Notes:

Elasa - pale green drink of complex flavors; sharp, cold, strong, lingering, bitter with undertone of tangy sweetness, nicknamed "Sorrow's Companion" (Thessian)

Ionúin Álainn - beautiful beloved (Gaelic)

Kaffe - equatorial Thessian vine, seeds of which are used to produce a non-alcoholic beverage of same name, taste described as a mix of coffee and chocolate (Thessian; Source: CDN)

Siame - "one who is all", a loved one cherished above all others (Thessian/Source: CDN)


Transitions

Armali Medical Center, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 29 Sep 2189

As Livos Tanni gradually awakened from a combination of sedatives and the lingering effects of being placed in an emergency stasis field, her memories of a nightmare of intense pain quickly faded into the realm of a distant dream, barely recalled. As the fog in her mind lifted, she became increasingly amazed –surprised, actually – to discover herself still alive as she slowly slitted her eyes open.

Turning her head in an attempt to discern where she was only reinforced her surprise; she was most definitely not in the med bay of the T'Soni Country Estate. Turning her head the other way in response to a gentle cough made her heart soar as she caught sight of Carlina V'Zanto, rising from a bedside chair to greet her.

"Liv! Welcome back!" Zan had tears in her eyes as she leaned over the love of her life and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Need some water?"

Livos attempted to swallow; suddenly realizing just how dry her mouth was, she was only able to manage a nod in response. Her lover immediately activated the bed, tilting the top section upward before carefully tipping a cup to her lips. Feeling the refreshing liquid flow stubbornly down her parched throat, she was finally able to swallow normally and then form words, though unsure of what to ask first as a multitude of questions flooded her mind.

She quickly settled for ignoring them all and offered Zan a smile. "Thank you and believe me when I say it is awesome to see you," she croaked. "When my eyes last closed, I had serious doubts that I would ever be able to reopen them." She sighed, adding, "I have never been happier to discover I was wrong."

In contrast to the quickly passing clench of her heart at the thought of losing Livos so early in their lives together, Zan laughed and wiped tears of joy from her own cheeks as she replied, "Are you daft? You were with Lady Liara and Spectre Shepard, the wonder couple of the galaxy! Did you honestly believe you could possibly die while under their protection? They certainly weren't going to let some Goddess-be-damned little boulder relieve you of your duty to House T'Soni. You have work yet to do, Captain!"

"Some little boulder?" Able to do nothing but laugh at her response, Livos' smile widened as she reached out to grasp Zan's hand. "Goddess, it truly is good to see you, but I have to ask… What day is it?"

"They got here as fast as the Knight Shade would fly, talked to the doctors, and had you in surgery first thing Saturday morning. Liara called me when you were transferred to recovery, which wasn't until Sunday, mid-day…" She paused at the look on Liv's face and decided to add, "Your foot was completely crushed, Liv, and had to be totally reconstructed. By the time they were done, you had gone through four separate procedures, each taking six to eight hours, with prep time and specialty surgical team changes between each." She suddenly smiled. "The best news is that your foot is, quite literally, as good as new – and it's your foot, not a mechanical replacement or some kind of prosthetic!"

"So, that doesn't actually answer my question, Zan," she said with a smirk. "Does all that combine to make it…" Livos glanced out the window to see the sun low on the horizon before continuing, "Sunday afternoon? No… that's when Liara called you so, at the earliest, it must be Monday."

Zan cocked her left brow up and replied, "Nice try, but no." Leaning in to plant another gentle kiss on Liv's brow, she continued in a quiet voice, "They kept you sedated for two days to make sure everything held together like it was supposed to, no blood vessels rupturing, that kind of thing." Standing back up, she looked at her lover and continued, "So, it's going on Wednesday night; it's been more than a week since you hit the mine on Rayingri."

"How can I be so unaware of that much time passing?" She suddenly stopped as the obvious solution hit her. "That must be why I woke up so groggy – they put me in stasis, didn't they?"

As Zan began to reply, an older Asari matron walked into the room and answered for her. "Yes, they did, and it was the best thing they could have done, given the condition of your foot, Captain Tanni." With a smile, she added, "Welcome back to consciousness. I'm Doctor T'Velos… and your orthopedic surgery team leader. I will admit, you gave us the most complicated challenge I've seen in my entire career."

