Liara T'Soni, Thessia, capital of the Asari Republics, high orbit.
Thessia, the jewel in the crown of the galaxy. The Asari Homeworld. Home. A whimsical combination of continental strips and oceans. Asari began as an aquatic species. Earth, the human world, has a clear division into ocean and land zones. Thessia is much more uniform; strips of oceans cross green continents, giving the planet a beautiful hue from a distance, reminiscent of the shimmers of seawater.
Looking at it from orbit, it's hard not to admire it. Remembering what we saw literally two months ago, it's hard not to be horrified. Memories of the last visit to Thessia came to mind, already after the start of the Reaper Invasion. The glow of fires and dead areas visible from orbit. Burning cities, once-white buildings covered in soot. Corpses and Husks, screams and gunfire. The main temple with a collapsed floor. And the monumental figures of black squids—Reapers. Here and there, invulnerable, destructive. I found myself thinking again.
"It looks much better than our last visit. Liara, how are you?"
Joker, stopping beside me and looking at the planet below, isn't smiling. He also saw what the Reapers did to the settled worlds. I haven't been to the surface of Earth, but I don't think it was any better than on Thessia. I'm afraid to go down. I know that now everything is different. I know that for now, everything is fine. But that doesn't make the situation better. I look down and see fire. I see them dying. I'm afraid, though no one will ever know. John knew, but he isn't here. He hasn't even been born yet. That thought made everything a bit easier.
"Yes, Joker, home looks much better this way."
I turned to the grim Commando guarding this room and peering into my face. Of course, one of the aunties from my mother's guard; they raised little me with the entire military collective. Not every little Asari can boast such a number of advisors and teachers for all occasions. Truly any. So, what was your name? I remembered.
"Alis Saira. Did something happen?" I had learned to keep a straight face during my time as the Broker.
She sighed, looking me over and almost ignoring Jeff.
"Liara. It really is you. So grown up..."
Keeping a straight face became sharply harder; after all, I know and remember them. A few seconds and I gave in.
"Yes, Aunt Alis. It's me. And this is Jeff, well, Joker."
He looked at us in turn and nodded.
"I'll go get my things; we're here anyway."
Thank you, Joker. When Jeff left, Aunt Alis relaxed.
"You look great. A beautiful, trained young Maiden. But that look, the look of a soldier—what happened?"
I exhaled.
"Thessia. You know our story, right? Of the SSV Normandy and the crew?"
"You're from the future," she nodded.
Yes, from a future where everyone dies. Should I tell her or not? I don't think Mother would allow a guard loyal to anyone but her personally to work normally. Benezia, among other things, is a professional with hundreds of years of experience in politics. So perhaps, I can tell a little.
"When we last visited Thessia, it was burning. The Reapers... You can't imagine what they are. Two-kilometer walking machines, taller than the highest towers, incinerating everything in their path with scarlet beams. The glow of fires, screams, gunfire. Blue-gray monsters—distorted representatives of many races—running through the streets and killing everyone. Everyone they see. And there is no hope. No matter how many troops you field, the Reapers will be stronger. No matter how good you are, the Reapers will simply field ten times more troops. A hundred times. Until they crush you with numbers from fatigue and wounds. And then they'll send you to a factory where you'll be processed into biomass or new biomechanical soldiers. And all of this was here, on Thessia. And everywhere. The Batarians were destroyed first, then they hit everyone at once. In one moment, the Citadel closed, like back then with Sovereign."
Aunt Alis tilted her head slightly.
"With Sovereign?"
I sighed; right, it hasn't happened yet. It can be hard not to get confused with dates when for you these are recent events, but for everyone else, it's the fairly distant future. If I think about it, if Professor Mordin Solus has even been born, he's still very small and definitely not a professor. He would explain it better, I think.
"It will still happen. The Council called it a Geth dreadnought, but it wasn't one. It will be a Reaper. The Citadel—they built it, I think. And they can control it, including closing it so no one can get inside. In any case, I'm glad that everything is fine on Thessia for now. Excuse me, I have to go."
