Notes:

Anam Cara - Soul Friend/Mate (Gaelic)

Ionúin Álainn - beautiful beloved (Gaelic)

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

Something's Afoot

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 23 Dec 2190

Sometime around ten, Liara finally climbed out of bed to start her day. Of no surprise, given the company she was keeping today, Samantha had risen and departed the estate rather early. She had started the day at breakfast with Judea, Mom, and Ines – creating the foursome who would be travelling Thessia today in the modified Mark II Sport. She smiled, as Samantha realized she was awake and tapped into her consciousness.

{Good morning, Ionúin Álainn. I was wondering how long you would sleep without me there to roust you from beneath the covers.}

{Ha. Very funny, Shepard. Where are you?}

{Well, we watched the sun rise over Lake Sirala before heading toward the vineyard. Never realized just how big that place is! I almost wish we had room for Tris. She could have given us the full aerial tour narrative while we flew over. We just left there… probably be approaching the Dancing Bird Straits in a couple of hours. Can't wait for that! Judea promises a full demo of this bird's capabilities!}

Liara practically shuddered at the thought. {I do not envy you that one. I am afraid I would get airsick… given how I react to your driving. You do realize what a 'full demo' entails, do you not?}

{Exactly why I'm looking forward to it. It's gonna be awesome! Alright, gotta go, Blue. They're all wondering what I'm laughing about, so I'll need to explain. Love you, T'Soni, and see you this evening.}

{I love you too, Siame. Do tell Judea to be careful. I expect you all home alive and well… and by well, I mean not coming home dizzy, with vertigo, or with stomach upset issues…}

She could still hear Shepard's laughter as the woman withdrew from the forefront of her mind; with her presence still sitting comfortingly in the background, Liara was left with a soothing warmth in her soul. She stretched and made her way to the shower to begin her day. She wanted to catch up with Miranda, who she hadn't sat and visited with… simply talked with… for a rather long time.

Miranda smiled and stood as soon as she saw Liara enter the room. Given their rather difficult beginning, she was thankful for the shine in the young maiden's eyes and the smile that suddenly graced her blue lips upon catching Miranda's gaze. Rather than wander the food tables, Liara turned and headed in Miri's direction, giving (and receiving) a huge hug once they came together. Miranda smiled and pushed back, saying, "So, it appears we are a couple of orphans today, with our partners out playing on the wind. What kind of trouble do you think we can get into while the two responsible ones are out and about?"

"Don't you wish?" Liara smirked and shook her head. "You obviously have Sam and I confused in that regard."

"Oh, don't I know it…" Miri gave her an answering smirk as she continued, "but a woman can always hope, can't she?"

"Yes, she can." Liara glanced around the room before asking, "Have you already eaten?"

"No." Miranda's eyes held a mischievous twinkle. "I just had a cup of coffee and one of Shepard's donuts… perhaps it was two. Who knew you'd have donuts here?"

"Oh, Shepard knows exactly how much I love her Human sweets, be they candies or food stuffs." A wistful smile crossed her face. "And every single time something new pops up from deep in her memory, she works with Lyessa to make sure some show up within the next month or so. Not all meet the expectations generated by an old memory, but those that do? You can count on them becoming a regular staple in House T'Soni."

"I take it that's how I managed to find waffles on the buffet table for yesterday's breakfast?"

"Actually, no." Liara grinned. "Humans do not have a corner on the market for such things. The only thing about those that came from Sol is the form. Shepard had the Thessian version and immediately insisted on ordering a waffle cooker. She said the Sol version, while tasting very similar, was much better at keeping the toppings in place… and she was absolutely correct."

Liara stuck out her hand in invitation. "Come on… all this talk of food makes me want to have some brunch. You?"

"Don't have to ask me twice!"

Once they filled their dishes with various tidbits, they settled into a corner table and ate quietly. As they both neared the emptying of their plates, Miranda cleared her throat. "Liara, there is something Judea and I would like to discuss with you… and the common area isn't the place to do so. I also understand it's a holiday, but once we get past New Year's Eve, you and Shepard will be blasting out of here for Ilos… and who knows how long it will be before you return."

