Notes:

CGC - Center for Galactic Cooperation

Grá mo chroí - love of my heart (Gaelic)

Gráim thú - I love you (Gaelic)

Ionúin Álainn - beautiful beloved (Gaelic)

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

Nara - literally "bearer"; one who shoulders others' burden, aids others (Thessian/Source: CDN)

Shaari - Asari fruit, unlike any known Human ones, relatively sweet with a single central seed; grows in multiple temperate locations across Thessia and contains enough eezo to make it inedible except by persons with biotics

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

XO - Executive Officer

Moving On

Guanghui Solutions Mining Facility, Feynman, Boltzmann System – 25 Jan 2189

After an hour of attempted negotiation, Tonan shook his head in defeat. "This kid isn't giving in, Shepard. I don't think there is anything I can say that will convince him you're actually Spectre Shepard, Savior of the Galaxy."

"Gods be damned!" Shepard attempted to peek around the barrier she was hiding behind, only to be rewarded with yet another shot pinging off the same barrier, mere centimeters from her head. "Tell that boy I'm going to stand up… full view… no weapon in hand. Tell him to look through his site, but if he takes one more shot at me, I'm going to charge him and tear his liver out!"

"Turians don't have a liver, Shepard," Tonan chuckled. "Besides… If I do that and let you risk yourself that way, Liara will probably tear my guts out just to prove the point."

Shepard's scowl turned to a grin. "Well, shit. You're probably right about that." She looked about her squad and asked, "Suggestions?"

Sellis Boni shrugged. "I have already reminded you that I am an infiltrator, Shepard. I still believe I can sneak in and take him from behind."

"Absolutely not!" Livos responded without hesitation. "That answer has not changed! Without proximity scouting, we have no idea what kinds of traps or perimeter warning he has set up." Seeing Sellis about to protest, she continued, "No. He is very obviously not your average, irresponsible youth." She looked to Shepard as she continued, "He's survived a full-up pirate raid and held us at bay for hours, all on his own."

"Only because we've been trying to find an 'other-than-fatal' solution for him." Shepard focused on Sellis and, in contrast to Livos' disapproval, gave permission. "Do it… but be careful. Take your time and make sure you miss nothing. We've just replaced two… I don't have any desire to have to replace a third. Understood?"

With an affirmative response from Sellis, Shepard turned to Allia. "Can you see him at all thought your scope? Can you get a lock on target?"

"Only a sliver of the top of his crest, but yes." Allia glanced at the Spectre. "However, it will provide only a distraction, at best."

"That's all we'll need." Shepard looked again at Sellis. "If we see any indication he knows you're there, Allia will take the shot… and, as soon as that happens, I'm going to be blasting him into oblivion. I'll not risk you unnecessarily."

Still staunchly believing they should have simply walked away as soon as the pirates had been dealt with, Livos scowled, "So you will risk yourself, instead?"

"It's a minimal risk and we can't leave this loose cannon out here. The kid's been traumatized; who knows who he might try to shoot next." Shepard countered. "If he's concentrating on locating Sellis and then ducking away from a sniper shot, he won't be thinking about the possibility of me being a Vanguard. Not at all… and, believe it or not, our XO agrees."

Even though the plan was set and Liara was in favor of ending the standoff in the chosen manner, Shepard still warred within herself over what she was about to do… right up until the moment she needed to do it. She heard Moises' words about unnecessary risks echo in her head and remembered the promise she had made to Liara. For the wellbeing of her crew, she knew it was what she needed to do but hated the whole actuality of destroying the life of an innocent victim; the senselessness of it all.

When the time came, it quite literally all happened in an instant. The young Turian's head popped up and snapped to the side in surprise, causing the sniper rifle of Allia Vasia to chuff. Without waiting to see if it was a kill-shot, Shepard immediately launched herself across the incredible distance, smashing into her target without hesitation or remorse. He slumped to the ground as Shepard snapped off the disposable silicon-carbide omniblade imbedded in the center of his chest. Taking in the look of shock on the face of the lifeless young Turian, she shook her head. "What a fucking waste of a life. All he had to do was listen and think about what we were trying to offer. Why couldn't he just give us a chance?"

