Notes:

A Grá - My Love (Gaelic)

Ionúin Álainn - beautiful beloved (Gaelic)

Kaffe - equatorial Thessian vine, seeds of which are used to produce a non-alcoholic beverage of same name, taste described as a mix of coffee and chocolate (Thessian; Source: CDN)

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

Refreshing the Spirit

Ilos, Refuge, Pangaea Expanse – 1 Feb 2191

Shepard made her way quickly to the research area, the urgency in her step dissuading anyone from attempting conversation; those she knew received only a quick wave of recognition as she passed. She did not slow down until she entered the lab where Liara was working, immediately noting the Asari's shoulders slumped in defeat. Liara was so focused on her task, she did not even realize Shepard was behind her until she heard the soft, "Hey, Blue," and felt her siame's hands fall onto her shoulders, beginning to work on the knots that had formed there.

"Samantha." Liara turned to face the woman, offering a slight smile. "I would ask what you are doing here, as you are having your own challenges today… but it is quite likely I already know the answer." She closed her eyes and stepped into the Siame's arms, willing to take the comfort she knew they would provide. "Thank you."

The captain's arms slipped supportively around Liara as she was pulled into a loving embrace. "Your team will figure it out eventually,Ionúin Álainn. Just give everyone some time to work on it. And, seeing as you seem to have forgotten, it is Imbolc… a celebration of rebirth and new endeavors… not a day of sadness, but of hope for new beginnings."

A surge of guilt swept through her. "Goddess. I am so sorry, Shepard! I totally forgot the date!"

"Nope." Shepard canted her head and smirked. "No more feeling sorry for yourself, or for me. Being here with you is the best thing I could ask for, Doctor. There is absolutely nothing to be sorry about. Our big holidays are yet to come… immediately following Tali's wedding."

Liara sighed in contentment, Samantha's strong arms surrounding her, and her understanding presence solidly ensconced in her consciousness. "How can you be so understanding and willing to compromise for me all the time, Samantha?"

"Huh." Shepard pulled her closer and ran a hand suggestively up the back of Liara's neck, making the Asari shiver with desire. "Maybe because I am so deeply in love with you, A Grá… and there is absolutely nothing in this galaxy I could ever want, except to know that at the end of each day you will be forever at my side?"

Tears came to Liara's eyes… a culmination of her angst and frustration over the Inusannon statues juxtaposed against the loving devotion simply radiating from her bondmate. "Goddess, Shepard, I love you, too. What would I ever do without you?"

Being her normal self, Shepard chuckled softly, responding, "Well, you likely would not have escaped the Prothean trap on Therum… and you would have died in the molten ruins of an erupting volcano." She pushed back slightly, gently cupping the back of Liara's head as she kissed her bondmate tenderly on the lips. Her voice turned husky as she added, "And neither of us would have survived the Reapers to enjoy any of this; not the weddings and bondings, nor all the great parties… and, most certainly, not the mysteries of the Inusannon, which I have every confidence you will eventually untangle, given the time to do so."

Liara couldn't help but smile. "You are always so confident in my abilities."

"Is there any reason why I should not be?" Shepard asked with a shrug. "You've never let me down, Liara. Never!" Sensing the desire she had awoken in the Asari, she smiled lovingly. "Now… how 'bout we swing by the mess tent, grab a couple of snacks, maybe some Kaffe, and retreat to our quarters? Call it an early day and give your mind something… else… to focus on for a bit?"

Feeling her insides flutter in anticipation, Liara whispered softly, "That sounds like an offer I cannot… and should not… refuse, Samantha."

Shepard's lips held a loving smile as she grabbed her hand and tugged her toward the doorway, responding simply, "Then, don't."

Ilos, Refuge, Pangaea Expanse – 10 Feb 2191

Shepard and Liara grinned happily as the smiling image resolved itself on the screen before them. Given who they were calling, Samantha took the lead. "Happy birthday, Mom!"

