Notes:

Arashu - Goddess of Motherhood and Protection (Drell)

Beltane - Gaelic May Day festival; welcoming of Summer (Gaelic)

CGC - Center for Galactic Cooperation

Ionúin Álainn - beautiful beloved (Gaelic)

Nara - literally "bearer"; one who shoulders another's burden (Thessian; Source: CDN)

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

Siha - warrior-angel of Drell goddess Arashu, used as a term of endearment for someone who can be described as "fierce in wrath" and a "tenacious protector" (ME Wiki)

News Travels Fast

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 1 May 2190

When Liara and Shepard reached the common area, more than Captain B'Sayle, her team, and the Dusi family members were there to greet them. Liara looked at the unexpected arrivals, a concerned smile on her face as she closed the distance. "Miranda! Judea! What in the galaxy brings you our way for this unexpected treat? Is everything alright?"

Judea simply crossed her arms and glared as Miranda gave voice to their frustration. "I don't know if everything is alright. How about you tell me? Did you not stop to think about us hearing rumors of the attack on a member of one of the great houses of Thessia? Only to discover it was House T'Soni… and not a single peep out of either of you to let us know if everyone was okay?"

"Well, shit." Always Liara's defender, Shepard immediately stepped in to take on the blame… and the barrage of questions. "That one's on me. Liara just got home from the hospital today… and I was a bit distracted so, no, I didn't think to call you. I'm sorry." Shepard pursed her lips, doubting Miranda would have just shown up without knowing at least something about the situation, and felt compelled to ask, "So, who did you talk to here?"

Judea shook her head and dropped her arms to her sides. After seeing Liara standing before them, she was feeling more relieved than perturbed, so responded calmly. "As her second, I still have Riana's emergency code, so contacted her directly. With me utilizing that code, she answered immediately, daring to ask me what was wrong." Judea's face darkened a bit, slightly embarrassed by her lack of emotional control as she continued, "I must admit… I gave her a good what-for before reversing the question. She basically had the same reaction as you, Shepard, except she took the time to apologize profusely before getting on with it and explaining what had transpired at the Archives."

Judea's eyes then shifted to Liara, concern evident in her voice as she continued, "And you look a bit worse for wear, Little Wing. Truly, how do you feel?"

Liara smiled appreciatively, replying quietly, "Much like I look, apparently. We were relaxing on the beach, celebrating Beltane, and had just decided to retreat to our room when the notification came in of the Morock's arrival. So… here I am, tired and still very much on the mend."

"All things considered, I believe we can get settled in without you, Liara, and suspend the formal House T'Soni welcomes until the morning." Roshi offered a gentle smile to the maiden, but saw the hesitance on Shepard's face so asked, "And you, Spectre? Do you hold a different opinion?"

"I think Lyessa can help Liara upstairs while I take a few moments to speak with our guests." Shepard gave them a nod. "I think they've waited long enough to find out exactly what's going on here… and the status of a certain Drell being held by the Serrice Guard. There is no need to make them wait yet another night to know Jerrod's fate."

Liara gave Shepard's arm a squeeze. "Agreed. Take as much time as you need, Captain, and I'll see you in our rooms once you are done with your explanations."

After Liara turned and headed down the hallway with Lyessa, Charamey looked at Shepard and asked, "So, how is she, honestly?" She dipped her chin to her chest, adding, "I hate to think that Jerrod is responsible for the harm done to her… done to anyone in the name of the Hanar." Her eyes came up to meet those of the Human woman, who was standing remarkably calmly in front of her, given the circumstances. "If our places were reversed, I do not know if I could be so understanding… or forgiving."

Eventually, Shepard pulled her gaze from Liara and focused on the two Drell before her. "We saw enough killing in the war… and there is nothing in the galaxy that would keep me from doing whatever is necessary to protect Liara's life… so I can sympathize with Jerrod's situation, right down to the very core of my being. In that light, neither Liara nor I desire to punish him for what he has done… and are willing to provide you and your son a safe place to live until this incident is seen through to its conclusion." She paused for a second before adding, "And, if it works out, perhaps a longer-term arrangement in the employ of Doctor T'Soni, on the very expedition the Hanar want so badly to stop."

