EARTH

The morning came and went. A fog washed over Shepard and she went through the motions. Ashley, Liara and her stayed up late last night putting the finishing touches on her speech.

The ceremony was beyond words. The number of military personnel, the Council, the top officials from Earth were all in attendance. All came to honor the great Admiral Steven Hackett. It seemed New York City was also in mourning. It was a cold windy and rainy morning. The rain didn't know whether to fall quickly and hard or soft as a mist. It changed throughout the two hours.

The processional was a sight to behold. The security alone was daunting. Shepard barely paid attention to the armed personnel that donned every street block and every other row once inside the arena. Arena. The funeral was held in a sports arena in order to house all of the people. The Alliance using his death as a way to promote courage and honor and get their recruiting numbers up. They have gone down since the war ended years ago, but there is still need of new recruits.

Her speech came after other various speakers. Even Councilor Tevos said a few words. That because of his foresight and courage he lead our galaxy to victory over what seemed an unstoppable force. Shepard had no idea the Councilor would be introducing her. But she did and she barely remembers ascending the stairs to give her speech.

She knows she did well because the audience gave her a standing ovation. Seems weird for such a thing to happen at a funeral but Shepard did not dwell on the pain of his loss or the sadness that all have to face with him gone. No she dwelled on his military history. That to this day his rise from an enlisted man to admiral remain a legend within the Alliance. He volunteered for high risk missions and he was part of the first contact war. Shepard nearly lost her composure when she got personal and said that at times she looked upon him as more than an admiral. Looked upon him as a father figure. People in the crowd know practically all there is to know about Shepard's past and her rise in the ranks. They know she lost her family at sixteen. So it was a touching sentiment and Shepard didn't care if she faltered a little. Let everyone know that the so called savior of the galaxy is human after all capable of feeling, capable of failing.

Her admiration for the man came across loud and clear as did all of the speakers. Shepard reiterated not only what he did during the Reaper war but how he led the attack to defeat Sovereign and how his actions saved the Destiny Ascension. She left out her part because that is what Shepard does. Today is about her friend, her commanding officer her father figure. That is what he was when it comes down to it. Him and David Anderson were her father figures and now with him gone it feels like she has lost her real dad all over again.

After Ashley left last night Liara went to bed but Shepard wasn't able to really sleep. She was kept up by her nightmares. She dreamt of her real father dying. She dreamt of Anderson dying though she doesn't remember it, her mind made up a horrific scene of flesh and bone. Then she dreamt of Hackett. It started out in his office. They were sharing a whiskey. Then morphed into a landscape of war. Reapers left and right, the trumpet sound they blare that for the life of her she can never forget. As if in a bad movie she was reaching for him over this precipice and he reached for her. She was scared because she saw fear in his eyes. They couldn't reach each other and he fell into the dark abyss. Never to be seen again. When she woke from that nightmare soaked through her T-Shirt, she decided sleep was not for her.

But Shepard did not think of such things when she gave her speech. She was not going to let him down. Don't lock up your feelings Liara told her. Well that is exactly what she had to do to don her dress blues, a uniform that still fit and actually felt a little big. That is exactly what she had to do to get through the speech. To get through the morning.

She remembers so many people coming up to thank her for what she said but Shepard barely registered their faces. She knows Liara was next to her. Felt her strength. When Shepard could not say anything Liara took over and was gracious as ever. Always reminding Shepard that Liara would make a wonderful politician if she was so inclined to run. The retired Captain remembers a moment that seemed to stop. The line of people waiting to shake her hand and give her their condolences. She looked at her bondmate. Her blue beauty and felt the heat behind her eyes because she knows. She knows that without a doubt she would not be here if it weren't for Liara. There were so many dark days she lived wanting to die, wanting to give up. No. Not today. Looking at Liara her heart is overwhelmed with love. Overwhelmed with the blessing of having a family of actually having a life. She remembers Liara looking at her with concern behind her ocean blue eyes. Shepard gave her hand a kiss and a squeeze. She leaned in and whispered, "I could not do this without you." And Liara knew she was not just talking about getting through the ceremony. She heard it in her words and saw it in her eyes. She meant everything. Their life, their children, everything. As stoic as ever Liara simply remained by her side being Shepard's strength because the asari knew that this day would be difficult and she knows the days ahead won't be much better. But they are together and they do better together than apart.

