Notes:

AI - Artificial Intelligence

Amantia - lover (Thessian)

Anam Cara - Soul Friend/Mate (Gaelic)

Breá Ber'ah - Combined form meaning beautiful and strange lover; Breá being a close lover, somewhere between Amantia and Siame (Thessian)

FTL - Faster Than Light travel

Ionúin Álainn - beautiful beloved (Gaelic)

Janiris - Springtime fertility ritual, named for the goddess Athame's guide Janiri, which marks the start of the Asari new year (ME Wiki)

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

Rebekha - guardian, protector; literally "watcher of the night" (Source: CDN)

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

SILC - Synthetic Intelligence Life Codes

XO - Executive Officer

Mending Hearts

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 20 Mar 2189

When Gabby and Lyessa arrived, the party was in full swing. Liara had already completed her obligatory Janiris speech as leader of House T'Soni, and those who had participated in the maiden parade had been properly adorned, flower leis hanging about their necks. The dancing and drinking had also commenced, neither of which Gabby would partake in.

"This is amazing!" Gabby stared about in wide-eyed wonder. "It makes the parties we had on the Normandy pale in comparison. Is it like this every year?"

Lyessa laughed. "We've been busy, and we have much worth celebrating! Though, the decorations are a bit scant, compared to what we normally do, and the food… well, let us simply say post-war supply and distribution is still not back to its previous levels." She looked over the crowd, trying to locate a particular item, finally exclaiming, "Ah! There it is!" Looking to Gabby, she smiled. "Come along, Gabriella… for those not intending to imbibe any form of alcohol, the juice bar is off to the right side, over there. Then, I'll make sure to get you a seat at a table, where people can visit with you, to alleviate some of that… What did you call it? Stir-crazy? … without you having to spend too much time on your feet."

Gabby gave her a grateful smile. "Thank you, Lyessa… though, I can't imagine people wanting to spend time with me, with everything else going on!"

"Oh, Gabby!" Lyessa's face split with a wide grin. "You have no idea how many here have so many questions about your twins! You could be here all night if you stayed to answer them all… Not that I think for a second that either Alyna or Derek will allow you to stay down here too long, once they realize you're here."

On the other side of the room, Hannah was regaling Sam and Liara with tales of just how uncooperative some of the delegates from the Turian outer worlds were being. "It's simply unbelievable to me how they expect the Quarians to simply give them one of their Liveships, now that they have established farms on Rannoch. I'm attempting to negotiate a purchase agreement between the Turians and the SILC… Legion is willing to build one for them at cost… but the Turians want nothing to do with paying for one. I may as well be negotiating with a pile of rocks out in your rose garden!"

Shepard's brow pinched as she said, "Last time I spoke with Garrus, he told me they were still experiencing severe shortages… but said it was mostly due to transport issues…" She trailed off, looking at her mother with a puzzled frown.

"That's likely true… within the Apien Crest, at least." Hannah shrugged. "But their outlying colonies? They simply expect gifts from the rest of us because…" She rolled her eyes and spoke in her best Turian imitation, while using her fingers to make 'air quotes', "It is the least you can do as payment for our military contributions during the Reaper War."

"What?" Shepard's voice rose in anger. "They wouldn't give us a damned thing until we managed to get Krogan boots on Palaven to help them protect their homeworld! And, then," she growled, "they almost screwed that up with their stupid bomb! Who's the Turian trade rep? I'll speak to Garrus and get that shit straightened out immediately!"

"Eventually, perhaps." Reaching over to clasp the nearest of Samantha's hands, Liara glanced at Hannah and responded, "But, tonight is not the night to be discussing these things. We won the war… and our future. Let us simply celebrate our victories tonight… and save whatever problems remain for some more appropriate time? Please?"

"You're absolutely right, Liara." Hannah shook her head and added, "I'm sorry. I know better."

