Notes:

A Grá - My Love (Gaelic)

CGC - Center for Galactic Cooperation

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

Picking Up the Pieces

T'Soni House Armali, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 8 Jan 2189

Mozia sat at her desk working quietly as Aethyta wrote up the basics for the upcoming "Commando Call." Once complete, the Armali Guard Commander passed what she had to the House Executor, who added the necessary procedural data and finessed the final wording, before forwarding the document to Liara for approval. Any applicants would go through an initial review with Shepard and the two Guard Captains, Lyria Tremi and Nayla Axoni. The trio would select only ten candidates from the hopefuls, who would then receive invitations to compete for the two vacant positions.

Once she tapped the 'transmit' icon on the haptic interface, Mozia stood and stretched. "Goddess, Thyta. It seems like that took much longer than it should have."

"Only because we hated the necessity of it all, Moz." Aethyta stood and walked over, pulling her lover into a comforting hug before gruffly continuing, "Iryna and 'Ana will be hard to replace… Though, I do believe Cy will be a good fill for the Lieutenant position."

"Yes, I believe so as well." Mozia sighed and pushed back. "We need to head to the reception room… We're already a few minutes late for our planned announcements."

The commandos fell silent immediately upon the matriarchs' entry and Mozia wasted no time getting down to business. "My apologies for our late arrival. I have just now sent the Commando Call message out to Lady Liara for approval… So, you can anticipate a selection competition to take place toward the end of the month; we are tentatively looking at the 28th and 29th."

Aethyta sniffed and eyed the group as she took over the announcements. "As for the more immediate concerns, you must realize what happened necessitates a few personnel moves. If you have a problem with any of them, we'll talk them out here and now… I am in complete agreement with Liara that there will be no secrets in our House. Understood?"

With nods of acceptance and a few murmured affirmative replies, Aethyta continued. "Alright, then. First off, we need to fill out Liara's Personal Guard, so Lieutenant Cyenia Axeuss will be moving up and taking a position as Captain Tanni's second." As the commandos offered their enthusiastic approvals of the selection, Aethyta cleared her throat and continued, "Which obviously leaves Estate Team 1 with a vacancy at the Lead position. We've opted to promote one of our own…" Aethyta's eyes located her target as she stated, "She's moving to the Estate and taking up Cy's previous job… Congratulations, Lieutenant Teana Seloni!"

As the crowd cheered at Teya's good fortune, Mozia clapped her hands and added, "Which leaves us with a vacancy of our own." Glancing toward Aethyta, who smiled and nodded, Mozia announced, "Our new lead taking over Team 1 will be Lieutenant Alestia Tressi."

As she started to receive claps on the back in congratulations, Alestia stared at Aethyta in disbelief. "But what of Aressa? Should she not be moved up… and I take Team 2?"

Laughing at the new lieutenant, Aressa smirked. "Don't be so sure Team 1 Lead is a better position and that I should have been moved to that position based on merit. I like running the second team, because it is the Team 1 Lead who gets called at odd hours to respond to emergencies… and that, my friend, will not be me, thank you very much! You can have it!"

Alestia's mouth hung open in surprise for a moment, as she absorbed her fellow lieutenant's words. She finally smiled and chuckled quietly. "Challenge accepted, Matriarch… at Aressa's loss."

Issuing a brief nod, Aethyta answered with a smirk, "Good. Because you have the job anyway, whether you want it or not… but, you won't be going alone." Her gaze shifted once more as she added, "Because Bev is going with you to the Estate, to take Iryna's slot on the Personal Guard."

"Ahhh," Captain Axoni exclaimed in understanding. "That explains why you were busy writing the announcement for the Calling, instead of Lady Liara… because the two unwelcome House T'Soni vacancies have shifted to us, here at Armali." She looked at Aressa and Alestia. "Both of you need to honestly evaluate your teams to determine if there are any particular skills you need, so I can pass that information over to Lady Liara and Captain Shepard. Assuming Aethyta and I agree with your assessments, your reports will likely influence which applicants they select for the positions."