"Well, we already have an agreement with the Ambassador and the Protheans for our return to Thessia – or at least somewhere we can call home – for as many of the major holidays as we can manage. If nothing else, our winter collection, like now, is extremely important to us and we hope to also make our spring celebrations, to include Janiris, St Patty's Day, and Alban Eiler. Additional holidays are flexible, and our return will depend on what is happening on Ilos at the time." Liara smiled at her friend's reaction and chuckled quietly, adding, "And, I can plainly see by your expression, that is all beside the point. You have something on your mind that is more pressing… something you would like to discuss sometime in the immediate future, and not wait until March."

"Yes, we do," replied Miri, "but not so much as we are willing to disturb the celebrations you are so eager to enjoy. Our question has waited this long; a few more months won't kill us."

"Nonsense. The galaxy does not stop revolving simply because we desire to take a vacation from it to enjoy a holiday. We've already talked business with some of our other guests." Liara smiled as she continued, "Shepard's view on such things is 'no time like the present,' so I'm sure we can find some time to discuss whatever it is that is bothering you."

"It's not really… bothering us… per se." Miri gave her an answering smile. "It's more like an adjustment we, meaning Judea and I, feel the need to make… sooner, rather than later; one that has much larger implications… certainly to more than just Jude and me."

Liara nodded, more in response to the voice in her head than to Miranda's statement. "Shepard agrees with my 'no time like the present,' and is offering up tomorrow, immediately after lunch… or with a private lunch in the upstairs study."

"I'll need to speak to Jude once they get back this evening, but I can't imagine her saying no."

Liara smiled. "Then, consider it a date… and I'll inform Lyessa and Matriarch Mozia, so they don't schedule anything else for that time period."

"Thank you, Liara."

"No problem." She stood and picked up her plate. "So, how about we take care of our dishes and go find something to get into? Just the two of us?"

"Oh!" Miri cast her a sidelong glance. "That may be the best offer I'm going to receive all day, T'Soni. Just what are you thinking?"

"I don't know yet, but I'm sure that two of the most brilliant minds in the galaxy can come up with something. Don't you?"

Miranda let out a good belly laugh and grinned. "Oh, absolutely!"

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 24 Dec 2190

Judea woke up… reluctantly. She had been having an exceedingly pleasant dream… one in which she was a child, once again living with her mother in Dassus, on her homeworld of Thessia. They had been sailing on a beautiful day in late spring, and Judea had just told her mom she wanted to study Astronautical Engineering at Dassus Tech. Must be what woke me up, she thought. Mom's tears that day when I told her that dad wanted me to stay with her until her grief at his death had passed. The dream had been so… vivid. She could hear the slap of water against the boat's hull, the sound of the breeze playing with the sails and rigging… even the scent of the air around her, fresh, with the slight tang of eezo carried by the humidity.

With a sigh, she slipped an eyelid open. Without moving her head, she glanced around the T'Soni accommodations she currently shared with her lover, thinking about all she had accomplished in the intervening 230-plus years. The possible reason for the dream suddenly dawned on her – children – or, more precisely, a child. Turning her head slightly, she shifted her gaze to study her companion, relaxed in sleep, dark hair disheveled – how does she stand having all that in her face every morning? – as she slid a blue hand over to rest on a bare arm.

With skin-on-skin contact, she reclosed her eyes and turned her thoughts outward; focusing her mind, she sought to touch that of her Amantia. With a mental smile, the Asari discovered Miri was just a few moments awake. {Good morning, Siame. I trust you slept well?}

The Human slowly, carefully reached over with her own hand; lightly grasping the hand holding her upper arm in order to maintain skin-on-skin contact, she rolled her nude torso towards Judea, smiling back as she whispered aloud what she was thinking in the light meld. "With you in the same bed, I sleep as if I'm floating in the air, my love." Reaching over, Miranda placed a practiced hand in the small of Judea's bare back and pulled the Asari towards her. With the distance between them now only a few millimeters, Miri leaned in, placing her lips on the Asari's in a gentle caress. {Why are you awake before me?} came the smirking question, even as she deepened the kiss.

Judea relaxed into Miranda's loving embrace. {I had a dream… of my childhood in Dassus. It was exceedingly pleasant and, I do believe, brought on by the idea of today's planned conversation with Liara and Shepard.}

{Not having second thoughts, are you?} Surprise… and immediate anxiety, caused Miranda to move back slightly from her lover. Looking into Judea's golden eyes, her concern was evident.