Shepard calmed a bit and sighed, "And I guess I was pretty naïve, to think any of them would have changed as a result of the war. Now that the threat is gone, they go right back to being the same self-centered assholes they were before." She huffed in disgust and replaced her frown with a smile as she added, "Except for a few very good exceptions… like Garrus and Tali… and Bau."

"And many more… too many to list, Siame." Liara squeezed her bondmate's hand. "We received a lot of help from a lot of people; some expected… and others who were a great surprise."

"Like Aria T'Loak?" Shepard laughed. "But, you're right; tonight is not the night, so let's have another drink and see if we can convince Traynor to slip a waltz into the music mix, shall we?"

"A waltz?" Hannah looked at the couple in surprise. "You've taught Liara to waltz?"

"I did, at that, Mom." Samantha winked and stood up, in preparation to go on the hunt for Traynor. "And she's damned good at it, too. Don't you remember that from the bonding ceremony?"

"Oh! That's right!" With Sam's gentle reminder, the memory flooded back and a sly grin sudden formed on Hannah's lips. "Do you think Harley dances the waltz?"

Samantha laughed, responding, "I don't know. You'll have to chase him down and ask."

When Shepard finally found Traynor, it was no surprise that Riana was at her side. Pulling her aside, she whispered conspiratorially in her ear. "Think you can modify the music program to randomly include a waltz or two, Sammi?"

Traynor looked at her captain in some surprise for a moment, before responding, "I believe I can arrange that for you, Spectre. Any composer in particular?"

Samantha grinned at her comms specialist. "I'm leaving that choice up to you… I just want to take a turn or two around the dance floor with my Ionúin Álainn."

Traynor casually wrapped a hand around Shepard's upper arm as she returned the grin, saying, "You'll have a waltz after the next selection." Turning to Riana, she said, "Ten minutes, then find me at Gabriella's table." With a quick peck on a blue cheek, Sammi disappeared to work her magic with the program controlling the party music. What she hadn't told Shepard was that a 'follow spotlight' would be shining on her and Liara as the rest of the room lights dimmed slightly, ensuring the pair would be the center of attention during their waltz.

Riana sighed as Sammi left. She knew her Breá Ber'ah well enough to guess she was up to something… what that 'something' was remained to be seen. The commando made her way around the edge of the large room, exchanging pleasantries with her sisters and guests as she moved.

Spotting the Normandy's former propulsion engineer, she approached the table and took a seat across from the new mother. "How are you doing, Gabby?"

Gabby's face reflected the happiness she was feeling at being able to sit… comfortably… and enjoy everything going on around her. "Riana! I'm doing really well! It's so nice to be out of my bed for a bit. Can't drink any alcohol yet, but the fruit juices are a nice substitute." She looked past the Asari's shoulders and asked, "Where's Sammi? I hardly ever see you without her close by."

A soft voice from behind startled Gabby. "Did I hear my name?" As Gabby turned her head to look at the owner of the voice, a non-alcoholic drink was placed on the table in front of her, before a pair of arms wrapped around her shoulders and upper arms in a sisterly hug. "I was running an errand for Shepard. It's good to see you again, Gabby!" With a kiss on her cheek, Sammi released her, then took the seat next to her former shipmate and asked, "Since you've escaped the confines of the maternity ward, is it safe to assume someone is keeping an eye on those little ones?"

Gabby's face was radiant. "They're sleeping – and, yes. Selina is keeping an eye on them. Lyessa promised I'd be back with them in time for their next meal." A rueful smirk preceded, "I'll be back even sooner if either Derik or Alyna discover I'm not in my bed."

Sammi giggled, causing Riana to ask, "Are you not supposed to be out here, Gabby?"

"There's no medical reason for me to be lying in a damned bed, Riana. Relaxing out here, watching everyone…" here she looked meaningfully at first Sammi, then Riana. "… visiting with a few of the people I love more than anything? It's the best therapy I can think of." Fixing Sammi with a hard stare, she concluded by asking, "Now, what kind of mischief have you been up to, Ms Traynor?"