Liara's smile was bright as she echoed the sentiment. "Yes! Happy birthday! We can't wait to see you! You are still coming to Thessia for the holidays, yes?"

"Wouldn't miss it for the world… and thank you!" Hannah grinned happily. "I assume, with that question, everything is still good for next month?"

"Yeah." Shepard smiled softly and gave Liara's hand a squeeze. "And we are more than ready to be home for a bit… well… almost ready, anyway."

Hannah's brow furrowed. "And what, exactly, do you mean by that? Almost?"

"Don't tease Mom!" Liara poked Sam softly in the ribs, answering Hannah. "We will simply be spending an extra day here. Tali is here with the Special Projects Fleet, helping us with some agricultural bio-domes for Prothean crops. She and Len are getting married on the 12th, so we are delaying our departure for a day."

"Oh, my gosh!" Hannah's face lit up. "Please pass on my congratulations to her and Len! That's wonderful news!" She practically clapped her hands in happiness for the Quarian couple. "I take it they will be on their honeymoon, then, and won't be coming this year…"

Shepard laughed. "Well, no… but I can't say that's much of a change… at least not since Tali was reassigned as Admiral of Special Projects. She's been busy!"

"That's true, I suppose… but be sure to give her my blessings and tell her we'll miss her. Oh! And that she should definitely plan on coming next year… her and Len, both!"

Shepard grinned. "I'll do that, Mom. What about you? You have anything good planned for your special day?"

"Not today, no," Hannah smiled widely. "But, come Saturday, a bunch of us are going out together to celebrate multiples… there are four of us with birthdays this month – no one you know, so don't bother asking who – and we decided to get together and celebrate at the same time. It'll be a big party!"

"Sounds like fun!" Shepard smirked. "And even though we'll be seeing you soon, we felt compelled to call you on your actual day. Wouldn't want you to think we forgot about you."

"You know better than that." Hannah gave her a knowing look. "I would never think that of you… especially with Liara sharing your thoughts! You two never forget anything!" She suddenly leaned eagerly toward the screen. "But… since you have called me on my birthday, you have to grant me a birthday wish! You must fill me in on the most interesting things you have discovered since you arrived on Ilos!"

Liara chuckled softly. "Gosh, Mom… there is simply so much to tell, I don't know where to begin."

Hannah relaxed back into her chair and grinned. "Then simply start at the beginning, my dear!"

Ilos, Refuge, Pangaea Expanse – 16 Feb 2191

Tevos was smiling as the connection was completed and her image resolved itself on the screen. Liara smiled in return, asking, "Always good to see you, Raesia. To what do we owe the pleasure of seeing your smiling face on this beautiful morning?"

"Good to see you, too, Liara… as always. How are things going on Ilos? Made any progress with those auditory statues?"

"Actually, yes!" Liara's smile brightened and her eyes sparkled. "Jorè granted the SILC access to their research archives, which included some very old music… apparently also from the Inusannon. So, the SILC have begun pattern analysis, trying to identify frequently used words and phrases and, hopefully, establish a baseline. Even if we don't have translations yet, once they're able to identify common phrases, we'll have a starting point. The additional data gives us a much broader spectrum than just the music recorded within the statues, so it gives us hope."

"That is most excellent news!" Tevos' eyes lit with joy. "I, too, have some good news for you, in exchange." She smirked and continued, "Following Shepard's impassioned speech, regarding her ability to put aside her hatred for the Batarians in order to gain what remained of their fleet to assist in the Reaper War… even after what happened on Elysium…" Tevos shrugged and laughed. "Let me just say that was a hard act to follow and the challenge was understood… and accepted… by a majority of the Council."

Her eyes drifted to Samantha before returning her attention to Liara and continuing, "They finally sat down and actually talked through it, particularly Shepard's argument of giving the Batarians the chance to change; if some opt not to, their crimes will be punished just as they have always been. But those who do so willingly… leaving the practice of enslaving people in order to accept the guidelines within which the rest of the Council races live under? Those will receive the full amnesty the Protheans requested. We are currently working on the wording of the announcement and hope to have something completed by the end of next week."