"Absolutely not." Judea smiled reassuringly as she continued, "You are well aware I turned 300 this year… and am quite ready to begin settling down. You are in my mind and should easily sense my commitment to our plan. But there is more to it than that, at least for me, and I need to know if you are like-minded." Her golden eyes bored into Miranda's like a pair of augers as she continued. "As we have already agreed, I definitely want us to spend some time with solid ground beneath our feet, and…" Miranda could see the light violet shade of Judea's face darken a bit, as a sudden bout of shyness caused her voice to pitch up slightly. "… and I want… that is, I think I need… to formalize my relationship with you, Miranda Lawson." Judea looked down slightly, focusing her gaze on the enticing hollow at Miranda's throat.

"Judea! Are you saying…" Miranda felt her throat tighten as the full meaning of what her lover had just said registered in her mind. "Are you telling me you wish to exchange bracelets, Jude?"

Before she could even think about it, Judea blurted out, "Goddess, yes! If we are to have a child together, I want to take you as my bondmate, Miri. If we are to do this, I want to go all in and do it right!"

Judea's declaration rendered Miranda momentarily speechless. She had occasionally day-dreamed about settling down with Judea, living on Thessia full-time. Until now, that's all it had ever been – a dream. 300… Looking into the adoring golden eyes of her amantia, Miranda was suddenly overcome by a rather important realization; Judea was well into her transition from maiden to matron!

Judea nervously waited for Miranda to say something… anything. She finally found her voice, asking in a nervous whisper, "Miri?

Pulled out of her own head by Judea's single word, Miranda grinned at the person who meant more to her than anyone else in the galaxy. "It would be my honor to bond with you, Judea Voni!" Miranda pulled her in tightly and kissed her as if it was her first time ever. She then retreated just enough to whisper, "Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would be the marrying type, Judea, but I am undoubtedly yours – now and forever. Wherever your life takes you, so long as you still want me, I will remain at your side."

"I will never not want you, Miri… you can count on that!" Judea was instantly silenced by another crushing kiss, which quickly led to an escalation of their activities, greatly delaying their rising for the day.

Liara and Shepard's morning arrived in much the same manner, with them finally emerging from their master suite somewhere in the vicinity of ten in the morning. Even then, the only thing pressing them into venturing forth from the warmth of their bed was the imminent arrival of their final guests for the holiday – Matriarch Elesia, Thessian Minister of Antiquities, and her Aide, Maracela T'Rhyn. After the normal pleasantries at the landing pad, they began their stroll to the house.

Elesia drew a deep breath and began a new topic of discussion. "Liara. I do have some news for you, which I would like to get out of the way so we can all enjoy the holiday. We were searching through and cleaning up the Prothean Archives when we happened upon an encrypted data folder buried rather deeply in one of the system's multi-level subfolders." She stopped walking and turned to the young Asari, meeting her eyes as she said, "We have not yet broken the encryption. As a matter of fact, once we thought we figured out what it contained, I ordered the effort stopped." She paused and huffed, pulling out a data disc. "I had the files copied to this device… which, I do believe, belongs in your hands. From everything we determined, I think… and the database team believes… this is a copy of your mother's message traffic. Messages which were meant for you while both of you were traveling but, for one reason or another, were either never sent or never reached you."

Liara felt frozen, nothing moving but her eyelids as she blinked in shock. The matriarch physically placed the object into her hands and wrapped Liara's fingers around it, so the young Asari would not drop it. "My hope is that you can crack the encryption and that the information contained within gives you at least some of the answers you seek. If it turns out we are wrong and it is not what we believe, then I apologize profusely for teasing you with false hope. At that point, you may pass any relevant data it may contain to whomever you see fit, likely either to me or to the Council. I am giving this to you freely, so its final disposition will be your choice."

Shepard looked at herAnam Cara and smiled, placing a hand encouragingly on her upper arm. "You okay, Liara?"

"Oh!" Shepard's contact shook her out of her reverie. "Um, yes… I think so?" Liara swallowed the lump that had suddenly formed in her throat. "It is just a bit of a shock… a surprise, that's all." She looked up to meet the matriarch's gaze. "Thank you for this… no matter if it turns out to be what you think it is, or not. Either way, I accept it in the spirit in which it is given. Let us hope it proves fruitful… and I will let you know what we discover, however it turns out."

