Soul Mates: I don't know how you are so familiar to me – or why it feels less like I am getting to know you and more as though I am remembering who you are. How every smile, every whisper brings me closer to the impossible conclusion that I have known you before, I have loved you before – in another time, a different place, some other existence. — Lang Leav

Inamorata – A woman with whom one is in love; a female lover (Italian)
Ionúin álainn – Beautiful beloved (Gaelic)
Mo cheann geallta – My promised one (Gaelic)
Siame – "One who is all", a loved one cherished above all others (Thessian)

• ARMALI, THESSIA · ATHENA NEBULA •

Liara T'Soni held the title of Doctor, earned after many years spent studying in universities, her knowledge honed and tempered during months consumed with digging and cataloging ancient artifacts on a number of inhospitable planets. However, the title of Lady before her name spoke to her standing as the leader of one of the great houses on Thessia, a position she inherited with the death of her mother, along with all the commandos of Benezia's personal guard on Noveria.

The asari stood silently at the open hatchway of the military corvette that had brought her home. Beside her, near arm crooked at the elbow as a convenient handhold for her promised, Commander Rachaél Anne Shepard looked out onto a brilliant spring day, noting with interest the House Armali commandos arrayed before them in a double row, lining the walkway between the landing pad where the asari corvette Ionsaí had touched down and the smaller pad where the House shuttlecraft waited to whisk them home.

With an unseen nudge from Rachaél, Liara glanced at her and smiled in that special way she reserved only for Shepard as she stepped out of the ship and began descending the ramp, Rachaél a half-step behind and matching her step for step. Reaching the pavement at the bottom of the metal ramp, Liara smiled shyly at each of the two commandos standing at the head of the columns before turning her full attention to a solitary figure walking slowly towards her.

As the lone asari came close enough to identify, Shepard recognized her to be Liara's father, Matriarch Aethyta. Stopping in front of the couple, the asari gave Liara her full attention, reaching around her daughter to engulf her in a warm embrace. "My Little Wing," she whispered. "It is so wonderful to have you home once again."

Liara returned the hug, moisture filling her eyes at the welcome so freely extended. "Father … It is good to be home. I have missed this place … and I have missed you." Pulling back to look at Aethyta, she said, "I realize you know Commander Shepard, but am unsure if you know we have promised our lives to each other." She looked at her father, unsure of what else to say.

Aethyta pursed her lips as she regarded the human, whom she only knew from brief conversations in bars where she'd been assigned to work as a cover for keeping a watchful eye on her daughter; one in Nos Astra on Illium, the second in Apollo's Café on the Citadel. The matriarch held out her hands, palms up, waist high, in the traditional asari greeting; Shepard moved to reciprocate, placing her own hands palm down on Aethyta's as she said, "Matriarch … It is my distinct honor to meet you on a formal basis, and to set foot on Thessia after hearing so much about its beauty from Liara."

Aethyta, based on her brief conversations with Shepard during her campaign to stop the Collectors and, especially, during the Reaper War, had already decided that she liked this human. "I'm glad you've finally been allowed time for a visit, Commander." Pausing for a moment to study Rachaél's face, it dawned on her that she was looking at a younger version of the hardened warrior she had spoken with on the Citadel. How can that be possible? she thought as she responded, "And, it's just 'Aethyta', or 'Thyta'," as she moved her hands to grip Shepard's forearms.

Shepard grasped Aethyta's forearms in friendship as she responded with a lopsided grin, "Very well … Thyta. And it's simply Shepard … or Rachaél, if you prefer. I have 60 days to relax and enjoy my return to a normal life – time I'll use to forget the months it took for the Normandy to return from the outer rim." Bringing her head up to look behind the matriarch, she nodded towards the commandos as she continued, "But let's not stand about any longer. I would love to see the country house and the estate … and, I imagine your commandos would rather be doing anything else than standing at attention in the sun." Aethyta chuckled as Shepard looked around a bit, her brow furrowed as she briefly studied the buildings within view. "I hope the Reapers didn't do too much damage outside the cities." Returning her attention to Aethyta, she used her grip on the asari's arms to draw her close, whispering, "And I need to meet with you privately, in order to discuss a matter of great importance to me … and your daughter."

