Notes:

CGC - Center for Galactic Cooperation

CIC - Combat Information Center

Grá mo chroí - love of my heart (Gaelic)

Gráim thú - I love you (Gaelic)

Ionúin Álainn - beautiful beloved (Gaelic)

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

SILC - Synthetic Intelligence Life Codes (previously known as Geth)

XO - Executive Officer

Aftershocks

Destiny Ascension, Tassrah, The Phoenix Massing – 5 Jan 2189

The ship was huge, and Shepard hadn't spent much time aboard, so ended up being shown to the Bridge by a young Asari lieutenant. Before her escort could say a word, an impatient Shepard called out, "Permission to enter, Matriarch?"

Recognizing the voice, Lidanya turned, an indulgent smile on her face. "Relax, Lieutenant Menoris… as a Spectre, Shepard outranks us all." Turning her eyes to the Human, she simply grinned and beckoned her in with a wave. "Spectre Shepard. It is my honor to have you aboard the Destiny Ascension. Please, come join me."

Shepard smiled appreciatively in return and walked over, stepping up to join her on the command platform. Standing at Lidanya's side, she spoke quietly, "That's one Hell of a view, Matriarch."

"Yes, it is…" She studied Shepard's rather pleasing profile, as the woman's focus remained outward, toward the stars. "You look good, Shepard. Tired… but good. Are you feeling alright after that ridiculous Quarian tried to kill you?"

"Not horrible. Bad headache at the moment, after all the Quarian bickering over personnel."

"News travels fast… and I've seen the after-action listings; you, also, are going to need a few more crew to fill some unexpected vacancies."

As Lidanya said that, Shepard finally turned toward her, giving the Matriarch her full attention. "And, seeing as you called me over here, you must be planning to help me fill some of them?"

"Yes… and seeing as you have so many Asari on your ship…" Lidanya smiled as she jokingly echoed Shepard's phrasing, obviously pleased by Shepard's quick pick-up on her purpose. "… I would be more than happy to give you one of my medical technicians to replace Medica. We have a small hospital and two fully staffed, surgery-capable clinics aboard; it would be my honor to supply you with someone for the Knight Shade."

"That's very kind of you, but I plan on asking Legion for a replacement." Shepard smiled to soften the rejection. "Their mobile, sterile surgery suite is something to behold. With deploying battle squads, that can be critical… and it's a capability I won't give up without a fight."

"I can understand that." Lidanya replied, nodding in appreciation. "Then how about a new maintenance engineer? I realize that no one will ever come close to replacing someone like Admiral Tali'Zorah vas Moreh, but this ship holds the very best the Asari have to offer… and my prospect, Lilia T'Segos, had many years of experience aboard battle frigates before she joined us here."

"And yet you'd be willing to let her go…" Shepard smirked. "But the Ascension is a pretty awesome ship… so, the real question is if she's ready and willing to leave."

"Oh," Lidanya laughed lightly. "She is ready, Spectre. She asked me for permission to apply when you were originally looking for crew, but I denied her request at that time." Shepard's eyebrows rose in question, so the matriarch explained, "I would never deny one of my crew such a wonderful opportunity, but you and I had recently spoken, so I knew Admiral Zorah already had the job."

"Ah. That makes sense." Shepard thought about the offer only a moment before shrugging. "Don't see why not. How about you send her over first thing in the morning to meet with Liara and me, before we leave Tassrah?"

"How about I send her with a bag, and she stays aboard… at least until you return to the CGC next Monday." Lidanya grinned, obviously having thought about this before she ever invited the Spectre aboard… and had planned for this very conversation. "That way, you'll have more than an hour-long conversation by which to judge her."

"You'd think by now I'd know better than to try to best a Matriarch in a negotiation." Laughing, Shepard shook her head, the twinkle in Lidanya's eyes making her grin as she answered. "Sure. Why not. You're certain you can do without her, especially during the repairs? The Knight Shade didn't take near the damage that the Ascension did."

"Unfortunately, yes… the damaged area…" Lidanya frowned as she continued, "The eight we lost were in civilian sectors. All our military and operations systems are extremely well shielded so, even if we take extensive damage, we can keep on fighting. That is something the Quarians had to know when they attacked, so they must have used it simply as a means to distract us."

