Notes:

Alban Eiler - Druid festival of the Spring Equinox, means 'Light of the Earth' (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)

SILC - Synthetic Intelligence Life Codes (previously known as Geth)

Leaps of Faith

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 18 Mar 2191

"Liara?" Aethyta stood quietly until her daughter finished up whatever she was doing and looked up from her desk.

"Yes, Dad?" Liara looked up and smiled softly, thinking about that term… along with the fact that just five years ago – a blink of an eye in an Asari lifespan – she never thought she would have the opportunity to use it.

"Shepard told me you wanted to see me." Aethyta didn't move from the doorway as she continued, "She didn't say when… or why, so I figured now was as good a time as any, assuming you aren't in the middle of something."

"No… I am just finishing up." Liara shut down the display and stood, waving her hand toward the seating area as she came around the desk. "Now is as good a time as any, so please… close the door and have a seat while I get each of us a drink."

"It's not even lunchtime yet and you're talking drinks." Aethyta stepped warily into the office and closed the door behind her. "Makes me worry regarding what you need to see me about."

Liara managed a chuckle. "I was speaking of tea or Kaffe but, if you'd like something stronger… perhaps Kaffe with a shot of whiskey?" She paused only a moment before adding, "Matter of fact, that may not be a bad idea… for both of us."

They both fell eerily silent, no sound but the clink of mugs and bottles as Liara poured their drinks. Returning to the couches, Liara sat down on the sofa that was perpendicular to the one Aethyta chose and turned towards her father. "I have something to show you. During our winter holiday party, Matriarch Elesia gave me a data disc containing copies of Mother's message traffic, something I did not even realize existed, even though addressed to me. Glyph has managed to decode some of it." She took a couple of sips from her mug, then continued. "Shepard and I have read the first few messages he decrypted, and… well… it was very difficult to read."

"Goddess, Liara." Aethyta sat there, stunned by the announcement. "I am so sorry. I…" she paused and shook her head. "Why would Elesia do that?"

"She felt they were most likely messages meant for me, which Mother had been unable to transmit, yet somehow managed to keep from Sovereign. Apparently, she had an automatic back-up system in place, which downloaded all of her messages to the Archives. I suppose she didn't want to become like the Matriarchs from the Golden Age of Learning… just disappearing into the void, with us never knowing what happened to her."

"That's my Nezzie." Aethyta heaved a deep sigh. "Always planning, always prepared… well, almost always. Until she wasn't." The matriarch set her mug on the side table and stood up. "Thanks for the Kaffebut fuck that. I'm getting something real to drink." She glanced back at her daughter. "You want something stronger?"

Liara actually chuckled. "No, thanks Dad. I got through my shock and crying stage yesterday morning, with Shepard… even if I wasn't quite yet ready to talk about it when you asked."

"That's a trait you got from Nezzie, for sure; your strength of will." Aethyta managed a light smile. "Pulled her through a lot of shit, won a lot of battles for her."

More somber, Liara responded. "I know you don't believe it, but under the circumstances, I consider what she managed to do for us in the end as a personal victory for her as well. She left us on her own terms and gave us what we needed to win the war. She's a hero, Dad. Just as much as Shepard and I… maybe even more so. We couldn't have accomplished what we did without her help."

Tears welled up in Aethyta's eyes as she answered softly, "A dead hero, who is still no longer with us because of it." She shook her head. "Apologies, Little Wing… that's not the right thing to say, is it? Not after she sacrificed everything for us."

"Yes, she did, but that does not negate your… our… feelings of loss. There is no right and wrong here, Dad. We can't change what happened, and you have every right to feel whatever you do, be it sadness, anger… and even love."

"Yeah. I suppose so." Aethyta shook her head. "Guess I'll let you get back to doing whatever…"

"I didn't call you here just to tell you that, Dad." Liara opened her omnitool and set it on projection. "I planned on sharing the messages… those we already have and all the others as Glyph deciphers them." She looked up to meet her father's eyes. "Assuming, of course, you want to read them."