"Somehow, you make that sound like a good thing – not necessarily a claim to fame I wanted attached to my name." Liv sat up a little taller and stretched her arms out, solemnly offering her palms. "Thank you for saving my foot."

Laying her hands upon those offered, T'Velos smiled. "You are very welcome, Captain, though I will say it is quite likely you now have some painful work ahead of you."

"Some type of rehab, no doubt." Livos nodded and smiled back at the doctor. "But whatever it is I need to do, I will complete it with a smile on my face because I am still alive, since I never believed I would live to open my eyes again in this physical realm when that rock came crashing down." She glanced at Zan and added, "I know exactly how lucky I am, and won't waste this second chance at life that so many didn't get during the war."

The doctor nodded in understanding. "That is an excellent attitude, but let us see if you're still smiling once you get started on the therapies." Giving Zan a quick glance before turning back, T'Velos asked, "Have you had a chance to discuss the location of your rehab?"

It was Zan who answered the question. "No, I have not told her anything yet. She just woke up, mere moments before you walked in. We barely even had a chance to say our hellos and for Liv to figure out what day it is, and we did not have enough time to talk about what comes next."

"I see." The doctor nodded and looked Liv in the eye. "The therapy you need to go through will be similar to breaking in a new pair of boots; it will take time and it will make your foot ache. You need to slowly exercise and stretch every millimeter of new tendon, muscle, and ligament until you regain your full range of motion in your foot and ankle. I know that sounds simple… but, I guarantee the process will be tedious, and rather painful, at least in the beginning."

"Gee. Thanks, Doc." Livos smirked at T'Velos as she continued, "Sounds like loads of fun… but I'll get it done, I swear to you."

"It will get better, I promise, so that is good." T'Velos chuckled at her patient's comment. "Remember to keep that sense of humor, because you're going to need every bit of it before this is over." Glancing at Zan yet again, she added, "The good news for you is that one of the best rehabilitation centers in the republic happens to be located at the Záhrada S'Vatyne Resort, on Sanves, a location which I have heard you are very familiar with."

Livos' eyes flew wide open in surprise and she stared at Zan as she asked, "You mean I'm headed to the resort for my rehab? I get to spend that time with you?"

Zan issued a laughing reply, "Well, yes… and no." Taking Liv's hand once more, she smiled softly as she gave a more complete answer. "Yes, you are coming home with me to the resort, but your treatments will be done with Neztheri Lasia. We call her Nezzi… which is, after speaking with Lady Liara, a nickname I believe you will find still brings somewhat painful memories, because of your lost matriarch, but she is the best we have for what you need to get done."

"She is the best the Asari have to offer, for the therapy treatments you need to receive," added T'Velos. "The resort has the reputation of being a very exacting employer with an extremely committed leader in Matriarch Marisha, who commands only the best in her employ. Your recovery there will be swift and as… comfortable… as they can make it, I am sure – particularly given the relationships between you and Zan… and S'Vatyne and House T'Soni. I very much doubt you could receive better care anywhere in the galaxy."

"Both during and between the therapy sessions, Liv. I can personally promise you that." Zan's joyful expression consumed her entire face, the idea of having Liv in her arms every night for the near future making her giddy as she looked at her lover.

Livos' face flushed slightly, and she coughed in an effort to hide her embarrassment, all to no avail as both Zan and the doctor started to chuckle. "Well," began T'Velos. "Just make sure you don't overdo any of that and ruin all our hard work. I'm not repeating that marathon surgery simply because a couple of overzealous matrons can't control themselves, no matter how deserving you both are of a joyous reunion!"


Záhrada S'Vatyne Resort, Sanves, Athena Nebula – 9 Oct 2189

It was the Friday ending Livos' first week of therapy, but the day of the week didn't honestly matter, as her therapy was an everyday thing; weekends would count for nothing over the next five weeks – or however long it was before all her sessions were complete and she had full mobility in her new ankle and foot. Nor did it mean anything to Shepard, Liara – or the personal protection detail – when they all descended upon the poor, unsuspecting couple.

