Notes: Apologies for this chapter being so late… My work life has been crazy, and I haven't been able to concentrate on writing, even when not working. Too much going on in my head. So, I hope you can forgive me and enjoy the chapter!

Anam Cara - Soul Friend/Mate (Gaelic)

BAaT - Biotic Acclimation and Temperance Training

Ionúin Álainn - beautiful beloved (Gaelic)

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

Promotions, Parties and Promises

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 12 June 2189

"Yes," Karin replied, stepping back from Samantha's welcoming hug. "Believe it or not, things are actually a bit slow… so Ashley and the Normandy are sitting on Earth, enjoying two weeks of leave. It gives everyone enough time to take a short trip and say hello to people they haven't been able to visit in quite a while." She smiled as she added, "And, as the ship's captain, Spectre Williams has absolutely zero intention of chasing any merc or pirate groups without her primary physician onboard."

"I can imagine!" Shepard's face held a wide grin, still finding it hard to believe both Karin and Kay had managed to make the trip on such relatively short notice, even with both of the women standing before her on the tarmac. "And I'd be doing the same, if I was still commander of the Normandy."

Turning to wrap their other guest in a warm embrace, she kissed her Aunt Kay softly on the cheek and whispered softly, "And it's always wonderful to get a chance to see you!" Still holding the woman gently by the shoulders, she stepped back and asked, "How are things going at the school?"

"As well as can be expected." Kahlee shrugged with a half-hearted smile. "The facility repairs are complete… but mending the students' hearts will be a much longer process. Many of them lost family members during the war and, with the second annual Victory Celebration being just last week, those wounds reopened a bit… tears were shed and when one starts crying, it's hard for the rest, if not impossible, to not join in, including me when I get to thinking about David."

As the woman's eyes glassed over, Samantha pulled her into another hug, feeling a similar emotion to Kay's, her heart suddenly aching anew over their loss of Uncle Dave. Her voice was tight as she replied, "I don't think anyone survived the war unscathed, Aunt Kay. There was simply just too damned much destruction."

Kay pushed back and swept the tears off her cheeks, reaching out to take Samantha's hands in her own. "Yes, there was… but we're still here, mostly thanks to you and your crew… and there's a promotion party to prep for! We shouldn't let anything get in the way of that!"

"Agreed." Samantha swallowed her grief and put a smile on her face, glancing at her Aunt Karin. "Come on. Let's head inside." Shepard tapped her temple with her index finger and added, "Mom and Liara are almost done making the last few final arrangements for the weekend, and they'll meet us in the sitting room as soon as they finish up."

Karin had chuckled when Sam glanced at her, roguish grin firmly in place. Once her 'niece' fell silent, she commented, "I take it that by sitting room, you mean the bar."

"Yup, that's the place. The sitting room, the lounge… the bar… a space known by many names, depending on the time of day. But, more important than how we refer to the room is what's inside it. I'll have you know it is fully stocked with Serrice Ice." Dropping Kay's hands, she swept a flattened hand in the direction of the house, in invitation. "And readily available as an option for a pre-dinner drink… a toast to your visit and to Mom's imminent… and well-deserved… promotion to Vice Admiral!"

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 13 June 2189

Saturday morning brought a pleasant breakfast out-of-doors, on the patio overlooking the Estate's central flower gardens, where the group sat and talked as they ate. Kay chatted about the students and the future of the school. "It's looking very promising, actually. Our funding has been secured and we have a rather considerable number of new pupil applications. I believe the long-lived stigma of our horrible failure with the BAaT program has finally faded." Her eyes met those of Samantha and Liara as she glanced between them. "Largely, I think, due to the accomplishments of you two. People have begun to realize that biotics don't automatically grow up to become the uncontrollable monsters they feared."

"We certainly didn't start well… especially with groups like Cerberus and places like where Jack ended up." Shepard smiled sadly and glanced at Karin as she said, "And, I still remember that day in the clinic."

"You mean when you blew up my med bed?" Karin nodded knowingly. "You were so angry… frightened and distraught, all at the same time. Even after all these years, I'm still not sure which upset you the most."

"Honestly?" Samantha replied. "I think, more than anything, it was simply adolescent embarrassment! I didn't fit in anywhere because I was the only Human biotic on-station, and it made me feel horribly lonely… and scared that I was going to be sent off to some special training school."

