Notes:

CGC - Center for Galactic Cooperation

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

New Relations

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 31 May 2189

Shepard's and Liara's blissful sleep was demolished when Riana blasted into their room rather early in the morning – 0652 hours – especially for a Sunday following a celebration the likes of which had transpired the day before. Liara simply groaned and rolled over but Shepard, ever the alert military officer, popped out of bed… landing on her feet to question the intrusion. Once she realized who it was, she moved quickly toward the closet to grab a robe. "What the Hell, Riana? What time is it? The sun's barely over the horizon."

"Your mother is on her way here, Captain."

"Right now?" Shepard's heart raced as she realized there was likely only one reason her mother would be headed their way. "When is she arriving on Thessia?"

Riana had some difficulty hiding a smirk as she responded, "About thirty minutes ago… She rented a private car and was already enroute when she called the Estate." Riana shook her head in exasperation as she added, "She said she didn't want to call too early, so didn't notify us until they were on final approach. They'll be on the ground by 0700 hours."

"They? Who is they?" Samantha asked the question as she hung her robe back on its hook in the closet and hurried to put on actual clothes, suddenly worried that Osoba may have come along with her mother.

"I heard no one else speaking, so I think she is alone… maybe with a driver?" Riana paused to think and added, "But I don't really know… because she said we will be arriving shortly."

"Gods be damned." Looking down at the motionless blue lump still tucked under the covers, Shepard added, "Wake Liara and have her come downstairs… but take your time. No need for both of us to endure my mother's inquisition."

"Inquisition?" Riana frowned at the implications of such a word. "Why would you say that?"

"Because the only reason I can think of for my mother to come to Thessia so quickly… and unannounced… is because of Dominic Osoba and Adrien Burns. At least I hope nothing else has happened that would instigate such an impromptu visit."

Eyes going wide with the sudden understanding, the only thing Riana could say was, "Oh."

"Yeah," responded a now fully dressed Samantha, heading for the bathroom. "Oh." She took a few seconds to brush her teeth, splash water on her face to get the sleep out of her eyes and comb her hair before heading for the door. "I'll see you in a bit."

Shepard had not even descended all the way down the staircase before the front door was opened by Lyessa, welcoming their newest surprise guest. "Good morning, Admiral. Please, do come in. Shall I call someone to fetch your bags?"

Hannah's voice was strained as she set a small duffle bag on the floor, while retaining her grip on the small tote hanging on her shoulder. "No need… but thank you; this is all I brought." She paused, giving the Steward a weak smile. "And, please, we are well past you calling me Admiral… It's Hannah."

"Of course, Hannah." Lyessa smiled in return and continued, "If you're spending the night, I can have your duffle delivered to your room…"

"I'm not sure if I'm staying, yet… or not." She offered the Steward a quiet response before catching Samantha's eye as the younger Shepard practically jumped down the remaining steps. "That depends on my daughter."

"Don't be silly, Mom." Samantha quickly closed the distance to wrap her mother in a firm hug, kissing her on the cheek, relieved beyond words that her mother had apparently made the trip alone, without the Councilor in tow. "You're always welcome to stay here, for a night or a lifetime, no matter how urgent or upsetting the news you may bring to our door." She pushed back, trying to read her mother's eyes as she said, "Lyessa. Please have Mom's stuff put in her usual suite and bring a pot of coffee to my study."

With a nod from the Steward, Samantha continued, "And, seeing as I just got up…" She removed her hands from her mother's waist and asked, "Will you join me for breakfast?"

Hannah drew a deep breath and let it out in a quiet shudder. "I'm sorry. I didn't even stop to think about what time it would be here when I left the CGC." She looked almost… bewildered... as she continued, "Last meal I had was lunch… a couple of hours before I jumped on the shuttle to come here. Breakfast would be most welcome."

Shepard glanced at Lyessa who smiled in understanding. "I'll bring the coffee right in and have Leyana prepare your meals, Captain. Will Lady Liara be joining you?"

