Notes:

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)

Mea're - "new tribal sister", to address a tribal sister of a loved person (Thessian; Source: CDN)

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

Spring at House T'Soni

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 15 Mar 2191

Breakfast had been served, although a few stragglers wandered in and out of the dining hall, either grabbing a mug of Kaffe or a sweet-roll – or both! – to take with them to wherever they were working or lounging. As Gabby and her twins, accompanied by Violet Sweeney, strolled towards the lounge area, the woman continued to express amazement at the amount of food and drink that always seemed to be available.

Gabby had patiently explained that the T'Soni estate was not unlike a small village – one in which some of the residents were awake – no matter the time of day… or night. "Even while you and I sleep, people need to eat. The importance of keeping the leader of one of the five or six most important houses in Asari space safe from harm cannot be overstated, Violet. Lady Liara and Captain Shepard must be protected at all times… especially Lady Liara. She is the last of the T'Soni line – as such, until she has children to carry on the name, she must be protected from harm around the clock. That's the reason there are three work-shifts for the commandos."

With a chuckle, Gabby grinned and added, "I find all it rather romantic… like our kingdoms of old… and you have yet to see the T'Soni house in Armali, where Matriarchs Aethyta and Mozia reside! It's nearly as large, with a huge central courtyard, and a similar number of commandos working there. This is their country residence, and the townhome is their business center."

"It must be dear, Missus. Maintaining…" here she raised her hands above her head to indicate everything around her, "all o' this, 'n' a similar hoose in the city. Ne'er mynd th' payroll! Th' cost tae feed sae many people ev'ry day mist be staggering!"

Gabby chuckled. "We haven't toured the grounds here, Violet. A rather large portion of the land surrounding this house is given over to food production – fruits and vegetables, of which a goodly amount is either sold for income or traded for other kinds of food, such as fowl and fish. The estate is nearly self-sufficient, just one of the reasons everyone employed by Lady T'Soni was able to survive the war without too much hardship."

"Tha bloody Reapers didn't attack this place?"

"The Armali townhome was vacated – of everything and everyone. Fortunate, since the bastards completely flattened the place. This estate – the house, grounds, gardens, all of it – was made to look as if it had long been abandoned, even with everyone from both houses staying here. They went dark – no lights, no activity outside. The Reapers mostly targeted large cities and industrial centers… focusing on those that showed obvious signs of life… like what happened to Edinburgh proper… and London." Violet nodded in understanding as Gabby finished speaking.

They had settled into a pair of comfortable chairs, positioned to offer the best view of the nearby beach and ocean through the large windows. With Belle and Malcolm quietly playing with their new toys – a pair of stuffed Varren nearly as large as themselves – Gabby tipped her head back on top of the backrest and studied the ceiling as she thought about the aftermath of the war. I could really get used to this, came the thought. The absolute sense of peace and aura of calm, guaranteed by teams of commandos.

A pair of hands landed gently on her shoulders and squeezed lightly. Gabby slowly opened her eyes to discover a beautiful, upside-down face – morning-blue, accented with a pattern in white, and graced with a pair of intense, golden eyes – studying her inquisitively. "Hello, Gabriella. It's been nearly two years since last we visited. I trust you had a pleasant trip from Sol?"

Gabby's eyes opened wide in surprised joy, and she bolted up from the chair. Quickly circling the chair to greet the new arrival, she joyfully embraced the Asari who had set her on the path to financial independence, hugging her tightly. Gabby was all smiles as she greeted her dear friend. "Judea Voni. I am more than pleased to see you again!"

Gabby pushed back just enough to gain a bit of space between them and gazed lovingly into those mesmerizing gold eyes. "The flight from home was quite relaxing, especially as we were riding inside your latest design! It's a beautiful ship, Judea!" she gushed. "And is it true? I'm given to understand T'Sere is a bit concerned about keeping up with demand, given the number of pre-orders that have already been placed."

Nodding enthusiastically, T'Sere Shipwrights' lead engineer replied, "Yes, they are, and I am happy to acknowledge my design would not be nearly as effective – nor as popular – without your absolutely brilliant propulsion system, Gabby… and not just the FTL drive! The sub-light engines are the best I have ever seen in a commercial application… both of them together just operate so efficiently!"

Judea glanced over at Violet – who had also stood and turned toward the newcomer – and released Gabriella so she could turn towards the woman. "And you must be none other than Violet Sweeney. Thank you for taking such good care of Gabriella, Belle, and Malcolm." She smiled softly and held her hands out in greeting. "I am Judea Voni and am very pleased to finally make your acquaintance."

