THESSIA

Today marks the 106th anniversary of the end of the Reaper War. Planets are celebrating in their own way across the galaxy to mark the occasion. Every year both Shepard and Liara are asked to speak at the Thessia or Earth celebration and every year they have humbly declined. Though they are not speaking at the celebration they are going to attend it because Council Tevos will be making a speech.

There is another reason to celebrate today, Mia T'Soni professional skyball player and rookie of the year is coming home for two months. Her first season with the Vancouver Storm was a huge success. The team recognized her efforts by giving her a very handsome bonus of credits to remain with the Storm for at least five more years. She was all too happy to accept.

Not everyone in the Shepard\T'Soni household will be attending the festivities on Thessia. Little A is visiting Kaya on Sur'Kesh and has been for about two weeks now. Kaya's mathematical internship ends in just a short week then the two asari will return to Thessia. It is amazing how mature Little Aethyta has become in just under a year. Being away from Kaya has been incredibly difficult for her, but Shepard and Liara are proud of her for focusing on her studies.

Liara's father Aethyta now lives in the main house. Her health is declining. The Matriarch has lived well past the 1,000 year mark and for an Asari that is pretty long. She is still able to get around on her own, but she tires easily and is crankier than ever , though Liara knows she is grateful to be surrounded by family.

Raina now lives in her grandfather's home which is located just two miles from the main house. She has been working with Malin growing her psychiatry business. Before becoming full partners and sharing the business, Malin suggested they work together for a year then discuss full partnership. The discussion should occur soon and Raina cannot wait. She loves what she does and feels like she is really contributing.

"Come on Liara, I don't want to be late picking up Mia." Shepard is in the kitchen finishing off a glass of water.

"I'm coming Elly." Liara emerges from the master bedroom looking beautiful as always. She is wearing a hunter green dress that hangs almost to the floor. She sees her human bondmate looking at her with mouth open. "What? Too much?" Liara looks down at her dress wondering if there is a spot on it or if she is overdressed or…

"You take my breath away Doctor."

Liara feels the heat in her cheeks. "Thank you Elly. You don't look so bad yourself."

Shepard has never been one for dresses or skirts unless it was absolutely necessary. She is a wearing a grey pant suit with a red shirt. Shepard gives her blue beauty a hug and a quick kiss.

Liara feels the waistband of the retired Captain. "Do you really need that?"

Shepard pats her small sidearm, "Never leave home without it."

"Don't you think security will stop you when they find it?"

"I don't think the asari commandos are going to disarm me Liara." Shepard gives her a wink. "I do still have some things I can get away with."

Liara rolls her eyes and smiles. She looks in the family room. Her father is watching a vid with a blanket over her lap. "Need anything Dad?"

"Got what I need right here."

Liara's eyes go to the side table where there is a half-bottle of Ryncol next to a glass.

"You might want to go easy on that, Mia comes home today remember?" Liara kisses her Dad on the cheek.

Aethyta replies with a grunt.

"Love you." Liara leaves her father alone and joins Shepard in the kitchen.

"She okay?"

Liara shrugs.

"You ready to go?"

"Are Eva and James meeting us there?"

"Yeah. We pick up Mia, they save us seats at the ceremony."

"And Raina?"

"Meeting us there. Let's go." Shepard opens the door for her bondmate and they head to the transport hanger to welcome their second oldest child home.

SUR'KESH

The sun is peeking through the window. Little A hears the birds awake and singing their songs. She is holding Kaya in her arms. She does not want to get up or leave this spot but rather have the moment last forever.

Kaya smiles though her eyes are closed. "Are you going to stare at me all morning?"

Little A smiles as she leans in and kisses Kaya's brow. "You are beautiful in the morning."

Kaya opens her eyes. "Just in the morning?"

Little A looks past her as if thinking about it.

"Aethyta!" Kaya pushes her with her hand.

"I'm kidding." Little A laughs. Her smile fades as she stares at the woman she loves.

"What is it?"

