Notes: Headed out of town for a long weekend so, while you get this chapter a few hours earlier than normal, I'm afraid I will not have Ch 10 ready for next week. Have a great weekend and see you in two weeks! Enjoy!

CGC - Center for Galactic Cooperation

Leannán - Lover (Gaelic)

Mo cheann geallta - My promised one (Gaelic)

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

For Richer – For Poorer

Serrice Government Building, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 15 Jul 2188

Once the Matriarchal Governance Forum had officially opened, Mozia spoke quietly from her seat, gathering the attention of all those at the table. "I am confident each of you is aware of the single order of ceremonial business I am bringing to your forum today concerning the pending bonding between Lady Liara T'Soni and Spectre Samantha Shepard. You all know of the parties involved, so I will not waste your time with preliminary presentations; I will simply ask for a vote." She glanced quickly around the table and asked, "Do any oppose the proposed bonding?"

Matriarch Luesia N'Tori, the Kendra Ocean Governess, rose from her chair and firmly stated, "I do... and I request an immediate Justicar Inquiry into the actions of Spectre Shepard in the Viper Nebula, regarding the destruction of its Mass Relay and the genocide of the Batarian peoples."

The room erupted into chaos, a single voice of reason rising above the rest as the Justicar Grand Matriarch stepped forward. "Silence!" Sellyna's expression held only a hint of impatience as she waited for all the side conversations to cease. When she finally continued, her measured gaze fell squarely on Luesia. "Such an inquiry is your privilege. However, while Lady T'Soni and Spectre Shepard are sequestered for these proceedings should such an examination be required, in regard to the specific events you have identified, an inquest has already been completed. Justicar Samara was with Spectre Shepard during that timeframe and has already rendered a judgment. I will not duplicate her effort."

Luesia growled in protest, "But Samara joined Shepard's crew and was bound by the Third Oath of Subsumation! Therefore, I submit that she could not possibly render an objective opinion on the matter… so I demand an inquiry be completed by an impartial party!"

Sellyna's eyes burned with frightening intensity, her voice as hard as steel as she emphasized Samara's position in her response. "Before Justicar Samara took the Oath, she warned Spectre Shepard that if any of her actions over the course of the war were deemed unjust, her life would potentially be forfeit once Samara was released from her service; such a warning proved unnecessary. At the conclusion of her time aboard the Normandy, Justicar Samara informed me, in person, that Shepard's actions had been both just and necessary for the greater good. She found the Spectre free of guilt or fault, even considering the horrifying destruction of Bahak."

Mozia stood slowly, her body stiff with uncharacteristic ire as she glared across the table at her adversary. "First, you object to a storybook union of two heroes who are very much in love... and then have the audacity to question the ruling of the Grand Matriarch of the Justicars? Have you gone completely insane?" Not giving Luesia time to answer, Mozia continued, "Spectre Shepard and Lady T'Soni did more to ensure our survival than all of you – all of us – combined! And yes, I include myself among the pitiful ruling matriarchs of Thessia, with all our supposed wisdom and biotic power, when I say that! Had it not been for Lady T'Soni's wisdom in sending Captain Aethyta Beuss to us, I would have been either dead or left sniveling in the shadows, praying for salvation."

"Matriarch Mozia. Please sit and calm yourself." The governess of Majesa placed a soothing hand on Mozia's arm, reminding her they were in general Forum. As Mozia nodded in appreciation and retook her seat, Matriarch Niana, the Armali District Governess, surprisingly took over the assault on Luesia. "What contributions did you make toward the war effort? Your isles were largely ignored by the Reapers and have flourished in the time since the war concluded, so before you object to Spectre Shepard and her union with House T'Soni, please explain to us what right you have to judge the actions of others, especially Spectre Shepard or the Justicars, when you have done absolutely nothing to aid in the war nor the recovery! How dare you!" She stared at Luesia in total silence as she waited for the matriarch to make some response… one which was not long in coming.

