Notes:

A Grá - My Love

Anam Cara - Soul Friend/Mate (Gaelic)

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/Source: CDN)

Changes

Normandy SR-2, Alliance Docks, Vancouver

It was early morning when Liara awakened, feeling as if she had been drugged; attempting to bring her right hand up to her face caused a sharp stab of pain in her arm, and her shoulder ached with discomfort. She seemed unable to shift her position in the bed she was only gradually realizing was not the one she shared with her Siame. Liara opened her eyes just enough to look around without moving her head; as awareness of her surroundings grew, she found the reason she couldn't roll over... Some sort of wedge-shaped foam blocks had been placed under her neck, back and legs, keeping her entire body at a slight angle towards her left side. Goddess! I'm in the Med Bay once again!

The startling discovery prodded her groggy mind to snap into focus as she remembered, with crystal clarity, the reason for her discomfort. Even with that sudden realization, she remained calm, sensing the quiet, comforting presence of the link in her subconscious and feeling the warmth of Samantha's hand holding her own; she curled her fingers to gently caress the loving hand that she simply knew had held hers all night. Turning her head slowly to the left, a small sigh escaped her as she smiled at the sight next to what she hoped to be her very temporary location. The Human sitting slumped in a chair at the side of the bed, tousled auburn hair on the head leaning against her hip, only confirmed her belief that Samantha had spent the night in nearly as much discomfort as she herself now felt.

The head lifted slowly to reveal a pair of ocean green eyes, filled with loving concern as she attempted to blink away the last vestiges of sleep. "Hey, Blue," came the whispered greeting as she slowly unfolded stiff and cramped limbs to lift her uncooperative body from the chair. Once upright, Shepard leaned in to place a kiss on a pebbled forehead. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm not sure," came the uncertain response. "My shoulder aches quite a bit; other than that, I guess I'm fine. Feeling a bit hungry…"

Shepard chuckled in relief. "That has to be a good sign." She smiled softly and raised the hand she was holding, kissing the fingers before saying in a more solemn tone, "I'm thrilled to see you awake, A Grá."

The worry lines wrinkling her siame's forehead spoke to the depth of Shepard's concern for her well-being more than any words she could have spoken. "It was bad, wasn't it?"

Shepard slowly nodded. "I won't lie; it could have been bad... extremely bad, but we got lucky... again. I'll let Karin explain it all to you. I'll find her and see if I need to fetch you something to eat or if you're allowed to get up." She kissed the blue fingers again, before placing the hand and arm back on the bed; turning, she started walking towards the hatch when it opened to admit Karin, followed closely by Hannah Shepard. Looking to the two beds closest to Karin's desk, Sam was surprised to see that Riana and Ashley had apparently been overnight guests as well; both were stirring at the noise and increased light levels near them.

Ashley caught sight of Shepard and said, "Hey, Skipper." She rolled to her side, swinging bare legs over the edge of the mattress as she sat up. "We got back rather late… had some minor injuries between us so it seemed easier to simply stay here during and after treatment in order to get a good night's sleep." She clutched the back side of her hospital gown, keeping it from flying open as she slid off the bed. Looking around, she spotted Karin, cleared her throat and asked, "Um, would it be possible for me to get my clothes? I'd like to get out of here to grab some breakfast and write my after-action report."

Dr Chakwas activated her omnitool as she replied, "Let me check those ribs first, Commander… make sure the bone stitcher did its job properly."

Looking to help out, Shepard asked, "Where is their clothing, Karin?" She indicated Riana as well, who was in a position very similar to Ashley... though, in behavior typical for the Asari Vanguard, felt no overriding compulsion to close the rear of her gown any more than what the loose ties provided.

"Everything was covered in Human blood and body parts, Samantha… well, those garments which weren't shielded by armor plating, anyway. I relieved them of the remains of their contaminated gear as soon as they were asleep… Considering they were sedated, they couldn't even begin to argue with me about it." Karin's face held a knowing grin that bordered on being a smirk as she continued, "I asked the armorers to clean Ashley's armor liners and Riana's leathers, while their under clothing went straight into the medical cleanser... along with a full sanitization protocol... which should be finished by now."

Shepard wished she had misheard Karin but knew better, so directed her gaze to Ashley and queried, "Blood and body parts? What the Hell happened out there, Williams?"