Zan met them at the door, immediately asking, "What's happened? Why are you here again so soon?"

Liara looked surprised, and quickly countered, "What? Matriarch Tris didn't inform you that we were on our way?"

"No…" Glancing at her omnitool, Zan shook her head. "There is nothing in my messages, but that's beside the point." The worried look had never left her face and she asked again, "Has something of concern happened to prompt this visit?"

"No," Shepard huffed in response, giving Liara a quick look of exasperation for not allaying the poor Asari's fears. "Everything's fine, Zan. We just wanted to come say hello and check on Liv's progress… and, for the sake of full disclosure, we would like to discuss a bit of business with the two of you, assuming it won't interfere with Liv's recovery."

"Apologies, Captain… Lady Liara. I'm afraid the surprise of your rather unexpected appearance resulted in my being unintentionally impolite…" Zan shook her head, an embarrassed smile crossing her lips. "I should have expected you would want to come visit with Livos. Please, do come in and make yourselves comfortable."

Liara chuckled quietly, acknowledging Shepard's silent jab through the link. "Don't worry about it, Zan. I apologize for not giving sufficient warning for the notification to arrive before we did. How is Livos doing?"

"Why don't you ask me for yourself, Lady Liara?"

"Liv!" Zan turned quickly and nearly ran to her side. "I thought you were napping!"

"I was… but I guess the Team Leader in me came out, my subconscious registering the voice of my primary… primaries… entering the house. I snapped awake and immediately recognized the voices, so figured I'd make my way out."

"Are you supposed to be up…" Shepard glanced teasingly at Liara and continued, "… or are you doing your best imitation of me and trying to do everything before you're supposed to?"

Livos smiled at her Captain, responding to her jest with, "A bit of both, perhaps, but you must admit, I do have an excellent role model."

At that comment, Liara raised a brow marking as she replied, "A role-model, yes… but I question your assessment of that being, as you say, excellent. I will admit to having found it rather frustrating at times."

A laughing Shepard immediately threw her arm around Liara's waist and pulled her closer with a tight hug. "I know… but you love me anyway, don't you."

Smirking, Liara answered, "Most of the time, yes, Shepard, I do. I can't seem to help myself." Turning her attention back to Livos, she continued in a more serious tone. "But, honestly, is there somewhere we can sit and talk about your first week of therapy, Liv?"

"Of course," Zan answered. Directing them toward the sitting room, she continued, "Right this way, Lady Liara." Once they were headed toward the couch, Zan stopped and asked, "Can I get anyone something to drink? Tea?" After a slight pause, she added with a smile, "Or Elasa?"


"You want me to do what?" Livos stared at the couple, her eyes darting back and forth between them like a cornered animal looking at its predators. "I heard that rumor and discounted it, thinking it idle, crazy talk!"

"Well, obviously, it's not. The rumors are true, Liv." Shepard chuckled quietly for a moment before repeating herself. "We really do want you to take your rightful position as House Captain, because it was supposed to be your job all along and it's not fair that some newcomer popped in and to steal it from you. I have been informed that's not how things are done in a great house. Besides, I really need to focus on learning what it means to be Asari… to include my role as a bondmate to Liara."

"But you're great at what you do, Shepard!" Livos eyes were still shifting, unsure as to whom she should actually be directing her comments. "I never would have accomplished what you managed to achieve with the defeat of the Reapers!"

Liara reached over and laid a calming hand upon Livos'. "While that may be true, it still took all of us to win that war… and the Reaper threat is done, Livos. What I need now is a House Captain who knows what normal is – Asari normal, that is – who can run the guard as it should be run during peacetime, according to tradition, and who can free Shepard to spend more time with me." She smiled, a quiet, musical laugh slipping from her throat before she continued, "It's not like she's leaving." Liara's eyes drifted to her siame as she continued. "Samantha will be available for consult should you require it… and, most likely, even when you don't."

