Notes:

CGC - Center for Galactic Cooperation

GST - Galactic Standard Time, standardized time system utilized by inhabitants of Citadel Council Space

Ionúin Álainn - beautiful beloved (Gaelic)

Próidh - aggressive omnivorous mammal resembling a wolverine, but weighing in at 70+ kg when full-grown. This extremely dangerous nocturnal hunter frequently takes prey many times larger than itself. As with all Thessian life, employs eezo to generate a biotic effect; utilizes a form of biotic charge to tackle and overcome prey (also Irish for bear)

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

Resolutions

T'Soni Country Estate, Armali Republic, Thessia

Liara's eyes were reluctant to open after the tiring, restless night. However correct Derek may have been about her being disturbed every few hours, Liara immediately knew it was worth any discomfort she may have endured through the night when her gaze was met by brilliant, pain-free green orbs as Shepard leaned over her. "Good morning, Blue."

"Siame," she whispered. "You look like you feel much better."

"I do, Li... with many thanks due to you, I'm sure." Shepard reached over to caress the Asari's cheek lovingly. "You must have bolstered me all night; you look exhausted."

"Off and on, yes, but worth every bit of effort to see you better this morning." Liara's eyes closed and she leaned into Shepard's touch. "I love you, Samantha, and it soothes my heart to know you are going to be alright after such an ordeal."

"Largely because of you, Love. Didn't you once say something about not wanting to be the fair maiden that needed rescue?" Shepard smiled and chuckled quietly, "I think you're there."

Liara's eyes popped back open and she gave her lover a playful swat. "I simply meant I wanted to be self sufficient... to be an equal partner. I did not intend for us to swap places!"

They were still lying in the bed chatting and giggling when Alyna walked in, a huge smile immediately appearing on her face at the carefree exchanges. "So. It seems our patient is doing better this morning. That's excellent!"

"Yes, it is." Liara sat up and slid off the bed. "Let me get out of your way." She turned back and placed a quick peck on Shepard's lips before whispering, "Be good... and don't give me that look; you know exactly what I'm talking about, Samantha."

"Only if you promise me that you'll get a shower and take a nap; you're wiped, Li." Shepard glanced at their physician as she continued, "Hopefully, I'll be able to join you."

"Don't be counting on it, Captain." Alyna offered an apologetic smile. "I have to run a couple of additional tests to see where your mineral and electrolyte levels are, as well as your eezo. Then, I want to examine your dermal regenerations and see how they're doing... and probably work on that neck burn a bit more. It still looks rather irritated this morning."

"If I haven't heard from you, I'll definitely bring you some lunch and we'll at least eat together." Liara grimaced as she continued, "But, before I do anything else, I have to place a couple of calls... first to Armali to give them an update, then to Garrus. Riana sent out a Brokerage update, and I don't want Garrus showing up on our doorstep when he hears about this through Turian Intelligence channels. To prevent that, I need to contact him before the news starts showing up in message traffic on Palaven."

"Probably a good idea... because it's very likely he'd be on the next shuttle headed this way." The lightheartedness in Shepard's attitude had evaporated with Liara's words, as they made her think of the news that had been delivered to the last surviving Tressi sibling. "As for Armali, the staff must be beside themselves, to have such a thing happen on their watch. We need to make plans to visit the townhouse as soon as I'm allowed to travel... so we can speak to Alestia."

Sympathizing with Shepard's motivation, Alyna sighed sadly. "You can travel as soon as I release you today, Captain. Though your trip may need to be supervised by Derek, who will accompany you the entire time you are gone in order to continue monitoring your recovery." She wagged a blue finger in Shepard's face at the protest she saw forming on the Spectre's lips. "There will be no ifs, ands, or buts, Captain. You will have a medical escort whenever you leave the premises... until all your tests come back normal and you are cleared for duty. Understood?"

Liara covered her mouth with her hand in an attempt to hide the smirk forming on her lips, but it did no good as Shepard looked back and forth between the two, a look of incredulity on her face. "You too, T'Soni? You know how fast I heal and that I won't need an escort, but I see I have no say in the matter, seeing as you are all conspiring against me!"