Sammi glanced at Riana before answering, "Why, whatever do you mean, Ms Donnelly? I would never…"

A blue hand slid across the table to lovingly grasp the hand of her Breá Ber'ah. "Sammi… I believe our captain sent you on an errand. And, based on the expression on your face, I also believe you exceeded the scope of your assignment." With snarky expression firmly in place, she asked, "What did you do?"

Sammi, listening to the music playing in the hall, split her attention between Riana and Gabby. "The next selection is a waltz, requested by our captain. Keep watching… I programmed a surprise for her and her lady."

Riana's mouth fell. "Goddess, Samantha! What did…?"

Traynor gave the hand holding hers a quick squeeze. "Just be patient, my love."

Gabby was enjoying the way these two expressed their love for each other – Riana being more rigid where it concerned her captain and Lady T'Soni – Sammi taking a more relaxed view of the things she could do that would amuse Shepard… and by extension, Liara.

As the music began – a tune familiar to Gabby, though she did not know its title – Traynor activated her omnitool; the lights in the room slowly dimmed in response. A spotlight flared on, shining down from a source in the center of the ceiling, illuminating the captain and lady as they began dancing. Of great surprise to Gabby – and Riana – it followed them perfectly as they circled the dance floor in perfect harmony with the orchestra.

"How in the Goddess' name did you do that, Breá? You had no time to plan for this!"

Sammi smirked at her lover. "She never goes anywhere without her comm unit on her wrist… and I have those tracking codes memorized. The light will follow that tracker wherever it goes on the dance floor. I think they deserve the attention; don't you agree?"

"Did it not even occur to you they may not want that much attention?"

Reaching over, Gabby gently placed a hand on Riana's forearm. "Please, Riana… don't be upset. It's a nice gesture. What could possibly happen here, in this place, on this planet. It's not a public venue… everyone in attendance either works here or was invited. I rather like it."

Sammi grinned at Gabby, then looked at Riana. "That pair is so blindly in love with one another, I seriously doubt they even noticed. Look at how much fun they're having."

Riana watched Shepard and Liara circle the floor as if neither had a care in the world. She finally nodded to Sammi in approval, as the waltz ended, and the lighting returned to normal. Gabby would have applauded but didn't want to bring attention to her presence.

Riana stood from her seat, bringing Sammi and Gabby to their feet as well. Moving around the table, Riana grasped the woman's hands. "Gabby, I'm really happy you're here. I'll stop by to see you again before the Knight Shade departs." With that, she drew the engineer towards her and kissed her cheek, then released her hands and turned towards the bar.

Traynor gave her a gentle hug, saying, "I'll come by as well, Gabby. I want to see your babies again before we have to leave."

Gabby inexplicably felt her eyes filling with moisture. "I'll look forward to that, Sammi." Looking past Sammi's shoulder, Gabby spotted Alyna T'Lori and Derek Yandle standing side-by-side, looking about the gathering of people. "Oh no," she whispered. "I am so busted!"

"You sit back down, Gabriella Donnelly, and make yourself inconspicuous. I'll see if I can misdirect them – buy you a bit more time out here." A kiss on her cheek, and she was gone. Gabby retook her seat and sipped from her glass. It was good to have friends.

Livos had spent a good thirty or so minutes explaining to Zan about Shepard's strange holidays, something, she realized, she probably should have done when she issued the invitation. Finally, Zan simply shrugged at the attempt. "It seems odd, that someone seemingly so progressive in her thinking would follow such… antiquated… old-Earth traditions. Do you not find it so?"

Livos smiled and shook her head. "Not at all. Her choices reflect her general love of the environment and the world that surrounds her. I find that her giving spirit… and her protectiveness… are a direct reflection of those beliefs. They are what truly make her our Nara… our Rebekha."

"I do not yet know her well enough to draw those conclusions, so will simply trust your judgment." Zan reached across the table to take her partner's hand. "But enough about Shepard and her beliefs, Liv. I came here to spend time with you, and we don't have many chances to do so. So, while I know we started our relationship with that understanding, that does not mean I have to like it. Neither do we have to squander what time we do have, with you trying to explain such things, when I have much more enjoyable things in mind."