• SUSSKIND STATION, AT LARGE · RAHEEL-LEYYA SYSTEM •

"Approaching Susskind Station, Captain." Before Cody could respond to Commander Adams announcement, the XO added, "We have a visual on Iringù-Eßizkur, Sir. She's standing off about 35 klicks from the facility."

"Acknowledged, Commander." Rising from his desk, he said, "Contact the station's approach control, ask them for a docking assignment away from the commercial traffic … and don't let them try to tell you the space isn't available. I'll be in the war room while you take care of business." As Adams acknowledged Cody's instructions and began relaying them to Joker, the captain left his office on deck one; taking the elevator to deck two, he nodded to his XO as he exited the car and moved past the raised navigator's platform to enter the starboard passageway.

After moving past the dual checkpoints and the conference room, he walked up to and activated the situation display, saying, "Iringù-Eßizkur. Please respond." The image of a Reaper destroyer quickly formed in the middle of the projection well.

›Cody-Captain … it is a pleasure to once again speak with you. I am aware of Normandy-frigate's passage past my position. May I assume you are here to relieve Massani-Zaeed of the humans he has captured?‹

"That's why we're here, Iringù-Eßizkur," Cody replied. "Does Zaeed wish to return to the Citadel aboard the Normandy, or will he ride there with you?"

›Massani-Zaeed has expressed a desire to return to the Citadel with all possible speed. He has informed me that I can outrun Normandy-frigate … to quote, ' … six ways from Sunday.' I believe he wishes to visit Patton-Master Gunnery Sergeant. He expressed concern regarding the injuries sustained by her … and Traynor-Specialist, during their assault on the Blue Suns headquarters in Delta Ward. I intend to retrieve him after the team from Normandy-frigate takes custody of his prisoners. He does not wish to leave until assured the human and the batarian are secure aboard Normandy-frigate.‹

"I'll contact you both as soon as the pair are locked up."

›Additionally, Massani-Zaeed indicated both may be in need of medical assistance. He said they did not submit willingly.‹

"Dr Chakwas will take a look at them once they're safely restrained," Cody replied. "I won't risk the lives of any of my crew to take care of them."

›Very well, Cody-Captain. Logging you off.‹

• HUERTA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, SECURE ALLIANCE WING · CITADEL •

Sandra Patton, having finally been allowed to get out of her Med bed, slowly made her way from her room to the small café that served the Alliance wing. At the insistence of Dr Chakwas, who didn't want her to overstress her left leg, Sandee was using a cane to support part of her weight on that side; while both of her fractured shins had responded well to treatment, the torn ligaments in her knees were still healing, with the left knee taking longer to heal. In addition to exercising her legs on a press machine, she had been using free-weights to help heal her injured shoulder; fortunately, it was her left side that needed to heal. Patton was itching to get out to the small arms range … she felt like she was totally off her game after not firing any weapons for days, and needed to once again feel the kick from her Helix sniper rifle.

Entering the café area, Patton was a bit surprised to find Captain Yuán seated at a table in the middle of the room; the captain looked up and smiled as the master gunnery sergeant stopped in front of her and asked, "Are you waiting for Specialist Traynor, or simply having a cup of tea … and may I join you?"

Yuán's smile grew wider at Patton's mention of Sammy. "Have a seat, Master Guns … I could use the company." Taking a sip from her cup, she continued, "To answer your other questions, I'm having a cup of tea while waiting for the specialist to arrive. May I bring you a beverage or a snack?"

Sandee pulled the chair out and gingerly sat down, sighing in relief at being able to relieve her knees of her weight. Commenting, "I am really out of shape, Captain. My legs feel as if I've just run a kilometer with full field-gear instead of simply walking here from my room." Realizing Yuán had asked a question, she added, "A cup of coffee sounds really good, Captain."

Yuán chuckled sympathetically, replying as she stood, "You were blown down a passageway by a damned bomb, Ms Patton. Your body needs time to heal." Xiùlán moved to the counter, where she spoke to the attendant; after waiting a few moments, she headed back to the table bearing a steaming mug of coffee. Patton offered a subdued thanks, then grimaced slightly as the captain set the mug in front of her.

Xiùlán, noticing Sandra's expression and the seemingly embarrassed tone of her voice, responding with a single word as she retook her seat. "What?"

