It is the first day of school for Eva, but it is the third time for Shepard and Liara. Eva is their third child and she hardly slept at all, she is much too excited.
Raina and Mia are old pros now. Though they are eight and seven years old now to Eva's five, they too are excited but managed to sleep through the night.
The family is gathering around the kitchen table to eat breakfast. Aethyta is present poking fun at the kids. They built a house for her on an adjacent lot. When Shepard and Liara moved to Thessia just outside of Armali they bought the lots around them so they could continue to build if they wanted to or remain a bit isolated. Shepard did not want to lose the view of the city below which is particularly beautiful at night. About two miles away Aethyta has her own home. It is a two story home with multiple bedrooms. Shepard and Liara talked her into the second story in case they have guests; they want to be able to accommodate them.
In the main house Raina, Mia and Eva are all upstairs. They love having their own room. The main floor bedroom that was used for the cribs will be used just one more time at least that is what Liara says. When Shepard told her years and years ago that she wanted marriage, old age and a lot of little blue children Liara really didn't expect to have four. The fourth is on the way. Just three short months away and another addition to the family will arrive.
Liara is still giving presentations. She is no longer teaching. She mainly does speaking engagements now to sold out crowds. . The auditorium at the University was too small for the crowds her presentations drew so now she speaks in the Thessia sports arena so over 50,000 people can hear what she has to say about not only the Protheans but the Reapers. It seems like the public cannot get enough about the large machines that almost destroyed everything.
Clean up all over the galaxy is pretty much done now since the Reaper war. Soon no one will even remember they came, of course that does not apply to the military personnel of any species, or the civilian survivors. They will never forget the amount of loss and sacrifice to keep their respective homelands alive.
Miranda and Arelia and their first child Shayna are doing very well. Arelia is pregnant again and she is due around the time Liara is due. Mark and Oriana are married. He finally agreed with her that her wing of the estate was private enough for the two of them. Plus it made more sense to live in since she needs her lab. Mark was able to sell his place for a nice profit. Aside from his injured leg bothering him from time to time he has had no physical issues and continues to work with Arelia.
Valya and Dara are still together. Valya is still working for the Thessia Police Department and Dara is now teaching at Thessia University. She is following in Dr. T'Soni's footsteps a bit as she has taken over the archeology class Liara used to teach and often helps Liara with Prothean and Reaper research when necessary. With a lot of therapy the couple has moved past the affair Valya had with Lahja and continue to work on their relationship.
The couple did have one very uncomfortable experience with the asari commando. Valya and Dara were having dinner at a nice restaurant when Lahja walked up behind Valya and put her arms around her neck and kissed her cheek. Valya immediately got up and would have none of it. Words, not exactly kind words were exchanged in hushed tones and the asari has not been seen again.
Commander Ashley Williams and Tyler Ross are still married. They have one daughter named Abby who is Eva's age, five. She is named after Ashley's first sister. They make their home on Earth where Tyler works as an Engineer. Though there are other ships that are faster and more capable now, she still helms the Normandy with Joker as her pilot. There are rumors that she will be promoted to Captain soon.
"Need to go we need to go!" says Eva. She shoveled down her breakfast. She is standing by the front door waiting to be taken to school.
Laughing Shepard approaches and scoops her into her arms, "Are we excited little one?"
"Let me go let me go! Time for school!"
Nearly dropping her due to her squirming, Shepard sets her down while Liara approaches.
"We have plenty of time Eva," says Liara. "Now please go into the family room."
Eva stands with her arms crossed. She looks past her parents and sees her older sisters laughing and eating at the table. She starts to pout.
"Now none of that Eva," says Shepard. "Listen to your mother and go into the family room."
"And do what?"
Liara kneels down, "You can play quietly while we finish eating Eva. It is either that or you sit quietly at the table, which will it be?"
Eva looks between her parents. "I'll play."
Shepard tries not to laugh.
"Go ahead then," says Liara.