"Thought you said they were private messages she meant to send directly to you?" Aethyta drew a deep breath and continued, "And, you already shared everything you knew and experienced through our meld, at the apartment on the Citadel."

"So?" Liara shrugged. "She was your bondmate, for Goddess sake! I want to share these with you, Dad… but only if you're ready to read them. Obviously, I'm not going to try to force you."

Aethyta actually smiled at that, answering with a bit more levity in her voice than she thought possible, under the circumstances. "And I wouldn't want you to try… you just might embarrass me by winning. You've got your mother's biotics, that's for sure." She got up and moved to Liara's side, plopping unceremoniously down on the couch at her side. "Let's take a look at what she sent you, Little Wing."

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 21 Mar 2191

The woman's pleasant dream slowly evaporated in step with increasing awareness of her actual surroundings – soft sheets below and above, with the weight of blankets and custom, handmade quilt on top. She stretched indolently, sequentially tensing and releasing the muscles in her feet and legs, torso, arms and hands. Relaxed once more, she turned over and slowly wrapped her arms around the body of her companion. Smiling at the mental tap at her mind, she opened fully to the sensation while smirking mentally in loving greeting of her blue lover. {Good morning, Ri. Have you been watching me sleep?}

A deep chuckle was accompanied by intense feelings of love, devotion, contentment, warmth and happiness, all vying to be foremost in her mind. {Just as I do every morning we're together in our bed, my Breá. Truly, I have been blessed by the Goddess, Sami, to have earned your love, and I cannot tell you enough – I love you!} A succulent pair of lips pressed against the Human's for a moment of promise as Riana's thoughts continued. {Happy birthday, Siame.}

Traynor chuckled in return. {Thank you, my love, but, as I understand Asari terms of endearment, it seems you are unsure of the true status of our relationship. Am I Breá, or Siame to you?}

Sensing the humor and the grin in Traynor's 'voice' through their meld, Riana smiled in return. {Perhaps I… or we… should take steps to remedy that lack of definition, or at the very least, come up with a plan to clarify it. It seems to be the week for such announcements and proclamations and, I do believe, the accepted path we must follow is not something that happens quickly. It will take planning… and me not being on Ilos for extended periods with my mistress.}

{Agreed, especially as I can sense in your 'non-proposal' your desire for us to become bondmates.} Traynor nodded slightly. {That said, I am in no particular hurry, and do not want you to fret over it… I am perfectly satisfied with the status of our relationship. Being in your mind and knowing 'we' are exclusive keeps me happy.} Traynor moved her head slightly and whispered aloud. "However, I do know exactly what I would like for a birthday present from you." She watched and waited as dark eyes studied her for several moments.

Riana slowly withdrew from her lover's mind in order to whisper a reply. "Sami, if it is within my power to do so, I will happily grant you whatever wish you request of me. You know there is nothing I would not do for you." The Asari momentarily pressed her lips to Samantha's, then breathed, "But please do not keep secrets in this regard. Tell me what you are thinking."

Traynor sighed, "I want to exchange promise bracelets with you, Riana Iregos. I don't want anyone who sees us, whether we are together or apart, to have any doubts about my love and commitment to you, nor do I wish for anyone to think of you as a potential mate." Traynor placed a tiny kiss on the tip of Ri's nose. "I remember telling Aresia once of my desire to remain at your side for the rest of my life. I accept that you are still mourning the sudden loss of Ryati, even after all this time, and are probably not yet ready to bond with me, but…" She paused upon seeing unshed tears gather in Riana's eyes, so hurried to finish. "Would you be willing to accompany me to Serrice, or Armali, to look at bracelets?"

Riana's eyes continued to glisten in the dim light leaching past the heavy drapes covering the windows. "There is nothing I would love more, Sami." She momentarily tightened her arms around her lover before adding, "Just so I am clear, you only wish to exchange promise bracelets?"