"I think so… Riana is upstairs with her, now." Shepard glanced at her mother with a tentative smile. "After yesterday's all-day Promise party, prying her out of bed at this hour may be a bit of a challenge."

"Promise party?" Hannah questioned, welcoming the distraction, no matter how minor. "Whose?"

Shepard's smile turned up a bit more as she answered, "Captain Nayla Axoni… you remember her from House Armali… exchanged Promise bracelets with her partner, Lyana T'Geya, the Armali Strike Force Captain. With them finally making their relationship official, we threw them an impromptu party. As a result, Liara and I stayed up rather late to get dragged out of bed before seven in the morning without any warning." Shepard paused, her brow knitting as she added, "I assume nobody died or got hurt… or you would have said something by now."

"You assume correctly, Sam… it's just…"

"Come on, Mom." Shepard cut her mother off and offered her arm. "I have a pretty good idea as to why you're here, so let's head to my study and talk in private, shall we?"

"That's an excellent suggestion." Hannah sighed and accepted the offer, looping her own arm through her daughter's. "Thank you, Sam."

Samantha's eyes lit with delight and she quickly added, "Oh! And because the party went so late, Aethyta, Mozia and all their commandos are still here… so you'll have a chance to visit with them as well."

"How fortunate!" A genuine smile finally appeared on Hannah's face. "As crass as Aethyta sometimes is, time spent with her and Mozia is always rather entertaining. I'll look forward to their appearance."

They proceeded to the office, continuing to make small talk until Lyessa brought in their breakfast trays, refilled their cups with fresh coffee, and then left them to their discussion, pulling the door to the study closed behind her as she left. After another quick sip from her mug, Samantha began the discussion in earnest. "As I already mentioned, given recent events, I think I know why you're here, Mom, so just ask me what you came here to ask."

Hannah's expression was pinched with worry as she opened her tote bag and pulled out a datapad. "Imagine my surprise when Dominic Osoba came to see me and handed me this… asking me to monitor the development of our first joint colony with the Krogan…" She opened the dossier and placed the datapad on the table between them, the picture of Adrien Burns enlarged to fill most of the screen. "… and this person. Who the Hell is she, Sam?"

Samantha had used the little bit of time between Riana showing up in Liara's and her bedroom and Lyessa bringing them their breakfast to think about her approach to the discussion, so was able to reply to her mother's query without hesitation. "Adrien Burns is the second-best thing to come out of Jack Harper's tinkering." She grinned as she added, "Obviously, bringing me back after Alchera was the best thing."

Tears came to Hannah's eyes, remembering the pain from that time; attending Sam's memorial, wondering where Liara was… and the overwhelming joy she had felt when Samantha had shown up at the Citadel, alive and well. She swallowed the lump in her throat and let out a shuddering breath. "Bringing you back was likely his only redeeming achievement… or, at least, so I believed." She studied her daughter's face as she spoke and observed not even a hint of hesitation or regret in Samantha's eyes, so she continued bluntly. "She's your clone, isn't she."

It was most definitely not a question and Samantha's first reaction was to chuckle quietly. Seeing the growing indignation on Hannah's face, Sam shook her head and explained about the conversation she had with Tevos, finishing with, "She knew you'd see it right away… even though Dominic couldn't, because he didn't know me… before. That's why she immediately assigned me as your escort – to ensure we'd have a chance to talk before you went to Gellix."

Sam reached over and took her mother's hand. "My biggest concern was that you'd give Adrien up immediately, before coming to me and asking… but I knew I had to let you do your job without my interference, which is why I didn't contact you. So, even though it's a bit early in the morning and something of a surprise to have you here, in person instead of on a vid call, it's good to see you, Mom. I really am glad you came to me, first."