"Truth," Shepard grinned. "That's likely going to be your greatest challenge – knowing when to tell me to shut up and get out of your office." She chuckled at the horrified expression on Liv's face and continued, "Besides… we've spoken before about the conflict of interests it could cause… that I could put Liara's life ahead of the mission…"

She didn't get a chance to finish, Livos interrupting her without a shred of apology. "Which will immediately go away when you resign from the Spectres, so that will no longer be of any concern, Shepard! Protecting Lady Liara should be your top priority! Without that mantle, such a conflict will no longer exist!"

"Oh, Liv." Shepard sighed heavily, followed by a quiet little laugh escaping her lips, resulting in a perturbed stare from Livos. "Don't be upset with me, Liv, but I want you to have this position… for so many reasons. I've been responsible for so much, carried so many burdens, seen too much death, even experienced death firsthand and then came back. Which, by the way, is something I would never recommend to anyone because – and you simply have to trust me on this – dying really sucks."

A sad grin flashed across Shepard's face, to be followed by a quiet huff before she continued, "Can't you understand that I'm tired? I'm ready to take a back seat… more than ready… to become a simple personal aide and protector to our Lady." She glanced at Liara, her expression and soft smile conveying the deep love she felt for the blushing Asari sitting at her side.

Heaving another deep sigh, Shepard's glance returned to Captain Tanni. "You need to understand that I am stepping down… and of all the people in the House, you are the most qualified to take the chair, Liv; there is no question about either one of those two things. So, unless you refuse the position, you will be appointed the new House T'Soni Captain of the Guard… and Riana, as Liara's First, will take command of the Personal Guard. Which is exactly what would have happened had I not entered your lives."

"If you are truly determined to do this, I see no appropriate alternative than to accept, Shepard." Livos' face held a hesitant but understanding smile. "But I will make you promise to be my advisor… and that both you and Lady Liara will still routinely attend commando squad practices… and, most certainly, be a part of the new commando selection committees during our annual searches, just as we have always done. Oh… and this move cannot take effect until I am fully recovered and back at the Estate, able to do what the job requires." Her eyes shifted between the two sitting across from her as she asked, "Are we agreed?"

It was Lady Liara who answered, short and succinct. "Absolutely, House Captain Tanni."


Council Flats, CGC, Widow System – 17 Oct 2189

"To what do I owe the pleasure?" asked Tevos upon the arrival of her unexpected guests.

"I'm afraid it's not pleasure, but business, that brings us here, Councilor." Shepard's expression was flat and unreadable; this actually worried Tevos more than anything the Spectre could have said to her.

Nodding to the couple, she squared her shoulders and turned sideways, waving her hand toward the adjacent room. "From the look of it, I believe I may need to be sitting down for whatever news you are about to convey. Come. Let us retreat to the lounge."

After Shepard and Liara walked past her, Tevos turned to her First. "Nizia. Could you please let the staff know we are not to be disturbed, other than to bring a quick tray of snacks and some tea?" Pausing to look at the back of the already retreating Spectre, she added, "Oh… and some Kaffe for Shepard."

After following Samantha and Liara into the sitting room, Tevos perched on the edge of her seat, a frown forming on her normally composed face. "So, no sense prolonging my discomfort. Tell me what brings you here."

Shepard drew a deep breath and began the story of what had transpired, beginning with the call from her mother. They were interrupted only once, when the foodstuffs and beverages arrived, and Tevos remained silent until the Spectre wrapped up her tale. Once the entire story was told, Samantha huffed quietly and ended with, "The whole event simply solidified my decision, Rae. I absolutely cannot, in good conscience, risk the lives of the House T'Soni commandos for Spectre business… and, being Liara's bondmate, I have duties to a High House which have the potential to cause many conflicts of interest. In good conscience, I can no longer do both… and, after everything that has transpired, with everything House T'Soni has already sacrificed for the cause, I feel I must choose House T'Soni over my position as Spectre."