Sellis' voice answered from unexpectedly close as she uncloaked. "Because he was still thinking about the loss of his entire family, Shepard. He didn't dare… he was the only one left." She sighed and continued gloomily, "Both his parents are in the house, not just dead, but cut to shreds… as well as two sisters who were obviously… ill-used… until they died. I refuse to blame him for what happened here. Whatever pirates showed up here were sick, enraged animals… and the responsibility for this outrage lies squarely on their shoulders. You cannot blame yourself for this."

Shepard's eyes were like the blue ice of the deadly, mid-winter Thessian North Sea, shimmering with anger over what she saw as the waste of a young life so full of potential; she glared at her infiltrator and responded, "I don't need to assume blame to still regret and hate the necessity of having to kill someone. We need to search out the particular pirate group who forced this outcome…" Shepard glanced once more at the body of the young Turian. "… and make sure they never have an opportunity to do anything like this ever again."

Rather than shy away from Shepard's anger and obvious frustration, Sellis walked up and placed a gloved hand on the Spectre's shoulder pauldron. "Knowing you and Lady Liara, that will happen sooner rather than later, Nara. I have no doubt that will be the case."

CGC, Widow System, Serpent Nebula – 26 Jan 2189

Senior Chief Petty Officer Tamiko Miyazaki, having accompanied Gabby to the VIP docks, found she hadn't sufficiently clamped down on her emotions; moisture was filling her eyes and threatening to spill onto her cheeks as she stood in front of her pregnant friend. "I'm really going to miss you, Gabby." Voice hitching slightly, she added, "Place won't seem the same without you in the lab, sitting at your terminal, whispering to yourself."

Gabby chuckled at that. "I don't whisper to myself… I'm simply talking to the computer, attempting to bend its programming to my will." Her grin slowly faded as she studied her friend's face. "And don't you dare start crying, dammit! I've cried enough to last a lifetime – for both of us – during these past few weeks…" she paused for a moment before ending with, "so, just… don't."

Tamiko forced a smile on her face while wiping her eyes with both hands. "Because it's you, I'll try. It's just hard, ya know? And I was hoping to see your babies when they're born. Spectre Shepard and Liara T'Soni are very special people… taking you in… providing all the services of a maternity ward, with doctors." She wrapped her arms around Gabby's shoulders. "Please don't forget about me, Gabriela Donnelly… because I will never forget about you."

Gabby felt her throat tightening. Returning Tammi's hug, she squeaked out, "I promise, Tammi. I'll stay in touch and send you lots of pics."

Tamiko pushed back to look into Gabby's soft brown eyes. "Have you thought about names?"

"We discussed it a bit during the holidays but hadn't settled on anything. I'll have plenty of time to consider what to name them while I'm sitting around not working." Shaking her head, she said, "Still can't believe I'm taking leave from my job here. Everyone's been so kind." Grabbing Miyazaki's hands, Gabby squeezed them as she whispered, "I wouldn't have made it through all this without you, Tammi." As the woman began shaking her head in denial, Gabby grinned at her. "It's the truth, Tammi! You've been a rock ever since I met you; I love you as if you were my own sister."

Tamiko nearly lost her carefully maintained composure; with a slight giggle, she said, "You sure make it hard for me to not bust out bawling, Gabby!"

"Try thinking happy thoughts."

Tammi nodded mutely; afraid to say anything more lest she actually break down, she directed her attention past Gabby's shoulder, where several private spacecraft were docked. She thought she could see a couple of Asari, one dressed in commando leathers, the other in clothing similar to that worn by Doctor Walsh, walking in their general direction, a hover-cart in tow. Refocusing her attention on Gabby, she said, "I believe your ride is here; there's two Asari at six o'clock, heading this way."