A soft blush crept across Livos' face as she tenderly caressed the hand within her own. "And just what kinds of things could you possibly be speaking of, Carlina V'Zanto?"

With a teasing grin, Carlina answered, "I would love to take an extended tour of the Estate… on foot… particularly to that place where the stream feeds into the lake at the edge of the meadow. It would make an excellent camp… with fresh water and plenty of soft grass upon which to lay our bags out for a night under the stars."

"With a small fire and a camp meal?" Livos squeezed her lover's hand. "I am generally not fond of camping… but that sounds positively divine, Zan."

"You do not think fondly of it because you have never camped with me, Livos Tanni." The grin turned into a full laugh. "This will be nothing like my little hideaway cave on Sanves. I can guarantee it will be an experience you will want to repeat."

"And I'm sure we will," Livos laughed along with her, still giggling as she continued, "As soon as our schedules will permit, no doubt."

"Nice party, Shepard… and nice dance." Roshida stood from her seat as the Spectre approached. "You'll have to teach me that someday. It is very… graceful. For what I normally witness when watching Humans dance, that was very… Asari… in its elegance." She smiled and glanced around the room, waving her hand to indicate the large number of people within. "Speaking with many of the people here tells me two things. First, every commando here positively adores you… both for your love of their Lady and for the amount you were willing to sacrifice to ensure the galaxy's survival, a true warrior. Few are truly prepared to risk everything so selflessly and still manage to survive the events to enjoy the fruits of their hard-won victory."

"I got lucky more than once, Roshi." Shepard stared off across the room, unable to actually see her, but knowing exactly where herIonúin Álainn was… via the link. "And I had the very best partner possible, to drag my ass back whenever things didn't go as planned." The Spectre's attention returned to the Asari standing before her. "I quite honestly owe Liara my life… many times over."

"As all the rest of us, obviously, owe both of you for ours…" Roshida smiled softly as she continued, "Which brings me to point number two. It is also quite apparent that we made the correct decision in agreeing to help you in your quest. First, because a group like Cerberus needs to be eliminated and, second, because you deserve the same long life the rest of us Asari can now look forward to, thanks to Liara's and your efforts."

"You don't owe me anything, Roshi." Shepard looked down and shook her head. "I don't expect any type of reward for doing the right thing. I did it because I'm a soldier… and that's what soldiers do."

"In this case, I am in agreement with Liara; modesty does not serve you well, Shepard." Roshida smirked and added, "Besides which, once you asked, the choice was no longer yours to make… and we have decided to help."

"Well then…" Shepard smiled as she spoke. "I guess all that's left for me to do is say thank you."

"Not all." Roshida turned solemn. "There is no guarantee we will be successful… nor your Miranda, even if we do find the data she needs. So, if we are to do this, you must promise me that you will live whatever life you have remaining, be it one hundred or one thousand years, to its fullest. So, on the day you go to meet your Gods, you will have no regrets and they will judge you favorably."

"I'll try, Roshi."

"There is no try, Shepard." Roshida smiled softly. "Only do."

Rushing Pond, T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia – 21 Mar 2189

"I see what you mean." Livos lay on her back staring up at the stars above as she regained her breath. "It's magnificent out here… even in the coolest part of Spring."

"We'll see if you still feel that way when you wake up tomorrow," Zan answered with a chuckle. "The damp cold of morning can be a bit biting, especially for those not used to it."

Livos turned up on her side and propped up her head with an arm bent at the elbow to look Zan in the face. "If I wake up snuggled next to you in this warm bag… I will not care." She laughed softly. "Nor would it be the first time I have camped out in the field while on maneuvers… and trust me – I honestly believe I can say this is the best company I have ever had on such an excursion."

"With the quality of personnel assigned to House T'Soni?" Zan wrinkled her brow in doubt. "How is that even remotely possible?"