"That is most excellent news, Rae!" Liara gushed. "We will pass that on to the Ambassador and to Jorè as soon as this call is done."

"No need, Liara." Tevos grinned. "I already informed Ambassador Colis and he said he would head directly to the administrator's office, as soon as we terminated our connection. I imagine he is already there, as the distance between offices is not that great."

Shepard, too, was grinning over the news, but was still hesitant. "I assume we should wait to see how many more Batarians opt in, before we seek out Tolern Solus?"

"I would wait, most definitely, unless you just want to give him the overview and see if he is available… or even interested." Tevos brow wrinkled, and her lips turned down slightly. "There is no guarantee he would be willing to join the cause; an information exchange with the Protheans will likely happen… but working with Batarians is not guaranteed."

"Fortunately," started Shepard, "I do not believe Tol will have an issue with it. I mean, he greatly applauded Mordin's work on the cure, then did his own part with the Elcor. I honestly can't imagine him turning down the challenge – not just the work itself, but the cultural change aspect as well." Shepard's face lit up as she added, "Mordin may have cured the Genophage, but that basically benefited only one race – the Krogan. Can you imagine the accolades that would come along with ending the Batarian slave trade? I truly believe that would be as great an accomplishment as freeing the Krogan from their own plague… very much worth fighting for."

Rae smiled and nodded. "We can only hope you are correct in your assessment, Samantha… and that Tolern does not hesitate to join you on Ilos. Keep me informed on any major developments, please?"

"Absolutely." Liara nodded and continued, "And we'll follow your advice and wait for the formal announcement before approaching him about it." She glanced at Shepard before smiling and adding, "Assuming, of course, he doesn't hear any rumors and call us first!"

Ilos, Refuge, Pangaea Expanse – 21 Feb 2191

Shepard and Liara were both pleasantly surprised when the official notice was published the very next Monday. Upon receiving the note from Tevos, Liara headed directly to the Embassy; Shepard heard the call via the link and promptly responded that she would meet Liara there. There was no need for them to tell the Ambassador the news; as soon as they walked in, Furant practically exploded with happiness and relief. "When you said you would speak with the Council, I had no idea how quickly things would happen!"

He blinked rapidly in his surprise, shaking his head. "I realize your past actions have earned you their respect, but to get action like this, within such a short time period? Amazing!" He made his way around from behind his desk as he spoke. "Come! You absolutely must go with me to pass this news on to the Protheans! I think they will be most pleased."

"I am not so sure 'pleased' is exactly the right word." With a questioning glance from the Ambassador, Shepard continued her thought. "Just like us, they believed it was a done deal following our initial negotiations. They did not see the reasoning behind the Council's hesitation and viewed it as something of a betrayal."

Liara nodded. "Yes. To have the Council initially agree to such a thing, then quibble over the exact terms – in particular, attempting to exclude the one specific crime we knew would bring the Batarians to the discussion – was seen as a breach of trust. The Council giving their word, only to refuse to follow through on it? Such a decision was unacceptable to the Protheans."

"Unacceptable only to the Protheans?" Furant chuckled and purposefully met their eyes before continuing his thought. "I think not. I know it was unacceptable to me, as well… and, I do believe, to those who make up my key staff here." He paused as if waiting for one or the other to object to his observation, then simply cleared his throat and added, "That's what I thought. So, now… let us go share the good news and start planning on how to handle the hopefully large influx of Batarian citizens!"

They chatted as they walked, getting caught up on their progress and schedules. Furant frowned unexpectedly as he shifted topics. "I will be remaining here, obviously, and hope to have the housing built out before people begin to arrive in mass. The SILC have offered to build transitional housing… but I had hoped to have actual homes for people to move into."