"Me too, kiddo." Hannah smiled indulgently as she added, "But, you should know you can always call me… or come see me… about anything, especially for something like this! I never would have seen it as interfering with my duty, Sam; I would have seen it as my daughter coming to me for help. So, as they say, it's water under the bridge and can't be changed… but, you can now explain to me how this all came to be."

Samantha then proceeded to tell her mother the entire story while they ate, with no shortcuts, regarding the discovery of and the hunt for the clones. "You can imagine my surprise when I met Adrien. Unlike the others we had tracked down, she is actually a decent Human being – whose first reaction was not to try to kill me – so, I have to admit, I was intrigued." She paused and huffed, "But, I'm honestly not sure how I would have handled the situation, had Gellix been my assigned location and had I been the one to discover her, instead of Moises."

Liara had entered during the telling and had remained silent while she ate her own breakfast… until now, when she immediately responded to Shepard's comment. "You would have done nothing differently, Siame. Without Moises' report, we wouldn't have known if there was a clone there or not… and you would not have attacked the station without cause." She shrugged and reached over to grasp Samantha's hand as she continued, "Since they had no idea Moises had already observed them, they answered the hail as they normally would – with caution, of course – but Adrien and her people had never relied on an 'attack first' defense. It's not who they are… not who she is." Liara's smile was comforting as she squeezed the hand in hers. "I am quite confident the end result would have been the same."

"Glad you think so, Blue."

"She's right, you know." Hannah reached over and placed her hand on top of the other two. "I have never doubted your judgement, Sam…" Her eyes shifted as she continued, "… nor yours, Liara, and I'm not going to start now." She drew a deep breath and blew it out slowly before adding, "So… on a more personal level… who is this Adrien to you? She's you, in a way… so I find it hard to believe she's simply a woman you support as the first Human governor on Gellix. There has to be more to it than that."

Shepard met her mother's eyes in silence for a moment, trying to discern if there were any expectations in her response. Seeing only the curiosity of a concerned mom, she answered honestly. "Moises is the one that really came up with the idea, but I immediately saw the merit of the suggestion. As for Adrien as a person, I don't really know yet, Mom… but I believe I'm already beginning to think of her as a long-lost sister… or a cousin, at the very least. There's no denying we share blood…"

"And you honestly like her, don't you?" Hannah leaned back in her chair, sounding surprised as her gaze shifted uneasily back and forth between them. Liara couldn't help but grin, unable to recall a time she had ever seen Admiral Hannah Shepard so unsettled.

"Yes, we do…" the Asari responded. "And, I will admit, I am intrigued by her scientific mind." She glanced at her bondmate as she continued, "Samantha is extremely intelligent but, since our initial meeting and discussions about my theories regarding the Reapers, her focus has been mostly on the warrior side of her nature, for obvious reasons. Adrien is an entirely different person… a scientist… agrobiologist, to be specific… formed by her own experiences." Liara frowned as she added, "In a way, the recent developments are like one of those Human tales about twins separated at birth, with no knowledge of the other."

At that, Hannah let out a nervous chuckle. "Well, I'm here to tell you, that is most definitely not what's happened in this case…" Hannah pursed her lips and stared at the picture still sitting on the screen of the datapad. "So, you said Adrien Burns is a modified clone… so not a true replica?" Curiosity getting the better of her, she had to ask, "What's different about her?"

"Why don't we let you be the judge of that, Mom?" Samantha shrugged. "We haven't exactly asked her for a DNA sample… but we know she's different enough that the CGC security scanners didn't pop up with my identification tag when she passed through them."

Hannah was still bemused by everything that had happened in the past twenty-four hours and simply shook her head. She reached out and picked up the datapad to stare once more at the image on the screen before answering, "I suppose that's all we can do. I mean… this is all so strange. I never imagined that anyone – even someone like Jack Harper – would go so far as to actually create a full Human clone! Even so, I won't fault this woman, nor prejudge her, for the indiscretions of a madman." She looked up to meet Samantha's eyes. "I'll meet your Adrien Burns." She stared back down at the picture in her hands. "And I think I'd rather do it sooner than later, if at all possible."