Well, I managed to shock the Commando. But I didn't manage to explain it clearly. How do you explain to someone what will happen so that they believe you? It's difficult. There's no proof, and when there is, it will already be too late. I'll go to the others. Joker, Benezia, and three more Commandos were found in the mess hall. Mother and Joker are talking; the others are mostly listening.
"I wasn't just a good pilot. I was the best in the academy, and that's the only reason they trusted me with the SSV Normandy. And then John came and showed that things could be even cooler and more dangerous. With John's appearance, we became more than just the crew of an experimental ship. We are a team."
Benezia nodded, smiling.
"John Shepard, right? From what I've read, the crew loved the Commander very much."
Poor, poor Jeff. Not a politician, absolutely. Well, he continued.
"Yes, the Commander is an excellent leader, capable of getting out of any hole. Well, first getting us into that hole, doing everything there, and then getting out. And that's where the skills of the best pilot—me—are needed."
Or maybe he's not so bad. He didn't really tell her anything. Finally, they noticed me. Or rather, I'm sure they noticed me immediately, but until I approached, they pretended that's how it should be. Traditions. Benezia continues to keep her face.
"Doctor T'Soni. You are here."
I winced. I don't think we'll have a chance to talk before the contact with the Council. Especially since I've been stalling for time the whole flight, talking to Joker or sitting alone in my cabin.
"Jeff isn't my boyfriend, but I know him well enough to trust him."
Joker snorted.
"Yeah, thanks."
Benezia nodded.
"What do you want to know, Liara?"
We'll talk about personal things later. I suspect I'll be living with her, and we'll have time to talk afterward. For now, the questions are strictly professional.
"What does the Council want? I don't mean information from the ship; that's obvious. I don't think they'll stop at that."
"I can assume it will be about assessing the danger from Humanity—no offense, Jeff. But the crew's comment that Humans became a Council race in less than fifty years evokes unpleasant associations with the Krogan. I can't speak for everyone, but it piques the interest of everyone who hears it."
And, likely, discussions about intervening. For various reasons. Equipment orders from corporations, the factual turning of Humanity into a colony of the Republic, like the Turians did with the Volus. The resemblance between Humans and Asari will only make it easier to justify why. Yes, Humans live significantly shorter lives, but otherwise, we are physically quite similar in terms of appearance, tastes, and preferences. Two hundred years is nothing for Matriarchs, but Humans will be completely assimilated as part of the Republic in that time. And all their expansion will be conducted in the name of the Republic. A move very much in the style of the Matriarchs.
When you live a thousand years and the others live a hundred or two, you can afford to wait. Or prepare the ground for the decisions that interest you. With the races of Citadel space, it won't be difficult. Declare Humans a sub-species of Asari that the Protheans relocated before they disappeared, and that's it. Given the fairly aggressive behavior of Humans in the data the Council has already received, no one will object too much. Cerberus alone creates massive anti-publicity for Humanity. And if it comes out what they were doing... A line of those wishing to clip the Humans' wings will form.
And if they also open access for corporations and communication with the SSV Normandy crew confirms their intelligence and non-aggressiveness compared to the Krogan... And it will happen. There will be no end to those wanting to "help the young race." Help and ensure they don't develop too quickly. And if they clash with the Hegemony in the process, limiting the Batarians and the Terminus Systems, it will be quite good for the Council.
Asari live long lives and feel a sincere hatred for Batarians. Many Matriarchs have had encounters with Hegemony slavers during their long lives. And during my time as the Shadow Broker, I learned how often Batarians are hired by competitors to kidnap, among others, the children of high-ranking Asari. What happens to them next isn't hard to guess. Creating a living shield for the Republic must be very tempting. Joker might not have understood everything, but he must have understood part of it.
"Politicians as usual. So, what's next?"
The Matriarch calmly replied:
"After landing, you will meet with a representative of our fleet. And Doctor T'Soni will go to a meeting with the Council of Matriarchs. A great deal will depend on her report."