Ashley looked at Shepard with a hint of disbelief as she replied, "Seriously? How about some clothes first, Shepard? I'll fill you in while we have breakfast. Just know that the shooter will never target anyone ever again."

Karin arched her eyebrows and informed the two Spectres, "Breakfast is a wonderful idea, but let there be no mistake. While Riana and Ashley are free to leave, Liara is staying put for another 24 hours. I still need to do a blood test and possibly transfusions, depending on how her eezo levels are responding to the infusions."

At Shepard's crestfallen look, Hannah smiled and shook her head in indulgent understanding. "Sam... Go back to Liara. I'll bring you both breakfast once I consult with Karen as to what is best to feed your eezo-depleted other half."

"Mom..." Shepard's forehead wrinkled in dismay. "I don't expect you to cater for us. That's not why you're here..."

Hannah's smile turned into a quiet laugh. "Of course that's why I'm here... Otherwise, I wouldn't have arrived for another two days yet, silly." She looked toward the bed on the far side of the room as she continued, "Besides which, I'm not so sure Liara is honestly quite ready to eat. She looks to be sound asleep."

"She was awake." Glancing back at her cheann geallta, she continued, "And she said she was hungry so I was actually on my way out to find Karin when you two walked in... to see if Liara could get up to eat."

Karin smiled softly as she responded, "Tell you what. You go to the loft, take a shower and put on some fresh clothes while I give her a follow-up exam. By the time you get back down here, I'll know Liara's current status and we'll go from there."

Shepard grudgingly returned her gaze to the Normandy's Chief Medical Officer. "Yes, Ma'am."

Karin breathed a sigh of relief, having expected an argument from the strong-willed officer. "Thank you, Commander. I promise, you'll get her back soon... unless, of course, I find something not responding the way I expect." Karin gave her a stern stare. "Liara's health comes first."

Shepard nodded in agreement as she answered, "Of course, Doctor. I wouldn't want, nor expect, anything else." She turned smartly and headed out the door.

Karin turned to her visiting friend and let out a long breath. "She can sometimes be a royal pain in my ass, but you raised a good officer, Hannah."

The admiral laughed as she answered, "We raised a good Human being, Karin," but her jovial attitude dimmed as she continued. "After Dave was killed, I couldn't have managed without your help and you know it... Aunt Karin. You were the sister I never had... and I needed you."

"And you know damned well I was happy to do it," Karin answered with a soft smile. "Now, you go figure out what you can stir up for breakfast while I complete Liara's exam. Speak with Specialist Huckabee. He's well versed on Sam and Liara's biotic dietary needs, but be sure to let him know Liara will most likely be needing light eezo enhancements for the next few days."

Ashley and Riana had removed their underclothing from the refreshers and dressed in medical scrubs during the conversation and, while Ashley followed Shepard out the door, Riana had remained behind to speak with Karin. The doctor gave her a perceptive glance as Hannah also made her way from the medical compartment to head toward the ship's Mess. "I assume you're staying behind to ask me about Liara's condition?"

"If it were even remotely possible to convince you to divulge her personal medical status to me, then yes." Riana smirked as she continued, "Otherwise, I am simply here to speak to my mistress. If, perhaps, you happen to be doing her exam and I just happen to overhear your discussion while I am visiting, then what is the harm?"

Karin chuckled, "You're learning bad habits from Shepard... But, fortunately for you, Liara has provided a medical release so you need not convince me of anything; you're an authorized disclosure agent along with the commander." Karin shrugged. "The only thing that surprises me is that you did not already know that."

"Given that the war has ended, it probably slipped her mind." Riana's expression clouded. "I imagine she saw no immediate threat and, therefore, no need to inform me of the measure."

Karin stopped and turned back. "On the contrary... She completed the declaration before the run on London. She told me in the event of Shepard's incapacitation, you would be her primary caretaker, so you were to have full access and your decisions would be binding. Shepard said the same, should her and Liara's positions be reversed."

"Goddess. They said nothing to me!" Riana's eyes shifted to the last bed in the room and the figure lying atop it. "And what if Shepard or Liara had not been incapacitated... but killed?"

