As the Seconds Drift: Meetings

Characters: Sarah Jane Shepard, Liara T'Soni, Tali'Zorah, Garrus Vakarian, Kaiden Alenko, Dr. Chakwas
Timeline: After Reaper Destruction
Location: Citadel

A Keeper was busy at a terminal just outside the apartment door when Dr. Chakwas, Garrus, Tali and Kaidan arrived. Once inside, the simple apartment seemed even smaller with six grown adults trying to move around.

Kaidan clasped both of his hands around one of Shepard's. "Commander, I… it's good to see you. "

"You too, Kaiden."

Tali nearly pushed Kaidan aside so she could embrace Shepard in a warm hug. "Shepard, I can't believe it's you!" They held onto each other for a few minutes. Garrus became impatient for his turn, clearing his throat in his usual way. The women acknowledged his cue and released one another.

Garrus took Shepard's hand and pull her in for a hug, patting his hand on her back. "As banged up as Liara and I were, I was sure you would be out of commission for a while. But look at you, all shiny and new!"

"Ah, Garrus, you know I couldn't let you show me up. Besides, I had to make sure you'd buy me that drink."

Garrus moved his hand onto Shepard's shoulder. "Just name the time and place - you know I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Dr. Chakwas approached them and asserted herself in her mother-hen way. "Before you make any plans, I need to check the commander over."

The jovial mood became slightly somber as Shepard led Liara and Dr. Chakwas into the bedroom, shutting the door behind her. Liara pulled the curtains shut while Shepard undressed to her skivvies and climbed onto the bed.  Dr. Chakwas got her Omni-tool out and began scanning Shepard from head-to-toe, mumbling to herself as she went.

Although it had only been a few minutes, Liara's patience had worn thin. "Well? Is she OK, will she be alright?"

Almost as if ignoring Liara, Dr. Chakwas addressed Shepard. "I have compared these readings to those I took of you just before you left for earth. Your vitals are all normal and your implants seem to be functioning at standard capacity. Although the scaring is minimal, I can tell that you have had extensive skin grafts over most of your right side. I would need tissue samples to confirm, but I believe that your right arm and leg have been re-grown. I don't know how that would be possible without the help of the most skilled surgeons. To think that the Keepers could be capable of this… well, it is something I am not sure I can wrap my head around."

"So, she's OK?"

"Yes, Dr. T'Soni, I believe the commander is in perfect shape. Now, why don't we leave her to get dressed, then she can join us in the living area."
Shepard looked around the bedroom and decided to do the unexpected – this time she would wear the soft dress. When she walked into the living area, all eyes turned her direction, the conversations stopped abruptly. "What? You would think an Elcor just tapped danced through the room."

Garrus laughed. "Well,…"

"Shepard…" Liara's voice low and breathy. "You… you look so stunning…" Liara couldn't take her eyes off of Shepard.

Kaidan caught on quickly and took charge of the situation, deciding that the Military debriefing could wait a little longer. "We'll uh, leave you two alone for now. Just contact the Normandy when you are ready. I'll let Admiral Hackett know you need some more time."

Liara made sure the apartment door was locked then turned in Shepard's direction. While walking towards her, she looked deep into her eyes. Shepard knew what Liara was thinking, she knew their thoughts were matched at that moment in time.  Shepard reached out, took Liara's hand and while walking backwards, pulled her into the bedroom.

As Shepard helped Liara out of her armor she noticed that Liara's abdomen had a slight swell. Shepard's eyes immediately found Liara's and were met with a look of profound joy. "When?.."

"The night before we attacked Cronos station."

"But that could've ended badly. The risk…"

"Was well worth it to know that I would always have a part of you with me. Sarah, I really do want all those little blue babies we talked about."

"So do I Liara, so do I."  She pulled Liara in for a long deep kiss. "Just when I thought my day couldn't get any better, now this."

"Oh, it still can." she purred. "Although right now, this situation seems slightly unfair."

Shepard was a little befuddled "I'm sorry, what?"

"That you still have all of your clothes on. Something I plan to remedy right now."