Chapter Thirteen

Stunned by the news, but Hannah is ecstatic at the same time. She smiles from ear to ear when she realizes she'll get called grandma. "You two didn't waste any time did you?" The elder Shepard walks over to the couple and give each one a hug. "I'm so happy for you both. Let the spoiling begin."

"Mom, no. No spoiling her with things she doesn't need," replies Leia.

Hannah laughs, "You forgot how it works. You see my dear daughter, you, the parent get to say 'no' where I, grandma, gets to say 'yes'. Those are the rules." Hannah keeps laughing.

Liara facepalms and says under her breath, "Goddess."

Dr. Chakwas remains in her chair watching the interaction between Liara, Hannah, and Leia. She thinks about how she can't wait to watch Shepard and T'Soni's kids grow up. She has a feeling, if Liara is pregnant already, they will have more than one. The medical doctor smiles at trio. If Shepard is as caring with her kids as she is with those who serve under her, they are lucky kids. Karin knows with absolute certainty, Shepard will give her children more than the Normandy's crew. And Hannah will try her best to spoil them.

"No, mom! Those are not the rules." Leia stands firm in her tone and stance. Liara whispers a few words in Shepard's ear. Her posture softens after Liara finishes speaking. "How about we compromise, mom? Educational items are fine. Diapers and clothes would be even better, if you feel like shopping."

Hannah can not stop laughing. Leia is already being protective of her children and they're not even born yet. The older Shepard wonders if there is anything her daughter won't do that will make her beam with pride, or laugh. If anyone messes with the kids, Hannah wonders which parent the person should fear the most. Mom or dad. If Liara was with Leia on every mission after they left Mars, it means Liara is a very capable biotic and knows how to handle herself in combat.

Pulling Leia in for a motherly hug, Hannah says, "Deal. Let's sit." The trio moves to the other side of the couch. Hannah sits in the chair and Shepard and Liara sit on the couch. "Leia, what did Hackett offer you?"

"CO of the N-School is retiring. There is already a rumor floating around the Villa, I'm taking over. Some of the politicians want me to replace Udina. Or I can stay on the Normandy." Leia's eyes move from her mother to Dr. Chakwas. "I've already ruled out returning to the Normandy. I'm not raising a family on a ship. I want our kids to have grass under their feet. I want them to have things I didn't growing up. No offense, mom," replies Captain Shepard. Leia nods with a smile to Hannah.

"None, taken. I don't blame you. You did grow up on ships or a few stations and we did move a lot. The N-School? That is a perfect posting for you. I'm surprised you're not thinking about retiring." Hannah leans forward with her elbows on her knees.

Leia leans back on the couch, places her right ankle on her left thigh. "I have thought about it. I was telling this to Liara earlier. I'm down to two options. Take over the N-School or retire. I'm still thinking which choice is the right one." Shepard squeezes Liara's hand. "I did talk to Hackett today. I asked him about my service record and how does my time being grounded and working with Cerberus affect my time served."

"What did he say?" asks Liara.

"Hmm. He said what time with Cerberus and I'm exonerated of any charges about the Alpha Relay and the batarians are not perusing any type of reparations from the Alliance. The Alliance is still negotiating with the batarians, but it has been agreed on. He offered to keep me updated and I declined," answers Leia.

Hannah leans back in her chair. "I'm surprised about the batarians and not perusing any reparations. Why did you decline the updates?"

"I am not surprised about the batarians. They were hit the hardest and don't have any allies. Once the Hegemony went in disarray, the batarians were more cooperative. It is in their best interest to reach out and make peace with the Alliance and the Council. They did leave their embassy on the Citadel and the Hegemony suffered for it when the Reapers attacked," comments Liara.