Sandra shook her head slightly side-to-side as she answered, "Never known an officer to go out of their way to help an enlisted person. Seems strange."

Yuán laughed at Patton's statement. After taking another sip from her own mug, she cocked her head to study the woman sitting across from her and said, "Since when did a promotion to an officer's rank require that person to forego caring about others? You're recovering from some serious injuries … should I just ignore that so you can get your own coffee?" As Patton sipped her coffee and thought of how best to answer, Xiùlán continued, "It was a rhetorical question, Master Guns. We're sitting in a hospital café … and I've never felt I was too good to help someone, rank be damned. Enjoy your coffee."

While enjoying the last bit of tea from her own mug, Xiùlán detected new movement and glanced towards the entrance; it was Traynor, accompanied by … could it really be? Rising to her feet, Xiùlán walked quickly towards her lover and the large man accompanying her. "No … can it be, after such a long time? Sà mi! I'm so happy to see you up and around, even if you had to employ this beefy monster to assist you."

The very large man, dressed in the all-white scrubs of an orderly, or nurse's aide, grinned in recognition at Xiùlán. Offering his hand, he said, "Almost couldn't believe it when the specialist told me she was going to meet you for a bit of coffee, Ma'am." The hand swallowed Xiùlán's as if hers was that of a mere child.

"Vinson? Emil Vinson? It is so good to see you again!" Xiùlán declared. "Is your friend, oh, what was his name? …"

"O'Brian, Ma'am … he's still working here … different shift, these days." Vinson made an obvious show of inspecting her rank insignia. "And you made captain, Ma'am. That's wonderful … what ship?"

"I'm still on the Hong Kong," she replied with a shy smile. "It's been quite the journey."

Vinson nodded as he pumped her hand once more. "I'm so happy to see you, Ma'am, and it's really nice to know you're totally recovered and still in the Alliance. I'll leave you to your visit …" He directed his attention to Traynor. "Anything you need, Specialist … just ask for me. It'll be an honor to assist you however I'm able." With that, the big guy turned and left, moving with a grace that belied his massive bulk.

Xiùlán turned her attention to Traynor, beaming while grasping her hands. "Sà mi … I was beginning to think I was going to have to visit you in your room after all. How are you feeling? Come … sit with me. I'll make a cup of tea for you."

The specialist couldn't stop grinning as Xiùlán fussed over her like a mother hen. After seeing Traynor to a chair, Yuán brought a fresh pot of hot water to the table, where she proceeded to make a cup of tea for Traynor and another for herself. When she was finally seated, Sammy looked at her and asked, "So, do you have any more news on Massani? I know the Normandy left to go after prisoners, but Santiago was still on the loose … did Zaeed manage to bag 'im too?"

"He did." Checking a nearby chronometer, she added, "Actually, he should be on his way back here aboard Iringù-Eßizkur."

"Really?" said Patton. "Much as he complained about being inside …" lowering her voice to an imperfect imitation of Zaeed, she growled, "… a goddamned bloody Reaper, I would have expected him to fly home in the Normandy."

Traynor sipped her tea as she glanced between Patton and Yuán. Listening to their conversation, she felt nearly overwhelmed with a sense of contentment and peace. She was glad to finally be out of her bed; being able to sit beside her Inamorata and enjoy a leisurely cup of tea simply added to her contentment. It was good to know that Massani had succeeded in his goals, and—without knowing why she felt this way—it was also good to know Iringù-Eßizkur would soon be back in Widow.

• DOGFISH HEAD ALEHOUSE, SUSSKIND STATION · RAHEEL-LEYYA SYSTEM •

Lt Commander Steve Cortez, accompanied by Marine Corporals Wilder and Andrews, was standing just inside the entryway to the bar where he'd been instructed to meet Zaeed Massani; looking about the smoky, dimly lit interior, he finally spotted the old merc sitting at a table next to a side exit. Thinking about his choice of tables, Cortez mused Old merc has his back to a wall and wants to have an out if trouble comes calling, as he threaded his way past tables and patrons to reach him.

As he came to a halt across from Zaeed, Andrews moved just past Cortez to set a travel bag next to the man's feet as Steve said, "Hello, Massani. Brought your kit, just like you asked. Soon as you're ready, we'll take Santiago and Dal'Serah off your hands."

