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Mass Effect Liara's Story Ch 1

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Liara's Story Chapter 1


This is fanfic, I own nothing, and know nothing. Characters in the story belong to Bioware and all that legal stuff. Though I am a big fan of all things Tali, Liara got stuck in my mind for a while. I couldn't help but think of what made a 106 year old tick, and be so naïve about some things. The answers, for me at least, was having a sheltered childhood, diving into academia to earn a doctorate (probably not easy for a race that lives that long) and burying herself in her work. Unknowingly seeking to avoid putting herself out there and not get hurt. This story that rolled around my head for two weeks until I had to write it, talks of this and eventually why she reacts the way she did when encountering Shepard on Illium later. It's weird how the story of a game can get so into your head, aint it? Get out of my head, dude!


ILLIUM:  Pale-blue eyes flew open as she sat up with a small cry. Her left hand clutched the light-green sheet to her breast, her right hand reached out trying desperately to grasp something or someone no longer there. Again, she dreamed of Shepard. Again, she felt the weight of reality and loss crash down on her. The need, joy, love and loss of it all consumed her again. There was no solace for her. There was no one to turn to or confide in when the dark, bitter memories came. She was alone in this cursed universe with only one sliver of hope to keep her sane. Keep her from sliding into an abyss of despair and madness. Today could give her all the answers she has both dreaded and dreamed of for so long.

It wasn't long ago that being alone would have been peaceful and preferred for her. She charted her own course through life. Away from a mother who was respected, admired and wise. Her mother cast a long shadow over those around her. It was not her fault.  Benezia had been a good and generous woman. She was an honorable woman who sought to guide others onto more peaceful paths. Even members of the Council deferred to her during the few occasions she consulted with them. She had a powerful presence and a huge following. Their home was constantly full of dignitaries, clerics and diplomats from across the galaxy seeking her guidance. Benezia's only fault had been she always made time for the galaxy, which left little for her daughter.

So the young woman followed her own passion. Without knowing that this was what her mother always wanted for her. The past pulled at her. She reveled in the thought of all the secrets waiting for her to unearth. Archaeology satisfied her passion for exploration and granted her the solitary existence she never had before at home. She considered herself to be an intelligent, worldly, self-possessed woman who had found the nitch she wanted for the rest of her life. Then along came Shepard.

Commander Anaya Shepard, a human less than half her own age of 106, came into her life and swept her out of her sheltered life and into adventures, and a reality, she never dreamed of. Shepard had a powerful charisma and her convictions were absolute. She was decisive and possessed an indomitable will and trusted her own people implicitly and would defend them like an angry mother Thresher-maw. She ate life and lived to serve the good people of the galactic community. She showed Liara what it meant to really be loyal to those around you, to be selfless and brave. She taught Liara what leading a real, meaningful life meant. She served a greater good.

Shepard saved her from a Krogan War-Lord and his geth when they met. She brought Liara into her family, her crew, and defended her when the Council objected to her presence on the Normandy. Anaya was like that, quick to read a person and know who to trust, a trait Liara struggled to develop in herself. She saw Shepard destroy countless geth, stand up to the Council, destroy powerful enemies and chase a disgraced Specter across the galaxy with a grim determination that almost frightened her.

Despite Anaya's gift for battle and destruction, she also saw Shepard save countless innocent lives, colonies, a formerly extinct species and bring peaceful solutions to terrible situations. Liara had glimpsed and was drawn to the other, compassionate side of her. Anaya was the strength that helped Liara through her first real loss in her life, the death of her mother. She still could not believe the steadfast trust Anaya had in her before confronting Benezia. Afterwards, Liara strove to put up a brave front and seem to be above it all and not be a burden to the crew, but Anaya saw through it and helped her deal with the devastating blow. Anaya taught her how to grieve and deal with loss.