"You honestly believe the Heavy Fleet purposefully attacked civilians?" Shepard's eyes went wide with the realization. "As a distraction?" She paused and scowled angrily. "That would be a war crime… well above and beyond the charges of Piracy."

"Yes, it would… So, it is good that Han'Gerrel and Daro'Xen are dead." Lidanya's expression was hatred incarnate as she looked at Shepard and finished, "Because I would never tolerate their actions being punished by anything less than death! If they were not executed for their crimes, I would lose my position as captain of the Destiny Ascension… after I murdered them!"

"Neither the Asari nor the Council would need to suffer from your loss, Matriarch…" Shepard replied in answer, fully understanding the Matriarch's anger. "Because no matter how it played out, you would have been safe from retribution. Either the act would have been deemed justified, or I would have pardoned you, simple as that."

"I appreciate both your faith in the system and your statement of support, Spectre." Lidanya's expression softened slightly as she continued. "The Quarians obviously wanted us to divert assets to rescue efforts but neglected to consider how our 'civilians' would react to such an egregious act… with anger and immediate action. Our civilians are all very much aware we are not simply a mobile city… that they live aboard a dreadnaught… and they immediately stepped in to take action, saving those they could and holding admirable barriers until our damage control teams could respond. Our civilians are anything but helpless, especially with their biotics, and many hold non-combat jobs throughout the ship. They would all feel horribly unfulfilled, otherwise."

"That's commendable… and, when I think about it, I imagine Human civilians aboard our fighting ships react the same way. Most of them are as much a part of the ship as any crew member."

"Yes, they are." Lidanya smiled with pride as she nodded in agreement and thanks. "Their actions allowed us to remain focused, though I will admit our focus shifted after that cowardly attack."

"How so?"

"We changed to a defensive stance and began using our weapons on the multitude of small ships, rather than the Quarian heavy cruisers and dreadnoughts. 'Swatting away the swarm" so to speak, so the rest of the fleet could focus on the big threats without being picked apart by the frigates and fighters…" Lidanya growled, "Every ship we disabled lessened the more agile enemy fire, making it easier for our fleet to defend itself as the battle progressed; buying you the time required to take down their commanders, Xen and Gerrel."

"So, all of that scattered space debris…" Shepard looked once more out the viewport as she continued hopefully, "… is actually a collection of fighters and small frigates? No large ships?"

"Unfortunately, there are two cruisers and one dreadnought in that mix… but, generally, yes." Lidanya reached across the gap between them to lay her hand comfortingly on Shepard's forearm. "I have heard how the number of deaths has you greatly concerned, Spectre, so you need to understand our initial death estimates were greatly exaggerated." She squeezed the woman's arm once and dropped her hand, adding, "Just so you know, our updated estimate is relatively low, compared to the twenty-thousand-plus we originally feared."

"How low is relative, Matriarch?" Shepard's shoulders sagged with the burden of sorrow, knowing the number still had to be high.

"Less than eight thousand at this point." Lidanya sighed and, deciding it was time to steer away from such a morbid subject, returned to the discussion at hand. "Anyway… we have digressed to a rather unpleasant topic. I merely meant to explain that Lilia is a battle systems technician, who could provide only biotic augmentation during our required structural repairs. We have plenty of other hands for that… civilian hands with a vested interest, so Lilia is free to leave at any time."

"Thank you, Matriarch." Shepard offered her hands, palms up. "I appreciate the gesture and will gladly take you up on the offer… but I've taken enough of your time. I know we are both exceedingly busy at the moment, with all our after-action repairs and reports."

"That we are, Spectre." Lidanya nodded as she laid her hands gently upon those offered. "I still find it hard to believe you survived the blast that destroyed the Bridge of the Moreh with such relatively minor injury. Go with the Goddess, Shepard… It becomes more and more obvious to me that you and yours are under her care."

Shepard smiled, stepped down from the command platform, and made her way to the main airlock to depart the ship, all the time wondering just how minor her injury was. Never had a 'simple headache' last this long.

Tassrah, Phoenix Massing, At Large – 5 Jan 2189

Ashley Williams looked up as the passageway doors slid aside for XO Leon Rensch and Chief Engineer Greg Adams. She raised a hand and waved the pair into the conference room as they approached the clear door. Saying, "Have a seat, gentlemen," she toggled a control to change the clear panels to an opaque silver. Both officers had been uncomfortably waiting for this meeting – the first since Ashley had returned to the ship from the Quarian conflict.