Zaeed grinned, motioning for Cortez to sit as he took another pull from the large mug he was holding. Belching into the thumb side of his closed hand, he said, "Thanks, Cortez. I've been studyin' da layout 'ere. How far is your ship from da commercial docks?"

Cortez's expression was unreadable. "Captain Cody thought we'd be able to dock close by, but the port authorities didn't want an Alliance warship berthed at their docks, so we came by shuttle … Lieutenant Morse is waiting for us to return. Wilder and Andrews are here to escort your prisoners to the shuttle."

"Hope they're ready fer a fight, Commander. There may be Blue Suns in our exit path."

Cortez grinned in response. "I stationed a couple of heavily armed Marines on the docks near the UT-47 – once I tell them we're ready to move the prisoners, they'll intercept and accompany us back to the shuttle. Doesn't mean we'll get through this unscathed, but I think the odds are in our favor."

Massani polished off his mug of beer, then stood, belched noisily and said, "Right, then. Let's push off." Picking up the travel bag brought to him by the Normandy team, he led the way through the nearby exit and down a dimly-lit, deserted path – the same path he'd used to march Santiago to the abandoned storage locker where he now resided with a bitterly unhappy Solem Dal'Serah.

• T'SONI COUNTRY ESTATE, THESSIA · ATHENA NEBULA •

Shepard carefully closed and latched the massive wooden door through which she'd just entered, standing with her back against the smooth surface as she silently considered what she intended to do. Rachaél had been in love with Liara T'Soni since literally the first time she'd spoken with her—aboard the old SR-1—after rescuing her on the planet Therum from a krogan-led geth attack.

The mining laser Shepard employed to gain access to the asari—trapped by a Prothean security device—had accelerated the area's seismic activity, rapidly leading to the collapse of the entire cavern just as T'Soni, Shepard and her team escaped.

The previous evening had convinced Rachaél beyond any shadow of a doubt that this place was where she needed to be; in addition to having Liara at her side during dinner, the open give-and-take with the commandos employed by the T'Soni estate was as a balm to her soul. It wasn't that the crew of the Normandy were not her comrades—they were, very much so—but they also treated her with far more respect due to her rank, even though she was no longer in command of the ship. The T'Soni commandos, while showing Shepard the deference her position as Lady T'Soni's chosen companion demanded, were a lot less formal in their interactions, as if she truly were just one of them and not an officer in the Alliance Navy.

Aethyta, seated behind a massive desk in the center of the room, had looked up from the datapad she was studying when Shepard closed the door; she looked up again when the human didn't speak or immediately walk towards her desk. "Something troubling you, Shepard?"

Rachaél smiled as she pushed off from the door and ambled up to the desk, saying, "I'm fine, Thyta. I was just thinking about the differences between my position here and my position on the Normandy – or rather, in the Systems Alliance."

Aethyta chuckled lightly. "Am I to infer from your tone and your smile that you prefer to be here at the estate, rather than sitting in a command chair on a ship?"

It was Shepard's turn to chuckle. "I haven't sat in a command chair for close to a year. Have you heard the entire story?"

"Only what Councilor Tevos has shared since the Normandy returned from a trip to the Horsehead Nebula," came the response. "My daughter hasn't been as forthcoming as I would have hoped, simply saying that I'll need to speak with you in order to learn all that transpired since the ship was returned to the Widow System locked inside a damned Reaper."

"That will take some time." Rachaél leaned forward in her chair; fixing the matriarch with an intent look, she asked, "Would you be willing to meld with me, Aethyta?"

The matriarch tipped her head as she contemplated Rachaél's question. After several moments passed, she replied with thoughtfully measured words. "Commander, of all the questions I could have anticipated being asked, that one was least expected." Aethyta stroked her chin as she contemplated the human sitting across from her. "You realize a meld will allow me to access all of your memories, including …" at this point she smirked, "… your relationship with my daughter."