Karin hesitated, then simply dropped her eyes and shook her head. "Thankfully, that did not happen... and it is not my place to say." Her eyes came back up and met Riana's. "I will simply say that I'm glad it didn't happen... and if you want details you will have to speak with them about it." She suddenly cleared her throat and squared her shoulders. "Now, if you don't mind, I have an exam to accomplish... and you have Liara to keep entertained while I do so."

Hair still damp from the shower, Shepard returned in short order in a crisp, fresh uniform. She walked through the entry of the Med Bay to see the entire group... her mother, Karin and Riana all standing around her fiancée's bed. She smiled as she heard Liara saying, "That is most excellent news, Riana. Thank you."

The Asari sounded as if she was in good spirits and that boded well for her recovery. Noting Shepard's arrival as the commander closed the distance to the foot of the bed, Liara smiled lovingly at her. She sat with the head of the bed elevated; all the foam braces and wedges removed, allowing the Asari to move freely. It was amazing how much devotion and gratitude shined through as Liara spoke only a single word. "Sam."

Shepard stepped to the bed and Riana dipped her head to the commander. "Thank you, Captain, for protecting Lady Liara when no others could. House T'Soni is in your debt."

Shepard was about to protest when a quick warning shot through the link. {Just accept it with grace, Samantha. I'll explain later.}

"Of course, Ri." Not understanding the cultural undertones, Shepard wisely opted to minimize her comments and change the subject. "You need to get something to eat and help Ashley complete that mission report as soon as possible. Please tell her I promised Admiral Hackett a copy the minute it's ready."

"Of course... Nara."

The emphasis Riana had placed on her last word as she retreated from the med bay, accompanied with some explanation from Liara via the link, clued Shepard in on what was happening. As First, Riana's primary responsibility was Liara's safety and, the same as everyone else, she had allowed the explosion to distract her from her duty. Under the circumstances, no one would have faulted her for what happened to Liara, but Riana took her duties seriously... and felt indebted to the commander for fulfilling the role of protector. Since Shepard had been the one to save Liara's life, Riana had referred to her as 'bearer of burdens' in the most literal sense.

Liara saw the confusion melt away from Shepard's expression, but still felt the need to clarify now that Riana had left the room. "Your assumption is very close to the truth, Sam, but there is more to it. As the Captain of the T'Soni Guard, it is also your primary duty to protect me, just as it is hers. Since you both share that particular duty, your intervention is... well... acceptable. Had anyone else stepped up to do so, she would have seen it as a failure by you both... and her mind-set would be greatly different."

"Ah. So that's what she meant by 'when no others could.' Then I'm glad I was in the position to help..." Shepard stepped closer and planted a chaste kiss on Liara's cheek before continuing quietly, "... on both sides of the accord." Her visage changed drastically as she practically whispered, "Because I certainly wouldn't want to be dealing with the result of me not getting there in time."

"And such speculation does no one any good, Commander." Karin's chastisement shattered any thoughts of self-recrimination. "I want you to understand Liara is doing remarkably well. Simply as a precaution, she'll remain on bed-rest today but there appears to be no lasting ill effects from the attempt on her life. Her eezo level continues to remain stable, so an augmented diet should correct any deficiency within a couple of days; no transfusions required."

Shepard's face split with an ecstatic smile. "That's great!" She looked over at her mom, who was standing quietly off to the side with a smile on her face.

"Yes, it is, and I've already relayed the news to Mozia at the Estate. She says it won't change their plans much, as they still plan on arriving first thing in the morning. They will, however, delay their planned departure by a few hours; their original launch time would have put their dock arrival at 0300 hours... So, instead of leaving first thing in their morning, tomorrow, they will wait until noon, putting them at the diplomatic docks at our 0600 hours local." She couldn't help but chuckle at the expression that crossed her daughter's face.

Shepard groaned and glared at Liara with envy. "Gods. I think I'm going to shoot myself in the foot so I can stay in the Med Bay with you. Otherwise, I'm going to have to be up by 0430 to make sure I have time to eat and get to the diplomatic docks on time!"

Liara laughed at the relief that washed over Samantha's face as Hannah replied, "Not so. In my position as Post-War Recovery Coordinator, I am meeting them... along with Admiral Hackett because he wants a chance to brief them first about what happened and how we're responding to the incident. He specifically stated that you are not to be there, and promised to show up at the Normandy's airlock no earlier than 0700 hours."