Leia lets go of Liara's hand and puts both hands in her lap, "It's in everyone's best interest to get along. Now, more than ever." Shepard finishes her glass of tea then goes to the kitchen to get a glass of water. She leans against the counter, splashing water on her face. Why can't I get rid of this nagging feeling I made a mistake. And the galaxy will suffer for it in the future. Leia walks out the backdoor and sits at the patio table. If I made a mistake, how do I fix it? Can I fix it? I don't think it is fixable. She puts her hands over her face when she leans forward. I've doomed the future to another war with synthetics. The Catalyst is right, our children will create synthetics or the quarians will again. No, no. I can't think this way. There isn't anything I can do to fix it.

Hannah looks out the backdoor to see Leia leaning forward with her hand covering her face in a chair. The look of concern appears on Hannah's face. She turns and walks back to the living room, "Liara, how long has Leia been like this?"

"It started the day after our ceremony. She thinks she made a mistake," replies Liara. The grin on her face is barely noticeable.

Dr. Chakwas asks, "What do you mean she thinks she made a mistake? What mistake?"

Liara looks at Karin, inhales deeply, then exhales slowly. "She had a choice when she was on the Citadel. She is really questioning her choice, Karin. I understand why she feels the way she does. I don't agree she made a mistake." But then I'm selfish and I want her with us.

"What were the choices?" inquires Hannah.

Leia returns in time to hear her mother's question. She calms herself down enough to attempt to explain her choices. The red-haired woman sits next to her wife. "I talked to the Catalyst. He said things I don't want to try to explain. Maybe you can read it in a book." Leia gives Liara a quick smirk and a wink. "I was given three choices. I could destroy the Reapers, which I did. But I also killed EDI and the geth. I was also given two other choices."

Liara squeezes Leia's shoulder as a sign of support. Shepard continues, "Believe it or not, but the Illusive Man was right. We could control the Reapers, or I could and use the Reapers as I see fit. I would have died. Or I could have added my energy to the Crucible's. That would have died with that choice too. It would change everyone's DNA and it would merge all organics and synthetics. It's suppose to be the next level of evolution. He called it synthesis. " Leia leans against her wife and Liara wraps her arms around her bondmate.

Hannah and Karin exchange glances. Dr. Chakwas rubs her chin thinking how the synthesis would work. The medical doctor body quivers when she thinks about it. Karin is reluctant to ask, but asks anyway. "What makes you think you made a mistake, Shepard?" Even in this intimate setting, Dr. Chakwas refuses to uses Shepard's first name.

"I worry my mistake won't be felt for decades if not centuries to come. There is nothing I can do to fix it," replies Captain Shepard. The more Leia talks about her worries, fears, and guilt, the more she sees she needs to put her decisions in the rear-view mirror. There is nothing she can do to change them. Deep down, she knows she needs to focus on the future. A ping of guilt bull rushes Leia and her eyes start to tear up. The guilt appears when she suddenly realizes her thoughts are on decisions she can't fix, instead of being focused on Liara and their unborn daughter.

Hannah reaches over to pat Leia on the thigh, "The future is not set in stone. We can strengthen the ban on AI development. We can hand out harsher penalties to those governments or groups who try to develop AI."

Leia wipes her face. "That won't stop someone from doing it in secret. Hell, mom. We both know the Alliance got caught developing AI in 2165. How much has humanity learned from our own history? Even if we teach the younger generations, someone is always going push the boundaries. Cerberus did it daily. Fuck, look what they did with me. I shouldn't even be here, but here I am." Shepard gets off the couch, flings her arms out, then walks into the bedroom.

Liara looks at Hannah then to Karin. She starts to get off the couch when Hannah places her hand on Liara's shoulder, "I'll go, Liara." The Admiral walks over to the bedroom door and knocks on it, waiting for a response. She enters when she hears Leia say, "Come in."

Captain Shepard is lying on her back with her hands behind her head on the bed. "I don't want to talk anymore, mom."

"Good, just listen," says Hannah when she sits on the bed. "You always make me proud, Leia. I never thought I would say this to you, kiddo, but I'm going to say it anyway. Retire. You've done more than anyone. You've done your duty. Retire and take care of your family. I do expect you and Liara at mine and Karin's cottage for dinner. 1800. Think about what I just said. I love you, kiddo." She kisses her daughter on the forehead then leaves the room.