Livos leaned in to close the already small distance between them, to place a teasing kiss on Zan's lips. "Because I have never been in love with any of them."

"Never?" The disbelief in Zan's voice was quite evident, especially because she hadn't really meant to ask the question aloud, but it just seemed to pop out all on its own.

"Do not misunderstand me. I love them all as sisters-in-arms… but as their leader, I am forced to keep myself apart." Livos let out what seemed like a sad sigh. "I have taken pleasure with them, for sure… for all Asari have needs that cannot honestly be fulfilled by oneself… but, I have never allowed myself to get too close. It would compromise my ability to pick any of them for potentially deadly missions, like the one we have coming up, and I would be remiss in my duties to House T'Soni, should I ever let that happen."

"That is incredibly… disciplined." Zan spoke haltingly, then paused, the realization of the horrible loneliness that Liv must have felt all those years suddenly making her unable to speak at all. She attempted to swallow her despair as a tear escaped to trickle silently down her cheek.

It glistened in the firelight just enough for Livos to see it and her hand came up to tenderly wipe it away. "Do not cry for me, Zan. It was a life of my choice… just as some go through training to become a priestess or a consort, I chose to serve House T'Soni and I have been completely happy with my decision to do so… until now."

"Until now?" Zen reached up to take the hand caressing her cheek and held it tightly. "What makes you so willing, now, to take time out to spend it with me, rather than on duty at House T'Soni?"

"I…" Livos stopped and let out a sigh, moving Zan's hand to her chest and arranged it so it was pressed firmly over her heart. "This organ within my body never beat so hard as it did when I first saw you, Zan. I cannot explain it. I confused it with the flutter of a maiden… simple lust and appreciation for your wonderful physique… something I had not felt for over two centuries and could barely remember. You know how I warred with myself over the idea of even beginning a relationship with you, no matter how casual."

"Yes… but you dared to try it anyway, in spite of the risks… perhaps even because of the risks?" Zan chuckled softly. "I don't see you as one to turn down a challenge, Liv."

"Please do not jest," Livos frowned. "This is difficult enough for me as it is, without you making fun…"

"Liv." Zan interrupted as she reached up to place two fingers on the irritated lips. "I meant no offense… it was obviously a misguided attempt to help you relax. I am sorry."

"No. I am the one who should apologize. Speaking like this and revealing my deepest secrets makes me feel exposed… and it frightens me, so I strike out." With a troubled sigh, Livos shook her head. "You frighten me, Zan… or, more correctly, my feelings for you frighten me, because I have never let someone become so important to me… never let myself care so much for someone in the way I care for you."

"What are you saying?" Zan barely dared to whisper the question, afraid Livos was pulling away. "Do you want to end this? Us? Out of fear?"

"Oh, Goddess, no!" Livos wrapped her arms tightly around the nature guide and held her close, her emotions getting the better of her as she blurted out, "Every single time we are together it gets more difficult to let you leave! I have fallen in love with you, Carlina V'Zanto… but I know your job at Záhrada and mine with House T'Soni make that desire impossible to satisfy… and it hurts! More so than I ever imagined it could." She pushed away and sat up, looking away. "I know it is not what we agreed to, but I cannot help myself and the conflict between my duty and my love for you is pulling me apart like nothing else ever has… because I know I will not leave House T'Soni, and I dare not ask you to leave Záhrada because I fear you will say no… and I don't know what that would mean for us."

Zan immediately sat up alongside her and turned to drape herself across Livos' back, wrapping her arms around the distraught captain. "I don't care if it's not what we initially agreed to, Liv… but I want you to stop worrying about it… because I feel the same way about you! I have since our very first meld. I knew right then and there that if we let ourselves get involved, I would never want to let you go." She paused and laughed in relief, "But, the Goddess as my witness, I never dreamed you would ever admit to me that you feel the same way!"

"Why would you think that?" Livos' question was hesitant, as if she didn't really want to hear the answer.

