A/N : Hey guys. So I said in the last chapter that this story is near the ending and starting with this chapter, it will start build up to the ending of this story. I'm not sure when the end is, but I can promise you I will write a chapter after Shepard death to let you guys have some piece of mind seeing how Liara and the kids doing. It kills me to end this story since this is my first ever story I ever publish. Despite my problems with grammars since English is my second language, most of you love my story. Maybe it had to do with how the story is rather than a perfection of grammar use. So I want to say thank you to everyone who follow and favorite this story. Special shout out too to RED78910 and brandon66 who has been supporting me since the first chapter. So without further ado…


Chapter 28 : Choices

It has been a year since the twins born. Much to Shepard and Liara surprised, taking care the twins aren't that hard as they expected. With Elaina and Kate competed with each other on who can took care the twins the most, Shepard and Liara find it easy to depend on them to take care of their little sister. All the competiveness aside, both of them has done a great job taking care of the twins.

Ever since the twins were born, Shepard has spend more time at home than at work. She only goes to her office when there's a case that needed her attention or supervising her task force team.

"Shepard." call Liara from behind her.

"Hey, Liara. Did I wake you up?" asked Shepard from behind her personal terminal as she check on an important message.

"No, you didn't. I woke up to get myself a drink when I noticed you weren't in bed… What are you doing checking your message at 3 in the morning?"

"I just got a message from one of my task force squad leader saying one of her men got hurt from a mission we conduct at Terminus System. He's being treated at Omega before being transported here. I just need to get the Normandy to pick him up with the rest of the squad."

"It sounded simple enough."

"It is…"

"But?"

"Something went horribly wrong in that mission. It wasn't supposed to happen. I may need to check with Miranda and Oriana asking if there's any chatting about any mercenaries group planning on attacking my task force."

"You do know who you are talking to, right?"

"Yes. I'm talking to my wife."

"Who happen to be?"

"The mother of my child… And also the Shadow Broker." said Shepard as she no longer can keep a straight face.

"You just love to tease me, aren't you?"

"That's my job." said Shepard as she walked from her personal terminal to Liara who pretend to sulk.

"I would have told you if there's any chatter about any mercenaries group plan on attacking your task force." said Liara after being kiss by Shepard.

"Shepard… I know that the Normandy is here. Do you need to go to Omega with the Normandy?" asked Liara after a long silence.

"…I don't need to." answered Shepard hesitantly.

"I know that you want to go to the Omega. You felt responsible on what happened."

"…Ever since the twins born, I never leave you and the kids alone. I barely go to the office anymore."

"Just go and make sure your task force team is okay."

"Are you sure?"

"As long as you promised me that you will come back unhurt."

"Thank you." said Shepard as she kiss Liara before leaving the apartment.


The next morning, Liara is busy preparing dinner as Elaina and Kate come downstairs.

"Where's daddy?" asked Elaina after she look around and didn't see her father.

"Your father has something she needs to take care off. She will be back in the next few days."

"Where Irene and Carissa?" asked Kate.

"Both of them are sleeping in their cribs. Do you mind see if they awake?"

"Sure." answered Kate as she goes back upstairs.

"Mommy… Can I ask you something?"

"What is it, Elaina?" said Liara as she finished preparing the breakfast.

"Is it true daddy want to retire?"

"Where did you hear this from?" asked Liara in surprise.

"I heard you two were talking about this the other day."

"Are you eavesdropping on your parents?"

"…Yes…" answered Elaina with a guilty face.

"Elaina, what we talk about eavesdropping on others conversation?"

"…It's not polite."

"Exactly."

"I'm sorry… But can I still know if it's true?"

"What if, it's true?" asked Liara as she studies her oldest daughter.

"…I love the school here. I don't know if I can fit in if we live on Earth. Just as Kate will feel left out if we decide to live on Thessia."

"Don't worry, Elaina. Your father know that how much you love being in that school. She won't make you leaves the school as long as she can afford to put you there."

"But I don't want daddy to sacrifice her happiness just to make me happy." said Elaina with her head hang low.

"Listen to me. You father would do anything to make you and your sisters happy. That is enough for her to be happy." said Liara as she walked towards her daughter.

"I wish I could hug daddy right now."

"She will be back before you know it." said Liara as she hug her daughter.

"I know that you scared something will happen to her, but she promised me that she always coming back and she always does." add Liara as she tightly hug her daughter.

"What if she doesn't?" asked Elaina.

"She will." said Liara as she tried to reassure her daughter even though deep inside, she scared someone will knock on her door and say something happen to Shepard.