"I love you." Little A tightens her hold on Kaya and kisses her on her lips.

After a few minutes they finally part. "I love you too Aethyta."

"I cannot wait until we get home."

"Just one more week. I am so glad your parents allowed you to visit me and fly back with me."

Little A rests her forehead against Kaya's as her hand trails up and down Kaya's bare arm. "I am glad your parents allowed it too."

"This year has been so hard." Kaya cups Little A's cheek and waits until the asari looks at her. "I know it has been hard for you as well."

Little A takes Kaya's hand and kisses each finger. "It was worth it."

Kaya props up on her elbow to look at the time. "We should get going." She settles next to Little A again.

"Do we have to go? It's just a stupid ceremony."

Kaya laughs a little. "It's not stupid to remember the galaxy coming together and defeating the one force that would have killed us all. It is important to remember."

Little A flashes a mischievous grin. "I would rather remember last night."

"I bet you would." Kaya kisses Little A's cheek then nose then other cheek. "We need to get up. I don't want to be late."

Little A shifts on top of Kaya. "We could have a repeat performance." Little A starts to kiss Kaya along her collarbone.

"Aethyta….I….we…" her body responds and her mind stops working. Kaya cannot remember what she was going to say. She holds Little A tight when their mouths find each other.

THESSIA

The large rotunda which is situated on the Council Office grounds can seat well over 1,000 people. There are folding chairs placed side by side following the curve of the circular structure.

"Think we got here early enough?" asks James. He and Eva are on chair duty and Eva wanted to make sure they got there in plenty of time to get good seats.

Eva kisses James on the cheek.

"What's that for?"

"I know we are two hours early James but now we can reserve these seats and I don't need to worry about not being able to see Counselor Tevos."

James smiles at the asari.

"What?"

"I just haven't seen you so excited, I mean for a ceremony."

"Well the Counselor is so busy I hardly ever get to see her speak in person. I think the last time was over two decades ago."

James looks around at the beautiful blue and white and yellow flowers on display. "It is very pretty. I say one thing for you asari, you sure know how to pretty up a place."

Eva smiles and rests her head on his shoulder.

James is a writer just like Eva. They met a little over a year ago at an intense writing seminar on Earth. Eva and James were one of thirty students selected for the privilege. The asari fell hard for the sandy blonde hair and blue eyed human.

"What are you thinking?"

Eva sits up and looks at James. "Do you have to go?"

"Eva." James breaks eye contact and looks away from the asari.

"Sorry."

James lets out a sigh.

"I…well I have just really enjoyed your being here and I don't want to see you go." Eva takes James's hand into her own. "I miss you already."

James looks at her and places his other hand on top of hers. "I don't understand why you won't come with me."

Now it's Eva's turn to look away. "It's not that easy."

James kisses the back of her hand. "I know." He decides to change the subject. "When is Raina going to meet us?"

"I am not sure. I know she had a session with a Client." She checks her omni-tool. "Maybe in the next thirty minutes or so….oh my goddess."

James follows Eva's gaze. "What?" All he sees is a group of asari commandos.

"It…it can't be."

"What?"

"Wait here."

Before James can say anything Eva is out of the chair and rushing to the group of commandos.

Eva stops just before reaching the commando group. She makes eye contact with one and is speechless.

The commando steps away from the group and approaches. "Hello Eva."

"I …I thought it was you. How have you been Dava?"

"Great actually."

"I'd say." Eva looks Dava up and down. Dava has always been very beautiful, but seeing her in her commando uniform makes her look all the more striking.

"What?"

"What?" Eva feels the heat in her cheeks.

Dava smiles at her. "Aren't you here a little early?"

Eva rolls her eyes. "I know I know. I got here early so James and I could save seats for everyone and I was nervous we would not find good seats."

Dava looks past Eva. She lifts her chin, "That James?"

"Yeah. Isn't he gorgeous?"

Dava looks at Eva. "Umm sure, for a human."