Hannah looked at her daughter, surprised at the admission. "Samantha Shepard! I would never…"

"I know, Mom… at least not voluntarily." Sam shook her head. "But you have to admit, if the station commander had insisted, you wouldn't have had a choice."

"I… we… would have come up with something." Hannah glanced between Sam and Karin as she shook her head in absolute denial. "After the loss of your father, we promised we would never leave you with strangers, ever again, and we would have kept that promise to you… even if it meant I had to separate from the Alliance."

"Then I'm glad you didn't have to choose between me and your career, Vice Admiral Shepard." Sam smiled. "Because the Alliance would have lost the both of us, as I never would have joined an organization which forced you out before you were ready."

Liara gave Samantha's thigh a comforting squeeze under the table. "Then it's good for all of us, because if that had happened, I never would have been rescued by the positively gorgeous Human who has become half of my heart and soul."

Shepard blushed lightly and responded quietly, "Thanks, Li… but I know I would be the one all the lesser for not having met you."

Chuckling softly at the adorable young couple, Hannah asked, "So… what's on tap for today?"

"Well," started Sam, "Liara and I normally head over to the fitness training area, do some warmups and run the obstacle course, then head into the training center to exercise our biotics, ending with a few sparring rounds." A grin slipped onto her face as she asked in challenge, "Care to join us for any of that?"

She was surprised when her mother answered with, "Absolutely! At least for the warmups and obstacle course." Hannah shrugged and continued, "Obviously, I need to skip the biotics session so, at that point I'll take my leave and let you continue your workout. I do maintain my unarmed combat proficiencies, as required by Alliance regulations, but I do not believe I care to spar with either of you two." With a quiet chuckle, she finished, "I'd hate to end up with a blackeye just before my ceremony… and the necessity of trying to explain it to Admiral Lindholm."

"That'll be great!" Samantha smiled and promptly added, "You joining us on the obstacle course, that is… not needing to explain a blackeye! And, for the sake of the limited time we all have together, we'll skip the sparring as well." Turning to their other guests, she asked, "And what about you two?"

Karin grinned. "I assume you'll allow us access to the weapons range?"

"Of course," answered Liara. "Are you speaking of our pistol and shotgun range – which is the one you know about in the outdoor fitness area – or do you want to try out our new assault and sniper course? That one has been built since you were last here and is out a bit from the Estate… but I am positive more than a few of the commandos would love an excuse to head out and do some target practice. Or, maybe even go on a game hunt, instead?"

"Oh, goodness no. Nothing like that." Karin waved her hand in dismissal. "Just the small-arms range, where I can practice with my service pistol, that's all."

"The Alliance still using the M-5 as basic issue?" Shepard immediately perked up, getting a chance to talk about weapons, and asked an additional question without waiting for an answer, "Or have they decided to let people use their own specialty pistols because of war shortages?"

"The Phalanx? Yes… they are… and, no, they aren't allowing soldiers to use whatever they can get their hands on." Hannah jumped in and answered before Karin had a chance, her eyes twinkling as she added, "But, senior officers are issued the N7 Eagle." Her gaze shifted to Karin as she finished, "Which I have with me, if you care to give it a try."

"Oh, I would love to fire one again!" Karin exclaimed. "But you must remember I serve on a Spectre vessel, Hannah." She grinned and continued, "So the Alliance brass has no say over what pistol… or even which type of weapon… I can use. Long ago, Samantha procured an N7 Hurricane for me, with all the bells and whistles!" She smirked and ended with, "Of course she… and then Ashley… let me keep it, so, if you come along with us, you can give that a try."

Shepard laughed at the one-upmanship that was going on and stated, "Now hang on just a minute. We have Aethyta and Mozia showing up at lunch time, so how about everyone sticks around here for the morning, then we all go out to the ranges for the afternoon. I can't imagine either of them not wanting to come along for the fun."

"Seriously? Including Mozia?" Kay asked.

"Yes, somewhat surprising, isn't it?" It was Liara who answered. "She had never trained as a commando but insisted on doing a supply check with Dad during the war… and they ended up having a rather close run-in with a Reaper Destroyer. Since then, she has focused on maintaining at least a basic proficiency in both her biotics and various weapons for self-defense."

