Notes:

Amantia - lover (Thessian)

CIC - Combat Information Center

EA - Earth Alliance

Grá mo chroí - love of my heart (Gaelic)

QEC - Quantum Entanglement Communicator

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

XO - Executive Officer

Cracks in the Walls

Aletheia, Thessia, At Large – 20 Oct 2188

Shepard and Liara had spent much of their Monday trip to Serrice with Mozia, in final preparation for the impending citizenship hearing. The matriarch had scoffed over Tevos' comment regarding a small Council of Governesses. "Most Asari are very active participants in the political process; their self-governance is extremely important to them. They will not accept being unrepresented in the committee sessions. As such, following each arrest the republics had selected candidates within two days and chosen their new governess on the third."

"Three days?" Even Liara had looked a bit bewildered at the speed. "I really must sit down with you and learn more of the process; I honestly had no idea it could happen so quickly!"

After releasing an understanding chuckle, Mozia had then proceeded to coach them on each of the new selections. None appeared to be hostile to House T'Soni and all would see the benefits of having Captain and Spectre Samantha Shepard as a recognized citizen of Thessia. "It is likely you will be asked about your preferences regarding the new Armali Governess. As the discussion will take part in an open forum, your popular choice could hold significant influence, particularly over those who are yet undecided."

Liara raised a brow mark and glanced at Shepard as the Spectre asked, "And I presume we should be supporting a particular candidate?"

"Not necessarily… each has her own merits and it could be a close decision, which is why the committee may ask for your opinion." Mozia had smiled softly. "With your current popularity and the level of trust you have garnered from the Asari general population, your preference could be the deciding factor."

"And you missed my point. I don't have the time to do the research on such short notice, so I don't have a preference. Who am I to recommend as House T'Soni's choice of a candidate… and why?" Shepard remembered grinning at the matriarch's expression of surprise at the directness of her question.

Mozia recovered quickly and was halfway through her explanation as to why they should support Matriarch Stefana K'Pani's candidacy when Shepard's omnitool pinged with an incoming message marked 'Urgent.'

All three were shocked when they received the news as a visibly angry Shepard glanced at Mozia. "Excuse me, Matriarch, but Frédéric Klein was somehow murdered while sedated within a guarded Alliance medical isolation ward; I need to place a secure call." With a quick understanding gesture from Mozia, Liara jumped up to follow as Shepard stormed off, headed for the Information Operations Center.

As the door slid to the side, the Spectre walked in, brusquely demanding, "Get me a direct line to Zoë Lawrence. Now!"

"Certainly, Spectre." A surprised Riana immediately set to work on making the connection as she queried, "Might I inquire as to what has transpired?"

"I just received a message from Admiral Lindholm… Frédéric Klein is dead."

Riana frowned. "And you think this a rather odd coincidence that such a thing happens immediately following that woman's release from the hospital?"

Shepard sighed as the screen before her flickered to life. "I'm not sure what to think… but I'm sure as Hell going to ask the question."

Vancouver B.C., Earth, At Large – 20 Oct 2188

Zoë was surprised when her omnitool chirped with an incoming call and she recognized the ident code of the Aletheia. With a concerned glance at Jana, she entered her ident code and opened her omnitool to accept the call. Looking at the irritated face that coalesced before her, she spoke hesitantly. "Spectre Shepard. I did not expect to hear from you on the day of my release."

Shepard, attempting to keep her anger under control, replied in as neutral a tone as she could manage. "Ms Lawrence, before I say anything more, I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt. You were discharged from the hospital as scheduled, correct?"

Zoë was instantly on guard. "You are correct. What has happened, Captain? I can see you're upset and cannot help but assume that you somehow believe I am the source of your distress."

"I extended my trust to you and your organization, Zoë, and I feel compelled to remind you that my approval is an absolute necessity for any operations you undertake in your area… especially those that may involve lethal force." Shepard's scowl intensified as she added, "Frédéric Klein is dead… with a Cerberus blade buried in the middle of his chest. I received the notification from Admiral Lindholm at nearly the same time as your scheduled release from the hospital… and I don't believe in coincidences, Zoë."

