Notes:

A Grá - My Love (Gaelic)

Anam amháin - one soul (Gaelic)

Anam Cara - Soul Friend/Mate (Gaelic)

Full Biotic Kick - drink with bourbon, Tuchanka dry, twist of orange, and ginger beer to fill

Ionúin Álainn - beautiful beloved (Gaelic)

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

Turning the Page

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 17 Mar 2191

Liara had planned well for this day, but it still held a number of surprises. Once the decision had been reached and the call made to Barla Von regarding the future of the Brokerage, the plan was set in motion. Liara's funds had been dispersed as required, with various orphanages receiving anonymous gifts from an extremely wealthy benefactor, while the other 'buy-out' funds were placed into various accounts and distributed in multiple, rather ingenious ways. For this, Liara relied entirely on Barla Von's skills in the financial sector; he was an expert at tracing financial transactions, and by virtue of that expertise, also an expert at hiding his own. Even so, in the end, each primary agent received a rather significant sum.

When Liara saw the final notifications for the multiple transactions, she was surprised. As the actual Broker, her payout was somewhat higher than the others, even though she had requested it be evenly distributed. As an added bonus, she also received the new Broker's direct contact data, as everything from the old system had been whitewashed and replaced. This had been explained away by a security breach in the system, when a 'customer' somehow gained the direct contact information for the Broker. The 'leak' had been plugged, but standard security protocols required a complete reset of the system. Only the existing broker agents received the new data.

When Liara called him on it, as an unapproved modification to their plan, Barla Von had simply shrugged, his reply being frequently interrupted by the intermittent 'sshhk' sound of his rebreather. "You are an information broker of record, Dr T'Soni. Just because you no longer have your office on Illium, well… let us just say for an agent of your caliber, a physical location is not necessarily required, is it?" He gave her a quick wave and added, "Just know I will always take your call, should you ever be in need of information or assistance, Liara. We all owe you at least that much," just before he terminated the transmission, rather unceremoniously, and the screen went black.

Liara arched a brow and glanced toward Shepard, who was sitting on the couch while working on her omnitool. "Barla Von has obviously been planning this for a while… somehow, he knew it was coming and wanted to ensure we still have backchannel access."

"What do you mean?" Shepard looked up as she asked the question, only to see a crooked finger indicating she should join Liara and look at the screen. Closing her omnitool, she stood and walked over to glance over the shoulder of her Anam Cara. "Well, at least if we ever need it, we can contact him direct without having to go through an agent." Her eyes then wandered down the screen to focus on what Liara was actually pointing out. She let out a long, quiet whistle as what she was looking at sank in. "Shit. That's… a lot of creds… even by T'Soni standards."

"Yes, it is… and it's completely untraceable… and here's why I received more than the other primaries." Liara flipped to another screen, displaying the records of the transactions. "He has made it appear like my personal account has been receiving credits from a T'Soni house account set up by my mother… once a month since the day I was born. It was, supposedly, an educational fund… which I never tapped because of our estrangement. So, while payments supposedly ended when I graduated, there has been rather significant interest accruing on the account, which will continue in perpetuity, unless I change the disbursement instructions with the fund manager. The way Barla did it makes the money free and clear. By any standard, it is traceable, legitimate income for normal usage."

"And Barla Von set this all up without your knowledge?" Shepard frowned as Liara simply shrugged.

"Yes… and it all just showed up, overnight. I am also confident the fund manager won't have an issue with its sudden appearance, as I recognize the name; it's a shell company owned by the Brokerage, specifically for transactions just like this, which also completes a majority of legitimate transactions, as a cover."

"No way Barla managed all that in the 16 hours he had since the notification." Shepard chuckled quietly, shaking her head as she did so. "Which, I suppose, is exactly why you hired him."

"It certainly is." Liara smiled. "Well, one of many reasons, anyway." She spun her chair around slowly, so as to not hit Shepard in the process, and stood, wrapping her arms around her siame. "He also must have believed we actually would get out of the business just as we said. I don't doubt he likely planned to remind us at some point, once everything had truly settled into a new normal, if we hadn't done it on our own."

"Well, we have to agree that other than what little remains of the galactic repairs… we are pretty damn close to what I would consider a new normal." Shepard chuckled. "That sly little Volus. He was ready and waiting for the announcement. Somehow, he knew the day he had been planning for was getting close." The woman grinned "Though, I'd like to think the timing of the announcement was still something of a surprise."

