Notes:

Forilia Veridium – A dextro wine (Source: CDN)

Gráim thú - I love you (Gaelic)

Ionúin Álainn - beautiful beloved (Gaelic)

Kena sa'ki: literally "the heart of evil", a term commonly applied to Omega (Thessian)

Mo cheann geallta - My promised one (Gaelic)

Olorae – eggs from P'terizur, a large Turian raptor w/4 meter wingspan, ostrich-sized body (Source: Spirit of Redemption Wiki)

Panis – Turian flatbread; unleavened (Source: Spirit of Redemption Wiki)

Phasela – Turian squash resembling zucchini (Source: Spirit of Redemption Wiki)

QEC - Quantum Entanglement Communicator. Instantaneous point-to-point secure communications device; cannot be intercepted between source and destination

Siame - "one who is all", a loved one cherished above all others (Thessian)

Verrat seputus - Verrat (pork), Palma juice and hot sauce with spices. Turian comfort food (Source: CDN)

Villi – Small Turian reptilian pack predator, the size of a wild turkey (Source: Spirit of Redemption Wiki)


Starting Over

Normandy SR-2, Alliance Headquarters, London

Flight Lieutenant Jeff Moreau was attempting to work through a pre-shutdown checklist for the Normandy, in anticipation of rebooting the ship's computer controlled systems from the backup drive in the core compartment on deck three. He was anxious to have Edi operational again after her emergency shutdown just after reaching Arcturus, but he wasn't going to rush the process only to end up frying half the ship's systems on startup. For a ship as complicated and cutting edge as the Normandy, it wasn't as simple as walking up to the conduit and box where the power originated and moving a lever to the 'OFF' position – every sub-system on the ship needed to be correctly shut down while the ship still had auxiliary power available.

He was just beginning to compose a message to Liara T'Soni requesting that she return to shut down all the Broker systems when a cheery voice sounded from the portside airlock: "Permission to come aboard?" As Jeff spun his chair towards the sound, a beaming Riana Iregos leaned around the bulkhead to say hello; her smile quickly faded when she saw an apparently dead Edi strapped into the copilot's seat next to Joker. She moved into the rear of the bridge as she looked at the immobile Synthetic. "By the Goddess, Lieutenant! Why is Edi still up here?"

Joker glanced at his copilot briefly as he explained what she had done immediately before the red wave washed through the ship. "She somehow sensed what was coming and shut down to prevent any damage to her internal circuitry. I expect there's lots and lots of Reaper tech buried in that wonderfully attractive platform. I'm in the process of shutting down the Normandy's sub-systems before I reboot the computers from the backup drive." Looking at Edi again, he added wistfully, "It seemed best just to leave her strapped in that seat… she's really heavy."

Smiling up at Riana, he added, "I was getting ready to send a message to Dr T'Soni to ask her to return to the ship in order to shut down the Broker systems in your compartment, but now that you're here, I'm guessing you can take care of that for her."

"Of course… I'll be happy to do so. But… actually…"

Joker, despite being isolated from the rest of the ship and crew by his position here on the bridge, was exceedingly well-informed about… well, nearly everything involving the personal lives of the crew – Riana was no exception. "… actually," he finished for her, "you really only came here to say hello to Specialist Traynor, correct?"

The slight blush that appeared on the commando's cheeks, accompanied by a shy smile, was all the answer Joker needed. "She's in the War Room, shutting down systems in there and in the QEC compartment," he said. His expression took on a smirking grin as he added, "You know, I bet she could use a hand back there. Might get it done faster with two of you back there; then she could help you in the Broker's office."

Riana quickly thanked the snarky pilot as she turned and made her way through the tactical passageway. Joker admiringly watched her departure for a few moments before keying on comms in the War Room. "Hey Traynor… there's a visitor coming your way. Might be best if you meet before the checkpoint…"

Traynor cursed silently to herself at the unwelcome interruption as she responded, "Will do, LT." Walking around the circular plot display to the exit, she moved past the Conference Room and was at the War Room side of the checkpoint when she saw the far hatch open and Riana enter the passageway. Sammi reversed her opinion and offered up a silent 'thanks' to Joker for calling her out. As their eyes locked, tears of absolute joy filled the specialist's eyes; she had contemplated all sorts of horrific ways the commando might be injured or killed from the time she'd left the hanger during the emergency evac until after the red wave had washed over the ship, and now, Riana was here, standing safely before her.