"Because you are soooo devoted to House T'Soni… particularly Liara and Shepard." Zan smiled and squeezed her amantia. "You love them both in your own special way. It is easy to see they are not simply your employers… they are much more than that to you; they are like family." Zan reached up and gently turned Livos' head just enough to place a gentle kiss on her cheek. "And, given how much I want to be with you for the rest of my life, I would like to hope that, someday, they will be mine as well, because I would never force you to choose between them or me."

"Are you serious?" Livos turned her body so she could meet Zan's eyes in the flickering firelight. "Goddess. You are. You would leave the resort… and Matriarch Marisha… to be with me?"

"If we do not come up with some other solution?" Zan huffed, "Then, yes, I would. I love you Livos Tanni… and I am sorry it took me this long to get up the courage to tell you just how much."

"But you love your job… and your Matriarch, too! Just as I do." Livos shook her head. "No. It is very possible such a sacrifice could lead to resentment, so we must think on it and come up with a mutually agreeable compromise. I am sure we can figure something out." She suddenly laughed. "I have vacation time every year that I never take. When things settle down and become more like what we always considered normal, that will be the very first thing I change!"

She smirked and suddenly pushed Zan backward onto the bedding. "And, as we talked about at the party, I vow to never waste a moment of what time we do have together talking about other things… I simply want to enjoy being with you!"

Knight Shade, Horse Head Nebula, At Large – 30 Mar 2189

A week after Zan had returned to the resort and with a solid month of mixed combat team practices under their belts, Livos and crew joined Shepard on the Knight Shade, to rendezvous with the Kirkliston SR1 at the Pax Relay in the Horse Head Nebula. Livos, like the rest, was forced to put the parties and thoughts of loved ones out of her mind, in order to properly concentrate on the upcoming mission. Their relay jumps had used only a small portion of their travel time, to be immediately followed by a long FTL passage from the relay through dark space to reach their destination… the former Cerberus facility known as Orestes Station.

Shepard now stood in the mission planning area looking across the display table, through the three-dimensional projection showing the station and their intended ingress routes, to the multiple team captains surrounding it. "We have rehearsed this, many times… and we are as ready as we possibly can be."

"Your invitation to Armax was unexpected, but welcome, Shepard… even if it was a bit late in your practice schedule." Raash Strogar, the Krogan Commander from the Kirkliston, growled before adding, "The last time we did this, people died… friends died… and I take that personally."

"As do I, which is why you got invited and asked if you wanted to be here." Shepard locked eyes with the big Krogan who, much to the Spectre's surprise, chuckled.

"You think I'd turn down a fight that gave me a chance to get even?" The growl turned into a hearty laugh. "No fucking way… and I think you knew that before you asked!"

"I didn't know you well enough to guess…" Shepard smirked. "So, even though Roshi told me as much, I felt compelled to ask anyway."

"And I'm glad you did, Spectre… but enough chatter." Strogar looked at the other team leaders. His week of practice with them had demonstrated their worthiness to be working with the great Spectre Shepard, so he had no doubts about their capabilities or their likelihood of an upcoming, glorious conquest. "I say we get this battle started, before they figure out we're here and make our victory more difficult than it needs to be."

"So, your team is ready?"

"Hell yes," Strogar roared. "The members of Team Jhekt were born ready!"

"B'Sayle?"

"Locked and loaded."

"Captain Tanni?"

"Yes, Shepard."

"Jatok?"

"Let's get on with it…" Jatok flashed a smile at Strogar. "I've got a bet to win."

"My ass, Jat!" Strogar laughed, "This is not some Pyjak shooting gallery. My team is gonna kick your team's quads from here to Tuchanka!"

Shepard chuckled softly and shook her head as she continued, looking at her bondmate. Normally, Liara would remain behind and staff the Bridge… but not this time. XO or not, Liara had talked to Shepard about going along, using the Spectre's own arguments against her. If they were going to do this, they would all take the necessary risks, including Liara. Shepard, actually relieved to have her Anam Cara fighting at her side, gave her that funny little grin of hers and asked, "You ready to do this, T'Soni?"