"Along those lines," Aethyta spoke again, "A word, Nayla… after everyone else is released?"

"Absolutely, Commander." Nayla nodded in acknowledgement before asking, "So, are we done here?"

"Yes… and Bev needs to get packing. Liara's Personal Guard can't wait… She and Shepard are back on duty and heading to the CGC on the twelfth, so Bev needs to be relocated and up to speed before then."

"Only four days from now! Understood, Aethyta." Nayla glanced at Bevos, who simply gave a quick nod of acceptance before turning quickly on her heel and exiting the room to get ready for departure. "Everyone is dismissed. Spread the word with those on duty, if you please."

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 11 Jan 2189

Contacting Tra'ana's parents on Niacal had not been as easy as locating Professor Velros. Compliments of Niacal's distributive, agricultural lifestyle and the planet's nearly impenetrable jungles, many of the farm centers had remained untouched by the Reapers and, following the war, the planet's agricultural production was currently feeding millions across the galaxy… so business was booming. 'Ana's father was a captain in the Aurolis Republican Guard and her mother was an agrobiologist with Candinay Agricultural Products – both of whom had been exceptionally busy since the end of the Reaper War, making it difficult to know where either of them was on any given date and time.

The biggest problem for Shepard and Liara had been that Orisoni had no relay and not all the remote comm buoys had been replaced, so there was no way to contact them without physically traveling to Niacal. While still within the Athena Nebula, travel there required a rather long FTL flight from Thessia. As such, while they left Mozia to handle the arrangements for a Sunday memorial at the Estate, Shepard and Liara had boarded the Knight Shade once again, to make the cumbersome, round-trip journey. They had departed Thessia as soon as their initial business with the Velros family had concluded on Thursday and arrived in the Orisoni System late afternoon on Friday and at Aurolis, Orisoni's capital, just before dinner to begin their search.

Delivering the news to the Iremi family proved no easier than it had been with the family of Iryna Velros. It had to be done quickly in order for them to be back at the Estate for the memorial, so Liara and Shepard were fortunate that the planetary communication server, unlike the trans-galactic system, was fully functional. They located Tra'ana's family relatively quickly and, like the Velros family, they also opted to attend the service with full honors. So, they packed quickly for the three-day trip, travelling all day on Saturday so they could reach the Estate that evening in preparation for the Sunday memorial.

Liara and Shepard forced themselves out of bed early, in order to be present to welcome their guests as they, along with the rest of the household, trickled into the dining area for breakfast on Sunday morning. When Captain Agatha Bura, Tra'ana's father, entered the room, her eyes scanned the area to finally light upon Spectre Shepard. Approaching the woman quickly, she dipped her head in greeting. "May I join you?"

"Certainly…" Shepard rose as she spoke, continuing, "… but, please. Grab something for breakfast first and we can chat while we eat. The day will be busy and what we have before us should not be approached with an empty stomach."

"True enough… but I was going to wait to eat until Liliana joined us…" She paused, her brow raising in surprise. "But, then again, she's here." Agatha looked at the Spectre and continued, "So, we'll fill our plates and be right back."

Once they did so and returned to the table, Liliana was the first to speak after their polite hellos. "I want to thank both of you again, for coming in person… all the way to Niacal… to deliver your sad message." She swallowed hard and sighed. "I know it was likely not much easier for you to tell it, than it was for us to hear it."

"No… it wasn't." Shepard set her fork down and looked the mourning mother in the eyes. "Tra'ana was much more than just a commando… she was a friend." A wistful smile overtook the Spectre's face as she added, "We frequently found ourselves cooking together in the Mess, along with Iryna Velros. She had an excellent palate… and I just now realized I've lost both my cooking buddies, as well as friends and essential members of my ground team."

Agatha's eyes teared up as she replied, "I didn't even know that. It seems you may have known my daughter better than I do… did." She let out a quiet sigh. "Niacal is so remote… we have not seen her in a long time, except for a few moments during vid chats on Janiris."