Schooling her expression as best as she was able, Traynor rapidly closed the distance between them as she opened her arms wide, giving little thought to Riana's recent injuries in her excitement. Sammi enveloped the Asari in a passionate embrace, causing the Asari to gasp as she was pushed back a step with the force of Sammi's forward motion.

Riana's sudden intake of breath didn't go unnoticed and Traynor began to back away, her tone concerned as she quickly queried, "I heard you were injured, rescuing the commander... I didn't hurt you, did I? Everything's healed now, right?"

In answer, Riana's arms came up to return the hug, pulling their bodies together as tightly as she could; she relished the first physical contact she'd had with Traynor since before the final assault on the Reapers at Earth. Her voice was earnest as she spoke to the woman who had greeted her so enthusiastically. "Sammi, I am fine... You simply surprised me. I am so glad to see you… to know you are well! It has been a long two weeks here, waiting for news… any news from the fleet, hoping everyone… hoping you… were okay. Goddess, how I have missed you!"

With her chin sitting on Riana's shoulder, Sammi inhaled deeply and delighted in the now familiar tang of lemon scented leather mixed with the soothing aroma (to her nose, at least) of vanilla. As she turned her head to kiss a blue cheek, Riana responded with a quiet purr of enjoyment and relaxed her arms slightly, leading Sammi to do the same and allowing them to separate just enough to look at one another; mere seconds after their eyes met, Sammi quickly cupped the Asari's face and planted her mouth on Riana's lips in a passionate kiss of renewal, as if to rediscover the love she had feared lost. Riana broke the kiss momentarily to catch her breath before returning her lips to Sammi's, the passion received from Traynor being returned with equal intensity.

When the specialist felt a sharp spike of heat charge through her core, she groaned in frustration and reluctantly lifted her mouth from Riana's. Taking a couple of deep, calming breaths as she pushed back from the Asari slightly, she touched a blue forehead with her own, whispering, "Damn it, Riana… I have never known such fear in my entire life. I know you are more than capable as a warrior, and if it had been just you, I would not have been so worried. But you've shown so many times your willingness to lay down your life for Liara… and by extension, Commander Shepard. When I learned of what Dr T'Soni had ordered you to do, I nearly fell apart. I don't have your skills… could never do what you do, but you need to know I would pick up a gun and follow you straight into Hell if you asked it of me; I am so grateful you managed to rescue Shepard and somehow managed to make it back… to the Normandy… and to me."

"I am glad to be back, Sammi. I… by the Goddess, Samantha Traynor... you must know how deeply I care for you. It was difficult for me as well, being away from the ship… and from you." After a much shorter follow-on kiss, Riana reluctantly released Sammi as she said, "And now, there is work we need to do in order to prep the ship for a cold restart, correct?"

"Come with me…" came the ready response. "You can assist in shutting down systems in the QEC while I finish the War Room, after which we can go the Broker's office and shut down everything in there."


With Riana's assistance, Traynor's shut down of the numerous systems in the War Room and adjacent communications compartment went relatively smoothly. The pair proceeded quickly to the elevator and moved to the Broker's office on the port side of Deck 3, carefully checking that the latest backups had finished before shutting down each system in a pre-ordered sequence.

They had almost completed closing everything down when the ship's comm came alive with the voice of Ashley Williams announcing the formal orders to shut everything down and evacuate the Normandy. Sammi looked at Riana and shyly asked, "Where have you been sleeping?"