Traynor could feel Riana trembling slightly within her arms, accompanied by a touch of unease reflected in her eyes. "I would love nothing better than to enter into a lifetime bonding with you, my darling Riana, but… I believe when you decide the time is right, we should engage in the Human custom, and get married." Traynor went on quickly, before Riana could protest. "I have been thinking about how we'll spend our lives together, Ri. My lifespan, when compared to yours, is just so damned short. You will outlive me by several hundred years, and I don't want my inevitable death in a century or so to crush you… shatter your heart… or your soul."

Bringing both hands up to cup her beautiful blue face, Traynor continued in a voice suddenly husky with barely contained emotion. "I have seen the results of your time with Ryati, and I don't wish to leave you mentally scarred and mourning me for years after I am gone, Riana. Given that, I have been researching Asari bonding customs and have learned of the depth of the very real mental connection that occurs during a bonding ceremony. Somehow, there is something… more… to it. I have also discovered that it is not exclusive to Asari-only bondings; it also occurs when you bond with other races, whenever the relationship is strong, like ours is. I fully expect that, barring any accidents, I will gradually decline and simply die of old age… long before you are even ready to have children."

At Riana's gasp of surprise, Traynor continued in a soothing voice. "Death eventually comes to us all, Riana. We will have decades of togetherness, my love! Let's make the most of it, as a married couple, to spare you that unnecessary mental anguish. I am in your mind often enough to know exactly how much you love me. Whether I wear a bracelet – or a ring – matters not to me… but my love for you demands I protect you in every way I can, even after I am gone."

"While I appreciate your thoughtfulness on the topic, I must point out the glaring error in your reasoning, Sami." Riana smiled softly, loving the woman at her side even more, for all the thought she had put into their future union. "I am not that young, so will turn 300 years of age in 2315… at which time, you would be 157, should I be lucky enough to have you remain with me for so long. But… in a devoted relationship such as ours, particularly with frequent melding, Asari can find themselves shifting to matronhood early… even by as much as 40 or 50 years, in a few rare cases. Should that happen, I could make the transition when you are barely past 100, Sami, so do not despair so. It is very possible we could have a child together, should we desire to do so, and your memory would never die, because I would be ecstatic to share the memories of our time together with our daughter."

"But the breaking of the bond… would it still not be mental torture?" Traynor's brow crinkled with stubborn concern, even as the joyful thought of actually being able to have a child with Riana grew within her heart and mind.

"Yes, it is true…" Riana nodded as she leaned in to place a loving kiss on hesitant lips. "Which is why I will consent to your request for promise bracelets… and then, a ring when it comes time to marry." She smiled softly. "The emotional connection I have with you will not change, and the physical object that signifies our union does not matter to me. That we are joined by some ritual, be it Human or Asari, to signify the depth of our devotion to one another is what truly matters."

Riana suddenly pulled back and slid out from under the covers. Standing naked at the side of the bed, she beckoned, "So, rise, Sami, and let us shower… and prepare to speak with Lady Liara about a trip to Armali to pick our bracelets. Serrice is a bit far for such short notice, but we can easily plan a future shopping trip there, should we not find what we want in Armali."

Traynor laughed as she slid out to join her partner. "Why the sudden rush?"

"Because today is also Alban Eiler and Janiris, and tomorrow will be spent packing and making final arrangements for our departure Wednesday afternoon. This morning is all we have… and I want us wearing those bracelets before I depart again for Ilos!"

Traynor had rushed so much getting ready, she was actually amazed at the rapidity with which they had eaten breakfast, followed by the short hop into the city, where she now stood quietly beside her lover in front of a display case filled with bracelets of every kind. She had spotted a pair she believed would be perfect for them; the store's owner had kindly plucked them out and placed them on a black, velvet-like piece of cloth for the Human's inspection.

"Riana?" Traynor prompted her lover, who was seemingly mesmerized by the sheer number of promise bracelets available. "I really like this one," she declared, holding up one of the platinum bracelets. The Asari carefully took it from her hand an inspected it closely.