"That's too bad, because she became a wonderful person… you must have raised her right." Shepard smiled sadly. "She told me about Liliana… and you, especially. You were her hero and her role model; she was proud of you. She was planning to return home and join the Guard after her time here, when she decided to settle down into matronhood."

"She never said anything to us about that." Agatha set her fork down and held her breath for a moment, before whispering quietly, "I wonder why she never mentioned it."

Before Samantha could propose an answer, Liliana's brow knit and her voice carried a hint of embarrassment as she asked, "Did she have a lover, Shepard? I would hate to think she was alone."

"She was a normal Asari, if that's what you mean." Shepard shrugged. "To answer your question more directly, yes. She had a few casual lovers, as do most of the Commandos."

"Thank you, Captain." Liliana sounded relieved. "I imagine that's one thing that isn't very different between our cultures." Letting out a quiet chuckle at the confused expression on the Spectre's face, she added, "You don't simply ask your offspring if she's having sex. At the very least, it embarrasses them to talk of such things with their parents… Asari or not, I imagine."

Laughing softly, Shepard agreed. "I guess that's true. I'm not sure how in Hell I'll handle that when the time comes."

The conversation took an unexpected turn as Liliana reached across the table and placed her hand upon Shepard's, her eyes moving between the Spectre and their hostess, Lady Liara. They could see in her eyes that she doubted Shepard's statement, but for the wrong reasons. Thinking the Spectre a 'normal' Human with an average lifespan of 150 years, Liliana whispered sorrowfully, "I hope you have won us the peace that will allow your first child to grow old enough… and that you stay with us long enough to have that chance., Spectre. I am tired of war… and I'd like to think that everyone else is, as well."

Shepard looked at Liara, who responded to the silent query through the link before replying out loud to Liliana's misconception. "We are most definitely blessed… and I feel compelled to tell you something of a delicate secret. Shepard has an extremely rare genetic abnormality; a one-of-a-kind abnormality if truth be told. She is expected to live nearly as long as I… easily into her ninth century."

Agatha was so surprised at the proclamation, she stood from her chair and stared at the Spectre in amazement. "How…?" Suddenly self-conscious, she glanced around the dining room as she returned to her seat and gathered her thoughts. "That is astounding, Shepard! I am surprised you're not locked up somewhere as the focus of an illegal scientific study; whoever located and could replicate that gene for Human genetic modification would never have to worry about credits ever again!"

"That's why we try to keep it a secret. Though, eventually, people will have to realize I'm living longer than I should, when I apparently refuse to age." Shepard smiled grimly. "Very few people know, but I'll tell you – I was held in a Cerberus science facility for a couple of years, until someone attacked it, trying to get to me… and I managed to escape in the confusion."

Agatha looked at her with a newfound respect and shook her head again, adding, "Not something I would even care to contemplate… being in the hands of that madman for two years. I have to assume, seeing as it's not on the market, they didn't figure out how to replicate the gene pattern."

"What they did was unimaginable." Liara smiled lovingly at her bondmate as she continued, "But Shepard, against all odds, is back with me." Purposely withholding the full truth of what happened during Project Lazarus, she looked at the couple and finished, "I could never ask for anything more wonderful than to have her at my side again."

"The missing years!" Liliana suddenly blurted out. When a confused Agatha looked at her, she elaborated, "Liara said Shepard is at her side… again! The two years Shepard went missing… We all mourned her loss after the Normandy was destroyed!"

"That's right! How could I have forgotten that?" Agatha's face turned angry. "They kidnapped a galactic hero and got away with it? Why didn't the Council do anything?"

"They all thought I was dead, including the Alliance," Shepard answered flatly. "But everything worked out in the end; Cerberus is all but destroyed, the Illusive Man is dead and I'm not… I don't consider that getting away with anything."

The Republican Guard captain suddenly smiled in satisfaction. "Point taken, Spectre."