"A noble, but difficult goal." Liara shook her head. "We have no idea who will be coming, so I feel you may be proceeding too quickly." She glanced at the Ambassador and continued, "I don't think they move here immediately; instead, they submit applications with their housing requirements, detailing their family… one or two parents, how many children and everyone's age… all of which would determine the size of house they will require."

"That's true," started Shepard, "but I'm with Furant on this one. We should be getting a variety of family sizes, so we can start with that in mind. We can at least start by selecting a location, then designing the layout… the infrastructure, public facilities… possibly with designated merchant and housing zones? There's a lot of pre-work to be done that we can get started on, long before the first house ever gets built."

Furant stopped in his tracks and looked at the couple. "You are correct… and these are issues I had not considered." He paused only for a moment, his Salarian mind working quickly through the options. "Before all else, I need to hire a Batarian Housing Advisor; someone who can tell us Batarian expectations and norms, so those who do come here find something familiar."

"That, my dear Ambassador, is a positively wonderful idea!" Liara smiled, her voice light with pleased agreement. "And now, you approach the Protheans not only with the news, but with a semi-solid strategy on how we plan to move forward on the project… which should most definitely involve their input as to where this Batarian town should be." She grinned and added, "Now, I believe the Protheans can be pleased with the news."

"Absolutely not." Aelia's voice brokered no argument. "If they are to come here, they will be a part of us… not segregated to their own space. They will integrate into our neighborhoods… perhaps with their own place for gatherings… or whatever they may need that is different."

While the others stared at her in surprise over the vehemence of her response, Jorè chuckled. "Enough, Aelia. This news comes with a number of ideas… all of which we will sit down – as a group – and discuss." He focused on Furant and smiled. "This is, indeed, welcome news, Ambassador. I also appreciate the forethought of actually creating a town plan before any major construction begins."

At this point, Jorè's eyes wandered to Aelia, who was quietly fuming over the subtle rebuke. "I particularly like the idea of bringing in a Batarian expert to help us with the… integration… of their people into our society. In this, I agree with Aelia's position; it is the Prothean way. We firmly believe segregated societies remain that way for an inordinately long period of time, and the people never truly learn to work together as one. You have seen the results of such actions with the Drell. If we use their history as a guide here, on Ilos, we will follow the Rannoch model, not that of Kahje."

"So, it seems we have a plan." Shepard nodded in agreement as she replied. "And, it seems, our first step will be to find a Batarian willing to be their representative, but I may have an 'in' for that particular problem."

A wide-eyed Furant looked at her in surprise. "I did not think that you, Shepard, with your previous poor experiences with Batarians, would be the one to come up with someone to fill that position."

"I won't be… but I know someone who might," she replied with a smile. "Ashley Williams, friend and former crewmate on the Normandy, has a Batarian engineer on her crew. I'll give her a call and see if he has any ideas on someone to talk to about this." She shrugged as she continued, "Don't know if it will pan out, but it's a place to start."

"Captain Shepard." Garok Ferank stared at the screen, almost in disbelief, but the woman many Batarians feared was standing on the other side of the vid call, smiling. Yes, actually smiling at me… I am not sure if I should be relieved or frightened by this. "Your reputation precedes you, both good… and bad… for the Batarian people. Though, if what I hear is true, you are actually working to guarantee the very survival of our species. To what do I owe the honor of speaking with the savior of the galaxy? What could you possibly need from a lowly propulsion engineer such as me?"

Shepard chuckled with her reply. "First of all, I do not believe you to simply be a 'lowly propulsion engineer', Mister Ferank. Ashley Williams is like a sister to me; if she is employing you on the Normandy, in any capacity, you must possess some extraordinary knowledge and abilities. That you are willing to work on a Human ship – captained by a Human female, at that – says a lot about you as an engineer… and, even more so, as a person of integrity."

Upon hearing Shepard's praise for him, Ferank found he had to concentrate to keep his lower jaw, which wanted to fall open in stunned surprise, firmly closed… until he opened it to speak. "That's very kind of you to say, Captain. You flatter me."