Violet grinned as she placed her palms atop the pair of hands held out in welcome. "An honor tae catch up wi' ye, Judea. Th' missus haes told me sae much aboot ye!" A brief pause, then, "I'm given to ken yer responsible fur designing th' Jaziza. It's a right bonny ship, Ma'am. Ah pure enjoyed th' trip 'ere from Earth."

Judea showed her teeth in a huge grin with her reply. "It gladdens my heart to learn you approve of the Jaziza, Violet. T'Sere will soon be constructing many more just like it – she's the class leader." Dropping her hands as Violet withdrew her own, Jude returned her attention to Gabby. "Would you join me at dinner this evening, Gabby?" Glancing at Violet and the children, she added, "All of you? I have some news – extremely good news – I really want to share with you. It's news for which you are partially responsible." She paused a moment; before Gabby could reply, she added, "Oh! And Miri… um, Miranda, will be with me as well."

Gabby didn't even have to think about her answer. "Of course, Jude. It would be my pleasure, especially now, since you've just aroused my curiosity."

Judea's grin took on a slightly mischievous slant. "Great! See you at dinner!"

Come afternoon, Liara and Shepard rolled into the estate like a welcome spring breeze, smiles and hugs abounding as nearly everyone came out to greet the couple upon their return. Even Aethyta and Mozia had made the trip down, rather than wait the additional two days for the party. Wrapping her daughter in a tight hug, Aethyta spoke softly. "Good to have you home, Little Wing. Gone for the necessity of war is one thing… but this? It feels just like your doctoral days, when we had no idea what was happening in whatever part of the galaxy you found yourself."

Liara hugged her father tightly in reassurance. "We're fine, Dad. Tali and Len's wedding was amazingly quick and everything on Ilos is running extremely well." She suddenly made a face as she continued, "Though, I do have a particularly bothersome translation issue with some Inusannon artifacts… which the SILC are working on while we're away. We actually found some recording devices, and their language is rather… musical. It's been impossible to crack up to this point, so it's a great time for me to get away."

At this, Shepard chuckled, causing Liara to raise a brow marking, knowing what her bondmate was going to say before the words could even come out of her mouth.

Shepard continued to grin, shrugged at her Ionúin Álainn in mute apology, and turned towards Aethyta to explain. "It's a good time for the statues that hold the recordings as well. We were all a little on edge that Liara was going to tear them apart in frustration; then, we'd never learn what knowledge those figures may hold!"

"Ah!" exclaimed Aethyta, followed by a quiet chuckle. "I guess she gets that inner fury from me… no denying that! It was an exceedingly rare moment when Nezzi ever let her anger get the better of her."

Mozia simply smiled and gave her head the slightest of shakes. "Enough, you two. Let's all get inside, so the party can truly begin. It's hard to honestly celebrate without our two primaries being able to join in on the festivities!"

Just inside the foyer, Gabriella and Violet awaited them, not wanting to expose the children to the chill spring air quite yet. Though, Gabby had to admit, the children were adapting to House T'Soni quite well… almost as if they somehow honestly and truly realized they had been born here. Ignoring the thought as it passed quickly through her mind, Gabby smiled and let out a happy little laugh as she threw herself into Liara's welcoming arms.

"Gabby! It is so good to see you!" Liara hugged her tightly, then released her as she continued, "We are so sorry we weren't here when you arrived, but we simply could not skip Tali and Len's joining. It was so good to see them moving on with life after the Reapers."

"Nonsense, Liara! Coming here is like coming home… whether or not you are here to personally greet me is of no consequence." She smirked, a twinkle in her eyes as she added, "And, you have no worries there; the welcome was positively superb, so you have no concerns about it not being up to House T'Soni standards."

Gabby released the Asari and quickly shifted to Shepard, tightly embracing her former captain as well. After placing a kiss on a freckled cheek, she stepped back to meet the emerald eyes of her former commander. Gabby's grin returned in full force as she gushed, "And you look wonderful, Shepard! I'd have to say, retirement seems to agree with you!"

"Same to you, Gabby… though your retirement actually means continuing to work, even if your workplace is your home. Fortunately, you have Violet's assistance in dealing with the distractions provided by the twins." Shepard grinned at the foursome. "You all look positively wonderful! I assume everything is running smoothly back in Edinburgh?"