"Well…" Samantha paused, her forehead wrinkling in thought. "I suppose we can call her on a vid channel for the initial introduction, but I can't promise anything, Mom." Shrugging, she continued, "The incoming Krogan settlers only have a temporary camp and are working with the SILC to reopen the Quxstin mine and rebuild the housing units there. Plus, Jat just arrived on Gellix a couple days ago and is busy tearing through a Blue Suns stronghold to take it over as his new base of operations. Adrien has an awful lot on her plate right now… and will likely remain incredibly busy until everything settles down a bit."

Releasing a sigh borne of both frustration and grudging acceptance, Hannah responded, "I suppose that makes sense. It's just so…" She looked up at her daughter, comparing her facial features with those of Adrien Burns and instantly seeing the undeniable likeness. "… I don't know. Weird."

Samantha let out a little chuckle. "I know… right? Trust me, Mom. I get it. I'm still working my own way through the whole idea that I actually like this woman… a fucking clone! That – genetically – she's a Shepard, for sure… and, basically, me… but she can't help that and had no say in her creation, so how can I hold that against her? I mean… what the Hell?" Sam tossed her hands up in bewilderment. "Welcome to the Adrien Burns fan party!"

"By the Gods, Sam." With that, even Hannah had to sit back and laugh. "You never cease to amaze me with the situations you always seem to find yourself in… the situations we find ourselves in. Never in a million years…" She left the rest unsaid, simply shaking her head. "I suppose, like you, I simply need to be patient… however difficult that may be."

Liara smiled in relief and chimed in, "We have plenty going on to help distract you, Mom. Besides Dad and Mozia, we also have Gabby here." She glanced at Samantha and continued, "She'll be leaving for Sol tomorrow, so we'll be having a small farewell party for her and the twins this afternoon."

"My gosh! I forgot that Gabriella was still here!" Hannah positively beamed at the thought of snuggling a little one… or two. "That's absolutely wonderful! I'll bet those kids are sprouting like little beans! How old are they now? A couple of months?"

Samantha's face split with a wide grin, extremely pleased with Liara's diversionary tactic. "Two and a half… and yes, they're gaining two or three centimeters every day!"

CGC, Widow System, Serpent Nebula – 1 Jun 2189

"Gabby! You're positively glowing. Looks like being a mom is good for you!" Tamiko Miyazaki was waiting at the bottom of the ramp as Gabby exited the sleek vessel. The Senior Chief wrapped her arms around the new mom in an intimate embrace, which Gabby returned just as earnestly. After a few moments, Tammi pushed back and asked, "But where are your babies?"

Gabby looked over her shoulder, saying, "I'm enjoying the last bit of assistance being provided by any of a number of Asari commandos, Tammi." As if on cue, two of the Team 2 commandos that had made the trip, Dayna Axessi and Ne'essa Shelvos – each carrying a wee babe – walked up to stand beside Gabby so Tamiko could get a close look at Belle and Malcolm. Gabby made the formal introductions as she relieved them each of a baby's travel bag.

The Senior Chief seemed as giddy as a schoolgirl as she raved, "Oooohh, they are so adorable!"

A questioning look at Gabby was rewarded with "Of course, Tammi!" Nodding towards Dayna, she watched with interest as her Mea're carefully took Malcolm and cradled him in her arms.

Declaring, "He has your eyes," she cooed as she used a finger to gently stroke his chin and cheek. Looking back to her friend, she asked, "So, are you heading back to Scotland?"

"Yes," Gabby replied with a tired sigh before her eyes lit with excitement over the prospect. "I'm going home, Tammi… and I've signed a design contract with T'Sere Shipwrights… and they're allowing me to work remotely!"

Miyazaki eyed her friend as they strolled to the nearby shuttle and climbed in. "Please don't take this the wrong way, but why an Asari firm, Gabby? Surely there are private builders on Earth that would dearly love to have you on staff."