"Anyone that knows me will tell you I'm a straight-shooter, Ferank, and not prone to flattery. I give praise only when praise is due." She huffed and shook her head, then continued promptly, "I'm sure you are aware of my supposed hatred of your kind… but I have always tried to judge individuals by their actions. In the case of Batarians, nearly every single one I've encountered in my career has been either a slaver, a pirate, or both… and tried to kill me, first, before I ever shot back in self-defense. I've rarely encountered those, such as yourself, who choose to perform what I consider to be honest work… and that leads me to why I've contacted you today."

Ferank noticed her face taking on a solemn expression as she explained, "I don't know if you have heard about the small group of Protheans who survived into this time – our time. We have been working to develop a home for them on Ilos, a planet they once considered their homeworld, before the Reapers wiped out most of their race, just as they attempted to do to us." She paused to allow the Batarian engineer a few moments to absorb what he'd just been told. "These survivors have insisted the Galactic Council offer pardons to any and all of your race who are willing to move in a new direction… a direction free of piracy and the taking of people as slaves."

Garok couldn't be sure, but she appeared to be studying his lower eyes as she stated, "With the knowledge that Khar'Shan is in ruins and probably incapable of sustaining life, these Protheans wish to provide homes on Ilos for those of your race who desire to accept the offer of pardon by the Galactic Council and change their lifestyle."

Ferank's eyes went wide in astonishment. "They would welcome Batarians?… to live on Ilos?… In side-by-side settlements? Extraordinary!"

Shepard chuckled. "Not side-by-side towns, no. Their desire is to have those willing to move there, to live amongst them as neighbors. Next door. Across the street. All in the same settlement, Mister Ferank. No isolation and no separate towns or cities; truly integrated, but with your own places of business, worship… or anything else your people may need."

Shepard paused and looked down, the smile leaving her face once more as she looked back up and solemnly continued, "Many people believe the Batarian race is at a tipping point, Garok… that your population is too few and too scattered to sustain a viable population. In short, we fear your race may be headed for extinction and, believe it or not, we actually don't want to see that happen. The Protheans have a genetic database they are using for their own population, to create a breeding program that will ensure enough diversity to prevent the genetic collapse of their race. In addition to the Council pardons, the Prothean people want to work with your scientists to do the same for the Batarian people."

Her earlier grin… her entire posture, had quickly put the Batarian at ease. Even so, Garok was still struggling to wrap his head around this astonishing news. Her use of his first name was most unexpected and, while he was caught off guard by it, he somehow understood it was Shepard's way of telling him this had become a personal quest for her, as well; not just a goal of the Protheans. He suddenly understood she was not the Batarian murderer the Hegemony had made her out to be. He now felt she was truly attempting to make up for what had happened at Bahak, by ensuring the future of the Batarian peoples… his people. In a hesitant voice, he asked, "If what you say is true, this is a lofty goal. What could you possibly need of me, Captain? I am no geneticist."

"The Protheans need someone – a Batarian expert – to help them with the… integration… of their people into Prothean society. I figured that would not be you, given your job on the Normandy… but my hope is you know someone who could be. Someone willing to go to Ilos to work with the Protheans to achieve that goal. They, along with the SILC, are willing to help your race not only survive… but thrive."

"I will do what I can, Captain Shepard. My Aunt Borbala had a very large family, not all of whom were criminals; some actually survived the war. Grant me a bit of time, a few days? If a member of my race contacts you with no prior announcement, you will have your answer."

Shepard nodded with her reply. "Understood, Specialist. And if you… or any of your family or friends… have any question, please, by all means, contact me. Captain Williams knows how to get in touch with me. Safe travels."

Ilos, Refuge, Pangaea Expanse – 29 Feb 2191

Gabriella Daniels Donnelly smiled sweetly as she picked up the call. "Captain! What a nice surprise! To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Shepard grinned in response as she replied, "You're looking good, Gabby! Being a mother and working from home obviously suits you. Liara and I just wanted to check in, to make sure you have your travel arrangements all set for the upcoming holiday.