Her face split in a grin as she added, "Surprisingly, Dad is actually an exceptionally good instructor, but options within Armali city are rather limited, other than simulators. So, Mozia seldom passes up an opportunity to spend time at the pistol range while they are here…" She paused and shrugged, adding, "Because we all know simulators, no matter how good, still just aren't the same as the real thing."

"Exactly." Shepard chuckled softly. "So, if you'd care to wait, you'll also have access to an Acolyte pistol, Mozia's weapon of choice, and a modified Blood Pack Executioner… Aethyta's, of course, which is a relatively new acquisition; a gift from Wrex after the war."

"Isn't that somewhat like the Carnifex?" asked Hannah.

"Yes." Shepard nodded. "Pretty similar in weight and accuracy, but it has twenty-five percent higher capacity, fires a little bit faster and has almost twice the stopping power of the M-6. The thing's a beast, and Aethyta doesn't go anywhere without it." She smiled as she looked at Karin, adding, "It, too, has all the bells and whistles, so you'd better be careful. With the ultralight upgrade and a scope, it's a pretty sweet weapon, cutting the weight in half and bumping up the accuracy by as much as thirty-five percent. It's not a semi-auto, but once you use it, you just might change your mind. I think it's a perfect pistol for close-quarters fighting… especially for a warrior-doc such as yourself, defending any patients you may have in Med Bay."

"So, if you tease me with all the advantages of such a weapon and I end up liking it, would you be able to procure me a replacement for my Hurricane?"

Samantha gave the military doctor a knowing smirk and answered, "You kidding? With my connections to Wrex and Bakara? I could probably have it in hand, painted in Alliance colors, by month's end. I do have to warn you, though; Aethyta doesn't have a scope on hers. She uses a power magnifier instead, to bump her biotics."

"And you don't have a single scope in your inventory that would fit it?"

"A basic 2x? Sure, we have a few." Shepard laughed. "But the real question is if Thyta will let anyone mess with her pistol to actually put one on it."

The obstacle course was fun, and most definitely more of a group activity than a competition. It took them much longer to finish certain obstacles with Karin and Hannah in the mix than it normally did with their regular group of biotic commandos, but no one cared. It made for an enjoyable afternoon, particularly with the squeals of apprehensive delight as the non-biotics were tossed from one commando to another, in order to complete the high-wall challenge.

"By the Gods, Sam! You do this all the time?" exclaimed a breathless Hannah once she had reached the upper platform. "Do you always toss people around like sacks of potatoes?"

"Pretty much, Mom." Samantha was surprisingly somber as she replied. "I've never forgotten how Mike died… and then Bethany Westmoreland. I'll be damned if anyone ever falls again. Not on my watch… So, as a precaution, we practice constantly at catching and tossing people, hoping no one ever has to go through what I did back then, over some stupid mistake, moment of carelessness… or just a bad break."

Hannah's eyes teared up and she hugged her daughter. "Oh, Sam," was all she could say.

"It's okay, Mom," she answered with a gentle smile. "It seems like Mike died a lifetime ago… and, for me, I guess he did," she added with something of a hesitant chuckle, glancing at Liara. "Maybe even two lifetimes ago."

Even Liara managed to smile slightly at Sam's wry comment, having – once the Quarian War had finished – finally gotten over her previously constant fear of her bondmate dying. Shepard had promised to be more mindful of the risks she was willing to take and had proven true to her word. Over time, Liara had become convinced the no-longer-reckless Vanguard genuinely worked at staying alive to see the realization of their plans for the future, so she was no longer consumed with dread.

Liara was comfortable enough with their circumstances, she even managed to come back with, "And we're focusing on not making it a third… right, Shepard?"

Samantha laughed and wrapped an arm around Liara's waist, a broad smile accompanying her response. "Absolutely, Anam Cara. Absolutely." Glancing around the platform, she grinned mischievously, her eyes dancing in anticipation. "So… if you thought coming up was fun, just wait until you experience going down!"

The afternoon at the range had gone splendidly but, in the end, Karin opted to stay with her Hurricane. Aethyta had been gracious enough to let the good doctor shoot the Krogan pistol, but only after she had personally modified it with the 2x scope. Once she had handed it over to the woman on the range, Karin soon realized the grip on the Punisher was too large to be comfortable in her relatively small hands. After firing only three rounds, she had handed the weapon back. "Sam was most definitely correct; that is one Hell of a pistol… but obviously designed for someone of larger stature than me. I can barely wrap my hand around the grip!"