Taking Belle from Ne'essa so the Asari could more easily join them, she placed a kiss on a tiny nose, then replied with a tight smile, "I did a lot of research. In order to survive, the few Human manufacturers remaining in business have been consolidating into large conglomerates. T'Sere is a family owned business, so not so big that my contributions to their designs will go unnoticed, or unappreciated. They've just completed the necessary security retrofits to my house, and they installed the ultra-high-speed servers and transceivers that will permit me to live at home and work for a company on Thessia… all at no cost to me… as part of my contract."

Tammi thought about this for only a moment or two before admitting, "I've really missed you in the lab, Gabby, and not just for your technical expertise. Are you sure there's nothing I can do to lure you back?"

"I'm no longer in the Alliance, Tammi, and I need the change. Staying in the Alliance Navy would be a constant reminder of what I had with Kenneth… and what I lost with his death." Gabby reached an arm around her friend's back; placing her hand just above a hip, she pulled her in for a hug. "But… that doesn't mean I'm not going to see your face whenever I want to, Ms Miyazaki – that's what vid calls are for!" Gabby grinned and added, "And, as you well know, the flight from here to Earth takes no longer than the trip to Thessia. I'll be in my own home… so you are welcome to drop in any time you have a few days off."

"I just may do that… but I won't just drop in, Gabby; I'll be sure to call you first," came the giggling reply. "I expect you're going to have both your hands… along with all your days… completely full, with much more to do than you can possibly cram into a 24-hour time span!"

"All the more reason for you to come and lend both of yours as helping hands, whenever you're willing!" Gabby replied quickly, her wry smile accompanied by a flash of challenge in her eyes.

Edinburgh, Scotland, Earth – 1 June 2189

As a result of the difference in local time between Edinburgh and the CGC, it was early morning, with the eastern sky painted in vivid shades of deepest blues and indigo, when Gabriella Daniels Donnelly, burdened with a medium-sized bag stuffed with baby paraphernalia slung over her left shoulder, unlocked her front door the easiest way possible – she leaned against its surface and pressed her omnitool equipped left forearm through the glowing red Haptic interface. A two-count later, she was rewarded with the sounds of several deadbolts retracting into the door frame and the door, which responded by pivoting inwards slightly in response to her weight.

She nodded to her companions, Dayna Axessi and Ne'essa Shelvos – each carrying one of the small children against their chests – as she bodily pushed the heavy door fully open, its perfect balance making it seem almost weightless. Speaking past the opening in a slightly raised voice to her new housekeeper, she said, "We've arrived, Violet."

She nodded and motioned Dayna and Ne'essa towards the pair of cribs placed near the stairs and dining room. "Just set Belle and Malcolm in their beds, please, then drop all the gear next to the door… I'll get it sorted after I've had a chance to sit for a few."

As soon as her babies were placed in their beds, first Belle, followed by Malcolm, began fussing just a bit. Knowing full well they were each working their way towards the start of a prolonged bout of crying if she didn't sit down to feed them, Gabby sighed in resignation. All she wanted to do was take a shower and crawl into her own bed for a nap before lunch; it was obvious that wasn't going to happen.

Fortunately, Violet emerged from the kitchen at the slight sounds of unhappiness. "Hello, everyone! It appears yer not gonna have much time for yerself in the near future, Missus!"

Gabby smiled inwardly as she looked at the woman for a moment… Violet had spent time away from Scotland during the war. Living in southern England had anglicized her speech somewhat, softening her native brogue to the point it was barely discernible. Gabby, having spent so much time with Kenneth during their time in school and on-board Alliance vessels, enjoyed hearing the bits and pieces of the woman's native speech and accent.

She responded to Violet's statement with a tired grin, saying, "They've gotten used to constantly being held and cuddled during the past six weeks on Thessia… plenty of commandos in and out of the house, at all hours, so no shortage of arms willing to hold a baby for me."