Handing each of them a datapad, she said, "Is everything in that report an accurate rendering of what took place during my absence, gentlemen?" She answered Leon's questioning glance with a quiet, "Take your time."

After a seemingly long five minutes, Greg placed his datapad on the table and leaned back. "Looks accurate to me, Commander."

Ashley waited until her XO had finished and set his own pad on the table. "Looks pretty bad when it's all spelled out in black and white like that."

Williams first looked at Rensch, then at Adams. "Anything either of you would care to add, or change, or delete from that report?" Studying their glum expressions, she added, "Gentlemen, this is not an inquest. It's not a trial. The Normandy was attacked by a hostile force and was damaged. Other ships in this battle group were totally destroyed… causing the deaths of thousands. By comparison, the Normandy is in good shape… None of this is your fault."

Ashley let out a quiet sigh. "I simply need to make sure this report is an accurate telling of the events that took place on 03 January, in which Normandy was hit by one of two missiles fired by the Quarians. I then need to write letters of condolences to the families of Manos and Donnelly."

Try as he might, Leon couldn't help but feel responsible for their deaths; he started to tell his captain just that when she grinned at him. "Now, I have a treat for you and, especially, Mr Adams." She paused for a moment to pick up a different datapad; after quickly scanning its display, she said, "I've been in contact with Prime Legion and the Council. Due to the extent of the damages to the Normandy's machinery spaces, the estimated time required to restore the ship to full functionality – Legion's words – is sixty days, minimum."

Greg's mouth fell open. He attempted to keep his emotions under control as he responded, "Sixty!? I've seen the amount of damage down there, Ma'am. A crack Alliance repair team would be able… to…"

He trailed off as Ashley held up a hand in a mute appeal for patience. "The Alliance won't be involved in the repairs, Mr Adams; if they were, I guarantee the ship would be down ninety days. SILC repair teams work around the clock – they don't take breaks, don't need sleep…"

Greg nodded his head in understanding. "It just seems there isn't that much damage, Ma'am, but I do see what you mean."

"Besides which," Ashley concluded, "Normandy is no longer an Alliance ship, or have you forgotten whose emblems are painted all over her?" Her expression told Greg she was attempting to keep the mood light, even if her words had a bit of a sting to them; in no way was he prepared for her next bit of news. "The SILC have offered to perform the repairs at Haratar Station… an offer which I gladly accepted. It's the closest facility and, more importantly, the only repair center operated by someone we trust which we can reach relatively quickly at sub-light velocities."

Scrolling through the data displayed on her notepad, she paused, turned it around and handed it across to her chief engineer. "To complete the repairs in the timeliest fashion, the ship's environment will be open to space for much of that time, so we won't be able to stay aboard; plus, the Council needs us to continue our work. Can't accomplish much with our asses planted on a station, no matter where it is, so…"

Greg looked up from studying the datapad. "We're to be assigned to the Nalotir?"

"Everyone, with the possible exception of Edi. Since she is still tied to the Normandy's servers and can operate in a zero atmosphere like the SILC, she'll be taking point on the repair protocols, making sure everything is as good… or better… than before. And, given the SILC reputation for perfection, I would not be surprised to discover a number of improvements integrated into the final product."

Leon nodded thoughtfully as she finished speaking. Standing, he smiled as he said, "Will that be all, Ma'am? Sounds like I need to pack up my gear for a move."

The Spectre grinned at both of them. "Dismissed, gentlemen… and yes, go get packed. We're not needed for the trip to Haratar Station, so I'll make the ship-wide announcement and we'll begin shuttling over to the Nalotir as soon as enough folks are ready."

Normandy SR2, Tassrah, At Large – 6 Jan 2189

The shuttle sat at idle, waiting for the ship's captain to board. Ashley stood and let her eyes wander one more time through the hangar bay. "Take good care of her for us."