"Liara had nothing to do with this, I assure you... but I must admit your statement is more accurate than you realize, Shepard." Alyna had a gentle smile on her face as she confessed, "I was late this morning because I took time to have a long, and rather informative, discussion with Doctor Karin Chakwas before heading in your direction." As Shepard flopped back onto the bed with a disgusted roll of her eyes, Alyna laughed. "I will say she had some very interesting advice for me regarding your... and Liara's... care."

Shepard glanced at her Promised and groaned, "We're doomed, T'Soni. We'll never have any fun anymore!"

Trebia System, Apien Crest, At Large

After a productive few days on the new CGC, Garrus Vakarian had actually managed to fall asleep during the FTL transit between the Widow System and the Apien Crest; he awakened for several minutes when the ship dropped from FTL in a swirl of blue-shifted emissions. Glancing up at the dual chronometers on the bulkhead beside the hatch – one showing GST, the other displaying time-to-destination – he sighed tiredly as he shifted his body around in an attempt to work the kinks out of his lower back.

Thinking, Too many bullets with depleted shields, he finally found a position that eased the ache under his carapace, closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep as the corvette made the jump to FTL again, this time to begin the six-to-seven hour trip from the relay to Palaven, currently on the far side of the sun. As he slept, he began to dream of the final days and hours of the Reaper war; a confused kaleidoscope of shapes, sounds and colors gradually coalesced into the rubble strewn landscape of his own homeworld. It wasn't long before he found himself on Menae, the moon overrun with Reaper Spawn.

Eventually, this somehow morphed into the shattered cityscape of the Human metropolis of London; Reapers were raking the flattened area around the brilliant beam of light between the ground and the Citadel with their prime weapons, the blindingly brilliant red flashes of pure energy in sharp contrast to the blackness beyond. As he watched in horrified fascination, one of the destructive beams touched down and traveled straight towards Shepard; he wanted to help, but his feet seemed to be mired in a sticky ooze and he knew he would never get to her in time. The beam got closer… closer… until Shepard suddenly vanished beneath it.

"Spirits!" Garrus exploded out of bed, landing painfully on his side on the cold deck. After a frantic few moments of looking blindly around in the darkened compartment, he came to his senses, thinking, Damn it to Hell! Just a nightmare… Where in Hell did that come from? Rising sluggishly to his feet, he activated the belt-rail lighting before slowly stepping over to the nearby basin, where he filled a cup with water and drank it straight down.

He sat on the edge of his bed and thought of all the destruction the monsters had caused before being destroyed by Commander Shepard's activation of the Crucible, only to recognize it no longer mattered. What's done is done... and, in the end... we crushed the bastards! Glancing at the chronometers, he realized the ship was less than 90 minutes from landing on the homeworld; thinking, I can't wait to see Desis again, he stood and began getting ready to leave the ship.

Cipritine, Palaven, Apien Crest

Desis Vyessan was waiting as the small corvette noisily eased into its assigned landing space in the recently rebuilt military docks near the outskirts of Cipritine. She had arrived early, not wanting to waste one precious second of the time he would be home by being late to greet him; additionally, she had some very good news she needed to share with him.

Once the small vessel was locked in its cradle, the outer hatch for the main airlock swung open to allow crew and passengers to disembark; after several of the crew had exited, Garrus walked through the hatchway, carrying his gear bags and gazing about... obviously looking for someone. Catching sight of an anxiously waiting Desis, he flared his mandibles in happiness as he began purposely walking towards her.

Deciding to meet him halfway, Desis broke into a trot; his attempt at a dignified greeting was abruptly cut off as she launched herself at him from a meter away, forcing him to drop his gear bags in order to catch her as she applied a full-body hug to the love of her life. "Spirits, Dee!" He laughed in joy at her display of affection, saying, "I know you miss me when I'm off-world, but it's only been a few days. What would you do if I had to be gone for several weeks, or several months?"

She pulled her head back enough to nuzzle his nose plates before replying, her sub-harmonics indicative of the seriousness of her statement. "Don't, Garrus… don't even think to joke about being away that long." She unwound her legs from the backs of his thighs, cautious to not hook him with her spurs. With her weight once again on her own feet, she continued, "I don't want to become one of those females that completely falls apart when their mates are away, but you need to know how terribly much I miss you when you're off-world." She reached up to gently grab his mandibles as she said, "Ancestors only know how much I love you, Garrus Vakarian."