"Yes, I dare!" The minister stood swiftly; with an angry expression on her face, she met Niana's eyes for a long moment before glancing around the entire table as she continued, "I dare because I am not one of your sniveling sycophants who hid during the war. I worked to ensure my own survival and all those under my charge. I worked in the shadows of the Reapers to establish mutual defense pacts and I now speak for the Consortium of Isle Nations!" She saw the concern flit through the eyes of the other matriarchs and sneered. "I see you understand the implications of what I have done."

Matriarch Cyla of Serrice stood and glared at her. "Oh... We understand the implications, Luesia. We understand that you took advantage of our wartime preoccupation for your own benefit and you have committed treason! The whole purpose of our system is to maintain balance... to maintain a true democracy. You cannot make treaties and rearrange the political landscape of the Asari people without a majority approval of the Forum of Governesses... followed by a vote of the people! What you suggest throws balance to the whim of the tides and would never be approved!"

"I do not care about balance... nor about what you say I can or cannot do, because it is not a suggestion... it is already done." Luesia's eyes returned to Mozia. "The Isle Nations are tired of being ignored so, while you were sniveling in the shadows, I put together a pact that now represents nearly two billion Asari citizens, many of whom were previously unrepresented!"

The Ulee governess, Ryria N'Axanni, remained seated and scoffed, "Oh, do shut up and sit down, Luesia."

Ryria tapped her omnitool and continued, "The last census figures place the total remote isle nations' population, including Kendra Ocean, at less than 1.4 billion. The rest of us represent a remaining 3.7 billion, give or take, so I say we vote on this illegal act, get a list of all the signatories on this so-called pact, and convict them all of treason." Her eyes traveled to Grand Matriarch Sellyna as she continued, "So, it seems you may not have traveled all the way here for nothing after all, Justicar."

"Indeed." Sellyna frowned at Luesia as she stated, "I had hoped my presence would be merely perfunctory and that my services would not actually be required." She paused in thought for a moment before continuing, "Based on current Asari law regarding formation of non-consensual pacts that change the relative balance between our designated political regions, it does appear as though we have a purposeful breach of electoral law." Her attention shifted to the remaining matriarchs, those of which had been standing had also returned to their seats with Ryria's command to Luesia. "I will, however, refrain from judgment until a legal vote is completed."

"Thank you, Justicar Sellyna." Cyla stared at the table around which they all sat and drew a deep breath. "This is an unfortunate turn of events on what should have been a joyous day." Her eyes came up and scanned the faces of those around the table, seeing both anger and disbelief; the first on the face of Luesia, the second residing with nearly everyone else. "The result of the vote shall be registered anonymously via your keypads, with the entry registered to Kendra Ocean locked out. Please enter your votes now."

"I will not stand for such blatant disregard for my legal requests! I have every right to claim inquiry and I will not stand to be ignored!" Luesia slammed a fist down on the table, starting to glow blue in her anger and frustration before huffing loudly and turning away, walking toward the door.

Sellyna signaled the Forum guards at the entrance and they drew stun weapons, ensuring Luesia would not be able to leave the chambers. As Luesia hesitated, unwilling to use force against the guards, the Justicar Grand Matriarch spoke stoically. "Matriarch Luesia N'Tori. In compliance with the Justicar Code and given your potential breach of Asari Electoral Law, you will stand down and remain on the premises until the Forum vote is completed and the results are announced. In the event you are found not guilty, you will be free to leave."

Luesia took one last look at the readied guards and spun around. "And if I am found guilty?"

"Then you will surrender yourself to me willingly... for your own inquiry into your purported crime. You may yet be found innocent."

"I won't be, I know." Luesia held her chin high. "But you can rest assured, this will not end here. If I am imprisoned, I become a martyr... and I swear to you, the Isle Nations will make themselves heard, no matter how hard you attempt to suppress our voices."

Matriarch Cyla of Serrice stood and looked to the Justicar. "I hesitate to announce the finding, but the votes are cast and it is my duty to announce that Matriarch Luesia N'Tori of the Kendra Ocean Republic, by a unanimous vote, has been found guilty of sedition." Her attention shifted to the denounced Matriarch and she sighed. "I honestly believe your cause is just; your methods are what proved illegal. Why did you not come to us and ask for the other isle republics to be more fairly represented?"