"It's beautiful, Sami." The fifteen centimeter wide outer surface featured a dull, hammered silver background, embellished with a number of rose blossoms in gold; these were depicted as sprouting from entwining, thorn covered stems of dark copper encircling the bracelet, which featured a hidden hinge and clasp. She gingerly placed it on her wrist, held up her arm for her lover to see, and after turning and moving it about, declared, "This is the one, Sami! I'll take it."

Traynor had already tried the matching bracelet on, so held her own wrist up. "Matching pair, and this one fits perfectly." Reluctantly removing the exquisitely made cuff, she set it on the counter. "Let's buy them and get back to the estate. This evening, I'll declare myself as your promised, with the entire house as my witness."

Riana's eyes filled to the brim, the overwhelming feelings of love and devotion she felt for this Human making it difficult to say or do anything, as she mirrored Traynor's actions and placed the promise bracelet on the counter beside its mate.

Riana reached for and pulled Sami into a tight embrace; this led the store's owner to declare as she placed the bracelets in a pair of gift boxes, "I am happy for both of you. It is a wonderful time to be alive, after the dark days of the recent past." Pointedly directing her attention at the Human, she asked, "May I assume you intend to bond at some point in the future, in the manner of the Asari?"

Traynor glanced at her lover, then replied, "Actually, no. We intend to embrace both Human and Asari traditions with our union. We will declare our promise to each other this evening. At some point in the future we will enter into a marriage, in the manner of my own people." Looking directly at the store owner, she added softly, "Rather than exchanging bonding bracelets, we will exchange wedding rings, to be worn on the third fingers of our left hands. Why would you ask?"

Looking a bit repentant, the Asari dropped her eyes. "I did not mean to intrude into such a personal decision, but we currently have matching bonding bracelets, which I could put aside for you with a small deposit. I cannot guarantee we would still have them in the future otherwise. I apologize if there was any offense… such was not intended."

Sami actually smiled and reached across the counter, to lay her hand softly on the owner's forearm. "None taken, so do not worry. I… we… appreciate the intent of the question, and the offer, but will decline. Thank you."

Liara felt Shepard's pride in her as the ancient words of the Janiris blessing rolled off her tongue with practiced ease. They seemed even more meaningful to her this year, given the messages from the past she had received from her mother. This year truly did seem to signify a new beginning, a renewal of faith and a real promise of a bright future. Liara cast a loving smile in her bondmate's direction, sure she would feel the same in return, when Shepard gave her evening Alban Eiler blessing. As she concluded, she stepped gracefully from the dais and into Samantha's waiting arms.

"I love you."

"I know," Shepard grinned. "And I love you back. Dance with me?"

"Oh, absolutely! But no waltz… at least not yet. Just a slow dance, with you in my arms."

"Been a crazy holiday, hasn't it?"

"You don't say?" chuckled Liara. "Just a bit busy… Tali and Len, Miri and Jude, along with the passing off of the Brokerage to Barla Von. Then, Glyph's unexpected defection, with his request to stay with us…"

Shepard smiled. "Yes… then the notes from your mother, and the surprise visit from Marissa, leading to Liv and Zan's announcement… and then the shocking news from Sharon! I mean, shit! I never figured her to be one to retire so early."

Liara gave her a tight squeeze, placing a gentle kiss on the cheek she was nestled against. "But she did it for the best reason in the galaxy… love. Sounds like someone else I know."

Shepard chuckled quietly. "I have no idea what you're talking about, T'Soni."

"I'm sure you don't, Captain." Liara's smiling lips pressed once more against her skin, this time on her neck. "And then, of course, we had Gabby and Harley's announcement… like that was any news, seeing as she was already flashing the ring."

Laughing louder, Shepard dipped Liara, causing her to let out a little squeak with its unexpectedness, then pulled her back up, wrapping her tightly in her arms. "And that's why I love you, Blue. Always so observant."

"Maybe so… but I sure didn't see the last one coming."