"I'd like to see how he manages that. I've yet to figure out how to stop my father when she gets a notion she wants to do something in particular." Liara smirked before continuing, "And I imagine she's going to be absolutely adamant about seeing me in person, just as she was about getting into Shepard's hospital room after the battle for Earth."

"Which is exactly why Karin and I are going out for some tea and you're going to call them..." Hannah winked at the couple. "... to assuage any fears they may be holding that we are hiding something and not revealing the true nature of your condition."

Shepard finally relaxed enough to laugh. "I guess that's only fair. They must be concerned, since I have yet to speak to them." Liara's surprised look prompted her to continue. "I've either been with Hackett or glued to your side. Mom's been making all the calls for me."

"You haven't spoken to my father at all?" With Shepard's confirmation, Liara rolled her eyes. "No wonder they need us to call them! My father is going to be furious with you!"

"Or thankful that I put you at the top of my priorities list, my Ionúin Álainn." Shepard sat in the chair at the side of the bed and took Liara's hand as she looked at Hanna and Karin. "And there's only one way to find out."

New Nos Astra, Illium, Tasale System, Crescent Nebula

Zoë Lawrence, having returned from an overnight stay in Nos Aedelos, stood outside the branch of the Salarian-owned bank where she intended to deposit a third of the credits in her backpack. She had revisited the clothing store for some attire to help conceal her new identity, most notably, a black, hooded coat made of a tough, tightly woven synthetic cloth; the hem stopped at mid-thigh, allowing her the freedom to run, if necessary.

With the hood pulled over her new, short haircut, she entered the building and asked to speak to the branch manager. She was ushered to a chair beside a rather large desk, the top bare except for a pair of large monitors. She crossed her legs as she sat back in the chair and waited. The hood made it easy to avoid having her face scanned by the numerous cameras placed in the upper corners of the room, as all that was visible was her nose and mouth.

She looked up as a female came through a nearby door to stand behind the desk. "Ms Lawrence, my name is Paedra Edalo. How may I assist you today?"

Zoë remained seated as she replied, "I need to open a new account. I was recently forced from my job… barely escaped with my sanity intact, so no real loss… managed to clean out my accounts before the thieves did. I'll only be on Illium for a short time, so… will I be able to access my account from anywhere in Council space?"

Edalo took a seat behind her desk, activating her terminal as she responded, "Certainly, Ms Lawrence. I'll just need to enter some personal information." Pushing a small scanner towards her, she continued, "If I could just have your thumbprint, Ms Lawrence… that should provide me all the information I require."

Zoë removed the glove from her right hand. Here's where I discover if my hack was good enough. She touched her thumb to the device, waited for it to beep, then pulled her arm back and replaced the glove on her hand.

Paedra pressed a key on her haptic keyboard, and then gazed at the results on monitor. "Well, you seem to have been fortunate, Ms Lawrence. Your former company didn't fair too well at war's conclusion. And you've been on vacation since?"

"Felt I owed it to myself. So, an account?"

"Yes… How much will you be depositing today?"

Zoë smiled. "What's the cutoff requirement for you having to report large sums being deposited?"

"100,000 credits daily, Ms Lawrence."

"In that case, I'll be depositing 99,000 creds, Ms Edalo." Zoë opened the pack at her feet and began extracting bundles of thousand-credit notes. Setting ten bundles on the desk in front of her, she deftly extracted a one-thousand-credit note from the tenth packet before pushing the bundles across the desk. Placing the note in an inner pocket of her coat, she smirked, "Just a bit of walking around money." Turning serious, she asked, "May I have a receipt, please?"

Edalo looked at the credits for only a moment before consulting her monitor. She quickly entered several lines of data; upon entering the final keystroke, Zoë's omnitool lit up for a moment before going dark. "There's your account information… it will show your balance less the admin fee for processing a new account…"

"… Which is?" Zoë interrupted.

"A thousand credits."

Zoë huffed. "I see the docks aren't the only place that practice extortion, Ms Edalo. I didn't realize that coming in to talk to you was so expensive. Thanks for telling me up front."

Closing and picking up her pack, Zoë got to her feet, an action matched by Paedra Edalo. "Good day, Ms Edalo." Slinging her pack over a shoulder, she spun on her heel and walked away, leaving the somewhat flustered Salarian to take the credits to the vault.