"Excellent." Elesia dipped her head in acknowledgment. "Then please, let us proceed. We very much look forward to learning about and enjoying this Human holiday of yours. The opportunity to experience such a unique cultural event is most welcome…" Her voice became hushed, as if she was making a secret confession. "… and simply sounds like a whole lot of fun! You have to explain this whole 'Saint Nicholas' thing to me again. I still don't quite understand how such a tradition could evolve."

Shepard chuckled. "My pleasure, Matriarch… and, you will not only be subjected to the story of Saint Nick, but you will also be forced to listen to any number of Christmas carols, likely repeatedly, over the next couple of days."

"Christmas carols?"

"Yes, Christmas carols." Liara laughed happily, somewhat relieved with the change of subject. "Songs with various subjects, but all generally related to the holiday… or, at the very least… the winter season. On a good note, I will say Samantha possesses a most excellent singing voice."

"Really?" Elesia looked at the woman in a new light. "Is there no end to your hidden talents, Shepard? Truly, you never cease to amaze!"

Liara's eyes lit up as she added, "And, if you've never seen any Human vids that may have contained it, you will need to watch us dance at the Christmas Eve ball this evening. There is a Human dance she has taught me, which we will undoubtedly enjoy at some point tonight. It is called the waltz… and Samantha is both an excellent teacher and a graceful lead."

"And now you have me totally intrigued." Elesia's expression was bright with wonder. "I cannot wait for the day to pass and the night to be upon us!"

Immediately following lunch with the newest arrivals, Liara and Shepard made their way upstairs for their scheduled meeting with Miranda and Judea. After getting a drink and settling in on the couches, Liara smiled at the unusually nervous couple, attempting to put them more at ease. "So, what is it that could possibly have the two of you so on edge?" The answer she received was something she would have never expected… not in a million years.

"We think it is time to disband the Shadow Brokerage."

As Liara sat, in absolute dumbfounded silence for the second time within the same day, Shepard leaned back in the couch and carefully placed her drink down on the end table before uttering a single-word question. "Seriously?"

Miranda drew a deep breath while glancing at her lover. Turning back to the couple across from them, she stated, "Yes, quite serious as a matter of fact." Her gaze focused on Liara. "We had this discussion, seemingly ages ago, about the power being too seductive… and that we would utilize it only to win the war. So, here we sit, Brokerage still under our control, and the war long over. We have all broken our own pact."

Judea reached over and took Miranda's hand, continuing the conversation. "Miri and I want to move on with our lives… as should you. How can we truly consider having any semblance of a normal life, particularly one that includes a family and raising children, while the responsibilities and the associated risks involved with being the galaxy's most powerful entity – and most wanted criminal – all loom over our heads? Everything we have worked for since day one… the security of our futures… could be risked by a single person discovering our secret. How long can we honestly expect to keep it an unknown from the entire galaxy?"

Liara's mind flashed back to the dark day they took down the Yahg Broker while saving Feron… who then betrayed her yet again. It was true that she had then taken on the Brokerage solely with the understanding she was doing so in order to assist Shepard – to aid the entirety of the galactic effort – to defeat the Reapers. She sighed softly, realizing that Miranda and Judea's words were spot-on, and surprised everyone, including herself, when she replied, "You are absolutely correct. It is time to let go." She smiled ruefully as she asked, "Any idea how we go about it?"

"Judea and I have put quite a bit of thought into it." Miranda shrugged. "When it comes right down to it, it can all be accomplished rather easily, truth be told."

"How so?" Shepard chuckled lightly, shaking her head in utter astonishment – and no small bit of relief – at the whole conversation as she added, "This one I gotta hear."

Miranda and Judea spent the next ten minutes explaining their entire plan. Once they were done, Shepard had chuckled. "That is one of the most straightforward plans of action I think I have ever heard… particularly for something as enormously complex as the Brokerage. Because of that, I honestly believe it has an excellent chance of success. No one will suspect something so… direct as that." She reached over and took Liara's hand, drawing the undivided attention of her Anam Cara. Meeting Liara's bright blue eyes, Shepard was surprised to see resolve – and absolutely zero doubt – in her lover's expression. "So, what do you think, Liara? Can we pull that off without leaving any traces back to House T'Soni?"