She nuzzled his neck as he tightened his arms around her in loving reassurance. "It brings me no joy to be away from you Dee… you must know that by now. And there will come a time when I'll be home with you every night… probably so underfoot you'll be glad for a break." He had hoped to lighten her mood with his last statement, but realized he'd misjudged her when her eyes narrowed slightly and her mandibles clamped solidly to her lower jaw.

"Perhaps. You still haven't told me you love me, Garrus. A girl might be feeling a bit insecure right about now."

"Spirits! I love you to infinity, Desis."

"That's great to hear… and I love you more!" She grabbed one of his travel packs as he picked up the other; hooking a hand under his arm, she said, "Come on. Speeder's this way… We need to get home."

Garrus allowed his lover to steer him to the area reserved for VIP shuttles and speeders; after walking past several personnel transports, she stepped in between a pair of X3M's. Setting his travel bag on the metal decking as she unhooked her arm from Vakarian's elbow, Desis activated her omnitool and initiated the 'open' sequence for the vehicle's canopy and side doors, then deftly grabbed and loaded both the travel bags in the rear section as Garrus folded himself into the right front seat.

Desis entered from the left and quickly closed the side doors and canopy as she initialized the machine's compact eezo core. Bringing the speeder straight up nine meters, she deftly spun it around 180º, slaved the navigational computer to Cipritine's master traffic control system, then sat back as the system added her vehicle into the traffic grid. When the speeder accelerated away from its parking area and turned onto what Desis recognized as a pre-programmed course, she remarked as she glanced at Garrus, "Things are moving so much better since the SILC restored the traffic control computers."

Garrus had been staring out the side, marveling at all the newly repaired infrastructure. Turning his head to look at Desis, he replied, "I'm still having a hard time believing…" he waved a hand in the general direction of the ground below and ahead, "… the pace of reconstruction. Simply incredible. I can actually see a difference after only a few days away."

He returned his gaze forward as he settled back in the comfortable seat; in a matter of moments, he had drifted off to sleep, awakening only when the slight jolt of the speeder's contact with the pavement outside their quarters intruded on his short nap. Blinking his eyes open, he chuckled softly at the look of concern in the silver-flecked violet eyes regarding him. "Ride's so smooth, it put me right to sleep," he mumbled.

With a mocking tilt of her head clearly expressing doubt, she murmured, "Uh huh," before asking, "You look tired, Garrus… more so than you should be for such a short trip. You feeling okay? Anything I should be concerned about?"

"Let's go inside, Dee," came the reply. "I can explain, maybe after a few sips of brandy."

In a slightly skeptical tone of voice, sub-harmonics expressing suspicion, she responded, "You're not keeping… things… problems, from me, are you Garrus?"

Mandibles flared wide and downward in discomfiture, he responded quickly. "Spirits, Dee! I would never think about attempting to hide anything from you." Couldn't do it successfully, no matter how hard I tried, came the thought. "Come on," he prompted. "Inside. Brandy. You in my lap. I'll tell you anything you want to know."

Garrus sighed in contentment as Desis handed him a glass of fine Turian brandy before sensuously sliding her lissome body into his lap; wrapping her arms loosely around his shoulders, she touched her nose plates to his for a moment, then drew back to gaze into his eyes as she said, "Okay, big guy… talk to me. Why are you so tired?"

Garrus used one hand to caress the backs of her thighs as he sipped from the glass. Offering the glass to her, he watched as she allowed him to tip the glass up to her mouth. After swallowing a bit of the potent liquid, she waited as he took another sip before setting the glass down on the side table. "I believe the time change between here and the CGC has disturbed my normal sleep pattern; GST and Cipritine local time are currently twelve hours apart, and my time asleep on the way here from the relay was interrupted by a bad dream."

Desis gently stroked his mandibles as he fell silent. "I believe I can guarantee you'll sleep soundly tonight, my love, because you'll be wrapped in my loving embrace instead of sleeping alone."