"Oh, sure you did." Samantha smirked at that. "We've both known that relationship existed since the Normandy… and it's not like Riana asked to change positions. She sees being your First as a sacred duty, which is why they said nothing about getting bonded yet. From what she and Traynor said, I believe they won't bond until we are truly settled here, at the Estate, and not gallivanting about the galaxy."

"Unfortunately, I agree with you."

"Unfortunately?" Shepard cast her a dubious look. "Why would you say that?"

"Me, always being on the move, is not what they signed up for." Liara sighed and snuggled in tighter. "It made me realize they have all put their lives on hold for me."

"Both of those statements are slanted from your perspective, Li." Shepard stopped dancing and led her to a table off to the side. Sitting down, she reached across the table and joined hands with her bondmate, staring into cloudy blue eyes. She leaned in close as she continued, speaking very softly, so only Liara would hear.

"They did sign up for that, Liara." Shepard's gaze told Liara to not interrupt, and the woman continued. "They signed on with Benezia who, as a galactic ambassador and mediator, was always on the move. That's what it means to be a commando to a Great House. Busy. On the road for much of the year. It's no different than joining the military. You have a mission that dictates you go where you're told, when you're told… and it's not always safe. If it was safe, there would be no reason for a military, nor purpose to the Personal Guard. They'd never need any armor other than their ceremonials, if the guard existed at all. So, from a soldier's point of view, it is exactly what they signed up for. Well… almost exactly. They're just doing it for you instead of for your mother… and though the shift of primaries may have been earlier than expected… or wanted… it can't be unusual, not for a race as long-lived as the Asari."

Liara's brow furrowed, sensing Samantha's full commitment to her statement. "You honestly think that, don't you?"

"I know it, Li." Shepard actually smiled. "Every single one of your commandos is dedicated to House T'Soni. To you." She paused and squeezed Liara's hands gently in her own. "They would give their lives for you, Liara… and likely for me, as well. Don't lessen their devoted service by selling their commitment short. They would do anything for you, just as I would."

Liara smiled shyly as she responded, "That's because you love me, Shepard."

"So do they, Liara." Shepard's face shone with devotion, and her words echoed truth. "So do they." She suddenly huffed and grinned that lopsided grin of hers. "Now, are we going to sit here like lumps during our own party, or are we going to go back to dancing?"

"Neither." Liara stood, pulling Sam up along with her. "We're going to make the rounds, as the leaders of a Great House should, thanking each and every one of our commandos, personally, for their service to us… and remind them we care about them, too." She drew a deep breath and smiled at the revelation. "I have been much too self-centered, so I am going to make sure they all know that we love them and respect all they have done for House T'Soni… and for us."

Ilos, Refuge, Pangaea Expanse – 26 Mar 2191

The last couple of days on Thessia passed quickly and, as busy as the time home had been, it was almost a relief when the entry hatch of the Aletheia closed and sealed behind them, and the engines spooled up. Even so, the solitude of the ship did not rid Liara of responsibilities. Before they had left Ilos, they had established some ground rules, where they would only be contacted if urgent business arose that required immediate action. They had received no such communiques during their time away, so Liara and Shepard spent most of their return travel time reading all the logs from Rasha and the Ambassador, in order to get caught up on the majority of events that had transpired during their absence.

The biggest news was that the SILC, only two days prior, had a major breakthrough on the Ilos statues; they were not Inusannon, but Zeioph… and proved to be instructional units, much like the Prothean Beacons, telling of their war with the Reapers.

Of all the people who were on Ilos, both Liara and Shepard were pleasantly surprised when Legion met the couple as they stepped off the ramp of the Aletheia.

Shepard grinned and clasped forearms with the SILC leader. "What in the galaxy brings you here, Legion. The statues… or did something bad happen?"

"Nothing bad, Shepard. Quite the opposite, in reality," responded the SILC, releasing his gentle grasp on the captain's unarmored arm.

