Notes:

ASF - Armali Strike Force

CGC - Center for Galactic Cooperation

LEAP - League of Earth Alliance Patriots

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

XO - Executive Officer

And Let the Games Begin

T'Soni Country Estate, Armali Republic, Thessia – 30 August 2188

By the time the ramp had deployed and the hatch was opened, Liara's father was already halfway across the parking area to meet them. Upon seeing the Asari walking quickly towards the ship, a concerned Shepard shouted out to her. "Aethyta! Everything here alright?"

She gave a quick thumbs-up but did not speak until she had approached close enough that she didn't have to yell. "Just fine, Shepard… if the rest of the galaxy would quit being so fucking stupid… especially your damned Humans!" Shaking her head in frustration as she met Samantha at the bottom of the ramp, she continued, "I am aware Tevos already has you on duty, completely screwing up your leisurely return from vacation, but we really need to discuss a few things before you two go running off again."

"Oh?" Shepard beckoned to Liara, who was only half-listening to the conversation through the link once she knew everything was okay, to join them. The Spectre continued speaking as the trio started their walk to the house. "So, what kinds of things are on your mind?"

"First off, Jatok has things well in order here. The Knight Shade has been stocked and is almost ready for departure, and I took the liberty of having Cy and her crew pack the extra weapons and gear I figured you might be needing. They are in the process of securing those weapons in the lockers aboard ship as we speak. We also loaded up a couple weeks' worth of extra rations… just in case… and I also packed your spare armor." Her glance shifted to Liara as she added, "…including that sexy Shadow Broker set of yours, Little Wing. You never know when you might need that."

"Thanks, Dad." Liara blushed slightly at the grin that appeared on Shepard's face with the matriarch's comment. "Though, I hope I never have cause to fully step into that particular role ever again."

"None of this seems particularly urgent, Aethyta." Shepard squeezed Liara's hand in agreement regarding her dislike of Shadow Broker wet-work and continued, "So what's really on your mind?"

"I understand the reasoning during the war, but the damned war has been done and over for fourteen months now. The shitshow currently going on is being caused by petty Human infighting, and you are pulling the Lady of House T'Soni into it with you." Aethyta saw the ire raising in both of the people she was speaking to, so added quickly, "Just let me finish, please, before burying me in protests… or simply burying me." Seeing the muscles in Shepard's jaw clench, she knew she had gained a reprieve from their counter-attack but had no idea how long it would last so got straight to the point. "We need to appoint a replacement for Molia. The lead team at the Estate is still one short since her murder and the situation is totally unacceptable."

By this time, they had reached the house and Mozia was standing at the door to greet them. "Welcome home, both of you," she said warmly, a gentle smile gracing her face. "I see Aethyta grew impatient and began without me. While I know she loves her commandos, there is another matter which is actually a great deal more urgent." She gave her lover a quick, admonishing glance before continuing. "As much as it pains me to bring up such a distressing subject, it is a shortfall we have been neglecting since Benezia's death. If Liara is going to continue accompanying you full time, then provisions need to be made now." Her welcoming smile lessened as she turned her eyes on the young Asari. In a soft voice, she concluded, "We do not have the luxury of time to ignore the possibility of your premature demise at some unknown point in the future, Lady Liara."

The bluntness of the statement caused Liara to gasp, while Shepard simply blinked in complete surprise, before the necessity of the act settled in and she nodded in grim understanding. Taking in the stunned acceptance on the faces of the young couple, Aethyta remorsefully explained, "I know you don't want to even consider such a thing, which is why we put it off… at least until after the bonding… but if she continues to insist on letting you drag her into possibly deadly conflicts, the risk is very real. With no heir apparent, Liara simply must appoint a successor. If she fails to do this and dies in combat… or even as the result of an accident, House T'Soni would be forfeit; the only living person with any claim at all was Rylis Iressi, whom you should have eliminated when you had the chance. That letch would revel over Liara's demise and, had she not resorted to criminal means, would have been able to stake her claim within seconds of receiving the news."

Shaking off the shock of the Mozia's brutal assessment, an appalled Liara blurted out, "Wouldn't she attempt to do so anyway, even if I do appoint a successor?"