Aethyta had been grinning as she took it back. "You still fired it like nobody's business, Karin… every one of them in the circle. Nicely done."

Karin chuckled softly. "Thank you, Aethyta… but it's not exactly much of a challenge with a properly mounted scope. Thank you, for being willing to change it up so I could fire it. After Sam talked it up so much, I couldn't stand the idea of not getting to at least try it." She shrugged. "I will say it fired much more smoothly than I anticipated for a Krogan weapon of such power. It does pack a wallop!"

They were still talking about the day now behind them as they sat down for dinner. "The Punisher's power is one of the reasons I like it so much. But…" The Matriarch chuckled and stretched her fingers out to show the size of her hand as she acknowledged the difference in size from the doctor. "… my hands are quite a bit larger than yours, so I can see why you'd be a bit uncomfortable with it. It's too bad because it's an excellent, reliable sidearm."

Samantha's satisfied smile was full of joy as she added, "I simply like that everyone prefers something different… so we can all fire lots of different things when we bring them together on the range. Never a dull moment around this place!"

"Never heard anything more true, Shepard!" Aethyta barked out a laugh. "Speaking of exciting things that happen here…" She paused and looked around the dinner table, raising a glass. "I know… me making a toast… no surprise there. However, I think something important, at least to House T'Soni, has been forgotten with everything else going on this weekend." Her glance shifted to Hannah. "Not to take anything away from the well-deserved achievement of making Vice Admiral, but tomorrow brings an anniversary of sorts as well."

She let her gaze wander the group sitting at the table, only Riana responding with a knowing look. Aethyta gave her a nod. Riana smiled and stood, raising her glass in answer as she said, "To Spectre Shepard… on the eve of her one-year anniversary of being free from the Alliance, opening the door to becoming a true citizen of Thessia."

Shepard stared at her fellow Vanguard in shock, a bit of a contemplative frown forming on her face as she asked, "Shit… Has it really been only a year?" She shook her head and shrugged. "Seems like a lot longer, and not something necessarily worth celebrating." She looked at Aethyta, about to offer an explanation, but Liara cut her off.

"I disagree." Liara's face held an apologetic smile for Sam. "I am prepared to be less… accepting… of the Alliance than you, Siame. They were relentless in their abuse of your abilities, all while never honestly believing you about the Reapers. They went so far as to get you killed, for Goddess sake, and abandoned you to the wastes of Alchera!" Her gaze shifted between Hannah and Kahlee before settling on Karin. "I'm sure you all know I find no fault with the people in this room for the actions of the Alliance leadership. I fully realize each of you supported Samantha… and Karin, especially, who tried to get her the downtime… us the downtime… we needed during the war, all to no avail."

She focused back on Sam as she continued, "I, for one, felt you waited much too long to submit your resignation. You should have done it as soon as the Alliance ignorantly thought to brand you a traitor for working with Cerberus, but I know you couldn't do it then, because it would have likely proved their point."

Surprising them all, it was Hannah who picked up the dialogue. "I have to admit, even I agree with Liara. Once you were back in the good graces of the Alliance, even if it did take the Reapers landing on Earth to make them fully realize just how irresponsible they had been, you should have done it as soon as you could. It would have made it impossible for Steven… and I don't mean to speak ill of the dead, but I can't help it in this situation… but it would have been much more difficult for Steven to order you to do some of the things he did… like forcing you into custody. You were a Spectre! You should have been out doing… whatever!"

"All of which was necessary to keep us out of a war with the Batarians, Mom… and you know it," Shepard responded resolutely. "We all did what we had to do in order to ensure the galaxy's survival. If Admiral Hackett couldn't order me to do the tasks he needed done, he still would have asked…" She let out a quiet sigh as she glanced resignedly at Liara. "… and I would have still done them so, to be honest with ourselves, my actual status never really mattered."

"Fuck all that," groused Aethyta. "None of that matters, because beside it all, your resignation was the first step in your journey toward becoming an Asari citizen, so screw the whys and whens of it! You're one of us now… and I'm damned proud to call you family!"