"An egotistical statement if I ever heard one, Samantha." Liara laughed and gave her a final squeeze before stepping back. "I honestly didn't think you had it in you."

Shepard laughed in return. "I don't… I'm speaking for you, as the Broker. After all, it is… was… your job to keep secrets!"

"Not from my own team members!" Liara gave her a playful swat. "Now, come on, we have guests who are quite likely awaiting our appearance to truly begin the holiday festivities!"

It was much later in the afternoon when Liara's omnitool pinged. Glancing down at the notification, her heart skipped a beat, sending a small shockwave through the link.

{What's up, Anam amháin? You okay?}

{Can you meet me in my office?}

{Already on my way, Blue. See you in a couple of minutes.}

Liara's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she glanced up when Shepard strode into the room. Seeing the expression on her face, Sam moved immediately to her side. "What's wrong, Li?"

"Nothing… other than the ache in my heart." Liara squeezed her eyes closed for a second before continuing. "I received a notification, informing me Glyph had decoded the first grouping of files contained on the disc I received from Matriarch Elesia. She was correct; they are copies of my mother's message traffic, from before Sovereign… messages I never received."

"Oh, Li." Shepard stepped closer to her bondmate, pulling her into a comforting embrace. "So, I assume, by your mood, you have read them?"

"I started, then stopped. I wanted you here for the rest… because."

"Explanation enough, Blue." Shepard gave her a comforting squeeze and stepped back. "Let's see what she left for you."

Liara's eyes pinched again, moisture gathering anew, which she refused to let fall. Saying, "Well… here goes nothing," she projected the display and reopened the file.

Shepard nodded, adding, "… or everything, depending on what we see."

As the projected display opened before them, the first few messages appeared, making Liara gasp anew, hearing her mother's voice in her head as she again started to read the words. Shepard moved quickly to Liara's back, supportively wrapping her arms around the young Asari while reading over her shoulder.

I miss you so, my Little Wing. I know it is unfair to you, but I have my duty to the Matriarchs and to the Council, and these Humans are too much like the Turians, in my opinion. So militant that I dare not leave their integration into the Council community to chance, so I fear my return will be delayed, yet again.

You would be interested to know some Humans possess latent biotic potential, though I fear the discovery has caused an unnatural surge in eezo-releasing 'accidents' – which, in my mind, do not appear to be accidents at all – that prompt their biotic genetic activation. The side effects of the failure to develop the proper channel nodes for their new biotics are not pleasant, including death, yet have not dissuaded certain Human groups from continuing their efforts. As such, my current efforts are focused on bringing their acts to light.

All I ask of you is, as dire as the situation may be for the Humans, that you please have patience. Remember I love you, Liara, and I hope to be home soon.

I am so sorry, Liara. I do not even know where to begin. I cannot believe I have fallen so out of sync with what has been going on in your life. I took these assignments because the Council needed me… never did I take them to avoid you… but I fully understand how you could have interpreted my actions in such a way. I cannot begin to explain to you just how bereft I felt after you disconnected my call so suddenly, without giving me a chance to even say goodbye. How could I forget denying you that summer program? Not letting you complete your required field work over concerns for your safety?

You may have an old soul but were still so inexperienced in the world, I dared not let you go – not when I was not allowed to send commandos with you, for your protection! I can see, now, how that has become a wedge, hand forged by no one but me, that seriously drove us apart and, for that, I cannot apologize enough. Not for the decision, but for my inability to explain my reasoning to you in a way you could understand. I can only hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. I love you, Liara, and I hope to be home soon. Perhaps you can make it to the Estate, and we could lunch in the garden?

Honestly, I expected some form of an answer… or perhaps even some help in getting my visit application to Kahje processed… even as I realize I don't deserve any extra time or effort on your part. Now, my window of opportunity is closing, and there is no time to redo the application; not that it would matter anyway. The administrator told me the Hanar were insulted that they were never given the opportunity to have a Consular Envoy appointed for them during their integration with the Council races. They basically questioned why they were deemed less worthy than the Humans. She told me, in no uncertain terms, that their negative response will not change, no matter how I phrase the request. So, once again, no matter how hard I try to make up for lost time, it seems we will, once again, fail to reconnect.