"I love you, mom, and thanks," replies Leia as she watches her mom leave the room. Shepard curls up on her side with the covers over her shoulders.

Liara joins Shepard in the bedroom after Hannah and Dr. Chakwas leave to do some grocery shopping for tonight's dinner. "Are you awake?" asks the asari.

Leia rolls over to look at Liara. "Yea, I'm awake. I'm sorry."

"Your mom and Dr. Chakwas left. They are going to get something to make for dinner. What they are getting, I have no idea. You have nothing to be sorry for. I love you, Leia," says Liara before she leans down to kiss her bondmate softly on the lips.

Both moan as they kiss. Shepard wraps her arms around Liara and breaks the kiss to hold the asari close. "I love you, Liara. So, tell me about the property you went to see this morning."

Dr. T'Soni lays her head on Shepard's shoulder. "I think there is something wrong with it because of the asking price. I let the realtor think I was interested, but I'm not. It's nice and roomy. Something about it rubs me the wrong way. So, I'll keep looking."

"How about we rent something? I'm not sure if I want to buy property here on Earth. Maybe once the relays are fixed, we can move and help settle a colony. I think it would be easier on the kids if they're around more asari," comments Leia. She shifts her weight to get comfortable without disturbing Liara lying next to her.

Liara is happy to hear Leia wants their daughters around more asari. She's right, it would make things easier for the girls. "Did you have any colony in mind? Or should we take a wait and see approach to it. Who knows how long the repairs will take."

Leia runs her hand down Liara's arm. "I think we should wait and see which planet would be the ideal place for us to raise our children."

"Okay." Liara nuzzles against Shepard. The asari wonders what Hannah said to her love. Shepard seems in better spirits. Or is thinking ahead and not backwards. Are you still wanting to live here in Rio, Leia?"

"I'll follow you to hell and back, Liara. Without question. I think we've been down that path, so we need to pick a new one," jokes Leia. She is trying hard to not dwell on the decisions she made months ago and put her focus on the future with Liara and their children. Mom is right. I need to take care of my family. I still think I should stay in until I hit the twenty year mark. It's only five years away, but I really don't want our girls growing up on Earth. However, it's only five years then we can move. I can care for my family doing a desk job. They need other asari around them besides Liara. We can't do anything about it until the relays are fixed. Maybe I should contact Tali and see how that is going? Or take a trip out that way. Or...

Shepard's hand lightly moves up and down Liara's upper arm. "Liara, do you want to take a trip to Mars?"

Liara moves off Shepard. She gives the human a curious look, "Mars?"

"Yes, Mars. Are you not interested?" asks Leia with a hint of disappointment in her voice.

Liara hears the disappointment in Shepard's voice. "No, no. I'm interested. There are dozens of data troves untouched by the Alliance. I would love to study them. Let me find a place to set up my equipment here in Rio. The locals are very friendly and I like the climate. I would like to stay. If you have something else in mind. I'm open for suggestions." The asari lies back down next to Leia.

"Rio works for me, Liara." Leia sits up and puts a pillow behind her. "I've never had a place of my own before Liara. I grew up on ships then at eighteen I joined the Alliance and served on ships. The only time I ever had my own quarters is when I became CO of the Normandy. Traynor told me my quarters is bigger than some apartments she's seen."

"Your quarters is bigger than the original Normandy. The SR-2 comes with an aquarium and a nice display for your models. Are you sure the fish will be alive when we get back?" asks Liara.

Leia leans over enough to force Liara on her back. Red and blue lips meet before parting enough for their tongues to dart and duel. Shepard's body hovers over T'Soni high enough for the asari to peel the Captain out of her uniform. Leia tosses Liara's clothes to the left then sensually kisses the back of Liara's neck. Her lips tease and brush against Liara's flesh sending tingling sensations through the asari's body. Liara gasps in erotic pleasure as she closes her eyes and when she reopens them, they're solid black.