Shepard looked at her for a moment in total silence, before finally laughing quietly and shaking her head in grudging acknowledgment. "All right, Aethyta… however much it pains me to say it, you may be right." She pointed at the Matriarch and continued, "But we celebrate only this once! From this day forward, the only day we celebrate regarding this issue is the twentieth of October… the day I actually gained my Thessian citizenship. Agreed?"

Aethyta looked her in the eyes, remaining silent for a moment of her own before responding, "Agreed, Shepard. And, so long as you keep my Little Wing happy, it'll stay that way."

"Thyta!" Mozia reached over and slapped her on the arm. "Don't be so… I don't even know what to call it!"

At that, Shepard laughed aloud. "Fatherly?" She reached over and took Liara's hand, saying, "I completely understand the desire to love and protect her. I feel the exact same way, every single day of my life." She chuckled again before adding, "The ones you should feel sorry for are our future children. I'm not gonna let them out of my sight until they're 80!"

While everyone laughed over the ridiculousness of such a statement, Shepard released Liara's hand to pick up her own glass and raise it high, to match those of Aethyta and Riana. Samantha's eyes roamed the room, glinting with appreciation and love for all those within, each raising their drink in unity as she said, "To family!"

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 14 June 2189

"Good morning." Liara's blue eyes shined bright in the dawn, the sunlight just beginning to filter through the sheer drapery covering the balcony doors.

"Gods, T'Soni." Shepard's forehead creased as she asked, "What's wrong? Why are you awake before I am?"

"I had a dream that woke me. A rather pleasant one, I admit…but no matter how good the dream, it's always much better in person."

Sam felt a surge of desire as fragments of the dream floated across the link. "Oh!" Smiling, she rolled up on her side and caressed the cheek of her Ionúin Álainn. "You need me to take care of that for you?"

Liara grinned, a hint of mischief in her eyes as she replied, "I don't necessarily need you to… but I would be most appreciative if you chose to volunteer…" She slid across the last few centimeters necessary to place a gentle kiss on the tip of Samantha's nose.

"Well… I am kinda hungry." Shepard was having a hard time keeping a straight face as she continued teasingly, "Can it wait until after breakfast?" She also couldn't control the images that slipped through the link, regarding all the things she was willing to do with the magnificent being lying with her in their bed.

"Goddess, Samantha!" Liara felt her insides flutter before Shepard ever laid a hand on her. "You are incorrigible!"

"Hey. You're the one who brought it up." Shepard swept a few troublesome strands of hair off her face, tucking them behind her ear as she laughingly responded, "But yes, I am… especially when it comes to you. And, if we're being honest, it's also one of the reasons you love me so!"

Once Shepard and Liara joined the group, the Sunday before the promotion ceremony was quite busy, with additional guests showing up throughout the day. Wrex made an appearance, as did Sharon Culver and Adrien Burns. Like Hannah had, Sharon saw the uncanny resemblance immediately and, even though she and Samantha hadn't been a couple for a long time, went immediately to the woman she still called Mom.

"Who the Hell is she?" Sharon's brow was wrinkled, a combination of curiosity and consternation coloring her words. "I can't imagine never hearing about someone who could be Sam's damn twin… so it makes me wonder."

Hannah's lips held the trace of a smirk as she replied, "Always the protective one when it comes to our Samantha, aren't you?"

"You know it… and you're dodging my question." Sharon put her hands on her hips and cocked her head in irritation. "So, spit it out. Where's she from and how long have you known her?" Sharon gave the new arrival a puzzled glance as she continued, "She some long-lost black sheep no one wants to admit is part of the family? And… if that's the case… what the Hell is she doing here? Another one of Sam's lost causes?"

"That wouldn't be too far from the truth, actually," Hannah chuckled. "All except the 'lost' part." Hannah let out a contented sigh as a smile from their exchange still played on her lips. "Come on. Let's take a walk in the gardens and I'll give you some background. You only have to promise to let me tell the full story without interruption."

Sharon had to work hard at not speaking as Hannah relayed what Culver considered to be an incredible, borderline unbelievable story. If she hadn't already seen Adrien in the flesh, she would have accused Hannah of telling a tall tale, but the physical evidence spoke volumes. Once Hannah finished and finally fell silent, the Special Operations commander's first response was, "Well… shit. That is most definitely not what I expected.," followed quickly by the first of many questions. "And Sam actually trusts her?"

