Eagle Nebula, Terminus Systems, 16th April 2187 CE
At Ana's side throughout the ordeal of recovery had been Ashley and Tali, "How on earth did I get so lucky, falling in love with those two?," Ana kept asking herself.
"Commander, you've received a new message at your private terminal," Kelly Chambers voice startled Ana from her reverie, she still hadn't quite got used to having the ex-Cerberus yeoman back on board the Normandy. Kelly had been one of the first of the returning personnel, now that the Cerberus threat to her safety had been removed she'd practically beaten Shepard's door down in her haste to enlist in the Alliance and return to the Normandy.
"Thank you, Kelly, who's it from?" Shepard asked, she trusted Kelly's discretion implicitly to filter out all the unimportant correspondence from her inbox.
There was a few seconds delay and as Ana turned to her yeoman, Kelly finally replied with a look of shock on her face, "It...it's from Mordin, Commander!"
"Mordin? But he's been dead for months!" Shepard looked quizzically, "EDI, is this correct or has his mail address been compromised?"
"I'm sorry Commander, I should have informed you earlier. This is an archived message that Dr. Solas entrusted to me before you left to cure the genophage on Tuchanka," EDI replied promptly, "He left instructions for it to be delivered to you in the case of our survival against the Reapers".
"I'll take this in my cabin in that case," Shepard decided and started to limp slightly to the elevator, this was her first week back on active duty and she was in the final stages of her recovery, the leg was still playing up although it hadn't stopped her passing the fitness requirements.
Exiting the elevator, she crossed the short hallway to her cabin cum office, command of a ship came with certain privileges, her cabin contained a small office space surrounded by display cabinets for her collection of scale models. Many of the popular space vehicles were represented here, mixed with some limited-edition pieces and a scratch-built model of the Shadow Brokers station. Tucked into a corner was her ensuite bathroom. Down a few steps was an L-shaped couch and a low table, beyond that was her large bed and some shelving. On a cabinet next to her bed was a holo-photo of her, Ash and Tali in a group hug, they were all laughing at some private joke.
Displayed prominently in the room was her original N7 helmet recovered during her pilgrimage to the resting place of the original Normandy. Her Alliance dog tags that had been removed from her corpse, passed through various collector's hands then subsequently acquired by Admiral Hackett and gifted back to Shepard via Liara sat in a frame next to her bed. The last items were a Prothean sphere given to her by Sha'ira, the Asari consort, the gift had triggered a vision of primitive humans from a larger artefact discovered during a planetary exploration. Finally, there was a small box frame containing David Anderson's service medals laying on the folded Spectre flag she'd received at his funeral.
Level with her office space the port wall was filled with a large aquarium, the occupants were lazily swimming around the space, due to inattention Ana had lost several fish during previous missions but had paid for an automated feeding station. With Kelly back on board she had offered to resume her previous duties of taking care of Shepard's fish.
Scurrying around in an exercise wheel was Rocky her space hamster, his cage sat securely on one of the shelves behind her desk. Somehow, he'd managed to survive on his own down amongst the pipes and conduits of the engineering deck when he escaped his cage during the Normandy's retro fit and Ana's incarceration. He was only recaptured when Shepard was looking for her personal effects that had been dumped around the ship by the alliance engineers.
Next to her bed on the port side of the ship Ana had her armour and clothing lockers, from here she could customise both for colour and finish and mod her armour to best suit her combat requirements. It was a comfortable cabin, not as big as Mirandas but then Ana wasn't expected to hold ship administration meetings here, only personal gatherings. A ship's captain held court in the briefing room on the CIC deck.
Ana crossed the short distance between the door and her desk and threw herself down into the chair and started to slowly massage her thigh, the big muscle was feeling tight after being on her feet for several hours, "I'll go see aunt Karin later and have her take a look," she thought.
She opened her terminal to read Mordin's message, it was an audio file with a number of text files attached, "EDI, play the audio message please."
"Yes Shepard, playing now."