Scoffing, Luesia spit out her question. "And just how would you have done that, Cyla?"

"I do not know," she replied sadly. "But, perhaps, we could have done something along the lines of the new Galactic Council... where if not a senior member, they could at least have representation here." She suddenly smiled. "And, just perhaps, they still can."

Luesia's anger fell away like dry leaves in a heavy wind. "If what happened here today leads to such, then my actions will not have been in vain."

"Come, Matriarch." Sellyna held out a pair of biotic suppression cuffs. "Put these on yourself and come quietly. We are no longer the Justicars of old. If you cooperate, we may be able to achieve some... compromise... regarding your punishment. If what Matriarch Cyla says is true, perhaps only your methods were in error, while your cause is just. We shall see."

Luesia looked at the Justicar a moment and found no deception in her gaze, so took the cuffs and slid them onto her wrists. "I suppose we will then, won't we?"

Sellyna nodded to her before turning to the Forum once more. "May the Goddess guide your judgments... and let today's lessons not be lost to the annuls of history. Goddess be with you all." With that said, she turned, took Luesia lightly by the arm, and they were gone.

The remaining Matriarchs sat in stunned silence and simply stared at one another for a few moments. Finally, Cyla shattered the stillness with a polite cough. "Well. That was... interesting... and something most certainly worth discussing." She turned to Mozia as she continued, "But first, we have our original business to attend to. Does anyone else object to the bonding between Lady Liara T'Soni and Spectre Samantha Shepard?"

When she was met with only more silence, she smiled and nodded at Mozia. "Then so be it. The bonding of Lady T'Soni and Spectre Shepard is blessed by the Matriarchal Forum. The formal bonding license will be signed and forwarded to your house by the end of the evening."

She turned to the Forum Adjutant General and whispered, "Please relay the news to Lady T'Soni and inform her that she and Spectre Shepard are free to leave."

Turning back to the members still seated around the table, she smiled. "Now. I realize this was not on the agenda, but I do believe we need to speak about the recently identified lack of representation for the Isle Republics within the Forum..."

T'Soni Country Estate, Armali Republic, Thessia – 16 Jul 2188

Once the Matriarchal Forum had approved the T'Soni-Shepard union at their mid-July session, the next month leading up to the bonding passed like a blur. The whirlwind started on the day immediately following the vote, when Liara and Shepard had their next-to-last session with their mentors, this time as a joint session. Sha'ira and Aethyta sat side-by-side like the old friends they were as the Consort began the session. "Essentially, each of you is as prepared as we can make you... individually speaking. But, as you witnessed through our shared memory melds, there is much you need to do together, so that is what we are here to practice today."

With that, Aethyta took over, stepping them through rehearsals for each of the numerous rituals that lay ahead. Sha'ira monitored their actions and responses, asking questions and providing correction as necessary when the couple were either unsure or made an error in the traditional, expected responses. After a solid three hours, Sha'ira nodded her head in approval. "Wonderful. I know this is tedious, but I do believe you've mastered the ceremony to a degree suitable to your station. We'll use our last session simply to complete another run-through... hopefully with no additional questions or any hesitation."

"Thank the Goddess!" Liara exclaimed, a poignant smile of satisfaction on her face. "This reminds me of the Janiris festival practices with my mother and Shiala... but that singular ritual was simplistic compared to this."

Sha'ira laughed softly before answering, "While that may be true, the Janiris rite was mastered by a young Asari, not yet even seventy years of age if I remember correctly. The bonding rituals are much more diverse and complicated, and we are exceedingly pleased by your amazingly quick mastery of them all. Most have a yearlong Promise Contract – one that has not been overtaken by a multi-year galactic war – during which they have weekly sessions until they know each and every part of all the segments by heart, Little Wing. Both you and Shepard should be proud to have accomplished the feat in only twelve sessions instead of the standard thirty-five or forty."