As if on cue – and much to the surprise of Violet – Dayna and Ne'essa, carrying the rest of Gabby's luggage, re-entered through the still-open front door and carefully set everything down near the stairs. Gabby hid her amusement at Violet's reaction by introducing her to the commandos. "Violet, this is Dayna Axessi…" she indicated the huntress with her hand, "… and Ne'essa Shelvos; each of them worth their weight in gold to me. Dayna… Ne'essa?… this is Violet Sweeny, my new housekeeper.

Violet greeted each of the maidens in the traditional Asari manner, as had been demonstrated to her by Gabby, who grinned inwardly at their surprised expressions. Violet indicated they should have a seat on the couch as she moved to close the front door.

Ne'essa shook her head slightly in seeming regret as she said, "As much as we would love to stay and help Gabby get settled in, our travel schedule is too tight to allow it. We are expected back on Thessia this evening." She approached Gabby with her forearms out, to which the Human responded by slipping her own arms past Ne'essa's to wrap her in a loving hug.

"Thank you so much for all your assistance these past few months, Ne'essa." She kissed a dusky blue cheek as she reluctantly pulled back. "I am going to miss you…" she paused and turned to embrace and kiss Dayna. "… all of you, so much. I feel as if you are all my sisters." Gabby swiped at a stray tear that had leaked from an eye.

Dayna reached out to grasp a hand as she replied, "It has been a privilege to have you stay with us, Gabriella. May the Goddess watch over and protect you and your children." With a slight bow to Gabby and Violet, the commandos silently left the house to return to their ship.

Violet asked, "Will ye still be keepin' in touch with yer new friends on Thessia? For that matter, what of yer mates from the lab on the CGC?"

Gabby's smile diminished slightly as she replied, "I'll be in regular communications with my employer in Dassus… on Thessia. As for the CGC, my Mea're is still working there." At the questioning look she received, she explained, "It's an Asari term… closest meaning is tribal sister." Her expression softened as she thought of Tammi. "She's a propulsion engineer… Senior Chief Petty Officer Tamiko Miyazaki. She was an absolute rock during my time there… especially after Kenneth's death. Don't think I would have made it without her loving support."

With a resigned sigh, she looked at Malcolm and Belle before telling Ms Sweeney, "I guess I better feed them before they get any fussier."

"Of course, Missus Donnelly." After ensuring the heavy front door – newly installed in a reinforced frame – was properly closed and locked, Violet retrieved a baby blanket from one of the travel bags on the floor. She handed it quickly to Gabby, who sat down in her old-fashioned rocking chair, gifted to her by the T'Soni commandos; it was positioned so she had a view out the front window.

After unbuttoning her blouse partway down, she exposed her right nipple through the cup of her nursing bra as Ms Sweeney placed Belle in her lap. She cooed to her baby girl while wrapping the blanket around her; positioning Belle on her arm, she winced from the momentary discomfort of a pair of toothless gums latching onto her nipple. "Damn, that hurts," she whispered. "Don't think I'll ever get used to it."

Annabelle, innocently staring up at her mom's face, suckled as if she hadn't been fed all day. Gabby hummed a little ditty while rocking back and forth in the comfortable chair, smiling contentedly all the while as she watched her daughter take nourishment from her body. She looked up as Malcolm cried out. "Soon, baby… soon," she said. Malcolm squawked in response, as if suggesting his sister needed to hurry.

When she had first started nursing them on the morning of their birth, Gabby had attempted to feed both babies simultaneously; it had quickly become obvious that feeding them one at a time was much easier to manage. As to which one was first to drink, it turned out that Belle was invariably hungrier than Malcolm, who usually seemed content to feed after his sister was done.

