Notes:

A Grá - My Love (Gaelic)

Anam Cara - Soul Friend/Mate (Gaelic)

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

CGC - Center for Galactic Cooperation

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

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

Extended Family

Oasia, Ilos, Refuge – 1 May 2191

Liara awoke to Shepard leaning over her, a smile on her face as she whispered, "Good morning, A Grá," just before placing her lips on Liara's supple blues for a gentle good morning kiss. "Happy Beltane."

Delighted to reciprocate, Liara smiled in return as she reached up and wrapped her arms around Shepard's neck and shoulders, pulling the woman down atop her. Knowing her enhanced body was unusually heavy, Shepard made sure to slide slightly to the side, resting the majority of her weight on her hip – on the bed, rather than on Liara – while still leaning against the comforting warmth of her awakening Anam Cara. Liara indulged herself, massaging Shepard's lips with her own for a few moments before pulling back to quietly reply, "Good morning to you, Siame, and happy Beltane."

Liara lay there contentedly, simply adoring Shepard's silent doting as the woman's hand traced her curves, occasionally pausing for a gentle squeeze. Finally, after what seemed like forever, but still never long enough, Shepard met Liara's eyes once more and breathed, "By the Goddess, Li… you are beautiful. I still find myself needing to physically touch you, in order to convince myself that this is all real, and not just a dream."

"Me, too." Liara moved her head slightly, with a barely perceptible shake. "Honestly, I never believed this could be possible, Samantha… any of it. Surviving the war…" Her voice cracked as she continued, "… my mother's premature fall. Us, actually winning against something like the Reapers…" A shy smile then split her lips as she finished, "… or the two of us lying together in the here and now, celebrating yet another holiday and contemplating children and our wonderful future."

"Children? I wasn't contemplating them, exactly, at this moment… but now that you've brought it up, I can't think of anything else, Blue." Shepard chuckled quietly as her hand began to softly drift over Liara's body once again. She grinned, rather mischievously, as she asked, "Do we have time to practice?"

Whatever trace that remained of Liara's somewhat somber mood vanished immediately as she erupted in laughter. Even as Shepard's exploring fingers sent a spike of arousal through her, she still managed to voice her response with a great deal of enthusiasm. "Goddess, yes!"

A couple of hours later, Liara and Shepard found themselves the center of attention, with Ruso Lukens glaring at them as he growled, "About damn time you two decided to get up; I sent you notice an hour ago! You have guests."

Hearing his tone of voice and seeing his impatient posture, Liara gave Shepard an anxious glance before asking, "Who would arrive here unannounced on a Sunday who could irritate you so?"

Ruso huffed. "Never mind that. We just need to get to the civic center, right now."

Shepard thought it odd that Ruso was being so tight-lipped about the identity of their visitors, saying as much to Liara via the link. Lukens moved quickly, leaving them no time to ask any more questions. Instead, they were forced to hurry in order to keep up with him, while focusing on their steps so as to not trip over the loose rocks and other debris that had yet to be cleared from the cross-lot, shorter path Lukens had chosen to take.

Ruso kept his pace all the way to the center, then blasted in through the doorway without slowing. Liara and Shepard followed quickly, still wondering what was so urgent that required their immediate attention on their normal day of rest. As the door slid closed behind them and they turned the corner from the entryway into the main hall, Liara's feet came to an abrupt stop in her concerned surprise, immediately fearing the worst at seeing the couple who quite unexpectedly stood before her. "Dad? Mozia? What's happened?"

In that moment, Ruso couldn't sustain the charade any longer and burst out in laughter. Liara was only momentarily confused, quickly realizing absolutely nothing was wrong… that Ruso had only been playing his part of a wonderful surprise. Mozia and Aethyta both had teeth-baring grins on their faces as they stepped apart from one another, only to reveal Hannah and Kaylee huddled behind them. The four of them chorused, almost in unison. "Happy Beltane, you two!"