"Really?" Bewilderment filled Shepard upon the announcement. "All of that should have been spread over forty of these sessions, instead of cramming it all into a dozen?" With a confirming nod from Liara, Shepard groaned in realization, "No wonder they were so taxing!"

Aethyta growled jokingly, "They were so taxing because you're a damned Human, Shepard, and melding doesn't come naturally to you."

"Ha ha." Shepard smirked at her. "I'd offer up a real laugh, but it'd take too much energy and this pitifully weak Human is tired and starving, oh great and wise Matriarch."

The resultant expression on Aethyta's face forced out a robust laugh from Sha'ira before she offered, "As all of us should be after this morning; excellent point, Shepard. We most definitely need to adjourn for lunch!"

"Adjourn? That makes it sound like we're coming back." Shepard frowned as an uneasy feeling settled into her stomach, snapping her head around to stare at the Consort with the undesirable news. "Are we not done for the day?"

The disappointed expression on the Human's face weighed heavily on the Consort as she replied, "I am sorry, Captain. The ritual memorization sessions are complete, but now we have to work the venue details, the seating charts, your wardrobe... all the details surrounding the ceremony which have yet to be finalized. Perhaps you'll feel better after eating... and knowing that at this point you and Liara swap mentors?"

Expecting to see horrified shock, Shepard quickly looked at Liara and was mystified by the soft smile on the Asari's face. "T'Soni! You look like you knew this was coming... and you didn't tell me!"

"I did know... but it slipped my mind with everything else going on, Samantha. I'm sorry." Her face filled with apology, she reached out and squeezed Shepard's hand. "For the upcoming planning, you need Sha'ira's expertise, as she is much more familiar with Human customs than my father could ever be... and I don't mind Dad's help in this phase." Her gaze flittered across Sha'ira and Aethyta before she returned her attention to her leannán to continue. "While Sha'ira is very good at the customs of other cultures, my father will be an excellent source of what is expected of the heir of House T'Soni as far as wardrobe and conduct. We'll also have Matriarch Mozia's assistance; as our representative both to the Forum of Governesses and on the Defense Council, she will have critical insight regarding the seating arrangements, so we do not inadvertently offend someone. Even given the tediousness of the details at this juncture, I understand their importance and very much look forward our bonding going well, Siame."

Her eyes lit up as Shepard glanced at Aethyta and grinned. "If your father can improve our chances to meet custom and not make any more enemies, then I'm happy to trade mentors,Mo cheann geallta." Her focus shifting to the Consort, the Spectre continued, "And I'll be more than happy to have your assistance in the matter, Sha'ira. My goal for the ceremony has always been to blend our traditions as best able."

"Then let us eat and I shall welcome the challenge, Captain!" Sha'ira stood and crooked her arm, inviting the woman to join her.

"So do I, Sha'ira," Shepard responded as she stood from the loveseat and eagerly linked up with the offered arm. "After we eat, that is!"

Normandy SR2, Phoenix Massing, At Large – 20 Jul 2188

Ashley had spent the twelve days since learning of Gabby's pregnancy scrutinizing the service records of the several potential replacements for the soon to be vacant position of propulsion engineer on the ship. She had also researched potential follow-on positions for the woman and spoken with commanders at two of the several Alliance shore facilities on Earth that were performing high-level research on the next generation of compact FTL drive cores. That part of the equation seemed as if it would rapidly solve itself; the Spectre had only needed to inform them of Gabby's involvement with the SR-2 project since its inception to set up an intense rivalry to be the facility employing Engineering Specialist Gabriella Daniels. Ashley had asked for – and received – assurances that Gabby would be granted maternity leave when the time came; surprisingly, the commander of the Vancouver research station had even offered to promote the engineer as soon as she arrived.