"That's good to know." Shepard continued to smile, adding a small head shake as she commented, "You sound more and more organic every time we speak, Legion. Your linguistic progress is nothing short of astounding."

"I had an excellent instructor." Legion's lights flashed as he continued, "Which is precisely why I am here… for an introduction." He rotated briefly, looking toward another SILC unit that was rapidly approaching. "I have a new SILC unit for your team… one whom I hope you will teach, as you did with Edi and I."

Recognizing the chassis style, Liara's eyes brightened. "A medical unit? I gained a new respect for their capabilities when we got the full story from Omega… when the Turians thought they were going to take it from Aria, as Petrovsky did during the war… and then, more recently from Tali, with all you have accomplished on Rannoch, boosting Quarian immunity. I certainly appreciate the thought, but why would we need one, now, with all that behind us?"

Shepard would have sworn Legion actually laughed, with a sound coming from the unit she had never heard before. She did not have time to inquire before he responded to Liara's question. "You are crawling through unstable caves. Not that I believe our preparatory teams will fail in their mission to secure the passageways before you enter, but I would…" Here he paused for a moment, looking for the correct words before continuing, "…feel better –if that is the appropriate phrase – if I know you have an emergency response technician on your archaeological team… particularly if the baseline entity is one you know and trust."

It took Liara only a moment before realization set in, Shepard hearing her surprise a fraction of a second later as it blasted through the meld and only a blink before Liara said it aloud. "By the Goddess! Glyph?"

The medical unit came to a stop before the group, its lights flashing rapidly as it announced, in a voice remarkably familiar yet different, as if woken from a long sleep and excited to see a new brighter world before it, "As always, you have reasoned accurately, Doctor T'Soni. I hope you approve of my new platform and my added capabilities. It is layered on top of my analysis capabilities, a mix I believe will prove beneficial to both aspects of my future service to House T'Soni."

Shepard chuckled quietly, shaking her head as a smile spread across her lips. "I see your personality is still intact, and you've obviously had your conversation speech upgraded, along with your medical capabilities."

"I have, Captain." The unit turned to face her as he continued to speak. "My runtimes also include basic protection protocols, determined by the T'Soni House Commando Code of Allegiance dataset, though I currently have no installed weaponry specialties. We determined it best to leave that decision to you and Lady Liara before adding any such security services to my repertoire."

Shepard raised a brow at that comment, looking to Legion. "By we, I assume he is speaking of the Consensus?"

"Correct, Captain." Legion barely paused before continuing, "It is our understanding that organic medical personnel do not participate in conflict, so felt it prudent to not arm this unit. The online protection protocols allow the unit, Glyph, to initiate an emergency back-up to the SILC base megastructure, so he can place his chassis between you and danger without risking loss of self. Should something happen to the chassis, Glyph – and his entire collection of runtimes and programming – would remain intact, for download into a fresh platform."

Liara's brow creased as she asked, "That is not something you tell everyone, is it? It could be very dangerous to the SILC…" Her voice tapered off as Legion, enlisting a very organic trait, began to shake his head.

"No, Doctor, we do not. We understand how some would be concerned about us becoming too powerful, too knowledgeable… even more so than Krogan or Asari… over the length of our lives. We could gradually evolve to become like the Leviathan or, more accurately, the Reapers."

"What kind of protections do you have against that?" Now, even Samantha was a little worried about the direction of the conversation.

"Our primary guiding principle, when it comes to organics, is the right of free will. We will not intercede in organic conflict unless there is a question of survival." His head swiveled to Shepard as he continued, "We learned this from you, Captain. Over the entire time we have known of your existence, you have protected all sentience, whether friend or foe. In war, the points of view of opposite sides are nearly always in direct contrast. We have realized the perception of being… correct, or in the right… is generally determined solely by the winner's point of view."

He paused, his focus shifting between Samantha and Liara, then continued, once more looking directly at Shepard. "With the Batarians, you repeatedly attempted to save their race from the brink of extinction. You nearly died in at least two of those efforts. You did the same with the Leviathan, leaving the three remaining beings to their own devices when, after the war and with Reaper technology, it would have been very easy to return, in force, to their ocean-based home and wipe them from existence. Instead, you chose to leave them in peace."