Vicuña

Pablo Araya is at home, reading over the latest intel from his trusted information broker, Hector. He talks out loud to himself, "What's your game, Shepard? You leave here and head back to North America. Stay a day then go to Rio. Where you've been since. It is winter up there and sunny here. What that asari wife of yours not like the snow and cold?" Pablo starts laughing and holding his gut. "Oh, Shepard. It's going to be such a joy to watch you fall. Such a joy."

Jaime Pizarro knocks on the door to Pablo's home office before entering, "Pablo, you wanted to see me?"

"Yes, Jaime, I did. I have a job for you and you alone." answers Pablo Araya. He stands and motions for Jaime to follow him. Pablo leaves his office and walks into the recreation room. The N7 washout grabs two sets of steel-tipped darts, handing Jaime a set. "You go first, Jaime."

Pizarro tosses his three darts at the board. He hits the triple one, twenty, and one. Araya says in between tosses, "I need you to go to Rio and watch someone for a few days then return." Pablo hits the outer ring of the bullseye, twenty near the bullseye, and the five near the bullseye.

"Who am I watching, boss?" asks Jaime as he tosses his darts and hits with all three darts the triple twenty. "Hah!"

"Nice, Jaime. Real nice. How's this?" Pablo tosses his darts and hits the center with all three in a tight grouping.

"Trip twenty scores more points than a bullseye. Very impressive just the same." Jaime grins at his boss before tossing his darts. He hits triple twenty twice and twenty just below the triple box with the third dart. "Damn, missed it."

Pablo pats Jaime on the back. "Still a good round. Are we even keeping score? It doesn't matter. Anyway, the target is Commander Shepard and the asari she married, Dr. T'Soni. Don't confront them or anything like that. Just watch and follow for a few days. I want to know what they are up to and if you think they are planning on coming back here. If you need longer, take longer. If you think they spotted you, come home" Araya takes the darts from Jaime and puts both sets away. "Take off now. Do not contact me, T'Soni is an information broker and a very good one. Be careful, Jaime."

Jaime Pizarro nods while saying, "I will. Any idea where they are staying, Pablo?" He turns to leave Pablo's house and head home to pack for his trip to Rio. Beaches in late summer, Jaime can't think of a better place than Rio.

"Sorry, but no. However, the asari has money, so I would look around the more expensive areas of Rio. And the beaches. I can see them renting something secluded and away from others. They did rent the entire Los Villas for a night," answers Pablo as Jaime walks out the front door.

"I'll see you in a few days. I hope I can find her," replies Jaime.

Pablo grins at his friend, "I have faith in you, Jaime. If anyone can find Shepard, you can. I'm sure a few locals are excited about the "savior" of the galaxy in their city." He air quotes when he says 'savior' and has a disrespectful look on his face for Captain Shepard.

Jaime gets in his skycar and drives to his apartment, so he can pack a weeks worth of clothes and a few other items. Tempted as he is to place a tracker on their vehicle, but he thinks that might not work if they us the taxi system. He brings it anyway. Better to have something and not need it then need something and not have it. Something he learned from his brief service with the Alliance. Pizarro finishes packing his bags. He gets in his skycar and heads east to Rio.

Commando's Camp

Lieutenant Biekka adjusts the holster with the .22 pistol around her ankle. The commando's leader has learned things about humans and their behavior since the war ended. Biekka thinks it will help them in their assignment to harass a human named Pablo Araya. The commando leader wears a full length dress. The purple dress is full length with teal accents. "You ready to go, Theia?"

"Yes, ma'am," responds Theia. Theia has on a sleeveless red dress with a pair elbow length white gloves. The gloves are a unique design. The pinkie finger is covered with the other three fingers covered to the knuckle. The thumb is exposed. The dress covers the knees, but leaves the lower legs exposed. Theia is wearing a pair of flat shoes. If she needs to run, wearing heels makes that difficult.