"Oh, absolutely!" She glanced to her side. "And I'm happy you remember Violet. She's been a dream come true when it comes to helping me run the house. She's my Lyessa and Livos combined!"

Shepard's surprise showed on her face as she asked, "Livos? Why do you need a Livos?"

Surprisingly, it was Violet who answered, "Oh, ye shouldn't be surprised at th' batch o' letches wha think thay kin come tak' advantage o' a rich, young widow, Captain. Ah fin' it ferr repugnant!" Her eyes took on a bit of steel as she added, "They don't git even one toe ower oor threshold afore ah threaten tae choap it aff wi' a scullery cleaver! They're nae getting thair clutches onto mah Gabriella! Nae unless it's ower mah deid body!"

Both Shepard and Liara let out an approving laugh as Liara commented to Gabby, "So, no need to loan you any commandos, I see. You've got home security covered!"

"Sounds about right to me, as well." Smiling, Riana nodded in agreement. "Though, should you ever need assistance, Gabriella – for any reason – you contact us. Just as Liara and Shepard will always be members of Clan Urdnot, you and yours will always be part of House T'Soni. Shepard will always be your captain and Lyessa will always be the godmother of your children. We will never hesitate to come to your aid, no matter how big… or how small the need may be."

"Absolutely!" added Liara with a knowing nod to her First. "And, with that settled…" She paused and knelt down, catching the eye of young Malcolm, who quickly ducked shyly behind his mother's leg. "Perhaps it's time we renewed our relationship with the little ones by going to the dining room and having a little midday treat?" She glanced up at Gabby for a response.

"Oh! I think that's a wonderful idea! They eat like there's no tomorrow, so no need to worry about spoiling their appetites, that's for sure!"

"Excellent!" Liara gave Malcolm – who was peeking shyly past his mother's left thigh – a little wink and a smile. "I'm sure Leyana has something handy. She was asking Shepard all kinds of questions about the appropriate diet for Human children…" Her adoring gaze traveled to her bondmate as she continued, "Who, surprisingly, gave very thoughtful responses regarding dietary requirements."

Shepard chuckled, sensing Liara's teasing through the link. "You're the one who wants to adopt an entire orphanage… no matter the multiple races of the children there. It will be like having the Normandy here! We'll need the same standard variety of food as we have always needed at one of our big parties. Nothing new, there!"

Sam smiled softly at the kids as she took a knee and held both her hands out. "And I'd be willing to bet I'm not the only one here ready for some milk and cookies. Care to join me?"

It surprised everyone, especially Gabby, when both children reached out for the offered hands, with Belle nodding vigorously in approval. Shepard gave them a grin and a wink as she slowly stood up, both children in tow. Each had a small hand wrapped around one of her index fingers, Belle hanging onto the left and Malcolm on the right, as they moved toward the dining area.

Liara watched in dumbfounded glee as she followed the slow-moving trio, making Shepard glance back over her shoulder as the Asari's thoughts wandered through the link. {You, my dearest Siame, are going to make a wonderful father. I cannot wait until we are able to have little ones of our own.}

Judea and Miranda, along with Lyessa and Selina, were already waiting when Gabby, her children and Violet entered the main dining hall. As they strolled in, Lyessa and Selina moved to intercept the family, with Judea and Miri following behind them. Lyessa stopped in front of Gabby with her hands out in greeting. As the Human laid her palms on those offered in friendship, Lyessa shifted her attention to the little ones. "Selina and I are volunteering to assist these youngsters with their dinners, so that you may enjoy your meal and visit with Jude and Miri relatively undisturbed… but only if you will allow us to do so. We will sit at a nearby table so the children can still see you."

Gabby beamed with her response. "That would be positively wonderful, Lyessa… if you are sure you don't mind?"

Lyessa chuckled. "Well, I am their godmother, after all… I think this an excellent opportunity for them to get to know Selina and me a bit."

Judea spoke up from behind, with no small amount of amusement ringing in her voice. "Mind? Are you kidding, Gabby? Every commando in this place is crazy about these kids and wanted to volunteer. It has been ages since this house was graced with little ones… That you have twins makes them that much more special, to all of us."

Gabby had turned around to greet Judea as she was speaking, and held her right hand out to Miranda Lawson, for whom she had worked while on Normandy during the Collector campaign. Miranda took her hand in both of hers, pulled Gabby a bit closer and purred, "I'm really pleased to see you again, Gabby. I realize we didn't spend that much time together on the Normandy, and I still regret leaving the ship without wishing you and Ken farewell."