"Really, Shepard? You know darn well that Judea and Matriarch Tralis have that totally handled, with a no-charge transport already arranged." Gabby gave her a knowing glance and chuckled softly. "You're really calling because it's Kenneth's birthday, aren't you. I'll have you know I am just fine. We are even planning an outing, as it's a positively beautiful, sunny day to go visit the grave site. I don't want my children growing up never knowing who their father was."

Shepard was sure Gabby could see the relief rush across her face. "Thank you, Gabby. I just needed to know that you were okay… today of all days. I know it has to be hard."

Gabby's smile faded slightly. "It can be, at times… but not today. I have plenty of work to keep me busy, and the little ones are quite active now, so always bear watching. Poor Violet cannot possibly be in three places at the same time, so I take frequent breaks to check in on them and make sure we minimize the trouble they get into, particularly around mealtimes, when Violet is a bit distracted by trying to keep us all fed." With that, Gabby's good humor returned, and she let out a little chuckle. "It's a good thing my pay from T'Sere is so generous; otherwise, those two little mouths would eat us out of house and home! They both have rather voracious appetites!"

"So, you're saying we'd best be prepared?" Shepard cocked an eyebrow. "Have Violet put a list together for us, would you, please? Then, send it on to Lyessa, so she has time to make a few purchases for the little ones, to make sure we have what you need here."

"Thank you, Shepard. That's a wonderful offer!" Gabby's grin grew as she spoke. "That will save Violet and me a whole lot of trouble, trying to figure out how to pack some of the things we were planning to bring with us! So, to change the subject, how are things going on your side of the galaxy?"

"Well, things on Thessia are going well, as far as we know." She grinned and shrugged. "But my guess is we wouldn't know if anything was wrong anyway. Pretty sure Aethyta and Mozia would just handle it and not worry us over anything on the home front. As for here… we're doing pretty well. I have no complaints. Even Liara isn't working herself to death. We're both working at making sure she keeps a decent schedule… especially now that she has two doctoral students preparing to join us after the holiday, with the start of the next semester."

"Doctoral students? Wow!" Gabby's eyes grew wide. "Like she's not busy enough! Was this her choice, or…?

Shepard couldn't help but to smirk. "Not exactly, but it's bringing in some additional funding and, more importantly, Liara hand-picked the two, from five applicants, after thoroughly vetting them. They both have good performance records and excellent grades."

She was interrupted by Gabby's laughter. "As if Liara would accept anything less! I know those students are likely excited by the opportunity, but I hope they come prepared, because I know darned well Liara won't take anything but their best! I almost feel sorry for them."

Chuckling, Shepard responded, "Only almost?"

"Yup! Because they're the ones who asked for it!" Gabby's voice suddenly dropped, whispering conspiratorially as she added, "I've seen Liara mad… and I'll be the first to tell you that I wouldn't want to be the one who's the target of her wrath if I actually did something wrong!"

Shepard let out a loud laugh. "You know she's listening in, right? With our link and her wanting to know how you're doing… whispering doesn't help."

Gabby groaned. "Gosh, I should have realized that. Sorry, Liara! But you know it's the truth!"

That just made Shepard laugh harder and it took her a moment to be able to speak again. "Liara says apology accepted… and that you are very likely correct. Though, she hasn't warped anyone into oblivion since the war, so she thinks they're probably safe."

Now, it was Gabby who had to laugh. "Oh, how I miss you both! I am sooo looking forward to this trip, you have no idea!"

"Oh, I think we do, Gabs. We're looking forward to seeing you and the little ones, too. I'd be lying if I said anything different." Shepard suddenly smirked. "We were trying to get Harley here early, so he could be here to surprise you upon your arrival, but it's a no-go. Jat has them chasing down some raiders hiding out in the Styx, so he couldn't break away any earlier than originally planned. Trust me, he was pleased with the offer and rather disgusted that he couldn't take advantage of it. He wanted me to pass along that he's more than ready for a break, particularly one where he gets to spend more time with you and the kids."