Rachaél's cheeks picked up a touch of pink, even as she replied, "I've heard a few stories about you, Aethyta … not all of them are flattering and comments like that are likely the source of some … but I have no intention of letting unsubstantiated rumors of your bad disposition become the center of this discussion." Rachaél huffed quietly in disapproval, the tone of the conversation changing quickly as she continued, "My telling you everything that happened from the time I chose synthesis at the Citadel to our arrival back from the Horsehead Nebula would take more time than I care to devote to it, and I might inadvertently leave out details of great importance to our future relationship. A meld would allow you speed-of-thought access to my memories … memories that would seem unbelievable were I to simply tell you." After pausing for a brief moment, she continued with, "Raesia Tevos chose to accept my offer when I returned from the broken Cerberus station. I believe it is the clearest path forward for you and me, Aethyta. I'm freely offering to do this – for Liara. However, relaying the basics of what transpired over that time period does not necessitate letting you access the intimate moments between Liara and me … nor do I believe your daughter would want that, so I will block those particular memories from you."

The matriarch leaned back in her chair, thoughtful expression on her face as she looked at the human sitting before her. Her respect for Rachaél edged up a bit with her defense of Liara's privacy. Never had she known anyone—of any race—with so much self-assurance, with the possible exception of Nezzie. "No offense was intended, Shepard, so I'll apologize first … and then take you up on your offer. If you would allow me a bit of time to make a few arrangements, we can reconvene here in an hour." Aethyta stood from her chair, prompting Rachaél to stand as well. "And bring Liara with you. I'd like her to be sitting close by, just in case she's needed."

"Thank you, Thyta. We'll both be here in an hour."

• SUSSKIND STATION, AT LARGE · RAHEEL-LEYYA SYSTEM •

Commander Cortez, accompanied by Corporals Wilder and Andrews, had followed Zaeed Massani to the place where the old merc had stashed Blue Suns bosses Santiago and Dal'Serah. As they drew even with the door to what was obviously a refrigeration compartment, Massani glared at Cortez and said, "Spread out … no tellin' what deese bastards might do soon as da door gets opened. Might wind up 'aving ter shoot bof ov 'em."

Cortez smiled as he replied, "Corporal Wilder here is an engineer." Looking first at Wilder, Cortez said, "Corporal, have your omnitool charged and ready."

Turning his attention to Andrews, he added, "Ready your sidearm, Andrews," as he pulled and charged his own M-5 Phalanx. Moving to stand a few paces to one side of the door, Andrews mirrored the move on the other side as Wilder stood ready with his omnitool in combat mode. Returning his attention to Massani, Cortez nodded as he said, "Open it."

Massani nodded once; he entered the passcode to unlock the door, looked behind himself at Wilder, then stood to the hinge side and tapped the interface to release the latch. As the door swung open, a batarian came charging through the gap, only to be met with a massive electrical pulse that seemed to set all his nerves on fire, dropping him to the deck at Wilder's feet.

Massani hollered at the remaining inmate. "Come on out, Vido, 'ands over your 'ead! Yew an' dis fuckin' batarian are goin' back ter da Citadel."

The dull sounds of shuffling boots came to their ears as Vido Santiago slowly came out of the compartment. "What the hell? What right does the fucking Alliance have to take me, or Dal'Serah, anywhere?"

Corporal Andrews stepped up behind Santiago; placing a hand in the middle of the criminal's back, he shoved him none too gently up against the far wall of the corridor as Cortez answered. "Mr Andrews here is going to place arm restraints on you for your safety … as for why the Alliance is taking you and Dal'Serah into custody, you are going to stand trial for numerous offenses against Systems Alliance property and personnel, not the least of which is three attempts to murder Captain Yuán Xiùlán …"

"That fucking chink was interfering in legitimate Blue Suns business!" Santiago hollered.

Cortez chuckled at the interruption. "It surprises me that you know about the Captain, Vido. I'm sure your statement—which was recorded, by the way—will go a long way towards getting you a stiffer sentence once you're found guilty by a tribunal. You're also going to be charged with extortion, fixing legitimate contests, human trafficking and promoting prostitution. Keep talking if you wish, but every word coming out of your mouth will be recorded as evidence against you."

"Fuck you, Navy! I got lawyers that make more in a day than what you're paid in a year! You can't convict me of a damned thing – I'm innocent."

"I don't believe your high-priced lawyers will continue to work for you once your funding is cut off – or did you think that Blue Suns assets would be used for your defense?"

