Notes:

CGC - Center for Galactic Cooperation

Grá mo chroí - love of my heart(Gaelic)

Mea're - "new tribal sister", to address a tribal sister of a loved person (Thessian/Source: CDN)

Samhain - Gaelic festival marking end of harvest season and beginning of winter or "darker half" of year. Traditionally celebrated 31 Oct - 1 Nov as Celtic day began and ended at sunset.

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

Establishing a Rhythm

CGC, Widow System, Serpent Nebula – 21 Nov 2188

While the Normandy had continued pursuing the Nalotir across the galaxy, the entire crew of the Knight Shade had relaxed at the Estate for the three days over the Samhain holiday weekend. Bright and early the very next Monday morning, they were all up and at it; from that moment on, the follow-on investigation into the many leads provided by the information secured at Commander McKay's residence took only three weeks to complete.

By the time they were done, the various law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation ended up arresting forty-two people. Twenty-seven of them were part of the staff working in the headquarters; of these, all but three were on the preliminary list of fifty-plus persons of interest Liara and her team had assembled at the very beginning of the inquiry… as well as an additional fifteen within the ranks of Terra Firma and their more unsavory associates, Douglas Walker being only one of the names included on the final list.

Unlike Walker and Klein, most had little to do with the actual assassinations; yet, all of them had been charged with some form of 'support' crimes, such as aiding and abetting, and accessory to the assassinations, depending on the depth of their involvement. Shepard provided the finalized list to Atlas, telling Zoë, "I hesitate to give this to you with such vague instruction, but I have come to trust your judgment… and I need to know that all of these conspirators will be punished. If, by some chance and legal maneuvering of a high-paid lawyer, any of these people escape official punishment for their criminal behavior, I leave it to you to deal with – appropriately – under our existing arrangement." Shepard's expression turned darker as she quietly added, "That goes especially for Charles Saracino, Zoë."

"Understood, Spectre." The woman had nodded as the list was transmitted to her omnitool and then continued, "And thank you for trusting me… and Atlas. I promise you, each punishment will be appropriate for the level of their crimes. We have many ways to make their lives a living Hell. They just may end up begging us to kill them; it could wind up being a kinder punishment than the life of suffering I guarantee they will endure for what they have taken away from the Human race with their treachery."

Shepard nodded in thanks and had simply turned and walked away, feeling nothing but relief as she climbed aboard the Knight Shadow to depart Earth, beginning what she believed would be a relatively long period of absence from the Human home world.

Liara, on the other hand, still felt burdened… partially blaming herself for Hackett's death, due to their inefficiencies while trying to scrub the potential assassin list. She knew one of the most important attributes of information was timeliness but, over the course of the war, the brokerage had suffered the same losses as any military organization. The Shadow Broker had come to realize it was past time to rebuild the network to its pre-war capacity. Better late than never, I suppose. That, of course, assumed the Broker wanted to remain relevant in the post-war galaxy, which she most certainly did. So, while Shepard had directed the hunt and arrests of all the conspirators, Liara – along with all her remaining Broker agents and wet squads – had focused on an active recruiting campaign… at least as 'active' as one could be while recruiting for an organization with an operations plan grounded entirely in anonymity.

The Asari was currently standing before the large window in their luxury apartment's rather expansive living room, staring out at the stars surrounding the CGC as she contemplated their inadequate progress – and how much still remained to be completed – when a voice from the side pulled her from her reverie. "You about ready to leave, Blue?"

"I suppose so." The Asari glanced back and smiled at her siame. "Staying in a relatively peaceful environment in our own retreat away from the Estate has actually provided me with the quiet time I needed to concentrate… even if I didn't make as much progress as I wanted to."

Sliding up beside her to slip an arm around the Asari's waist, Shepard spoke softly, "There's only so much you can do, Grá mo chroí. And, you have to admit, your office here has one Hell of a view, doesn't it? Along with plenty of room for all of us… and the big surround fireplace somewhat reminds me of Uncle Dave and Kahlee's place." A wistful smile crossed the Spectre's face and she added, "Going to the apartment in Tiberius Towers always felt like going home… and I'd like to think we can create the same kind of haven… both here and at the Estate… for any and all of our friends."