It was the final handshake when Shepard's hip started to throb. She doesn't remember the last time where she had to stand in place for nearly two hours. Relief etched her features as she sits down.

"How are you holding up?" asks Liara. Their kids are in the back behind stage in the green room. They were told it would be a very long morning and they were not required to stand next to their mother and father. So they were allowed to relax off stage. Liara wishes she could be relaxing about now.

"I'm okay." Unconsciously Shepard rubs at her right hip and leg. "How are you?"

"As well as can be expected. The service was beautiful."

"It was."

"Here ya go," says Ashley. She hands Shepard and Liara bottled water. "Looks like we can head out now. You two doing okay?"

Liara gives her a small smile. Ashley knows this is tough on her former commander. It is tough on everyone.

"Everyone is coming over. Stop by when you can." Ashley gives Liara a hug. The asari squeezing tightly.

"Thank you Ashley. We will be there soon."

Shepard stands and hugs her friend. "I love ya Ash."

Ashley is a bit surprised at Shepard's statement but is happy to hear it nonetheless. "I love you too Skipper."

"We will see you soon."

And with that Ashley heads toward the exit where Tyler and her kids Abby and Kaidan wait.

"You ready to get the kids?" asks Liara.

"Can you get them? I need to sit for a minute."

Liara knows her hip is bothering her. "Do you want a pain pill? I brought them with me."

"No I think I will be fine. Thanks though." Shepard reaches for her blue beauty. "Liara?"

"Yeah?" Liara sits next to her. "What is it?"

"I…." she is struggling to get the words out. Her exhaustion is catching up to her. She hugs Liara and cries. Between sobs she manages two words…."thank you."

Ashley and Tyler's home is situated at the end of a block of homes. It was not hard to find at all. What was hard to find was a parking spot. Shepard and family had to park about two blocks away due to the number of sky cars on the street.

With a slight limp Shepard feels a weight lifted from her shoulders with the speech done and the meet and greet done. It felt good to break down but now she is incredibly tired. The girls, all four of them, seem sad. They have been quiet all morning. They are not sure what more to say accept sorry for your loss. Eva and Little A are excited to see Shayna and Rose. They were told they would be here. All four are a little anxious to meet Abby and Kaidan.

Reaching the three story light brown home Liara knocks on the door. It is immediately opened by a young male human. Intense brown eyes look at Liara and grow wide in recognition. "Welcome," he says with enthusiasm then seems to remember the occasion and adjusts accordingly.

"Hello," says Liara.

"I am Kaidan Williams Ross," he says it with such conviction.

Liara notices the similarity to Ashley right away. He has dark brown hair cut above his ears and is handsome like his father. "I am Dr. Liara T'Soni and this is…"

"Captain Shepard Retired," he interrupts. "Nice to meet you ma'am." He extends his hand to shake it.

Shepard takes it and Liara sees it. Sees Shepard's composure change. Her mask is back on. "Good to meet you soldier, at ease," says Shepard.

The young man stands at ease.

"Well let them in Kaidan," says Ashley. "Come in come in."

The house is already buzzing with voices.

"Everyone this is my son Kaidan," says Ashley.

"We've met," says Shepard.

The home is beautiful. To the right is a large family room where she can see some old squad mates. Toward the back of the home is the kitchen and to the left is another large room probably used for formal dining occasions based on the high end table and furniture.

"Kaidan," says Liara these are our children, Raina, Mia, Eva and Aethyta."