A chill went through Zoë; glancing briefly at Jana and Tim for reassurance, she looked back at the image in front of her and calmly replied, "Sincerely, I am sorry to hear that, Spectre, and the implied accusation that either myself or one of my people was somehow involved would be insulting if it was coming from anyone else. I will not lie to you, Shepard, and I swear to you now that I did not kill Frédéric Klein… nor were any of my people involved in his death."

"Damn it, Zoë! I had a lot of questions I needed to ask that man!"

"As did I, Spectre," Zoë interrupted as Shepard paused to take a breath. "The bastard left Cerberus and managed to completely disappear right before the end of the war. He had been living totally off the grid until he shoved a blade into my kidney at the dedication. We wanted to learn how he had been surviving and where he had been hiding all this time."

Shepard sighed heavily, the scowl on her face having gradually lessened as Zoë was speaking. When she spoke again, it was in a less confrontational tone. "Zoë, I really want to believe you… There is nothing worse in this life than a trust betrayed. I apologize if it sounded as if I was accusing you of Klein's murder, but you have to admit, Zoë, a Cerberus blade left in a person's chest just as you are leaving the hospital certainly looks like your previous deeds."

Zoë huffed, more in agreement than exasperation. "Your assessment of my signature style is certainly accurate but, in my defense, Klein managed to have not one, but two Cerberus blades when he attacked me. The one he left in my side was obviously confiscated by the authorities, as was the dagger in my possession when I was stripped of my clothes and gear in the hospital. That leaves one blade unaccounted for… which we may have mistakenly presumed to be securely stashed away in an evidence locker."

Glancing out the canopy at the passing landscape, then catching Jana's eye, she continued, "Since I have been under constant watch the past 72 hours, my guess is they gave up on trying to get to me… and decided on attempting to frame me for murder as the next best alternative. They will not be able to get to me at my base of operations, but they'd certainly have access to me in prison." Her expression shifted from annoyance to anger. "Grant me a day, maybe two, Spectre. Atlas will uncover how a Cerberus blade found its way into Frédéric Klein's chest."

"No deaths, Zoë. Someone inside that facility has blood on their hands. I want to speak with that someone before I drop the hammer." Shepard's visage turned grim once more. "Particularly if it's someone in the Alliance… like Mr Stafford's sergeant... Häberli?"

"On my honor, Spectre Shepard." Zoë continued and growled, "We will find them… and when we do, I'll be in touch."

Council of Governesses, Serrice Government Building, Thessia – 20 Oct 2188

Even though they had been informed by Mozia as to the number of governesses who would likely be in attendance, Shepard and Liara were still somewhat surprised when they entered the council chamber; the table was completely full except for the Armali seat. Mozia had said it was normal for at least one or two to miss each session but, today, every republic's Governess – old and new alike – was in attendance. Shepard bowed slightly in respect, then made a point of making sure they all saw her disable her translator as she returned to a full, upright position. She could see the pleased surprise on several faces as she delivered a standard formal greeting in flawless Thessian.

"Welcome, Spectre Shepard. Lady T'Soni." The senior Governess, Cyla T'Shasia rose from her chair and offered a quick bow in return before directing her gaze at the Human of the pair and continuing, "Believe me when I say it is our pleasure to receive your petition for citizenship, Captain. To begin, we would like to hear from you why you would ask for such a thing. We have several Humans living on Thessia… but none have ever petitioned to become a full citizen; to us, such a request is highly irregular."

Shepard smiled softly and, somewhat to the maiden's surprise, reached over to take Liara's hand. "It's very simple, really. If it's not blatantly obvious, I love Liara with all that I am, and we plan to live and raise our children here, on Thessia. I know you think that's not possible for us, given a normal Human life span, so there is something you need to understand… something that isn't included on the application or in any of the affidavits." She paused briefly and took a deep breath in preparation to tell her biggest secret. "Only my closest friends and family know anything of what I am about to share with you so, as a show of respect for Liara and me… and with the trust I am granting you, I ask you to handle this information with a confidentiality akin to a doctor–patient relationship. Agreed?"

Her eyes examined the matriarchs before her as they whispered quickly amongst themselves. Cyla finally turned back to face Shepard, her expression solemn as she replied, "It is agreed, Spectre. Until the end of your… disclosure… we will cease all recordings of this council session. If word ever gets out, it will not be from us, we swear it." She opened a haptic interface and made the necessary entries as she spoke. "Let the record show the session recording will pause, to resume as appropriate following Spectre Shepard's testimony. Activating privacy barrier." The haptic interface shifted to red and Cyla looked up with a hesitant smile. "Shepard. Privacy mode is set; please continue."