"A place where they can feel free to hide away from the galaxy for a bit." Liara smiled and let out something akin to a relaxed sigh before finishing, "Whenever they may need it. I am confident in that becoming a reality, Sam; whether we do it purposefully or not, it will happen." Placing a soft kiss on Samantha's cheek, she added, "And, to answer your question, yes, I am ready to leave here."

Shepard cast one of her lopsided grins at her bondmate, then turned and shouted out, "Alright, team! Time to fire up the Knight Shade and get ourselves back to Thessia. We've been away long enough."

Riana, who was never far from her mistress, mission permitting, answered, "Far too long, if you ask me."

"Understood, Riana." Liara laughed softly. "I'm sure Sammi is more than ready for you to be home as well.

"That too…" Riana grinned, even as her face turned a shade darker. "Though, I was merely referring to missing the ocean air; this place is too dry… too sterile… for my liking."

"You know, we do have wonderful technology that can, at least partially, fix that, Riana… The environmental control system can be programmed to emulate the Thessian environment." Shepard glanced at Liara. "Actually, that might not be a bad idea…"

"Next time." Liara grinned and gave her a playful shove. "Right now, even though you're the one that brought it up, I am ready to leave."

"Your wish is your captain's command," Shepard laughed and stepped aside, waving her arm in the general direction of their main entryway. "After you, Lady Liara."

T'Soni House Armali, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 21 Nov 2188

Once underway, Shepard and Liara decided to stop in at Armali on their way home. After the initial welcome, Aethyta turned immediately to business and prompted Liara about the team of 'Eclipse girls' she had handed over to help in the war. "How are you going to keep them busy now? They certainly figured out your role in that whole mess, so why don't you us them as an enforcement team? That would be right up their alley… especially considering the criminal element of the new job."

"Goddess. I hadn't considered that… I assumed they would simply return to their prewar occupation." Liara looked at Aethyta with a scathing glance. "And you really do not need to remind me that the Shadow Broker is still the most wanted criminal in Council Space, Father. Not everyone on the Council would be as understanding as Councilor Tevos. Besides… I thought you said you made sure to stay with legitimate jobs, like security and such."

Aethyta's gravelly laughter filled the room and she made no attempt to hide her amused grin as she responded, "You may be battle-hardened, Little Wing, but you remain so easy to tease, it's almost not worth my time… almost. I still get way too much enjoyment out of it to quit. And, yes, we did… but they had to get into the organization to start with and, to do that, each had to have a rep. The recruiters want leverage… to know you won't rat them out and that you'll be willing to do whatever is necessary to complete a job. Failure to complete a task because of a suddenly developed case of morals is not an option… not in Eclipse."

"No, I suppose not." Liara gave her father an apologetic look. "And just because I didn't think of it doesn't mean it isn't a good idea. That is one part of the organization that doesn't sit well with me, so I tend to neglect it." She met Aethyta's eyes, and the matriarch was surprised by the sudden resolve in both her daughter's expression and voice as Liara continued, "I now realize I can't afford to do that anymore, so I'll give them a call." She paused and smiled wryly. "I have more than a few projects I've been putting off, for which they would be perfect. Thanks, Dad."

"That's what I'm here for, kid." Aethyta chuckled quietly as she smiled back at the younger Asari, relieved that her Little Wing had somehow managed to maintain a sense of humor through all of her trials. "Lots of advice, whether you are ready to hear it or not."

CGC, Widow System, Serpent Nebula – 22 November 2188

Tevos was optimistic as the pushed the transmit button, forwarding the data packet she had received from the Normandy. "I honestly hope Tali and Judea can come up with something, given this additional sensor data, Shepard. Spectre Williams was quite frustrated by the whole event… between the Nalotir's stealth systems proving to be quite the tracking challenge and the unusual side effects of the directed-energy weapon, she is at her wits' end."

"I don't believe the Nalotir is the only thing irritating her, Councilor," Shepard sighed. "I think it's the concern that there is more than one of that ship type out there… each one conducting multiple raids… a possibility which I believe is spot-on. And, if it does turn out to be true, then the Rebel Quarian Flotilla is larger than we thought… and more sophisticated. It's hard to fight what you can't see."