Judea actually chuckled, drawing a surprised glance from the Drell, forcing her to explain. "Sorry… I shouldn't laugh. I know this must be confusing and frightening for you at the same time, but you should not worry. House T'Soni is honorable… and Shepard… well, those of the house refer to her as Nara." Seeing the lack of understanding in the Drells' eyes, she added, "A word meaning one who shoulders another's burdens… who helps others along their life path whenever they may falter."

Her gaze shifted to fall upon the auburn-haired Human who had come to mean so much to them all. "Shepard has helped us all through the worst imaginable times and, as Liara's chosen, we serve her willingly…without reservation and, mostly, as friends."

"So, the stories we hear are true?" Little Aemuth spoke for the first time since entering the house, his eyes wide with wonder. "She is Siha…"

"It would not be the first time she was called by that name." While the others looked at him in confusion, Miranda smiled softly and squatted down before him, so their eyes were at the same level. "During the middle portion of the war – when we fought against the Collectors – we had a Drell member of our crew by the name of Thane Krios. He had Kepral's Syndrome and decided to give what remained of his life to our cause. Before the end, he began to refer to Shepard as Siha who, thanks to Thane, we now know to be a warrior angel of Arashu. Humans refer to such souls as guardian angels, and the Asari also have a similar belief, and often refer to such persons as Rebekha. It always amazes me how our cultures are so similar, despite our obvious differences."

Miranda stood and looked at Shepard as she finished, "As such, Shepard has been known by many names across many races… because she has been our greatest protector through it all."

Shepard was about to protest when a voice spoke in her head. {She's right, you know… so let the boy have his hero. He just may need one… or more… to help keep his family safe from harm. Now… finish up and come to bed, Siame. I would appreciate your warmth beside me.}

{Eavesdropping, T'Soni?} With a soft smile at Liara's affirmative reply, Shepard simply shook her head in quiet acceptance. "Alright… enough, Miri." Looking back to Charamey, she continued, "So… anyway, back to Jerrod. Our senior representative, Matriarch Mozia, has already spoken to the Defense Committee who, in turn, forwarded a formal protest to the Council, requesting action be taken against the true causes of this unfortunate series of events – the Department of Religion within the Illuminated Primacy. And, due to the danger posed to his family, we asked that Jerrod be granted clemency. We are all victims here so we, along with all the members of our House, will do what we can to protect you. Should you accept our offer of employment, those two things may become one and the same, but it is not in any way a contingency for our protection. This I swear to you."

Charamey, a bit overwhelmed by it all, stared at the woman for a moment before saying, "First, I offer my thanks but, after that I do not know what to do, Spectre Shepard. I want to say yes… but need to speak with my mate before I can make such a commitment for the family. Even given the present circumstances, I would not presume to determine his path forward. That choice is his to make." She blinked away a tear as she asked, "Is there any chance I could speak with him?"

"I'm sure that could be arranged." Shepard glanced at the stairway, the call from her own mate growing stronger the more she delayed. "But, it's late, so let us retire for the evening, and I'll see what I can do after the sun comes up tomorrow."

"Thank you, Spectre." Charamey stood up straight and squared her shoulders. "Your kindness and support are more than I could have ever expected, after working for the Primacy. It is they who have broken the Compact, not Jerrod, by coercing him to do such a thing. Know I will serve your House in whatever capacity I can for the duration of Jerrod's imprisonment, but cannot commit to anything more at this point."

"You don't have to commit to anything at all, Charamey. You're free." responded Shepard. "Let's just wait and see what tomorrow brings before we decide on our next moves, shall we? Now, Lyessa will show you to your rooms. Sleep well, and we'll see you all in the morning."

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 2 May 2190

Liara's eyes opened early – much earlier than normal for her – to find even Shepard still sleeping at her side. She discovered the reason for her awakening the moment she tried to reach for her lover, desiring to caress the body beside her. As she attempted to move her arm, a sharp pain shot through her neck, bringing tears to her eyes. She could not silence the loud groan of protest that emerged from her lips, waking the ever-vigilant woman beside her from a dead sleep.

Samantha immediately sat up and turned to her. "Hey. What's the matter?"