Shepard could feel Liara's heart hammering in her chest, as well as the pain associated with the memories reading these lost messages provoked, so simply held her tight. She relaxed her grip only when Liara shut off the display and she felt the Asari's desire to turn; Shepard allowed her to do so, so she could bury her face in Samantha's shoulder as tears finally began to fall.

They stood there for some time; Shepard only able to offer loving support via the link as Liara attempted to process her mother's words. An immense feeling of regret was what finally emerged – regret at being so distant, both physically and emotionally, and the unfolding events that ripped away any time they may have had to reconcile – a thing that, up until now, Liara had wondered if it was even possible. The knowledge that it could have happened – would have happened – had circumstances been different, managed to bring Liara a sense of painful peace. It hurt, having had her mother taken away before they could work their way through their difficulties, but she also felt the peace that only forgiveness could bring.

"You cannot just forgive only your mother, Li." Shepard's voice was like a sudden boom of thunder in the quiet, making Liara jump. "You have to forgive yourself as well."

It took a moment for Liara's voice to work, but she finally managed the words, "I know… and I do. It just…"

She couldn't finish, but Shepard knew it hurt, and that it likely always would, to some degree, just like losing her own dad as a child; David Shepard's death had created a void, but not an unsurpassable obstacle. She had managed to move on and make a wonderful life with Liara, and she knew Liara had done the same, with her. Even when the entire galaxy was going to Hell in a handbasket, they had each other, and it had been enough. As that thought crossed the link, Liara actually smiled through her tears.

"It was… is… more than enough, Siame." Liara pulled back, just enough to look up and meet Samantha's eyes. "We truly are Anam amháin, and I could not possibly ask for anything more." Drawing a deep, calming breath, she wiped away her tears of remembrance and took a step back, holding her hand out. "Come. Let us return to our quarters so I can wash my face. We need to return to the celebration."

Shepard smiled with understanding as she took the offered hand. "It seems fitting that this is all happening over our spring festivals. It is the time of rebirth, a celebration of renewed life. To have your mother reconnected to our lives… to have the promise of more information and insight into her final days, as additional data gets deciphered? I can only hope it helps you to fill in more of the missing time blocks. However painful it was, we both know how it all ended. We know Benezia had reclaimed her soul, and we helped her…" Shepard paused to swallow the lump that had formed in her own throat, so she could finish her statement. "… finish it that way… on her own terms."

"And there should be no guilt in that." Liara drew another deep calming breath and continued, "You are correct. It is what she wanted and was better than any of the other alternatives which remained to her. Most important was that, before her death, she managed to give us the information necessary to catch up to Saren and defeat Sovereign. Her supreme effort, strength of will… and even her final, willing sacrifice… led us to today; her actions secured our future. So, as of tonight, instead of mourning her passing, we will begin the celebration of her life."

"And I will be at your side throughout that entire journey, A Grá." Shepard smiled softly and gave her a nod of encouragement. "To help you through any rough spots along the way."

Once freshened up and mentally regrouped, the couple made their way downstairs. An always perceptive Aethyta picked up on the mood almost immediately as Liara and Shepard approached her and Mozia.

"What's up, Little Wing?"

"Nothing I care to discuss tonight, Dad." Liara smiled softly. "Tonight, we enjoy ourselves and the company of all our friends and family who made it here for the festivities. It's all good, I assure you."

Aethyta remained silent for a moment; catching the wary glance Mozia cast in her direction, indicating she should not force the issue until Liara was ready to share her thoughts and, most certainly, not during the holiday, Aethyta responded accordingly. "Alright, then. In that case, what are you having?"

"I think a Serrice Ice would do nicely." She glanced over at Shepard to receive a quick nod and a brief word through the link. Turning back to the bar tender de jure, she added, "And, Sam, of course, will have a Bushmills, please."

"Coming right up!" As she started to move to select the appropriate bottles and glasses, she asked, "So, you movin' on, or you gonna sit and chat for a while?"

"Oh, we'll hang here for a little while… Matriarch," Shepard said the last word with a smirk, the vexing use of her title causing Aethyta to turn and glare at her.

After only the briefest of moments, Aethyta grinned, picking up on the playful mood dancing across Shepard's face, akin to how she appeared when she bantered with her mother. Nodding in understanding, she gestured at a chair. "Then pull up a stool and sit your ass down, Captain. But, you should know, when you're at my bar, I'm in charge… not your heroic self. No enemies for you to kill here… but if you want to try me, just remember – I fight dirty."