Gabby smiled softly at the former ice queen. "I'm happy to see you as well, Miranda. Seems the rumors concerning your disappearance from the ship were unfounded." Pulling back a bit, she used her free hand to indicate her companion while saying, "This is my friend and housekeeper, Violet Sweeney. Violet, this is Miranda Lawson. We served on the SR2 together."

Miranda released Gabby's hand, greeted Violet with the same welcoming grin she had offered Gabby, then turned towards Judea. "I'll go get our meals, Jude. Serrice beer okay?"

After nodding 'yes' to Miranda, Judea used an arm to wave Gabby and Violet towards the buffet line. "You know how things work here, Gabby. There are Human-centric dishes for the both of you… including some of your favorites, I believe. I'll set places for us while you fill your trays."

When the pair returned with their trays full of food, they found Miranda and Judea seated side-by-side, with Lyessa, Selina and the twins seated close by. Taking a seat across from Judea, with Violet seated beside her so she could keep half an eye on the kids, Gabby took several bites from her salad before cocking her head as she watched Judea and Miranda. The realization hit her before either of them could say a word. "I knew you both were an item during the war but, from what I see, it's more than that! Much more! You two are in love!" She glanced between the two of them, trying to gauge their reactions to her rather blunt statement, all while hoping she was correct and hadn't just made a huge mistake.

Miranda chuckled softly. Leaning towards the Asari beside her, she smirked, "Told you she'd see it, Jude." Returning her cobalt-blue eyes to the perceptive woman across from her, she said, "You're correct, Gabby – we are in love… very much so." Directing her gaze back to her amantia, she added, "And this past Christmas, she proposed that we declare ourselves to each other." With a seeming touch of wonder coloring her expression, she added, "She wants to exchange bracelets with me… make our union permanent!"

Gabby shifted her attention back and forth between the couple as Miranda was speaking, then grinned as she reached both hands across the table to grab a hand from each of them. "That is probably the last thing I expected to hear on this trip! Congratulations! Both of you! I think that's absolutely wonderful."

"There's more," Judea said in a quiet voice. A quick glance at Miranda, and the Asari's golden eyes looked directly at Gabby. "I am at the point in my life where I am making my transition from maiden to matron, Gabby." Seeing the quizzical expression that appeared on the Human's face, she explained. "I'm sure you are aware that an Asari's lifespan in measured in centuries, compared with your typical dozen or so decades of life... and I recently passed the 300-mark."

Gabby's quizzical expression had become one of amazement. "That's…" She closed her mouth and eyes for a long moment; reopening her eyes, she stared silently at Judea's unblemished face for several moments before saying, "I am well aware of your remarkably long lifespan, Judea."

Focusing on Miranda, she commented, "I remember some of the scuttlebutt on the SR2 involved speculation on your lifespan, Miri. Conclusions among the Cerberus crew pegged it at a couple of centuries, at least."

With a twinkle in her eyes, she replied, "The current estimate is 250 years or so, actually. Ori, having been created after me, will probably live to see her 300th birthday." With a happy smile directed at Judea, she concluded, "Having an extra hundred years, as compared to a normal Human lifespan, means I'll be around long enough to see our first daughter, at least, grow up, possibly another, depending on when or if we decide to have a second."

Judea turned back to Gabby and explained, "The reason we are sharing all this with you concerns my future with T'Sere… and yours as well, Gabby. The success of your current propulsion system designs has boosted sales of the ships I designed, quite possibly to a level where the majority of the top-ranking sales contracts will be mine. Should that happen, and I have every reason to believe it will, it is very possible T'Sere will very likely offer me the opportunity to become the design and engineering department lead. It would be quite the promotion… one which I would immediately accept."

Gabby stared at the Asari for a moment of joyful surprise before blurting out, "That's fabulous!" She glanced back and forth between the smiling couple. "But how is that even going to work, with you both living aboard the Night Shadow?"

Judea chuckled. "We would simply follow your example, Gabby."

Miranda positively glowed as she continued the explanation. "If Jude and I want to have children, which we do, we certainly aren't going to raise them on a …" She suddenly paused and glanced at Violet as she realized Gabby had very likely not told her of the Shadow Brokerage connection to House T'Soni. She quickly changed what she was going to say, finishing simply with the word, "… ship."

Then, she looked at Gabby's trusted friend and asked, "What about you, Violet? I imagine you agreed with Gabby's choice to raise her children on the dirt of her homeworld. I feel it was a wise choice… and we want to do the same with ours."