"I want to say I must have slept like the dead… only it hurts too much for me to be dead." Again, Liara tried to move her arm, ending with the same result. With a growl, she added, "My shoulder has apparently locked up… I can't move it without…" another growl before she finished, "… experiencing significant pain."

Shepard leaned over her, careful to not jostle the bed as she silenced her with a soft kiss. "So, don't move it, Li. Let me get up and I'll help you."

Carefully, her bondmate rolled away and slid off her own side of the bed, only to walk around and slide the covers off, sending a chill across Liara's pebbled skin. Lifting her gently with biotics, Shepard rotated her slowly to her feet. "The pain overriding the vertigo? Not sure that's necessarily a good thing. Want me to call Alyna?"

Liara drew a long, slow, and calming breath, focusing on that instead of the pain shooting up through her neck. "Not yet… if we can get into the tub, maybe the jets will help loosen it up?" Another jolt and she cursed, "Goddess be damned."

Shepard winced along with her, feeling its echo through the link. "Then it's a good thing we both sleep naked… makes it easy to get in. No need to worry about how to get a shirt off, over your head, with a shoulder that isn't moving."

Liara managed a quiet chuckle. "I imagine we'd be sacrificing a night shirt if that were the case… or, it would simply go in with us. It would dry soon enough, likely none the worse for the experience."

"Ah… maintaining a sense of humor." Shepard placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. "That's a good sign. You might need it again before this is done."

After a few moments, through which Liara clamped her jaw tight to keep from yelling in pain as Shepard helped her maneuver into the spa, she finally released a sigh of relief. The pulsing hot water was already beginning to ease the tightness in her right shoulder, the jolt up her neck into the base of her skull immediately lessening.

Once Liara was settled in, Shepard went in search of the hypospray, returning quickly to her side with both the medication and a glass of water. "Ready?"

"As I ever will be." Liara released a deep sigh, took the water, and closed her eyes, tipping her head slightly to the side to give Samantha better access. Pressing it into place, Shepard triggered the device and then placed the empty cylinder on the windowsill behind the spa before sliding into the tub beside her Ionúin Álainn. It was only a moment before Liara opened her eyes and took a sip of water, then another. "Ahhh," she whispered with relief. "I think I just may survive the morning without any more tears. Thank you, Samantha."

"I'd say the pleasure is mine, but I hate seeing you in pain like this, Li." Shepard's forehead creased in concern as she contemplated, "Perhaps you should have stayed in the hospital a bit longer, like the docs wanted."

"Goddess forbid!" Liara smiled as she finished off the water and placed the glass beside the hypospray. With her now empty hand, she reached out to caress the cheek of her lover. "I know it's hard to believe when you see me like this, Sam… but you honestly do make it better… simply by helping me come home and being at my side through it all. It's worth it to be here, surrounded by the T'Soni family. Though… I do suppose I have to admit those 3 AM hospital wake-ups to receive more medication serve a purpose after all."

"By the Gods, I love you, T'Soni." Shepard smiled affectionately, continuing, "But we'd best be thinking of adjusting the timing of your meds, because I don't want to be waking up that early every morning until you're better. Unlike you, I'm unable to get back to sleep once I'm up!"

Laughing, Liara then winced as her jostling sent another ping through her neck. "Oh, Goddess. A sense of humor may be a good sign, but don't make me laugh!"

A repentant, but still smiling, Samantha leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on ready lips. Liara closed her eyes and breathed out a contented sigh as the woman's apology fluttered across the link. Liara answered in kind, via their mental connection. {I know you would never purposefully hurt me, Siame… and I love you too, more than anything. You know that as well as I.}

Liara felt a flutter of desire at her core and groaned, rotating her head and stretching her neck to assess just how quickly the tub and the meds were relaxing the muscles surrounding her injury. Pleased with the already tempered spasms, she asked, "Can we try, Samantha? Please? I miss you." There was no need for an explanation as to what Liara was requesting.

"You know I can't deny you when you ask like that, Li." Shepard's brow creased as she asked, "But if you experience any discomfort, we stop immediately… okay?"

More than the words, the answering desire springing from the breast of her lover caused the light flutter in Liara's core to swell to a craving that demanded an immediate response. {Agreed. And, I just may have an idea as to how to get you back to sleep after my early morning meds, Captain. As for today, I do believe I'm calling in last night's rain check…}

Liara quickly decided the little bit of pain she experienced over the next couple of hours was worth every moment, both of them falling back into a contented sleep at the conclusion of their early morning – albeit gentle – lovemaking.