With a quick nod, Shepard began. "By now, most people in the galaxy have to realize I received extensive physical upgrades… but they are far beyond what most know or understand. Along with them, I have an extended lifetime... and I'm not speaking a few extra decades; I'm talking centuries. My friends are aware that initial estimates gave me a bit over 400 years…" She paused as matriarchal discipline wiped the disbelief from the faces before her and then continued, "… However, recent discoveries have upped even that number; significantly so. My genetic structure was modified to include both Krogan and Asari coding and, apparently, my vastly extended lifespan is an unexpected side effect. The newest estimate, of which no one but my personal medical team is aware, approaches 900 years… give or take a few decades. They quite honestly don't know what it will ultimately turn out to be."

"By the Goddess!" Cyla gasped in wonder. "That would be amazing! An evolutionary marvel! Why would you not want to share this information with Humanity? The University of Serrice Genetics Department would love to…" She stopped abruptly as the expression on Shepard's face shifted to one of annoyance. Understanding suddenly flashed across the Asari's face before she continued, "Which is exactly why you do not want this to be known. You wouldn't have a moment's peace. You would become an object of study, with no privacy… no personal life. You would be continuously hounded by researchers as an anomaly… an aberration." She shook her head in consolation. "Even more so than you are now. I am so sorry, Shepard. Eventually, people will figure out you are not aging as expected for a human; at some indeterminant point in the future, you will have to fight that battle, no matter how quiet we are about it."

She glanced around the table, meeting the eyes of each individual governess as she stated, "But it is your secret to share or keep as you see fit… and most certainly not our place to speak of it." Once she received nods of agreement, she turned back to the Human in question. "Though, having said that, I do have to wonder why you would even tell us."

"Because, as you said, you would figure it out eventually. I don't want you making your decision on my citizenship under the false assumption that I'll only be living on Thessia for the duration of a standard Human lifespan." Shepard grinned. "It's just like everything else I do; if I'm in, I'm in for the long haul and I'm not here for only the next century. You'll have to deal with me for nearly a millennium. Are you ready for that?"

"Ready?" The Dassus Governess, Falis S'Treuss, chuckled. "I do not believe anyone is ever truly ready for you, Spectre, no matter what they may think! But I, for one, am as ready as one can be for you to become a Thessian citizen." Her eyes wandered the table as she continued, "And I do believe I speak for us all in this matter."

Murmurs of affirmation swelled from the table and Cyla raised her hand. "One moment please…" She keyed the haptic interface before her one more time and stated, "Privacy mode released. Let the record show the session recording has resumed and we are prepared to offer our votes regarding the citizenship petition of Spectre Samantha Shepard, Captain of the House T'Soni Guard and bondmate to Lady Liara T'Soni. Anerzesa?"

Cyrana responded immediately with a 'Yes,' as did every other matriarch in turn.

"Motion passed." Cyla had a huge, friendly smile on her face as she announced, "Congratulations, Spectre Shepard-T'Soni. We welcome you as a citizen of Thessia!"

"Thank you, one and all." Shepard offered another small bow and then added, "If there is nothing else, we'll be on our way and allow you to finish your meeting."

"Actually…" Cyla glanced at the council members, most of whom urged her onward with nods of encouragement, so she continued, "We are curious if you and Lady T'Soni have a preference from among the current candidates to fill the vacant Governess position for Armali… seeing as it is your home republic?"

With a knowing grin, Shepard raised an eyebrow and looked to Liara, prodding her through the link to answer as the leader of House T'Soni. With a smile of acceptance of the silent exchange, Liara turned to the council and responded, "As a matter of fact, Governesses, we do."

Atlas Headquarters, Vancouver B.C., Earth – 20 Oct 2188

Upon her return to Atlas' base, Zoë held a brief meeting with her senior staff. After asking most of them to return to their tasks, she had Jana, Tim Stafford and Nina Delacroix accompany her to her private office, where she got right to business.