Of the potential replacements Donnelly had suggested, six people were stand-outs; each of them was extremely qualified, with four being nearly the equal of Daniels in terms of experience and knowledge of sub-light and FTL propulsion theory. Ashley had given copies of their service records to Greg Adams, believing him to be a better judge of the qualities needed for the job. As expected, Adams had been absolutely crushed at the prospect of losing Gabby to a forced transfer, telling Williams he would have much preferred to see Donnelly leaving the Normandy.

All of this and more blazed through her mind as she stood at parade rest, resplendent in her dress uniform, her back towards the elevator tower forward bulkhead in the crew's mess area. Immediately in front of her stood Donnelly and Daniels, with Greg Adams a step behind and to Gabby's right side, with all three similarly clothed in their dress uniforms; behind them were Steve Cortez, Edi, Joker, Doctor Chakwas and several other of the crew.

Ashley cleared her throat and smiled happily at the assemblage of people before her. "Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would have command of a ship and crew as wonderful as the Normandy... much less have the pleasure of presiding over the wedding of two of our own. Today, it is my singular honor… and privilege… to preside over the marriage of Kenneth Donnelly and Gabriella Daniels. So, without further ado...," She opened and began to read aloud from a small, leather-bound book she had found in Shepard's former quarters. "We are here today to witness and celebrate the marriage of two persons who are very much in love. More than just a ceremony, this is the most significant moment of human celebration and personal commitment. Marriage is not something to be entered into lightly. We are concerned with more than simply romance; it should be entered into reverently, or it is no marriage at all." She paused, looked at Gabby for a moment, then asked, "Who gives this bride away?"

Greg Adams stepped up beside Gabby; taking her hand, he answered, "It is my distinct honor to stand in for Gabriella's father on this solemn occasion, and I freely give her hand in marriage to this man." Adams released her hand and stepped back.

Ashley smiled at Greg before returning her attention to the couple before her. "This ceremony will not unite you in marriage; only the two of you can do that. If the relationship, which is symbolized in our culture by the state of marriage, does not already exist between you, this ceremony will not create that relationship. The bond uniting you is the entire meaning. This ceremony is simply the public announcement of the existence of that bond."

Ashley solemnly continued, "A good marriage is a relationship of love and respect, to have a deep sense of identification with another person. It is to live in the life of that person, feeling his or her joys and sorrows as if they were your own. There should be a sharing of your lives, but there should also be space in your togetherness that allows each of you the room and privacy required to be individuals, with hearts and minds of your own; for only by being a whole person, can you have something to give to the person that you love."

"So, having considered alone and together this marriage, I now ask you, Gabriella, do you take this man to be your husband? Do you promise to love him and to comfort him, to honor him, and keep him in sickness and in health, in prosperity and adversity, as long as you both shall live?"

Gabby reached over with her left hand to grasp Ken's as she softly replied, "I so promise."

Ashley smiled at Gabby briefly before turning to Donnelly. "Then I now ask you, Kenneth, do you take this woman to be your wife? Do you promise to love her and comfort her, to honor her, and keep her in sickness and in health, in prosperity and adversity, as long as you both shall live?"

Kenneth turned to look into Gabby's eyes. After a couple of moments of complete silence, he managed to squeak out, "Ah sae promise."

Holding up a pair of platinum and gold rings, the Spectre handed the larger of the two rings to Gabby as she intoned, "Then Gabriella, as you place this ring on Kenneth's finger, please say with me, 'With this ring… I thee wed… and join my life to yours.'" Gabby repeated the words and Ashley then waited as the bride slid the band onto the groom's finger. Handing the remaining ring to Kenneth, she said, "And Kenneth, as you place this ring on Gabriella's finger, please say with me, 'With this ring, I thee wed, and join my life to yours.'"

Grinning at Ken's pitiful attempt to say the words with as little brogue as possible, she set the book from which she was reading down and grasped Gabby's left hand and Ken's right as she concluded, "May these rings stand as a sign to you of your desire to live, to love, to create, and to build in your lives and the lives of those whom you touch, that ideal of perfection which is humanity. When the tides are low and the rocks are painfully visible, may your love be the waters of the new tides. And, when the tides are high, give thanks to the spirit of life itself, and celebrate it."