Liara, a bit perplexed by the unexpected exchange, listened to the laughter that followed the exchange and glanced between the two before asking, "What in the galaxy just happened?"

Aethyta set the Serrice Ice down on the bar in front of her daughter and replied with a smile, "Oh, Shepard just formally welcomed me into her family, that's all. 'Bout damned time."

They were all surprised when Marisha S'Vatyne sidled up to the bar and perched on a stool beside them. "Matriarch! When did you arrive?" Liara glanced around, looking for Zan, and was surprised to not see her anywhere close by.

Marisha chuckled quietly, immediately knowing who Liara was looking for. "Liv met us on the ramp and promptly escorted us to our accommodations… and just as promptly ushered me right back out the door to 'go join the party' while she and Zan retreated to Zan's room for some 'personal' time."

Shepard laughed. "That's our Captain… large and in charge… and obviously very eager to get reacquainted with our nature guide in waiting."

"Yes." Marisha gave both Shepard and Liara a knowing look. "Which, by the way, is one of the purposes of my semi-unscheduled visit. I hope you don't mind that I took advantage of your offer of 'our house is your house' by inviting myself to the party… but only after checking with Lyessa to make sure you had space."

"We don't make that offer to everyone," grinned Liara. "And, when we do, we mean it – honestly. Most never take advantage of it, but we are glad you did and are very happy to see you. So, what is this update regarding Zan and her future position here?"

"I… well, we, being Zan and I… decided on her replacement just yesterday – Matron Tatharae Makeshi. She hails from a game preserve on the outskirts of Polos, on Cyone, highly recommended by her current employer, and comes with quite the portfolio of knowledge and experience. Wilderness Utopia is just the latest on her list of prestigious preserves where she has worked in her fast-rising, 300-year career. She, her bondmate, and their daughter will relocate to Sanves three months hence, in June of this year. Assuming the transition goes well, I should be able to release Zan by no later than the end of September."

"That's great news!" Shepard was all smiles. "So… maybe we could be looking at a bonding over the winter holiday?"

The matriarch chuckled good-naturedly. "That will be entirely up to Zan and Liv, don't you think?"

Liara smiled, understanding Shepard's intent because of their link. "Yes, it will be, but Sam is merely referring to it happening while we are home, and not out on Ilos."

Still smiling, Marissa nodded in understanding. "I am confident that will play an extremely large role in the date they select. It will also depend on if they are ready to make that next step so soon, or if they desire to wait a bit longer… perhaps for next spring? It would certainly give them more time to actually live together for a longer, uninterrupted period of time, before making their bonding commitment, and would also be a nicer time of year, should they decide to get away for some private time."

"Oooohhhh," sighed Shepard. "You've got me there, Marissa. It would be a much more pleasant time of year for travel, no doubt."

Liara smiled softly as she added, "Yes, it would… but I very much doubt we are going to get answers to any of our questions tonight, so we will simply have to try our best to not be impatient." Her gaze shifted from Shepard to their guest as she queried, "So, Matriarch… what would you like to drink?"

Marissa cast a somewhat playful glance in her direction. "I'm afraid if you are going to insist on calling me Matriarch, instead of following your bondmate's lead, I will have to insist on calling you Lady Liara…"

"Oh, please don't… Marissa." Liara looked pleadingly at her, the words rolling with some difficulty off her tongue.

The matriarch nodded in approval as she smiled in response. "Well then, that is so much better, Liara! Thank you for granting me that sense of familiarity. It is a party, after all, and I want to be here as that friend of the family you spoke of… not as the leader of House S'Vatyne." She let out a happy sigh and directed her gaze across the bar. "So, with that out of the way… Thyta? I would love a biotic kick, if you have everything you need to make one?"

Aethyta laughed. "In this bar? We've got just about everything! One full biotic kick, coming right up, Rissa!"

Meanwhile, in the room upstairs, Livos and Zan had participated in a rather long welcome kiss. Zan finally broke it off, placing her hands flat against Livos' shoulders and pushing back, just enough so she could meet the commando captain's eyes. "Goddess, it is good to see you, in person. To feel you under my hands, instead of looking at you on a vid screen."