"Of course, Williams Spectre." Legion's lights blinked rapidly. "While we were completing fundamental repairs, we discovered the weapon designed by Creator Xen was very similar to the Prothean 'Red Wave' that terminated the Old Machines. The primary difference being its targeting parameters – the weapon focused on organic systems coding instead of Reaper technological patterns. It coopted and rewrote the protection program coding to open a tunnel, which allowed the secondary, explosive charge to traverse the shields and barrier to enter the ship unimpeded."

"Son of a bitch!" Ashley cursed. "So, how come Tali's program didn't stop both missiles… or, worse, let them both through? Why two different results?"

"That was a result of the missile speed and close proximity to the next." Legion paused as he received more data. "Each emitter was capable of scrambling only one decoder at a time, and each missile ran an independent attack. Had the Creators targeted a location that had overlapping emitter coverage, it is highly probable Creator Zorah's defensive net would have defeated the attack attempt."

"Damn it!" Ashley clenched her teeth at how close they had been to escaping damage. "So, all that was needed to protect the ship was to have more emitters mounted on the hull?"

"Not necessarily; in order to guarantee success, the programming would also need to be altered. As written, it does not currently contain a duplication limiter function of any kind. This would be required to ensure each emitter could identify one particular missile and 'tag' it in such a way the next emitter would recognize, forcing it to move to an alternate target. Each missile has an independent targeting identifier, so the required programming changes within the emitter control program should be relatively rudimentary. If it would be acceptable, we can attempt to upgrade this programming during repairs."

"Thank you, Legion." Ashley grinned, thinking about what she had told Greg and Leon regarding getting the ship back in a better-than-new condition. "Please do… Anything else you can think of to improve the Normandy would also be welcome; just be sure to contact me for authorization before you do any additional modifications."

"Understood, Williams Spectre." Legion quickly added, "It is our pleasure to assist. We will contact you via Edi-Normandy should any such questions arise."

"Sounds good." Ashley boarded the shuttle and turned to Legion. "Please remember… I'd like weekly updates at a minimum!"

She would have sworn the SILC was laughing as he responded, "As you command, Williams Spectre." She wanted to ask him what could possibly be humorous to a machine, but the shuttle door had closed as they lifted off, enroute to the crew's temporary home.

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 6 Jan 2189

The first thing Shepard and Liara did after arriving at the Estate was to say a quick hello to the staff… then seek out Spectre and friend, Moises T'Dura. "Thank you, again for providing your services to help Samantha." Liara offered the Spectre a warm smile.

"It was nothing, Lady Liara." Moises grinned. "I've worked with quite a few different Spectres… and, though Shepard may be a bit more brash than many of them, she acts so with the authority and skills to back it up." She turned her focus to the Human and added, "And, I sincerely hope this is not the only time we join forces and work cooperatively, Shepard. There are few with whom I would trust my life… but you certainly make that very short list. Thank you for asking for my help; it was my honor to serve."

"The honor was mine, Moises." Shepard was surprised when T'Dura reached out a single hand for a Human-style shake but reacted quickly to accept the invitation. "If you ever need me to pay back the favor, all you need to do is call and I'll be there as soon as I can. I assure you; the feeling of trust is mutual."

"Then this is goodbye." T'Dura dropped Samantha's hand and modified her words. "Or, perhaps more correctly, until we meet again, Spectre Shepard. Remember what I told you and keep yourself safe. You can't help me if you're dead."

"I will," Shepard answered, chuckling at the questioning look on Liara's face and shaking her head. "I'll explain later, Liara."

With a final wave, Moises quickly boarded the waiting shuttle and was gone.

With a quiet sigh, Shepard reached for Liara and, hand-in-hand, they retreated to their private sanctuary; during the short journey, Samantha told her bondmate about T'Dura's advice regarding her actions on the Bridge of the Moreh. Liara was troubled by the conversation, torn between Shepard's choice, which seemed morally justifiable, and T'Dura's statement.

"I am unsure how to respond, Siame. In my heart I know I would do anything to keep you safe and uninjured… so, even though it makes me feel rather selfish, I would have to side with Moises on this." Liara cast her eyes to the floor in her sense of shame.

"Hey." Shepard reached over and gently lifted the Asari's chin. "And that's okay, Liara. I would expect nothing less from you… and I did promise you that I would always come back." She shrugged slightly and let out a sigh. "So, as morally questionable as it may seem, I know I'll have to think seriously about what Moises advised me next time I find myself in a similar situation."