The Councilor sat motionless and stared, dumbfounded, at the Human Spectre sitting across from her. After a few moments to process what she had just been told, Tevos replied with, "First, let me wish you the best of luck with Livos Tanni's recuperation. I believe, given the story you just told, she was extremely lucky… and, because of that, I fully understand your desire to remove your commandos from harm's way in the future. It is quite obvious to me that you have given this a tremendous amount of thought, but do you honestly seek a complete separation from the Spectres, Shepard? Appointments are generally made for life…" At a loss for words, she paused and stared mutely at the couple sitting before her,

"I do, Councilor. When I accepted the appointment in 2183, I was determined to catch Saren and felt becoming a Spectre was the best path to do so. I had not yet met Liara and had no way of knowing just how important House T'Soni would become to me personally. That said, I also understand my petition puts you in a somewhat difficult position, so I am here not only to ask for release. I am also prepared to discuss other options, should you feel compelled to decline my request." Shepard paused, a gentle, understanding smile appearing on her face. "You are much more than just a Councilor to us, Rae; you are a dear friend, and I would never do anything to compromise that part of our relationship. I'm sure we can negotiate some sort of agreement that works for all of us."

"Don't be absurd, Samantha." Tevos shook her head, a sad smile coming to her face as she explained. "You are absolutely correct in your assessment and, while as a Councilor I sincerely regret your decision, as an Asari and as your friend, I fully recognize both the appropriateness and necessity of your choice. You have given enough – more so than most – and it is time for you to enjoy the fruits of your labors." Her smile broadened as she finished, "Personally, I agree with your choice and will support your decision when we take it to the Council."

Tevos watched as the relief swept over Shepard, the woman's entire body relaxing with her statement. "Thank you, Rae. I honestly had no idea which way you would go on this one." Shepard heard Liara's question through the link, so asked, "How do you think it will be received by the other Councilors."

At that, Tevos laughed. As she regained her composure, her lips formed a huge grin and she answered, "Oh, there is no doubt in my mind they will positively hate it… and it is highly likely they will press me to reject your petition for separation. But they have no authority over this decision; with your status as an Asari citizen, if I pull my support as your primary, they cannot override my decision…" Her eyes shifted to Samantha as she added, "…unless, of course, you choose to change allegiances again."

The last was said with an uncharacteristic smirk on Tevos' face, knowing that would never happen. There had never been reason to doubt that Shepard's loyalty was firmly with House T'Soni… and one incredibly special maiden – Liara T'Soni. Everything Shepard had done in recent history had been to reach this end and the woman wasn't going anywhere. "Those that will truly be hurt by this decision are the Humans… and the Systems Alliance."

Shepard frowned and asked, "How so?"

"Even though you are an Asari citizen, Shepard, you are still a member of the Human race, and your departure will leave Ashley Williams as the lone Human Spectre in the force. I fear Dominic will be the most disappointed of the group, as he has been hoping to increase the numbers to be more equitable with the other races in our consortium. Your loss will move the achievement of that goal backwards."

Shepard sat quietly, thinking about that statement, when Liara gave her a quick tap. {What about Lee Riley? She made N7… and did a wonderful job on Cyone. Could you, and would you, recommend her to Councilor Osoba?}

Sensing the silent exchange and the unexplained uptick in mood, Tevos glanced between the two of them and asked, "What are you two cooking up now?"

Shepard smirked and looked at her friend and Councilor for the Asari people. "N7 Lee Riley." She squeezed Liara's hand and, resisting the urge to lean over and kiss her Ionúin Álainnon the cheek, looked at Tevos to explain. "I'm going to recommend that N7 Riley be appointed as the next Human Spectre. Her actions at Cyone should prove her worth well enough, as well as demonstrate that she puts the good of the galaxy above Human interests. She'd make an excellent candidate."

"That would definitely soften the blow." Tevos smiled and shook her head, "But I do not believe it will totally appease him."

"You're right." Shepard frowned as she added, "Please forgive me if this offends you, as that is not the intent, but appeasing the Human Councilor is not exactly the highest priority on my list right now…" she chuckled in the middle of her statement as she admitted, "… and if I actually were to make such a list, I imagine it wouldn't even fall in the top ten."

Tevos pursed her lips to hold back something she didn't want to say; instead, she simply nodded in acceptance. "I can understand why you would feel that way, Shep…" She stopped, smiled, and changed her form of address. "… Samantha. And I can only hope your bitterness toward your homeworld leadership will soften in time. It does not matter to you as a Thessian citizen, especially since you, like a true Asari, will outlive them by centuries. Please, accept our longer view that comes along with that extended life and just let it go… because such bitterness slowly eats at your heart when there is no place for such… disfavor… in a potentially joyous future. Focus on the love you and Liara share and simply enjoy the opportunity you fought so hard for – an opportunity that is now yours for the taking."