By this time, Andrews had the restraints on Vido's arms. Spinning the surly man around to face him, the corporal said, "Try to run and your restraints will do this …"

A powerful electric pulse coursed through the restraints, forcing Vido to his knees. The man was nearly crying from the pain … and the humiliation. Zaeed stepped in and grabbed him by the shoulders, jerking him to his feet. "You shoulda let me put a bullet in yer 'ead back on Zorya, Vido. Would 'ave saved yew a whole lot ov pain and embarrassment."

Andrews clipped a shield generator to Santiago's belt while Wilder did the same on a similarly restrained Dal'Serah. When both corporals were satisfied with the arrangements for moving their prisoners, they energized their shield generators and began marching them towards the docks.

Cortez took point, while Massani covered their rear. They'd moved less than fifty meters when they saw a pair of heavily armored and armed Marines trotting in their direction. Cortez asked for, and received, the code word that guaranteed the men approaching were genuine. As one took over point for Cortez, the other trotted past the group to join Massani keeping watch on their six.

Massani trotted up through the group until he was beside Cortez. "What's da purpose of puttin' kinetic barriers on those assholes?" he asked.

"Need to keep them safe from their own people. I really doubt there's anyone in the Suns that has any love for either one of them—surest way to be done with them for good and all is a couple of bullets as we try to get them to the shuttle—easy to blame the Alliance for not being able to do a good job."

As the group rounded a corner, the Normandy's shuttlecraft came into view. Cortez took a hard look at the vessel and the area around it. Muttering, "Something's off," he waved at those behind them. "Cover … now!" he hissed. As the Marines hustled their prisoners behind a low wall dividing the docks from the public access areas, Cortez was on his comms. "Lieutenant Morse … respond."

Sherri Morse had remained inside the shuttle – though armed, she was by herself. Switching to her emergency channel, she replied, "Commander … several batarians in armor are using the shuttle for cover. They say they've attached explosive charges to the main thrusters … if I attempt to take off …"

"Are you safe?"

"For now … they haven't attempted to gain access – they just want to eliminate their brainless leadership before the Alliance can get their hands on 'em." Sherri sounded embarrassed as she added, "Not a lot I can do from in here, and if I open the hatch facing your approach, they'll kill me before I can make it ten meters."

"Okay, Lieutenant, stand by." Cortez looked at his prisoners and said, "I was wrong about you, Vido. You're worth more to the Suns than we gave you credit for. Thing is, they want you and Dal'Serah dead. Alliance lockup doesn't appear to be an option they're willing to consider." He looked around at the people accompanying him and realized with a start that Massani was no longer among them. "Anyone see where that old merc got off to?"

Corporal Andrews replied, "I think he has a cloaking shield generator."

Cortez shook his head as he said, "Well, shit!" Looking at the area at either end of the shuttle, the commander saw—something—what might be the edges of a cloaked body silently walking about 25 meters behind and to the near side of the UT-47's stern. "Looks like Massani's going to try to take them out for us." Cody paused as he thought about this new situation. "Andrews, what weapons was he carrying?"

"Assault rifle for sure, and most likely a heavy pistol."

Wilder added, "He asked me to loan him a shotgun, Sir. Didn't think anything of it … gave it to him about the time we started walking here from that storage compartment."

"Damn it," Cortez muttered. He dare not try talking to Zaeed on the comms for fear of alerting the Blue Suns hiding behind the shuttle. "If he surprises them, one of 'em still may have enough presence of mind to detonate the charges." Thinking furiously, he remembered a tactic employed by Captain Yuán on the docks near the Hong Kong. Keying his comm unit, still on the emergency channel, he said, "Iringù-Eßizkur … please respond."

›Cortez-Commander. What may I do for you?‹

"We're in a bad spot, Iringù-Eßizkur. Would it be possible for you to quickly target the space side of our docked shuttle with your main weapon? There are a number of enemy combatants using the shuttle for cover, they've rigged it with explosives, and Zaeed Massani is attempting to close within shotgun range."

After a few moments, the Reaper-Destroyer responded, ›I see them. I also see Massani. I will target your enemies and fire.‹

"Stun only, Iringù-Eßizkur, stun only!" Cortez was attempting to keep his voice calm. "If your aim is even slightly off target, you could hit Zaeed, and Lieutenant Morse is inside."