It wasn't long before Liara was drawn to Shepard. She found herself thinking of the young Commander while waiting for sleep to take her, and during down time in the ship's lab. She researched Shepard's history and found a short life filled with loss, pain and terrible strife. Mindoir, Elysium, and Eden Prime. Perhaps it was the Asari's telepathic abilities that started it, helping her find the one soul in the galaxy that she was meant to share her life with. Perhaps it was her naivety and inexperience that made her express herself so soon. Too soon for most, she found out after reading more about human mating rituals and habits. Apparently, humans spent a lot of time doing something called 'playing games'. In any case, she had bared her heart to Anaya and, goddess be praised, Shepard felt the same way about her. Liara remembered the quivering in her stomach and the weakness in her knees at that moment, and the blossoming hope for a happy future that welled up inside her. She knew they belonged together, but it was very new and very scary. Anaya gave her the time she needed to adjust.

By the time they assaulted Virmire, Liara had proven to be an excellent warrior. Her training in Asari martial arts and her biotics helped them overcome enemies and her intuitive connection with Shepard helped her almost anticipate the Commander's orders creating a faster flow and reactions during battle. Shepard turned her into the warrior she never thought she could be. Combat had always terrified her, but Anaya somehow took away the fear. Along with Wrex, Garrus, Tali, Williams and Alenko, the Commander made them all better, a team, just by being there. Shepard taught her how to stand up and fight for what was right.

Liara also saw vulnerability in Anaya for the first time there. She saw the death of Alenko tear at Shepard's very being. Saw that look of confidence crumble for a few brief moments before being forced away by the steely eyed confidence she displayed in battle. But Liara saw it, the pain in the young woman's soul. It made her wish to hold her close and cry for her until it ebbed away. Liara finally saw that Anaya wasn't just a stoic warrior, but a caring, sensitive person who could still be hurt and damaged. She thought back to how Mindoir and Elysium must have affected Anaya. She had lost more in her short life than Liara had in more than twice those years.

On the way to Ilos, Liara decided she couldn't wait any longer. She had seen how death could reach out her cold hand and take anyone anytime. She longed to be in Anaya's arms, to feel her strength and more. She went to Anaya and they finally shared their love of each other as only true soul-mates can. The feel of her skin against her, the warmth of her body, her scent, the tenderness of her touch, the bliss of her soft lips brushing her own and the true essence of Anaya when their minds merged and they shared each other in the most intimate way possible. Liara knew she could live in that memory for the rest of her life. Unknowingly, Anaya taught her another life lesson that night. To open up and experience life instead of letting caution control her life. She taught her how to truly love.

In the Citadel Tower she thought she had lost Anaya. Liara sat there on her knees, stunned and unable to move while blankly staring at the huge piece of wreckage that crashed through the giant windows and landed right where Shepard had stood a moment before using her biotics to throw Liara and Tali out of the way. She felt her entire existence collapsing into a black hole of despair, her body numb, and her heart empty. All hope, gone. Only one day of true happiness, how could the goddess be so cruel? Then the infinite elation when she saw Anaya run to the top of that wreckage. There she stood, cradling her broken arm, like a triumphant warrior from ancient earth. They were too exhausted to do anything but lay in each other's arms that night but it somehow was as perfect and intimate as the hours of passion they shared the night before.

They shared each night together after that, until it really happened, and Liara's life was sent into the directionless, chaotic abyss of sorrow that consumed her. Above the icy planet of Alchera, an unknown enemy struck fast and mercilessly. "Li, go!" Anaya said. Liara was torn. She didn't want to follow Shepard's order to get off the ship, but knew she had to so Anaya could do what she must without worrying about her. So she loaded the escape pod and with a last look back in hope to see her love, she locked the seat restraints and pulled the ejection lever.

Communications are normally cut in the pods during escape in order to prevent an attacking enemy from tracking them and destroying them in flight, but Liara couldn't help but listen in on what happened in the Normandy's cockpit.

"Joker! Let's go, the ship's had it!"

"No, I can still save her. Just a few more adjustments and .." Another energy beam sliced through the hull, creating a shriek of tearing metal that made Liara's audio dampeners kick in.

"I said NOW, JOKER! She's lost and you dying isn't going to change anything!"

"Yeah, I guess…Aaagh! My arm!"

Liara heard a short scuffle, praying they were on the life-pod. Then another strike from the enemy ship followed quickly by two deafening explosions. Liara wept in fear for her love, only imagining what she was going through.

"Damnit, Joker! Get in…"

There was another explosion, then Joker screaming. "Commander! COMMANDER!" The hatch sealed, and the pod ejected. Liara heard it all. Praying, crying, pleading with the goddess.

