"I still cannot believe the hotel did all of this," says Liara as she feeds Raina.

Shepard, Liara and Raina left the hospital this morning. Upon returning to the hotel the staff placed items in their room, diapers, portable crib and a few toys. The manager of the hotel said that the staff wanted to help in any way they could. A hot breakfast was just delivered 'on the house' as well.

It was a huge relief to the couple because they were not prepared to have their baby on Earth, they always expected to have it on Thessia; they were ready there, not here.

Shepard is happy not to have to worry about running to the store to grab supplies but she is nervous this morning as she is meeting with Admiral Hackett. She is not looking forward to the conversation which is why she does not really hear Liara talking to her.

"Elly, are you okay?"

Shepard is hugging herself pacing back and forth. She stops suddenly when she feels a hand on her shoulder.

"Liara what?"

"What is it Elly, I have been talking to you, are you okay?"

"Yes…I mean yeah I'll be fine."

"Why don't you eat something before you go," says Liara. She knows Shepard is nervous about her meeting.

"I don't think I can, but thanks. You want me to take her?" Shepard gestures to Raina.

Liara hands the baby over and Shepard starts patting her on her little back to make her burp.

Liara sits at the table to have some breakfast. "Are you sure you don't want to talk about it Elly?"

Shepard paces the room with Raina. "I guess I am just not sure what I am going to say."

"Do you want to practice on me?"

Snorting a laugh, "Yeah..no thanks."

"Are you rethinking your decision?"

Shepard stops to look at Liara; she sees the concern in her eyes. "No..no Liara no. I want to retire I just…I don't want to disappoint him."

At this Liara stands and walks over to Shepard. She places her hand on Shepard's back, "That is not going to happen Elly."

Feeling the heat behind her eyes, Shepard steps away from Liara. "I'm not so sure," she says as she looks out at the skyline through the window.

Liara doesn't say anything, she feels for Shepard. The military has been her life for so long she knows this is a difficult decision to leave it. She also knows that Admiral Hackett and the late Admiral David Anderson were like father figures throughout her career, the men mean a lot to her, and it is understandable that she does not want to disappoint Hackett.

"What can I do?" asks Liara.

Raina gives a little burp and Shepard smiles, "There ya go, that was a good one Raina." She turns to Liara sighing, "I'll be fine Liara thanks." She hands Raina back to Liara."I guess I better go get this over with."

Liara stops her and leans in for a kiss.

"What was that for?" asks Shepard.

"I love you Elly and so does the Admiral, just remember that."

"Thanks Liara, I'll be back soon, if you need anything just call me on my omni."

"I will Elly, good luck."


Walking toward Alliance HQ Shepard cannot stop her mind from racing. She remembers first meeting Admiral Hackett in person when she was recovering from her wounds in the hospital after the Skyllian Blitz. She was on shore leave on Elysium when the colony was attacked by Elanos Haliat who commanded a force of mercenaries and pirates. She quickly rallied a resistance force that day and was able to hold off the ground forces long enough for reinforcements to arrive. Shepard was severely injured and out of commission for a few months in order to recover. Upon waking after her first surgery she found Admiral Hackett sitting next to her bed. He was there to thank her personally for her courage.

Hackett was the one who pinned the Star of Terra on her chest during the award ceremony. The award recognized courageous and distinguished service above and beyond the call of duty. She was regarded as a hero of humanity after that day, though she doesn't like to talk about it, let alone think about it. The number of people who died and how they died are memories that she tries to keep buried, but today it is hard not to think about them.

During the months it took her to recover physically, it took much longer to recover emotionally. She wanted to know why she survived, what made her so special, why did her friends have to die. She put those thoughts out of her mind as best she could, but they reared their ugly head from time to time and today is one of those times.

She has given enough of herself to the military hasn't she? She doesn't want to put herself on the front lines anymore, put herself in danger. She is a father now; she has a new chapter to begin. Admiral Hackett will understand, he has to right? Why would he be angry or disappointed in her for wanting a life, I mean she saved the whole damn galaxy for crying out loud, she deserves a break right? Doesn't she deserve to be happy? If it was only that simple.