›Stand by, Cortez-Commander.‹

It was only a matter of moments before the dimly lit area around the shuttle glowed in an intense greenish-white light, as if a small sun had hurriedly parked and just as hurriedly departed. Cortez was instantly on his comms. "Morse, report! Massani?"

• T'SONI COUNTRY ESTATE, THESSIA · ATHENA NEBULA

A feeling of déjà vu swept over Shepard and she smiled; this time when she arrived at Aethyta's office, Liara's fingers were entwined with those of her own on one hand as she used the other to close and latch the door after they entered.

Also different was Aethyta's response to their arrival; she was a matriarch and a parent, but Liara was the Lady T'Soni and Aethyta rose from her chair, offering a nod of respect. "Liara. Good morning. I trust you slept well; we missed you at breakfast."

"Liara likes to sleep in when she can." As the young asari blushed, Shepard smirked and continued, "With the pace of operations aboard ship, we don't get many chances to indulge in that sort of luxury, so she makes full use of the opportunities we do receive. Today was certainly one of those days."

"I suppose I can understand that, but what we're about to undertake will require the expenditure of quite a bit of energy." Aethyta's gaze settled on her daughter. "I assume you've eaten."

"Yes." She smiled softly and looked at her siame. "Rachaél woke me with breakfast in bed so I would be prepared for this." Turning back to her father, she finished with, "It was lovely to have the food of home … I've missed it terribly."

The matriarch couldn't help but smile. "And I've missed my Little Wing … and neither of us needs to miss either of those things ever again, do we? So, if you are ready, I suppose we should get to the business at hand." She moved from behind the desk and held her hand out in open invitation. "Shall we sit on the couches?"

"Absolutely." Shepard moved quickly to the center, sitting between the two Asari and holding both her hands out, one for each of them.

"No." Aethyta's voice was firm. "This meld is between you and I. We need Liara to remain an independent observer … for safety. Did not Tevos do the same when you melded with her?" The question carried a note of surprise that was assuaged with Shepard's quick response.

Dropping her other hand, Rachaél nodded and replied, "Yes. Her First, Nizia Tenir, was the designated observer so I understand the need for such precautions. Though, Liara's independent perspective would be extremely beneficial, for reasons you'll understand soon enough."

"If that's the case, once we're done here I will rest. Then, I will bring in one of the commandos to observe and Liara and I will do a second melding to fill in the gaps and provide that additional perspective." Aethyta looked at her daughter, eyes full of question. "I had intended to request such a thing anyway … when the time was right … as there are many other things, private things, which we need to share and discuss."

"Yes. Well …" Liara's eyes took on a slightly haunted look, knowing she had yet to tell her father of the day her Siame had been forced to kill an indoctrinated Benezia. It was one memory Liara had absolutely no desire to share, yet she understood Aethyta's need … and right … to know. "Let us see how everyone feels after this before we decide our path forward. Shall we?"

Noting the expression on her daughter's face, Aethyta nodded in agreement before reaching out slowly to take Shepard's hand. Rachaél accepted it willingly and closed her eyes as Aethyta whispered, "Embrace eternity."

It quickly became apparent to the matriarch that Shepard had melded before … many times before … and she had a flash of both curiosity and jealousy. Curiosity because she wondered if all the melds had been with Liara … and then she immediately questioned the number of times it would have taken for Rachaél to develop such skill within the meld. That thought led to the feeling of jealousy … all the times Shepard had been able to meld with her daughter while Aethyta had been forced to sit on the sidelines and spy on Liara while never, not once, having a chance to speak with her Little Wing until Shepard finally pushed them together on the Citadel.

