tension washed from Tevos' face when she realized the Commander's intent. "It's you who will be helping us. The Matriarchs are growing desperate. For the first time in our history, Thessia is vulnerable. For all our intellect, we are outmatched by Reaper firepower."

Shoving her hand through her unruly hair, Shepard felt a weight settle around her neck. The Reapers couldn't be there yet, could they?

Gazing squarely at the Councilor she simply promised. "I'll do what I can."

Pulling the Spectre into a gentle hug and brushing her lilac cheek lightly against Jane's, the N7 felt her relieved breath. "Whether you know it or not, you've become the sole ray of hope in a very dark night. Goddess be with you."

Letting Shepard go as suddenly and as silently as she had embraced her, the elegant Councilor swept back to her duties. The Spectre blew out the breath she had been unconsciously holding. Well...there's another asari to add to the list of asari I don't want to disappoint.

xxx

Normandy SR-2/Airlock and Cockpit

Normally, the age old ritual of boarding the ship was accomplished via the ship's comm system. But, this time Williams met Shepard at the airlock just past the decontamination unit. Amused by Ash's desire to do things by the book, the CO of the Normandy saluted briskly. "Permission to board."

"Permission granted, Commander." Ash proudly returned the salute, happy that the Spectre's trust in her had been restored..

"Glad some things never change, Ash." Shepard grinned as she heard EDI's announcement. "The Commanding Officer is on deck. Lieutenant Commander Williams stands relieved, Commander Shepard has the con."

Without missing a beat, Williams matched Shepard stride for stride as she made her way to the cockpit. "Joker?" She leaned toward the pilot's chair.

Impertinent grin in place, Joker swiveled his comfy chair. "At your beck and call...where to Commander?"

"Set an immediate course for Thessia and ask Javik and Liara to meet me in the cargo bay." Turning to the sleek synthetic body in the next seat, Shepard spoke to the AI. "EDI, check tactical scans for any signs of Reaper activity in the Athena Nebula and especially near Thessia. Update me ASAP."

"Of course, Shepard."

"Done Commander." The pilot airily shot back over his shoulder, "Did the councilor have something juicy for us?"

Shepard began to make her way to the hold. "You could say that. Apparently there is something in the temple at these coordinates that might be helpful in locating the Catalyst."

"Yeah, a whole lot of prayer," Moreau quipped irreverently, "that could come in really handy."

Beckoning Ash to follow and sighing as she began jogging quickly to the cargo hold, she sighed thoughtfully. "More than you know, Joker...more than you can possibly imagine."

xxx

Cargo Bay – Normandy SR-2

As Shepard and Williams entered the cargo bay, Joker hit her with the news. "Commander, Thessia is under heavy Reaper attack! It's lit up like a Christmas tree. EDI's identified activity across most of the planet, with Reaper signatures advancing in almost every sector of the nebula."

The Commander heard the elevator stop behind her just before the pilot made his announcement and knew, without looking, that Liara and Javik had arrived and clearly heard him. And so it begins.

She turned to face her startled bondmate as she activated her earbud. "What about the temple? Can you raise the scientists?"

"Shepard...," Liara began haltingly, following the Commander as she waited for Joker's reply.

"Joker?" The Spectre paced impatiently, her boot heels thudding with each anticipatory step. "Anything?"

"Negative, no luck." Joker sighed with an edge of frustration. "All channels are completely scrambled across the spectrum. QEC's completely fried . Nothing in or out. The mission's looking really dicey."

"This is too important. There's no choice. It's now or never!" Her eyes contracted in agitation. "Gimme an ETA, EDI."

"ETA is 41 minutes, 22 seconds."

Shepard saw Liara's body begin to quake as the asari spoke. "Shepard, that's my home down there. I have to go!"

Time seemed to stand still as she reached to grip Liara's trembling hand. She wanted to embrace the concerned figure before her, but she realized what Liara needed most was her strength and resolve. "Alright. Then let's gear up! Javik, Ash, you're with us! "

Javik was already in armor and quickly chose a Phaeston rifle and a Carnifax pistol for the mission. After grabbing a bandolier of thermal clips, he found a crate near the shuttle and sat looking bored and sullen.

Williams stood at her locker, pulling out armor and gear, looking not entirely pleased with her collection. Shepard watched as James Vega took notice and slipped over, graciously offering Ash a newly assembled Harrier and an Indra Sniper Rifle. Ash took them almost reverently, gratitude reflected in her deep brown eyes as she nodded her thanks.

Under usual circumstances, Vega would've had a lot to say, but Jane saw that he was keeping himself in check. He had teased about the blue beauties on Thessia, but Shepard knew that Liara had wormed her way into his heart as he made his way to where they stood.

She has a way with these big, tough guys.

James had watched Earth burn, the misery of it lingered in his agate eyes. Sharing a knowing look with Shepard, and glancing at Liara, his rugged face softened as he nodded and quietly wished them well, padding back to his workbench. "Good luck, Lola...Blue."

Shepard and Liara had lockers that were adjacent to each other and conveniently tucked in a more discreet corner of the cargo bay, allowing them a few minutes of privacy as they prepared. On past missions, the N7 had enjoyed getting prepped with Liara. They often took the opportunity to flirt and chat, a habit that calmed their nerves and gave them some small joy before embarking on whatever mission was at hand. But this time it was different.

Liara sat in silence on a little ammo crate facing her locker, changed into her compression suit, gripping the chestplate to a new set of high tech, custom Alliance armor. She'd never worn it. Its blue, gray and white finish was pristine. Not a scratch, ding or dent to be found on it anywhere. The analogy of the unblemished armor and her exposure to Thessia was not lost on Jane. She detested the idea of her lover being subjected to the destruction they would face planetside.

Echoes of Noveria.

As Commander, Jane had the option of ordering the asari to stay aboard, but deep down she knew the decision belonged to the maiden. "Liara, I know you want to...but you don't have to do this." She smiled gently at her, tenderly covering the slim, blue hands holding the armor.

"Yes Shepard, I do." Liara whispered, "Joker, Ashley, James, Garrus, Wrex, Tali, you...and," looking pointedly at the stern Prothean, "...Javik. You have all witnessed the Reapers' work in your homes. I would think less of myself if I couldn't face this."

"I understand, but you won't face this alone." Shepard felt the asari's hands tremble beneath her own. "We do this together...Okay?"

Liara agreed, tense eyes peering up from her bowed head. "Okay."

They finished dressing without further conversation, checking armor closures and straps for each other with practiced motions, taking solace in the simple routine that ensured that they'd done what they could to protect one another from harm.

As they finished, Shepard broke the silence. "I have something for you." Pulling a Paladin pistol from her locker, she inserted a clip and noisily armed it. "I know it's not a particularly romantic gift, just practical. It was going to be one of your birthday presents, but I'd feel better knowing you have it today. It's modded for weight and damage, so it's light and lethal...like you."

A warm, sad smile on her lips, Liara took the deadly weapon. "Thank you, Commander. If it might save our lives...that makes it a very romantic gift to me."

"My pleasure, Dr. T'Soni." Shepard folded Liara into a gentle hug, pressing a quick, nearly chaste kiss to her indigo lips. "Use it well."

"I intend to." Liara made her declaration in a low, dangerous voice as she attached the pistol to the weapon clip at her hip. Jane had last heard that tone when the asari spoke to the former Shadow Broker on his ship. It was only a few moments before he breathed his last breath.