As she listened to Mordin's voice and his familiar staccato delivery so typical of his race, Ana smiled sadly,"It's good to hear your voice my friend, you're missed,"
"Shepard, Commander, I have left this message with EDI in the hope we have been successful in defeating the Reaper forces,"
"EDI, if I have already discussed these matters with Shepard in person delete this message,"
"If not then I fear I have not survived the mission, I hope I died well Shepard,"
"Hmm, anyway back to the point,"
"As part of my research on board the Normandy I was responsible for the health of the crew and monitored their progress during the mission against the Collectors, I also continued this activity when I re-joined the ship on the way to Tuchanka,"
"I was able to analyse data from both Cerberus and Alliance personnel during these periods and also from some other individuals that we encountered,"
"This data was cross-referenced against available medical records and corroborated with personal consultations with the individuals involved, attached files are the findings and conclusions with recommendations that I make for further treatment where appropriate,"
"Files pertaining to the following individuals are included with this message as they have close personal association with you:
Spectre Ashley Williams
Admiral Tali'Zorah Vas Normandy
Operative Miranda Lawson
Asari Justicar Samara
Asari Commando Shiala
There are also some observations regarding other personnel at the end of this message," his voice continued, "Further files for non-immediate associates have been distributed direct to the health care provider for those individuals."
"Ever the scientist eh Mordin?" Ana mused, she proceeded to open the files for Ash and Tali.
Name: Williams, Ashley Madeline
Species: Human. Gender: Female
Year of birth: 2158. Age: 27
Place of birth: Sirona, 61 Ursae Majoris System
Affiliations: Alliance Navy; rank: Lieutenant Commander (active), Citadel Council; status: Spectre (active)
Name: Vas Normandy, Tali'Zorah
Species: Quarian. Gender: Female
Year of birth: 2161. Age: 24
Place of birth: Migrant Ship Rayya
Affiliations: Quarian Navy: rank: Admiral (active), Spectre Ana Shepard
Ana had read Ash's military service and medical file on several occasions and Cerberus's dossiers on Tali so she skimmed through the profiles for both of them. Together they'd had several discussions regarding what gene therapy and cybernetic augmentations each had received, whether as an Alliance recruit in the case of her and Ash, or as part of the Quarian conditioning for life in an environmental suit for Tali. She'd been as honest as possible with the other two about her Cerberus implants but even she wasn't sure of the extent of the surgery involved.
She was familiar with every scar, blemish and markings on her lover's bodies and there were no surprises in Mordin's information until she reached the sections on their reproductive health, regularity of cycles and likely chances of child bearing.
"OK, there's being efficient, and this seems a bit too close to the knuckle Mordin, what on earth are you leading up to?" Ana thought reflectively.
Mordin had referenced this last part to a separate set of notes that she hadn't reached yet so she continued reading. "Open the file for Lawson, Miranda. Authorisation, Shepard, Ana, Commander Alliance Navy,"
"Authorisation not recognised, access denied,"
"What the hell EDI?"
"I'm sorry Shepard but you have given an incorrect authority level,"
"Mordin what were you thinking?" Ana's brow creased momentarily in frustration but then she realised it was her mistake in thinking in Alliance terms, "Of course, Mordin you clever old fox, you didn't want my rank to be overridden. Authorisation, Shepard, Ana, Spectre status".
"Authorisation accepted, opening file; Lawson, Miranda,"
Name: Lawson, Miranda
Species: Human. Gender: Female
Year of birth: 2150. Age: 35
Place of birth: Australia, Earth, Sol System
Affiliations: Spectre Ana Shepard/Allied Forces (current), Cerberus (previous)
As she began to read Mordin's file Ana's eyes opened wide at how thorough the Salarian doctor had been in his research and the recommendations it contained, she blushed heavily at the data regarding her relationship with Miranda.
"Operative Lawson shows significant modification at genetic level, all markers have been optimised to improve all physical traits of general health, regeneration from injury and exertion, intelligence and heightened fitness.
Based on biological samples I also estimate her expected lifespan has been significantly extended beyond normal human ranges, calculations indicate between fifty and seventy years beyond the norm.
Her inherent biotic abilities were also augmented by repeated and prolonged exposure to element zero during infancy. In conjunction with the DNA manipulation present and her physical training this has resulted in an individual in peak condition with recovery levels from biotic exertion comparable with species with natural biotic talents. No biotic implant is present.