After 3 days leaving, Shepard finally arrived home. She decided to head straight home instead of checking on one of her officer at Huerta Memorial. She has been missing her daughters so much that it almost unbearable to handle. Thankfully Ashley was there to take her mind of home from time to time. Just enough to keep her sane.

"You home." said Liara from the piano as Shepard step into the apartment.

"You were playing? It has been awhile since I saw you play the piano." said Shepard as she walked towards Liara to give her a kiss.

"Where's the kids?" asked Shepard after she gave Liara a kiss.

"Elaina and Kate are with Miranda and Oriana. Irene and Carissa are with my father. He insisted on getting them on taking some fresh air with her around the Citadel."

"So we have the apartment to ourselves?"

"Yes. What you have in mind?"

"Maybe we should go for a nice lunch at one of the nice restaurant in Citadel. I heard the Sushi restaurant had their grand reopening last week."

"The same restaurant where you felt off the fish tank?" teased Liara.

"Oh don't remind me. I'm never going to live that down, aren't I?"

"You lucky I didn't tell the kids about the story yet."

"I will be happy if you leave that part alone."

"And where's the fun in that?" said Liara as she lean in for another kiss.


Even though the restaurant is packed, just like it was before the whole chaos by Shepard clone, it wasn't hard for Shepard to get her way in. There's always a perk of saving the galaxy even though the downside of it are more annoying to Shepard than the perk side.

"So how was Omega?" asked Liara after the waitress got their orders.

"As good as you can expect when you in Omega. Although Aria did made Omega a much better place than it was before the war. I guess she made good of her words to protect Omega better than before after Cerberus took over the place."

"That's good to hear. How was the officer who was hurt?"

"He's doing fine now. Aria made sure he got the best treatment in Omega. I guess it's her way of thanking me for getting Omega back."

"I have a feeling that Aria has a soft spot for you."

"What that supposed to mean? Are you jealous? If you are, you shouldn't. My heart is only belongs to you and the kids."

"I know that. But we are talking about Aria T'Loak here. She knew I'm with you and I can't help but feel that she will do something to take me down."

"Well if she did, it's not because of me. You are the Shadow Broker after all. Anyway despite of all her toughness, she knows she shouldn't cross me. So don't worry about it. Aria can surprise you, you know. I was sure she going to kill that Cerberus General and honestly I would have look the other way if she did. But she told him that I need him alive so I can find The Illusive Man, so she let him live."

"You just have that effect on people, Shepard." said Liara as she take Shepard hand and hold it.

"Well enough about work. I'm thinking about taking you and the girls to the amusement park at Terra Nova next weekend. What do you think?"

"That sounds lovely. I'm sure the girls would love it there."

"Good then. I will let Traynor know tomorrow so she could plan for the trip."

"Why don't you bring her too?"

"You know, that's a good idea. I'm sure Traynor, Sarah and Dylan would love it there."

About 6 months ago, Traynor and Sarah decided to tie the knot and 3 months ago they took Dylan in from the foster system. Dylan just a few months older than Kate and he has became Elaina and Kate big brother at school. And from what Traynor told Shepard, they are trying to have their own baby in the future. She also told Shepard she wants to settle down on Earth one day with a house with white picket fences and a golden retriever.

"What got your attention?" asked Liara after the waitress sends their orders without Shepard noticing.

"Oh, just thinking about what Traynor told me about settling down."

"You really are thinking about it, aren't you?"

"Yes. But I think maybe we will wait until the girls big enough. I know that Elaina loves the school here."

"Elaina asked about it the day you left for Omega… She told me not to sacrifice your happiness just for her happiness."

"That's nonsense. Just seeing her, Kate, Irene, Carissa and my wife happy already bring me happiness. I'm just tired with this job sometimes."

"I know. That's what I told her."

"My mom came by last week and told me she wanted me to succeed her as Human councilor. She's thinking about leaving her position and settle down."

"What did you told her?"

"That it's a big job with big responsibilities. I don't think I'm ready for it. If I take the job, it will change our lives. I can just see the headlines. Savior of the galaxy takes position as the new human council... It will be a nightmare for the kids with all the attention that will come with it."

"Whatever you decides, I will support you."

"When do I get so lucky to have a wife who is beautiful and understanding?" asked Shepard with a smile.

"Since the day you saved me from the Geth at Therum." answered Liara as she also gave a smile which melts Shepard heart away.


It's finally the day Shepard and her family with Traynor and her family went to the amusement park. Shepard rented a shuttle to take them to Terra Nova and asked Cortez to be their shuttle pilot after Liara begged Shepard not to drive the shuttle herself. Fortunately Cortez is on shore leave and more than happy to take his former commander to Terra Nova.