Normandy SR-2, Alliance Docks, Vancouver

Referring to Liara's comments about Shepard putting her before communicating with Aethyta, both Karin and Hannah smiled, with Hannah answering her, "She had best favor Sam spending the time with you or we'll have words once she arrives. Sam's place is at your side, not coddling the worries of a father who is halfway across the galaxy, especially since you have me here to take care of that."

"On that note," Karin looped her arm through Hannah's and turned them to head out the door, "we'll be leaving you to make that call. Tell them hello for us and that we're looking forward to all of us being together again."

The duo left the room and Shepard let out a sigh of relief. Happy to finally have a moment alone, she looked at Liara, leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on warm lips before tipping forward to place their foreheads softly together. "This one scared me like none before, A Grá." Shepard affectionately caressed the blue hand held in hers before intertwining their fingers. "I saw that red beam bobbing around the back of your head and honestly didn't know if I would make it in time. If the sniper had been a fraction of a second faster..."

"Hush, Samantha." Liara happily took the offered hand and lifted her head to place a reassuring kiss on her Human's wrinkled brow. "I trust you to always be there for me, Siame. I certainly have no idea how you managed to control your charge so as to not break my shoulder... and I am sorry to have basically accused you of such. Between that and you somehow also cushioning my head so as to prevent a more severe concussion... Your performance was beyond what even I believed you to be capable of, Love." She angled her shoulders and cupped her free hand around Shepard's neck, encouraging the commander to lean in and kiss her much more thoroughly than the previous time. "You are my Captain and my protector... my Anam Cara... and I love you."

Liara's translator glitched and Shepard grinned playfully, already knowing the answer as she whispered her question, "Did you just speak Gaelic?"

"I did." Liara straightened her shoulders and leaned back against the elevated head of the bed for support, a smile playing across her lips. "You speak Thessian so well that I've decided, perhaps, it is time I begin to learn your native language and return the honor."

"That's awesome." Shepard laughed lightly. "It sounded a little funny with your Thessian lilt... Gaelic is so much more guttural than your musical language... but your words were perfectly understandable."

"Well, Anam Cara is not nearly as rough as many of your other phrases." Liara grinned as she continued, "I decided to start simple."

"You can pick my brain for the words, but getting them to roll off your tongue and out of the back of your throat will be a bit more difficult... That said, I know you can do anything you put your mind to." Shepard drew a deep breath and blew it out in resignation. "Unfortunately, in the near term, we need to take the time to call your father. Language lessons have to wait."

"Of course." Liara's jovial mood waned just a tad as she reached over and picked up her omnitool from the side table. "Dad will be fine." A smirk crawled onto her face as she looked at Shepard and continued, "Even while still recovering, I promise to protect you from the big, evil matriarch, my Captain." They were still laughing when the call was picked up on the other end.

"Liara! It's good to hear you laughing, but what the fuck is so funny about calling an extremely worried parent? I was wondering when you were going to get around to it!"

They heard Mozia speaking in the background. "Thyta! You should be happy they are feeling well and confident enough to laugh!"

"Hello to you, too, Dad." Liara arched her brow markings at the tone in her father's voice. "We've been just a tad bit busy here, with the surgery, bone stitching, muscle treatments and dermal replacement and repair procedures. I'm sorry I didn't call sooner." Even Shepard cringed at the tenor of Liara's final six words, sounding somewhat sarcastic and... Shadow Brokerish.

Aethyta's eyes narrowed and her face held a scowl for a brief moment before she sighed and let her features relax. "You're right. I'm sorry... I was just incredibly concerned. Being way over here and feeling totally impotent doesn't sit well with me, Liara. You needed me and I couldn't be there for you."

"It's alright, Dad. I understand... but Shepard has hardly left my side since this began..." Liara smiled and reached over to take Samantha's hand as she continued, "and there is a good chance I wouldn't be here if she hadn't acted so quickly. I am in excellent hands, both in hers and those of Karin Chakwas... and well on the way to getting out of this bed."

"What's the prognosis?" Aethyta's mood made a visible swing to the better with Liara's words.