Although in excellent health overall the nature of the enhancements has left Lawson with an unexpected and permanent physical side-effect; abnormal cellular mutations to her reproductive system has rendered Lawson infertile. This was confirmed by the results of a medical examination and genetic tests instigated by Miranda herself some time ago from a respected physician on the Citadel."
"Miranda was interested in having children but can't?" That was new information to Ana and as she processed the fact her heart pounded with distress at the current prognosis for her friend, Shepard continued reading.
"Under normal circumstances there would be no further options available other than adoption, however Operative Lawson is in a unique position due to her father's legacy; she has a genetic twin, Oriana. Thanks to Miranda's intervention Oriana wasn't subjected to the same element zero exposure, she shares the same genetic enhancements but without the cellular damage.
If Oriana was willing to undergo a simple and relatively pain-free medical procedure and donate cell samples of her healthy womb and ovaries, replacement organs could be cloned for Miranda and her damaged ones removed and replaced with no possibility of tissue rejection. I calculate that a normal reproductive cycle would resume within three months after surgery.
There is no evidence that any cell degeneration would affect the transplanted organs but developing a preventative course of treatment would be a simple exercise for a competent scientist. Much as I hate to admit this but, in my absence, my recommendation would be Maelon for his genetic expertise and innovative efforts."
"EDI is this data accurate?" Ana demanded.
"Affirmative Shepard, Doctor Solas had me run numerous test scenarios based on the biological samples versus his research and potential treatments for Miranda."
"Is Miranda aware of this research?"
"Negative Shepard, Mordin felt it would be an unnecessary distraction given the circumstances at the time."
"Where is XO Lawson now?"
"Miranda is currently in her office, she has just concluded this morning's operations briefing,"
"Thank you EDI, patch me through to her then route all messages for either of us to Kelly until further notice."
"Confirmed Shepard."
"Shepard, what can I do for you? Has something come up?" Miranda's distinctive Australian tones answered the hail.
"Hi Miranda, you could say that. Can you come to my cabin immediately please? I have some personal information to discuss with you. I've instructed EDI to route your messages through Yeoman Chambers,"
"On my way Ana," came the instant reply, only a close friend would notice the hint of concern in Miranda's voice.
Ana pushed herself out of the chair and made her way to the couch and settled down, this was probably going to be a long and emotional session with Miranda, "Too early for a drink although I get the feeling she's going to need one after this bombshell," she thought. Two minutes later the door hail sounded, "Come in Miranda," she called.
"Please join me down here," Ana gestured to the seat next to her, "You do trust me, don't you?".
"Of course I do Shepard, with my life after all we've been through...but you're really starting to scare me now. What's this all about?"
"I've received an archived message from Mordin and some of the information concerns you and your medical history, some of it makes uncomfortable reading but please keep an open mind. I think he was trying to leave us all the gift of hope," taking a deep breath Ana spoke again, "EDI, copy the data file on Miranda to her omni-tool please." She took hold of Miranda's hand as her friend started to read the information.
Shepard watched in trepidation as a whole range of expressions passed over Miranda's face, her friend finally looked up at her looking shocked but hopeful, Miranda swallowed loudly and with barely disguised emotions in her voice asked, "Is this true? Is it even possible?".
Trying to sound as confident as possible for her dear friend Ana replied, "Mordin believed so and EDI has confirmed the data and projected results,".
At that the usually calm and collected Miranda started to shake visibly and broke down into huge wracking sobs, Ana took Miranda into her arms and held her tight crooning softly into her friend's hair until the shaking subsided, "Would you like me to contact Karin for a sedative for you?" she asked gently.
Pink eyed and red nosed from crying Miranda shook her head, "No, but thank you for the offer Shepard. This is so completely unexpected and you're right it does offer hope for something I'd resigned myself against several years ago."
"I didn't even know about this until today Miri, do you want to talk about it?"
"It's not really a conversation piece even between close friends, especially when they're exes," Miranda admitted ruefully, "I paid for the tests at the Citadel using an alias and they just confirmed my fears that my father's meddling with my genetic structure meant I couldn't have children."
"If you would like time to absorb this information and decide to act on it, I am here for you Miri, as a friend or in any other capacity. I know that Oriana will always help her big sister after all you've done for her. There must be a long list of suitable donors if you wanted a child," Ana offered.