Riana fixed Traynor with an inquisitive look as she answered, "I have been staying in the anteroom of Shepard's hospital room... and then began rotating shifts... and bunks... with the commandos that arrived aboard the T'Soni VIP-1 from the estate. By Matriarch Aethyta's command, we have all been taking turns guarding the commander since their arrival. Though I was hoping tonight…" She paused as she dropped her eyes to look at the deck for a moment before returning a steady gaze to Sammi and continuing, "… that is, I want to spend the night with you… in your quarters… if you will allow it." As Riana watched Sammi's reaction, she noticed fresh tears forming in the Human's eyes. Taking the few steps to stand in front of her, Riana gently wiped the tears away as they trickled down her cheeks and was instantly repaid by a tentative smile.

"I'd like that… very much, Riana. We can have dinner together, talk about our experiences during the past weeks... though I expect yours were much more interesting than mine. I want to hear all about your rescue of Commander Shepard. I want to…" Traynor abruptly paused, momentarily placing the palm of her hand across her mouth to stop her rambling. With a small shake of her head she looked the Asari directly in the eyes as she finished with, "Your absence revealed one thing to me, above all else. I am ass over tit in love with you, Riana Iregos."

Riana's face turned a slightly deeper shade of blue as she refocused on her work and shut down the final terminal before turning toward the Human who had just stated a rather resolute proclamation of love. Traynor was obviously concerned by Riana's hesitation, so the Asari spoke quietly, her voice steady, to allay the woman's fears. "Sammi. It has been not even seven months that we have known each other in this way... and Ryati is always still at the back of my mind... but just that... at the back. You have awakened within me feelings I expected to be much longer in forming, but with the uncertainty of the war now behind us, I believe I will finally be able to move forward and truly explore the possibilities between us."

An answering shy grin split the face of Samantha Traynor as she held out her hand to the Asari. "I do want you to spend the night with me, Riana Iregos. I… want to explore every centimeter of you, body and soul. So much so, that I haven't thought of much else since the moment I saw you enter the checkpoint." Leaning in, she planted a quick kiss on a luscious pair of lips before adding, "Grab some clothes. I already have most of my gear in my temporary quarters. Supplies are a bit scarce at the store on base, so if you have it here on the ship, bring it with you."

Riana packed fresh clothes for herself in a backpack before going to the supply sergeant to pull two sets of leathers each for Lieutenant Kurin and Specialist Cayla from the ship's stores; last time they had talked, Cayla had bemoaned the lack of any Asari clothing on the Alliance base, but Riana didn't have the access codes for their personal lockers. As Ashley repeated her ship wide announcement to evacuate the Normandy, Riana rejoined Sammi, who grabbed her hand, led the way up to the Bridge and told Joker, "Everything in the War Room, QEC compartment and the Broker's office has been backed up and shut down. We'll be in base housing if we're needed."

Riana added a commanding, "You won't need Specialist Traynor before midday tomorrow at the earliest…" an ethereal wave of blue energy appeared momentarily around the commando's upper body as she finished with, "… will you, Flight Lieutenant?"

Joker almost said what he was thinking, but a look from Riana was more than enough to halt any smart-ass remark before it passed his lips. "Of course not, Vanguard Iregos. They'll be running all their scans and the decon tomorrow, so you have a full 36 hours. Have a pleasant evening."

Traynor added, "Good luck with your system restart, Flight Lieutenant."

As the pair made their departure through the Normandy's airlock to catch a shuttle back to base, a still unrepentant Joker returned his seat to its 'forward facing' position so he could watch Riana and Traynor through the forward viewport. He grinned as his eyes followed their retreat, quietly mumbling, "Damn! Why is it Asari Commandos are the only ones running around in tight leathers? I think Traynor's ass would look just as good in skin-tight pants."

"Was that a sexist comment I just heard, Flight Lieutenant?" To Jeff's horror, Lieutenant Commander Williams was nonchalantly leaning in the doorway behind him, arms casually crossed under her chest and a single eyebrow raised inquisitively.

"Ahh, no Ma'am!" Specialist Traynor's ass would look good in Asari leathers! As would yours, Ma'am! Thinking he couldn't get any deeper into trouble than he already was, he simply shrugged and grinned. "Just a statement of fact, Ma'am!"