She strained to hear something else, any indication that Anaya made it. Then she realized she was hearing something. An air leak. Venting. Short gasps as a desperate, doomed someone struggled to breath. Gagging. "Li,…" Then silence. Nothing at all.

On the surface of the planet, the pods were scattered across three continents. During the hours on the surface of that icy hell-hole, waiting in the pod for rescue, Liara turned inward. She vaguely remembers Dr. Chakwas trying in vain to talk to her. Engage her. Encourage her. But she couldn't respond. Couldn't move. She existed within own mind. She had to. Or she would go mad. She was in shock. She fell into her own, inner reality.

After rescue Liara was no better. Dr. Chakwas watched over her in the med-bay of the SSV Oslo until she was transferred down to an Asari hospital on the Citadel where she started having fleeting moments of semi-awareness. She remembers hearing voices or doctors discussing her condition, attributing the coma to one nasty thing or another. They all seemed to agree that therapy and recuperation could take years.

"Acute, emotional disconnection syndrome, she requires in-depth analysis and therapy…" "How can she be analyzed while she's not even conscious, you quack? She obviously requires invasive exploratory surgery to find out.." "Yes! Cut holes in her head, butcher! That's always the answer! I can analyze her through use of…" "Now look here, she could have…"

"Enough!" A rough, commanding voice ordered.

"Who do you think you are? You can't just barge in here. Dr. T'Vorn and I were just…"

"Get away from her before I pull off your arms and beat you to death with them! Get out, now!"

Moments or years pass… A gentle soul touches her mind. Explores, feels the joy, love and pain of a lifetime that happened in a few short months. "Sha'ira, can you help her?" The voice was still gruff, but now seemed pleading, almost desperate.

"She is caught in the Mehlat'Tor. Another part of our people that modern science has forgotten. I can promise nothing, 'Thyta, however…"

"Listen here!" The gruff voice shot back angrily. "You owe me many times over. I'll tear down your little empire block by block with my bare hands! I'll stomp each of your little acolytes back into primordial goo! I'll…I'll…" Her voice softened, and lowered to nearly a whisper. "Please. She…she's all I have left…"

"I know old friend. I will do all I can for her…for you."

Days later, Liara woke in a dark and elegantly decorated room. Standing shakily, she gazed about the room. She was wearing only a traditional Asari h'ruel,at. A wide piece of crimson, soft linen cloth that wrapped around her waist once, tied at the left hip and the remainder was thrown over the right shoulder and left to hang free down to the small of her back. Wide bolts of light colored silk hung from the ceiling to rumple on the floor throughout the room. Candles broke the darkness here and there not quite lighting enough to see everything. The bed was large, covered in bone colored, Thessian silk sheets and traditional, tan, thin linen throw blanket. Incense burned nearby, and she could hear the gentle sound of a string quartet playing in the back-ground. The only non-Asari thing in the room was the music, she realized. It was from earth. Mozart. A piece she had learned to love when she was with Anaya. With the mere thought of the name, the grief crashed back over her, threatening to consume her again.

This time someone else was there. Strong yet gentle hands took her shoulders and guided her to sit on the edge of the bed. She absently felt those hands cup her face and draw her tear-filled eyes up to see a stunningly beautiful Asari gazing at her with genuine empathy and concern. Those eyes held wisdom, experience and power. "Liara, you must listen. Look at me. Focus on my eyes. See me, feel me. Let me be your anchor to reality." Liara felt the other woman take her hands and place the left on the woman's face and the right along her long, elegant neck. "You must concentrate, Liara. You are on the precipice of being lost forever. You must fight." She urged softly. "Feel the pulse in my neck, the warmth of my cheek." The woman's face was only inches from her own, she was beautiful and compassionate. Liara struggled to see. "I am Sha'ira, and I am here to help you. I have touched your mind and have seen your memories. I have seen you. Your love. Your loss. I know Anaya nearly as well as you. You must trust me as you trusted Shepard to save your life. Follow me and I will give you strength." Sha'ira slid Liara's right hand down to the center of her bare breast. "Feel the life in me. Feel reality. Open yourself to me and the universe. All things are one. Embrace eternity."