"Nina, I am aware you've been researching Frédéric Klein's history after he left Cerberus. Unfortunately, I need you to really double down on that; what I did not reveal during our staff meeting is the news Spectre Shepard delivered during our trip back here from the hospital. Within minutes of me leaving the building, Frédéric Klein was found in his bed with a Cerberus blade buried in his chest."

The look of shock on Nina's face was quickly replaced with an expression of steely resolve as she quietly asked, "You need me to discover the who and how, correct?"

With a quick glance at Tim and Jana, Zoë replied, "Exactly. Tim will assist; since he has managed to all but prove Sergeant Diane Häberli is the inside person responsible for supplying the blades Klein needed for his task at the dedication, I need you both to discover three things."

Zoë's mouth was set in a straight, grim line as she set out Tim and Nina's tasks. "Most importantly, we need Klein's patron… who is the scumbag bottom-feeder that ordered and paid for the attempt on Ambassador Hoffman. Secondly, but no less critical, we absolutely must know, beyond any doubt, who paid Sergeant Diane Häberli to furnish Klein's weapons of choice… and finally, if Häberli is not guilty of ending Klein, then who is responsible for employing a Cerberus blade, one which I firmly believe was Klein's second weapon, to end his life in a manner that would throw a dark cloud of suspicion on me."

Zoë stood up and added, "You both have two days, and whatever data you uncover will go straight to Spectre Shepard. She has the authority to demand cooperation from the facility commandant; we find the guilty parties, so she can then do whatever needs to be done."

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 20 Oct 2188

When they returned from Serrice, Shepard and Liara's plans for a quiet evening at home were happily shattered by a surprise party; as they entered the house, Mozia and Aethyta were there to greet the newest Asari citizen at the door. Aethyta boomed, "Congratulations, Shepard! You are officially one of us now!" Mozia, always the more professional of the two, rolled her eyes before adding, "Yes, congratulations, Captain… as if there was ever any doubt the Council of Governesses would accept your petition." Standing aside, she beckoned them forward. "Now, please, relax and enjoy yourselves this evening. While your success was completely expected, it is still big news for House T'Soni and worthy of the celebration awaiting you within."

As they entered to mingle with the crowd, Liara was amazed at just how many of their extended family had shown up to celebrate with them. Of course, the entire crew of the Knight Shade was in attendance, but Kahlee Sanders, Hannah Shepard, the crew of the Night Shadow, and many of those they knew within the Armali Strike Force had also somehow adjusted their schedules to attend the event. As it turned out, the leads of the commando teams at the Armali Townhouse had a shooting competition to see who had to remain behind to keep watch, while the rest of the household had climbed into transports to head to the Estate. Lieutenant Teana Seloni, who was Team 1 lead for a reason, had the privilege to attend with her squad, while Team 2 was forced to remain behind on guard duty.

The ones that most surprised Liara were the other house matriarchs; both Matriarch Sashia of T'Sere Shipwrights and Matriarch Marisha of the Záhrada S'Vatyne Resort were also in attendance. The last was probably the most unexpected and Liara greeted her warmly. "Matriarch, it is so good to see you again! Please, do tell me you brought Carlina along with you, else I'll never hear the end of it from Livos!"

Laughing joyfully, the matriarch responded, "But of course I did! Truthfully, I offered to host this soirée, but we couldn't come up with a story good enough to be confident we could lure the two of you to Sanves in a timely fashion… and what is a party without its guest of honor? So, we simply had to come to you, instead."

"I honestly had no idea my application for citizenship would be such a big deal." Shepard shrugged her shoulders in bewilderment and continued, "I just don't get it."

Hannah and Kahlee slid up on both sides of her, each slipping an arm around Samantha to give her a quick squeeze as Hannah chuckled, "That's because you're the darling of the galaxy, Sam… and Thessia just won your favor."

"And, it seems, everyone recognizes that except for Earth." Kahlee grinned. "What's that old saying? Familiarity breeds contempt? They didn't realize what they had, and now they've lost it."

Liara had slipped away to get drinks for her and Samantha, and returned just in time to add in a bitter tone, "They didn't lose anything. They drove her away with their presumptuousness and animosity." A smile returned to her face as she handed a glass of honey mead to Shepard. "Though, I suppose that is unfair of me to say since we were planning on doing it anyway, no matter what anyone else said or did. Honestly, it's as simple as that… so I apologize if I spoiled the mood; this is a celebration, after all."