"Absolutely." Liara nodded without hesitation. "It will take additional conversations with those who know the identities of the various Brokers… like Bau and Kas, Roshi B'Sayle, our family members and close friends… but that list is extremely limited. If we didn't trust them, they wouldn't know, so I have no concerns there." She looked at Miranda and Judea as she continued. "Since it is your plan and, as you mentioned, we'll be leaving for Ilos, while Shepard and I take care of the personnel notifications, I would like you to handle the operational details. Plan for a Saint Patty's Day execution of the Brokerage? Can we be ready in three months' time?"

"That's what makes the plan ideal… because it's so simple." Miranda's expression was more serious than it had been since the end of the war. "So long as we can find the ship we need, we can do it. The only outstanding issue will be the dispersal of funds. We'll need to figure out the how, when, and where of that."

Judea nodded in agreement. "Honestly, with everything going on, I believe March to be a bit aggressive. I think we simply meet again – perhaps a day or two before or after the party to completely separate the events – to finalize all the details… then Miri and I manage the execution after you return to Ilos, further separating you in particular, Liara, from the event."

Shepard nodded. "I can see the pragmatism in that." She glanced to her side. "Liara?"

"Agreed." She gave a quick nod. "There is most definitely a significant level of risk in this, so we must not rush it. We must ensure every detail is set, every loose end tied off… before we pull the trigger… so, yes; it is essential that we proceed along this path with great care and extreme caution." She paused only a moment before asking, "Anything else?"

Miranda glanced at Judea, who nodded and smiled. Given she was the half of their pairing who was actually a member of House T'Soni, they had decided it was Jude who should broach the topic with Liara. Judea drew a deep breath and began, "There is one more thing, Lady Liara. At the start of this conversation, Miranda mentioned family and raising children." She grinned and glanced at her lover as she continued, "Miri and I were not only speaking of you and Shepard. We would like your blessing on a formal bonding, once the Brokerage issue is settled."

"What?" Liara's eyes lit with joy as she leapt from the couch. "By the Goddess! Of course, you will have the blessing of House T'Soni! That's wonderful news!" She cast an accusatory glance at Miranda. "And you! We spent a whole day together and you didn't utter a peep about this! Not one single hint or clue this was coming!"

Everyone joined Liara, standing from their seats and coming together in a group hug as Miranda laughed in answer. "That's because I didn't know! Judea proposed just this morning!"

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 25 Dec 2190

Accompanied by the raven-haired love of his life, Andreas enjoyed a sumptuous breakfast, then waited until things had calmed down somewhat – as much as anything could calm down on Christmas Day at the T'Soni estate. Sam and Lady Liara offered their holiday toast and blessing, after which presents had been passed around and opened. The Lieutenant Colonel finally stood from the comfortable couch in which he had been enjoying the festivities with Ashley, the muted buzz of numerous conversations gradually dying away as people took notice of Falk, standing quietly in front of his hosts.

Facing them, he spoke in a quiet tone that still carried to the edges of the crowd. "Captain Shepard. Lady T'Soni. I want to thank you both for your generous hospitality." He spared a quick glance at the clearly puzzled Ashley, then refocused his attention on his hosts. "Even though it is my first time here, I feel as though I have gained an entire family." Shifting his focus to the auburn-haired human, he continued, "During our very first postwar meeting – while you were still in the hospital recovering from your many injuries – it seemed to me that you were a sister, long-lost, then rediscovered. It is an honor to know you… and your bondmate."

Glancing at the increasingly perplexed expression on Ashley's face, he hurriedly faced her and said, "I still remember, as if it were yesterday, meeting you at the Alliance docks in London, Ashley Williams; you gave me a tour of the Normandy, after which you joined me for lunch. Turns out, it was one of the best days of my life." Pulling the small, velvety case from his jacket pocket, he held it tightly as he stepped close and took a knee in front of her, an action that had her bringing her hands up to cover her nose and mouth. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Shepard and T'Soni watching in excited anticipation as he brought the small box out in front of him. He opened it, extracted the diamond-topped gold band and gently reached across the gap to grasp a trembling left hand.