"Oh, Theia, you look like human bait. Going fishing?" teases Metis.

Theia's grin turns to a prideful smile, "Yes, actually. I might as well see what this town has to offer. Beside, you know humans have a hard time not ogling at us. Why not use that to our advantage?"

Biekka comments, "She has a point, Metis. And she's willing to play the part, so we'll let her." The commando's leader grins at her good friend.

Shaking her head at them both, Metis says, "Have fun tonight. Tomorrow you get to stay here and be bored."

Vel is lying on a cot, listening to the conversation. "Don't do anything stupid, Theia. And don't break any hearts either. We don't need love struck humans following you home."

"Goddess," says Theia as she leaves the tent, heading to their rented skycar.

Lieutenant Biekka follows Theia to the car and the two commandos head to town to see what type of trouble they can cause Pablo Araya. The drive to Vicuña only takes about fifteen minutes. Biekka finds a public lot to park their skycar near Pablo's cantina then the duo starts their recon.

Hannah/Karin's Rented Cottage

Three human females and an asari sit around the kitchen table after everyone finishes eating their dinner. To the surprise of both Liara and Shepard, Dr. Chakwas is an excellent cook. They didn't think either Hannah or Karin could cook. They're both Alliance officers and career military. Captain Shepard holds her stomach, "I'm full. That was excellent, Karin. I didn't know you could cook."

Dr. Karin Chakwas grins at Leia. "Yes, Shepard, I can cook."

"Are you ever going to call me by my first name, Karin?" asks Leia Shepard.

"No, I told you before. You're Commander Shepard. Hero of the Citadel. Conqueror of the Collectors. Savior of the Galaxy. Using your first name disrespected everyone you fought for, Shepard. Maybe after you retire, I'll use your first name. Even then, I doubt it. I could keep calling you Commander, Captain," teases Chakwas.

Leia brings her hand to her forehead to rub the bridge of her nose. "That didn't make sense then and it still doesn't, Karin.

"And what did I say to that?" asks Karin. She is still teasing the Captain.

Putting her hands up in defeat, Leia says, "Fine, you win. It's your prerogative to refuse to call me by my name, Leia."

Hannah chuckles at Leia and Karin. She isn't sure, but it sounds like they've had this talk before. Most likely, it was during the war. She picks up the empty plates from the table. Liara starts to get up, so she can help. Hannah smiles at the asari then says, "I appreciate you wanting to help, Liara, but I can handle this."

"It would be my pleasure to help," says Dr. T'Soni. Liara sits back down when Hannah waves her hand for Liara to remain sitting.

"It's okay. Karin cooked and I'll clean up," grins Hannah at Dr. Chakwas when she grabs the medical doctor's plate.

"Who taught you how to cook?" ask Leia Shepard. She is very curious on how an Alliance medical officer knows how to cook. Especially one who prefers starships over a medical facility planetside.

Smiling from ear to ear, Dr. Chakwas replies, "A lady never reveals her secrets, Captain. You of all people should know this."

Hannah is next to the dishwasher laughing, filling the machine The elder Shepard laughs at Chakwas and Leia when she returns to the table. Liara doesn't understand the comment, so she remains quiet with a smile on her face. The asari cherishes the moment. She is sure they will have many more nights like this one in the future.

Leia is also laughing. "Oh, come on. You're not being fair, doctor. Where did you learn to cook?"

"I don't cook as much as I use to, but I did work in a restaurant when I was in college. That is where I learn to cook." Karin finally gives in and answers Shepard's question.

Liara asks, "If you worked while attending school, when did you have time to study?"

Chakwas smiles at T'Soni when she answers, "I was working on my bachelor's degree. The class load was lighter, so I was able to work a few days a week. I enjoyed working with Chef Shah in Mumbai. He taught me more than cooking. Chef Shah taught me about living life to the fullest and how one should treat towards others with respect. He was a good mentor."