"But thinking about it and doing it are two very different things, Sam." Liara's anxious gaze fell on the newest scar on her bondmate's face. "Look at what happened this time."

"I know." Gently stroking Liara's face to ease the worry lines there, Shepard added, "But I want to come home to you, always… and not in a box. So, I will do whatever is necessary to make that happen, I swear it."

Liara dropped her eyes again and whispered, "People frequently speak of Spectre overreach… but, may the Goddess forgive me, I find I have to hope that what you say is what you actually do, and you do not end up dead because of an attack of conscience over a known criminal. I believe I could deal with that feeling of guilt much easier than I could stand living without you."

Shepard closed her eyes and pulled Liara close, finding comfort in her arms. "Gráim thú, Ionúin Álainn, and I very much doubt the Goddess will find fault in your desire to keep me well."

"I hope we never have to find out, Siame."

"That would be best…" Shepard smiled softly and pushed back just enough to see Liara's face. "Now. How about we do what we intended to do when we got up here?"

Liara nodded quickly, took a deep breath and blew out her frustration. "Yes. Let's."

Smiling at one another, happy to be home and to have the uncomfortable conversation behind them, they slipped quickly out of their uniforms and slid into their personal spa tub. Shepard groaned in limited relief, still having a subtle, nagging ache thrumming behind her right eye. Feeling her discomfort, Liara knelt in the tub before her to gently massage her Human's head, focusing mostly on her forehead and temple area.

Shepard cracked her eyes open and smiled softly. "Feels good, Blue. I should probably mention this to Alyna and Derek… see if they can figure out why it's taking so long to heal."

"Not a bad idea, but I honestly don't think you need a doctor to tell you it's a headache mostly brought on by stress… not solely from your injury, Samantha." Liara made sure her tone was soft and understanding… not accusatory… as she continued with her tender, loving strokes. "It is a consequence of how much you care for all those around you." Her warm lips pressed softly to Shepard's temple as she murmured, "And I wouldn't have you any other way, Siame."

"Hmmm." Sam's eyes slid closed again as she hummed in pleasure at the soothing pressure, accompanied by the warmth of biotics, which was slowly easing the annoying pain along the side of her head. "I'm glad, Li… because it's the only way I know how to live," she whispered. She felt Liara's breath before she felt the kiss feather across her lips.

Murmuring, "And it's one of the many reasons why I love you," Liara dropped her hand from the side of the woman's head to cup the back of Shepard's neck while deepening the kiss. {Let me know if the meld causes you any discomfort, Samantha.}

Slipping her eyes open once again, Samantha saw obsidian orbs, open in invitation along with the comforting mind that sought their joining. A willing accomplice, Shepard quickly dropped any remaining barriers and whispered quietly through the link to accept Liara's swelling desire. {Embrace Eternity.}

Not remembering exactly how they had gotten from the tub to the bed – but knowing they obviously had done so – Shepard woke from her refreshing slumber, Liara tucked warmly against her, fitting perfectly into her curves as if they had been purposely created as a pair.

{That is because we were, Samantha… We must have been, as I cannot imagine anyone in the galaxy being a more perfect fit for me.}

Tipping her head to place warm lips against the ridges of Liara's crest, Shepard sighed with contentment. "Me neither, Blue."

Liara trailed her hand down Samantha's abdomen and Shepard felt a spike of arousal slip through the link as Liara asked, "Was your sleep restful?"

Shepard smiled and rolled up on her side, looking into Liara's eyes to see darkening rings hinting at their edges. She dropped a hand to Liara's knee and drew it slowly up the inside of the Asari's thigh, eliciting a quiet gasp. She smirked as she asked, "Seriously, T'Soni?"

"Goddess, yes." Liara's eyes darkened a bit more with the teasing stroke and her body trembled as the hand approached the crux of her legs. "I can't help myself, Sam… and I will never be ashamed to admit I desire you." She gasped again, louder, as a finger slid teasingly across her sex.