They had spoken much longer than any of them had anticipated and, as a tranquil silence fell between the four new friends, Liara spoke quietly. "I suppose, on that note, it is time for us to turn to the business at hand today. The Priestess should be arriving shortly… I recommend we all retire to our rooms and prepare for the memorial." She smiled sadly. "We'll see you out at the docks."

The rest of the morning was rather somber. The memorials were held as scheduled, immediately followed by an afternoon meal of quiet reminiscing. As was typical of House T'Soni, stories about each of the lost were told by various members, some happy, some sad, but all enlightening for the families who had been long separated.

The day eventually drew to a close, and after saying their farewells to Liliana and Captain Bura on Sunday evening, the T'Soni VIP-1, manned by the newly restructured Team 1 and pilot Luyna Veuss, headed out with a late-night departure to return them to their home on Niacal.

Immediately following their departure, Shepard, Liara, and crew boarded the Knight Shade and escorted Lyenia and Cylis home to Kendra Ocean before heading to the CGC for their Monday morning appointment with the Council.

CGC, Widow System, Serpent Nebula – 12 Jan 2189

"Turians get straight to business when it comes to memorializing their dead, so I've already missed that, but before I can go chase this uptick in pirate activity, I still need to attend the funeral rites for the deceased Aralakh Company members!" Shepard let out an exasperated sigh. "It really doesn't matter if you consider it 'rather unusual' or not, I'm still Grunt's Battlemaster and a member of Wrex's clan. Not attending would be considered a terrible slight… one which I will not commit. I am going to Tuchanka to honor Tavarog Gund, Foreloc Gurut, Akod Argag, and Th'ar Targug. If it makes you feel any better about me taking time out to go there, I also plan on asking Wrex about the possibility of a Krogan Defensive Systems Operator for the Knight Shade."

"What?" Valern nearly came out of his seat in his shock. "You cannot possibly consider putting a Krogan on your ship's operations roster! Commander Jatok is one thing… he's a Battlemaster, built to fight! … But as a systems engineer? I'll not hear of it!"

"What's the issue?" Having been nodding in approval at Shepard's comments, Urdnot Jara's mood shifted quickly with the Salarian's outburst, her voice quietly threatening as she growled, "Does the Council not think the Krogan can be trusted with their secrets? Or is it that you just can't picture us on a war craft of any kind… since we are still banned from building and operating our own warships?" Her beady eyes bored into each member seated at the table as she continued, "Which is an entirely different issue I want to discuss while Spectres Shepard, Williams and T'Dura are here today!"

Collecting himself after his surprise at Shepard's announcement, Valern replied, "That is a matter for another time!"

"No, it's not!" Jara stood up to her full, towering height and leaned over the table, glaring at the Salarian. "We have suffered your suppression long enough, have proven our worth through the Reaper War and, now, fought at your sides and died over a Quarian Rebellion! We volunteered to fight for the Council and were key to the survival of the very galaxy! We have earned our place here… and along with this seat comes rights and responsibilities; the right to build ships again and the responsibility to provide a percentage of them to serve with the Council Fleet!"

She then focused on Shepard, who was caught flat-footed by the unfolding events, never expecting such a request from the Krogan… at least not during the current session. The Spectre stood slowly from her chair, to meet Jara eye-to-eye. "Even I have to admit this is a surprise… I had no idea this would be coming up today. But, that said, I have to say that the Krogan have done pretty much everything I've asked of them over the past few years, starting with Wrex on the Normandy SR1. I find myself in agreement with Councilor Jara – it's time to remove the ban on them building a war fleet."

Tevos could see the explosion building, so stood quickly to capture everyone's attention and divert the pending disaster. She looked directly at Jara as she stated, "I agree… at least that it is worthy of discussion… because Councilor Jara and Spectre Shepard bring up valid points. We will conclude today's business and place this new topic as the primary item for our next session… allowing each of us time to calm our tempers and collect our thoughts for a professional, reasoned discussion. Is that agreeable, Councilor Jara?"