She felt a chuckle rumble through her breast that was not her own, followed quickly by an amazingly crystal clear thought. {No need to be jealous, Aethyta. I'm her Amantia and you're her father. Those two facts will never change and your place in Liara's life will do nothing but grow over time. Welcome back to the family.}

With that promising reception, Aethyta dived into the memories Shepard offered for her viewing. Aethyta knew Shepard and her girl had been key to winning the war against the Reapers, but was astounded at how the Spectre had finally achieved it in the end. {Synthesis? Shepard was the one responsible for changing us all?}

Aethyta had no time to be angry at having no choice in the matter, as Shepard responded, {My choice at the time … and better than being dead} and pressed on. Aethyta lived through Shepard's terrifying confusion while 'awakening' as an organic intelligence within the memory core of the Normandy in the blink of an eye. Even so, the emotion accompanying the memory made it perfectly clear that Rachaél's torture was not so mercifully quick. Shepard's suffering lasted until Edi … {Normandy has a fucking AI?} … helped her find her way and the crew finally built a holographic interface so Shepard could speak once more with the world around her.

Once Shepard was able to communicate, the overall situation improved immeasurably, particularly once she realized the regard with which she was held by the Reapers. Aethyta honestly believed the idea of utilizing a Reaper … {Žiuk'Durmah? Mechanical psychopaths have names?} … to transport the Normandy home was pure, albeit crazy, genius given the number of years it would have otherwise taken.

On the flip-side, Aethyta could tell Rachaél's rediscovered ability to chat with the crew brought its own set of frustrations. It was obvious she felt as if the crew initially feared the commander's new form, unwilling to accept that she—a creature of flesh and blood—could somehow be converted into a virtual being. It apparently took a significant period of time to change the minds of those that mattered … all those except Liara, who had been utterly lost without Rachaél and accepted the truth without hesitation, though that led to yet more frustration in being unable to physically touch one another.

The flow of memories suddenly stopped and another thought came through the meld that made Aethyta chuckle. {And that's all you get along that vein, Dad. Back to the topic at hand …} The memories of life on board a ship being carried within an intelligent, living mechanical construct resumed. The realization that there was insufficient food aboard, particularly for Garrus and Tali'Zorah, to feed them all for the expected duration of the journey had led to Žiuk'Durmah requesting that Harbinger initiate a supply run.

With Iringù-Eßizkur docked within Žiuk'Durmah's cavernous interior and the transfer of fresh supplies complete, a bored Samantha Traynor had an epiphany while staring at the menacing form of the destroyer. After searching in vain for a suitable vessel in which the Shadow Broker could continue to work independently, Iringù-Eßizkur had agreed to become the Broker's new transport. Traynor and Tali'Zorah had worked tirelessly to outfit the interior spaces of the Reaper with all of Liara's necessary equipment; the Reaper itself, by now having revealed a feminine personality … {First, they have names! Now they have gender identity?} … reconfigured the interior spaces to provide a kitchen area, lounge, sleeping, bath, and restroom facilities.

Aethyta was beginning to wonder if Liara would be traveling alone inside the machine. Rachaél sensed her growing unease and immediately assuaged her fears. {It was Tali that convinced him … no one wanted to see Liara alone inside a Reaper. Garrus decided to accompany her so she'd have some muscle when they encountered whatever Cerberus had left behind in their deep-space outposts.} Rachaél paused before offering the next bit of information. {I could have transferred my essence to the memory core of Iringù-Eßizkur, but it would have been a one-way trip. In the end, I decided to stay with the familiar environment of the Normandy's computer.}

The matriarch was getting tired, as was Shepard, so she hurried through the remainder of the journey – contacting Admiral Hackett and Captain Cody, which led to Hackett placing several ships within Harbinger for the trip from Arcturus to the Sol System. The Normandy's arrival in the cluster and the attempt by Javik to destroy Žiuk'Durmah. Their arrival at the Citadel. Promotions and transfers, including Captain Cody being placed in command of the Normandy.

The hunt for a cloned body for Shepard led to Aethyta's greatest realization. {That's why your appearance is so much more youthful! Damn, Shepard! You're an old soul in a young body!}

Rachaél smiled within the meld as she shared just the slightest hint of how overjoyed she and Liara had been to again be able to touch skin-on-skin. {I've never known that level of joy in living, nor that level of ecstasy in joining, as I did that first night we were able to finally be together. Your Little Wing's love has kept me sane, Aethyta.}

When they were done, a thoroughly astounded Aethyta eased out of the meld and gently placed Rachaél's hand down in her lap, both exhausted by the joining. As she leaned back on the couch and sank into the welcoming embrace of the cushions, she closed her eyes and with a touch of awe coloring her voice, whispered, "Holy fucking blue blazes of Athame!"