Eva makes her way to the family room while Shepard and Liara return to their breakfast with the rest of their family.
"I remember you being that excited for school kid," says Aethyta.
"Is that so," says Liara as she takes a bite of her food.
"Hell yeah."
"Bad word bad word!" says Mia while Raina just laughs and shakes her head.
"Yeah yeah." The Matriarch waves off Mia. " I remember watching you while you walked to school; the smile on your face and how you skipped."
"Liara skipped?" asks Shepard trying not to laugh.
"I assure you I have never skipped in my life," says Liara.
"Whatever you say kid."
"Besides, school is very exciting. A whole new world is about to be opened to Eva."
"Well that excitement will end once she gets homework," says Mia.
"Good one," says Raina.
"Are you two finished?" asks Liara.
"Yes Ma Ma," they say in unison.
Liara gestures toward the kitchen sink. Raina and Mia know they are to take their dishes to the sink and rinse their plates, which they do quietly.
"You okay?" asks Shepard.
"Yes I am fine why do you ask?"
"You seem a little tense," says Shepard.
"A little?" scoffs Aethyta.
Liara stares at her Dad.
Shepard takes Liara's hand and rubs her thumb over her knuckles. "What's going on?"
"Nothing."
"Hey," says Shepard "what is it?"
"Excuse me," says Aethyta. She takes her plate along with Liara's and Shepard's from the table to give them some privacy.
"Thank you Dad." Liara looks at Shepard. "They are growing up too fast Elly."
Shepard moves her chair closer to Liara, "Hey…this is what is supposed to happen right?"
"I know…it's just…everything is going by too quickly."
"Well we can always have more kids after this one," Shepard places her hand on Liara's tummy.
Liara stands, "Uh…no that is quite all right.
Shepard likes to tease her about a fifth child. She knows they are probably done after the fourth one is born but it does concern her that her visions that were forced upon her showed four children dying in front of her. A part of her wants a fifth just to make sure it won't come true.
Her work with Dr. Snowden has been going very well. Her nightmares though they do occur from time to time are rare now. When she starts to think about what Scorpion did to her five years ago and what she saw she remembers what the doctor told her. She focuses on the good things in her life and the moment a bad thought enters her mind she pushes it out as fast as she can. Some days are better than others.
Liara finishes cleaning the kitchen. Shepard and Aethyta know to stay out of her way. When she cleans, it means she needs to be alone to think. She feels a hand on her shoulder.
"Hmm?"
"It's time honey," says Shepard.
Liara turns to look at her. She sees the kids standing by the front door ready to go.
"What already?"
"Yeah. You ready?"
Liara fights back the heat in her eyes.
Shepard notices and gives her a quick hug.
"You okay my blue beauty?"
Liara smiles. She loves it when Shepard calls her that. "I am yes."
Arm in arm they walk together toward their kids.
Eva steps forward, "Sorry Ma Ma."
Liara kneels down and gives her little one a kiss on the cheek. "It's okay. You ready for your big day?"
Eva's eyes light up and her smile is ear to ear, "Yes Ma Ma."
Liara hugs her "You have fun." The asari makes her way to Mia then to Raina her oldest daughter. She manages to keep the tears away while the kids leave the house to go to school.
Normally Liara and Shepard would take the kids to school but last night when they were talking to them they requested that their Grandpa take them to school. Liara took it hard but Shepard explained to her that as the kids get older parents are less cool. So to appease them, they agreed to let Aethyta take them. Watching the kids enter the sky car Liara is happy that her Dad is taking them because the tears are coming now. Shepard holds her close as they sky car flies away.
"They are growing up too fast Elly."
"I know honey…I know."
"Hi Dava!" says Mia as she leaves the sky car. Dava is the daughter of Valya and Dara.
"Mia!" they hug. "Hi Raina. Hi Eva."
Raina is holding Eva's hand. Though the littlest asari is very excited she is very, very nervous.