"Absolutely, Captain." Liara smiled softly. "Awaiting your command."

Shepard drew a deep breath and blew it out. "Alright everyone. Move to your deployment locations and prepare for the assault. Fifteen minutes to go time… ready… hack!" She tapped the interface to begin her own countdown and spoke into her comm unit. "Thoni. You have the Bridge."

Orestes Station, Horse Head Nebula, At Large – 30 Mar 2189

The assault began with Jatok's and Strogar's teams simultaneously breaching the hull at separate locations, splitting the defensive forces, with each drawing their own fair share of attention. Erin, Sellis and Kaddi, by design, had broken off from their individual teams and would remain in stealth mode; their primary task was to infiltrate the security section and remove any coordinated response by eliminating the personnel within and then taking down the systems and disabling any controlling VI or AI. Between the three of them, they had to keep all the internal defenses suppressed for the duration of the assault; based on Erin's level of solo success at The Barn, everyone agreed this would not be overly taxing and still allow time for self-defense as well.

Bev Shyria had shifted from Livos' to Jatok's team to replace Kaddi as the sixth squad member, and Shepard, along with Liara, had joined Livos as the command team. Roshi's team also traveled with them, to provide additional biotics and fire support as part of the main assault. Their target was the same as the attack on The Barn; get to the Research and Development section and download all available data, killing anyone and destroying anything that got in their way. Once the download was complete, all teams would evac as safely as possible and the station would be destroyed from orbit, with the combined fire of the Kirkliston and Knight Shade.

Things were moving along pretty much as planned, the teams much better prepared for this assault than the last, until a voice suddenly rang out over the station's broadcast system. "God damn it, people! Get your shit together and kill those bastards! Do I have to do everything myself?"

While the tone reminded her of the troublesome Blue Suns commander on Korlus, Jedore – the Human tech specialist – it was the actual timbre of the voice that gave Shepard pause and what sent chills down Liara's spine. "Goddess! That's…" Liara stopped dead in her tracks and turned to her bondmate. "That's your voice, Shepard!"

To avoid any confusion or questions among the assault force, Shepard immediate jumped on their private comms. "I don't know who the Hell that is or how they are simulating my voice, but it's not me… If you don't hear it over our private channel, ignore anything it says! Please confirm receipt of this transmission!"

After everyone answered, Shepard responded, "Roger that! Continue as planned."

She and Liara started again toward their designated target area, talking as they moved. "What the fuck, Liara… any ideas?"

"Unfortunately, yes." She launched a stasis bubble at an incoming group and continued her answer while their team killed off the troopers trapped within. "It made me think of something that Miranda said… about having to create clones so they had spare parts to 'fix' you." She reached over and grasped Shepard's forearm as she said, "I would not be surprised if they kept at least one full shell alive… for whatever reason."

"Son of a bitch… but what for? In case I failed?" Shepard scoffed. "It's not like they would have had time to try again!"

"But they would have had time, Sam…" Liara closed her eyes in an attempt to eliminate the vision of losing Shepard from her mind, but it did no good. "Had you died on the Collector Station, they could have simply sent another Shepard… and who would be the wiser, other than me and the members of House T'Soni? Would the Humans have believed us, if they saw you stroll into the Alliance Headquarters like you owned it?"

"I'd like to think Hackett would have." Shepard shook herself and continued, "And my mother… but it doesn't matter. We have a job to do here and we're going to do it. Then, anyone still on this station will cease to exist, so there will be no confusion about who the real Samantha Shepard is."

"You're right. There won't be." Liara's expression had hardened as she listened and she continued, "And, now… I am convinced that you were correct when you said we need to eliminate any remaining Cerberus stations. We can never let anything like that ever happen, Shepard… and, if it turns out they actually do have clones here, what's to say they don't have them elsewhere, as well? We need to destroy them all!"