Eva looks over Dava again. "I am so happy that you are doing well Dava."

"Thanks. I appreciate it."

"Dava?"

Dava looks over at her unit. She gives them a quick nod of her head. She turns her attention back to Eva. "Look, I gotta go. It was good to see you."

"You too."

Dava squeezes Eva's upper arm, "Enjoy the ceremony." She joins her unit and they walk off.

Eva returns to James.

"Who was that?"

"Dava."

James thinks a minute. "You mean Mia's Dava?"

"Exactly."

Shepard and Liara hold hands so as not to get separated. The transport hanger is incredibly busy. "What is with all of these humans?" asks Shepard, though she leans down and asks so only Liara can hear.

"No idea. Do you see her?"

Shepard is doing small hops once in a while searching for their daughter. "There!" She points. "Mia! Come on." Shepard pulls Liara through the crowd making their way as gently as possible.

Mia looks older and not just a year older. She looks incredibly fit and her muscle definition is impressive. "Mom! Dad!"

"Sport!" Shepard pulls Mia into a hug. She still has Liara's hand so all three have a family hug. Shepard steps back to look at her daughter. "You look great honey."

Mia rolls her eyes, "Thanks Dad."

"I'm serious."

Liara is gentler with her daughter. She holds her longer. "You do look great honey," Liara whispers into Mia's ear.

When they break from the hug Mia is knocked hard in the shoulder by a passing human. "Hey!"

"Sorry."

Shepard bends down and grabs Mia's bag. "Hang on to your mother, let's get out of here."

They make their way through the mass of people to the parking lot.

"What is with all the people?" asks Mia.

"No idea," says Shepard.

"Why so many humans?"

"Your father asked that too. We do not know."

"Think it has something to do with the ceremony?" Mia gets into the backseat of the sky car.

"Who knows," says Shepard as she belts herself in."

"It seems that Thessia has become quite the vacation destination," says Liara as she turns her body to see Mia in the back.

"Really?" asks Mia.

"Yeah those pesky humans," says Shepard with a smile on her face.

"Are you tired?" asks Liara.

"Just a little. I never sleep very well on transport ships."

"I remember."

"So what has been going on here?"

Liara faces forward as Shepard flies toward the main city. "Little A comes home next week with Kaya."

"Oh yeah, I forgot about that. Does she like Sur'Kesh?"

Liara looks back at her daughter with a smile, "She does."

"I think she likes Kaya better," says Shepard.

Liara playfully slaps her arm.

"Oh really?" asks Mia. "What exactly are you saying?"

Shepard turns a little more serious. "What do you mean? What do you think I am saying?"

Liara shakes her head slightly at her daughter.

Shepard looks at Liara then Mia in the rearview mirror. "What? What are we saying exactly?"

"Forget it Dad."

Liara takes Shepard's hand and gives it a squeeze.

"How is Grandpa doing?"

"She is cantankerous as ever," says Liara.

"She is drinking me out of house and home," says Shepard.

Liara's smile fades. She looks at her daughter, "She tires easily. I believe she is cranky because she is not yet ready to leave this world. Something she is realizing she has no control over."

Mia leans forward and squeezes her mother's shoulder. "Sorry Mom."

Liara pats her daughter's hand.

"Is she coming to the ceremony?"

"No honey. Raina and Eva along with James will meet us there."

"And how do you two like James?"

Liara looks straight ahead.

"He treats your sister well," says Shepard, "which is the most important thing he can do."

"Okay."

"He leaves in a few weeks for Earth."

"What? But he has only been here like a month hasn't he?"

Shepard nods. "He has another assignment. I am actually surprised Eva has not approached us to ask to go with him."

Mia cannot help but notice that her mother is looking out her passenger window. "Would you let her go?"

"I don't think we can really stop her."

Mia nearly rolls her eyes, "Would you give her your permission?"

Shepard looks at Liara who is faced away from her. She looks in the rearview mirror and waits until her eyes meet Mia's, "Yes."

"Wow."