All four say their hellos. Kaidan seems amazed. He is not used to seeing so many asari up close.

Ashley leads them further into the house. Shepard and Liara wave at people as they pass through toward the back. Ashley leads them through a patio door and onto a large deck. Their home overlooks woods. There is a path that leads into them not far from their backyard. The deck has stairs that go down to the backyard. There are more people down there and Tyler is already working on making food on the grill. "Beverages are found throughout the coolers. If you want beer that is where you will find it. If you want something more fancy you will find that in the kitchen," says Ashley. "And for the girls you want to go to the kitchen for the non-alcoholic stuff." She winks at the four kids. "What can I get ya?"

"Beer," says Shepard.

"I will pass for now thank you," says Liara.

"Okay," Ashley grabs a beer from a nearby cooler. "Here ya go Skipper. James and the squad are downstairs. Garrus and Tali haven't arrived yet, but they said they were coming. And I know my daughter is around here….. oh here she is."

Abby is stunning. Shoulder length black hair, slight build. She is as tall as Ashley. "Hi."

"Abby it is a pleasure to meet you," says Liara as she shakes her hand as is the human greeting. "These are our daughters, Raina, Mia, Eva and Aethyta."

Abby shakes each hand. When she gets to Raina their eyes seem to linger a little longer than normal.

"Nice to meet you Abby," says Shepard. "I hear you want to be an engineer?"

"Yes that's right." She notices her mother head toward the kitchen.

"How are your studies going?" asks Liara.

"So far so good."

"Your parents are very proud of you," says Shepard as she pats the girl on the shoulder.

"Thank you Captain."

"Please call me Shepard."

Abby nods.

"Here we are." Ashley hands out bottled water to the kids and one for Liara. "Make yourselves at home. I am going to check on Tyler to see if he needs any help."

"Sounds good Ash, I'm right behind ya," says Shepard.

Liara turns to the kids, "You going to be alright?"

They all nod yes.

"Call me on my omni-tool if you need anything and can't find me." Liara takes Shepard's hand and they descend the deck stairs to talk to the old gang.

"What kind of engineering are you studying?" asks Raina. She sees Eva and Little A leave to go find Shayna and Rose. Mia heads down the stairs no doubt to listen in on her parent's old war stories.

"Well I am still trying to figure that out. Right now I am taking general courses. I need to pick my specialization soon though."

The crowd noise is getting louder as more and more people arrive. "Hey you want to talk in my room?"

"Sure," says Raina. Anything to get away from all of these people. She notices Abby take a couple of beers from the cooler before heading through the mass of people. Raina follows her upstairs and already it is quieter. Abby gestures to a doorway which Raina enters. The room has a queen sized bed with two nightstands a chair, dresser and vid screen.

Abby closes the door. "Man it was getting loud down there. Want one?" She offers Raina a beer.

Raina takes it, "Thank you."

Abby opens her bottle and takes a swig, Raina follows suit.

"So how much does this day suck?" asks Abby. "My Mom has been a mess all week."

"I know what you mean. I don't particularly like funerals. Though the service was quite nice."

"It was massive! All those people. No way that many come to my Mom's funeral when she dies. Your parents on the other hand. I am sure those funerals will be a helluva lot bigger." Abby looks up at Raina and realizes what she just said. Open mouth insert foot. "Oh my gosh Raina I am so sorry, I didn't mean…"

Raina wipes a tear from her cheek. She never thought of her parents dying before until now.

"I am such a jerk I am so sorry Raina," says Abby. "I have this problem you see."

Raina looks up at her.

"I tend to talk without a filter and it gets me in trouble. Probably explains why I don't have a lot of friends." She sits on the edge of her bed and takes another swig. "I'm an idiot for saying such a thing. I'm sorry Raina."

Raina takes a longer drag on her beer this time. She ponders whether or not to stay.

"You can leave if you want. You don't have to stay on my account."