Shepard huffed out a laugh and smiled. "You know what? You're right." She glanced at Liara, the Asari's happy approval at the change of attitude soothing her irritation even more as she continued, "There are some good people at the helm now, with Admiral Lindholm in charge of the Fleet and my Mom on the Defense Committee, to mention just two. With groups like Cerberus, LEAP and Earth First marginalized, if not totally out of the picture, they just might be alright."

"That's the spirit!" Tevos grinned at the Spectre and stood up. "Now, if our business is completed…" She paused and asked, "Considering the hour, you are spending the night at your Spectre quarters, are you not?"

"We hadn't planned to, no…"

Shepard looked at Liara, who continued for them, "But we are not opposed, if you have something in particular in mind."

"If you could, that would be wonderful." She smiled softly. "I fear I may not see you nearly so much once you are no longer a Spectre, so would like to spend the day with you tomorrow and do something entirely frivolous. Go shopping, take a walk in the park, have a picnic, enjoy the day… just the four of us, including Sha'ira, of course."

Her voice then turned more solemn as she continued, "And, then, as your final Spectre tasking, I would like you to spend yet another night, so you can speak with Dominic on Monday morning. As a simple courtesy, you need to tell him, in person, before I announce your withdrawal from the Spectres on Tuesday. Give him your recommendation for Lee Riley… and you can even tell him we talked about it and that this particular candidate has my full support. Be politic and make nice, Shepard. I promise you, your future relations with the Systems Alliance and Earth will be the better for it. What is that phrase you Humans have… something about not burning bridges?"

Shepard could only laugh and shake her head, finally answering, "Now you're starting to sound like Liara when we first got together, Rae." She took a deep breath and smiled at her friend. "And, for you? I'd do anything within my power, as you have been a tremendous ally. Tomorrow's a done deal, and Monday? If that's the only thing you're requiring of me before I turn in my Spectre badge, I'm getting off easy. Thank you."

Tevos stood and stepped forward, Shepard rising with her to accept a warm embrace of love and appreciation. "Believe me, Samantha, when I say the privilege of working with you has been all mine. You are an incredible being…" Her smile grew as she glanced at Liara, who had followed Samantha's response and also stood, before turning and hugging tightly. Pushing back, she finished her proclamation, "As are you, Liara. And the two of you make an absolutely extraordinary couple, whom I pray will remain in close contact with Sha'ira and me for a very, very long time."

Liara dipped her head to the Councilor and smiled in return. "You and Sha'ira are dear friends, Rae, so that is an easy wish to grant, as nothing would please us more."


Council Chambers, CGC, Widow System – 20 Oct 2189

"Hey!" Shepard shouted, as she stood up and interrupted the ongoing squabble. "Excuse me, Councilors, but there really isn't anything left to discuss." A surprised silence fell over the entire group except for Jara, who began to laugh.

"I really do like you, Shepard. You don't tolerate the political Pyjak shit." She grinned at the obviously departing Spectre before giving the rest of those seated around the table a scathing glare. "Shepard's done enough; don't you agree? I think you're all being selfish, petty little children if you think that woman owes you a single iota more of her time and energy. If she's ready to go, then let her, damn you!"

As the rest grumbled angrily at Jara's tone of address, it was Valern, surprisingly, who countered her statement. "While that may be true, I do have an alternative…" His eyes moved to Shepard and he dipped his head in acknowledgement as he continued, "… if you are not opposed to at least hearing me out."

Shepard cocked her head for a moment before answering, "You have always been fair to me, Councilor, and I can respect that. What is your proposal?"

"Spectres are appointed for life because of the secrets and information to which you become privy… You can't simply wipe that data from your mind, so, as a compromise, I say we create an… inactive… list, and immediately place you on it. We've never had such a thing before, but that is unimportant. What is important is that our galactic situation has evolved, so I believe we can… we should… do the same."