Legion paused when Liara mumbled under her breath, "She almost died that time, too."

"This I did not know. You must tell us that story some time." His lights flashed once, as if logging it with the Consensus to collect that data at a later time, then continued, "You also declined aid from the Salarian Dalatrasses, refusing to accept their price and what it would have cost the Krogan peoples. You even saved the Rachni from extinction, when most of your allies vehemently disagreed with your decision. All of these uncompromising actions combined to demonstrate to us, above all else, that life matters. As such, the SILC will take no action contrary to that belief unless our existence is honestly threatened. Even then, we will seek only to defend, not retaliate. The creation of the SILC is part of your legacy, Shepard, and we hold your principles as our guide."

Shepard swallowed. "Well, shit, Legion. No pressure there," and let out a nervous chuckle.

Legion dipped his head in agreement. "You are correct. There is no pressure meant to be applied. It is an honor to know you, Captain, and we… hope… to prove ourselves worthy of the faith and trust you have placed in us."

"That's…" Shepard's sentence was cut off by a quick thought from Liara.

{Let it go, Siame. I can think of many others who fought with us during the war… all worthy of serving as a role model… but you? You should simply be honored by their choice… or, at the very least, honor their choice, as it is theirs to make. Personally, I agree with them, regarding you being the best of us.} Shepard sensed the grin of amusement that followed, as Liara finished her thought. {But, perhaps, I could be just a teensy bit biased.}

As the thoughts flashed rapidly across the link, Shepard smiled and revised her statement. With only a slight pause, she finished, "… quite the honor. Thank you, Legion. And, while you hope to prove yourselves worthy, I hope to do nothing that could change your mind and make you wish you had chosen another as a role model."

"The odds are 60 – 40, so that is a distinct possibility, Shepard." Legion paused only momentarily, Shepard staring at him in shock for a long moment before he continued. "Edi says to tell you that was a joke. She also says, apparently, my humor module needs a lot of work."

Shepard, relieved and appalled at the same time, let out a groan. "Oh, Gods. Not another round of that! I can take just about anything… but another couple years of bad Edi jokes? That, I'm not so sure about!"

Liara simply chuckled while saying, "And I'm pretty sure Miranda would say you're only getting what you deserve for unshackling an AI…" she paused for a moment before continuing, "Even if it was, technically, Joker who did it… but you let her stay that way!" She grinned and gave Shepard a quick peck on the cheek. "But we all know that, too, was the correct decision. What would we have done without her? She, as well as the SILC, all turned out to be positively wonderful allies… and, more importantly, friends."

Legion's lights flashed and he commented, "That word… friend… is the highest honor you could ever bestow upon us. The Consensus thanks you for considering us as such."

At that, Shepard looked at the SILC standing before her and smiled. "For that, you are very welcome, Legion. When we were fighting side-by-side during the war, I trusted you with my life… and that pretty much says it all, regarding just how much I trust you to be a member of my inner circle. It is a place you will always hold, my friend."

"Thank you, Shepard." Legion paused for a long moment, conferring with the Consensus. "There is, however, the unanswered question regarding Glyph's runtimes. Did we correctly identify the status of no installed weapons programming?"

Shepard let out a laugh. "Yes, Legion. Spot on. Our medics do not generally carry weapons. And I seriously hope we never find ourselves in another situation that requires his medical services… but am more than happy to have him ride along with us on the Aletheia as part of our crew. We lost our med bay when we passed the Knight Shade on to Spectre Riley, and the Aletheia isn't honestly large enough to modify the hold to put one in."

Liara smiled at Glyph. "Welcome to the crew of the Aletheia… and to House T'Soni, Glyph. Please, speak with the Consensus to determine what you think is fair payment for your services, based on the value of other contracts already in place. Once we have an agreement, I will message both Matriarch Mozia and Lyessa, to arrange for your change of status and to establish an appropriate payment contract. No sentient being works for House T'Soni without proper recompense for their service… and that includes you."