"Thank you Shepard, I couldn't ask for more," Miranda kissed Ana's hand affectionately and then her cheek, "I'll have to take some time to think about this but I'll let you know what I decide," she got up to leave. As she reached the door Miranda looked back at Ana, "Just so you know, there's only one person I've ever met that I consider highly enough to parent a child with and that would be a certain saviour of the galaxy, no-one else has come close to measuring up to you Shepard." she smiled sadly, "But I think that avenue is closed to us and let's face it your personal life is already complicated".
As the door closed behind Miranda, Ana could only stare after her in stunned silence. She was starting to get a headache, she pinched her nose and exhaled loudly. Swallowing some painkillers, she returned to Mordin's message, "Continue with playback."
"Shepard, I assume you will share my information with Miranda and knowing your character you will support her no matter her decision. The following observations were omitted from the report as they are for your knowledge only:
I am aware of your current relationships with Spectre Williams and Admiral Vas Normandy and wish you all the very best wishes for your future happiness with the both of them, the solidity of your relationship is a source of great joy to your friends.
Your temporary relationship with Operative Lawson is also known to me as a result of my research and I wish to share some further information regarding Miranda with you.
During your away missions when she was not included in the squad her anxiety readings were raised to abnormal levels, I assumed this was a general state until a pattern became apparent that these levels only began to reduce again when your personal safety was either confirmed by Dr Chakwas or in person.
EDI's sensors recorded fluctuations in Miranda's hormone levels when in close proximity to you which also included increased heart rate, pupil dilation and temperature rises in her sweat and erogenous zones. Audio recordings from Lawson's cabin capture your name being spoken during sleep.
Despite Miranda's outward behaviour of professionalism, I can only conclude that she still harbours profound feelings for you of a protective and personal nature which will require resolution at some point. End of entry for Miranda Lawson."
"Can my life get any more complicated right now?" Ana thought.
"Shepard, the procedure for fertilising eggs using modified DNA material from a same sex partner is a relatively straightforward process, Dr Solas left detailed notes on this subject should you and Ashley decide to procreate," EDI announced.
"He also left instructions on how to manipulate DNA for you and Tali to also have the possibility to have children, unfortunately it would only be possible for Tali to carry your offspring as the differences between the human carbon and quarian dextro based DNA structure would not allow it to be a reciprocal process. However, any children would have certain advantages with a more robust immune system and the ability to survive on human foodstuffs for a short time."
Ana gulped in surprise at this latest comment from EDI, parenthood was a conversation that had definitely not come up yet with either of her lovers, "Um, thank you EDI, I'll certainly take that information on board for future reference."
"You're welcome Shepard," came the reply, was that a hint of amusement in the ship AI's voice? *The same procedure for you and Ashley could be applied to Miranda as you've offered to help her in any way...".
Shepard started to cough at that comment, "That's not fair EDI, you're twisting my words"
"Not really, I was quoting you directly"
"Leave it EDI, right now"
"Yes Shepard"
"Open the next file, now".
Name: Samara
Species: Asari. Gender: Monogendered
Year of birth: Undisclosed. Age: c1000
Place of birth: Thessia
Affiliations: Asari Order of Justicars (current), Spectre Ana Shepard
"Samara is an ancient Asari, her life before joining the Justicar's remains undisclosed although her time in the order is documented with frequent articles about her exploits. With such a wealth of experience over a millenia she has achieved the state of calm associated with all asari matrons of that age.
In manner she is reserved and aloof unless she is required to apply the rigid Justicar code, in all my dealing with her during our missions leading to the Collector base I found her pleasant but distant.
The only person she showed any inclination to socialise with was you Commander, whatever private mission you undertook with her, it created a bond that she seems disinclined to sever despite her release from her vow of service to you.
During my research she only displays emotional responses when her daughter Falere or you are mentioned, she is unsurprisingly protective about her surviving daughter while in your case her reactions are more subtle but still noticeable. In an unguarded reply she actually seems to hold genuine affection for you which even indicated a romantic inclination, she even seemed to be blushing when speaking of you.
Physically she is still an active and formidable warrior; her unarmed combat skills are based on a monastic discipline unique to the Justicars while her biotic abilities are far superior to most elite practitioners. Her weapons knowedge and speciality give her a deadly array on which to rely on should her biotics fail to achieve the desired result.