Liv immediately reached for the clasps on her leathers, beginning to release the clips. "I'd much rather your hands be on my skin…"

"Wait…" She was cut off by Zan, the guide reaching quickly to capture her lover's hands before they made too much progress. "First, I have news I feel the need to share."

The smile on Zan's face erased any worry such a statement could have aroused, so Liv relaxed, clasping the hands that had landed on her own. "And what news could possibly be more important than our getting reacquainted?"

"The news of this possibly becoming a much more permanent arrangement?" She smiled at the look of joyful surprise that leapt onto Livos' face as she blurted, "We picked my replacement today! S'Vatyne's new guide will be on staff in June, and I will be able to join you here… permanently… by September."

Livos couldn't contain herself, letting out a yelp of glee and wrapping Zan in her arms, lifting her off her feet and spinning her around in a circle, before setting her back down and engaging in another prolonged kiss. Once that ended, the only words that came to mind were, "By the Goddess, Zan! That's the best news I have received since the announcement of the end of the Reaper War!"

Zan chuckled quietly, looking at her future bondmate with a joyous, loving smile. "I thought, just perhaps you would want to know that news, sooner rather than later."

"I do! That's wonderful!" All thoughts of ravishing the body of the one standing before her actually flew out the window. Instead, Liv grabbed her hand and dragged her towards the couch. Sitting down, she pulled Zan down beside her. "We can truly start planning now! I have to admit, when I received the call that you were inbound, I was a bit concerned… but this? This news is fantastic!"

Zan's smile lit the room, then she leaned in and silenced Liv with a gentle kiss. "Yes, it is… but let's not get ahead of ourselves." Seeing Liv's expression fall, she grinned. "None of that, now. All I'm saying is that we have time. The Matriarch… Mother… has passed this year's Janiris duties off to Sashly, as heir, and we are remaining here for the entire holiday." She laughed at Livos' new expression of wonder. "Yes, you heard correctly. We are not leaving until the 22nd."

"So, what does that have to do with anything?" Liv shook her head in stymied confusion. "Other than we have a bit longer together this trip than I thought."

Laughing, Zan stood up, pulling the House Captain up with her. "I say we go celebrate the new development at the party and dance the night away… then do our own dance in the privacy of your quarters…" she grinned widely as she added, "instead of the Matriarch's suite, to which she could return at any time."

"Goddess, you're right on that account." Blushing, Livos nodded. "That could be somewhat embarrassing." She laughed at herself and squeezed the hand in hers. "Then let us go dance and share our news; tonight will most definitely be a night to remember."

"Before we do that, I have something for you."

Liv had started to turn toward the door but stopped short, turning back with a hopeful smile. "And by that, you mean what?"

A sly grin appearing on her face, Zan reached into her pocket. "It's not a very formal proposal, but, if we're going to share the news…" Her hand came out holding two promise bracelets. "Will you be my promised one, Livos Tanni?"

Livos erupted in laughter while giving a matching informal response. "By the tides, yes!"

Slipping the bracelets onto each other's wrist, they grinned happily, engaging in one last, long kiss, before heading out to join the party raging downstairs.

Everyone in the lounge was beyond happy for the couple. The alcohol and the music flowed freely as everyone celebrated… well… everything. Life, in general, was good, great even, particularly with their primaries, Liara and Shepard, home with them. Watching Shepard dance was always entertaining; normally funny, but also surprisingly graceful when it came time for her and Liara to dance to a waltz. That had become a T'Soni tradition as well, with more and more of the members of House T'Soni taking lessons and learning the dance; so many now that the floor was full every time a waltz was played.

A tender smile graced Liara's lips as she sat at one of the tables, watching Samantha and Hannah take a turn around the dance floor. Shepard gave her a glance, a broad smile on her face, as she caught the feeling of doting love through the link. Liara's only regret – which, if she was honest, was more impatience than regret – was listening to all the arrangements being made for the various bondings. Arrangements being made by matrons, who were doing so for love… with spoken desires for children. Liara was more than ready to have children running about the Estate; the only regret coming from not yet being old enough for some of those children to be hers and Samantha's.