Ashley had been around the snarky pilot so long, nothing he said would surprise her. "Just finish the shutdown so we can get outta here, Joker." Ashley's expression as she looked at Joker left no doubt in his mind she knew exactly what he was thinking. Today is probably not a good day to play poker... with anyone!

"Aye-aye, Ma'am. Completing shutdown."


Alliance Dorms, Earth, Sol

The duo stopped by the Asari dorms first in order to unburden themselves of the spare leathers Riana had brought for Lieutenant Liessa Kurin and Specialist Cayla Thaus. Once they reached the Alliance housing area, Traynor led the way to her room and unlocked and opened the door. Waving Riana in ahead of her, she said, "I forgot to mention I share this place with three other people."

The Asari quickly looked at Traynor with a mixture of curiosity and worry. "I thought you had private quarters, Sammi."

Traynor chuckled, closed and locked the door, then proceeded into the central 'living' area. "Housing space is at a premium down here, and will be even more dire once the evacuation of the Citadel is underway." Leading Riana towards one of several doors around the perimeter of the room, she continued, "This place used to be a college dorm… er, dormitory. In addition to this area, there are two bathrooms, shared by two people each, and four private bedrooms."

Stopping in front of one door, she entered a code in her omnitool; the door responded by unlatching to allow entry – additionally, Riana's omnitool lit up momentarily as it received the entry code. "The doors auto close, latch and lock when one leaves. Kinda annoying if all I have to do is take a leak, but that's how they're programmed."

"Who else is in this… dormitory… with you, Sammi?"

"Oh! That's the best part… I'm sharing with the Normandy engineers – Donnelly and Daniels, and Corporal Sarah Campbell."

"Sarah's staying here? That's wonderful!" Riana preceded Traynor into her small bedroom, noting it had just a bit more space than her own quarters in the Broker's office on the Normandy.

She turned as an unexpected hand gently gripped her upper arm. "Not a lot of room to run in here – think you'll be comfortable tonight?"

"Oh, I'm not going to be doing any running in here, Samantha Traynor… and neither are you."

Traynor's soul soared as she drew the object of her love towards her. A quick kiss, then a husky, "Come on, then. Let's get something to eat while we still can; I don't intend to open that door for anything once we're back for the evening."

Riana quickly hugged Sammi as she returned the kiss. Eyes glittering with suppressed desire, she turned the specialist towards the door and whispered, "Go."


Royal London Hospital, Earth, Sol

"Your father was Krogan, huh?" Wrex actually smiled. "Good for you."

Aethyta excused him for his ignorance of her history and how her parents had killed one another over a stupid argument concerning the Krogan Rebellions, simply responding, "If you say so." She moved back to the table and sat down, listening as Shepard gave him the condensed version of the story. "Well, shit. Sorry, Aethyta... Tough break. Didn't mean any offense."

She simply grunted, "None taken," in response as she resumed eating her dinner, leaving the friends to talk and get caught up.

Unaware of the previous discussion regarding Miranda and the limitations she had placed on everyone, Wrex jumped in with both feet, regaling Shepard with stories of the battle, which she returned in kind, relieved to be treated like a soldier again instead of an invalid. She also continued to eat, finishing her dinner while they talked, Liara at her side, comforting her as best as she could whenever Wrex talked of the dead. He finally pinned her with his beady, red-eyed stare. "What about you, Shepard? Lots of questions regarding what the Hell happened up on that station after you disappeared into that beam."

Shepard's face turned into a stone mask as she dropped her fork onto her plate and pushed the tray away. She glanced at Liara as thoughts flew between them. {I don't know if I am ready to talk about this, but...}

Liara's hand was resting on Shepard's thigh and she squeezed it reassuringly. {It will be fine, Siame; tell your story. If you haven't told anyone but me after two weeks' time, it is well past due for it to come out. You need to let it go... and I am here to help you through it, Love.}