"Yeah no kidding."

They ride in silence the rest of the way. When the sky car lands Mia asks once they are out of the vehicle, "How is Raina doing in her own place?"

Shepard places her arm around her daughter's shoulders, "She loves it. Thankfully she is still learning cooking recipes from your mother, so we get to see her a lot."

"Well that's good. Have you taught her the three things you know Dad?"

Shepard squeezes her shoulders, "I will have you know young lady, I know how to make five things now."

"Oh really?"

"Umm hmmm."

"Five? Wow that's impressive Dad."

"Over there," says Liara. "There's Eva and James."

The rotunda is busy. The ceremony will begin in less than an hour.

"Hi honey," says Liara as she hugs Eva. "James." Liara nods to the human.

"Dr. T'Soni." James stands and nods his head. "Shepard," he says as he extends his hand.

"At ease James," Shepard shakes his hand. It makes Shepard happy that the young human male is so nervous around her.

"Hi Mia!" Eva gives her sister a great big hug.

"Easy there Eva, you are getting strong."

"I have been working out with Mom and Dad."

"Yeah I can tell." She smiles at her sister. "Hi James, I'm Mia." She extends her hand.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Mia. Eva has told me a lot about you. Congratulations on your rookie of the year. I saw a couple of games on the extranet, you are really incredible."

"Thanks." Mia looks around as everyone takes their seat.

Eva takes her hand and pulls her down into her chair. "Raina is not here yet."

The rotunda is full. Shepard is looking around and is once again amazed at the number of humans gathered. She sits down and leans close to Liara. "Why do you think there are so many humans here?"

Liara looks at her. "Are you worried?"

Before she can answer Raina appears, "Hi everyone, sorry I am late."

They all stand and exchange hugs and pleasantries. She sits between Mia and her father. "Good to see you Mia," Raina takes her hand and kisses the back of it.

Mia nudges her shoulder, "Good to see you too."

"I cannot believe the crowd. It took forever to find a parking spot; otherwise I would have been here twenty minutes ago. Good seats Eva."

Eva, who is sitting on the other side of Mia, leans forward so she can see Raina, "Thanks. James and I got here two hours early."

"Really?"

"Poor guy," says Mia. She looks over and sees James smile.

"Ha Ha," says Eva. I did my job didn't I?"

"Oh yes Eva and a fine one at that."

The crowd quiets down when the music starts to play. A large display shows images of Thessia burning, asari fighting and Reapers shooting their destructive red beams. Liara takes Shepard's hand and interlaces her fingers.

Shepard looks at her and sees Liara is fighting back tears. She kisses Liara's hand then continues to watch the display.

The music moved rhythmically with the various scenes of war. It would crescendo during high fighting periods and slow down when the images showed the rebuilding efforts. Shepard feels tightness in her chest and swallows back her tears. She does not want to cry. She cannot help but think of her crew, her friends that have died. Aside from Grunt and Samara, everyone she fought with is dead.

Shepard leans close to Liara so only she can hear, "Wrex would have hated this."

"I know." Liara kisses Shepard's cheek.

The two flew to Tuchanka three months ago after hearing the news of his passing. His sons and daughters along with Eve and Wrex's clan honored him in a way that Shepard hopes she is honored when she dies. Her thoughts turned to mortality that night after the funeral. Liara did not want to hear about it, didn't want to face the fact that someday the human would die. Even with her advanced nanites, she will die well before the asari.

Shepard even brought up the idea of having another child again. Liara quickly changed the subject. Shepard has wanted to talk further with her bondmate about more children but the timing has not been right and she cannot help but wonder if Liara is keeping something from her.

Applause shakes Shepard from her thoughts.

"May I present Councilor Tevos."

Shepard and others stand to give the esteemed asari a standing ovation. When people start to sit Shepard cannot help but notice that some humans scattered throughout the rotunda are not sitting.

The hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. Something is not right. Time seems to slow and her instincts kick in when she yells "GUN!"