I smiled.
"I'll be fine, Joker. I don't think the Council can surprise me. Not after everything we've been through."
He nodded; I hope he caught the hint about the Shadow Broker.
"Well, then good. See you later, okay?"
"Okay."
***
The conversation with the Council took up the rest of the day. It was quite obvious that by the time of the meeting, they had already formulated their position, and I was only needed to confirm it. And to provide them with maximum details. They asked about Humans, Reapers, political decisions. But it's obvious they had already decided something on all points. It's very disappointing, as understanding the position the Matriarchs took was difficult. It took all my experience as an information broker to piece the comments into some semblance of a picture, even without details.
Presumably, we have three groups: conservatives, assimilators, and proponents of partial non-interference.
The first believe there is no need to rush. Humanity isn't dangerous; we just need to take the experience into account and act more subtly. Through diplomacy. Ultimately, there is no information that Humans, by their existence, threaten the Asari Republics or the Citadel Council.
The second note that before contact, Humans managed to establish several colonies; they are short-lived and breed quickly. And bringing them under control by acting slowly will be difficult, especially if they are given room to accelerate. To which the first reply: is it really necessary for the Republic? Humans haven't fought the Asari.
The third are the most unpleasant. They agree with the second that action is necessary and with the first that the Republic doesn't necessarily have to participate. But what exactly they are proposing remained unclear. They decided not to initiate me into that. How inconvenient it is not to have access to information!!!
I need to address this problem as soon as possible. But before that can happen, I need to at least partially get away from the Council; they won't let up. On the bright side: to them, I am still a hundred-year-old Maiden with all that entails. A naive, almost-child, lacking hundreds of years of experience and ready to jump into any hole, as long as the motivation is right. This condescension was somewhat irritating, but it is what it is. On the other hand, experience allowed me to understand much of what was clearly not intended for me. Little, but more than it could have been. Only general positions without specifying individuals or the size of the factions.
When it was all over, the Matriarch Benezia and I went to her place. To my place. Still to hers; in this world, its own Liara lives. This isn't my home. It's a very difficult feeling, looking at the wide streets and numerous towers and searching for giant black figures or expecting Husks to appear. Even knowing they aren't there and can't be. I wish I could say it won't happen... The Matriarch is driving the car personally; I'm sitting next to her; the guards went separately. It's clear why.
"What do you think of the meeting, Liara?"
I remarked boredly:
"Well, it's too early for me to work with the Council. No experience."
Even though we are speaking informally, I don't call her Mother, nor does she call me that in return. Benezia smiled.
"Unlike the others, I raised you, Liara. Even if it wasn't me personally. Young? Yes. Naive? That's normal. But you are certainly not stupid. It was I who raised you that way. Well, what do you say?"
Fine then.
"They clearly don't quite understand what to do with Humans and what to expect."
Benezia nodded in agreement:
"Exactly. When I mentioned the Krogan, it wasn't a joke. I venture to guess that the Salarians will be preparing countermeasures, the Turians too. This news scares them; Humans scare them with the unknown. On one hand, you say they are just entering space. On the other, half a century and they are a Council race. Even the Krogan didn't show such speed. With their fertility before the Genophage. The desire to limit Humanity seems reasonable."
That's expected. The only problem is that we are preparing for the wrong thing. It seems the SSV Normandy crew will once again be alone against the entire galaxy. And that's a problem.
"For Humans. Но not for the Reapers, right?"
"Not for the Reapers," Benezia agreed, "don't doubt it, the Council heard you and will take measures. Но the Reapers are a future threat that isn't even quite clear how to defeat. Yes, you pointed to the Crucible, access to the blueprints of which won't appear until contact with Humans occurs. The fourth world of their home system. Which means everything again rests on Humanity and contact. Do you have other options?"
"No, Benezia."
She smiled sympathetically.
"Then you understand. The first problem is the Humans. Everything depends on them and how the contact goes. For which they will prepare. Humans will have to prove their place in galactic politics."