With a quick glance over her shoulder, Gabby turned back to say, "You're probably correct, Tammi." She moved to stand beside the Senior Chief, there to watch the pair walk up to them.

The leather-clad Asari spoke first, reaching out her right hand in accordance with human custom. "Hello, Ms Donnelly. I am House T'Soni pilot Luyna Veuss… We met at the T'Soni estate in August, during the reception held after Spectre Shepard's bonding with my mistress."

Gabby, having been in the company of a number of Asari during her time on the Normandy, brought both her hands out, palms up, in the traditional Asari greeting. Momentarily dropping her eyes to her swollen belly, she replied, "I am pleased to see you again, Luyna. And, please, call me Gabby." The pilot attempted to hide her surprise at the human's actions; she placed her hands gently on those offered as Gabby inclined her head slightly and continued, "This is my good friend, Senior Chief Petty Officer Tamiko Miyazaki."

Tammi offered her own hands to the pilot as Luyna replied, "Your knowledge of Asari customs honors me." She then indicated her companion, saying, "I believe you also met Doctor Alyna T'Lori during your visit, Gabby. She will be your physician during your stay with us."

Gabby nodded as Alyna placed her palms on Gabby's hands. "It's really nice to see you again, Doctor T'Lori." She handed Alyna an OSD as she explained, "These are all my medical records since arriving on the CGC last August. My obstetrician here is Doctor Kathryn Walsh; she asked me to tell you to call her… anytime you have questions."

Doctor T'Lori smiled at her soon-to-be Human patient; after a quick glance at Gabby's protruding abdomen, she grinned. "I've been informed you are carrying two babies in there, Ms Donnelly…" Alyna paused a moment, then corrected herself. "… Gabby. I must admit, I am really looking forward to sharing this experience with you." Her grin widened as she admitted, "And I'm sure I will have a great many questions for you, and Doctor Walsh, before they're born."

"Doctor Walsh says Human physiology is not much different from that of the Asari, but she also believes that multiple births among your race is an extreme rarity." With a quick glance at Tammi, she looked back to Luyna and said, "I would really like to get off my feet. If I may?"

Doctor T'Lori quickly grasped Gabby's upper arm. "I apologize. We have several other passengers to transport; I will escort you to our vessel while Luyna locates them."

Luyna glanced at Gabby's companion. "I would owe you a huge favor if you could stay with them and guide the hover-lift to the ship and make sure the bags are picked up? It will save all of us time if I could start my search for Sha'ira and her acolytes immediately… Would you mind?"

"Not at all… and to pay me back, I'd love a quick tour of your vessel if at all possible." Tamiko smiled understandingly at the Asari's hesitation. "Not necessarily today, as I know you're on a tight schedule… but I'm sure I'll come to Thessia to visit Gabby at some point during her time with House T'Soni."

Luyna smiled graciously in return, answering, "We have crew on board who can take care of that… and I'm sure something could also be arranged at the Estate, should you ever visit… maybe even a tour of our war frigates. The designs are significantly different from Human ships." She grimaced and glanced toward the spaceport. "I'm sorry… but I really must be going. Thank you again for your help!"

As Luyna left at a trot, Tamiko picked up Gabby's duffle bags and loaded them onto the hover-cart. They were moving quite slowly, so it was only a moment before she found herself trailing along directly behind Gabby and the Asari doctor as they walked towards the ship. Dr T'Lori was the one speaking as Tamiko closed to hearing range. "I understand you will have the support of more than just the staff of House T'Soni, Ms Donnelly. Sha'ira, along with six of her acolytes, will be traveling with us to the estate."

Gabby, unable to think of an appropriate comment, remained silent as she walked towards a gleaming craft, obviously not of Asari design nor manufacture.

Noticing her look of confusion, Alyna commented, "That is the Aletheia… Though of Turian design, it is the T'Soni Flagship." Upon entering the spacecraft, Alyna introduced Gabby to Nilis Irapso, who was acting as Cabin Steward for this trip… also the one who would ensure her luggage was secured. As Nilis nodded in greeting and hopped out the door to assist Tamiko, Alyna escorted Gabby to the ships' stateroom for the trip saying, "Our voyage will not be long but, as our guest, you may as well be comfortable for the duration of the journey."