Mozia actually chuckled before answering, "That is one of the finer points of Asari law. She would have been able to, had she not plotted to kill you and take it illegally; that stupidity cost her what remained of her Iressi holdings and makes her completely ineligible to inherit any T'Soni family properties. The saddest part of her tale is that I know you, Liara… had she come to you as your half-sister and daughter of Benezia and asked for your assistance, I have no doubt you would have granted it and welcomed her to the family."

Finally accepting the shocking necessity, Liara stated, "So, you need me to designate an heir." She then turned to Shepard. "I would pick you, Siame… but if something happened, I imagine you would be at my side and there is too much risk of you sharing the same fate."

"Besides which," Aethyta cut in, "the heir of a great house has to be Asari, not just an Asari citizen. Shepard would not meet the inheritance criteria."

"Then it's you!"

Shocked, Aethyta momentarily fell silent before gathering herself and whispering, "What?"

"Then it's you… I know beyond any doubt that you loved my mother, and you love me. You're the only blood family I have left, Dad. Plus, you already have an established heir, another half-sister of mine whom I have yet to meet."

As an unusually tongue-tied Aethyta fumbled for words, Mozia smiled softly and stated, "Then it is decided; Aethyta will be the designated successor… and her daughter after her, until such time as you and Shepard produce an heir. We just so happen to have a quorum of Matriarchs sitting in your living room…" Seeing the surprise on Liara's face, Mozia continued with a laugh, "Is this not why you hired me, dear; to take care of things in your absence. Shall we step into the other room and make your succession plan official?"

Afterward, as they sat and ate lunch, the foursome discussed the replacement for Molia Tressi. Aethyta had brought forward the two prior Armali Strike Force members who still resided with them at the T'Soni compound. "They've been working at various duties around the compound… performing weapons maintenance, as shuttle pilots, overseeing stores inventory… whatever needs doing. They are professionals and maintain their proficiencies without anyone having to ride them, and they practice with the commandos whenever their duties permit."

"They seem like good folks to me. I remember them from the team when we took down Rylis. They were good at what they did back then and they survived the Reaper war with you. That says a lot all by itself." Shepard rubbed her chin in thought before asking, "Captain T'Geya has spent the last year reforming the Armali Guard… Doesn't she want them back?"

"Sure she does… but they were witness to the deaths of too many of their friends. They don't want to abandon the new friendships they forged during the war… they want to stay with House T'Soni, so Ana gave them leave to do so."

"Ana? Seems a bit informal there, Aethyta." Shepard flashed a grin at the matriarch. "Is there something you're not telling me?"

"I am quite content in my relationship with Moz, you little shit." Aethyta smirked at the Spectre. "Do you not remember that Ana and Nayla are a thing? Have been since the joint Iressi op."

"Oooohhh, that's right… and Nayla saved her ass during the war. So, I guess that means she's part of the family as well, huh?" Shepard let out a little laugh. "My bad. I completely forgot about that. So… tell me about how your prospects have been fitting in at Armali."

Aethyta nodded sharply and explained, "Well, I have Ralis Thelvos currently serving as my Armory Master. She's doing a damned fine job, and I'd like to keep her there if at all possible. As for Arlia Pheuss, she's been filling in as a commando during vacations and sick time… and she fits right in. Nayla has tested them both for squad potential and they consistently rank somewhere in the middle of the pack."

Shepard nodded in understanding. "Then I'd say go ahead and keep Thelvos in the armory if she's a good fit there. As for who comes here… testing is one thing, but who do Nayla and Lyria recommend?"

"Honestly, I wanted to send Raeria T'Lani or Alsmeni Theya… but Nayla wouldn't hear of it." Aethyta grinned and continued, "She knows that I like the ASF kids and wanted to keep them close to me, but she overruled me with an argument of how it's best to disrupt only the one team, instead of two. A big point in her favor was that on Arlia's last go, she tested pretty damn well and both captains felt she would be a shoe-in for the Estate's first team."