They'll manage; there are more than enough strong personalities there. And if not, then besides the Council races, there are other options. The Shadow Broker, the Quarians, the Geth in the end. With whom Tali and Javik will negotiate. But it would be much better to work with the Council, not against them. They can create a mass of problems if a threat of dual power in the galaxy arises. That is hinted at.
"And not everyone likes that, right, Benezia?"
She smiled.
"Not just the Asari, as you understand. Officially, the Council law on the activation of Mass Relays is inviolable; Humans are safe. Unofficially, there are proposals to send their representatives to the Humans. To take them under their control, of course."
But here's the question:
"Why are you telling me this? Well, you don't know me?"
She replied with a smile:
"My Commandos and I have been watching you the whole time. It's you, Liara. More of a Matron in character than a Maiden. Too grown up compared to what we know. But still you. Besides, as you likely understand, it is highly undesirable for you to leave Thessia in the near future."
Which means, as the Humans called it, a gilded cage? All the conditions for a comfortable life and the only unforgivable violation: escape. Considering I plan to take the place of the Shadow Broker on Hagalaz again, I need to start preparing. Plus the Reapers—if they find out, Sovereign might try to do to me what happened to Benezia and Saren. Indoctrination. And then I or other team members, instead of the races of the galaxy, will be helping the Reapers. It's impossible to guarantee they won't succeed; measures will have to be taken. I need a team of those whom
can be trusted. Those who will see the changes and stop them. Also, for this case, I need to record all the information I know in advance. So that if my mind fails, there will be someone to win in my stead. It seems a plan is beginning to form. I need an organization. If I can protect Saren or Benezia...
"Liara?"
Oh, I'm still in the car, and we've almost arrived. I lose myself on Thessia too often.
"Sorry, I was lost in thought."
"I wouldn't recommend it. You're thinking about how to escape, aren't you? They won't let you go. I don't know how you lived before, but you've attracted the government's attention, and if necessary, they will return you to Thessia by force, and I won't be able to protect you. They could use Spectres or Salarian STG, trying to get to you before others. You are safe here. Accept it."
I have certain doubts about that. No, I don't think they'll kill me. I might even be able to live at Matriarch Benezia's place along with myself, yes. Don't think about it too much; it's strange. But I have a feeling that Matriarch Benezia and the others will do something very stupid. Ideally, by the time of contact with Humans, I should already be the Shadow Broker again, so that I can start preparing for the war with the Reapers through agents. And not allow the ambitions of the Citadel Council races to crush Humanity out of fear.
"Benezia," I asked, "they are going to crush Humanity, aren't they?"
She thought for a moment and answered.
"They are still discussing it. The Council of Matriarchs is not as united as it might seem. We are different, and our interests are different. But you must understand that we aren't the only ones interested. All the Council races, the Batarians, and the Volus have shown activity. The Terminus Systems are not that far away, and they wouldn't mind expanding their interests in that direction either. Citadel laws do not apply to Humans. They say, if we know for sure that there is a non-aggressive race behind the Mass Relay, why can't it be activated a few years early? It's foolish. The will of the Citadel Council restrains them, but how successfully? No one wants to be left behind. Sooner or later they will do it, and likely sooner."
Amazing. It's quite obvious that if Humans are effectively subjugated, their development will be different. They will likely be able to found new colonies, that's obvious. But their new leadership will make sure they don't advance too far. There won't be impressive examples of weapons and ships—for example, the way they bypassed the ban on Dreadnoughts by creating Carriers. There won't be the SSV Normandy; the Turians won't be as interested in working with Asari puppets. Perhaps there won't even be John, if his parents live a different life. No, it's already inevitable now that there will be changes. But still. I turned at the snap of Matriarch Benezia's fingers.
"You know, Liara, it worries me how you withdraw into yourself. It's not right. Especially at your age."
Except I don't have ten years to treat these problems. Not when I know exactly what happens next.
"Later."