Gabby immediately protested, saying, "This is way too much! I mean, really? The captain's personal quarters?"

The Asari chuckled at Gabby's protest. "As an honored guest, Ms Donnelly, you will be provided appropriate quarters." She had a playful grin on her face as she asked, "Would it make any sense for you to be sitting in the lounge while this space remains empty? I did say the voyage would be short, but it will still be a few hours long. This space provides you the privacy to truly relax."

Gabby finally nodded her head and sat down on a beautifully upholstered couch at the far side of the suite. The doctor provided a glass of water and the expectant mother sat there quietly, admiring the beauty of the suite until the hatch slid open once more. She watched in amused silence as Nilis escorted Tamiko, who was carrying Gabby's travel bag, into the room. Nilis politely directed, "Please be prepared to leave as soon as the Consort is aboard, we do have a schedule to keep," before retreating from the room.

Tamiko looked about in wide-eyed wonder before setting the bag carefully on the deck just inside the stateroom entrance and looking at her friend, blurting out, "This ship is beautiful, Gabby!" She then moved quickly to her friend, firmly nestled at one end of the comfortable couch, and crouched in front of her before adding, "You are in wonderful hands, Gabs, so I need to get going. I still have to get back to the lab and see if I can puzzle out a way to move your research forward while you're out of the office."

Gabby's arms came up immediately; grabbing her friend's shoulders, she said, "I'm really going to miss you, Tammi!" She kissed Miyazaki on both cheeks and released her, while attempting to keep from breaking down in tears once again.

"Nonsense! You'll be much too busy meeting lots of new people and preparing for your two little bundles of joy!" Tammi stood and placed her hands gently on her friend's shoulder. Voice breaking, she added, "Farewell, Gabriella! Don't forget me," then turned and abruptly left the stateroom before Gabby could see how sad she had become at the idea of parting from her best friend.

Doctor T'Lori had silently watched their leave-taking and commented, "Never fear, Gabby. You will see your sister again."

Gabby's smile was thin. "We're not family, Doctor T'Lori."

"Nonsense, Gabby. Family is who you make it." Alyna captured the Human's eyes with a sympathetic gaze. "The Asari have a word for that… Mea're. You were bonded through the Alliance Navy, so that woman is every bit your tribal sister… never doubt that."

Gabby didn't doubt Alyna's words in the least… in fact, she was pleased that someone had noticed just how much she and Tammi loved one another. Leave it to an Asari, came the thought. They all seem to be sisters. "Thank you, Alyna… for giving me the word I needed to describe my relationship with Tamiko. The Human phrase 'best friend' just didn't seem to be… enough? If you know what I mean?"

"You are most welcome, Gabby. A shared, common purpose seems to pull people together in ways nothing else can. Even among Asari, with all our long lives, finding a true Mea're is not to be taken for granted." At the faint sound of voices, Alyna turned her attention towards the passageway outside the stateroom. "It sounds as if Luyna found our other passengers." She dipped her head as she apologetically added, "Please, excuse me. I must welcome the Consort aboard."

As soon as Doctor T'Lori disappeared down the passageway, Gabby tipped her head back and closed her eyes while listening to the distant conversations. Can't understand what they're saying… must be too muted for the translator to pick out the words. She continued to listen as the hum of conversation gradually lessened. Her ears detected the slight increase in air pressure, indicating a hull integrity test to confirm proper sealing of the airlock hatch after it was closed; a few short moments afterwards, the ship come to life under her feet as Luyna and co-pilot Fala Veya brought all the Aletheia's systems to life. Thessia… Here I come!