It was much later when the couple climbed out of bed for the second time that day, Shepard once again assisting her bondmate into the spa to help loosen her tightening muscles. "Nowhere near as bad as this morning," Liara stated, rolling her head to find her neck much more flexible than it had been earlier. "But I still fear I won't be seeing a full 8-hour night's sleep anytime in my near future. My muscles tighten up too much if I remain immobile for that long."

Shepard nodded in agreement, doing the math quickly in her head. "I still think we should speak with Alyna about rotating the time of your meds. You don't have to take them with dinner; it won't hurt to have a bedtime snack and take them then, instead. Going to bed at 10 PM would possibly let you sleep until six, instead of waking up at 3 AM." She grinned, leaving her reflections about the morning's rather pleasurable events unsaid.

Liara had to chuckle at the woman's thoughts which, while unvoiced, were also unshielded so they slipped easily through the link. "While I did suggest it, I don't honestly believe we could keep that up for any length of time, Siame. Making love at 3 AM every morning would eventually have long-term consequences on our sleep patterns. Of that, I have no doubt."

"And… if neither of us is at the whim of anyone's schedule but our own, do we care?"

The images that shot into her mind through the link nearly made Liara ask for a repeat of their earlier activities, but she fully realized they had other obligations this morning. "If only that were true, Samantha. But our reality is we have guests to attend to and more than a few calls to make before we can determine the exact status of our… situation."

Resigned, Shepard accepted the argument and asked, "So… breakfast before I call D'Naga, and you call Tevos? I'm sure she'll appreciate actually seeing you up and about." Shepard was climbing out of the tub, grabbing a towel, and beginning to dry off as she asked her question.

"I couldn't agree more about Rae." Liara remained seated in the tub, enjoying the relaxing heat while waiting patiently for Shepard's help; the last thing she needed was to have a vertigo attack as she was attempting to get out of the spa. "I'm sure she'll be very happy to hear from me… though I am also sure she'll be concerned that I am pushing my recovery."

"And, I'm convinced telling her about this morning, as testimony to your recovery, wouldn't gain us any sort of approval rating."

Shepard chuckled softly as Liara snorted in response, "Very much the opposite, I'm quite sure!" Liara's eyes ate up the view as she watched the still-naked woman turn to her with a towel in one hand while offering the other as both support and encouragement to emerge from the therapeutic jets. Reaching up to clasp the hand, Liara stood slowly, judging her footing and balance before finally stepping up from the tub. She was pleasantly surprised at how good she felt. Perhaps our renewed union did me more good than we ever could have imagined possible.

Though not directed to her, Shepard still caught the thought through the link and smiled, warming Liara's heart with her response. "We're always better together, T'Soni. Have been almost from the very moment we first met. I saved you… and then you returned the favor within what? Thirty minutes, max?" Liara sighed in contentment, the emotions flowing through her soul a better balm than any medication could ever be as her bondmate continued. "It was pretty obvious, to others more so than us at the beginning, that we were meant to be together. Always."

Liara sighed contentedly, leaning into her lover. Shepard was caressing her with the towel as she dried her off, Liara asking, "So… do I bother with real clothes, or just go with sweats?"

"Is that a hypothetical question, or do you want a real answer from me, T'Soni?"

"Hypothetical." Liara chuckled. "Just my luck, I'd call Rae in my N7 sweats and she'll be in the Council Chambers, for all to see." Shepard's relaxed laughter helped Liara's mood even more as she continued, "Though, I do suppose I could message her, first, and simply tell her I am up and about, available to chat at her convenience."

"It is Sunday, so you'd probably be fine… but I still think a message, first, is a good idea," Shepard nodded. "Whatever she may be doing, my bet is she'll break away and retreat to her office to give you a private call, checking in before exposing you to a larger audience." She paused for a moment, another option crossing her mind before vocalizing it. "Matter of fact, why don't we do that first, anyway? Before I call D'Naga, so we have a better idea what our options may be… all after getting dressed and grabbing breakfast, that is."