Gabby watched a pair of dark eyes gradually close in sleepy contentment as a tiny stomach filled with the nutritious liquid; placing a finger in the corner of her mouth, she freed her nipple and cuddled the small form to her chest. Ms Sweeney, taking note of this, deftly swapped one baby for the other as Gabby wiped and recovered her right breast, then exposed her left. As with Belle, she scrunched up her face in response to Malcolm latching onto her nipple. With her son taking his turn, Gabby sighed as she gently rocked back and forth. I can certainly think of worse things in life than sitting and nursing a baby… or two, came the thought.

"Would ye like me to prepare a spot o' brunch, Missus Donnelly?" Gabby silently offered thanks to Kenneth's Aunt Heather for recommending Violet Sweeney as a live-in nanny and housekeeper; the woman was turning out to be a true godsend!

"That would be wonderful, Violet… I seem to be hungry all the time these days." Violet silently nodded and walked into the kitchen; Gabby continued to hum a lullaby as her baby boy's hungry suckling slowed.

Once Malcolm had taken his fill, Gabby rose from her chair and settled him back in his bed, then entered the kitchen just as Ms Sweeny turned to call her in for a bite to eat. "I'm still learning what a non-native likes to eat, Missus Donnelly. I hope it's to yer liking."

Gabby sniffed the air appreciatively as she sat at the small table. "Please, join me, Violet." She stirred the contents of the bowl in front of her as the woman sat in the chair on the other side of the table, replying in a voice tinged with shyness, "Don't mind if I do, Missus."

Gabby smiled as she gently blew across a spoon filled with Scotch Broth. After swallowing her first spoonful of the piping hot soup, she commented, "I really enjoy this dish, Violet. I expect it'll be even better tomorrow." Gabby ate several more spoonfuls of the rich broth, interspersed with bites of homemade bread, before continuing with a question, "I know you must have told me this before, but how long did you work for Heather and Eadan Matheson, Violet?"

The woman looked down at her own bowl of soup for a moment before answering, "Since long afore th' war, Missus. Th' bloody Reapers pounded Edinburgh from day one because of th' city's importance as a seaport; we all moved to th' south of England to get away from th' worst of it." She returned her gaze to her soup, using her spoon to aimlessly stir it about, then added, "Mister and Missus Matheson are good people… they was always more than kind ta me."

Gabby had seen the destruction visited upon London, so expected that much of the docks and port had been destroyed here as well. "You stayed in the country? Away from the cities?" At her mute nod, Gabby continued, "I'm so sorry you had to leave here, Violet, but you're back now, and I'm really grateful Uncle Eadan and Aunt Heather encouraged you to come work and stay with me, instead of remaining with them."

Violet smiled. "Aye! They don't have a pair of wee babes to look after, now do they? It gladdens my heart ta be lookin' after wee 'uns again, Missus."

Gabby finished her broth; using the last bit of bread to clean the bowl, she popped it in her mouth, chewed and swallowed, then declared, "I'm happy to have you here, Violet. I don't think I could do this without your help."

"Well," answered the happily grinning woman. "… now ya needn't hafta discover if ye can or not!"

They had barely finished eating when Gabriella received a call; she was most surprised – shocked, actually – at the identity of her caller; it was T'Sere Shipwrights Operations Director Matriarch Tralis, calling personally, to remind Gabby that she – along with comms specialist Carli Ferria, systems support tech Clarissa Sheris, and a small support crew, would be arriving in Edinburgh shortly after midday the next day, as had been previously scheduled.

She also informed a suddenly nervous Gabby they planned to stay for as long as a week, the length of their stay depending on how quickly Gabby learned to operate and maintain the newly installed systems. Much to Gabby's relief, they would be basing out of their ship – the Celebration – to include taking their main meals on board during their stay.

So, with more than a little help from Violet, she had spent what remained of the afternoon and evening cleaning and dusting the house from top to bottom in preparation for their guests. Truth be told, it was actually less work than Gabby expected, given the relatively large size of the house; it had quickly become quite apparent the contractors had been extremely careful during their renovations and had thoroughly cleaned up after themselves; evidently, just another perk of her employment with T'Sere.