After lying Raina down for her nap, Liara dials Feron on her omni-tool. She has not spoken to her Shadow Broker partner in weeks.

"Hello Liara," the Drell says.

"Hello Feron, how are you?"

"Fine Liara and you?"

"Good. I apologize for not contacting you for so long."

"That's okay, Bria has been helping me and I hope you do not mind."

Bria is Feron's girlfriend. Liara has not met the female Drell.

"How exactly is she helping Feron?"

He hesitates before replying, "She knows everything Liara."

This concerns the asari greatly. The reason why the Shadow Broker's identity is not known is because so few people know who makes up the persona. To hear that another person has that knowledge is disconcerting to say the least.

"I see," is all Liara can say.

"I know what you are thinking Liara, but Bria and I are married now. I will not keep anything from her, I trust her implicitly and I believe you can to."

"Married? When?"

"A month ago."

Surprised that she is just now finding out Liara replies, "Congratulations Feron."

"I am sorry we did not contact you Liara. We decided to have a small ceremony; I hope you are not upset."

"No…well not really. I just wish I had known sooner. I am very happy for you Feron. I hope I get to meet her someday."

"Me too Liara, I think you will really like her."

"I am sure I will. I also have news for you Feron."

"What is it?"

"Shepard and I are parents."

"That is fantastic, congratulations!"

"Thank you Feron. We have named her Raina Samantha Shepard."

"That is a beautiful name. Are you two on Thessia?"

"No not yet. I had Raina a bit early so we are still on Earth. We hope to return to Thessia in a few days. I do hope that someday you two can come for a visit."

"I would like that. I hope you are not upset with my having Bria help. It has been pretty busy lately and well..-"

"I know I have not been around Feron. I am sorry I dropped so much work on you, it was not my intent. I am not angry, I am glad she is able to help. Are you two enjoying the work?"

"Yes, we work very well together."

"I may take a lesser role if you do not mind at least for awhile."

"Liara, you do not need to return at all if you do not want to. I appreciate the help, but do not feel you need to work. You have a child now. That is why I brought Bria on. I assumed your work would decrease when the baby was born."

"Thank you Feron, that is very thoughtful. I may take you up on that. Though doing some work will do me some good. I will contact you again when we are settled on Thessia, maybe a week or so. Then I can see where I can help. Does that sound okay?"

"Yes that is fine, whatever you want Liara. Congratulations again and please give Shepard my best."

"Thank you Feron, please offer my congratulations to Bria and tell her I am looking forward to meeting her."

"I will Liara, good bye."

"Bye."


"The Admiral will see you now Captain Shepard."

"Thank you Stacy," says Shepard.

Shepard takes a deep breath in and out then enters the Admiral's office.

"Captain Shepard, good to see you," says Admiral Hackett as he gestures for her to have a seat.

Shepard salutes.

"At ease, have a seat."

"Thank you Sir," says Shepard.

"Want some coffee?"

"No thank you Sir."

Hackett pours himself a cup then sits across from Shepard.

"Congratulations again Elly, Raina is beautiful."

Hearing him use her first name makes her blink back her tears, she has been on the verge of crying all the way over here, "Thank you Sir, she certainly is."

"What can I do for you?"

Taking in another breath and letting it out before speaking Shepard finally says "I would like to put in my retirement papers." She doesn't look at him; she doesn't want to see his expression.

Hackett studies her for a minute, she seems uneasy; she is not looking at him. He doesn't want her to retire, though he understands her wanting to, but he cannot think of the Alliance without her. "When?"

"I have the forms filled out already Sir, I want it effective immediately."

Still not looking at him Hackett says, "Elly look at me please."

She looks at him making eye contact. He sees the turmoil in her eyes. "Sounds like you have given this a lot of thought."

"I have yes Sir."

"It's okay Elly; you are allowed to have a life outside of the military."