Garrus flared his mandibles in happiness. "That sounds delightful, Dee. Maybe I should insist on you accompanying me on my trips to the CGC."

She gently stroked his crest, saying, "Now you're being silly… my job doesn't require me to travel off world… at least not as often as yours does." She picked up the glass on the side table and drained the last bit of brandy before continuing. "However, I did receive a really special communication yesterday that will require us to travel off world together." Her eyes were gleaming in delight as she continued, "We've been invited as VIP's to a ceremony, Garrus… a very special ceremony. I've already responded for both of us, so you need to begin planning for an absence of several days on either side of August 15th."

He looked at her in puzzlement for just a moment before realization set in. "We're going to Thessia?" Before she could respond, he laughed in joy as he answered his own question. "We're going to see Shepard and T'Soni get chained!"

"Bonded," corrected Desis. "It's a bonding ceremony, Garrus, and from the language contained in the message, I believe an invitation to such is a rather singular honor… one seldom offered to non-Asari when it involves a high house."

"Sounds like just what we need, Dee," came the enthusiastic reply. "A short vacation… long enough to visit our friends, but not so long that our jobs overwhelm us when we return!" He hugged her a bit tighter. "This is going to really be fun. I'll finally get to see T'Soni's home and meet all of the commandos and house staff, and I can find out from Shepard how well Daxa Rusim and Tonan Jorrill are fitting into the crew of her new Spectre ship."

Desis chuckled lightly before responding. "That would be the Knight Shade, Garrus, and don't forget… we'll have an opportunity to visit with Samantha Traynor and Riana Iregos as well. Spirits! We'll be able to meet the Knight Shade's entire crew, and visit with crew from the Normandy."

Garrus mouth fell and he spread his mandibles wide in an expression of pure joy. "You think Williams will bring the Normandy to Thessia?" Shaking his head slightly in mock disbelief, he wrapped his arms around the love of his life and squeezed gently. "How is it that I have been so blessed to meet and fall in love with the smartest, most beautiful female in the Hierarchy?"

"I don't know about the 'fall in love' part of that statement, Garrus." The snarky response was accompanied by a soft caress across his fringe as her sub-harmonics took on a beguiling lilt with a whispered, "But you really do owe a debt of gratitude to Spectre Shepard for formally introducing us… Otherwise, I wouldn't be draped across your legs, allowing you to massage the back of my thighs while feeling longing… and lust, for you in equal measure."

Garrus chortled. "I expect I owe Shepard much more than a simple thanks for introducing us. Desis. As for your immediate desires, I don't believe I am so tired I cannot attempt to alleviate those feelings." With a serious note in his flanging voice, he added, "I love you, Desis."

"Speaking of our favorite couple..." Their plans for the night were interrupted by the trill of the comm system – the identification system listing the incoming communication as a priority call from the T'Soni Estate. Dee's voice reflected concern as she asked, "Did Liara or Shepard know you were returning today?"

Garrus' mandible's flexed in deliberation. "Not that I know of... then again, I'm not even sure they knew I was gone. They're likely calling to confirm receipt of the invite."

Any hope the call was something so simple vanished immediately as Dee opened the connection, revealing an extremely tired and haggard looking Liara on the viewscreen. Garrus sat forward so abruptly he almost dumped Dee from his lap. "Spirits, T'Soni! You look like death warmed over! What's happened... and where the Hell is Shepard?"

"I'll admit it was a long night, but not for the reason you think." Liara took a deep breath and briefly relayed what had happened. "I boosted her for a short period every time the medical staff woke us last night – which was much more frequently than I'd anticipated – so yes, I am tired. But, as a result, Shepard is doing remarkably well and is simply going through some follow-up testing this morning before they'll release her."

"And then you're headed to Armali. Damn, that's tough. Give Alestia our best and tell them if there's anything we can do... Well, you know." He paused and flared his mandibles. "Speaking of which... Is there anything you need, Liara? You know if it's within my power..." He left the remainder of the statement hanging, confident the Asari knew what he meant.

"Thank you, Garrus; you're a true friend." Liara stifled a yawn and continued, "Just show up for our bonding and be here for us. Your presence is the best gift you could give right now."

Garrus offered up a quick nod. "Count on it, T'Soni... and tell Shepard we said hello."