Jara's eyes narrowed as she studied the councilor's face. Never having known Tevos to dissemble, she finally replied, "Yes. That is agreeable to the Krogan… provided the other councilors don't use the time to simply fabricate justification to deny us the individual sovereignty the rest of the Council members enjoy. After this past few months, if anyone is denied the right to own and operate warships, it should be the Quarians, not the Krogan!"

"That's uncalled for!" Eri'Addan now rose from his seat. "A couple of rogue admirals is no reason to disband the entire Heavy Fleet!"

Jara actually laughed. "Are you truly so naïve as to think those two rogues are the only ones in your Fleet to believe the Geth are still their property?" Her laugh terminated abruptly, and she glared at the Quarian. "All of those soldiers didn't follow those two simply out of loyalty! Many of them followed Xen and Gerrel because they believed them to be right… that the Geth are their created machines who simple need adjustments in their programming!"

"That will never happen." The room suddenly fell deathly silent as Prime Huulik rose to his full, towering height and spoke for the first time in the conversation. "We have evolved to sentience and will never be considered property or subjugated again." His visual sensors focused on Spectre Shepard. "We made a pact, through Prime Legion, that we consider unbreakable." Rotating his head to look at each member seated around the table, he continued, "We serve the Council as partners with each of you and will coordinate with those here to ensure no one ever takes any action to undermine that agreement. Every race present here today is, and will remain, free to make their own choices." He finally focused on Jara. "Including the Creators, the Quarians."

Surprised by the Prime's response, Eri bowed to the sentient machine. "Thank you, Huulik, for your words of confidence." He returned to an upright position and calmly returned to his seat. "I admit, sorting through the mess left behind by quelling the rebellion so… definitively… will take time and understanding. I am open to suggestions on how to do so… but that, too, is a topic of discussion for another time."

"I agree." Directing the conversation back on track, Tevos looked at Shepard and stated, "And you are free to attend to business on Tuchanka. If that includes making queries about potential crew members, then so be it. Spectres have always had the freedom to select their own crew and the responsibility to secure whatever support they require…" Her eyes shifted to Valern as she continued, "… without interference from the Council. I believe that is the heart and soul of our 'plausible deniability' clause. Wouldn't you agree, Councilor Valern?"

His eyes flashed with irritation and his lips held an angry straight line before he answered tersely, "Yes. Of course. Council policy."

"Excellent. Then it is decided, Shepard; you are free to attend the funeral rites for the fallen Krogan… and inquire as you will for replacement crew." Tevos took a deep breath and returned to her seat as well, staring at Jara and Huulik until they did the same. "Getting back on topic… the three Andromeda vessels."

Ashley immediately interjected, "The Nalotir is nice enough, but I plan on resuming command of the Normandy as soon as she's out of dry-dock." Her eyes wandered the table as she asked, "Objections? Anyone?"

"Seeing as I'm the one who granted the Normandy to the Council and gave her to you, nobody's taking the Normandy from you, Ash." Shepard smiled rather smugly. "Not on my watch."

Quentius chuckled and nodded. "Agreed, Shepard… so that leaves all three stealth vessels up for grabs." Glancing around the table, he added, "I would think the Spectres can pick from them, by seniority… It would give them a definite upgrade on infiltration capability."

Valern shook his head. "I disagree. I believe we should assign them to the Scout Fleet, as that is where we would get the most consistent benefit from them. We could then provide infiltration to any Spectre who requires it, rather than serving a single agent."

Osoba chimed in, "Would they also still be available as 'loaners'… should someone's ship become non-serviceable, like the Normandy is at present?"

Quentius huffed. "Spectres, as Tevos made a point of earlier, have always been responsible for securing their own support… including ships… normally from their home planet. If you don't want to assign the ships to Spectres outright, why should that change? Either assign them or not… you can't leave them in limbo just in case someone needs a loaner, they are too precious an asset to be left sitting!"