"No apology necessary, Liara. I understand why you would feel that way… and I know Sam loves you very much." Hannah reached out and laid a motherly hand on the Asari's arm. "I am also well aware your children will be Asari, so need to be raised on Asari soil. From what Karin has told me, the naturally occurring eezo is very important during their biotics formative years… and it would be an extremely difficult environment to replicate anywhere else." A huge grin broke across her face as she added, "And I, for one, most certainly want my grandbabies growing up in the best possible environment for them, which is right here on Thessia!"

Liara blushed profusely, turning a rather deep blue. To hide her embarrassment, she simply took a step forward and wrapped Hannah in a hug, tucking her face into the woman's shoulder as she giggled, "Goddess! It is no mystery where Samantha gets her straightforwardness!"

"I'm sure of it!" Hannah let go a laugh as she tightly hugged her daughter-in-law in return and continued, "I didn't intend to embarrass you, Liara."

"Don't be silly, Mom. It's no secret that Liara blushes easily by our standards… or that we are definitely planning to have kids." Shepard smiled and moved to Liara's side, wrapping an arm around the Asari's waist and pulling her close. "But she also has a constitution of titanium when it comes to protecting those she loves… and I count on her strength every day."

They all chuckled again as Liara's blush renewed, though not as dark the second time. "Thank you, Siame. I love and depend upon you as well." She looked back up to meet the eyes of the people – the friends – surrounding her and a contented smile crossed her face. "It just struck me… We are so incredibly lucky to have friends and family such as you, surrounding us with your love and lending us your strength when times get difficult. Thank you all, from the bottom of our hearts, for coming to help us celebrate our futures together. But, for now, we must move on. As much as I'd like to stay right here, we have many guests yet to speak with."

Before Liara pulled her away, Shepard asked, "Mom? Kay? Are you heading out this evening or spending the night with us?"

Hannah answered for them both. "Go enjoy your guests, kiddo. We're sticking around until lunch tomorrow, so we can chat and catch up in the morning."

"Excellent!" Shepard's grin spread ear-to-ear and she grabbed Liara's hand. "Come on, Grá mo chroí! Let's go see who all is here!"

Seeing the confusion on the faces of the matriarchs at their side, Hannah turned to them and smiled. "Don't worry, there is nothing wrong with your translators. It's an old Earth language, Gaelic, and it's a nickname Samantha has for Liara… It means love of my heart."

"How marvelous! Thank you for the translation, Admiral." Marisha glanced up and smiled, continuing with a gentle, musical laugh. "I do believe the House Steward would like a word with you. She seems to be hovering."

"What?" Hannah turned to look. "Lyessa is supposed to be enjoying time with her recently returned bondmate…" She looked back to Marisha and continued, "If you'll excuse me, Matriarch, I'd like to see what she needs from me, so she can get back to Selina."

"Certainly." Marisha smiled softly. "I hope your stay on Thessia is a pleasant one, Admiral."

"Yours as well, Matriarch… and, in case we don't have a chance to speak again, have a safe trip back to Sanves."

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 20 Oct 2188

Carlina couldn't help the wide grin that spread across her lips as she watched the Aletheia come in and land. Not wanting to ruin the surprise, she waited patiently until Livos made her way to the house. As the captain of Liara's Personal Guard walked through the door, Livos' attention was drawn to Aethyta's booming welcome, so the commando did not see the nature guide until a hand fell softly on her bicep, accompanied by a soft voice. "Welcome home, Liv."

"Zan!" Livos spun to the side, her eyes wide in surprise at the unexpected presence of her amantia. "What are you doing here?" As Carlina chuckled at the response, Livos' skin darkened in mortification and she blurted, "Goddess! That sounded awful, didn't it?" Laughing at herself, she amended her question into a statement. "I am amazed to see you here, but it is a very welcome surprise!"

Before Zan could formulate a response, a deep, course voice interrupted. "Good to see you, V'Zanto! It's been too damned quiet around here with all the politicking." Hailot Jatok actually winked at the couple and laughed as he added, "Livos needs a good roll in the grass to get her blood pumping… but she's got shit to do first!"