"Excellent." Liara smiled. "I'll be up and about before you get here. I'm simply in a 24-hour period of observation to make sure nothing else pops up and my eezo levels bounce back to where they are supposed to be. My still being in the Med Bay is simply a precaution."

Aethyta relaxed and Mozia slipped into the picture from behind, wrapping her arms around Aethyta's waist and drawing the other matriarch close... in an embrace much more intimate than what Liara thought of as appropriate between a Regent and her Captain. Liara smiled softly. Samantha and I must look that way to others. As that thought collided with reality, Liara bolted upright with the unexpected insight and gasped, "Goddess!"

Shepard caught the thought that flashed through the link and her eyes opened wide at the conclusion Liara had so rapidly drawn, immediately seeing the truth of it. "Well I'll be damned!" She chuckled and squeezed Liara's hand as she continued boldly, "You two are actually together, aren't you?"

Aethyta growled out, "What in the blazes do you mean by that, Shepard?"

Mozia simply laughed and pulled the matriarch tighter to her side as she answered, "Yes, we are. Aethyta will be staying on at the townhome, assuming our Lady approves?"

"When were you going to tell me? Us?" Liara blurted out the question without thinking.

Mozia smiled and laughed lightly. "I believe we just did."

Blushing profusely, Liara blinked and fell silent... the jumble of confused emotions running through her mind leaving her at a loss for words. Shepard leaned closer and wrapped an arm around her waist, holding her tight as she answered for them, "Congratulations! You both deserve the happiness that comes along with having someone you care deeply for at your side."

Worried about Liara's silence, Aethyta spoke quietly. "Liara? Are you okay with this?"

Liara's eyes snapped to Shepard's. Seeing the calm greens and feeling the comforting thoughts slide through the link soothed her emotional tumult. She had somehow never thought of her father as finding a lover other than Benezia, especially with her mother so recently deceased. Shepard simply smiled. {She's been separated from Benezia for over a hundred years, mo cheann geallta. Don't you think they deserve the same happiness we have?}

"Of course." Liara's answer was directed at Shepard, but Aethyta sighed with relief as her daughter's words floated across the comm link. Liara turned to her father and Mozia, realizing they had heard the response and assumed she was answering Aethyta's question. Liara's smile returned as she realized she had done just that. "I think it's wonderful, Dad... Mozia. I hope you two have found true, lasting love and happiness with each other. We'll have to celebrate when you get here tomorrow."

Cipritine, Palaven, Apien Crest

Desis Vyessan had mentally braced herself to witness the destruction of her home world – her home city from the time she was little – but found herself shaking, mouth open, as she simply stared at the rubble all around the landing area. There was little left standing… certainly no recognizable landmarks. "Are you okay, Ma'am?" A crewman had stepped out of the consular shuttle in which she had just arrived from the Asari Dreadnaught Destiny Ascension; Desis had come to Palaven in an effort to provide aid for the thousands of Turian children orphaned by the war with the Reapers. She had hoped, in particular, to find immediate aid for those orphaned by the pirate attack on the city of Estivus Erax on the planet Altakiril; if nothing else, she hoped to find a way to evacuate them to a safer location.

Turning towards the crewman, Desis swallowed hard before coughing in an attempt to regain control over her voice. "I didn't… realize…" she raised her hands to indicate the destroyed city around them. "… How can we possibly recover from this?" she finished, her distress obvious in the warbling note of her sub-harmonics.

The crewman looked around at the destruction for a moment before fixing his eyes on hers and responding, "With a lot of hard work, Ma'am. Not saying it won't be difficult… It's gonna take a tremendous effort. Just have to do it one stone at a time, I guess." He shook his head as he set her travel cases on the metal plating that formed the landing pad for the shuttle. "We have to lift off in ten minutes, Ma'am. Is someone coming to meet you?"

Desis looked around once again as she thought, Where are you Garrus? "A friend is coming for me… Garrus Vakarian; he's supposed to be here to give me a ride."

The crewman stopped what he was doing to stare in amazement. "The Garrus Vakarian? He's your friend?"

"Why yes, he is. Do you know him?"

"Only be reputation, Ma'am. He's a bit of a legend… war hero… the Primarch's Liaison to the Systems Alliance." The crewman dropped his mandibles downwards in a display of embarrassment. "If you'll pardon my boldness, how do you know him?"