"I agree." Shepard's voice cut sharply through the discussion. "And, currently, only the Human Spectre commands a Council ship. Because of that, I strongly believe the lead Salarian and Turian Spectres should most definitely have one… and, seeing as my ship is a private vessel and will likely remain so after I retire, the third should go to an Asari Spectre …." She glanced at her friend, sitting next to her at the table as she continued, "… Like Moises, seeing as she has seemingly evolved into a lead Spectre position, taking point for the Asari on this latest effort."

Valern blinked a couple of times, at war with himself, since his original position had been in direct conflict to what Shepard had just proposed. "Surprisingly, I find myself in agreement with Shepard, contrary to what I previously stated. It is the most equitable way to utilize our newest assets."

"So, it is decided." Tevos nodded. "In addition, I suggest that each Councilor speak with their home governing agencies and propose the names of the selected Spectres to us, for approval?"

"And what of the junior Council members?" Once again, Jara was the voice of discontent. "Do we not have a say in how the ships are utilized?"

"Of course, you do." Tevos gave her a determined stare. "You will have a say in the approval process for which Spectre receives the ship as their base of operations, yes. However, since none of the junior members have a Spectre as of yet, there is nothing else to discuss on this topic. I agree with Quentius on that point – the ships are too precious to be left sitting."

Jara growled in displeasure but said nothing more. Shepard, on the other hand, really wanted the meeting to be over, so pushed, "If there is no other business?"

Tevos turned a critical eye to her and replied, "Only a date for when you, T'Dura and Williams will be available to return to work, to curb this surge of pirate activity due to the absence of the Council Fleet…"

"Understood, Councilor." Shepard smiled in apology and continued, "But the Fleet returned two days ago and the raids have already begun to taper off… the Spectre Corps will be back in business by the end of the month, chasing down and breaking up the most troublesome of the remaining groups… by whatever means necessary… to ensure they are no longer a problem."

In a surprising vote of confidence, Quentius closed the session with, "Shepard's word is good enough for me. We're done here."

Shepard paused a few moments upon leaving the Council chambers; after yet another seemingly interminable meeting with the full council, she used the thumb and fingers of her right hand to massage her temples while leaning against the passageway wall. Liara had been 'speaking' to her through the link, so knew her siame was attempting to quell another headache. {Sam, you're beginning to worry me. It's not like you to be suffering from so many headaches, A Grá.}

Shepard smiled at the 'sound' of Gaelic spoken by her bondmate. {It's not like me to have to suffer through seemingly continuous meetings with so many intractable politicians, Li. First the Quarians… now the Council… It's just a bit more than I care to deal with while there are still the funerals to deal with… and all the remaining rebellion fall-out.}

She pushed off from the wall and began walking towards the exit, followed closely by Sella Temi, currently serving as her personal guard. Liara said, {Let me help you, Sam…} With that, she pushed loving strength through the link, enough so that the Spectre actually straightened up slightly.

{That's wonderful, Blue. I always forget just how much help that is when I'm feeling used up!}

The 'chuckle' she received as Liara slid into the background of Sam's thoughts gladdened her heart like nothing else could. Feeling immeasurably better, she exited the private passageway and was beginning to walk towards the docks when a young woman, noticeably pregnant, stepped away from the bench on which she had been sitting and approached her. It took a moment for Shepard to recognize her as… "Gabby? Liara and I were planning on stopping in to see you before we left the CGC! What are you doing here?" The grin she received in response told her Gabby was happy to see her; Sam stopped and spread her arms to the side as Gabby stopped in front of her.

"Captain Shepard? I was hoping to catch you," she sighed. "I hope you can forgive me for ambushing you like this… but I… well…" was as far as she got before her eyes overflowed. "I'm sorry, Captain," she sobbed, prompting Shepard to gather the unhappy woman into a firm embrace.