Matriarch Benezia didn't answer. We landed at a mansion belonging to her. As a member of the Council of Matriarchs with a very substantial security detail and being centuries old, she prefers to live in comfort. Next to the main five-story building are two technical ones and a landing pad for a rather large ship. The Matriarch with a capital M lives in the main building, along with her daughter and security—about a hundred commandos. Given that the armies in the Republics are private, using infantry as security is normal and saves on funding. No, there is a common fleet, but planetary forces are private.
But that's for later; right now I just don't know how to react to everything being so familiar. Home. During our last visit to Thessia, we didn't visit it, and I don't know if it was destroyed. Probably, yes. Perhaps the guards resisted, but that only means there will be more Husks and more destruction. Calm down, Liara, none of this has happened yet. Everything can still be fixed; we will assemble the Crucible in advance, and when the Reapers come, we will use it. You have decades to become the Shadow Broker and find resources. You know where to look for support, who can be pressured, who will be loyal to you...
"Greetings, Mother. You asked me to come. I arrived as quickly as I could. What happened?"
I stopped. Seriously?
"I wasn't ready. Benezia?"
She's just standing behind me, looking at me with interest. Well, sure, go ahead and tell me you believe me. If this isn't a test, I don't know what is. And I'm looking at my own younger version. Even younger than I was. Liara T'Soni, not yet a doctor, nothing had happened yet. She should have been doing her internship now. I should have.
"This is so complicated," escaped me against my will, while Liara looks at me with wide eyes.
Matriarch Benezia stepped forward.
"Liara, meet your—technically—sister. You might have heard about the incident on the Citadel," she said with a smile.
Younger Liara silently looks at her, at me, then back at her.
"How is this possible?"
As if I know; we're interested in what that was ourselves.
"We turned the Citadel into a giant energy cannon. The result was quite unexpected. An ancient weapon, even from the pre-Prothean era."
That's it, Liara is in ecstasy. Asari Maidens have a very high hormonal background, which manifests in reckless behavior and hyperactivity or hypersexuality. It varies. I, for one, love to research, to climb into the deepest and most dangerous places. And it's not scary at all. Strangely enough, after becoming the Shadow Broker, my thirst for information transferred to my work. This young Asari maiden, however, hasn't found her path yet, and hearing about a mystery, she was immediately overwhelmed.
"I'm so glad!!! Tell me! It's so interesting! I want to know!"
And I don't know. I know how to react to a Yahg. I know how to react to traitors, Matriarchs, Husks, or a Krogan. But what to do with my own younger version, I have no idea. But someone knows for sure.
"This wasn't necessary, Benezia."
She countered:
"It was necessary. You don't trust me, and I perfectly understand why. Yes, I was asked to meet you for exactly that reason. You are an adult, you understand. I see it. But that doesn't mean I flew here only for that. I truly see my own daughter, Liara. And it worries me. Your behavior—I've seen it before. The Krogan Rebellions, Batarian 'training' centers. You need help."
And I'm worried about your face when we killed you on Noveria. And some of the commandos who accompanied us, too. It's very difficult to reconcile the past and the future. Especially the future I saw. I don't have time for rest; I need to accomplish very, very much. If they lock me up here, there will be problems.
"Won't you come in, perhaps?" the younger one intervened.
She's still young, she doesn't understand. She hasn't seen it all. She hasn't killed anyone. Well, I'm going to live here anyway; I need to get settled. Perhaps I can make it so this Liara doesn't have to go through all of this. I exist, and I'll do everything myself. But for that, I'll have to escape from Thessia. I need to prepare.
"Let's go."
This feeling of awkwardness bothers me. I've had this... before. I woke John up after a mission when I couldn't wait to see the Prothean memories from the beacon. The beginning of the story. So I added:
"I think I have something to tell and show you."
Perhaps I can prepare her a little for what awaits us all. I will do the main work, but if anything happens, she can help. I don't doubt myself.
***
Read the story months before public release — early chapters are on my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Granulan