Livos grinned and punched him in the shoulder as he rumbled by, heading for the armory. "You might be right, Jat, but just maybe Zan intends to help strip me of my armor and weapons… Maybe she'll help you, too, if you ask nice!"

Zan's eyes widened a bit and she glanced at Livos as the Krogan answered, "Oho… Don't tease me, Tanni." His eyes once again traveled to Zan and his maw opened into a toothy grin. "She's cute enough; I just might do that."

Livos laughed and looped her arm through Carlina's. "Don't worry about that big oaf, Zan. He's a lot of Krogan, but he has the proper manners of a Justicar when it comes to his friends!"

Carlina's hands worked quickly, undoing clasps and fasteners, and Livos was soon free of all her weapons and equipment. After quickly stowing it all in the appropriate lockers, the couple was on their way to Livos' private room, hand-in-hand as they walked through the hallways toward the commando quarters. Livos spoke quietly, in an almost reverent whisper. "It is good to see you, Zan… a rather pleasant surprise. I only wish we had more than an afternoon."

Carlina smiled softly and responded, "It is true Matriarch Marisha is returning to Sanves this evening… but she has given me leave to stay the whole week, should your schedule permit."

Livos stopped in her tracks and turned to her lover, her grip on Zan's hand tightening in reflex. "The whole week? And you're not teasing me?"

Zan gave a tug and resumed walking. "Never… not about something like that. To do so would be cruel and that is one thing I will never be to you, Liv. Not even in jest."

As soon as the door closed behind them, Zan spun Livos against it and pinned her with a long, passionate kiss. "I've been wanting to do that since you stepped off your ship, Amantia."

"Goddess… You certainly didn't need to wait until now to do so!" Livos answered, breathlessly. "Everyone knows we are lovers… and all of them are probably wondering if our relationship has cooled, due to our extended separation."

"I very much doubt that," Carlina chuckled. "If so, they don't know you as well as they should after all your years as Captain. They simply know you as the reserved captain that you are."

"That is likely very true, Zan." Livos' mouth widened into a teasing grin as she continued, "So, let us not disappoint them, now that we have our privacy."

Normandy SR2, Phoenix Massing, At Large – 22 Oct 2188

Commander Ashley Williams, enjoying a late breakfast in the crew's mess area, applied a bit of berry jam to the last corner of toasted bread; she popped it in her mouth and, after chewing for a moment or two, drank the last of her coffee.

She had been thinking about the end of September QEC call she'd received from Councilor Raesia Tevos. With the galaxy's defeat of the Reapers barely fifteen months behind them, one of the Alliance Navy's most influential leaders had been murdered in the middle of a celebration in Vancouver. Of all the atrocities committed during the war and immediately after by Humans against others of their kind, this one – for Ashley – was the most egregious.

Fleet Admiral Steven Hackett, rather than retiring, had chosen to continue serving the Systems Alliance as the Military Secretary to EA Prime Minister Reuben Trost, himself a victim of an acute allergic reaction to some seemingly innocuous addition in the tossed salad being served at the after-ceremony luncheon. Both men had been murdered as part of a four-target assassination conspiracy; that Arthur Hoffman, the EA Prime Minister to Palaven, and Galactic Council member Dominic Osoba had each managed to elude death at the hands of their attackers was only due to the extraordinary efforts by an as yet unnamed woman in attendance and of Ashley's fellow Spectre – and friend – Samantha Shepard.

With a heavy sigh, Ashley rose from her seat, picked up her dishes and utensils and moved to the small cleanup area; she washed and put everything away as she continued to think about Shepard. Tevos had relayed the news that Samantha planned to renounce her citizenship – her Human citizenship – in order to become a citizen of Thessia.

That hadn't bothered Williams nearly as much as having Tevos tell her of Shepard's pain at nearly losing a dear friend during the Collector campaign, when they had crossed paths on Horizon. She remembered her parting words just as clearly as if she had said them yesterday: "How can I trust you, Shepard, when you're working with the enemy?" Leaning heavily against the counter near the sink, Ashley closed her eyes at the memory of Shepard's expression – the shocked hurt in her eyes – at Ashley's condemnation. As if I had physically slapped her.