"Since we're headed out and you need a decision, I'll simply trust you all to make the correct one. It's been awhile since I've seen any of them work together and, seeing as the Captains did just fine before I got here, we should leave it to Nayla and Lyria to get folks moved around and settled in. I'm sure they'll handle the transition just fine." Shepard looked over at Liara, who was nodding in agreement. "As for the Knight Shade, I'd like to get things wrapped up here and be in the air in thirty. Can we do that?"

Liara immediately pushed her chair back and stood, all business. "Absolutely, Spectre. I just need enough time to make a quick visit with the staff and I'll catch up to you on the bridge."

Center for Galactic Cooperation, Widow System, Serpent Nebula – 30 Aug 2188

Seeing the full Council of ten – eleven with the Rachni's Asari translator – sitting around the large, semi-circular meeting table, Spectre Shepard couldn't help but smile as she strode into the new Council meeting room. She stopped abruptly at the visiting speaker podium, popping to attention as she announced, "Councilors. Spectre Shepard reporting for duty."

Several smiled in return, the notable exceptions being Prime Huulik and Eri'Addan vas Rannoch; the former because he was physically unable to do so; the latter, Shepard guessed at… assuming it had much to do with the pending Quarian Civil War and the attention it had drawn from various parties. It was quite likely Eri's time with the Council had been anything but enjoyable since the discovery of the rogue Quarians' plot. Shepard had to refrain from shaking her head in sorrow at the expression on his face. What should have been an extended celebration of the newly expanded Council following the conclusion of the Reaper War had already been turned into a forum for discussing the seemingly inevitable conflict.

"Welcome back, Spectre Shepard." Dominic Osoba gave her an apologetic smile. "I truly am sorry for the necessity of shortening your honeymoon… even if only by a day… but I understand you have been apprised of the potential threat that has been levied against the attendees of the upcoming dedication of the new Systems Alliance Headquarters building?"

"Yes Sir, I have." Shepard's eyes swept the table. "That's why I'm here. Do you have any direction for my tasking, or am I headed directly to Earth to try to ferret out the perpetrators?"

"Though I know you would much prefer to jump right into the action, Spectre…" Tevos smiled softly, "… the Alliance has that well in hand… it is their event, after all. The venue is a restricted access area and they are in the process of undertaking a full security review, while also making provisions for crowd control and weapons searches of all guests who will be entering the secure area."

"What about operations staff? The last time we were in Vancouver, it turned out that one of our own, Major Josiah Pickett, was a LEAP sympathizer, if not a member, and likely provided them with key information to pull off the attack." Shepard grimaced at the memory of Liara's pale face as the Asari passed out in her arms.

"That is something you can ask them in person…" Tevos glanced at the Human councilor as she continued, "… as soon as you make the necessary personal arrangements for Councilor Osoba. He is your sole assignment for this event, Spectre; it is your duty to ensure he is available to attend the follow-on trade conference on Palaven. That conference will be the first major step toward normalizing relations between Sol and the other Council member races. Being elevated to a Council membership position during wartime did not exactly provide an opportunity to take the necessary steps."

"Necessary steps?" Shepard looked to Councilor Osoba, who nodded in recognition.

"Yes, Shepard. As members of the Council, we have responsibilities. Mutual aid agreements have to be negotiated and endorsed by all parties, beneficial trade contracts… and a percentage of our war assets need to be assigned to the CGC Defense Force."

"Ah." Shepard smiled. "That actually makes sense. Our fair share."

"Yes." Osoba smiled in return and added, "Now, I don't want to waste your precious time by making you hang around here until our Council meeting is concluded, so please head to my offices… my Aide de Camp, Staff Commander Riley Emerson,should be there waiting for you. He can get you settled in, get into the system to set up your authorizations…"

"Sir…" Shepard arched an eyebrow. "… I don't mean to appear rude, but I am a Council Spectre; I'm can assure you, I'm already in the system… I have been for a few years now and may even have higher clearances than you." She chuckled at his expression of embarrassed surprise. "But I'd love to meet Commander Emerson to see what he has for me and what we need to do to keep you alive for that conference on Palaven."

"Yes, of course. Not quite sure why I didn't consider that." Osoba coughed and cleared his throat. "I'd appreciate any help you can give us." His expression grew solemn as he added, "I have absolutely no intention of dying for Humanity during my tenure on the Council."