"Mom! Aunt Kay!" Shepard's grin pretty much said it all, tears springing to her eyes as she lunged forward to hug each of the four of them in turn, quickly followed by Liara, doing the same. "What in the galaxy are you doing all the way out here?"

"Coming to see you, of course." Mozia was the one to tip her head and speak in a somewhat teasing tone. "Beltane is a major holiday for your family. Thus, it is so for House T'Soni, as well. If you cannot come to us to celebrate it together, then we will bring the celebration to you!"

Happy tears were still trickling down Samantha's cheeks; she shook her head slightly as she replied in an extremely sincere voice. "Thank you! All of you! What a wonderful surprise!"

Hannah smiled softly. "Besides getting to see and visit with you both, we get to see all the wonderful progress you have made here!" She looked at Aelia and smiled. "Thank you for letting us come and visit… and, now that Sam and Liara have finally made their appearance, I would love to take that tour you offered while they get their breakfast…"

She didn't get to finish before Sam cut her off. "Oh, no you don't. All of you will come and sit with us and talk while we eat… then we'll take that tour together. We don't see any of you nearly often enough to allow you out of our sight for even a minute… much less an hour… likely more, if you're going for the full tour!"

Liara laughed and nodded in agreement as she looped an arm through Aethyta's, followed by Hannah's, arm. "I agree. If you're here to celebrate Beltane, then let's celebrate!"

Aelia's smile widened as she nodded. "Agreed. The tour can wait. Nothing will be any different an hour from now and it will give you time to catch up a bit. Family and friends are important."

It was many hours later when the tour actually finished, with the newly arrived family group insisting on seeing everything – the housing area, the plans for the business area expansions, the genetics lab and, finally, the dig site. In a rare moment of weakness, Aethyta could not stop the tears that fell from her eyes. She turned her back and walked away, a concerned Liara following her off to the side. "Dad?"

Aethyta stopped with her head hanging down, unable to meet Liara's gaze. Her voice was gruff with emotion as she apologized. "Sorry, Little Wing. It's just…" She stopped and drew in a deep, uncharacteristically shaky breath. "I just wish Nezzi could have lived to see this… to see who you have become." The matriarch squared her jaw and lifted her head to finally meet her daughter's eyes. "She'd be so damned proud of you!"

Liara's jaw and lower lip trembled, and she was unable to stop the tears that sprang into her own eyes. "Me too, Dad… and I would like to think so." She stopped and shook her head. "No. I know so. She was so tired… so defeated… that day on Noveria, yet she died a hero by giving us the information we needed to catch Saren. That day, her actions showed me she was proud of me… and that she approved of my choice of partner. The Humans – whom she had initially feared – had provided the one person she felt could win the war for us and secure our future."

Aethyta managed to put a smile on her face as she corrected, "Half of the pair that won us the war, Liara. You were an integral part of that as well, as Shepard herself is always quick to point out." She shrugged off the conversation and looked around. "I mean… this? All of this is amazing, Little Wing! You started out looking for the Protheans… along the way, you won a galactic war, then found not only the Protheans, but the Inusannon and the Zeioph, as well."

Aelia quietly interrupted. "If all of you are ready, we can make our way to our final stop." As everyone turned to look at her, she smiled. "We normally do not take visitors there but given the purpose behind your holiday – of life's renewal and rebirth – I felt it appropriate to end your tour in the biodomes provided by the Quarian people. Those domes have enabled us to grow our most important staple crops and feed the ailing with native foods, greatly improving their healing rates and lessening recovery time."

Shepard cast a skeptical look at Aelia. "Are you sure? Those facilities are critical to your recovery and growth, and have been off-limits to everyone not Prothean…"

Aelia silenced her with a smile and quiet words. "Of course, I am sure, or I would not have offered it." She glanced around the small group. "These people are trusted family members of those who have aided us along our journey. You have trusted them with your lives, and they have risen to the challenges that love and friendship can bring, over every step of the journey."