She released their hands, stepped forward slightly and placed a hand on each of their shoulders, saying, "So, having openly declared yourselves in accordance with the laws of Earth's Systems Alliance and the Galactic Council, before everyone here, before the community of humanity and most of all, before your own inner selves, I now pronounce that you are husband and wife." Releasing their shoulders and stepping back, she grinned at Donnelly as she concluded with, "You may now kiss your bride."

Everyone began applauding as Ken engulfed Gabby in a full body hug and kissed her, only to be surprised by her follow-on as he attempted to break away to take a breath. When they finally parted, it was not clear which of the pair was blushing more, although Donnelly was probably the winner. Watching the pair being congratulated by everyone present brought a few tears to Ashley's eyes, which she didn't bother to wipe away. When things calmed down slightly, Gabby walked up to her commander and quietly said, "Just this once, I am going to break protocol. Thank you, Ma'am… for everything." With that, she wrapped her arms around the Spectre, tightly embracing the surprised woman.

T'Soni Country Estate, Armali Republic, Thessia – 22 Jul 2188

Having received a tasking from Liara, Samantha Traynor had pulled all the broker equipment from storage and was working in a secondary, secluded secure communications room inside the main house. She was thankful Aethyta had thought to bring all the equipment with them when they had evacuated the townhouse during the Reaper War – otherwise, Traynor would have had a lot more work ahead of her, as it all would have been destroyed along with everything else when the Reapers had ravaged Armali. So, instead of having to purchase it all new, she was simply reassembling the existing spare system and sequentially powering up the individual components to ensure each piece was in good working order. Once that was completed, Sammi then connected the newly reassembled broker station to the network and was now in the process of downloading the latest versions of all the software.

Traynor was preparing to break for lunch while the system updated, but a priority call intruded on her peaceful morning. She checked the sender's identity and was pleasantly surprised as she entered her pass-code and responded, "Commander Williams? I didn't expect to hear from the Normandy for a few more weeks. To what do we owe the pleasure?" Sammi was suddenly thinking about everything that was happening in the galaxy as she nervously asked, "You're still coming, aren't you? Is everything alright?"

Ashley grinned at the Normandy's former communications specialist. "Of course we are, Ms Traynor… and we are all doing well... I simply needed to speak with Shepard or Dr T'Soni. I have a few things I needed to discuss… final lodging and transportation arrangements and such. Is either of them available?"

The relief Sammi felt at hearing that nothing was amiss on the Normandy brought forth a smile as she replied, "I'm afraid both are away at the moment; they've taken the Knight Shade on a practice run, using it to pick up a new crewmember at the port in Armali. Would you care to share your message with me? Our conversation is being recorded – standard procedure – but I'd be happy to pass on anything you care to tell me."

Williams looked down for a moment as she thought about what she needed to say. Returning her gaze to Traynor, she replied, "First off, due to our current mission, we'll only have a short time available for our visit to Thessia, Specialist. We'll arrive the day before the bonding ceremony and need to set out early morning of the day after, so I wanted to make sure Shepard and Liara aren't counting on us to give anyone a ride."

Sammi immediately had all kinds of questions she'd like Williams to answer about their current mission, but held herself in check as she replied, "Regarding lodging and transportation, it may actually be the House Steward you need to speak with, though I'm not really sure, Commander. With all the vessels we have scattered about, I really cannot believe it would be a problem… and there's plenty of room for the Normandy to park right here..."

"That's great to hear. I also have news to share… I can tell you, but you have to promise not to pass it on… I want to tell them myself and see the expressions on their faces." Ashley grinned. "Can I trust you to do that?"

"Understood, Commander." Traynor nodded as she said, "Pausing recording now." She gave Ashley a quick nod, acknowledging it was safe for the Spectre to continue.

"I had the distinct honor, for the first time as captain of my own ship, to conduct a wedding…" Williams' face was split by a wide grin as she continued, "… for Kenneth and Gabriella Donnelly!"