"What are you saying, Shepard?" Tevos' eyes widened almost imperceptibly in concern. "Is there nothing we can do to stop this?"

"Oh, no. That's not what I mean at all; we can do something," she answered. "There is an old Human saying… if you want to kill a snake, you have to cut off its head." Shepard shrugged her shoulders and shook her head in disgust. "But if we're going to remove the leaders of this rebellion, I'm going to need help from the Council Fleet, and the SILC, because I'm pretty damned sure Han'Gerrel and Daro'Xen won't go down without a fight – a big one."

"Goddess, Shepard!" Tevos sat back in her chair in shock, her face paling as she considered the implications. "The Quarian Heavy Fleet is substantial! After the war, the SILC helped them rebuild it, just as they helped the rest of us; we would likely incur severe losses should we decide to face them head on! Do you not see any other alternatives?"

"I don't know, yet." Shepard's face was set in stone, keeping her emotions in check. "I'll need to take the Knight Shade out to the Far Rim… rendezvous with Ashley and the Normandy… discuss options with her." A slight smile crept onto her lips as she continued, "Don't worry, Tevos; we'll come up with something. And, when we do, I'll return to brief the Council and get your blessing, before I go and round up the forces we'll need to take on the Heavy Fleet."

"This cannot be another mass casualty event, Captain." Tevos' color had begun to slowly return to her face with Shepard's reassurances. "I honestly don't know how we would survive another major war with our sensibilities intact… not so soon after the Reaper War. I would hate to see all of Council Space become a place where only the strongest rule… and the last thing I want to do is join Aria T'Loak as a manager of chaos."

"Obviously, we'll do what we can to prevent that, Councilor." Liara slipped up beside Shepard and answered before the Spectre could think of a reply. "I… We… have no intention of letting Aria T'Loak extend her reach anywhere outside of her private playground… and the same goes for Han'Gerrel, Daro'Xen, and their little band of mutineers." She glanced at Shepard in a moment of silent communication before continuing, "We know, from an inside source, that Gerrel and Xen are ruling mostly through fear. Given the chance, we believe the vast majority of the Quarian Marines will not lay down their weapons in surrender… but will take them up against the rebel leaders if we provide them hope of a victory."

Shepard was nodding in agreement as she added to Liara's comments. "Most of them don't want the SILC subjugated like the Geth were any more than we do. So far, Legion and his SILC have proven to be excellent allies, so I think those Marines will gladly fight with us… Not only to help the SILC, but to regain their own freedom." She paused as a scowl took over her face. "And, I already warned Gerrel – in no uncertain terms – what his fate would be should he ever again allow his hatred of the Geth to injure or kill people I care about, so I won't hesitate to finish the fight he started above Rannoch. If we hadn't needed the Quarian Fleet so desperately…"

"I completely understand your anger, Spectre Shepard." The abrupt formality of Tevos' address drew the Human's eyes to meet hers. "I know how much that… betrayal… hurt you and your crew, Samantha, but please, do not let the past get the better of your judgement in the present. We need you focused… to save the freedom of the SILC and as many of the Quarian lives as we can; at least those who want to be saved from this madness. I cannot imagine we would have such good fortune as to have all of them cooperate."

"I imagine not." Shepard's stone face returned as she concluded, "We will get through this, Councilor, and we'll hopefully eliminate all of the bad apples in the process." Her hand hovered over the disconnect control on the haptic interface as a smile returned to her face. "I'll start preparing everyone for the mission and we'll chat again before I leave the system… I promise."

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 23 Nov 2188

"Captain B'Sayle." Liara stood from her desk chair and approached the commando, her hands extended in welcome. "Thank you for accommodating my schedule and coming so quickly."

Roshida simply smirked and replied, "My pleasure, Lady Liara… or should I say Shadow Broker? … as, given my résumé, I highly doubt I am being summoned to serve House T'Soni."

Liara eyed the commando with a look just shy of a glare as she commented sharply, "Do not sell yourself short, Captain. Loyalty can be a rare quality and, knowing my father, it is one that you hold dear… else she would never have trusted you to be on her team, much less lead it."