As artificial morning dawned, Liara woke without moving and tried to discern where she was. She was lying in a luxurious bed, in the embrace of an Asari. The other woman was humming softly and lightly caressing Liara's bare back. Liara's cheek was nuzzled against the woman's breast. She felt safe.  Memories came back to her slowly. Her crewmates, Benezia, Virmire and of course Shepard. She knew what happened, but this time she was resolved to stay and do more. To live. As Anaya would want her to.

"So, you finally wake." The other woman said in a soft, lilting voice.

Liara sat up and looked at her, sifting through memories of the chaos of the night before. She knew this woman helped her through the chaos, back to reality. She realized she was wearing only the h'ruel,at which had fallen off her shoulder, but did not care at the moment.

"Where am I?" Liara asked.

"You are in my home on the Citadel. I am Sha'ira." The other woman stated simply. "You have been unconscious for several weeks. You were lost in a tempest of your own mind after the loss of your love. I had to delve deep into your mind in order to help you back. I apologize for not being able to ask permission before hand." They both knew it was necessary, but being a telepathic race, Asari put great importance on the privacy of the mind.

"Thank you for everything you have done for me, Sha'ira. I am cannot express my thanks sufficiently. May I ask of my friends? Did they survive? How…?"

Sha'ira gently placed a finger to Liara's lips and said. "Hush. Be at peace. I will tell you all while we break our fast." Sha'ira stood gracefully and adjusted her own h'ruel,at  before opening the double doors on the far wall. Four Asari servants dressed in traditional garb swept into the room and within seconds had an elegant table set for two near the balcony. Outside, one of the great arms of the Citadel stretched into the distance, where she could see the Presidium still wreathed in the floating wreckage left from the destruction of Sovereign and so many human ships.

Sha'ira sat and gestured Liara to the other chair. "Please." Liara sat hesitantly but ate voraciously. The food was splendid. She realized that she probably had not eaten anything solid for quite some time. During their meal, Sha'ira told her of the events since Alchera. "I want you to know that I admire what you and Shepard did here on the Citadel. I lost many friends that day, however we would all be gone if not for your bravery."

Liara asked of her shipmates. "They have all been here. Garrus Vakarian stopped in again three days ago. He has joined Citadel Security. Though, I personally do not believe that role suites him." She observed. "Your Quarian friend Tali'Zorah was here twice every day for a week and a half before being recalled back to the Migrant Fleet. She is a sweet, pure soul. I greatly enjoyed speaking with her. Urdnot Wrex, an unusual Krogan, was last here six days ago. He is now on Tuchanka. Several humans, an Ashley Williams, Jeffery Moreau and Dr. Chakwas came together several times, but the Alliance has sent them off to other duties. All have left multiple messages for you." She paused to gauge how Liara was processing the information. Liara started at the second human's name. She continued. "Mr. Moreau carries a guilt within him that will not be easily lifted."

Liara tensed at the statement and felt a cold fury well up inside her. She didn't know she was capable of real hate, but imagined this would be what it was like. If Joker had obeyed the initial abandon ship order, Anaya would still be here. Anaya would still... Sha'ira's soft hand touched Liara's and brought her back. "I know your anger, Liara. You believe he caused the death of the one you loved. You must set this aside for your own well being."

Liara changed the subject. "What was wrong with me? Asari lose…" She felt a lump form in her throat. "We lose partners perhaps multiple times during our lives. I've never heard of something like this happening."

Sha'ira smiled. "You were blessed above nearly all others by the goddess. You fell into the Mehlat'Tor. It is a result of being part of an Ahlar'Tyr."

"I have never heard of this." Liara said, her curiosity returning.

"It is extraordinarily rare. As rare as Ardat'Yakshi are, this is doubly more so. Perhaps they are balancing opposites in our culture. They balance us. In any case, you were blessed by the goddess in that you were half of the purest of unions. The love, inner connection the extreme depth of your melding with each other is far beyond any that normal Asari experience. You are both very special beings, completely committed to each other on levels most people do not know exist. You are young and did not know what to expect, so you did not know the difference. No other Asari experience what you did with Anaya. I must admit to being a bit envious."

"But Anaya is…was a human."