It was Tevos who immediately came to Shepard's defense. "And just what would that entail, Valern?"

"Well, I just thought of the idea, so haven't come up with the details yet… but I would think Shepard's accounts would be placed in a suspended status instead of being deleted, making it much easier to bring her back during a time of great need… or if we find ourselves in need of her specific talents?"

While Valern spoke of her, specifically, Shepard spoke in more generic terms. "But it would have to be the Spectre's choice as to whether they would be reactivated or not," she added. "The Council cannot have the power of decree to simply press an inactive member back into service or being placed on such a list would mean nothing." Her gaze zeroed in on the Salarian Councilor. "But I have to ask, Valern. Is there something in particular you are trying to keep me available for... or are you simply afraid of letting me go?"

Valern blinked a couple of times in silence before clearing his throat. "Well, yes." He blinked again before adding, "To both, Shepard. I am perfectly willing to admit we were all terribly wrong… and, very likely, had it not been for you, we would have all perished in a Reaper Harvest, becoming yet another completed cycle doomed to oblivion."

He paused and squared his shoulders before continuing, "What I see in our immediate future is the Raloi. Spectre Akril located information on the Cerberus virus that nearly killed them… and a specialty Salarian team has developed a vaccine. I… the Council… would be indebted to you if you could locate them and act as our emissary. They came to us once. With the war over, we now need to find them and bring them back, so we can cure the disease Cerberus set upon them and correct that wrong. You have shown an incredible knack for bringing disparate groups together. Would you do this for us?"

"An emissary?" Shepard shook her head. "I'm afraid not, Councilor. You have many people with better negotiating skills than me. I brought together known groups, against a common enemy, at the business end of a gun." She huffed, and a soft smile came to her face. "I don't honestly believe that's the approach you need for the Raloi, Councilor. Find yourselves an ambassador; you don't need a Spectre… especially one who is tired and ready for a break."

Surprisingly, Valern didn't contest her statement, instead, simply giving a quick shrug followed by, "Understood, Shepard. Had to ask."

Jara chimed back in, asking, "But what about the inactive list, Shepard? It's not like we'd want a pissed off, pressed-into-service Spectre running around anyway, so if we agreed to a return to service needing to be voluntary on the part of the Spectre, would you accept being placed on such a list? Being placed into an unpaid, inactive status, rather than deleted from the rolls?"

As Samantha hesitated, Tevos stepped back into the conversation. "This is a significant departure from Shepard's initial request, and it would only be fair to give her time to contemplate her response." Her eyes meeting those of her friend, she asked, "I could place you on this… inactive… list for now, Shepard, until you have a chance to discuss this new option with Lady T'Soni." Her eyes moved to wander the Council members as she finished, "In the interim, we also need to determine exactly what this list is and finalize the regulations for its use so, when the time comes, Shepard can make a fully informed decision." Her gaze once more settling on the Spectre, she asked, "Would that be acceptable?"

Shepard smiled; her mind already made up. "Thank you, Councilor. I do believe you need to do exactly that. Finalize the rules for this new inactive status, but I came here today with the sole purpose of leaving the Spectres. I still intend to do just that, assuming the Council will allow it."

Her eyes moved around the table, her expression still holding a smile. "Do what you will with your list as, in actuality, I believe it to be a great idea. Life service… particularly for Asari and Krogan… is far too long. History has shown new wars are almost inevitable but for me, this one was more than enough. As of right now, I'm tired… and I can't see me ever returning voluntarily to service. But I also know, even while I hope such evil will never rise again to create a need during my lifetime, things can change quickly. As long as a return to service is truly and completely voluntary, I would not oppose being placed in an inactive status." She chuckled and, with a note of finality, added, "Just don't get angry with me if you ask and I decline."


A/N: Sorry this one is late... we're coming to the end of this one and I simply didn't like my draft, so I deleted some, moved some to the next chapter, and started again. Also, I have a guilty admission – some of my attention and time has been diverted to another game... I have discovered Outward, and it's been a blast, including the 2 DLCs. But... no worries! ME and my characters here remain my favorite and the Chronicles of Samantha Shepard will continue! Enjoy!