Shepard felt love and reassurance flood through the link, so she took a deep breath and began. Tears trickled down both her and Liara's faces from the shared pain and agony of Harbinger's blast and the remaining trip to the beam. As Shepard went over the part of the story regarding Maya Brooks, Liara barely managed to restrain herself from flaring her biotics in anger, still tormented by the mere idea of the assassin's presence so close to her loved one, even though Shepard had calmed her fears and anger the first time through the story, when they had renewed their link earlier in the day. {She could have killed you just as easily, Samantha!}

"I really don't know why she did what she did. Riana thinks it was because Brooks decided I was our last hope at firing the Crucible... but I have no way to judge the accuracy of her assumption." Shepard shrugged and closed her eyes as tears ran more plentifully down her face. "I only wish... I wish she had killed TIM sooner..." In that moment, Shepard made a decision she was not going to hide anything of what happened from those present. "... before he used the Reaper tech to control me and made me shoot David Anderson."

The words flowed from Shepard's mouth in a rush, before she thought too hard on the subject and changed her mind. Aethyta's dishes rattled as she pushed herself up quickly from the table, her hands aglow with biotics. "What the fuck?" Wrex grumbled in anger, knowing how much Anderson meant to Shepard, but he didn't have a chance to say anything before Aethyta's face twisted with loathing as she exclaimed, "That kena sa'ki! It is a good thing he's already dead; it saves me the trouble of hunting him down and completing the task!"

"You'd have to beat me to it," Wrex growled.

Liara couldn't keep from chuckling softly at the level of righteous anger being displayed on Shepard's behalf. As Wrex and her father looked at her in astonishment, wondering how she could be laughing instead of outraged, Shepard smiled and explained. "I think we'd have a whole posse. My mother and Ashley Williams apparently had the same reaction toward the man, though for a different reason we haven't even explained to you yet. And, I imagine, it's probably safe to say every person on the Normandy would be happy to take on the mission of finding him if it were necessary."

By the time they were done explaining the additional issue of the kill-switch built into Shepard's amp and how Miranda was working on building a completely new replacement, just to be safe, the commander was visibly tired, both physically and emotionally. Aethyta stood and stretched before pointing at Wrex. "You. Out. We're done for tonight; Shepard and Liara need their rest."

He stood and stared at her, "And what about you?" Wrex's question had the tone of a petulant child. "Why do you get to stay?"

"I don't. I follow you out, secure the door and sleep on that outer cot as first defender."

"Hrmph," Wrex grunted before shifting his focus to Shepard. "You get well, Shepard. The war may be over, but the galaxy needs you to keep this victory we have won from destroying us all. The euphoria of conquest will only last so long before people start killing each other to survive the aftermath. Trust me. I know."

Shepard's face looked troubled for only a moment before she spoke, her voice laced with sarcasm. "Gee. Thanks, Wrex. I'd hate to have too much time to actually enjoy our success. An extended peace would leave all us poor soldiers unemployed."

"I knew you'd understand, Shepard." Wrex tossed out one last toothy grin before stepping out the door and disappearing down the hallway.

Aethyta looked back at the tired couple and directed, "You two get some sleep. I'll see you in the morning, but if you need something before then, you know where to find me." She quietly pulled the door shut and Shepard and Liara finally found themselves in solitude.

Liara blew out a heavy breath before collapsing back against her side of the double bed. "Thank the Goddess! I thought they'd never leave us alone!"

Shepard chuckled softly and ran her fingers down the outside of Liara's arm. "I knew they'd have to eventually. Visiting hours are over." Liara glanced her way and was instantly captured by penetrating green eyes.

Hearing the silent request through the link, she sat back up and swung a leg over, arranging herself to sit astraddle Shepard's lap before leaning forward. She placed her elbows against the back of the raised bed and crossed her arms over Sam's head, tipping her head down until their foreheads touched, her fingertips playing casually in auburn hair. Eyes closed, they simply enjoyed the physical connection... the warmth... purely from being close. Liara whispered softly, "Goddess, how I've missed you."

"I've missed you, too, Ionúin Álainn. Every day was a torment, not knowing if you were alright once I left you behind. I am so sorry I had to do that to you." Shepard's hands sat on Liara's waist and used the Asari's thighs and hips as rests, but didn't stay there long.