"It seems that specie does not matter." Sha'ira paused. "You will need some time to come to terms with this. You must know, however that you still have important work to do. I feel it deep in my soul that there is a darkness approaching and that you yet have an important role to play if we are to survive."

Liara's eyes met the other woman's. "What is there for me to do? I have no purpose other than archaeology. But it seems pointless if we are to be destroyed when the Reaper Fleet arrives."

"I will tell you when you are ready. In the meantime, you will stay here for a few days and be tended to by my acolytes. You are not healed, but you are well on your way."

"Very well. You have brought me back from the abyss. I am very grateful. Thank you. My mother was a very wealthy woman so I'm sure I can afford…"

"No payment is necessary." Sha'ira interrupted.

Liara was a bit shocked. "Why would you do this? We do not know each other. We have no past."

Sha'ira rose from the table and smiled down at her. "Let's just say I am attempting to pay a debt that can never be repaid, and help a friend who is dear to me above all things in the Galaxy." With a touch of Liara's cheek she glided out of the room saying, "We will not speak of this again."

Liara spent four days being tended to by Sha'ira's acolytes. Sha'ira spent each evening with her discussing literature, archaeology, Protheans and Anaya. The older Asari stayed with her the first night to hold her and comfort her while she slept, but Liara had developed resiliency and was fine afterwards. She regained her strength quickly, sparring with weapons and bare hands. Meditation was difficult at first, but relaxing none the less. She was soothed with song and massage, studied Asari philosophy. The rage and loss was still ever present within her, but she found her balance. She was able to balance and blend the young, naïve part of herself, the calm, rational analytic part, and the newly found anger and rage into one new person. She grimly thought Anaya would have approved.

On the fifth day Sha'ira came to her after mid-day meal. Liara expected it. She was restless and eager to get busy working on something worthwhile. To make a difference.

"Liara, my friend." Liara stood and embraced her fondly. As they parted Sha'ira touched Liara's face and smiled. "The time has come for you and I to part ways."

"I know. I have felt it all day. I owe you a great deal, Sha'ira. How can one repay the person who gave back your mind?"

"There is no need. You saved the Galaxy once and me along with it. So, in a way, it is I who owed you. Besides, there should be no tally of who owes who what between friends, and I am glad to count you among my friends."

Liara smiled, "I am honored and will always be your friend."

"Though you look stunning in the h'ruel,at ,you would create quite a stir among the Citadel population parading around in just that. I have had a wardrobe prepared for you. It awaits you in the antechamber. After you choose a dress, Myrella will help you pack up the rest."

"I don't know what to say. Except thank you, again."

Sha'ira smiled, "Again, no thanks necessary. I will leave you with this," She hugged Liara close and pulled back to look her in the eyes. "I feel it deeply that your journey is not over. How? I do not know. It will cause you pain and strife, but am sure that you must find your love again. Find her and grasp the slim hope that finds its way to you." Sha'ira kissed her lightly on the cheek and turned to leave. "You have been blessed by the goddess young one. You have a destiny to save one, and in so doing, you'll save us all." With that she was gone.

Liara dressed quickly and read her messages for the first time before departing. Over two hundred messages waited for her. Most were from Tali and Dr. Chakwas. One was from Mr. Moreau; she skipped that one for now. There were so many others, including an encrypted one from an M.Lawson that she would have to read later. She would start with Admiral Hackett and Counselor Anderson. She would contact Tali, Garrus and the others and try to get an idea where to start. She now felt the road stretching out in front of her, awaiting her first footfall.

As her speeder left the tower she glanced down and saw Sha'ira standing with another Asari on the balcony, her hand on the other woman's shoulder as they watched her speeder join the bustling traffic of the Citadel.

To be continued in Liara's Story Chapter 2
Liara’s Story Chapter 1. Again Bioware owns these characters and stuff, I'm just playing around. I hope you enjoy my take on things.

Comments and suggestions are always welcome.
© 2011 - 2024 tnkcomandr
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Buggiknight's avatar
Simply amazing! You way of writing catches the atmosphere and delivers it to the reader in a great way. Can't wait to read the rest, and totally worth a favourite!
Oh, and the fact that you named a ship the VSS Oslo, the name of my home's capital, really caught my attention.