Roshida stayed silent for a moment, looking Liara over with an appraising eye. "You always surprise me, Lady Liara. Your single-minded determination belies your youth, though I suppose I can understand the reasons behind it."

Liara canted her head slightly as she responded, "We were all forced to harden ourselves these past few years, thanks to our many enemies; we did what was required of us to survive… and I am not in a position to judge you or your actions. At the same time, I have to wonder at what compelled you to choose the path you did, given the high standing of your family."

Roshida chuckled quietly. "Apparently, you did not know my mother, Rylena." Seeing Liara's raised brow markings, she continued, "She was the Pyjak's ass of matriarchs. The bearing of a dictator, the brashness of a Varren and the aggressiveness of a Yahg, all rolled into one tightly-wound, insufferable annoyance who made her fortune through illegal genetic engineering contracts with edgy, overly ambitious Salarians… though none of that matters now, seeing as Chalkhos was turned into a smoldering ruin by the Reapers."

"Chalkhos?" Liara continued with, "I'm… sorry?" in the same questioning tone, which made B'Sayle laugh more freely.

"Don't be. It's a rare case where the Reapers likely did the galaxy a favor. The only good thing she ever did was give birth to my younger sister, Pelessaria. Smart as they come, that one; smart enough to get accepted by the Andromeda Initiative and get far, far away from her family… and her past." Roshida's expression suddenly saddened as she continued, "I can only hope the mission succeeds and they make it; our little rogue deserves at least that much."

"So, who is Matriarch Ryvos B'Sayle of Blackdamp, to you?"

"She is my mother's older sister by a little more than a half-century… and very much alive and well… though, as you are probably well aware, aging. She's closing quickly on her one thousand, one hundred and twentieth birthday, so has only another century, at best." Roshida gave Liara a peculiar glance as she continued, "And I honestly thought you would have researched all that by now, especially after having met her."

It was Liara's turn to laugh. "And when, exactly, was I supposed to find the time to do that?" Her laughter faded to a gentle smile as she added, "Besides which, I assumed it would be a waste of effort. My father believes in you, quite strongly as a matter of fact, and I saw no reason to doubt her counsel. Am I wrong to trust her judgement?"

The unexpectedly direct question snapped Roshida back to the discussion at hand. "Absolutely not, Lady Liara… and I have no idea why I suddenly volunteered all that information, seeing as it really has no bearing on the primary topic of our conversation. Must be one of the reasons you make a significantly better than average Broker. You are unassuming and you convey a sense of trustworthiness that encourages people to open up to you."

"Measuring one's level of reliability and loyalty is never off topic." Liara fell silent for a moment as she took in all the captain had just told her, then drew a deep breath before making her offer. "And the Brokerage is what I wanted to speak with you about… Your assumption in that regard was absolutely correct." She met the commando captain's eyes as she continued, "I find myself in need of an enforcement squad that I can trust unreservedly; one that can take on certain tasks which could likely be deemed… unpleasant… yet, remain necessary; one which my father says you are particularly well suited for."

Roshida studied the Shadow Broker's eyes for several moments, attempting to discern any deceitfulness or hesitation in the offer. "An enforcement squad." She watched as Liara merely nodded once in assent. "So, we'd go out and… what? Collect unpaid credits for contracts fulfilled… where the requester didn't like or believe the answer, so has refused to pay?"

"That would be one form of available tasks, yes." Liara glanced back at her desk and shook her head before returning her gaze to Roshida. "Among other things… more distasteful tasks… such as eliminating extortionists who simply refuse to leave certain Broker stations – and the agents posted to them – alone."

"Yes. I can see how believing they could somehow force the Shadow Broker's hand would be problematic, not only to operations, but to the Shadow Broker's reputation, should any one of them succeed." B'Sayle nodded in understanding. "You cannot allow such things to continue."

"I have come to that conclusion as well." Liara raised an open hand and gestured toward the doorway. "Seeing as you did not immediately say no, shall we move this discussion to the lounge and discuss the details of this opportunity over drinks?"