Should you and she ever fulfil your obvious mutual affection and attraction it is unknown if an Asari of such a long lifespan could still carry out the required mind meld in order to conceive a child, such an opportunity for scientific research into the possibility would be a once in a lifetime experience. I do hope I am the one to carry it out, but that is for the future, the last subject is..."
Name: Shiala
Species: Asari. Gender: Monogendered
Year of birth: Undisclosed. Age: c400
Place of birth: Thessia
Affiliations: Zhu's Hope colony (current), Asari Commandos (inactive), Matriarch Benezia (previous)
"Shepard, I was intrigued by your reports from Feros and the encounter with the Thorian. Such a fascinating creature, it's a shame it had to be killed but I recognise the danger it posed to the colony and any possible expansion they may undertake. I understand that Fai Dan was the only loss from Zhu's Hope and his death was self-inflicted as an act of defiance against the Thorian, this was despite the other colonist's aggressive actions against you whilst under Thorian influence.
It was following your intervention with Baria Frontiers on behalf of the colonists that I was able to contact Shiala to discuss the ongoing health problems resulting from the spore infection, study the effects first-hand and work on potential treatments.
Unfortunately, I have concluded that presently there is no cure available for the damage as the spores have bonded with the Zhu's Hope survivors at genetic level. I have been able to formulate a long-term treatment that will alleviate the symptoms and reduce the headaches and muscle spasms, it will also dampen the effects of shared awareness and sensations. This will manage their condition and allow them to achieve an approximation of the normal life they had before the episode.
Shiala herself displays the most visible of the genetic alterations with the change of skin pigmentation, this is permanent however and no treatment will be able to reverse this particular manifestation. Insufficient data is available to ascertain whether this genetic abnormality would be passed to any children she might have in the future. Her biotics will begin to stabilise as the medication controls the other symptoms.
Disregarding the obvious side-effects of the infection, the colonist's overall health is representative of their various species. The details of any previously undiagnosed conditions that were identified during the course of my study have been passed on to the individuals.
Shepard, during my consultations with Shiala I observed that she displays obvious emotional responses when you are mentioned in conversation; pupil dilation, elevated respiration and heart rate, rise in body temperature and she appears to be distracted. Whereas Miranda attempts to disguise her attraction to you with detachment, Shiala has had no such inhibitions and actively enquired as to your wellbeing at every opportunity.
The melding you shared when she transferred the Prothean Cipher to your mind has left her with a very favourable impression of you and your capabilities Commander. The mercy you showed her, combined with the fact you decided to incapacitate rather than kill the colonists displayed your capacity for compassion. She freely admitted she would be highly receptive if you wished to initiate a relationship with her.
From a medical perspective Shiala is otherwise in peak physical condition for an Asari in her maiden stage. Her years of training as a Commando have resulted in a fit, active and motivated individual with honed weapons, biotics and unarmed combat knowledge. She is less confident of her diplomatic skills, but she is fiercely loyal to the colonists and trying to act with integrity while representing them."
As the audio message came to the end she finished reading the rest of the files lying on her bed. Ana lay there for a moment in silence and looked up through the viewing window above her, the stars rushed by as the Normandy moved swiftly through space. It was going to take some time to absorb the information that Mordin had left her, never mind the question of what, if anything, to do with it all. After realising this was going to be a long and sleepless night she sighed loudly and pushed herself up and off the bed.
Crossing the distance to her desk she poured herself a small whisky and activated the sound system. As classic twentieth century rock started to fill the room she sat down humming along to the tune, opened the bottom draw and pulled out her latest model aquisition; a new ship called the 'Tempest'. The ship it represented had been commissioned for a private venture to the Andromeda System that had departed in several 'Ark' ships in 2185 CE. Liara had been in communication with Alec Ryder, one of the human Pathfinders and found the ship schematics during one of her Shadow Broker transactions.
The ship was a sleek design, more streamlined than the Normandy, designed for scouting rather than as a warship with a much smaller crew, "I'd have loved to see it in person, Joker would have wet himself to have a chance to fly her," she smiled in amusement at the thought then gave all concentration over to the model.