Eyes open once again, she glanced at the Med Bay windows as she moved around the elevator tower on her way to the CIC. Does no good to dwell on that now, she thought. Shepard forgave me… forgave my lack of trust after we made the run to Mars during the Reaper invasion. It was truly unfortunate that – given all that humanity had accomplished when working with the other races of the galaxy – an increasingly vocal and hostile minority of Humans continued to push for Humans to rule over the rest of the galaxy's races. Just like Jack Harper had been attempting.

Specialist Dubow had been monitoring reports coming through the comms buoys; Westerlund News 'reporter' Natasha Goodwin was continuously harping on what she called Shepard's reckless abandonment of Human citizenship, stating it only validated her long-held belief that the former Alliance captain had always been an alien apologist – since well before Sovereign's attack on the Citadel in 2183 – which she had continuously demonstrated with her willingness to bend over backwards for the other races. "The ultimate proof is on Shepard's wrist!" Goodwin had then grimaced in disgust and practically yelled. "She even married one of those things!"

Ashley had growled contemptuously at the news clip, telling Dubow the so-called reporter was simply following the anti-alien, anti-military sensationalism that was standard practice for the tabloid. "I remember Shepard telling me of her confrontation on the Citadel with Khalisah Bint Sinan al-Jilani after the woman had the utter gall to criticize Shepard for abandoning Earth at the beginning of the Reaper invasion. The commander had gruffly explained her actions and then totally shocked al-Jilani by asking her to keep the pressure on the Council… to not let them forget Earth and what they were going through while Shepard was out fighting."

Dubow's eyes were wide in disbelief and he had let out a quiet chuckle as Ashley continued, "They developed a grudging mutual respect that day when Shepard told her to keep asking the tough questions. Shortly after that, al-Jilani switched networks and Goodwin took her place, becoming the epitome of every miserably hateful thing you've ever heard about tabloid news reporters, all rolled into one extremely abrasive person. That woman is worse than Khalisah ever dreamed of being!"

Still thinking of Tevos' announcement and wondering at her own reaction – that she could have ever seen the skipper as a traitor to the Alliance – brought back the memory of the Normandy's visit to Beijing just after the war's conclusion, when the reactivated Geth had been invited to join the reformed Galactic Council. The city had been on the brink of chaos, with half the people thinking that Shepard was a race traitor… a sell-out… looking to gain power and control through the use of the intelligent machines. Knowing how it all worked out in the end, Ashley scoffed at the absurdity of it all and pushed the thoughts away, just as she pushed off the side wall of the elevator when it arrived at Deck 2.

As the doors opened onto the CIC, she stepped out and mounted the steps to the command platform, looking to XO Leon Rensch for a status update. Glancing up from his work station on the starboard side of the galaxy map projection well, he smiled grimly as he reconfigured the display to focus on Council and Earth Alliance space.

"It's been really quiet out there, Ma'am… a bit too quiet for my taste. You'll remember that the Nalotir disappeared last week; the relay recorded an unidentified ship transiting for Pax. No way for us to track her further from here, but since then, we've received several reports of piracy from Turian freighters in the Serpent Nebula and the Apien Crest. She's raiding for supplies again, and seeing as only Turians are being targeted, it's a safe bet they're grocery shopping."

After closely studying the galaxy map for several minutes, Ashley adjusted the view to include the Omega Nebula and said, "I believe they'll return through the Sahrabarik Relay – maybe even stop off at Omega Station long enough to trade whatever non-food goods they've stolen for more Dextro." After spending a few minutes studying the systems around the core, she concluded, "In any event, I'd be willing to bet the Nalotir will return here from Omega… possibly in the next day or two." Activating the comms unit in her ear, she said, "Joker, plot the orientation for the relay to receive traffic from Sahrabarik and then find us a place to hide… one that's close enough for us to monitor arrivals, but still avoid detection."

As Joker acknowledged her instructions, she glanced at her XO, saying, "We'll continue monitoring for any fleet movements, but I'd like to know when the Nalotir returns. We need to monitor whatever comes through the relay from Sahrabarik. It would be really great if we can discover a way to detect that ship when it's cloaked; I believe when it drops out of FTL beside the relay will be the best chance for us to see it, even if for only a few moments."

Rensch smiled as he acknowledged her. "Aye, Ma'am."