A rapid intake of breath later, Liara groaned as Shepard's fingers sought out skin beneath the Asari's shirt and threatened to sneak rearward into the folds of Liara's lower back. "I don't believe you are well enough for that, Commander, however much we may long for one another at the moment."

"I am most definitely not. Not for what you're thinking, anyway... but that doesn't mean I can't take pleasure in the feel of your skin under my hands..." Shepard tipped her head and gently latched her teeth onto one of Liara's neck folds, pushing her tongue deeply into a crease. {... or the quickening of your pulse under my tongue.}

Liara's body shuddered as she breathed, "Oh, dearest Goddess!" into the air of the otherwise silent room. Unable to stop the physical reaction, she squirmed with an uncontrollable surge of desire as Shepard slid her fingertips into the sensitive folds of her lower back, carefully triggering the central erogenous zone Sam had always found so easy to locate, to both Liara's dismay and her pleasure... with pleasure undoubtedly winning out in the end. She protested quietly, "Samantha! We can't!" even as her core slicked with the wetness of growing arousal.

As Liara's body responded to her continued loving ministrations, Shepard eventually released the neck folds to whisper softly, "I need you, Blue. I've missed you; please, let me in."

Defenseless against such a plea from the woman she loved so dearly, Liara simply let the link fall open as she closed her eyes and whispered softly, "Goddess forgive me, but yes, Siame. I am yours."

Shepard was intimately familiar with all the Asari's trigger points and the dire circumstances behind their separation only served to heighten the emotional reunion. Even knowing she should not, Liara gave herself over completely as Samantha reveled in the responsiveness of her lover. Liara was close to the edge when she heard the uniquely Shepard, old-world Gaelic roll off her lover's tongue. "Gráim thú, mo cheann geallta."

The emotions that flowed through the link provided the perfect accompaniment to the silky voice purring in her ear and Liara abruptly tipped over the peak. Her hands gripped tightly onto the top of the bed and she buried her face in Shepard's neck in an attempt to muffle her cries as her entire body convulsed in sweet release... and she expanded the link again, to a full meld, without conscious intention or warning, and merged completely with Samantha's soul.

As thoughts, emotions and physical sensations collided, their minds jumped to the higher plain of Inanna, even as Shepard felt her entire abdominal area spasm and contract with a shared... and absolutely magnificent... orgasm. Shepard felt her newly reassembled muscles strain... and at least a couple pulled as she grunted with the pain that accompanied the glorious sensation. A horrified Liara withdrew without delay, immediately apologizing. {By the Goddess! Siame! I am so sorry! The last thing I wanted was to harm you! I knew you were not ready!}

At first, she was confused by Samantha's pained laughter, until the commander whispered softly in her ear. "Don't worry about it, Li... because I don't care if it hurts. That was sooo worth it!" Shepard smiled and pulled Liara close to her once more. "Come. Join with me again and I'll explain."

Liara laid a hand gently against Shepard's tender abdomen, her voice laced with concern. "But what of the pain our union caused you?"

"It's nothing the nanites won't fix overnight, Liara." Shepard toggled both remotes to return their beds to the fully horizontal position for the night. "Now, come on. I need to feel your weight against me and have your mind in mine. I've missed you, Blue."

In the outer room, a half-asleep Aethyta bolted upright in the bed before springing to her feet. She listened intently to determine what it was that had woken her... and a grin slowly spread across her face in recognition. She chuckled softly to herself and crawled back into bed, pulling the pillow quickly over her head as she made a silent vow to herself. As much as I love to tease you about sex, Liara, that's one you will never know I heard.


Destiny Ascension, Earth Orbit, Sol

Studying several reports on the datapad she was carrying, Desis Vyessan had her head down while walking slowly down a passageway towards her new office in what was now the temporary Turian Embassy. With the mass evacuation of the remaining Citadel population well underway, it was difficult to make any type of estimate on when, or if, they would ever be able to return to their old offices. The consensus among the three members of the Galactic Council ( … not calling it the Citadel Council, with the Citadel unavailable for their use… ), was to have Councilor Raesia Tevos present a request to Matriarch Lidanya regarding the temporary establishment of Council Headquarters aboard the Destiny Ascension, until such time as they could once more occupy permanent chambers in the Widow System.