"Sounds like an excellent idea, Lady Liara. Knowing the reputation of the old Shadow Broker, I think I might just need one to get through the next hour or so…"

Shadow Broker Operations Center, Juxhi, Skyllian Verge – 24 Nov 2188

Captain B'Sayle stepped through the final hatch and was immediately besieged by a blindingly bright light, but she dared not flinch. Even though she couldn't see them, she knew more weapons were pointed at her in that moment than she had ever anticipated, even given Liara's repeated emphasis that the commando follow her instructions to the letter. Making no sudden moves, Roshida knelt down without a word; it had to be obvious to all that were watching she was holding a very special gold chit in her right hand – one which had been given to her by Liara. The commando captain placed it very carefully on the highly polished floor and slid it forward, as hard as she could.

It crossed under a barrier bar, which somehow recognized the item for what it was and lit green in silent approval. "You may stand." The nasally voice of a Salarian came from her right side, but Roshida did not look toward it. She stood slowly, elbows bent and open-palmed hands raised to her shoulders, and her eyes remaining glued to the floor at her feet as the voice continued, "State your business."

Drawing a deep breath, she repeated the phase which, following a rather lengthy and detailed discussion about the job and the risks it entailed, Liara had insisted she memorize. Roshida's very life depended upon the proper recitation of the words, so she spoke firmly, giving those with the weapons trained upon her absolutely no reason to doubt her sincerity. "My business is that of the Broker. I will serve at the Broker's pleasure until I am either dead or no longer needed, both being one and the same. I have pledged my lifelong loyalty, knowing the commitment I have made will only be fulfilled at the time of my death."

There was a palpable change in the air when she fell silent and the voice in the dark spoke once more. "Welcome to the Shadow Broker's private army, Agent B'Sayle."

The dazzling white light dimmed slowly, allowing Roshida's eyes to adjust once again to a normal level of lighting. "Thank you." She finally looked to her right, to see a grinning Salarian. "It is my pleasure to serve."

"Commander Soloquol Arern, at your service." He gestured abruptly at a doorway. "This way please." As the hatch slid open, he continued, "I assume you have brought your team, all of whom will be entry-level tested as you were." A smile flashed across his face. "Your gold chit tells me that you and your team have already worked for the Broker on a contingency basis during the war, so I do not foresee any problems bringing all of you on as regulars; particularly if they perform anywhere near your level."

"Which they will," Roshida assured the Salarian. "I was also told that we would be brought to the armory for proper fitting of our new armor and upgrades to our weapons?"

"Yes. All those who successfully pass the test are brought here." He paused and keyed a security panel, opening a door Roshida had not even seen in the wall. "You should have also been informed that you will never have independent access to any areas within this section of the facility."

"Yes. Other than the lobby entrance and transitory living facilities… which you have yet to show me… and I fully understand why we must be escorted to any other areas within the facility; sectionalization is critical to security."

"That is correct. Unless, of course, you live long enough to get stationed here." The Salarian stopped and glanced her way. "Which should not happen with you for many, many years. A facility such as this is where we all end up for retirement."

"I thought Broker agents never retired?"

"Precisely." The Salarian flashed another quick grin. "When no longer able to accomplish field work, we are assigned as escorts and guards at any one of the many storage facilities or operations centers owned by the Broker. Once assigned to a facility, it is very likely you will never learn where any others are located… unless you survive long enough to climb in rank and become a sectional or regional commander."

"Which you are."

"Yes. The Salarian fast-paced biological development and short lifespan brings us here sooner than most." Arern pointed to an upright tube. "Please, shed all your clothes and step in for measurement." When Roshida hesitated, Arern waved his hand in an impatient motion. "Come on, get it done. The first of your crew should be showing up soon and I don't want to waste all day processing the new team. There is much to be done to complete your orientation."

"L… My recruiter didn't say anything about such lack of privacy during this process." Even as she spoke, she began to peel her leathers off her shoulders. "What happens if someone is shy?"

The Salarian blinked twice in surprise before promptly answering. "Shy agents do not stay with us very long. We all learn to do what is necessary, without hesitation. The sooner you understand that, the better off you will be."

A now-naked Roshida stepped boldly into the tube and echoed the posture pictured on the wall diagram inside the unit. "Understood, Commander Arern."