A sense of relief floods over her, perhaps he is not disappointed in her, maybe it will be okay. She manages a small smile. "I thought you would be disappointed Sir."

"Well I admit Shepard it is hard to think of the Alliance without you being in it. I do have something to run by you first though which may change your mind."

Shaking her head, "I don't think so Sir. I am a father now; I need to focus on my wife and child."

"What if I told you you could do that and remain in the Alliance?"

Shepard is not convinced but she feels she should hear him out. "I'm listening."

"We have been having joint talks with the other species. We are working on cross training if you will among our forces."

"Cross training Sir?"

"Yes, we are looking to have our Alliance men and women train with the different militaries, Asari, Turian even Krogan. We have been in talks for about two months now and even the Council is on board with the idea."

"Really?"

"Yes. We all feel it is a way to keep us united as a galaxy and not fall back into our old ways. The community between specifies since the war has been really good and we want to continue the camaraderie."

"Sooo?"

"So we need someone on Thessia that represents the Alliance. You could remain with us and work with the Chief Commando there to come up with a training program for our men and women. You would be home every night and every weekend excluding overnight training I know the asari commandoes do."

Shepard does not know what to think, it sounds too good to be true. She would be home, still there for her family and still part of the Alliance which has been her home for so long. "I am not sure what to say Sir; I need to discuss this with Liara."

"Of course Shepard. But for now I do not want to accept your retirement papers until you give me your decision. When do you return to Thessia?"

"I hope to soon Sir. I was actually going to ask if we could use the Normandy to get home instead of taking a shuttle."

"Of course Captain, she is still your ship."

"You know Sir, eventually you are going to have to assign someone else command of her. I am no longer a Spectre and if I accept this new role I won't need her anymore."

"I did not realize you had informed the Council of your decision."

"Yes Sir, I told them yesterday."

"How did they take it?"

"Honestly I think some of them were happy about it."

"I highly doubt that Shepard. I know you have had your differences, but they know what they are losing."

"Thank you Sir."

"Well regarding the Normandy, what do you think of my offering her to Commander Williams?"

A big grin appears on Shepard's face, "I think that is perfect Sir, can't think of a better candidate."

"I thought you would agree," he smiles back. "You let me know your decision in the next week or two, does that give you enough time?" he asks as he stands up.

"Yes Sir that should be enough time," she also stands.

"If you want to speak to the Chief Commando to help you decide feel free. You can get the contact information from Stacy."

"Thank you Sir."

Hackett places his hand on her shoulder, "I am proud of you Elly, for everything you have done. Please don't ever forget that."

It is all she can do to not cry right in front of the man, she quickly blinks "Thank you Sir," she manages to look him in the eye, "Thank you for everything."

He pats her on the shoulder, "Enjoy your family, talk to you soon."

She doesn't trust her voice right now so she only nods and then leaves his office. She stops by Stacy's desk to get the contact information for the Chief Commando. This is something she was not expecting, she is not sure what to think. She never thought of herself as a trainer, but it sounds like a perfect fit. She will have to wait and see what Liara has to say.

Before heading back to the hotel Shepard sends out a communication that she expects Joker and a small crew to report to the Normandy tomorrow at 1300 hours; destination Thessia.


Shepard enters their hotel room being sure to keep quiet just in case anyone is sleeping. Crossing the room she looks inside the portable crib to see Raina sleeping. Shepard watches the rise and fall of her little chest for awhile. She is not sure how long she was standing there, she jumps a little when she feels Liara wrap her arms around her from behind.

"She just went down," she says as she kisses Shepard on the back of her shoulder.

"She is so little," Shepard says as she covers her arms over Liara's, leaning back into her.

"She is the correct size I assure you."

Stifling a laugh Shepard says, "I am sure she is Doctor, I just meant..she is so small. It's hard to believe we all start out that small."

Liara tightens her arms around Shepard smiling into her back. "How did your talk go?"

"It was…interesting to say the least."