Raina moves to the chair and sits. "I should probably not drink too much. I don't want my parents to smell it on me."

Abby is happy for the change in subjects. "Oh no sweat." She moves to her dresser and pulls out a small package. "Here."

"What is it?"

"Breath mints. After a night of drinking I take one before I enter the house. That way they don't smell it on my breath."

"Does it work?"

"Well if I am not stumbling on my feet yeah," says Abby. "Though it does seem like Mom knows ya know. I don't know how she does but she does."

"I know what you mean. They have like a sixth sense or something," says Raina with a smile.

"Exactly! How do they do that? It's like when I was a kid. She would have her back turned to me. I would reach for a cookie and swear to God without her turning around she would say 'I wouldn't if I were you'. She knew I was reaching for the cookie as if she had eyes in the back of her head."

Raina laughs, takes another swig. "My Mom is the same way."

Abby finishes her beer. "Want another one?"

"Sure."

"I'll be right back. Then you can tell me what it's like being the daughter of two of the most famous people in the galaxy."

It has been a few hours. The drinks are disappearing quickly along with the food Tyler cooked. A lot of the non-military personnel that stopped by have left. The sun is getting lower on the horizon as the street lights start to turn on for the approaching nightfall.

Miranda and Arelia are not on the deck but rather in the family room talking to Oriana while Shayna, Rose, Eva and Little A catch up.

Shepard and Liara are with the old gang in the backyard.

"Did I hear someone say ice brandy?" asks Dr. Karin Chakwas. She is holding a bottle in her hands.

"Hey!" yells the group which now consists of James Vega, Joker, Ashley, Shepard, Liara, Mark Curtis, Jeff Griggs, Jen Alhe, Tricia Nicols, Larentia the female Turian, Steve Cortez as well as Kenneth Donnelly and Gabriella Daniels. The aging human doctor is just arriving.

"How ya been Doc?" asks Shepard after she gives her a hug. Liara is next.

"Good good."

"We hear from Ashley that you are keeping busy," says Liara.

"I am at that. Have to keep these old bones moving otherwise I won't be able to start once I have stopped." She raises her glass up. "To Admiral Hackett my friend."

"To Hackett!" The group drinks.

"Sounds like they are going to go well into the night," says Arelia. "Are you sure you do not want to go and join them?" Arelia knows that sometimes Miranda does not feel like part of the old crew. She was a hard ass when they were tracking the Collectors. She wasn't working to make friends but get results. "Why don't you join them?"

Miranda looks at her.

"Go ahead."

"Yeah Miri. I will keep her company," says Oriana.

"I won't be long," says Miranda. She gives Arelia a kiss on the lips before departing.

"So your work is going well then Oriana?" asks Arelia.

"So far it is yes. I mean I cannot go into details."

"Of course."

"But I think I am making some progress. What about you? How are things on Thessia?"

"Can't complain. School is out for a few months right now, so Shayna and Rose are having fun."

"I bet. I loved when we had school off."

"What did you do?" asks Arelia.

"I read a lot."

"Oh? What kind of books do you like to read?"

"I mostly like to read about genetics."

Here Arelia thought Oriana may actually have a hobby outside of work. Who knew her hobby would be related to her work.

"So then I said fuck off and I couldn't believe it he actually left me alone after that." Abby and Raina are lying on her bed looking up at the ceiling. Each has downed four beers.

"Amazing," says Raina.

"I know ….right? I mean I swear guys only want one thing." Abby turns on her side and props up on her elbow.

"Well I don't know if all guys want that," says Raina. She has her hands behind her head ankles crossed. She is reveling in the fuzzy feeling. The tingling of her body.

"I guess. You are really beautiful Raina. Anyone ever tell you that."

Raina feels the heat in her cheeks. She is not sure what to say. She is not used to this attention but seems to be getting a lot of it lately. "You are not so bad looking yourself." She cannot believe she just said that.

Abby lies back on her back. "Thanks."