She looked directly at Shepard and Liara as she added, "Both of you have proven yourselves Prothean… in both knowledge and actions. By extension, your family is accepted as Prothean as well. They are always welcome… and will always have a safe haven here, even in the unlikely event they arrive seeking refuge."

Her gaze hardened as she looked back at the newly arrived foursome. "We will hope otherwise but will always be prepared to protect you as family, should a time ever come that you should need such a thing. With all your family has done for us, it would be our honor to serve as your shield. It is our way."

Mozia stepped forward and raised her palms in the Asari tradition which, after having spent so much time with Liara, Aelia immediately recognized and responded to, by placing her hands gently atop those offered. The matriarch smiled softly. "Thank you for your acceptance of us and your generous offer. It is an honor to be permitted to get to know you and yours."

"The honor is ours." Aelia nodded once before withdrawing her hands and adding, "Let us move on to the biodomes, where you can be one with nature's bounty and begin your celebrations."

Council Dock Bravo-Four, CGC, Widow System – 12 May 2191

Shepard greeted Kasumi with a warm embrace. "It's good to see you again, Kas," she whispered, her mouth beside Kasumi's ever-present cowl. "I'm just sorry our meeting is so soon after our last chat… and due to such undesirable circumstances." Releasing her, she turned to Bau. Carefully grabbing his forearms, she simply echoed her initial greeting to Kasumi. "It's good to see you as well, Jon."

Shepard let go of Bau's arms, then motioned to them both. "If you would come with me? There is a nice little restaurant close by where we can enjoy some lunch – visit for a bit, before you leave for Sur'Kesh."

Bau blinked, nodded once and began walking as Kas took his arm and replied, "Sounds like a wonderful idea, Shepard. We haven't simply sat and visited for a long time… and, given my imminent departure, it is most unlikely we will have this opportunity again."

Of no great surprise to Jon or Kasumi, Liara was waiting for them, just inside the main entrance to the restaurant bearing the strange title, Three Northwest Sisters. Kasumi whispered a comment to Jon, "What a peculiar name. Must have some hidden meaning, probably of some significance to the proprietor." Even with her face mostly hidden by her hood, the sad smile playing on her lips was quite obvious as Liara hugged her in greeting. "Kasumi! It is wonderful to see you again!" Turning towards the master thief's Salarian companion, she embraced him as well, saying, "Jon, I am so happy to see you. It feels like far too much time has slipped by since last we spoke."

"Indeed, Doctor T'Soni." Jon bowed slightly. Nodding to Liara and Shepard, he added, "I did not honestly expect either you or Shepard would be able to take the time to come to the CGC on such short notice, just to see me off before I left for my homeworld. You honor me, greatly."

Samantha, standing beside Liara with an arm around her back, replied, "We will always take the time to visit with our friends, Jon. … particularly those who stood with us during the final Reaper battle on Earth. As I said on the docks, Liara and I feel profoundly sad that you will be returning to Sur'Kesh for the final time."

Bau grinned. "Part of life, Shepard, and it has been a good life… a very good life, one that I've lived extremely well, especially since…" he paused to look down at Kasumi. "Especially since I have been privileged to travel and work with Ms Goto these past few years. My only regret, if any, is that I didn't attempt to… apprehend… her sooner. She has been a most welcome addition to my life."

Liara forced herself to smile at the couple. "Our table awaits us… shall we go sit? I'm hungry, as I hope both of you are, and it is our treat. We chose this place specifically because their menu includes several specialty meals suitable for a Salarian's palate."

"Excellent!" Bau smiled broadly, his demeanor brightening at the thought. "I will admit my desire for food has been waning, so perhaps a change of pace – to something too bothersome to prepare for myself with my growing weariness – will be enough to stimulate my appetite!"