"I met him on the Citadel… Commander Shepard introduced us at a nightclub during shore leave."

The crewman's jaw dropped. "You know Commander Shepard, too?"

"Why, yes. I work for the Turian Galactic Councilor… I meet a lot of people there, only… well, not that many of them are so famous." The sound of an incoming air car intruded on the quiet surrounding the landing pad; Desis looked around to see a larger version of the standard air car coming around in a banking turn to settle near her on the landing pad. She began walking towards it as the windshield section came up and the side doors opened; Desis could see the love of her life as he swung his legs out of the car and stood. "Garrus!"

The sparkle in the big Turian's eyes told her everything. "Hi, Desis. Sorry I'm late. I hope you haven't been waiting long." His words were cut short by a full-body hug as Desis flung herself at him, hugging him as if she hadn't seen him in months. "Glad to see you too," he whispered.

The crewman had brought Dee's travel cases over so she wouldn't have to carry them. With a small bow, he said, "Pleasure to meet you, General. I'll just place these in the back." As soon as he had done so, he turned to the couple and said, "I hope your stay is pleasant, Ma'am…" before looking about the landing pad and adding, "… as pleasant as it can be, under the circumstances."

Desis flared her mandibles and said, "Thank you," before climbing into the air car. As Garrus entered from the other side, she looked at him and said, "It's overwhelming, don't you think; all of this destruction?"

Garrus didn't answer right away, instead busying himself with getting the aircar aloft and heading back towards the shattered remnants of Cipritine. After setting the course and speed, he engaged the VI before turning slightly towards Desis. "The destruction is worse than you know… worse than most people realize. Our entire military was virtually annihilated. Entire cities reduced to…" he paused to wave at the canopy, indicating the ruins over which they were currently flying, "… so much scrap. Our total population, including the colonies, has been reduced by at least 25 to 30 percent… some estimates are as high as 35 percent, and a vast majority were military age males. Agriculture here took a significant hit, but reports coming in to the Primarch are somewhat more hopeful; the colonies didn't suffer quite as much. Reapers concentrated on our most densely populated areas, Dee. Other cities on the planet don't look much better, so yeah… it is overwhelming."

The VI controlling their flight trilled an alarm, prompting Garrus to resume control just in time to quickly dive and turn to avoid a collision with a military shuttle heading for orbit. "Damn! I keep forgetting… centralized flight control is inoperative. We're close anyway… I need to prep for landing."

"Where will I be staying, Garrus?"

"Guest quarters near the Primarch's complex. I figured you'd need access to what remains of our comms ability in order to get help for all those orphans, Dee. Truthfully, we think they're one of our best hopes for the future of Palaven."

Dee looked at the big Turian as a touch of anger colored her voice. "That sounds like the Primarch… Hell, the entire Hierarchy... just wants to use them… to exploit them, Garrus."

With a brief glance in her direction, Garrus pointed the aircar into a steep, descending turn; with a deft touch on the controls, he settled the craft onto a makeshift rooftop landing pad and cut the engines. Raising the hatch and opening the side doors, he quickly climbed out and moved to the other side to assist Desis.

Standing in front of him, she said softly, "Garrus, I'm sorry. Don't take what I said the wrong way. I know that every child we save is of value to the Hierarchy, but what I need to impress on you… and what you need to impress on the Primarch, is that these children are just that… children! They must be allowed time to simply be children once again. Their lives have been upended by the Reapers. I expect many have seen horrors we can only imagine, nightmare stuff, events no child should ever have to see. They're going to need a lot of help, beyond their physical needs. They've lost their parents, for spirit's sake."

Garrus huffed as he flared his mandibles in a show of embarrassment. "Dee, I understand what you're saying, and I agree with you. But little ones are more resilient than I think you give them credit for." Grabbing her packs, he said, "Come on… Let me show you to your quarters; it'll give you chance to recover from your trip. Once we drop off your bags, we'll have dinner and, then, I can show you around the facility." He led the way off the platform and into the office block.

A/N: Many thanks go out to FF author BeneziaWillLive for some awesome assistance on a 'State of the Galaxy' report offered up for use. I have a hard time with post-apocalyptic damage... I want things after the war to be on the immediate mend and that's not very realistic after a war of this scale. The info in BWL's write-up will help keep me honest. :-)