The asari nods to the human medical doctor. Liara finds it fascinating humans work while going to school. It's something asari don't do, work while attending school. She does understand the need for some people to work while attending college, especially if they can't afford tuition. Liara asks, "Did you need to work or was it even necessary?"

"Oh, no, it wasn't necessary. I worked because I wanted to and I'm glad I did. It gave me a different perspective on things," answers the medical doctor.

Hannah interrupts with a question. "Is anyone interested in playing a board game or cards?"

Leia answers, "Since there is four of us, how about we play some spades? When was the last time we played that, mom?"

"I don't remember the last time I played spades, Leia. Let me find the cards. I know I saw a deck in the hall closet with some board games," replies Hannah as she gets up to find the playing cards.

Liara whispers to Leia, "I don't know how to play spades."

"So, we'll teach you. It's an easy game to learn," whispers Leia back to Liara. The human kisses the asari on the cheek.

Hannah returns with a deck of cards. Leia explains the rules to Liara. Hannah and Karin pair up to play against Leia and Liara. Luckily for Shepard, Liara is a quick learner. They keep each game short by only playing to one hundred. After a couple of hours worth of games, they switch partners. It's the two doctors versus mother and daughter for another few hours. For the last two games of the night, they switch partners again. Dr. Chakwas and Leia pair up against Liara and Hannah. By the time they're done playing cards and enjoying their time as a family, it's 0130. Everyone says their goodbyes for the night. Leia and Liara walk to their cottage next door.

Commando's Camp

Lieutenant Biekka and Theia return to the campsite with Metis and Vel sleeping on the cots. Both commandos see both places and people they can and will exploit. One of Pablo's employees at the cantina is very interested in Theia. The night-time bartender named Kiki and is only twenty-two years old. Theia has already gotten him to slip up and say the cantina gets deliveries every Monday and Friday. The young commando believes she can get more out of him and Biekka already gave her permission to meet with him tomorrow night. Which will leave Biekka alone at the camp and during that time, she can plan how to hit the delivery truck.

Hitting the delivery requires time, time is something the commandos really don't have. If the deliveries were daily instead of twice a week, Biekka would take the time to watch for a pattern. They are going to watch one delivery then hit the next delivery. Or what the Lieutenant is planning on doing. Theia is already lying on her bedroll in the corner of the tent. She has an evil smirk on her face. Theia is going to enjoy breaking Kiki's heart. The boy seems like a nice lad, but Kiki is working for the wrong person at the wrong time.

Besides telling Theia when the cantina gets its deliveries, he also told her when the best time to get lost in the crowd and cause some mischief. Poor, poor Kiki, you seem like a sweet boy. But you work for the target and you are nothing but an asset. One, I'm willing to exploit to get the job. Two, I enjoy human boy toys. Theia chuckles to herself as she thinking about Kiki, the bartender for the Gray Fox Cantina.

Biekka changes out of her evening wear and into something her body is more familiar with, her armor. During the war, the commando leader made sure she always had her armor on at all times. Even with the war being over, she rather wear it and not need it. Then need it and not have it one. War forces those engaged in battle to do things people normally would not do. While she is changing, she notices Theia's evil smirk and chuckle. For the first time since she joined her unit, Biekka sees why Sederis recruited the young maiden. Theia is willing to do what it takes to get the job done. No matter the job. The maiden wants to enjoy herself during this mission, Biekka is going to let her because she knows Theia is going to come back with something they can use.

The Lieutenant is ready for the fun to begin, but the fun is going to have to wait a few more days. The more info they know, the better. So far, this job looks like it's the perfect job after a war. Playing mind games with a lesser opponent. Biekka hopes Pablo Araya enjoys the last few nights of peace he is getting for a while. A big grin appears before the asari closes her eyes for the night.

–

A/N: I hope you enjoyed today's chapter. Things between the commandos and Pablo heat up in the upcoming chapters. Thanks to everyone who takes the time to review. I do enjoy reading them.

Next chapter is Monday. See you then. Have a good weekend.