Raina turns to look at her and props on her elbow. "You are. May I?" She points to Abby's hair. "I am so fascinated by hair."

"Ugh it's a pain. I wish I could be bald like you. I would save so much time in the morning getting ready. It takes like fifteen minutes to dry my hair because it is so thick."

"It is thick and soft too." Raina's hand strokes her hair. She lets the locks fall through her blue fingers.

"What's it like?" asks Abby.

"What?"

"Melding? I mean I have a few asari in my classes but I don't know them well enough to ask them. I guess maybe I don't know you well enough either, but I have always wanted to know."

"There are different types of melding."

"There are?" Abby turns on her side to face Raina who is still playing with her hair.

"Yes. There is the meld between mother and daughter. Between friends. Between lovers."

"What's the difference?"

"Well I have not done the last kind. I suspect the intensity differs. If I am melding with one of my sisters we usually share memories."

"You can see the other person's memories?" Abby takes Raina's hand and studies the blue skin.

"You can yes. It takes practice really. Asari mothers start melding with their children when they are very young. We need to learn control and what to do, my mother teaches me that.

"Your skin feels different than mine."

Raina feels the back of Abby's hand. "I never really noticed."

"So since you live so long Raina when are you expected to leave home and work?"

"Asari who are a hundred are still looked upon as children by some Matriarchs."

"A hundred?"

"Yes but I do not know when I will leave home and as you say work."

"Do you know what you want to be?"

"Not really no."

"You guys have it easy. But then again I don't think I could stand living with my parents for a hundred years. Twenty four years is plenty."

Raina pokes her in the side, "I thought you said you were twenty."

Abby laughs a little. "I am. I just figured I need to finish college then by twenty four I need to move out."

"I will be twenty four soon," says Raina. "I cannot imagine trying to live on my own that quickly."

"Yeah. It's weird." Abby lies back on her back again. "I want another beer."

Raina looks at the time. "I should probably check in with my parents. It is getting late. And I don't think I will be able to hide my drinking with a mint if I have another one."

Abby sits up and faces Raina who also sits up. "Do you leave tomorrow?"

"I am not sure."

"Well if you don't maybe we can hang out. I can show you parts of New York City. There are some parts I don't go near, but there are other parts that are pretty cool. We could even go to a museum if you like that kind of thing."

"I would like that."

Eva approaches her Mom. The night air is a bit chilly. "Mom?"

"Yes Eva are you alright?"

"Yes. I was wondering when we might leave? Little A is asleep on the couch upstairs."

Liara checks her omni-tool. It is nearly 2 AM. "Goddess, I didn't know how late it was. Yes honey we can leave. Can you let Raina and Mia know? I will meet you with your Father at the front door."

"Thanks Mom."

Liara gets up and walks over to Shepard who is talking to Griggs and Alhe.

"Hey Liara, did you know these two got married?"

"Yes Elly I did." Shepard is drunk. She obviously forgot about the invitation to their wedding. They got married three years ago. "It is late Elly we should get going," Liara whispers into her ear.

Shepard pats her hand, "Okay." She stands and sways on her feet. Liara is there to keep her steady. "Everyone we gotta go."

The crowd gives their "awwwws". Each one stands to give Shepard and Liara a hug. "Great to see you."

"Is she alright?" ask Tali as she hugs Liara.

"She will be. I am sorry our trip was cut short Tali. You have a very lovely family."

"Thank you Liara. Perhaps we can come out for a visit in the next year or two. I know that Rael would like that." Tali smiles.

"As would Little Aethyta." Liara turns to the crowd after giving her hugs and kisses. "Thank you Ashley and Tyler for hosting."

"Our pleasure," he says.

"Thanks all!" says Shepard. "Take care." Though she is drunk she is able to concentrate enough to take one step in front of the other.

They head to the front door and see the kids waiting for them. They all give their goodbyes again and head to the hotel.