Traynor's eyes flew open wide in surprise as she gasped, "Holy Hell! That's… awesome… and a long time in coming!" She regained her composure a bit and laughed, "I can see why you want to be the one to tell them!" Pausing for a moment as her mouth shifted from a grin to a big 'O' in realization, she added, "But how does that impact their assignments on the Normandy? Alliance regs are pretty clear about married couples on a ship as small as a war frigate…"

"Yes, they are… so one of them will have to leave the Normandy, but I'll leave that story for them to tell once we arrive on Thessia." Ashley smiled softly as she continued, "So, remember… not a peep about the wedding to Shepard or Liara."

"Yes, Ma'am!" Traynor smiled as she said, "And now, I'm really looking forward to your visit in August! If that's everything you want to pass on in person?"

"Yes, it is… so go ahead and resume your recording whenever you're ready." Ashley waited patiently as the specialist nodded and toggled the necessary controls.

"Recording resumed, Commander. I'll have one or the other… or both… contact you as soon as possible after the Knight Shade returns."

"Thank you, Traynor. I look forward to hearing back from Liara or the captain soon." With that, she terminated the connection, leaving Sammi to stare for a moment at a blank screen as she contemplated what she had just learned. So, who is going to end up getting transferred off the Normandy? Knowing the question would be answered in due course, the specialist secured the communications equipment and headed for the dining area for lunch.

Shepard and Liara were on their way up to their suite when Samantha Traynor intercepted them in the main foyer. "Captain? Dr T'Soni? I have a message for you from the Normandy. Spectre Williams would appreciate a return call. She needs to confirm a few details with you to finalize the Normandy's visit to Thessia."

Surprise was evident in Liara's expression as she glanced at Shepard before asking. "Did she tell you what information she needs, Specialist? Did she give any indication they may not make it?"

Sammi grinned as she replied, "She mentioned lodging and transportation, Ma'am, but also said something about a special announcement… so I believe she prefers to speak with both of you."

Liara cast a wary glance at Traynor. The woman was normally meticulous about how she did her job… but something in Sammi's expression hinted the specialist was holding information back… but, at the same time, she was happy, indicating to the Broker that it was not bad news. All things considered, it gladdened Liara's heart that the human had found a home for herself here at the estate. {I know we would manage without her here, Siame, and I am honestly pleased Specialist Traynor has joined our family… but, in this case, I do believe she knows exactly what Ashley wants to tell us in person.}

A smile came through the link in return as her promised laughed lightly in response. {Agreed, Blue… and I expect Riana is even happier than you that Traynor decided to join her here.}

Her face lighting with a smile, Liara replied to the specialist, "Thank you, Ms Traynor. Give us fifteen minutes to change clothes and freshen up a bit. Then, we'll very likely see you in the comm room." So saying, Liara hooked her arm into Shepard's and the pair made their way to their suite.

Liara and Shepard changed into comfortable clothing and made their way back downstairs to the Estate's main communications center; Sammi glanced past her shoulder as the door opened to admit the pair, eliciting a warm smile. Turning back to the viewscreen, Traynor said, "Here they are now, Commander. See you in a few weeks." She stood and stepped to the side, vacating her chair so Shepard could sit down, with Liara taking the chair beside her. "I figured I could have the connection up and ready… save you both the trouble."

Of some surprise, Ashley had been joined by Gabriella Daniels and Kenneth Donnelly, causing Shepard to be more formal than she had planned. "Commander Williams… It's great to see you! How goes things on the Normandy?"

"Very well, thanks." A broad smile dominated the Spectre's face as she said, "We all wanted the two of you to be the among the first people off the ship to congratulate Gabby and Ken Donnelly on their recent marriage… presided over by yours truly aboard the Normandy!"

Liara and Shepard had been aware since the St Paddy's Day party during the Victory Tour that Ken and Gabby planned to marry, but that didn't lessen their surprise at Ashley's announcement. "That's wonderful news! Congratulations, you guys!" Shepard gushed as Liara offered her own congratulations. Thoughts flew fast and furious through the link for a couple of seconds before Liara asked, "So Gabby… I imagine you and Kenneth had a reception party already?"