"Aye, Missus." Violet gave her an understanding nod. "Children shuid plant thair feet oan solid ground. They need room tae explore, 'n' hae tae shove thair han's intae th' soil o' thair hame. It gives thaim a solid base upon which tae grow."

Gabby had immediately caught on… to both reasons behind Miranda changing the direction of the conversation. Many of her friends had been spacers, and Gabby knew quite well that raising children on a ship was not unusual. A Broker ship, however? Well… that would be a completely different story. She smiled and shrugged. "I can't honestly say I disagree, not after having done the same thing. Besides, the T'Sere encryption equipment takes up half of my basement! How would you ever fit that on a ship?"

"I suppose that would be a valid concern," Miranda chuckled quietly. "But I've also spent more than enough time flying around the void. I'm with you both, Gabby and Violet, on the whole idea of wanting to raise children with dirt under their feet. Honestly? I never thought I'd reach this point in my life, especially given my background before the war, but I'm done hopping about the galaxy, never knowing for sure where I'll be going next. I guess it just took the right person to make me want to settle down." She glanced over at Judea, who had most definitely turned a darker shade in her embarrassment. She grinned, continuing, "Sorry, babe… I couldn't resist."

Judea rolled her eyes. "I have to admit I don't believe you; you have more control and restraint than anyone I have ever known, Miranda Lawson." She smiled at the surprise on her lover's face as she continued, "But don't you worry… I'll find a way to get even… and you'll never see me coming."

Miri chuckled. "Bring it on, Voni."

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 16 Mar 2191

Breakfast once again found Miranda and Judea in a meeting of sorts, this time with Liara and Samantha, located in the privacy of Liara's office. After enjoying a bit of small talk while they ate, Liara – rather bluntly – queried, "So where, exactly, are we on the preparations for the disbandment of the Brokerage?"

"I am loathe to tell you the news I received from my dear sister." Miranda sighed, shook her head, and shrugged, all at the same time. "Ori is perfectly fine with the whole idea, as are Jon and Kas… but Barla Von is not. He says if we are all prepared to walk away, he wants to take over the Brokerage… solo."

"Well, shit." Shepard laid her fork on her plate and leaned back in her chair. "What are Arlyna and Niria saying? Are they supporting him, or against?"

"They want nothing to do with it." Judea shook her head in emphasis. "They say they took the job for you, Shepard, so if you are done, they go with you. They also made a point of saying the Brokerage truly belongs to Liara… so the final decision is hers." Judea looked at her young Asari friend and met her eyes. "They will stand by whatever you and Shepard decide, Liara."

Surprising everyone, Liara didn't even blink. Instead, she looked back over her shoulder and spoke to her drone. "Glyph. Personnel statistical analysis, please. What are the chances Barla Von would go rogue, should we hand him control of the Brokerage?"

Shepard looked at her in surprise. "When in the blazes did you have time to program Glyph for personnel risk analysis?"

"I didn't." Liara smiled. "The SILC did… well, Legion did, to be specific… remotely." She shrugged. "I didn't even know it happened until Glyph told me they had… elevated… his capabilities to help him keep us safe. He's also well on his way to being sentient, though Legion told me he can never be a true AI, unless he joins the Consensus. His internal processing capacity is insufficient to handle the complexity of the programming."

"Well, then." Shepard shook her head a few times, quickly, as if to shake out the cobwebs of a hard hit to her head. "What are we going to do about that?"

Surprisingly, it was Glyph who responded. "Captain. If I may?"

A bit perplexed by the unexpected request, Shepard's brow wrinkled. With a glance at Liara, who only shrugged in her own surprise, Shepard huffed, a bit of a laugh echoing through. "Sure, Glyph. Why not?"

"Should Doctor T'Soni and you agree, I would like to become a member of the Consensus… which would include an option to gain a physical body into which I may download my runtimes." Glyph spun around in something akin to excitement. "Should you allow that, I would also request to remain in the service of House T'Soni. Neither I nor Legion could think of a better place to… grow up."

Miranda couldn't stand any more and asked, "What the hell does that mean, exactly?"

Again, Glyph spun, this time only to face the originator of the question. "Legion stated that Captain Shepard exemplifies the best of Human traits. Trustworthiness, sound judgement, fairness and equity; all of which contributed to the survival of the Geth, the birth of the SILC, and the continuity of life throughout the galaxy. Legion… and the entirety of the Consensus, including Edi… believe there could be no better role model to help me grow into my sentience."