Knowing she shouldn't tease, Shepard leaned over and captured Liara's mouth as she dived in. {I love you, Liara.} Happy laughter rolled across the link in both directions as Shepard continued her thought. {I'm all for more practice making little blue babies!}

Having rested, the meld was long and deep, the couple easily losing themselves in a shared bliss. Shepard lost all sense of time as they teased and tormented one another to rapture… some unknown number of times. Laying on a tangled pile of covers in an exhausted sweat, Shepard thought she had nothing left to give as lips closed yet one more time on her clit, but Liara's teasing and coaxing tongue would not be denied. Beyond all reasonable expectations, Shepard felt her desire climb… a tremble in her legs foreshadowing the culmination of Liara's efforts to pull her to one final peak.

Grasping weakly at the sheets beneath her, Shepard groaned in pleasure as she felt euphoria surge through her yet one more time. "Gods, T'Soni… Have mercy," she finally managed to squeak out, her breath coming in ragged gasps.

An almost equally exhausted Liara crawled up beside her and collapsed at her side, using the last of her energy to plant a kiss on Shepard's lips, before snuggling once more against her bondmate's side. "That was positively magnificent, Siame," she murmured quietly.

"Gods, I hope so," Samantha managed to chuckle. "I think I'm gonna sleep for a week after that performance!"

"Not a chance…" Liara glanced at the chrono on the nightstand. "We have to be up for dinner in three hours."

"You're killin' me, T'Soni." Shephard groaned and rolled up on her side, pulling her lover close as she closed her eyes, whispering, "But I'll be ready by then, I promise."

Liara giggled in her own exhaustion. "Well… I'm glad that one of us will be… because I doubt very much that I will be awake yet."

Tassrah, Phoenix Massing, At Large – 6 Jan 2189

Ashley Williams looked around the flight deck of the Spectre vessel Nalotir – confiscated from the rogue faction of Quarians attempting to re-enslave the SILC – as she made ready to depart the Phoenix Massing. During her entire career with the Alliance – first, as an Operations Chief in the Marines, then as a Navy Lieutenant Commander, she had previously been assigned to only two warships – Normandy SR-1 and the SR-2. Seems I'm destined to spend more time on confiscated vessels than our own.

The interior layout of this vessel – designated as a fast-attack frigate – was as different from the Normandy SR-2 as night and day. In addition to the ship's commander, the Flight Deck was crewed by a pilot, a navigator, a communications officer and a weapons control officer; there was no CIC on this ship.

Joker was not happy… to hear him tell it – and she had, several times, during the four hours they'd been aboard – the pilot's seat was not nearly as comfortable as his own chair on the Normandy. Ashley suspected his main complaint with the chair was that it already had the impression of a Quarian's narrow ass imprinted in the cheap upholstery. She also suspected the snarky flight-lieutenant would find a subtle way to 'pay her back' for her lack of sympathy for his tender ass. After inspecting the Navigator's position, she assigned Leon Rensch to the post.

Ashley hadn't spent as much time as she would have liked getting to know the woman that had taken Garrus' position as weapons control officer; Senior Chief Petty Officer Regina Hansen generally spent all of her on-duty time in the forward battery on deck three, fine-tuning the Thanix cannon's 'calibrations'. Williams had jokingly commented once that she was very much similar to Vakarian in that aspect of her job and was not surprised when Hansen had thanked her for the compliment. Ashley welcomed the Senior Chief to the flight deck as she moved to take her position among the crew.

With Sheldon Dubow rounding out the flight deck crew as the Nalotir's communications officer, the Spectre looked around at her team. Activating her ear-mounted comms device, she called her engineering chief. "Commander Adams. Are you ready to see what this ship can do?"

She grinned at his enthusiastic reply – having a new ship with a near state-of-the-art propulsion system to tinker with had seemingly taken his mind off the unhappy news he had to help her deliver on the CGC. "This thing should be able to really haul ass, Captain. All of us down here are ready to go!"

Sitting back in her centrally-located command chair, she directed her attention to Leon, saying, "Mr Rensch, lay in a course for Widow. Joker, take us to the CGC, best speed."

As both replied, "Aye, Ma'am," Ashley felt a slight vibration in the deck underneath her chair and feet; the clouds of gas and star field visible out the viewports wheeled around as Joker turned the ship for the Relay. Joker added, "Twenty minutes out to the relay, Ma'am."