"Yes, she does," Hannah nodded. "As do Liara, Spectre T'Dura… and I, only to name a few. She has the loyalty of every person residing at Cliffside, Sharon… because she's a decent Human being who managed to escape the clutches of Jack Harper with no ill effects, neither from her birth source nor that man's twisted leadership."

"Leadership?" huffed Sharon. "That egomaniac didn't have a leadership bone in his body. He was a twisted, manipulative dictator and nothing more."

"An accurate assessment spoken with conviction," Hannah replied with a grin. "You'll get no argument from me on that one; poor choice of wording on my part." After a momentary pause, she asked, "So, shall we go back and see if Sam and Liara have returned from the lake yet? You must know she's eager to see you… She'll be mad she wasn't in when you arrived."

"No blame there; nobody could have known my trip would go so much better than planned." Sharon paused and stuck out her elbow, continuing as Hannah happily looped her arm through the one offered for their walk back to the house. "If anything, I figured I'd be late. I never anticipated getting here early… especially by a couple of hours." A grin spread across her face. "But, honestly, it doesn't matter what time I arrived and what time they finish up sailing, because it's good enough to simply have the chance to see everyone. It always feels like coming home when I show up here. It's kinda weird that way."

"It is, isn't it," Hannah laughed, adding with a smirk. "I know exactly what you mean."

Shepard's face lit up the moment she saw who was standing on the docks awaiting their return to shore. Liara chuckled knowingly, offering, "Just go, Siame. We can get the boat secured and I'll join you as soon as I can. Woe be it for me to get in your way of a reunion with Sharon."

With a quick kiss of thanks on the Asari's cheek, Shepard vaulted off the bow of the boat as soon as they were close enough to the dock for her to make the biotic-assisted jump. Landing with a solid thump, she crashed into her comrade-in-arms and wrapped her into a tight hug as she stated the obvious. "You're early!"

Sharon laughed softly, returning the embrace with enthusiasm. "How astute of you to notice."

Shepard chuckled in response, holding her by the shoulders and pushing out to arms' length. "You look good. Life's been treating you well, I guess."

"Eh. Fair to middling, I would say… but getting to come here is always good for me, both in body and, more importantly, in soul." Sharon grinned at the woman and added, "It's good to see you, Shep… and you, too, are looking well." Glancing over her shoulder to the boat that was finally reaching the dock, she asked, "And Liara? How's she doing?"

"Everyone's great, Sharon." Shepard's face held an answering grin as she asked, "And, I presume, you already said hello to the gang… Have you met Adrien, yet?"

"Yes. Mom introduced us… after taking me on a walk through the gardens to explain who she is." Sharon cocked her head and narrowed her eyes, asking, "You sure about this one?"

"Not a doubt in my mind, or she wouldn't be here."

"So, it's not one of those 'keep your enemies closer' deals?" Culver still looked a bit skeptical.

"Absolutely not, Sharon." Shepard shrugged and added, "And you'll be here long enough to judge for yourself if you're still staying through the week… until after Alban Hefin?"

"Don't worry… I'll be here for the solstice party." Sharon wrapped an arm around Shepard's shoulders and dragged her back toward the end of the dock. "Come on. I still need to say hello to Liara and the gang."

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 15 June 2189

It was a good thing the promotion ceremony was scheduled in the afternoon, as the Sunday night party had lasted well past midnight. Of course, conversely, the party likely lasted that long because everyone knew they had no early morning obligations. Even Samantha had a hard time dragging herself out of bed at a decent hour, getting a bit less than eight hours of sleep after having not gone to bed until somewhere around 0200 hours.

Breakfast became brunch as the members of the household finally began moving about, and why the ceremony had been scheduled for so late in the afternoon became immediately obvious when they heard the roar of an arriving shuttle. Hannah glanced out in surprise, narrowing her eyes as she looked back at her daughter. "And just why, pray tell, is an Alliance shuttle setting down on your private landing pad, Samantha?"

Grinning from ear-to-ear, Shepard stood up while answering in an off-hand way, "Come on, Mom; get your shoes on. It's not polite to keep Fleet Admiral Lindholm waiting."

"Ines is here?" Hannah immediately began moving toward the door as she asked the question, slipping into the shoes she had left sitting on the mat near the exit. "That woman in incredibly busy! What have you gone and done, Samantha?"