"Is she okay?" asks Dava.
"Yeah, just nervous," says Mia.
They all start to walk toward the front doors of the school.
"Have fun kids, don't do anything I wouldn't do," says Aethyta.
"Hi guys!" says Shayna. She is the daughter of Miranda and Arelia.
"Hi Shayna!" the group says in unison.
Shayna walks to the other side of Eva and takes her hand. The two have become good friends. "You excited Eva?"
She nods her head as her big eyes look around at all of the children.
"It will be okay Eva," says Raina. "I am bringing her to her home room."
"Okay," says Shayna, "Can I come too?"
Eva smiles and squeezes the hands holding hers.
Mia and Dava run ahead and leave the three to their own devices.
"So you happy for school Dava?" asks Mia.
"Yeah, I mean I like school sometimes. I hope we get to learn more biotics this year."
"We will."
"I can't wait!" says Dava.
"I am sure my Mom or Dad can show us some more stuff too ya know."
"I know I know I can't wait!"
"Doesn't your Dad show you stuff?" asks Mia as the two make their way through the crowd of kids to their home room. They have it together this year.
"Sometimes, but I don't think my Mom really likes it."
"Well it's not like my Mom and Dad will show you stuff if your parents don't like it."
"No I know. My Dad just doesn't have time."
"Oh…that sucks."
"Yeah." Dava's Dad Valya works a lot of hours so does her mother Dara. When Dava gets home from school she is alone for about an hour before Dara gets home from work. Neither parent likes leaving her alone even though it is for a short period of time. Dava does not mind. She feels grown up when she is home alone though there are days she goes home with the T'Soni kids. Today will be different though since it is the first day of school, Dara will be picking her up afterwards to have some mother/daughter time. Something Dava wished happened more.
"Here you go Eva," says Raina.
Eva will not let go of her oldest sister's hand.
Raina kneels down and looks her sister in the eye. "Eva, you are going to be fine okay?"
Eva is worried.
"You trust me right?"
Eva nods.
"Then you know I would not lie to you right?"
She nods again.
"Okay then. Go on in and find a seat. You will be just fine."
Taking in a deep breath and letting it out Eva stands up a little straighter and lets go of her sister's hand and of Shayna's hand.
"Good luck Eva!" says Shayna.
Eva smiles and walks with confidence into her home room and finds a seat. When she sits down someone next to her says hello. Raina and Shayna watch her for a little bit.
"I think she is going to be okay Raina."
"Yep." Raina already knows.
Eva looks toward the doorway. She nods when she makes eye contact with Raina. The older asari knows it is okay to leave now.
"We better get to our rooms Shayna. See you later."
"See ya Raina."
"You doing okay?" asks Shepard. She and Liara are in the backyard sitting on the Adirondack chairs enjoying the view.
"I will be alright Elly."
"I know it's hard."
"How can you be so calm? Every year you are the same."
"I guess it's because I am excited for them. I mean I hate to see them grow up too Liara. I agree with you. I think it is all going too fast, but at the same time I am enjoying the ride. Aren't you?"
"I guess."
"What is it?"
"I am just worried for them."
"You mean for Raina don't you?"
Liara looks at her bondmate and gives a sad smile.
"She is going to be fine Liara just like she was last year."
"No one knows about her …ability. I am concerned what will happen when people find out."
"It is not like we are hiding it we are just not broadcasting it to the galaxy."
"When people find out Elly they will want to dissect her."
"Hey," Shepard says as she sits up in the chair and takes Liara's hand into her own. "No one will harm her do you hear me?"
"I know."
"I mean it Liara. She is very careful. Dava and Shayna don't really know the extent of what she can do, hell we don't even know."
"But one day we will have to be prepared to deal with someone finding out."
"That day is not today."
"That does not make me feel better Elly." Liara kisses the back of her hand. "We must prepare for anything. We should speak with her and then Mia and Eva when we have a plan."
"You think they are ready?"