Even with her eyes closed, Gabby felt the subtle change that indicated another presence in the room; without moving, she eased her eyelids open slightly. Standing in front of her was an elegantly dressed Asari… serene… graceful. Gabby opened her eyes fully, eliciting a faint smile from her visitor. "Greetings, Gabriella Donnelly. My name is Sha'ira, and I am pleased to meet you."

Gabby had shifted an arm and hand on the armrest preparatory to standing; the beautiful Asari waved a hand as she said, "Please, remain seated, Ms Donnelly. Do you mind if I sit with you for the trip to Thessia?"

Motioning with her hand, Gabriella replied, "Please… be my guest." As the intriguing Asari took a seat next to her on the couch, she crossed one leg over the other, then turned her gaze to the graceful being beside her as she quietly added, "And you may simply call me Gabby."

A faint smile returned to the light blue face. "Very well… Gabby." She dipped her head in acknowledgement as she continued in a lilting, musical voice. "I have been retained to provide you with whatever counseling you may desire." Sha'ira noted an instant look of puzzlement, mixed with defensive denial, appear on the young woman's face, so continued quickly to explain her purpose. "I am given to understand you recently learned of the untimely passing of your life partner… whereas the shock immediately triggered false birthing pains, such that you had to be transported to the hospital for emergency care."

Gabby nodded slowly as she whispered, "Kenneth." Eyes instantly awash with unshed tears, she breathed, "He was the love of my life." When the consort remained silent, Gabby slowly continued in a tight voice. "It feels as if his… death… took a piece of me as well." The Asari could see the truth of Gabby's next statement. With tears now freely coursing down both cheeks, she cried, "It's as if my heart and soul has been ripped in two." A fist covered her mouth as she wept yet again for the loss of her children's father.

To Gabby's astonishment, Sha'ira reached over her swollen belly to grasp her right hand, then captured the hand closest to her and squeezed gently. The Asari's voice was as if silk were sound. "My sweet child, that is exactly why I am here. In a few, short weeks, you will be giving birth to two children." Releasing the hand closest to her, she reached up, softly stroking Gabby's brown mane. "Before you can lovingly welcome them into this realm, you must ease your sorrow and establish a clear mind. Over the course of the next few days, I will instruct you in methods to help ease the pain of Kenneth's sudden loss."

Gabby quickly regained control as she relaxed under the consort's caring touch. "Thank you, Sha'ira." She gulped down a sob as the Consort's contagious calm seeped into her. "I'm having a difficult time leaving Kenneth behind… we'd been together for a long time." A sudden thought brought on a worried frown. "You're not going to wipe away my memories of him, are you?"

The Asari's expression turned stern as she shook her head. "Absolutely not, Gabby… that is something I would never do… to you, nor anyone else."

"That's a relief." Noting Sha'ira's semi-frown, Gabby quickly added, "And I'm sorry for even thinking you would do such a thing. My social interactions with Asari have been relatively nonexistent. Even with Lady Liara and numerous commandos on the Normandy during the war, I rarely saw her or spoke with them. Everyone was just so busy trying to stop the Reapers… and staying alive; there never seemed to be time for anything else."

Sha'ira nodded her head in a decidedly Human fashion. "Lady Liara is actually the reason I find myself accompanying you… as she is the one who requested my counsel. I have known Little Wing since she was a young child. It will also be nice to spend some time on Thessia… particularly at the estate… even though I do believe Liara and Shepard are on a mission for the Council, so will not be on the homeworld when we arrive." At Gabby's instant look of worry, she added, "Do not be alarmed, Gabriella. Staff at the estate are all well aware of your imminent arrival, as well as the reason for it; they will do everything in their power to ensure you have a wonderful visit, whether Lady Liara and Shepard are there or not."

Gabby let the breath she hadn't realized she was holding out in a whoosh. "That's good to know. I don't want to be any trouble."

Sha'ira moved the hand she had been using to stroke through Gabby's hair to her right shoulder and pulled her in for an awkward embrace. "Trust me… they are all looking forward to your visit, Gabby. How could you possibly be any trouble?"