"Good to know you already have the survivor mentality… I'll keep that in mind and do my best, Sir." The Spectre nodded in approval. "I, for one, was happy to hear of your selection as humanity's representative."

"Staff Commander?"

Riley jumped out of his chair and spun around at the voice. "Holy shit! You're actually here! Spectre Samantha Shepard!"

"Yup. That's me." Shepard drew a deep breath and walked in through the doorway. "Councilor Osoba sent me down here to get settled in, saying he'd catch up to us as soon as the session ended."

A roll of the eyes preceded the commander's response. "And I have absolutely no idea when that will be. The Quarian crapshoot has all their titties in a wad…" His face suddenly turned red and he glanced at the female Spectre standing before him. "Well, shit. Sorry, Ma'am. No insult or slight intended by that comment."

Shepard simply chuckled, "Panties in a twist would have worked as well, and none taken, believe me. I would rather have that honesty than the Gods-be-damned hero worship that clings to me like Pyjak shit in the crevices on the bottom of a combat boot."

Riley's eyes got wide as he erupted with laughter. "I think we're gonna get on just fine, Spectre… just fine!" He suddenly straightened up and stabbed his hand out. "Riley Emerson at your service, Ma'am!" As Shepard reached out and shook his hand, he grinned and continued, "Come on. I'll show you your desk and the in-house, council-only message terminal. Rules are what you read here stays here unless it specifically states it's releasable. Simple as that."

"Were you ever in the Council offices on the Citadel?" Shepard looked around, impressed by the design and functionality of the new offices. "Because if you weren't, you need to appreciate how much better these are. The designers did a really good job."

"I was… but not for very long. Damned Reapers had us scrambling before I ever had a chance to get settled in. Most of my stuff hadn't even made it out of transfer crates yet when we had to bugout." Riley shrugged. "This is home now, for as long as the councilor needs me."

"Speaking of which, I intend for that to be a very long time. But, for that to happen, we have to get him through this next month."

"Roger that, Ma'am." He pointed back at the terminal. "All the messages we have on the preparations so far are on there. What do you need other than that?"

"Access to Osoba's protective gear. Armor, mesh…" She saw the bewildered look on the man's face and paused. "He doesn't have any, does he?" It was more a statement than a question.

"Not a lick. I tried to get him to order some after the Citadel attack, but he refused."

"Well, if he wants me as his protection lead, we're going to start by getting him the right gear for the job of keeping his ass alive, whether he wants to wear it or not." Shepard scowled. "I'm not going to stick around for someone who's going to ignore any advice I give them. It would be a complete waste of my time."

She drew a deep breath and held it for a second before blowing it out slowly. "How about his suits? I need to know which he plans to wear at the dedication and at the conference… Then, I need you to put in a rush order on the exact same suits, a half-size bigger."

"A half-size bigger?" Riley's brow knit in confusion. "What the Hell for?"

Shepard grinned, an impish expression darting across her face. "Because the suits he owns now will be too tight over his new, light-weight, combat mesh… which I am going to requisition through the Spectre system using his current size… and which he is going to wear… every single day he's off the CGC. He just doesn't know it yet."

Center for Galactic Cooperation, Widow System, Serpent Nebula – 3 Sep 2188

Shepard poked her head around the corner to find Osoba sitting at his desk. "Got a minute, Sir?"

"For you, Spectre?" The man glanced up with a smile. "Absolutely. How are things going with the trip planning?"

"Riley has the trip planning part down to a science; he's a very competent Aide de Camp, Sir. You made an excellent selection when you picked him up." Shepard walked in and moved toward the desk as she spoke, a small bundle tucked under her arm. "It's the keeping you alive part that I'm focusing on."

"I suppose that's true enough," Osoba chuckled. "So, what can I do for you?"

"You can use your bathroom to try this on." Shepard set the bundle on the councilor's desk and rolled it open. The fine silvery mesh glistened under the natural full-spectrum lamps that lit the room. "I need to make sure it fits you correctly."

"What's this?" The councilor frowned as he looked at the garment. "I'm surprised that Riley didn't tell you I don't wear this stuff. It's too damned confining."