"They have no choice Elly. All Raina has to do is mention something to someone or predict something that comes true and people will start asking questions. We must be prepared."
"It's settled then. We speak to her tonight."
Shepard goes to sit back but Liara will not let go of her hand.
"What?"
"Maybe we can wait until tomorrow night?" asks Liara. "Let Raina enjoy her evening tonight when she tells us about her first day."
"Sounds good. In the meantime, why don't you lie down for a bit Liara? You look tired."
The asari shoots her a look.
"You know what I mean."
"Maybe you are right."
Shepard helps her out of the chair and walks her to the bedroom.
"Rest now my blue beauty. I will be here when you wake." Shepard presses her lips to Liara's forehead and leaves her to her nap.
Entering the secure room Shepard dials a secure connection.
"Is that you Skipper?"
"Hi Ash how are you doing?"
"Doing well. How about you?"
"Good good. It is the kid's first day of school today."
"How is Liara holding up?"
Shepard can see her smirk on the display. "I suspect she is as good as you were when Abby started a few weeks ago."
"Touché. Tyler was the strong one I admit it."
"Her picture is just precious Ash."
"I can say the same of yours Skipper. We did well I think."
"That we did." Shepard pauses, "Any news?"
Shepard is asking Commander Ashley Williams if there are any leads on the group Scorpion, specifically any leads on Blake. Since the Reaper war ended, Cerberus has not made a reappearance as the Alliance and the Council thought they would. Another group has though and they call themselves Scorpion.
Five years ago Shepard and Ashley both fell under their influence. They were both drugged and led to their headquarters on Mars. The ultimate agenda was to get to the Council. From the data that was recovered both the Alliance and the Council found that Shepard and Ashley were test subjects to see if their technique worked. The true target was the Council and gaining influence over the galaxy.
Blake, a woman who is the head of Scorpion, disappeared without a trace. She helped Shepard before leaving the Mars facility. The Alliance and Council have been working jointly to track down Scorpion and communicate any findings on the group. Like Cerberus, there are many, many locations of the group that seem to pop up all over the place. Earth, Palaven and even Rannoch. So far there have been zero findings of them on Thessia. Earth seems to be the most central place for the differing cells. Ashley is still a Spectre for the Council and has been in charge of heading the operation on Earth to find Scorpion cells and destroy them.
"Not really no. Certainly not on Blake. But we are following up on a lead."
"What kind of lead?"
"Remember Dr. Collins?"
"Yeah I remember. She was one of the scientists that worked for Blake on the Mars facility."
"Well she mentioned a man named Cooper when we took her into custody. Said he was Blake's number one soldier."
"Seems like a long shot Ash. I mean that lead is five years old. I suspect if Blake wanted to be found she would have been found by now."
"You are probably right Skipper, but we got a hit on a man that matches his description that one of my units is looking in to."
"You think it has any meat to it?"
"Not sure."
"How goes the rest of the fight?"
"Same old thing. We find a cell, monitor it then destroy it when the time is right."
"Well your work is important Ash so keep up the good work."
"Will do Skipper. If I hear anything more regarding Cooper or Blake you will be my second call."
"Second?"
"I mean third."
"Oh I see how it is."
"Well you know Skipper I still report to the Alliance and the Council then you. I thought you knew that."
"Yeah yeah," says Shepard with a smile. "Everything else going good for you and your family?"
"They are yes. Getting ready for some shore leave. I can't wait to be home in my own bed for two whole weeks. God I envy you sometimes."
"Sometimes? You sure that is not all of the time?"
"You heard me right." Ashley smiles. She looks off camera at something. "Sorry Skipper, I gotta run. You take care and say hi to your family for me."
"You too Ash and stay safe out there."
"Will do."
The call ends. Shepard leaves the secure room. She checks on Liara to find her still sleeping. She grabs her data pad off of her bedside table and sits on the couch in the family room to read. She cannot wait for the school day to be over to hear all about her kid's first day.