Following their somewhat emotionally strained lunch and tearful goodbyes, Kas and Jon had returned to the docks to make their final preparations for departure. Now, Kasumi gazed through the bulkhead mounted viewport at Gurji's Promise, securely docked at one of several short-term transient berths set aside for smaller vessels their owners needed to leave for several days – or even several weeks – at a time. Hearing the faint noise of pumps and actuators, she turned and was surprised to see a SILC platform approaching; it halted its advance a meter away and spoke. "Agent Goto? Spectre Bau?" Inclining her head slightly – for the 'voice' being used by the platform was most definitely feminine – she continued, "I am Platform Zee-El-Ax6, assigned at the request of SILC unit Legion, on behalf of Captain Shepard and her bondmate, Doctor T'Soni."

"Pleasure to meet you, Platform Zee-El-Ax6," responded Kasumi, before inclining her head and asking, "May I simply refer to you as Zel? Simpler to remember, and much easier to say. And I must confess to being a bit puzzled. Do you know why Shepard and Liara asked you to meet us here? We just had lunch with them… and they failed to mention this."

The SILC unit's main optical sensor, focused on Kasumi, dimmed slightly for a moment, then returned to its original brilliance. The platform processed the questions in order and first replied with just a hint of amusement in its tone. "The use of the… nickname… 'Zel' would be acceptable, Agent Goto."

"In that case, please, simply call me Kasumi… or Kas." With a quick glance to her companion, who was nodding in agreement, she continued, "And the now-retired Spectre prefers Jon."

"That is also acceptable… Kas." In conjunction with the double pair of small sensors, cowl-mounted on either side of the main sensor, or headlight, each one moved slightly and seemed to refocus as she turned her head towards Jondum Bau. "As to my purpose here, Captain Shepard and her bondmate wish to ensure Gurji's Promise is securely guarded against unauthorized intrusion during your absence."

Zee-El-Ax6 paused for a moment before continuing. "Additionally, Legion has learned from Captain Shepard of Spectre Bau's intention to present Gurji's Promise as a gift to you, Kasumi. If you have not already done so, I will – upon receiving a verbal authorization from each of you – reset and revise the vessel's main and ancillary computers and all of the engineering controls, along with the ship's transponder codes, to convey change in ownership. The vessel's galactic registration codes will also be amended to reflect change of ownership, all of which will be completed before your return here, Kasumi."

Bau, already holding onto Kasumi's shoulder in order to steady himself, squeezed gently as he grinned down at her and observed, "So typically Shepard. Always thinking… always planning ahead. Never leaves anything to chance. Almost Salarian in reactions to outside events."

Kasumi grinned back up at her companion. "You know she would believe that to be a huge compliment, Jon." Returning her attention to the SILC platform, she nodded while answering, "You have my authorization to proceed, Zel. I'm going to rent a UT-47 for our trip to Sur'Kesh so, before we leave this dock, what data will you require from me?" Before Zee-El-Ax6 could respond, Jon added, "You have my authorization as well."

"Excellent. As for the personal data necessary for the change of registration, Doctor T'Soni has already provided the information we require. All has been securely uploaded to an isolated server on Haratar Station, under supervision of the Consensus, by direction of Legion. Once the full transfer of ownership is registered as complete and we have downloaded the appropriate electronic record data to Gurji's Promise, all of your personal data will be scrubbed from our servers. Does this meet with your satisfaction?"

"Yes, thank you." With a quick glance at the Salarian standing beside her, she replied, "It is nice to know you will be taking care of Gurji's Promise, Zel, but we really must be going; we still need to rent a shuttlecraft for our trip to Sur'Kesh."

"Unnecessary. A personal transport is already docked and awaiting your arrival." Zee-El-Ax6 turned towards the sound of another platform approaching; looking at the unit as it came to a halt a few meters away, the SILC added, "This unit is known to humans as Omamori. Please, follow him. He will lead you to your transport, accompany you on the passage to and from Sur'Kesh, and will act as your escort while on the planet's surface."