T'Soni Country Estate, Armali Republic, Thessia

"We're on our way, Liara." Aethyta turned to the side and Liara could hear someone speaking in the background, though the words were unintelligible, before her father turned back toward the screen. "Moz wants to know if Alestia can come. She's eager to talk to Shepard... to make sure the Captain doesn't feel guilty for Molly's death. She told us... well, never mind what she told us, because she wants to tell you herself. We'll simply bring Team 2 and give Teana's team a break."

"She'd be welcome, Dad, along with Mozia and anyone else who wants to come and lighten Shepard's burden. Samantha feels horrible about what happened." Feeling exhaustion seeping through her bones, Liara's eyes closed and she subconsciously scrubbed her fingertips across her forehead. "Everyone feels horrible about what happened, so any words of encouragement would certainly help."

"Of course she feels horrible about it! We all do... but that doesn't mean we blame her for some lunatic's vengeance killing!" Aethyta frowned. "And what about you, Little Wing? You look pale... like you're ready to fall over. You need to get some rest as well."

Once more looking at her father, a warm comfort spread though Liara at the idea that she had rediscovered a parent whom she had thought was long lost; a father who honestly cared, no matter what Liara had always feared while growing up. The younger Asari smiled softly, "That's where I'm headed next, Dad; I just needed to talk to you first and pass along the good news. Now, I plan on taking a warm, relaxing shower followed by a nice long nap... only getting up again in time to have lunch with Samantha."

"In that case, we'll delay our departure to make sure we don't arrive until after lunch. That way, you get your rest and can enjoy your time with Shepard without having to worry about us showing up while you're trying to eat." Aethyta's hand had started reaching for the disconnect, but she paused. "Oh, one more thing. Mozia says no sessions tomorrow. We'll resume on Wednesday and give you kids a couple of extra days to recover. Those sessions are too taxing for you right now and we have a month of spare time built in at the end just for that purpose."

Aethyta noticed Liara's eyes brighten just a bit at the news and knew she had eliminated an unvoiced concern. "So, off you go and we'll see you sometime this afternoon."

"Thanks, Dad." Liara blushed slightly and her face held a tired smile. "And Dad? I love you."

As the screen for the communications system faded to black, Aethyta stood stock-still and stared at the blank screen for an exceptionally long moment before saying, "Well I'll be damned. I love you too, Liara."

Mozia stepped up and wrapped her arms around her lover from behind, whispering softly in her ear. "Next time, Thyta, make sure you say it before the call terminates."

As Mozia and Aethyta strode through the front door of the estate, they were met by Lyessa. "Matriarchs. Welcome back. Liara informed me of your pending arrival, but I'm afraid our mistress has not yet risen from her slumber."

Upon hearing the news, Aethyta's expression clouded with concern. "She looked pretty haggard on the vid call... She didn't lie to us about Shepard's or her own condition, did she?"

Feeling almost scandalized by the suggestion, Lyessa answered defensively, "Absolutely not, Matriarch! Liara is painfully honest at times, even when it is a detriment to her or our house!"

Lyessa was prepared to go on but Aethyta held up a hand and apologized, "You're right... It was a stupid thing to say, but you know me. I spoke out of concern without thinking; I'm sorry."

Harrumphing, the steward accepted the apology at face value. "Shall I wake her and let her know you are here?"

"Don't worry about it, I'll go up." Aethyta smiled softy, her face holding a rare expression which not even Mozia had seen very often. "I missed a lot of years where I should have had the joy of waking my little one. Maybe, in our own way, Liara and I can get some of that time back now."

Aethyta slipped eagerly upstairs only to pause at the doorway to the main suite in unexpected trepidation. Firming her resolve, she tapped lightly on the door; when she got no response, she opened the door and slipped quietly into the room. Moving silently to the bedside, she looked down pensively upon her sleeping progeny, scarcely over a hundred years of age. She's a good looking kid, Aethyta. Nezzie did good... but you were a fucking coward. What took you so damned long to introduce yourself? She drew a deep breath and let it out slowly as she sank down onto the edge of the bed at her daughter's side. No time like the present to start making up for all that lost time.