"Sounds like we have a plan." Liara wrapped her arms around the woman before her, nothing between them but the towel. "One which, I suppose, starts with getting dressed."

Roshi and company had already eaten and packed up, ready to depart at a moment's notice. With Liara and Shepard's arrival in the dining area, they spoke briefly, ending with Liara releasing them back to their normal Broker duties. "I cannot thank you enough, Roshi, for once again coming to my assistance so quickly. We'll be able to take it from here, I believe." Liara actually managed a smirk as she added, "Though, I'm sure you'll learn quickly enough if I change my mind about that."

Shepard clasped forearms with the commando Captain. "Thank you, for helping to avoid the unnecessary deaths of innocents caught in the crossfire. We haven't made any of our calls yet this morning, so I don't know how it's all going to work out, but if the Council refuses to take action…" She gave Liara a glance, who nodded in affirmation, after catching Shepard's thoughts. "We may just need your extraction services again."

Roshi laughed. "And, my guess is the next target may not be quite so willing to come along for the ride?"

"Correct," Liara answered promptly. "But we will not rush the mission. We will go through the full process, to gather all the information necessary to minimize the risks you and your team would face during such a task. Though, it does seem the in and out process worked well enough."

"That it did, Liara." Roshi frowned as she continued, "But grabbing a Drell left to die on the ocean is vastly different than making an attempt on a high-ranking minister within the government. We may need insider access to pull that off."

"Which is exactly why we won't rush it…" Liara met Roshi's eyes as she added, "Plus, we will only go that route if all other avenues have been exhausted with no success."

Shepard looked at Liara and added to the Asari's statement. "Besides… Humans have an applicable saying." She paused for effect before finishing, "Revenge is a dish best served cold."

Roshi cocked a brow marking, then commented, "You have a vindictive streak hiding in there somewhere, Spectre. Remind me to never cross you."

"Not vindictive, really – just overly protective." The woman laughed and clapped her on the shoulder. "And, I don't believe that will ever be a problem with you, Roshi. You may have been a member of the Eclipse in your former life, but there are good hearts that beat inside the chests of you and your crew. There's no doubt in my mind that Aethyta knows how to pick 'em… and I have no intention of ever doing anything that would change the good relationship we currently have with you and yours. Travel safe."

"Same here, Spectre, and we will. Thank you."

Tevos' image resolved quickly on the screen. The Councilor's face held a broad, yet troubled, smile as she started speaking. "It is good to see you, Liara! I heard you left the hospital so you could attend a festival… and was wondering just how long it would be before you decided to contact me." Her lips took on a smirk as she continued, "Feeling good enough to party, but can't make time to contact a concerned friend?"

As Liara blushed, Shepard stepped in to help her out. "Not until after she got a good night's rest, Councilor… because no matter the reason, we always end up talking business." She grinned, knowing she had made a point, and continued, "So, now, here we are… and, I assume you've had time to speak with the other councilors regarding what transpired on Thessia?"

"Yes, I have… but don't rush me, Shepard!" She smiled softly, zooming her video pick-up out a bit, to reveal Sha'ira standing off her left shoulder. "We honestly do want to know how everyone is feeling before we get into work details." Her eyes shifted back to the center of her concern as she queried, "Liara?"

The younger Asari smiled, hearing the sincere concern in Rae's tone. "I honestly did go to bed relatively early for a festival night… but then I slept too long in the same position and woke up in great pain from the stiffness." She looked at Shepard and reached over, taking her lover's hand as she continued, "So Shepard got up, moved me into our spa. and retrieved my medication for me… all at three in the morning." She smirked, adding, "That's what I call true love."

"I would say so!" Tevos' eyes traveled between the two. "That's early, even for someone like Shepard! And, unless you are surviving on additional painkillers, I assume it helped."

"It did," answered Liara. "But that does not mean I am drug-free. I visited Alyna and she prescribed a muscle relaxant, hoping to prevent that severity of pain again… Even so, I feel a twinge now and again if I am not extremely careful. I must remain cognizant of my every movement; a process I find both irritating and taxing… being constantly vigilant."

"So, what is your prognosis?"

"I am experiencing frequent bouts of vertigo, causing balance issues if I move or turn my head to quickly," Liara's voice roiled with disgust. "So, someone is always close… and I dare not go up or down stairs without someone's arm to hang onto. Just in case."