"Yes." Shepard nodded in agreement as she said, "But first things first, Liara. Let's get this mission done and all of us home safely before we begin planning our next move. Stay focused."

"Oh… no worries about that." Liara's eyes narrowed as she vowed, "And, if we do find any clones here, I will wipe every single one of them from existence… with extreme prejudice!"

They continued moving toward their objective and only a short time had passed before Sellis came on the line. "I found some info on Project Phoenix… They're making amped-up Dragoons, Shepard. Probably exactly like that one you ran into at Cronos."

"Then it's a damned good thing I added a high collar to my armor." Shepard sneered, "Those damned things will never wrap one of those biotic lashes around my neck ever again."

The resistance became stronger the closer they got to the Research and Development Center. As the door to the center's rather expansive anteroom slid open, Shepard peered around the corner and froze. "Well, shit."

Before them was a well-entrenched defensive force. Barriers had been erected and three machine gun turrets were aimed at the entrance – all fully manned by Combat Engineers and a pair of flanking Guardians. They were also protected by a front line consisting of a squad of assault troopers, led by a Centurion and accompanied by no less than four Dragoons. As imposing as the defensive line appeared, they all melted into the background as Shepard's focus landed on… herself. Or, at least a replica of herself, which no longer appeared fully Human.

Via the link, Liara could see what Shepard was looking at and it made her gasp in shocked horror. The Shepard clone was turning back and forth, issuing orders and allowing them a good look at their adversary, who had obviously been highly modified and no longer looked entirely Human. Her hair was cropped extremely short and nearly her entire body was encased in a molded body-armor with mechanical-assist power joints, all seemingly controlled by what appeared to be some type of neural harness – which connected into a controller mounted on her neck, at the base of her skull, where… normally… a biotic amp would reside.

Her eyes reminded them both of the final version of The Illusive Man, with eyes that had obviously been replaced by some sort of mechanical version. In addition, her left one had what appeared to be some type of ranging or targeting scope mounted over it – not a visor, but actually mounted to her skull.

On her left side, an underarm pistol holster held an M-25 Hornet, while clips on each side of her equipment belt held the much-feared, dual biotic lashes. Unusual for a Dragoon, the clone also had an over-the-shoulder shotgun holster, which currently appeared empty.

Her overall appearance was daunting, and Liara felt a tremble of fear run inadvertently through her body as she looked at this creation through her siame's eyes. After hearing her voice, there was no doubt in either of their minds – this creation had undoubtedly started as a clone, but had been enhanced almost beyond imagining, and they had absolutely no idea of its capabilities.

"It's every humanoid thing we've ever seen, all combined into one; a Human, a Geth, and, very possibly, with an AI assist, similar to Eva Core or Edi." Shepard's voice was filled with something that Liara believed was akin to awe.

"You can't possibly think this is a good thing, Shepard!" The Asari was aghast, wondering how Shepard could possibly approve of this construct.

"Oh, no. Absolutely not." Shepard's immediate response lessened Liara's concern, which was completely put to rest with her continuation of, "We are absolutely here to kill it, but you have to admit, it raises interesting possibilities…"

Liara was surprised at Shepard's thoughts. "You honestly think this was what the Reapers meant by synthesis?"

"I don't know, Li…" Shepard shook her head at the prospect but, before she could formulate a response, was interrupted by the much too familiar sounding voice from within the room.

"So… are you ever coming in to face me, or are you going to make me chase you down, so that I can kill you like the vermin you are… for the way you invaded my home and tore it asunder?"

Looking at a somewhat surprised Liara, Shepard shrugged and said, "Guess we should have expected it to know we are here."

"Never expected such… aggressive civility… from whatever that thing is." Roshida spoke from behind them. "I assumed if it knew, it would simply start shooting."

"Then let's give it the chance it seeks." In agreement with Liara's thought to simply start launching explosive rounds and warps into the room, Shepard squared her shoulders, activated her shields, and stepped boldly through the doorway.