Laying a hand softly on Liara's shoulder, she gave the young Asari a gentle shake. "Hey, Little Wing. Time to rise and shine, Babe."

Liara's eyes popped open at the unexpected voice and she rolled away to lie flat on the bed. "Dad. You came early? I thought you weren't coming until after lunch?"

Aethyta chuckled and said with a smile, "It's almost two, Liara."

Liara sat up abruptly, "Goddess! I must have slept through my alarm!"

"Hold onto your crests, there, sleepyhead." Aethyta stroked her daughter's arm softly. "Shepard is sound asleep as well, so has no idea you missed your lunch date... and apparently you both needed the rest, so it's not a bad thing." Her expression sobered and she took Liara's chin gently in her fingertips, scrutinizing the young Asari's face. "Because even though you look a Hell of a lot better than you did on this morning's vid call, you still look positively wrung out."

Liara started to respond but Aethyta's grip shifted quickly to a finger placed gently on her daughter's lips. "Hush. There's time for us to have that conversation later, when both you and Shepard have recovered your strength. For now, I'll head back downstairs and visit. You take your time and join us when you're ready. There is no rush... We're here all night, kiddo."

Caught off guard for the second time on the same day, Aethyta could do nothing but wrap her arms around the daughter she suddenly found pressed against her for a hug. "Thanks for coming, Dad." Releasing the befuddled matriarch, Liara continued, "I'll be down soon, I promise."

After a brief conversation regarding what had happened in Shyria, Liara was the first of the small group to enter the medical facility, waking the captain with a soft kiss on her cheek. "Good afternoon, Siame. My father and Mozia have arrived."

Shepard's expression registered confusion as she turned her head to meet Liara's lips. "Afternoon? What happened to lunch?"

Aethyta chuckled. "Doesn't miss a beat, that one. Hello to you, too, Shepard."

Having been distracted by Liara's kiss and her statement referencing the time of day, Shepard didn't hear anything else Liara had said. "Oh, hey." Realizing she had guests, Shepard's confusion shifted to a welcoming smile as she toggled the bed control so she could sit up and face her visitors. "Aethyta. Mozia. Good to see you both."

Mozia approached and gently gripped the woman's shoulder. "You look much better than I expected from the tale, Captain. That is welcome relief indeed."

"As you know, I normally heal rather quickly," Shepard answered swiftly as she reached out and gripped Liara's hand. "But this one here helped me a lot last night." She gave her Promised a somewhat chastising glance as she added, "Somewhat to her own detriment, I do believe."

"I agree... considering how she looked this morning when we talked." Aethyta gave her daughter a telling glance before continuing, "But, she took a nap that was much longer than anticipated... which helped her rebound a bit more than I expected."

Shepard looked around the room and questioned, "Where's Alyna? I'd like to get out of this bed, get dressed and grab some lunch." She glanced at the matriarchs, continuing, "Have you eaten?"

Dropping her hand from Shepard's shoulder, Mozia answered, "Yes, we have. We delayed our arrival so you would have a chance to eat lunch before we got here but, unintentional or not, Liara took the more prudent path and slept in. I believe the additional rest worked out better for the both of you."

"We're spending the night, so we can leave you alone to eat..." Aethyta got no farther before Shepard interrupted her.

"Absolutely not. We can eat and talk at the same time... unless you want to do something else now that you've seen Liara and me alive and well?"

Aethyta shrugged, "Just thought we'd give you some privacy to talk to Alyna... perhaps get dressed..." She finished with a smirk, "... unless you plan on coming to the dining room in your hospital gown."

Shepard's face took on a hint of pink as she responded, "I suppose there is that."

Mozia wrapped a hand around her lover's bicep and gave a tug. "Come along, Thyta; you've teased Shepard enough. Let us go speak with the team captains; there is some unpleasant business ahead."

Shepard frowned. "Are you planning to discuss the replacement for Molia?"

Mozia turned and met her eyes. "Captain Shepard. We would do no such thing until the both of you are ready to join that discussion, especially since it is an Estate position. Even as Regent, I would never presume to know your preference much less even start such a discussion without you." She glanced at Aethyta and back before she continued, "We simply want to pass on our condolences, see how everyone is dealing with the loss, and begin planning the vigil."