"Thanks again, Cortez for taking us here even though it's your day off." said Shepard as soon as they arrived at Terra Nova.

"No problem, Shepard. I'm looking forwards to ride the new roller-coaster anyway. So it's a win-win situation." replied Cortez.

"I would have drive myself if not because Liara begged me not to."

"I heard you are a worst driver. Worst than Vega?"

"At least I didn't crash."

"Not yet." chime in Liara who heard the conversation.

"I'm sure Vega will say it's to save the day." said Cortez.

"Daddy! When are we going to go inside the amusement park?!" said Elaina excitedly.

"We are going there. Be patient, okay? I just need to take the twins strollers first." answered Shepard.

"Why don't you come inside with us? If you don't mind, Admiral." asked Traynor.

"Sure. And Samantha, remember our deal?"

"I-I'm sorry Adm… I mean Shepard."

"What was that about?" asked Cortez after Elaina and Kate followed Traynor, Sarah and Dylan go into the amusement park first.

"I told her to stop calling me Admiral when it wasn't work related. She needs to ease up a bit around me. You would have guess after this long working with me, she will stop being so formal around me." answered Shepard.

"I think she half scared of you and respect you."

"I wonder how she dropped all of that when you invite her to your cabin to play chess." add Liara.

"It surprised me too."

"Did I miss something?" asked Cortez dumfounded on what Shepard and Liara talking about.

"Well she flirt with me… More or less."

"What? No way." said Cortez in surprise.

"Why would I lie about that?"

"So what did you say?"

"I just brush it off. I only confronted her a year or so ago. She thought I didn't get her hints."

"Well who would have thought she had it in her." said Cortez as he still can't believe the sweet Specialist he knew was flirting with Shepard.

"I think she thought if she wanted to be with me, she needed to show that she interested. It's reminded me when Liara told me that she interested in me. Of course Traynor is a lot more subtle that Liara was."

"I still get you, didn't I?" said Liara as she flash a smile.

"Guess Traynor should have asked you for advices on how to get Shepard heart." tease Cortez.

"What?" There's no way I'm going to let anyone get Shepard away from me."

"I'm just joking, Liara." said Cortez with a chuckle.

"I loved it when you are jealous." said Shepard as she lean in for a kiss.

"I loved the way you reacted when you thought I was with Feron." said Liara as she received a kiss from her wife.

"Well enough with public display of affection. I think it's time we get into the amusement park." said Cortez as he started to walk towards the amusement park entrance.

Both Shepard and Liara let out a small laugh at the Normandy shuttle pilot before joined him.


After a good two hours of fun, Shepard sat down at one of benches at the amusement park as Irene and Carissa sound asleep in their strollers. Both Irene and Carissa only just learnt how to walk about a month ago and after running around for half an hour, they finally tired out and felt asleep. Shepard offered to watch over them and letting Liara to have some more fun with the kids.

"Mind if I join you?" asked Traynor as she walked towards Shepard.

"Sure. Tired?"

"I don't know how you handle 4 kids, Shepard. I can barely catch my breath with 3 kids."

"I command a war ship, fought a war and I still find it hard to handle 4 girls."

"Finally the savior of the galaxy found her match!" tease Traynor.

"Oh, I have yet to surrender but I am more than happy to lose to my 4 beautiful daughters." said Shepard as she lovingly looked at her daughters.

"Anyway, the reason I'm here, I need to tell you something." said Traynor as she start being serious.

"What is it?" asked Shepard, curious.

"I… I don't know how to tell you, Admiral."

"It's Admiral now? Guess it must be serious that you start calling me Admiral when you just called me Shepard a minute ago."

"You can say that."

"You want to go back to Earth and start a family there, aren't you?"

"H-How did you know?"

"Because a few weeks ago you told me how you want a house with white picket fences and a dog, preferably a golden retriever."

"You remembered that?"

"Of course I do. How do you think I kept a close relationship with my crews?"

"I thought it was your charm and your good look." said Traynor as she let out a small laugh.

"*chuckle* that also true."

"Will you mind if I quit my job as your assistant and go back to Earth with R&D lab?"

"I'm not going to lie, I will miss you as my assistant but in the back of my mind, I always thought your skills are better off with R&D lab than handling my appointments."

"That's not true, Admiral. I enjoy my time as your assistant. You thought me a lot of things and it's an honor to work with the savior of the galaxy."

"Let's not forget the fact I might not be able to save the galaxy if not because you were doing your job."

"You do all the hard work, Admiral."