Bau started to protest. "That's very kind, and thoughtful, but Kas is a very competent pilot, and…"

Zee-El-Ax6 actually interrupted the Salarian. "Apologies. The political situation on Sur'Kesh, particularly in the capital, Talat, is not to be ignored, Jon. Humans are still less than welcome on your homeworld. Captain Shepard has made these arrangements in order to provide better security for not only yourself, but for Agent Goto." The feminine-voiced machine turned towards Kasumi. "Captain Shepard is of the opinion – one shared by the Consensus – that the presence of an accompanying SILC unit should be sufficient to quell any interference with your movements during your brief stay."

"Even though I have no intention of leaving the ship while on Sur'Kesh…" Kasumi placed an arm around the Spectre's back. "… let's just go along with Shep's wishes, Jon." Taking a step towards the SILC platform, she added, "The woman's instincts have always served her – and everyone around her – quite well, during the short time I've known her. Besides… if Omamori serves as pilot, I will have that additional time to spend with Jon."

Bau looked at the Human's face for a moment. Noting the earnestness with which she spoke, he sighed as he nodded. "It is as you say, Kasumi." Returning his attention momentarily to the SILC, he said, "Thank you, Zel. The willingness of the Consensus to assist us – to help ensure our safety – is appreciated."

"It is no trouble, Jon. Pleased to be of assistance. Have a pleasant voyage."

Turning to their newly acquired escort, Jon smiled. "Lead on, Omamori. It is time for us to be on our way."

Kasumi began walking, as their guide turned and started moving back in the direction from which he had appeared. Upon rounding a corner after several minutes, her eyes widened in surprise. The vessel awaiting their arrival looked like nothing she had ever seen. In size it was quite similar to that of a Turian or Human small frigate, but that was where the similarity ended. With a quick glance at Omamori, she asked, "Is this a new SILC design?"

The platform – having remained silent until this moment – turned towards them and answered in a quiet voice, "It is. SILC have been working to upgrade… improve… our spacecraft." Rotating his upper body back towards the ship, he continued, "This vessel is one of four newly manufactured FTL-capable ships, specifically designed to comfortably transport organics – of any race – between systems."

Omamori began walking again; coming to a halt after taking several steps alongside the sleek, black hull – its finish so flat there were no highlights or reflections of any kind – a haptic interface, similar in appearance to an omnitool, activated on the synthetic's wrist. He touched a control, causing a heretofore invisible hatch to silently unseal, move inward slightly, then slide forward into its recess. As soon as it was clear of the entryway, an egress ramp slid out and down, coming to a stop as it touched the pavement.

Returning his attention to the Salarian and Human, he continued his explanation. "As you must be aware, atmosphere and creature comforts are irrelevant to SILC. The design of this vessel addresses those concerns. Enter, please, and know opinions… concerns… suggestions – from each of you – will be of great value to our designers and engineers."

Kasumi, followed closely by Jon, stepped into the strange looking vessel. After a quick glance around the interior, she addressed the platform. "There doesn't appear to be any access to a flight deck. Who pilots the ship? And what happens if there is an emergency in the cockpit?"

The SILC unit's reply was unexpected. "There is no pilot aboard, Kasumi – that is, not in the conventional sense. This vessel is simply a platform, not unlike my own. Similar to the manner in which a collection of runtimes, downloaded from the Consensus, inhabits and controls this mobile platform – my mobile platform – this ship is also controlled by runtimes, albeit, a considerably more specialized assembly of them. Having a mobile platform stationed inside – acting as a pilot, or navigator – would be redundant and an inefficient utilization of resources." He paused only a moment before answering her second question. "In the event of an emergency, a new set of runtimes can be downloaded within 15.7 seconds… quickly enough to handle all but a catastrophic, near-instantaneous event."

Kasumi smiled, saying, "That actually makes a great deal of sense." Her smile faded slightly as she asked, "Does this platform…" she lifted her hands to indicate the vessel, "… have a name?"