"He did tell me… and I told him that if I was going to be responsible for your personal safety, you needed to follow my advice… otherwise, I'll quit wasting my time. I cannot protect someone who honestly doesn't want my help." Shepard crossed her arms over her chest as she tipped her head slightly to the side and shrugged her shoulders. "This is top of the line Spectre gear that I will personally vouch for, Councilor. It is extremely light in comparison to what it provides in the way of protection and not confining in the least, assuming it's fitted properly… like any good suit. Once you get used to it, you'll hardly know you have it on… and it will stop any bladed weapon currently made, including monomolecular blades. Most importantly, it will thwart any initial, close-in, surprise attack and give your security team, including me, more time to react."

"How can you personally vouch for this? It's not like you have to wear this stuff every day…" Dominic scoffed as he continued, "You have your fully customized combat armor… with all its internal padding!"

Unfazed, Shepard reached up and casually unbuttoned the upper clasp on her high-collar Spectre jacket and then continued downward, undoing the next three clasps before folding its top open. Uncovered, the unmistakable sheen of metal shimmered in the light. "I do wear it, Sir… every single day. It has become like a second skin… so much so that I feel naked without it. This single garment has saved my life more than once, Councilor, and I'm willing to bet my life… and yours… on its utility in helping to keep you alive."

"And I suppose I can't rightfully accuse you of wearing it just today to make a point, can I? Your damned uniform wouldn't fit so impeccably if that wasn't always underneath it." He shook his head and stood up, reluctantly scooping the undergarment off his desk before giving her a scathing look. "Goddammit, Spectre. You have any idea how many people I've told no?"

"No, Sir, I don't… but even if I did, it wouldn't matter." Shepard couldn't stop her lips from quirking into a smirk as she redid the clasps of her jacket. "What does matter is that I won't accept no as an answer from you. If you're serious about having me in charge of your personal security… if you want to survive any upcoming assassination attempts, then you need to listen to years of experience and hard-won, battle-tested knowledge." There was no mistaking the solemn tone of her voice. "If they honestly want you dead, the dedication won't be their only attempt."

Osoba turned toward his private bathroom and stalked away, mesh in hand as he grumbled, "You're just making my life more cheery by the damned minute, Shepard."

Shepard laughed out loud and responded, "On the bright side, I've already had Riley pick your favorite suits and arrange for a second set of them all… a half-size bigger so they'll fit over your new protection."

The councilor stopped in his tracks and turned around. "You're pretty damned sure of yourself, Spectre."

"Yes, Sir, I am." Shepard smiled and nodded at him as she continued, "Because the mesh really isn't optional if you honestly want to survive your term in office with our current political climate… and I know you're not a stupid man, which means you'll make the correct decision, however much you may wish not to."

Osoba stared at her for several moments. His mouth opened slightly to respond, but he chose to say nothing. Seeing nothing but harsh, honest truth in the Spectre's emerald eyes, he huffed out a resigned sigh, turned, and stepped into the bathroom to slip into what was apparently his new, full-time undergarment.

Alliance Naval Docks, Earth, Sol System – 4 Sep 2188

As the Knight Shade settled into its final approach for the Alliance docks, everyone from the ground teams gathered in the shuttle bay. Shepard was shaking her head as she glanced around at the entire team and began speaking. "Thanks for your willingness to participate, but this is just our initial visit to scope out the area. Not everyone is coming with me…" Her focused shifted to certain individuals as she continued. "I'll only need Liara, Livos, and Jatok with me. Harley – I want you and the rest of Team 2 checking out the security on the docks. Determine the designated dock for the council shuttle; second team is going to be responsible for making sure that shuttle stays secure and is ready for an emergency evac if required. You know what to do… establish where you'll want to set up your perimeter, find the defensive weak points, the works. Treat this location as hostile… I realize this is my homeworld, but we are on LEAP's turf here, and have every reason to expect an attack… so are here to prepare accordingly."