"A sensible precaution, I agree… no matter how inconvenient." Tevos paused for only the briefest of moments before adding, "I suppose that calms our fears regarding your health… so, I suppose, we can turn to the business at hand."

Sha'ira gave a quick wave before retreating from the room, while Rae zoomed the view back in before continuing. "I imagine you are aware of the Matriarchal request I was asked to bring before the Council?" She watched their faces as she finished, "Compliments of the Thessian Defense Ministers… and Matriarch Mozia?"

Tevos saw no surprise in their expressions as they nodded to the affirmative. Shepard was the one who answered. "Oh, yes. Mozia and Aethyta were not pleased with the development in the slightest. Especially Aethyta, as you can imagine. She was ready to take my head off when they arrived at the hospital. Thank the Gods Elesia was there with the Serrice Guard to keep her in check. I don't believe I've ever seen Aethyta so angry, and I don't want to know what harm that could have done to our relationship." Shepard shook her head. "I had no say in their actions. I wanted them to hold off until Liara and I had a chance to talk to you, but they refused to wait."

"I see." Tevos was shaking her head but held a knowing smile on her lips. "I think you now realize Aethyta always played the role of guardian, even well before you knew she existed, Liara. A constant presence in the background, threatening the Matriarchy any time they discussed doing something… unpleasant… to you, especially once rumors started spreading regarding your mother's fall from grace." Tevos was actually able to laugh, her smile broadening before she added, "Given how everything turned out, they are honestly grateful Aethyta proved to be such a tenacious protector, who kept them from taking any irrevocable action."

Shepard was smiling, but Liara felt the unmistakable edge to her words as her siame answered, "While I'm grateful for Aethyta's protection of Liara, I certainly hope the Matriarchs realize she would have been the least of their worries had they tried to do anything to Li once she was aboard the Normandy."

Tevos also sensed the veiled threat and took a deep breath to settle herself before she answered, "Oh, trust me, Shepard… they knew. So do the Councilors, especially after witnessing what happened to the two who chose to cross us during and after the Reaper War… Udina and Sparatus." Rae shook her head, seemingly in slow motion as she continued, "Traitors, both. One with an unexplainable personal vendetta and, the other, indoctrinated and working with the Illusive Man. I hate that it was necessary, but relieved to know they are no longer with us."

She shook off the pall that was threatening to settle into her mind and refocused on the pair on the screen in front of her. "But all that is beside the point; right now, we need to focus on the issue with the Hanar. So, I received the request from the Matriarchy on the 28th and brought it to the Council on Friday. We immediately forwarded a formal Request for Appearance to Desotelan, the current diplomat aboard the CGC, for this coming Friday, giving him a week to speak with the Illuminated Primacy and to prepare a response. I can't really tell you much more, as the inquiry is in its infancy…"

As Rae paused, Liara looked at Shepard, who merely shrugged and nodded for her to go ahead. "We have some additional information for you," Liara began. "But, definitely wanted to contact you on an informal basis first, before calling you at the Council offices."

Knowing the couple so well, Tevos sighed, "What have you gone and done?"

While Shepard chuckled, Liara let a tiny grin sneak onto her lips as she explained about hiring a mercenary extraction team to rescue the subject Drell's family from their certain death. "We have video of the pick-up… stealing them, quite literally, right from the slavers' hands. The slavers were killed, and the wife and child were then delivered here, to the Estate, where they are going to reside under the protection of House T'Soni, until this issue is resolved."

A wide-eyed Tevos gasped, "And what if the Hanar accuse you of kidnapping?"

Before Liara could even think to reply, Shepard huffed in disgust. "Just who did we kidnap them from, Rae? The slavers?" Shaking her head, she continued, "No. The Hanar tossed them out upon the ocean, purposefully to be rid of them… be it quickly, via pirates or slavers, or the longer, more torturous route of Kepral's Syndrome. They knew exactly what they were doing, and it appears that Dusi's story, unfortunately, is completely true. This was not an isolated incident; using the constant threat as a method to keep their 'impure and undeserving' Drell in line is exactly how the Hanar Department of Religion works. If you are unfortunate enough to be placed in a Compact with the Priests, you are barely better off than a slave. And, if you have a family, they are used as leverage against you, to make sure you follow direction, particularly when it comes to less… palatable… assignments; like theft or assassination."