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 27 Jan 2189

"Gabby! Welcome to House T'Soni!" Liara's smile and welcoming hug made the very pregnant woman's day. "I trust you are being well taken care of and have settled comfortably into your rooms?"

"Oh, yes, Liara. The staff has been positively amazing toward me." She blushed slightly as she continued, "I feel guilty over all the attention… They're treating me like a queen, with the rooms being the epitome of luxury!"

Laughing, Liara replied, "That's because the birth of a child is very much celebrated within the Asari culture… and for you to be having two? That's an extremely rare event; one that has never occurred within our walls. We are all very much looking forward to it… possibly more than yourself!"

Letting out a tired sigh, Gabby ran her hands over her bulging belly. "That, I very much doubt. I am more than ready for these two to remove themselves from my womb and quit kicking my bladder!" She chuckled quietly as she added, "It's like they enjoy making me have to pee every two hours!"

Liara smiled coyly at Shepard, a glance not missed by their guest, and responded, "I can only imagine what it will be like when we begin to have children. I am very much looking forward to it, no matter how far in our future that may be."

"Absolutely." Shepard grinned and put her arm around her bondmate. "And compliments of so many extraordinary events and persons who have come into our lives, I'll actually be around to help raise them!" Looking back to Gabriella, she continued, "But… you first! Is there anything at all you need?"

"God, no," Gabby laughed. "Everyone here has been positively wonderful!"

"Excellent." Shepard cast a meaningful glance at Liara before adding, "Then you won't mind if we go up, take a quick shower, and get into something more comfortable."

"Oh, no! Absolutely not, Captain." Gabby grinned as she said, "But, I know darn well that you are likely just as comfortable, if not more so, in your uniform as you are in anything else you could possibly put on."

Liara let out a hearty laugh as a similar grin appeared on her face. "A truer statement has never been made, Gabriella Donnelly!" A happy smile remained as she looked at their friend and added, "I, however, truly desire to slip into something more casual… so we'll be back down in a bit, perhaps to share an afternoon tea and get caught up?"

"That sounds lovely, Liara! I would love to hear about your latest mission and what the future holds for my most favorite Spectre Team in all the galaxy!" Gabby entwined the fingers of her hands and supportively looped them under her belly, as if she was holding it up so she would better walk. "In the meantime, I'll search out your lovely chef, Leyana, and see what wonderful snacks she may have on hand! Whenever you're ready, you'll find me in the den by the fire."

Spectre Vessel Nalotir, CGC, Widow System – 28 Jan 2189

Ashley Williams heaved a sigh as she placed her back against the door panel that had just slipped closed behind her. She bent her knees and allowed her upper body to slide down the door's slick surface as she 'jackknifed' her legs, around which she wrapped her arms as soon as her butt touched the deck. Turning her head to the left to look into her cabin, she pressed cheek and temple against her knees as she fought down the urge to weep.

She had just had an uncomfortable conversation with Legion on Haratar Station. Repairs to the Normandy were proceeding, but… there's always a damned but, isn't there? SILC ship construction specialty units had determined the damage to the ship's superstructure was more extensive than first thought.

Stress fractures had been detected in the 'ribs' – crossmembers – that formed the framework around the ship's 'keel' – the backbone – a condition completely expected at the penetration site of the missile. Unfortunately, the explosion, confined in the area below main engineering, had been directed forward of the impact site; this had slightly twisted the ship's frame longitudinally to a point underneath the hanger deck, 45 meters beyond the main bulkhead and elevator.

Legion relayed that SILC Specialty units' original estimated repair time of 60 days had been revised; discovering the actual extent of the damages meant an additional 35 to 45 days for repairs, as the exterior metal skin forming the pressure hull would have to be sectioned and removed in order to take out and refit the damaged frame sections. The integrity of the pressure hull depended on the strength of those frame sections, and Legion was not about to release the ship back to Williams-Spectre unless he could personally guarantee it wouldn't fly apart at the first insane hard turn Joker pulled.