Gabby quietly replied, "Yes, Ma'am, we had a small one with the crew… but we talked about it, and honestly, we hoped… well, I was hoping… that we could horn in on your and Captain Shepard's reception. It'd be really nice to be able to visit with everyone, since we already know most of the commandos, as well as Matriarchs Aethyta and Mozia… and we assumed the Broker teams would be there, as well… and everyone would find out about it when we visit, anyway."

Gabby had never been a poker player and Shepard could plainly see something was troubling her, even over the somewhat grainy video feed, so she passed her concerns through the link.

Liara smiled as she replied, "Why would you even think we'd deny you that opportunity, Gabby? It will be no more difficult to have a party for two newlywed couples than for just Sam and myself… so, of course you'll be welcome to join us! It will make the day that much more special for all of us."

Samantha smiled at the images as she said, "Gabby, you do remember I was your captain for a couple of years, and I was generally able to read people fairly well; I can see there's something bothering you." Shepard paused for a moment as she witnessed the different emotions playing out on Gabby's face. "Is there something else you need to ask of us?"

"No, Ma'am… nothing to ask." The engineering specialist ducked her head momentarily in obvious embarrassment, casting a sidelong glance at Ashley before raising her eyes to look straight at the video image of Shepard. "But I do want to tell you I'm leaving the Normandy after we depart Thessia." She squared her shoulders and added, "I'm transferring to the Alliance's new propulsion lab on the CGC… because I'm going to have a baby, Ma'am."

Shepard was struck speechless by Gabby's confession, so Liara gushed, "Gabby, that's so wonderful! Congratulations… on your marriage and on your pregnancy!"

Ashley grinned at the pair as she said, "As a mom-to-be, Gabby can't continue to serve aboard a frigate, but she wanted to stay in the Navy as a propulsion engineer… so I secured her a choice assignment where she'll be working on experimental sub-light and FTL drive technologies for the Alliance." Ash chuckled as she added, "Once I released her name, I heard rumors of fist-fights breaking out over who was going to have the privilege of getting her on staff."

"I'm not surprised in the slightest… she's definitely a great catch." Shepard then asked with a grin, "So, I assume Donnelly will be leaving as well?"

"Actually, no. I can't afford to lose Ken and Gabby, Skipper. Even with Greg Adams here, I'll need Ken to help teach Gabby's replacement everything about how the SR-2's engines are supposed to work. Fortunately, Admiral Hackett agreed with my assessment, saying even though they're both members of the Alliance Navy, being a Spectre gives me a certain degree of latitude concerning the crew I choose for the Normandy… and that I could keep Ken aboard." She paused and shrugged before continuing, "Besides which, Ken wants to stay; he told me he'd go bonkers within a month of being stuck on a space station." Ashley chuckled, "He's starting to sound like Dr Chakwas… something about needing a moving deck beneath his feet."

"That's wonderful, Ash. And Gabby, your secret is safe with us; it's not our news to share." Shepard was delighted that Gabby was going to stay in the Navy. "We look forward to seeing you on the fourteenth!"

"Thank you, Ma'am. I'm looking forward to seeing both of you on Thessia."

Before the connection was terminated, Liara smiled and offered, "And Gabby… Should you desire to deliver your baby planet-side rather than on a space station, you would be more than welcome to spend your maternity leave here, with us." A wide grin split Gabby's face as Liara continued, "We have a full-time doctor on staff, obviously well versed on Human medical care, and we would consider it an honor to help you bring your first child into the world."

Without a moment's hesitation, Gabby stuttered, "That… Gosh! That would be lovely, Dr T'Soni! Are you sure?"

Smiling, Shepard chuckled, "Absolutely, Gabby! Can't wait to see you!" Looking back at the commander, she continued, "That goes for all of you, Ash. See you in a few weeks."

A/N: The wedding performed by Ashley was derived from a sample ceremony on the Hornblower Cruises and Events – San Diego website, under their wedding resources weddings performed by captain.