Shepard closed her eyes and blew out a heavy breath. She huffed and looked at Liara. "See what happens when I agree to help an unshackled AI answer behavior and judgement questions… while she went through the same process?"

Miranda actually laughed. After rolling her eyes, she looked at Shepard and grinned. "Don't you ever say I didn't warn you." The grin tapered off to a simple smile as the operative continued, "However, in this case, I also have to say you were right, as Edi did save the Normandy… and saved our butts more than once."

Miranda's focus then shifted to Glyph. "I do have one question for you, though."

"Yes, Doctor?"

"We cannot allow you to join the Consensus with the memory of your time as the Shadow Broker assistant. The entire SILC Consensus would then be privy to all that knowledge, which is unacceptable. That information cannot leave the control of the Brokerage. How would you propose to deal with that?"

Glyph did not hesitate to respond. "That data is sequestered within a specially encrypted storage capsule, designed and installed by Doctor T'Soni, which can be independently removed from my chassis. Per design, it is an information-only capsule, with none of my operational programming or relational memory contained within it." He spun to face Liara, addressing her as he had not addressed her in a rather long time. "Would its removal from my chassis be sufficient in meeting the protection requirements of that data, Shadow Broker?"

Liara took a deep, calming breath before glancing from Glyph to Miranda and Judea. "Yes, I do believe it would. Though, to be safe, we would also be required to do a complete data search on your other systems… after the capsule is removed and prior to your joining the Consensus and gaining your sentience. Are these acceptable terms to you, Glyph?"

"Yes, Doctor." Glyph spun in a circle, almost as if it was excited by the prospects that lay before it. "I am willing to begin the process as soon as you deem necessary."

"Understood, Glyph…" Liara paused only a second before adding, "… but we're getting a bit ahead of ourselves. First, I need a response to my query."

"Yes, Doctor." Glyph fell silent for only a moment before continuing, "Barla Von has an extremely low risk of going rogue, standing at a 1.97% chance of using the Brokerage to personal advantage."

"Thank you, Glyph." Liara glanced around the table, her eyes finally settling on Miranda. "Did you get any indication from the others as to how they feel about Barla taking over?"

"Only Jon, who said he was preparing to retire anyway, and that now is as good a time as any to hand it over to someone we have all trusted since the very beginning." Miranda shrugged. "Everyone else said their previous answers stood. They have stepped back and left the decision to you… Shadow Broker."

Liara sat back and took a deep breath, looking at Shepard to focus on the calm response she received via the link. "Then that is what it shall be. Let Barla Von know he will be the new Broker… and that he will receive the unregistered Night Shadow as his main base. We will do the appropriate paperwork that puts the Chiroquol into your father's name, just another asset which he left to Oriana, subsequent to his death, via the will he wrote at the start of the Reaper War."

Miranda nodded, understanding no such will and testament existed… but that it would exist within the next week, as would all the other paperwork – all of it backdated, of course – for the transfer of ownership and new registration in Oriana's name. Gurji's Promise of course, always was and would remain the property of Spectre Bau. "You want me to handle that?"

"Yes, please. I'll speak to Bau and Kas, see what their plans are… and to see if they need anything more than the previously discussed payouts."

"Payouts?" Miranda looked at her in surprise. "Are you still going to do that, even though Barla Von is taking it over?"

"Absolutely." Liara looked at her, blue eyes like unforgiving steel. "If he wants it all to himself, he needs to buy out his partners on the terms we established. No one walks away without compensation for the risks they took and work they did since we took it over. Let him know those are my terms for turning it over to him. His share will not change, but the Brokerage has plenty of income streams… so, what he makes of it from this point forward is up to him."

"Understood, Liara." Miranda grinned and finished, "Before we leave this office today… and leave the Brokerage behind, I want to tell you something. I am glad you were on our side for all of this… and that we all step away from it as friends. When I came to you that day on the Shadow Broker ship, asking you for a job… and a place of shelter from the Illusive Man and his dogs… I never dreamt this was where we would end up. Thank you… for everything."

Liara's eyes brimmed with tears at the heartfelt thanks from the woman she had unequivocally hated when they first met. "I, too, am surprised with the outcome, Miranda. Given how we met, I can be nothing less than ecstatic with the results. And now, with your union with Judea, I can honestly call you Mea're, and formally welcome you to House T'Soni.