That Turian Councilor Quentius and Salarian Councilor Valern were both in total agreement came as a bit of a surprise to Desis, until she applied a bit of Turian military logic to Quentius decision – there wasn't a single Turian dreadnaught that hadn't sustained damage during the final battle over Earth. The Salarian's had even fewer dreadnaughts than the Turians and, despite the perceived prestige of hosting the council, Desis surmised that Quentius and Valern wanted the Council on the biggest, most well-armed and guarded vessel in the combined fleets. There was also the pride factor, so while neither councilor wished to reside on a warship belonging to the other's race, the Asari vessel, by contrast, simply felt right, in that the Asari had been the first space-faring race of the current cycle, and were always thought of, privately at least, as the true negotiators of the triumvirate.

It was Desis' belief that the ship would most likely travel back to the Widow System once the evacuation of the Citadel was complete – such a relocation would bring a renewed sense of normalcy to the galaxy by returning the Council to the system everyone recognized as the center of government. Widow was truly a neutral location which could equally serve the people that every councilor represented… and eliminate the perception of the Humans having unlimited access. It would also provide the Council with an opportunity to monitor the repairs to the Citadel once it was relocated from the Sol System – if a move of something so huge was even possible to accomplish without the control provided by the Reapers.

She only took cursory notice that there was someone seated near her desk as she entered the outer waiting area. Closing her datapad, she set it down near two others as she turned to look at her visitor. "Garrus! My apologies for not realizing it was you when I came in. I'm just returning from a meeting and… oh, never mind." She moved to stand in front of him as he rose from the chair. "Are you here to see Councilor Quentius… or did you lose your way trying to find the Primarch's offices? The Destiny Ascension can be extremely confusing if you aren't used to it!"

Garrus surprised Desis, slowly wrapping his arms around her, drawing her close as he whispered, "Spirits, Dee! I am so glad you made it off the Citadel before the Reapers closed the arms and moved it here." Garrus all but purred in happiness at being able to hold this female close. "Shepard told me you made it off the Citadel, but I really wish you had tried to contact me… hearing the news straight from you would have been…"

Desis tipped her head slightly as she pushed away a tiny bit to interrupt. "But Garrus… I did try… a number of times. With all the military traffic, especially off this ship, personal messages just weren't going anywhere. A message would enter the queue for transmission, and simply stay there until the queue overloaded, at which point everything would be dumped. And that goes both ways, correct? I never saw any messages from you before we left for Arcturus."

Garrus found himself looking away from the perceptive silver-flecked violet eyes that apparently could see right through him. His flanging voice took on a hint of embarrassment as he replied, "I'm sorry to say I never sent one, Dee… there was so much going on."

Desis chuckled, her sub-harmonics adding to the amused tone. "It's not important, Garrus. I knew you were safe with Commander Shepard; turns out, you were also aware I was here on the DA so neither of us suffered unnecessary worry. And now that the Reapers have been defeated, the real work will begin."

Garrus had a sudden thought, and flared his mandibles as he asked, "Have you had lunch yet?"

Desis quickly schooled her look of surprise as she replied, "No, I haven't. You offering to buy?"

"Only if you have a place in mind that will afford us some privacy. It'll give us a chance to catch each other up on what we've been through."

Desis gently stroked one of Garrus' upper arms. "The Destiny Ascension is large enough to have a lot of amenities, for a variety of races, including Turians… Quarians as well." Activating her desktop terminal, she said, "Let me just leave a message for Councilor Quentius and we can go." When she was done, she closed her terminal and took one of Garrus' arms. "Come on, my gallant warrior. I'm hungry."