She had chuckled at that, but now, alone with her thoughts, self-doubt was beginning to nag at her sense of well-being. What the fuck? First, I leave my XO in charge of my ship and the Normandy got thrashed! Then, we get the Nalotir and, try as I might, I can't find a single replacement engineer willing to serve with me! If Shepard was still Captain, folks would be falling over themselves to get a damned berth on that ship!

Leaning forward, she pushed herself to stand, then moved to the small desk with its private comms terminal. Not going to do me any good to wallow in self-pity. I need to talk to… someone! But who? Of all the things she had left behind in her quarters on the Normandy, one of the few items she had brought allowed her to easily choose – a framed photo of Andreas Falk, taken during her Christmas visit to London.

Ashley activated the terminal without a thought as to local time at Farnborough Field. Fingertips drummed a nervous tattoo on the desktop as she waited for the connection. Come on, Dré! Pick up! As if responded to her mental prodding, the Systems Alliance logo on the screen cross-faded into an image that sent a hot spike of desire straight through her core. "Ashley… what's the matter? It's only been a couple of weeks… something wrong?" His disheveled appearance told Ashley he had most likely been sound asleep.

Falk was quite perceptive when the subject of his attention was Ashley, causing her to mentally kick herself for not checking her expression while she waited. "Sorry, Dré… it's been a long, disappointing day at the end of an especially brutal few weeks – enough so that I'm questioning why I'm even in command of a damned warship."

Falk silently studied her image for several moments before softly replying, "You have my full attention, Commander. Talk to me."

Thinking, My God! How I love you! she shook her head and explained. "We had such a short time together, I didn't want to talk about work… but I ended up having to kill an admiral, Dré… Han'Gerrel… point blank with my shotgun. I know being directly responsible for his death shouldn't bother me, especially since he was trying to plant a dagger in my ribs, but I'm feeling some regrets. That look in his eyes when he realized the wounds to his chest weren't survivable? I was responsible for that."

"Wasn't he the one guilty of causing Westmoreland's death during the war?" After a brief pause, he added softly, "It was Gerrel that attacked you after the surrender… he attempted to shove a knife in you because you epitomize all those that refuse to let them reenslave the Geth."

Ashley frowned as a single tear escaped the corner of her eye. "That's him… his actions caused Westie's death, just as surely as if he had personally sliced her suit open. No one on my crew ever forgave him for firing on that dreadnaught while Shepard's team was still on board." She shook her head. "He refused to accept the SILC as equals in our new, Reaper-free galaxy."

"So, what's the problem, Ash? You're a Council Spectre… sounds to me as if you acted well within your mandate to mete out justice however you chose to do so. Han'Gerrel may or may not have deserved to die for his crimes, but you were certainly not obligated to allow him to kill you so he could continue to flout Council rules."

"You're correct… but there's a lot of other things running through my mind. I'm just… I'm the Captain! I'm not sure I should have left the Normandy in order to lead an assault team on Gerrel's ship. Leon is a great XO. Knowledgeable. Well-liked by the crew. I mean… maybe I should have stayed on the ship and assigned him to lead the assault."

"As I said, I've read the reports, Ashley. The Normandy was hit by a specialized missile… one of two, actually; two crewmen died." Andreas cocked his head slightly. "Rensch isn't a Spectre, Ash, and he doesn't have Council authority, so it had to be you on that Quarian ship. You were right where you needed to be. Don't ever doubt that for a moment!"

"But my crew members, Dré… one man left behind a pregnant wife! She's carrying twins, for God's sake!"

"I don't mean to sound callous, but he would be just as dead if you had been aboard, Spectre. Reports I was privy to say no ship, of any kind, built by any race, could have escaped those missiles once they locked on. It's probably a good thing that Admiral Xen chose to end her own life. I can't imagine what trouble she would get up to if allowed her freedom."

He concluded by asking, "Ashley, what would you have done differently? Would your presence on the Normandy have made a single bit of difference in the outcome?"

Ashley hung her head. "I don't know." With a heavy sigh, she whispered, "No… I guess not."