"I am very eager to learn everything you have discovered, regarding the Zeioph, but tomorrow will be soon enough." She glanced at Legion as she continued, "For our first order of business, however, Shepard and I would like to get resettled. Then, we need to touch base with the Ambassador, to see if he has any specific tasks for us." She reached out and laid a hand on Legion's arm. "But, first, I want to thank you, for everything, Legion. Meeting us here, personally, to greet us upon our return to Ilos, the extremely prompt delivery of Glyph, already within his new frame, and the honor of your friendship. Will we see you tomorrow?"

Both Liara and Shepard noticed as Legion seemed to straighten his frame and stand taller. "I will remain here for a minimum of four days, to fully evaluate Glyph's performance, to ensure it is satisfactory and without defect. Following that, I will remain on Ilos as long as either of you require my services. Without such need, I will return to the Consensus. Should you think it necessary, I can secure this frame here, so I have a shell into which I can load my runtimes, in the event you require my services. It is actually faster for me to travel that way, than by conventional means. Perhaps I shall arrange for that, whether or not you require my services at this time, assuming you approve."

Shepard grinned. "You can leave a spare chassis anywhere you like, Legion. Matter of fact, you could park it in the hold of the Aletheia, if you want to guarantee its security. No one will touch it, there."

"Thank you, Captain. I accept your offer and will discuss the arrangements tomorrow, along with finalizing the Consensus contract for Glyph. You must know that while he is young in his sentience, he is fully capable in his analysis and medical capabilities."

Shepard nodded and glanced at Liara, who responded, "And will be paid accordingly, I promise you that." Liara reached over to take Shepard's hand. "So, we will see you here tomorrow, early evening, say sixish, aboard the Aletheia, for privacy?"

"We will join you then." Legion paused for a moment before rephrasing. "I will join you then. Glyph would like to remain here, aboard the Aletheia, to familiarize himself with the ship and its systems, to determine from where he could best work to serve your needs."

Liara smiled. "That's easy. He'll be working in the data and communications center." Turning to Glyph, she nodded, "And, yes, you are welcome to board the ship now, if you like. I will message Lusmeni Thoni, the pilot, to open the hatch and let you in." She raised and opened her omnitool as she spoke, quickly adding, "There. She will be here momentarily and will give you the necessary access codes to board and depart the ship at will, just like any of the crew. The only requirement is you provide her with a way to contact you, in the event you are off ship and we need to do a recall for immediate departure. Acceptable?"

"Yes, Doctor."

"Excellent." Liara gave him a quick nod. "In that case, assuming we don't bump into you sooner for some reason, we will see you tomorrow for our meeting. Enjoy your night aboard your temporary new home, Glyph. Once we get back to the Estate, we'll look at where it makes the most sense for you to stay… which will most likely be communications center, but we'll see."

"Thank you, Doctor. I look forward to serving House T'Soni in my new capacity."

Liara smiled. "So do I, Glyph. I am pleased you decided to stay with me. I have become accustomed to your presence and your assistance, particularly for record searches and analysis. I am very glad I don't need to replace you… Thank you."

"It is my pleasure, Doctor."

Liara smiled as Glyph turned and began to make his way toward the ramp. Turning back to Shepard, she stated, "For some reason I am honestly glad he opted for sentience and chose to stay with us, instead of going to the Consensus."

Shepard smirked and shrugged her shoulders. "I don't see why you're surprised by that. Glyph has been a nearly constant companion to you since you took that job… and you upgraded him to be much more adept at analysis than he ever was before. It's really you who taught him… and will likely be more you who will continue to do so, not me." She suddenly chuckled, giving Liara a grin as she added, "I just realized something. Glyph will be the first kid we'll be raising together."

Dumbfounded at the realization, Liara could do nothing but stare at Shepard in silence.