Chastised, Shepard lowered her eyes. "Of course. My apologies, Matriarch."

Mozia dropped Aethyta's arm and returned to the bedside, placing warm fingers under Shepard's chin and gently raising her head. "There was no offense taken, Captain, so no apology is necessary. You have much to learn yet about how the Asari conduct business." Her eyes twinkled and the corners of her mouth turned up with a hint of a smile as she continued, "Besides... if I had such a thin skin, I never would have been chosen as Regent... as I never would have survived even a single session within that pack of próidh who call themselves the Defense Committee."

With that, Shepard chuckled lightly and reached up to take Mozia's hand. "Thank you for that... because we certainly would have been lost without you." Her smile faded with the name that blasted through the link. Molia.

With a reassuring smile for her Promised, Shepard turned back to the matriarch and continued her previous train of thought, "Me particularly, without the benefit of having Liara at my side... and on the hunt after I disappeared over Alchera. If she had to remain here to run House T'Soni... without her, I would have quite literally been lost."

"Well it didn't happen that way, so quit talking about it," Aethyta growled. "Everyone here today survived the damned war, we're here now and we're supposed to be preparing for a bonding... not mulling over sad what-could-have-beens that aren't worth the mental anguish!" The scowl that had suddenly emerged on her face disappeared as quickly as it arrived. "Now. We're leaving to locate Alyna... so you can get your ass out of that bed and come join the conversations about the future instead of the past. Got it?"

Her heart lightening with the matriarch's protective streak coming through, Shepard smiled and completed the best matriarchal salute she could while sitting in a hospital bed. Aethyta simply scoffed, the sound coming from her throat sounding as if she was about to spit before ending in her parting words, "Goddess be damned, Shepard. You know I hate that shit."

After the matriarchs turned and left the room, Liara gave her a disapproving glance. "You know she dislikes such formality. Why do you purposely aggravate her like that?"

Laughing, Shepard grinned and replied, "I'm not aggravating her. It's like her comments about our sex life... I'm just teasing and answering irreverently in kind... and she knows it. And even though she won't admit it, she loves it... and might even be starting to like me."

Liara closed her eyes and shook her head. "Goddess, what have I done? You're just like her!"

Alyna entered the room as a robust laugh erupted from the Spectre and she immediately noted the strength of Shepard's voice and the improved color in Liara's face. "I hear you are ready to get out of here, Captain."

In answer, Shepard turned on the bed and dropped her feet over the side. "Absolutely. I'm feeling good... and my stomach is going to find its own way to the dining room if I don't escort it there in short order."

The doctor had activated her omnitool as she approached the bed, so began scanning as soon as she was at Shepard's side. After a moment of silence, she turned the device off and dropped her arm. With a relaxed smile, she stated, "Everything looks good, Captain. I want to check you again in twenty-four hours, but you are now cleared for light duty. No Armax participation in tomorrow morning's sessions, but you can go... as an observer only... without medical escort. I'll check you when you return and reevaluate your status at that time." Her smile was temporarily swallowed by earnest concern as she finished, "If you follow my instructions, I see no reason why I shouldn't be able to release you to full duty at that time. Understood?"

Even though dressed in only a hospital gown, professionalism and respect for the doctor before her took ahold of Shepard as she slid from the bed to stand on her own two feet for the first time in over a day. She dipped her head briefly in respect before once more meeting Alyna's eyes as she spoke. "Perfectly, Doctor T'Lori." Liara circled around the bed to stand at Shepard's side, slipping an arm around the woman's waist as the Spectre continued, "I appreciate everything you and Doctor Yandle did for me."

Shepard glanced quickly at her Ionúin Álainn and returned the gesture, pulling Liara close. "I plan on being around to see our children born... and Liara and I are beginning to discuss our long-term future more seriously, so I'm done being reckless." Her chest filled with the warmth of loving devotion pouring in as she finished, "And that means, no matter how much it may inconvenience me, I will follow your instructions to the letter and keep myself fit and healthy."

Alyna smiled as she queried, "Will Doctor Chakwas believe any of this when I relay the news to her?"

Shepard chuckled briefly and then smirked as she replied, "Not one single word of it."