As the evening drew to a close, Gabby slipped between the covers of her new, extremely comfortable bed, closed her eyes, and smiled sleepily. I need to remember to thank Jude for steering me toward such a wonderful and caring company!

Edinburgh, Scotland, Earth – 2 June 2189

Wearing only her panties and a nursing bra, Gabriella studied her reflection in the mirror attached to the dresser. Placing her hands on her formerly taut belly, she thought, Damn! I seriously need to get a bit more rest… and some exercise! Didn't realize I looked so haggard… and flabby! Kenneth would probably want to leave me! Chuckling to herself, she finished getting dressed, then quietly left her room for the small bedroom housing a pair of babies sleeping in their cribs. Seeing nothing amiss, she followed the delightful aroma of freshly brewed coffee downstairs.

Ms Sweeney was already in the kitchen preparing breakfast for each of them. Saying, "Good mornin', Missus," she grinned as she handed a steaming mug to Gabby. "Didn't hear much noise from th' wee babes last night."

Gabriella took a grateful sip from her mug as she studied the housekeeper over the rim. "Violet, please… call me Gabby. It's what I'm used to hearing from everybody." Another sip, then, "Belle and Malcolm are almost to the point where they can sleep through the night." Casting her eyes toward the audio monitor, she smirked as she heard one or the other stirring in their bed. "That said, they always wake up ravenous, so…"

"You sit 'n' enjoy yer food 'n' coffee, Missus. I'll go up in a few 'n' attend ta their needs, then bring 'em down so you can feed 'em and get ready to start your day."

Gabby sighed her relieved acceptance. "Thank you, Ms Sweeney. I really appreciate it."

Once everyone had eaten, including the children, Gabby and Violet set to work. All of Gabby's things – clothes and personal items for both her and the babies – had been shipped to the house in a trio of medium-sized crates. Knowing there was no possible way to get it all unpacked before her Asari employer arrived, Gabby got started anyway, feeling she needed the distraction to help ease her unexpected nervousness.

Pulling everything from the first crate, she managed to get most of her clothes sorted and placed in a pair of armoires and an antique dresser in her upstairs bedroom. While Gabby worked on getting her own things put away, Violet worked on arranging all the twins' clothes – most of which had been gifted to them by the amazingly generous House T'Soni commandos – in the small dresser in their room.

It was nearly noon before a bit of unhappiness could be heard wafting up the stairs. Violet intercepted Gabby just before she started down the stairs. "Give me ten minutes ta git them changed 'n' cleaned up, Missus. Just go finish what you're doing, then come down ta feed 'em while I prepare lunch fur the two of us."

Gabby nodded in appreciation as she nervously dry-washed her hands. "That would be wonderful, Violet."

Violet Sweeney was a remarkably perceptive woman; much to Gabby's surprise, she gently grasped Gabby's hands as she quietly added, "Don't be so nervous, Missus. As I see things, this Asari is yer employer, aye, but I think she might also be considered a friend. She's not comin' 'ere ta judge or criticize ya in yer home… she simply wants ta make sure yer satisfied with tha accommodations put in place for ye 'ere. Do try ta relax, Ma'am… please?"

Gabby, cheeks coloring slightly in embarrassment, nodded as she leveled her gaze at her new companion. "You're correct, Violet, of course. I suppose I'm just being silly, but I really want to make a good impression on Matriarch Tralis. This will be her first time visiting here."

Violet chuckled. "If I may be so bold, seems to me ye'v awready made a good impression on this Matriarch, Missus." Backing out of the room to go downstairs, she concluded, "Why else would she travel a' this way, if not ta ensure yer happiness?"

Violet's parting question stopped Gabby in her tracks. Why, indeed? She continued to ponder the question as she washed up before going downstairs to feed her little ones. She dared to let a smile creep onto her face, her nervousness finally transforming into anticipation of a potentially rather interesting afternoon.