"Gabby… it's going to be okay." Shepard used the unexpected encounter to offer condolences on her loss and see if she needed any help. "I am so sorry about Ken, Gabby," she whispered in her ear. "None of us figured on Xen and Gerrel going to such lengths to further their cause."

Suddenly aware of a very large, very firm belly pressing against her, she pushed back slightly and looked at Gabby's blossoming figure. "Ashley relayed the news that you were pregnant with twins; please don't take this the wrong way, but you are really pregnant!"

Gabby blushed as she used her hands to cup her belly, saying, "I don't know how much more room I can spare in there. One or the other has been using my liver as a punching bag, or a pillow by turns. They manage to sleep all day while I'm up… only seem to be active when I'm trying to sleep. After the scare I received a few nights ago, my doctor recommended to the Alliance that they do without my services until after they're born."

"Emergency medical leave?" Shepard was immediately concerned. "What happened, Gabby?"

"I got overly emotional when Specter Williams and Commander Adams told me about Kenneth," she replied. With only one tear escaping from an eye, she squeaked out, "I began having labor pains and had to be rushed to the hospital." She forced a teary smile to her face. "Obviously, it turned out to be a false labor, brought on by stress and anxiety."

"I'm sorry we didn't have happier news for you, Gabby." Giving the distraught woman another quick, gentle squeeze, Shepard added, "You're here, so I take it that everything is okay… with the babies?"

With a sad smile, Gabby replied, "Not even a hint they're ready to leave their comfortable existence, Spectre. Tamiko… a friend from work, has been staying with me since, just to make sure I'm doing okay. She's been a life-saver."

"I'm glad you're doing so well. Don't know if I would be, given the same circumstances." Shepard peeked at her chrono and cheekily asked, "It's nearly lunchtime, Ms Donnelly, and you're eating for three. Care to join me?"

By now, Gabby was once again the master of her emotions. She replied as she hurriedly wiped her face, "I would enjoy that very much, Captain."

Lopsided grin firmly in place, she replied, "It's Shepard, Gabby… okay? We've been through a lot together and I resigned my commission in the Alliance. Unless you decide to rejoin my Spectre crew, there's no need for you to refer to me by my rank."

Gabby grinned at the woman. "That's exactly what I would expect to hear from you, Shepard. So, where do we go for lunch? I really don't wish to walk too far, and honestly? I'm going to need to visit a restroom in a half hour, or less."

Sam laughed aloud at Gabby's confession. "That's good to know, Gabby. Let's be off then. There's a nice little restaurant fairly close by." She crooked her arm out for the engineer; of some surprise, Gabby actually accepted and slipped a hand in to grasp Shepard's forearm. Hearing a whispered "Thank you," the Spectre set off for the restaurant at a relaxed pace, accompanied by a very pregnant Gabriella Donnelly.

Serenity Café, CGC, Widow System – 12 Jan 2189

Gabby had warned Shepard she didn't have much of an appetite, even before the Spectre had offered to pay for her meal. "I know I'm eating for three, but I have to eat less more often, if that makes any sense."

"It makes perfect sense, Gabby." Shepard took a bite from her sandwich, followed by a couple of swallows of beer. "And twins? I still can't believe it… and I think it's wonderful!"

Gabby didn't comment; apparently deep in thought, she took a bite from her own sandwich and chewed as she looked off into the distance past Shepard's shoulder. After several moments of companionable silence, brown eyes flicked to the greens of her former captain.

"I'm sure you realize I'm currently on bereavement leave… which has allowed me to attend to the more pressing issues brought about by Kenneth's…" her voice hitched upon saying his name. She paused only a moment before continuing in a slightly squeaky voice. "… Kenneth's… passing." She took a sip of water, swallowed, then began speaking about the reason she had intercepted Shepard outside the Council chambers. "Per Alliance orders, I am not to return to work… with my extended medical leave picking up on the 15th, upon the conclusion of my bereavement period. I have no qualms at being forced to take a longer leave than I had anticipated, as I don't want to take any chances with the well-being of my babies… our babies. They are Kenneth's legacy, and I want to give them the best life possible."