"You were exactly where your training and position required you to be, Ms Williams. You were a Marine gunnery sergeant before transferring to the Navy. You have a unique set of skills. Don't beat yourself up over the loss of Donnelly and Manos. Their deaths are unfortunate, but you are in no way to blame for that. The Quarians – and Daro'Xen vas Moreh in particular – are the real villains here. Focus on that… focus on the fact that Xen and Gerrel will never have the opportunity to see how the Quarian's creations… their children… will continue to evolve and grow in the coming decades and centuries."

Ashley managed a thin smile. "You're right, Dré, but that's not all. I'm also having a hell of a time getting replacement crew… It's like no one wants to work with me. I had lunch with Weatherly during a quick stopover on the 19th; he was able to point me towards a propulsion engineer. Not that it matters to me, but the guy is Batarian. Last known location was here on the CDC… he was between jobs."

"Lunch with ol' Storm, eh? Strange… I never heard from you that Monday."

Williams chuckled; the sound of which brought a huge grin to Andreas' face as she replied, "This isn't about us, Dré! You did hear me say quick before stopover, didn't you?" She heaved a sigh. "I suppose my next stop will be the Orizaba so I can meet with Admiral Lindholm. I haven't been doing a damned thing for the Alliance since all this crap with the Quarians began."

"You're a Council Spectre in command of a Council-owned deep-space reconnaissance vessel. I realize it's a cooperative effort with the Alliance, but…"

"But, most of the crew on board are either Marines or Navy… including both of the fatalities. A visit to the admiral is a formality, but one that must be observed. I'm still a commander in the Navy, Dré… unlike Shepard, I haven't resigned my commission, and I don't intend to."

Falk smiled at her statement. "You resigning from the Navy is not something I want to see, Ash. He paused for a moment to consider his words. "Ashley, you need to travel to Arcturus… go to the new station the SILC have constructed there. Have a meeting with Lindholm, see where you stand with her. I seriously doubt she'll demand your resignation just because you're a Spectre, and she may be able to assist you in finding a couple of engineers." With a laugh, he concluded, "There has to be a few on the Orizaba that would jump at the chance to work on the Nalotir, especially if they'll be working on the Normandy once repairs are completed."

Ashley smiled at that. "Sounds like good advice, Dré." She paused for several moments… there was so much more she wanted to say, so many things she wished he knew. Finally, she looked straight into a pair of bluish-gray eyes and said, "Thank you for allowing me to disturb your sleep… and thank you so much for simply knowing just what to say." Ash huffed and gave him a genuine smile, saying, "I feel better."

"No problem, Ashley." Her stalwart supporter cast her a huge grin. "And I don't give a bloody damn if you call me at 0230 in the morning. I'll take any and every chance I can get to see your face… though I do feel compelled to add that I'd prefer it be in person again and not over a vid."

Ashley managed a small, husky laugh. "You do realize if I was actually standing there, your face would probably be buried in my hair while I hugged you. I really miss having you near, Dré. Our last visit was much too short."

"Agreed." Andreas grinned back at her. "I love you, Ashley Williams. Don't ever doubt that!"

The Spectre felt her eyes fill to overflowing as she gulped back a sob. "You made me feel so much better, and now I'm crying for a different reason." She placed a hand on the screen as she managed to squeak out, "I love you forever, Dré!" With that, she terminated the connection before she completely fell apart. Damn it!

With a heavy sigh, she rose from her desk and stepped into her tiny restroom to wash the tears from her face. She checked her image in the mirror and discovered she needed to do a more thorough job, as her mascara had left dark tracks down her cheeks. I ought to just forget the damned face paint! After thoroughly cleaning her face, she shed her SDU and crawled into her berth. Just need to sleep. For the first time since sleeping in Falk's bed at Christmas, she fell asleep nearly as soon as her head touched the pillow.

A/N:See Ch 6, for details on Ashley's Christmas in London with Lieutenant Colonel Falk.