"Oh, don't be so formal, Captain. You are a team leader and, as such, I will be the case agent personally providing your team's assignments to you. We will be working very closely together so, please, call me Solo."

Kurthan Shipyards, Aephus, Talava System – 27 Nov 2188

Nearly a year and a half had passed since the soulless invaders and all their corrupted servants had been destroyed by the first Human Spectre, Commander Shepard. With every month that passed without access to the liveships of the Civilian Fleet or Han'Gerrel's go-ahead to attack their main objective – Heretic Station, once again known as Haratar – the rebels were growing more and more desperate to find enough food to support everyone living within the Heavy Fleet. The ship building compound on the world below them was at maximum capacity and well-guarded but, even with the rebel's other successful thefts around the galaxy, the colony's food storage facility remained amazingly unprotected, leaving it an attractive and potentially lucrative target for the starving Quarians.

Even though his face was hidden by his ever-present red-tinted visor, Captain Lenn'Shar vas Sondaj smiled as he directed his pilot to ease the ship into the atmosphere of Aephus. Rather than the equatorial insertion favored by pilots with legitimate reasons for landing at the colony's commercial shipyard, Shar was utilizing a transpolar trajectory that would shield his approach from the Turians still guarding the shipwright facility.

As he watched the Sondaj's approach on the bridge view screens, he let his mind wander a bit. The colonists are utter fools and they will pay the ultimate price for their folly… While the Reapers were arrogant enough to leave the shipyard's capture to Cerberus, who failed miserably since Din Korlack sold them out, the Turians are so pompous they never bothered to upgrade their defensive grid sensors… so they will never see us coming.

As atmospheric friction performed the majority of the ship's speed reduction by slowing his ship to a sub-hypersonic velocity, he spoke to his weapons-control officer. "Engage our cloak and shields the instant we are free of ionization effects; bring our weapons online immediately after and take out the communications relay tower first. I don't believe the few soldiers at the warehouse landing zone will present any real resistance and I don't want them calling for help."

"Understood, Sir. We'll be ready."

Shar used an armrest mounted switch to activate the ship's PA. "All hands, this is your captain; stand by for touchdown. Once deployed, precision actions groundside will be essential! We must enter the food storage facility and transfer everything we're capable of hauling in the least amount of time possible." After a brief pause, he added, "This is a standard attack profile and you will get only one warning. The Sondaj will lift off the instant any opposition breaches our safety zone, be it either the Turians or some off-world assistance. Any and all crew who do not heed the warning to immediately reboard will be left behind." Deactivating the PA, Lenn'Shar thought about what he had not said. Anyone left behind will die just as surely as the Turians I'll be targeting… I'm not about to leave anyone from this ship capable of answering questions of any kind.

The young captain watched with keen interest as the Sondaj's pilot returned the ship from its nose-high deceleration profile to straight and level flight; he heard the brief warning klaxon to his right that served as an audible reminder that weapons had been activated and placed in standby mode. The field came into view as they slowed their approach velocity further. The few Turians outside the nearby warehouses seemed mesmerized as they stared at the approaching ship that had seemingly appeared out of nowhere. By the time they realized their peril, the weapons officer had activated the Sondaj's beam weapon, disabling the comm tower and dropping the soldiers where they stood. After circling the field once to perform a sensor sweep and provide visual confirmation there was no further opposition on the ground, Lenn'Shar directed the pilot to set the ship down as close to the warehouses as possible.

Based on the original design for the specialty ships constructed for the Andromeda Initiative, the Sondaj was a crossover between a small frigate and a large scout vessel, almost half again as large as the final design that went into final production for the Initiative Pathfinder scout vessels. The ship, along with its three sister test platforms, utilized the main ramp leading into the hanger bay as the major third of the vessel's landing gear, while the port and starboard supports were foldout, sled-shaped units supported by pressurized gas/oil struts deployed from the underside of the stubby wings supporting the four main propulsion pods. With the majority of its mass located astern of the hanger ramp, the ship had no need of additional support under the extended nose.

As the leading edge of the ramp contacted the pavement, a squad of Marine cargo-handlers rolled down the inclined surface in a wheeled skiff; once on the pavement, they turned and made for the warehouse. A pair of Marines stood as lookouts on either side of the ramp with weapons charged, ready to raise an alarm and defend the ship and the ground squad as required.