As that floated across the link, Shepard's mind reached out to interrupt her thoughts. {Ours will come soon enough, Ionúin Álainn. For now, take advantage of the freedom we have… time for you to revel in your archaeology, without regrets like your mother's, about not being home to spend time with you. This time of our lives is a blessing, when we can adore the children had by others, without the actual responsibility of parenting. Let's appreciate it while we are able… and save the best for later, when our turn comes.}

Liara could have taken that in many ways, but the joyful spirit in the way it was said took away any pain that could have resulted from the reminder of the messages they had read together earlier in the day. She smiled, and even knowing she should give Hannah this time with her daughter, she rose and walked to the dance floor to cut in. She wanted to dance.

She never reached her target, being cut off by Sharon Culver, who simply stepped in front of her, hands up and waiting for Liara to take hold. Liara could do little but smile, laugh, and take the waiting hands so she could be whisked across the floor. They traded partners for the next dance, Liara finally getting her wish, while Sharon kept Hannah on the floor. Eventually, the foursome found a table where they could all sit together, to enjoy the remainder of the evening.

Even Violet, Gabby and Harley made their appearance, a couple of commandos having gone to watch vids in Gabby's quarters while the children slept, having already been put to bed. Gabby was grinning ear-to-ear as she walked in, Violet on one side and Harley – on her arm – on the other. Immediately locating Liara and Shepard, she gave each of them a loving hug. "I have forgotten just how much of a bash your parties are, Shepard, and it seems they grow even bigger every year that passes!"

"This is nothing, Gabby!" Liara chuckled. "You should have seen this place at Christmas… everyone was here, including Ashley Williams, with Andreas, and even Admiral Lindholm!"

After seating Gabby and Violet at the rather large table at which Shepard, her mom, Liara and Sharon Culver were sitting, Harley left for the few minutes needed to procure drinks for everyone; refills for the four people he was joining, along with a fresh drink each for Gabby, Violet and himself.

After taking a seat beside an extremely happy Gabriella, he raised his glass over the center of the table and said, "A toast!" He waited until everyone had raised their glass to join his, whereupon he offered, "There are those who make our life a little more colorful. Let's drink to people who, in the most difficult moment, even just by their presence, can support, calm and cheer us up. For those who will not let you down and will not betray." Harley paused to look at each of the people sitting around the table, until his gaze was fixed on Samantha. He concluded, "For friends!"

He was answered with a quiet chorus of 'Here! Hear!' followed by each of them taking a sip from their glasses. Violet Sweeney had earlier confessed to Gabby that she was just a bit overwhelmed by the number of people – whether Humans, Asari, or even Krogan – that had descended on the T'Soni estate for their annual spring celebration. As such, she had been happy to simply observe everything going on around her, so was surprised when Liara directed a question to her.

"You seem awfully quiet, Violet. Are you enjoying your visit? Is there anything you need?"

The woman ducked her head slightly as she blushed at being singled out by the lady of the house. Bringing her head back up, she returned Liara's gaze and said, "Thank ye fur asking, bit A'm fine, mah Lady. It's juist, I hae very little experience wi' get-togethers o' this magnitude. It's all juist a bit much tae take in, A'm afraid. An' there's th' news from mah mistress, as well." She looked at Gabby apologetically as she finished.

Liara directed her attention to Gabby and asked, "What news, Gabby?"

Gabby turned to Harley, who nearly choked on his Irish whiskey. After coughing a bit to clear his throat, he shifted his gaze to a suddenly quiet Sharon Culver. With a teeth-baring grin, he looked back to Liara, splitting his attention between the Asari and Shepard. "Pirate activity has lessened greatly since war's end, to the point I've been offered a transfer, Shepard… and a promotion."

He turned his attention to Gabby; receiving a slight nod of her head, he looked back at his hosts and said, "You know I'm currently a Lieutenant Commander. The Alliance has admitted I should have been promoted to full Commander when I became the exec on the Huli, and have already rectified that oversight, with a rather nice bonus check for the pay I should have received over that time."

He then drew a deep breath, Sharon giving him a go-ahead nod, before continuing, "And, I just received orders to transfer off-ship by 30 June, at which time I will head back to Rio, to attend Sharon Culver's retirement ceremony before assuming command of Spec Ops."

Shepard's mouth fell open and she immediately looked at Sharon. "You? Retiring?"

Culver dipped her head momentarily, then met the intent green eyes looking questioningly at her. "Yes, I am, Shep. I'm tired, and it's time… past time, actually."