Desis steered the big Turian through several passages and one very short elevator ride to arrive at a café and restaurant area that serviced the numerous consular and diplomatic offices on the level above. Pausing in front of Tanilea's North End Café, she looked up at Garrus to say, "This is my favorite spot for lunch… one of only three completely Dextro places in this area. The restaurant a bit further along the passageway makes excellent baked Villi, served with phasela and panis; don't ask me how they're still able to obtain Villi… I expect there's some smuggling involved."

Garrus chuckled as Desis stopped just inside the door. "Smuggling would continue even if the races weren't recovering from a devastating war. I suspect most smugglers tried to sit out the war on their home planets... and now, with all of us focused on recovery efforts, there will be ample opportunity for those that survived. I'm sure that any greedy enough to try taking on Reapers in space lost their lives in the attempt – but, no matter the risk, as long as there's a market for something in short supply, somebody, somewhere, will attempt to fill that need."

A young Turian female in typical hostess dress appeared from behind the counter and nodded her head as she fluttered her mandibles in greeting. "Welcome back, Desis Vyessan. You haven't been here for a number of days." Turning her attention to Garrus, she asked, "And who may this handsome fellow be?"

Desis looked up at her companion as she held onto his right hand in a rather obvious show of possession. "This is the Primarch's Liaison to the Systems Alliance, Garrus Vakarian." Looking back at the hostess, she concluded, "Table for two, please."


Garrus hadn't realized how hungry he really was until a tray full of baked and sliced anserae, scrambled olorae eggs, fried phasela and several pieces of panis, accompanied with a large glass of Forilia Veridium. Desis had chosen Verrat seputus along with the wine.

As they ate, Garrus spoke mostly about Commander Shepard and how badly injured she had been prior to entering the Citadel beam. "I do not know much about human anatomy, Dee, but from what was described to me by Miranda Lawson, I feel it is a miracle she survived."

"And a very good thing Doctor T'Soni sent Riana to follow Shepard to the Citadel. It's just a real shame about Admiral Anderson… to have survived the entire war unscathed, only to be murdered by the Illusive Man.

Garrus took a sip of wine as he thought about all the ironies the conflict had presented. Deciding to change the subject, he asked, "Have you any information about when... or if... the Council will return to the Citadel?"

Desis took a sip of her own wine, before carefully answering, "There's not a lot I'm free to say about that subject, even to the Primarch's Liaison, but with the Citadel failing, and being here in Sol, we have to look at other options. For the short term, the Council is speaking with Matriarch Lidanya about the likelihood of extending the Council Headquarters time aboard the Destiny Ascension. I don't really see any other choice, so I can't imagine her turning down their request. The Council will need sufficient time to come up with alternatives and then to weigh the pros and cons of whatever potential solutions they come up with."

Desis chuckled wryly as she continued. "The Asari do well as negotiators, but getting Quentius and Valern to agree even on the current time of day is a major undertaking. Agreeing on where the council should be meeting in the post-war galaxy?" She raised her hands, level with her shoulders with palms facing the ceiling in a gesture of the futility she was feeling. "The process will certainly not be fun for anyone unfortunate enough to be involved."

She finished her wine with a flourish, looked at her chrono and said, "I have to get back to work, Garrus. Do you need to see Councilor Quentius while you're on the ship?"

"I only came here to spend some time with you, Dee. I can see Quentius any time I wish." Finishing his Forilia Veridium, he set the glass down, dabbed at a spot of sauce on his nose plates and stood to leave. "This has been the best two hours I've spent since the end of the war! We need to do this again, real soon." Garrus took her hand as they walked to the door, pausing only long enough to swipe a credit chit through the reader, before leading Dee into the corridor.

"Stay in touch with me, Desis, okay? Pass me any information you learn concerning the state of affairs on Palaven and its colonies. I don't believe Quentius will voluntarily divulge anything, but people in his position can, and do, slip up and say things when it's least expected."

Desis looked at the big Turian a moment, then proceeded to wrap her arms around him in a tight hug. "You take care down there, Garrus. I don't want anything to happen to you." She reached up and nibbled on a mandible. "Thanks for lunch, and… well, thanks, Garrus. We'll talk soon."

With that, she left for the elevator, not wanting him to see the lust in her eyes.