The cargo handlers were highly trained; within minutes, a driver and gunner returned to the Sondaj and picked up a second empty cargo shell. Upon their second return, they released a now full cargo section from the rear of the skiff, picked up another empty, and left again to return to the storage facility. While this was happening, three specialists unloaded, sorted and stored the cargo taken from the warehouse, freeing up the container for the next run to repeat the process.

The crew had rehearsed their roles intensely many times, ensuring there was no wasted motion as the cargo hold was gradually filled with the foods necessary to help keep their people alive until the Admirals gave the go-ahead for the fleet to retake the home world… and to strip the Geth of their Reaper upgrades, turning the machines back into the servants they were designed to be.

In less than forty minutes, the skiff was making its last trip back to the Sondaj; as they rolled into the ship's embrace, the cargo master transferred his new weight and balance data to the pilot, who would need to compensate for the additional mass in the ship's belly.

The pilot, Zela'Nedal, spoke quickly. "Captain. The hold is full, and calculations are complete. Ready for liftoff."

Shar nodded and smiled. "Then take us up… We'll return to the fleet as heroes."

In moments, Nedal energized the core, neutralizing the majority of the Sondaj's weight. Igniting the six ventral thrusters, she lifted the heavily laden ship clear of the surface; holding an altitude of three meters, Nedal carefully monitored the ship's attitude while retracting the main ramp and outriggers. Satisfied with the weight distribution and hull integrity, she increased the altitude of the Sondaj by activating the main engines, accelerating up and away from the planet's surface as the navigator, Uto'Seya, reengaged the cloaking device to conceal their departure.

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 28 Nov 2188

"Liara! To what do I owe the pleasure?" Sharon smiled questioningly at the Asari, having fully expected to see Shepard's face appear on the viewscreen, once she recognized the ident code.

"It is good to see you, Mea're."

Liara's expression was mixed; her smile held a happy hello, but something in her eyes told the colonel that something was amiss. "You look worried. What's going on, Liara?"

"Always the observant one, aren't you?" Liara chuckled softly before continuing. "First, I wanted to remind you about Christmas. Both Hannah and Karin are coming, planning to arrive on the 21st, the Saturday before, and catching the return shuttle on the next Saturday, the 28th."

"That's excellent news." Sharon's brow furrowed to match that of the Asari she was speaking to as she continued, "So what has your forehead pinching your eyes?"

With a sigh, Liara explained, "Because there is a distinct possibility that we might not be here… but I want you to make plans as if our presence is guaranteed."

"And my guess is the damned Quarians. I heard about yesterday's raid. They're not even trying to be sneaky anymore. Drop in, kill everyone, and take everything they can load before the reinforcements arrive." Sharon practically spit the words out, her anger at the rebel actions evident in every word. "Bastards have to be stopped; I only wish there was something I could do to help, but this one's a bit out of my jurisdiction."

"You can help by making plans to come for Christmas…" Liara paused to draw a deep breath before pushing on, "… as if nothing in the galaxy could possibly keep us from our Human family during this special time of year. As for us, we'll definitely do our best to be home to join you all for the celebration."

"Well, if Momma Hannah can somehow manage to drag Kahlee away from the school house, I can certainly make plans to be there as well." The woman smiled in earnest as she added, "I wouldn't miss a Shepard family Christmas for anything! Not if I can help it!"

"Excellent." Liara's smile finally reached her eyes. "I'll let Lyessa know you're coming, so we'll have a room reserved for you. Do you want a room in the main house this time or do you still want to stay over in the Commando Quarters?" she asked with a grin.

Laughing, Sharon replied, "You know me… always the soldier! It's where I'm most comfortable, so tell Livos to make room."

"I'll do that." Liara's eyes suddenly brightened and she added, "Oh! Speaking of Livos… You'll get to meet her partner, Zan! Carlina V'Zanto… She is the lead guide from the Záhrada S'Vatyne Resort. They've hit it off fabulously!"

"What?" Sharon's brow lifted, her voice piqued in interest. "Livos? Really?" She smirked and laughed, "This I have to see for myself. I'm definitely coming now!"