"Goddess." Tevos blinked a couple of times, unable to find any words.

"I know. Right?" Shepard shook her head. "I worked with the Drell assassin, Thane Krios, and he never spoke of such a subculture… but he had joined willingly and was not placed under Compact with a priest. Apparently, it is quite different." Her lips set into a grim line as Liara took over the conversation.

"Of more import, we have witnesses to the Ministry's appalling acts, in both the thief who was apprehended in the act and the family members who were thrown into harm's way as a result. At the very least, I want that Hanar stripped of his privileges and tried by the Council for extortion and attempted murder," Liara insisted. "Then, I want the Department of Ministry investigated for the same, as it appears to be a widespread, accepted practice within the entire organization. The Compact was initially created as a way to save the Drell, not coerce and enslave them. That sort of abuse of power is despicable, and I am ashamed for all the other Hanar, all those who say and do nothing to stop it."

Tevos was serious when she answered, "They may very well look at it as a personal vendetta, Liara. An overreach on your part, in an attempt to discredit their religion while propping up your yet-unproven theories about the Prothean Empire. As much as I agree with you, I can see the Council argument going very badly. Religious wars, as you know from your study of history, often end very badly… with many innocents dead along the way."

"We don't argue it from the religion angle, Rae." Shepard sat forward in her chair and stared at the visage of the councilor on the screen. "I plan on bringing Jerrod Dusi and his family to the Council for this Friday meeting… especially since you had no idea we had scooped them off of Kahje." She smirked as she continued, "However, I'm not sure if Desotelan will be surprised, seeing as you've given them a week to consider, which means the ministry may have gone on the hunt and found the dead slavers."

Liara reached over and grasped Samantha's hand, pushing calming thoughts in her direction as she added, "But, I very much doubt it. From what the extraction team told us, the slaver ship immediately sank beneath the waves." She looked down and swallowed hard so she could continue, "The likelihood of discovering their fate is rather low. Unfortunately, that also means any other slaves who had already been captured died along with the ship's crew."

"Over which you had no control, Liara." Tevos sighed heavily. "Honestly? My guess is that the numbers on Kahje would be too small for it to be worth any organized slaving effort, particularly with the planetary automated defense system; not unless those slavers are subsidized… and protected… by someone."

"I hadn't thought of that possibility." Liara felt an immediate rage building within herself. "And if that is the case, there are credits involved – a great deal of credits, in all likelihood – and I have a way to trace them. Thank you, Rae… I'll get the network right on that."

Tevos then looked to Shepard as she continued the discussion. "As for your suggestion for Friday, yes. You bring the Drell family and have the Serrice Guard escort Jerrod. If they have not spoken to one another yet, then keep them separated." She held her hand up to stop the protest she knew was coming. "No. Jerrod could not have known you would have either the ability or the intent to extract his family if he failed, so possessed no reasons for planning a backstory with his family. If they have not spoken since the incident, corroborating their two stories independently will lend credence to their version of events."

"I hate it, but see your reasoning, Rae." Liara sighed and looked at the obviously disturbed Shepard. "Charamey will be disappointed, I am certain, but I believe she will understand."

"Fine." Shaking her head, Samantha met the Councilor's eyes. "I'll talk to Lydia D'Naga and arrange it. As a Council request, I'm sure she'll be able to accommodate the transfer and escort."

"Excellent." Tevos frowned slightly as she stated, "The Council session on Friday will end up being a whole lot more exciting than I normally like, thanks to this. You certainly must realize this has even bigger implications. Should the Hanar be found guilty of supporting the slave trade, they will be prohibited from becoming Council members… same as the Batarians have been for all these years. But, on the flip side, simply threatening the withdrawal of the Council membership offer may be enough to encourage the Illuminated Primacy to handle this issue internally."

"I guess we'll find out on Friday, then, won't we?" Shepard huffed. "But, somehow, I really don't see them giving up on their… Enkindlers… quite so easily as that. I'd be happy if they simply banned the Department of Religion from holding any Compacts, effective immediately. Especially those currently in existence; those Drell have been exploited enough!"