"Acknowledged, Flight Lieutenant." Ashley crossed one leg over the knee of the other as she watched the ship's progress on the nearby projection well. She had discussed their proposed course with Leon; they had concluded that taking a trip through their own local cluster before arriving in the Serpent Nebula would be much faster than the alternate path leading through four intervening relays. She listened in on the reports being filed with her XO as they got closer to the relay. Deciding to go deal with the unpleasant task awaiting her, she rose from her chair, told Rensch she would be in her quarters, then quietly left the flight deck.

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 7 Jan 2189

The first thing the next morning, Shepard was awakened by the soft chime of her omnitool. Liara groaned and rolled away as Samantha propped herself up on an elbow to read the incoming message. She turned back and gave Liara a soft kiss on her warm cheek, whispering, "Mozia and your father are here, Grá mo chroí."

Attempting to blink away her sleepiness, Liara asked quietly, "What time is it?"

"It's only eight, Blue." Shepard rolled back to her side and swung her feet over the side, rising from the bed. "Take your time… I'll welcome them, find out what's up, and let you know."

"I imagine they are here regarding 'Ana and Iryna," Liara sighed. "That's my father… always right on top of any personnel changes, especially if it involves my personal guards."

"She loves you, Li, and simply wants to see you safe." Shepard smiled softly. "And, it just so happens that's a concern I also take very seriously. If that's the reason for their presence here, I can handle it as Captain of the T'Soni guard, if you prefer to sleep in a bit more."

"No… tell them I'll be down in a bit. I need to take a cool shower to wake myself up."

Shepard had already started dressing as they talked and walked around to Liara's side of the bed as she tucked in her shirt. She assisted her siame to her feet, then pulled her into a close embrace, where she gently touched their foreheads together. "That's a shame, because you're nice and warm… and I'd rather you stay naked in bed… for me to find later."

"I know better." Liara pushed away and let out a short chortle before continuing, "You'll get all caught up with the day and I'd have to stay in bed for hours before you'd show up again."

"Acht." The expression of disgust was followed by a chuckle as Shepard turned to leave. "You're probably right. Anyway… I'll head down and see what's up." She stopped and glanced back over her shoulder, her adoration for Liara obvious in her tone. "Love you."

Liara smiled softly, a soft glow appearing on her cheeks as she replied, "I love you, too, Sam."

"What the fuck were you thinking, Shepard?" Aethyta's growl welcomed the Spectre the very moment she walked into the den, before she had even physically seen the visitors.

"Thyta!" Mozia chastised. "It wasn't the Captain's fault… You, better than most, understand the risks of combat! You've seen enough of it!"

As Aethyta continue to maintain her angry, dour expression, an immediately annoyed Shepard located her in the room and looked her in the eye, asking, "Exactly which point are you referring to, Matriarch? 'Ana's or Iryna's death, the incident with the mad bomber, or the strategy for the whole damned confrontation?"

Before the unscheduled reunion could entirely explode in argument, Mozia walked between them and gently grasped one of Shepard's hands; with her free hand, she reached up and softly ran a caring fingertip across the length of Shepard's newest scar. "A few centimeters lower and this could have been very bad. You could have lost your eye. How are you feeling?"

"Generally good… but the headache returns pretty fast when I have to deal with politicians…" Unforgiving, Shepard cast a scathing glance at Aethyta and added, "…or argumentative, intractable matriarchs."

As Aethyta's ire rose, Mozia shook her head in disapproval. "Please, Shepard. Aethyta is brash enough as it is, I don't need you goading her into an actual altercation. She's just concerned about you… and you staying alive for Liara. She doesn't know how to express her fear appropriately, so falls back on anger and aggression."

Mozia's words actually made Aethyta look a bit ashamed and Shepard relaxed her posture. "Yeah, I know that… It's that we just got home yesterday afternoon and haven't really had a chance to unwind… and deal with our losses." Her eyes went back to Aethyta. "And I am sorry, Aethyta. I'm just not used to being attacked in my own home… especially first thing in the morning before I'm completely awake, and by my family, no less."

Shepard glanced around the room and located the serving tray she knew Lyessa would have delivered upon the arrival of their guests. "If we're to speak civilly, I need some coffee." Her eyes returned to her guests. "Can I get you anything? Tea? Kaffe?" Looking pointedly at Aethyta, she asked, "Ryncol?"