"You know that's not the truth. I may get all the credits but always know that I knew that my crews play a large role on helping me throughout the war. I couldn't have won it if Joker not a great pilot, the same goes to Cortez. Without EDI, we won't be able to get inside Cerberus HQ and without you helping out EDI; we might never get some information. And most importantly, if you are not there to sort out through my emails, I won't receive some important emails."

"You still the one who fight the Reapers. The Reapers won't be destroyed without you risking your life."

"I still have the best team to back me up."

"Well, I'm not going to win this argument, aren't I?"

"Nope." said Shepard with a smile.

"I heard Councilor Shepard is going to step down from her position. I have it on good authority that her daughter will be name as the new human councilor." said Traynor after a few second of silence.

"Let me guess, my mother spill it?"

"Yes. If you're going to be the new human councilor, I have to stay with you."

"It's not necessary, Traynor. You have done more than enough for me. Now it's time for you to settle down with your family back on Earth."

"But you will need an assistant that you can trust."

"That's true, but let me worry about that, okay?" reassured Shepard.

"Admiral, I-I can't let anyone be your assistant. Especially if you accept the offer to becomes the new human councilor. My dream of a house with white picket fences and a golden retriever will have to hold."

"No, Traynor. You don't have to do that."

"B-But…"

"No but, Traynor. I don't even know if I'm going to accept the offer. So don't worry about it. And don't make me order you to leave the Citadel and settle down on Earth."

"What about you settle down, Admiral?"

"*took a deep breath* It will happen… Someday."

"What stop you?"

"Elaina loves it here. Well she actually like the school and it is the best school in this entire galaxy. You know how smart she is and she deserves a great school to match."

"With her lifespan, you will never settle down."

"Yeah… We will see how it goes. At the very least we will stay at the Citadel until she's 18 years old. We put her with the same age group as human and she's been doing well so she might done with school when she's 18. What she going to do after that, that's up for her to decide."

"Don't you ever be selfish, Admiral? Even once?" asked Traynor.

"Ever since I know her, she only being selfish once." answered Liara as she walked towards Shepard and Traynor.

"And when was that?"

"When she's gone for 2 years and wants me to be with her. She knew the pain she cause me in those 2 years of absence, but she still wants me to be with her even though she might never coming back."

"I came back, didn't I?" said Shepard as Liara sit next to her.

"Because I made you promise."

"Listen Traynor, I want the best for my daughters and I'm sure you want the best for Dylan too. You will do anything to make sure of it. This is my way of giving the best to them."

"I just think that you deserve to settle down somewhere where you can just enjoy the peace. You have done more than enough for this galaxy. The more you around the Citadel, the more people going to ask for you. They will never get enough until you tell them to stop and run away somewhere."

"She's right, Shepard." said Liara.

"What about this? Every school break, we will spend our time either at Earth or Thessia? But I'm not going to settle down as long as Elaina still in school."

"Shepard, we Asari can stay in school for hundreds of years."

"Like I said before, you will never settle down, Admiral."

"Why don't we just drop this? We come here to have fun, not telling me to settle down. I don't even know what I want to do. In other hand, I have an offer from my mother to be the new human councilor and in other hand I want to settle down. But in the middle… Well let just say it's complicated. I'm not even sure what I really want."

"Daddy! Can we please ride the roller coaster again?" asked Elaina as she and Kate running towards where Shepard, Liara and Traynor are.

"Aunt Sarah go find something to eat with Dylan and Uncle Cortez is waiting in line for that fighter like ride which we can't ride." add Kate.

"Please daddy? Pretty please?" plead Elaina.

"Keep you tone low. You sisters are sleeping." said Shepard.

"Come on daddy. Can you ride the roller coaster with us again?"

"Go, Shepard. I will stay here and watch Irene and Carissa." said Liara.

"What about you Traynor, are you coming?" asked Shepard as she stand up and ready to go for another ride.

"Oh no, I'm fine here." replied Traynor.

"Well your loss. Come on girls, we going to have some fun." said Shepard as she, Elaina and Kate excitedly walk towards the roller coaster.


A/N : So how was it? I feel like it kinda bored a bit in the end with Shepard still didn't know what she's going to do. Either settle down or maybe even take the offer as human councilor. Honestly I'm not ready to have her settle down yet since future chapter that I have in mind will depend on Shepard still working. But she will settle down maybe once Kate and Elaina big enough. For Irene and Carissa, I guess they have to take on a little adventure then if they settle down either on Earth or Thessia. I'm not sure yet but I'm sure I will figured something out. Anyway I hope you guys like the idea I'm giving Traynor for her happy ending. She will still show up in future chapter if necessary but she won't be Shepard assistant anymore. So who's next going to have their happy ending? Well you guys have to wait for my next chapter.