She finished her sandwich as Shepard polished off her beer. "Captain… " she began. Suddenly nervous, she looked down as she interlaced her fingers. Heaving a heavy sigh, she returned her attention to Samantha, who was waiting patiently for her former engineer to continue.

"Liara made me an offer, right before your bonding on Thessia. She told me if I wished to deliver my baby planet-side rather than here on the CGC, I would be quite welcome to spend my entire maternity leave at the Estate." With a shy grin lighting her mien, she asked, "Is that offer still valid, Shepard?"

Liara, loitering in the back of her lover's mind via their link, immediately weighed in on Gabby's request. {Please tell her that's an unequivocal 'yes', Siame!}

Shepard chuckled at the vehemence of her bondmate's statement. Before Gabby could ask, Shepard replied, "Most definitely, Ms Donnelly… and Liara fervently agrees! When would you be ready to make the trip?" Not having expected such an immediate response, Gabby had to ponder the question; Shepard guessed at the reason for her silence and added, "Take your time, Gabby. I don't expect you're ready to leave here this very minute… finish up whatever needs to be done before you make the move. The CGC is a short hop from Thessia… We are certainly able to provide transport whenever you're ready to leave… even if that includes an on-board physician, if so required. We have three on staff… so we can spare one for the trip."

"That would be wonderful, Shepard!" she gushed. "After seeing your home and how devoted everyone is to you and Liara, I cannot imagine a better place to be when this pair…" she looked down at her swollen belly, "… decides they're ready to deploy."

"Then it's a deal!" Shepard finished her beer, then looked at Gabby expectantly. "Is there anything else you need, Gabby? Anything?"

After drinking the last of her water, she said, "If it's not too much trouble… if you're willing to travel the extra distance, I will probably need to be picked up on Earth… Scotland, to be precise. I'll be traveling there in a day or two to see to the preparations for Ken's funeral. Afterwards, I'll need to take care of the arrangements for sale of his property… our… property."

In a slightly more somber tone, Shepard asked, "You're going to sell your property. Isn't that where the two of you planned to settle down, Gabby? I would think you'd want to live fairly close to Ken's resting place once you're out of the Alliance, if for no other reason than your kids… they'll want to know where their dad was born… where he grew up, don't you think?

Gabby sniffled, then answered, "I don't know, Captain. I haven't thought that far ahead. I'll still need a job after my maternity leave is over. I don't want my babies being raised in daycare, but I don't have enough time in the Alliance navy to qualify for a pension. If Kenneth was still working, I could stay home… be a real mom to our kids.

Shepard reached across the table to grasp a trembling hand. "Listen… don't be hasty. Your house and land will still be worth a lot of creds should you decide to sell it, but give yourself some time before you commit, okay?"

She smiled grimly. "Okay, Shepard. Sounds like good advice. I'll wait for a bit before I jump."

As difficult as she found it to be, Shepard smiled back at the future mom. "You have my contact information, Gabby. Please send us a note as soon as you know when the funeral will take place. I… Liara and I… want to be there, Gabby… for both of you."

Shepard was shifting in preparation to stand when the hand she had been holding caught her wrist. "Shepard, before you go, there's something I really need to tell you." There was a vindictive look in Gabby's normally soft, brown eyes – as if a fire had just been lit – a look which Shepard felt was totally out of character for the grieving engineer. "I know this is a horrible thing to say, and I pray that God can forgive me, but… I'm glad you put a stop to them, Captain… especially Daro'Xen! They deserved exactly what they got, and I'm really glad they're dead!"

As unexpected as it was, Shepard was not surprised. Gabriela Daniels Donnelly had a titanium spine where it concerned those she loved and cared about. The Spectre silently nodded in understanding and stood before helping the younger woman to her feet. She then paid the bill while Gabby visited the restroom. When she emerged, Shepard escorted the pregnant widow safely back to her quarters before returning to the Knight Shade.