"Ashley Williams, I love you with all my heart – so much so that I actually hurt when we're apart. It would please me greatly if you would…" at this point, Ashley was nodding vigorously, tears of happiness already building in her eyes, so he gently slid the exquisite ring onto the third finger of her hand and continued, "… agree to become my wife." He continued to hold her hand after sliding the gold band past her knuckle; after briefly admiring the reflections in the stone's many facets, he looked into a pair of devoted, dark-brown eyes – eyes in which he often felt himself getting lost. Teeth-baring grin firmly planted on his face, he leaned in to place an admittedly chaste kiss on a succulent pair of lips – as if sealing the deal for all time – then stood, drawing her up from the couch and into his arms.

The silence in the main hall was so complete, a proverbial pin falling to the polished floor could have been easily heard by everyone. Ashley pulled back a bit so she could look into her lover's eyes. Seeing the love and devotion he felt for her shining as bright as a pair of stars, she was finally able to overcome the tightness in her throat and managed to stammer out in a voice husky with emotion, "Yes! Of course, I will marry you, Dré! God only knows how much I love you!" She hugged him tightly again and whispered in his ear, "Can't wait to tell Mom and my sisters!"

As the rather large crowd erupted in cheers, she placed an equally chaste kiss on his cheek and released him, then turned to receive the enthusiastic congratulations of Shepard and Liara, followed by everyone in attendance. Once again, Andreas Falk had managed to give her a Christmas present she would remember forever.

Dagnes, Bonler, Kepler System – 28 Dec 2190

The doctor blinked repeatedly at the latest experimental results before finally letting the amazement sink in. Could it really be true? After all the trials, all the failed tests… Had he finally come up with a compatible combination? A viable gene sequence that could be implanted in an embryo and actually come to term? Yes, yes! This is a wonderful development. What an auspicious way to end the year!

With this success, he now had a whole battery of new tests to run… but he had to be extremely careful, as his available genetic material had withered with each failed experiment getting to this point. The very last thing he wanted was to have to ask that unendingly smug Drell to collect any more material for him. The last batch had cost him more than he cared to pay, but he had no other options available at the moment, and he was much too close to success to stop now.

While it was apparent Jona Thean was no stranger to extortion, the doctor also realized his own behavior was not above reproach. He was well aware his scientific methods crept along the fine edge of ethical practices – likely crossing that line in some researcher's eyes ؘ– and, he had to admit, his knew his own superiority complex reveled in taunting the Drell by purposefully misspeaking his name every time they met. That characteristic was what made it impossible for him to work in any conventional lab alongside other researchers. He knew the trait was far from his best, but he also realized attempting to change would have simply been a waste of valuable time. He would not succeed, and it would cost him much needed research time in an already unfairly short life span. The price of brilliance, I suppose.

Returning his thoughts to the trials, he reread the results more carefully, trying to decipher which of the remaining tests would be the most useful to be conducted first. He must do everything within his power to optimize his available material. Wait! What am I thinking?

He spun about and called in his assistant lab tech. "I know I have not been the most patient scientist you have ever worked for and…" Here, he hesitated, suddenly realizing he had never apologized for anything, nor to anyone, in his entire life, but he was feeling magnanimous today, in light of his recent success. "… that is likely a gross understatement. I am sorry if my singular purpose and drive have been abrasive. But that is coming to an end, as our goal is finally within reach! I have finally created what I believe to be a viable gene sequence… but do not have enough material to feel completely comfortable continuing tests. As such, I have an enormously important task for you, work at which you simply must not fail."

For the first time in a long time, the lab analyst perked up. "Of course, Doctor. You should know I will do anything for you." Suddenly feeling bold, she added, "If I have stayed this long, with the poor treatment I have repeatedly received from you, I obviously believe in you and your cause, or I would have left long ago. What do you need?"

The doctor was quiet for a moment, shocked the tech would speak to him in such a manner. Thinking about it sparked a realization; just perhaps it was somewhat deserved, so he simply shrugged it off. No time to hunt for a new assistant anyway. "I need you to acquire top of the line growth media. I am going to split my successful sample… and you must replicate it. Grow more of it… and it must remain absolutely pure, so you must take extreme care to keep it thus. Consider this carefully before you answer. Can you do it?"

"Yes, Doctor. I can. This will not be my first clean lab work, and I fully understand both the process and the critical need to keep the material completely contamination free."

"Then make it so. I will have the split complete before you can acquire the necessary materials and have the laboratory prepared. The sample will be in the isolation refrigerator, once you are ready to begin."

"Understood, Doctor." The tech actually smiled for the first time in a long time. "I will begin the preparations immediately."