She heard someone clear their throat and turned. Expecting it to be Lieutenant Tra'ana Iremi quietly asking what Team 1 was going to be doing while they were on the ground, she discovered Riana standing off to one side, arms crossed in disgruntlement and impatiently tapping her foot. Letting out a quiet chuckle, Shepard amended, "Alright, Riana… You're also with us, in your non-Spectre capacity as Liara's First." She then turned to Tra'ana. "Lieutenant. Since both I and Liara will be off the ship, Lusmeni has the Knight Shade… and you're the temp XO. Please pass on to her that I want the remaining crew and first team to be running extraction and defensive drills. Just like Harley, I need you checking out the docks for penetration weak spots and potential defensible zones… evac corridors in case the dedication ceremony goes sideways… the works."

Her eyes once again scanned across those assembled before her. "At least four lives hang in the balance of what we do here in preparation for the upcoming memorial and dedication; everyone understand their assignments?" With no objections or questions coming her way, Shepard looked to Livos. "Fire up the shuttle and ask for clearance to the headquarters. I want to be on our way as soon as the hanger bay doors open."

Systems Alliance Headquarters, Earth, Sol System – 4 Sep 2188

The man stood from his desk and walked toward the door to welcome his visitors, stabbing his hand forward to place a strong grip on the Spectre's forearm. "Shepard. Damned good to see you," Hackett growled. His eyes, undimmed by their current concerns, shifted focus to the Asari who had earned his sincere respect and affection. "You too, Liara. You both look great!"

Shepard merely grinned as Liara answered, "You as well, Steven. I only wish this meeting was under better circumstances… for pleasure instead of this seemingly continuous need for hypervigilance. It is absurd that after coming together to survive something like the Reapers, certain parties can so easily slip back to old prejudices and actions."

Shepard dropped her arm from Hackett's and stepped back, pointing out the other three who had accompanied them. "Sir, I'm sure you remember Riana… and also Livos Tanni? Captain of both Liara's Personal Guard and Spectre Team 1 aboard the Knight Shade. The third is Commander Hailot Jatok, my Team 2 lead."

"Very good to see you again, Riana… Captain Tanni… and always good to meet another friendly Krogan, Jatok. If Shepard and Wrex have selected you for this assignment., I know you must be best of the best… and Harley speaks quite highly of you. That's not an easy assessment to earn."

"And I am no easy task-master." Jatok rumbled with laughter. "Your boy likes a challenge and has risen to it well. He would make a good Krogan…" Jatok made a brief show of looking about for eavesdroppers before leaning in and softly adding, "… just don't tell him I said so."

Following the introductions, Hackett turned to Liara and finally responded to her comment. "As for thinking this whole situation is absurd? Yes, it is… It's downright aggravating, if you ask me." He drew a deep breath and let out a heavy sigh. "I would guess your time here is limited, so we might as well get to work."

With Hackett leading the way, they stepped back out into the hall and moved to the Prime Minister's office. Within, Reuben Trost was speaking with Hackett's replacement, the new Admiral of the Fleet, Ines Lindholm. As soon as the group entered the room, the occupants turned to the new arrivals with Prime Minister Trost immediately walking toward them, a huge smile on his face. "Welcome and congratulations on your bonding! Gives us all something to celebrate amidst the turmoil."

Lindholm also stepped up and offered Shepard her hand. "Good to see you looking so fit and rested, Captain. Last time I saw you, it looked as if you had gone a round or two with Urdnot Wrex… and lost!"

Shepard grinned and readily shook the woman's hand. "I think we were all looking that way, Admiral. Congratulations on the promotion to Admiral of the Fleet…" After a very slight pause, she added, "I think," with a chuckle. She then made quick work of the necessary introductions before getting back to business. "Hackett will be a tough act to follow but I know you're up for the challenge. How's the merger of the First and Fifth coming along?"

Following a brief two-swing shake of her head, Lindholm answered, "Not great. The merger itself was fine, but the Fleet's rebuild is progressing at an annoyingly slow pace. Materials, manpower, facilities… all lacking, so it's going to take a while before we're back up to strength, especially when every other ship we build will have to be transferred to the Galactic Council Fleet until we fill their quota requirements."