"Is it that obvious to everyone?" Blushing rather profusely, Gabby rolled her eyes. "And here I thought I was being discreet about our budding relationship."

"Oh, no worries there." Shepard's grin spread wider. "We just know you… and Jat loves to give me updates… telling me how distracted Harley is, every single time he returns from Earth. He says Harley even has pictures of you and the kids up in his room."

"Oh, by the Goddess, as Lyessa would say!" Gabby's voice squeaked, but then she got quiet. "I really do like him, Shepard… I just never thought I would feel that way, especially so soon after Kenneth, but…"

"No need to explain to me, Gabby." Shepard nodded, knowingly. "I had a very serious girlfriend before Liara… and when I lost her, under very different circumstances, it nearly ruined me. I needed Sharon Culver to come pick my ass up, or I could have gone down a very different road. One of the many reasons Sharon and I remain so close."

Shepard suddenly remembered her Quarian sister, as well. "Oh! And we'll be arriving home a day later than planned, because Tali announced she and Len'Dazza are getting married, here, on the 12th! I was sure she'd be mourning Kal for a lot longer… but she, too, is moving on with her life." Shepard smiled happily at the thought. "It seems time does heal us all… and I want you to know I approve of your choice. Harley is a hell of a guy and you're both lucky to have found one another."

"Thank you, Shepard." Gabby smiled and waved. "And, on that note, I think I've been embarrassed enough by this conversation, so I'm going to get back to work… after I ask Violet to draft up that grocery list for us and the babes, before I forget. We'll see all of you in a couple of weeks! I can't wait!"

Omega, Sahrabarik, Omega Nebula – 01 Mar 2191

Akrelo Ferank answered the comms call a bit hesitantly, as the caller's identity and location were masked… never a good sign. Hesitation turned into honest curiosity as the video resolved into an image of someone he had not seen, never mind communicated with, for a very long time. "Hello, cousin! It has been ages since last we spoke."

"Garok! I should have known the void would never hang onto you! Your ID is masked. Where are you?"

Akrelo took note of the subtle shift in the leftwards tilt of Garok's head as he replied, "Not a lot of time to explain. My location is masked for the protection of our ship and all those aboard." Taking a deep breath, he plunged ahead. "Aunty Borbala always spoke highly of your organizational skills, so I have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you, should you be willing to take it. I can tell you that this is a completely legal endeavor… not some con job so, should you accept, you will be expected to be straight forward and honest with everyone in the group you will be working with."

Akrelo had rarely participated in his mother's endeavors, and now that she was on her way to the Andromeda Galaxy, he was even less connected to the family's less than legal credit-making ventures. "I do not believe you would contact me out of dark space just to set me up to have my throat cut. What do you need?"

Akrelo's terminal chirped as it received a text message, just before Garok stated, "I just sent you contact information for my employer – an intermediary who can put you in touch with the people in need of your services. Before you ask… no, I cannot give you a name or affiliation in this unsecure communication mode." Garok looked intently at his cousin. "Just know that I have been employed over the past twenty-one months by someone whom I have come to trust with my very life. Most surprising to me is that I have actually made many friends here… so, I will quite happily crew with this team for as long as this ship has need of my services."

Akrelo shook his head slightly with his response. "Why are you being so vague, Cousin?"

"You'll understand more when you read that encoded text… Auntie's standard encryption code, so it should translate pretty easily." Garok chuckled. "If you're up for a challenge… if you don't mind working hard and believe you can make a difference in the lives of our people… make the call. I don't believe you will want to miss this opportunity, Cousin." With a nod, he concluded, "It is good to see you alive and well, but my allotted comms time is done. Be safe!"

Akrelo stared at the suddenly blank vid screen for several minutes before remembering the text message he'd received. After impatiently waiting a few moments while the text decoded, it finally resolved on his screen; reading the contents of the message nearly caused him to fall over in surprise. Damn!