"She didn't do anything, Mom." Liara grinned. "I did." Ignoring the scathing glance from Hannah, Liara calmly continued with her answer. "I called Master Chief Tyberg to finalize the schedule and he quickly informed me the Admiral wished to speak to me directly. When the video feed transferred over, she looked a bit… angry, shall I say? So, naturally, I inquired as to if we had done something to upset her."

"Yeah… she was a little annoyed alright." Shepard began to chuckle, remembering the surprise that zipped through the link from Liara, when the Admiral answered her question rather succinctly. "Downright miffed, you might say. She was pissed off that we thought so little of your promotion to Vice Admiral that we would even begin to assume it was something she would agree to do virtually. She all but demanded we give them rooms for the night, because she and her aide would be arriving at lunch today to conduct the promotion ceremony in person."

Liara took up the dialog again, continuing, "And, given the time change between here and Sol, they will be spending the night, with a return tomorrow morning."

By then, they had made their way to the parking area and the shuttle's door had begun to retract, the ramp extending at the same time. The Fleet Admiral stepped purposely onto the still-moving platform and flashed a radiant smile at their hostess. "Liara! I had no idea your place was so beautiful! I better understand Samantha's eagerness to leave the Alliance and choose Thessia as her home… the Estate is positively gorgeous!"

Hannah snapped a salute and smiled at the woman. "Welcome to my home away from home, Admiral. Is this your first time on Thessia?"

Lindholm returned the salute… grudgingly… as she replied with a smile of her own, "Enough of the formality, Hannah. Save it for the ceremony… we're not even in uniform! And no. I've been to Thessia before, but never anywhere like this, that's for sure." Looking back over her shoulder, she called out, "Coming Quinn?"

The man popped into view almost immediately. "Yes, Ma'am. Just grabbing the bags, Admiral."

"Hey, Quinn. Good to see you again." Shepard chuckled and waved. "Give us a second and we'll give you a hand with those."

He gave her a thankful glance and a return wave. "Appreciate that, Spectre. Beautiful place you have here."

"Thanks… but I can guarantee it's even nicer once you find your way off that transport."

"Roger that, Spectre." He gave a jerk of his head to indicate the woman who was still standing at the top of the ramp, blocking the exit. "The brass muckety-muck has to move her ass first, though… unless you're ready to catch the bags as I drop 'em."

Lindholm chuckled and started down the ramp, replying, "Sorry, Quinn. Just taking my time admiring the view… kind of got sidetracked… and it's right on the ocean! It's like a vacation to Rio… only better. I'd be much harder to find here than there!"

"I'll introduce you to my House Steward, Lyessa," Liara laughed. "Coordinate trips with her and you are more than welcome to come hide out here any time you like… or need," she added. "But first things first. Have you eaten… or are you ready for some lunch?"

The ceremony was relatively quick, with Admiral Lindholm first presenting Hannah with a Palladium Cross – for her exceptional service as the Alliance Interspecies Liaison for Post-War Recovery – followed immediately by Master Chief Tyberg reading her promotion order to Vice Admiral of the Alliance Navy. As soon as he finished, Lindholm invited Samantha and Karin to pin on Hannah's new rank, which they both completed with ease, having prepped their own uniforms for so many years.

The last bit of official business was Hannah's recital of the Alliance Service Oath, followed quickly by the verification thumbprints on the electronic recording, by both Admiral Lindholm and the Master Chief. With the conclusion of the formal ceremony, Lindholm exchanged a quick salute with Hannah before smiling and stating, "Congratulations, Vice Admiral Shepard. Never in my nearly forty years of service have I ever had the privilege of presiding over a promotion for someone so deserving. Thank you for giving me the opportunity, and I truly look forward to your voice of reason being added to the Defense Committee."

"Thank you, Ines." Hannah smiled. "For the most part, it truly has been a pleasure to serve. She glanced at Samantha as she added, "The past few years have been more than a bit difficult… for all of us." Looking back to her friend, she added, "But we all did what needed to be done. It most certainly justified why we serve, did it not?"

"Oh, yes it did." Lindholm smiled and glanced around the room. "And now, I do believe, it's time to forget all those trial and tribulations for at least a little while. Let's celebrate!"