"Damn!" Shepard raised her glass, adding, "And congratulations, Sharon! Here's to you!" She quickly polished off the last bit of whiskey in her glass and asked, "So, what will you do? Where will you go? I can't imagine you sitting back in an easy chair and doing nothing." Her face held an expectant grin, simply knowing Sharon always had a plan.

Sharon chuckled. "I won't. Sit in a chair and take it easy, that is. I plan on moving to Gellix… join Adrien at Cliffside."

Her eyes took on a far-away look as she thought about her future, prompting Harley to continue the explanation. "Alliance Command assures me I will be promoted to Captain after a year groundside, Shepard. It'll be a quick jump in rank – a one-year wait, rather than three." He looked at Gabby, then leaned towards her slightly. "And, I'll be able to see this little lady much more often than I'm currently able."

Gabby felt as if her face was on fire; she looked into a pair of caring golden-hazel eyes, quickly reached up and kissed him on the cheek, then turned to face her former captain. Bringing both hands up to shoulder height, she spread the fingers of her left hand. "I never thought it possible to find love again after Kenneth's murder at the hands of those Quarian rebels, but Harley? He's been patient, caring and persistent. When he arrived here, he told me how he has grown to love me, and he loves my children."

The moisture glistening in Gabby's brown eyes finally fell as she said, "He gave me this ring and asked me to marry him, Shepard… before we even made it back into the house!" She looked up at the man beside her and admitted, "I have grown to love him as well, so much so that I feel a bit empty when we're not together."

The entire table exploded with the additional news, everyone jumping up to shake hands and exchange hugs of congratulations. The questions started to fly from every direction, ranging from how the proposal happened, the 'when' of the projected events, and the 'where' of the various ceremonies, prompting Harley to raise both his hands in a stopping motion.

"Whoa!" He had to raise his voice significantly to make himself heard over the din, then he smiled widely as the group quieted down. He chuckled, then continued, "We haven't thought, or even planned that far ahead, but this time next year is a distinct possibility. I'll visit Gabby in Edinburgh on the weekends, maybe more, all depending on my schedule. I simply need to acquire a small, interstellar capable personal shuttle to make the trips back and forth."

Culver smirked at them both. "You'll be working on opposite poles of the globe. That's a lot of travel back and forth… and a hell of a season swap during winter and summer."

Gabby nodded as she replied, "The travel won't be a problem. There are plenty of really capable, small spacecraft available… and Harley's bonus check will be a really good start toward paying for it. The only thing we need to decide is if we want to get one large enough to carry cargo… in this case, an air car, so we have a second car available, if necessary."

"Yeah," nodded Harley. "Gabby thinks I need one in Rio… but I don't agree. I'm thinking we get a smaller shuttle and use the creds we save to get an extra car for the house in Edinburgh." He gave her a quick glance of apology as he continued, "That way, she and Violet each have their own transportation as well, even when I'm not there."

As Gabby gave him a chastising look for publicly airing their disagreement, Liara chuckled softly. "I know that look… but I may have a solution for you." As everyone at the table focused on her, she blushed lightly and shrugged before continuing, "Between the two main houses, here and the townhouse, we have fourteen cars. We never use more than ten at any given time, so I would be happy to sell you a couple… for the cost of the ownership transfers. It will save us the renewal fees for their annual registrations… for vehicles we never use anyway."

"That's crazy, Liara!" Gabby blurted. "Those cars are pristine! You could get thousands of credits for those aircars!"

"Please, Gabby." Liara smiled at her. "Consider them an early wedding gift, then. You know we have more credits than we could ever spend in a lifetime… let us do this for you."

"Well… If you put it that way, it's kind of hard to refuse." Gabby crossed her arms and huffed, "But no buying us another wedding present when it actually happens! Is that understood?"

The entire table erupted once more in laughter, independent conversations and questions exploding with the sudden increase of topics to be discussed. Liara sat back in her chair, glancing at Shepard, her thoughts floating across the link. {It seems, Siame, that everyone here is moving on to the next phase of their lives… including us. I am, once again, looking forward to our potential discoveries on Ilos… and, hopefully, hearing the Inusannon speak.}

{Good to know, Anam Cara. There is so much to look forward too, but in the meantime, let's make sure we don't miss any of the moments we have now.}

{Agreed, Samantha.} Liara glanced around the table, a loving smile on her face as she looked at all of their friends gathered together. {We truly are blessed, so let us not waste any of it!}