"Ahhh. Yes, I did speak briefly with Councilor Osoba about that." Shepard cast her an understanding smile. "If it's any consolation, every other race is in the same situation… except maybe the Rachni. I'm starting to wonder if perhaps we should contract with them to at least build the shells. We would have to repurpose the shipyards to simply do the finish work, instead of the whole damned ship, but think it could significantly speed things up."

"I hadn't thought of that…" Lindholm's face lit up as she contemplated the potential of the suggestion. "That's at least worthy of a discussion, though our recruitment rate would also need to rise significantly to meet our manning requirements if we accelerate the production schedule. Thanks, Shepard… I'll forward the suggestion to the Defense Committee!"

"No problem, Admiral." Shepard's eyes darted between everyone in the room as she continued, "And, speaking of help… What the Hell is going on with Saracino and Terra Firma?"

"Your guess is as good as ours, Shepard," Hackett scoffed. "I was actually hoping Liara could shed some light on the recent reports. We're doing what we can in terms of general security but pinning down the actual target and type of attack sure would make the whole damned process a lot easier!"

"I promise that Liara will pass on whatever she can to you, but you must know, as a Council Spectre, I am under a direct mandate to protect the life of Councilor Osoba. I have been specifically instructed that security for anything or anyone beyond the Councilor is a Systems Alliance responsibility, not mine; I am not to be distracted from my primary mission by what they termed… secondary considerations."

Shepard saw resigned acceptance in the faces before her as Trost responded, "We figured as much when we received the notification of your visit from Dominic. His message was… unusually terse… and rather vague. I had hoped the lack of detail was to give you a bit of latitude in what you saw as necessary for the Councilor's protection."

"That would be a correct assumption, Sir." Shepard glanced at Liara and nodded in quick recognition of her unvoiced communiqué via the link. Turning back with a smile for Trost, Shepard continued, "We are preparing to help as best we can within my authority. As such, I can relieve the Alliance of at least two of your tasks. I plan to have Livos and Spectre Team 1 provide our own security for the Knight Shade while Liara and the ops crew remain aboard for rapid response. Jatok and Team 2 will assist with security for the Council Shuttle while also making sure all four of the Human representatives have a safe and secured exit path to the docks following the dedication and reception… and then have enough time to get safely underway after boarding the shuttle."

Shepard looked at Lindholm and continued, "It will then be your job to make sure that shuttle is not intercepted prior to its jump through the relay. The Knight Shade will be following in trail as soon as I get all the members of my team back on board."

Liara spoke up, adding, "Should things not go according to plan, both teams will aid in the extraction of all members of the Human delegation to the Palaven trade agreement talks." She very pointedly looked at both Trost and Hackett as she continued, "Hence why it was important for you to meet our two team leaders in person… so you would recognize them if they approach you. Should either of them do so, however unexpectedly, I would strongly advise you follow their directions without hesitation."

"The other side of that equation," Shepard's commanding voice immediately drew everyone's attention as she continued, "is for us to meet whoever has been assigned as your security so everyone knows one another… and by your, I mean everyone going to that conference. Prime Minister Trost, Secretary Hackett, and Ambassador Hoffman."

"Makes sense." Hackett nodded in agreement. "The only problem with that is the ambassador is currently on Palaven and doesn't plan to arrive here until an hour before the dedication."

"I had a feeling he would be doing a quick-turn, Sir." Shepard replied with a shrug. "You've simply confirmed my need to visit Palaven next. But, first things first… Seeing as we're here, have either of you been assigned a security detail yet?"

Trost looked at Hackett, who looked to Lindholm, who then turned and looked at Shepard and answered for the group. "I guess I have a few more details to work out, Spectre. I'll be in touch in a few days, passing you details and names. I assume you plan on returning for final prep sometime before the ceremony anyway, yes?"

"Yes, Ma'am, I do." Shepard took a quick peek at her chrono and calendar and continued, "If not before, I'll definitely be back here the week before the event… but, like you, I'll be in touch as things move forward." The Spectre suddenly smiled and looked around. "Anyone for a bite of lunch before the Knight Shade heads back to the CGC?"

A/N: Just a heads-up that the next chapter may be delayed... Been super busy at work and will be traveling over the next week, so I am unsure about how much time I'll have to write. Hope to see you again, sooner rather than later!