Turning her into her arms to face her Liara asks, "What do you mean?"

Shepard leans in and kisses Liara fully on her lips. "Hmmm I missed you."

"Do not try to change the subject Elly."

Shepard steps out of their hug and takes her hand to follow her to the couch.

She explains to Liara what Hackett mentioned about her new role if she chooses to accept it. Being the best of both worlds, staying in the military while being home at 'normal' times to spend time with her family she doesn't see any flaws in the opportunity. Liara seems open to the idea and likes the fact that they do not have to make a decision right away.

"I sent out a communication to some of the crew to report to the Normandy tomorrow at 1300 hours, I thought it would be okay to arrange our way home tomorrow."

"Really, oh Elly that is fantastic! There is so much to do before we leave," she says as she starts to get up off the couch.

Elly grabs hold of her hand, "Hold on a minute doctor."

Liara sits down furrowing her brow, "What?"

"She just went down for her nap?" asks Shepard as she raises her eyebrows.

"Yes about..-"

Liara is interrupted by Shepard's lips mashing into hers. Shepard pulls away, takes her hand and leads her into the bedroom.


"What's this?" asks Shepard as she sees her entire squad at the Normandy docking bay.

Alhe steps up, "We wanted to accompany you to Thessia Captain; I hope that is okay."

Shepard looks at her squad, Alhe, Langer, Bering and even Nicols are there waiting to board the ship.

"Permission to board Captain," says Alhe.

Shepard looks at Liara who is holding Raina and smiles, "Permission granted."

The group grabs their luggage and boards the Normandy. "We will put your things in your cabin Shepard," says Bering.

"Thanks."

Entering the ship Shepard turns left to greet Joker. "Hello Joker."

"Shepard we will be ready to go in fifteen minutes."

Placing her hand on his shoulder she says, "Thanks Joker."

"Hey Captain."

Shepard moves beside his chair so they can look at each other, "What's up?"

"Look..ah..I feel like we are close to saying good bye to each other and I ah…well I just wanted to say that it has been an honor Captain."

Surprised at his showing emotions; true emotions, Shepard manages to say "It has been an honor for me too Joker." Clearing her throat she continues, "I hope this isn't goodbye though, I hope you will visit Thessia from time to time, you are always welcome."

"Thanks Shepard."

Shepard walks through the CIC nodding to the small crew as she goes. She takes the elevator to her quarters to find Liara and Raina. The portable crib to the right of the door, "I thought having the crib here would be better than down by our bed," says Liara.

"Yeah, looks good. I don't suspect I will need to sit at the desk anyway," says Shepard as she takes Raina into her arms. "Hey little blue, how are you? Are you ready for your first ride on a space ship?"

Liara smiles as she hears Shepard use her baby voice to talk to Raina.

"It is nice that your squad mates are here Elly."

"Yeah. I guess I didn't really think about how hard it is going to be to say goodbye to all of them. Joker about made me cry."

"What..why?"

Seeing the look on Liara's face Shepard quickly says, "No..no.. not in a bad way. He just told me that this felt like goodbye and that it has been an honor serving with me."

Liara steps closer to hug the two. "Did you tell him that he has an open invitation to visit us?"

Kissing her on her cheek Shepard replies, "I did tell him that yes."

"Are you okay Elly?"

"Yes of course. I can't wait to get home. I can't wait to see Raina grow, hear her first word, take her first steps; I wouldn't miss it for the world Liara. I told you I don't want to be apart from you ever again."

Kissing her Liara pulls back, kisses little Raina and says, "I love you both so much."

Elly replies with a big smile, "And we love you too."


A/N Hello again - this concludes Dreams Fulfilled. I will be starting a new story soon that will be a continuation of family life. Thank you again to everyone who has left a review and/or PM. Your encouragement really helps me to continue to write and truly makes my day. Thank you to those that also follow and favorite me, it means a lot. Feedback is always, always welcome as I am open to learning and improving. Take care all and see you hopefully in the next story!