"Myriad. In honor of Captain Shepard and all she did for the rebirth of the SILC, this unit opted to take a female name and countenance." Motioning towards the seating area, he continued, "Please. Sit where you wish, fasten the safety harnesses, and enjoy the trip. We will arrive at Talat Spaceport in 2.4 hours."

STG docks, Talat, Sur'Kesh – 12 May 2191

The SILC vessel had landed in the VIP section of the spaceport. As the engines and auxiliary power units spooled down to standby mode, Kasumi left her seat and accompanied Jon to the inner airlock hatch, there to stop and, using a hand on his elbow, gently turn him to face her. "I've never been good at saying farewell… to anyone, ever," she admitted. With trembling hands, she grasped the edges of her cowl, slowly pushed it back off her head and looked up at her companion. "You're the first person I've allowed to see my face in… well, seems like forever; probably not since I was with Keiji… so, I figured you needed one last, good look, to remember me by."

Jon's eyes went wide in concert with his mouth falling open in disbelief as he replied, "You are not someone I could easily forget… but your act honors me, Kasumi. Truly." Recovering quickly, he placed his hands on her shoulders and added, "I have never met another Human quite like you, Kasumi Goto. I consider it an honor to have worked with you these past several years. I want you to know you have my utmost respect… and… my love."

Reaching up, the master thief placed her hands on Jon's shoulder armor; with a light pull, she brought his face down in front of her own and placed a lingering kiss on the bony area between his eyes; pushing back slightly, she whispered, "I love you as well, Jon." Tear-filled eyes finally overflowed, sending rivulets down both cheeks and alongside her nose. Voice hitching slightly in grief, she continued, "In years past, other than my short time with Keiji, I was always on my own. Being able to accompany you – having your companionship? I will always cherish the memories of our time together." Fully releasing him prompted Jon to release his own grip on her shoulders. Taking a step back, she carefully pulled her cowl back up and over her head.

"As we planned, I still think it best that I remain aboard Myriad, Jon. I'm barely keeping it together." With a sniffle, she whispered, "I don't want anyone, particularly your nephew, to see how severely this is breaking my heart."

Jon smiled, drew in a breath and, with a quick nod of his head, said, "Be safe, Kasumi Goto. I will remember you to the end of my days." Jon turned, opened the airlock hatch, stepped in and initiated the isolation protocol. Before the doors slid completely closed behind him, he thought he heard her say, "Jibun o daiji ni shite kudasai," which, in their years together, he had come to understand meant 'Take care of yourself' in Kasumi's native Japanese. She had said it a number of times when Jon had attended to Spectre business where or when, for whatever reason, she could not travel with him. Under his breath, he responded quietly, knowing she would not hear his words. "You as well, my dearest Kasumi. You as well."

Luban Yaelon had been watching and waiting for either an Alliance or a Salarian-flagged UT-47 shuttlecraft. The vessel settling – nearly silently – into a universal docking cradle just beyond the pedestrian safety barrier was unlike anything he had ever read about, or even seen. The entire hull was a dull, non-reflective black; there were no hatch seams or viewports visible anywhere – not even where he assumed a pilot would be sitting on a flight deck. There were no markings – no insignia – nothing on the sleek black surfaces to indicate which race this vessel belonged to. A pair of stubby wings were placed on the sides about a third of the way back from the nose; rather than aerodynamic surfaces, they seemed to serve only as weapons mounts, though no weapons were apparent.

Once the safety barrier was disengaged, Yaelon moved quickly to stand at the base of the short ramp that deployed from just below the opened hatch. Of great surprise, a SILC platform emerged and strode down the ramp, then stopped and stood on the concrete surface of the landing pad. It waited as a distinguished-looking Salarian appeared in the doorway, paused for a moment, then made his way down the ramp. He walked up to his nephew and said, "Hello, Luban. It is good to see you once again." Glancing over his shoulder at the vessel that had just brought him home, he added, "We should move away from… Myriad… the ship. It will be departing momentarily for the trip back to the CGC." Accompanied by his nephew, he slowly walked towards the protection offered by the exhaust diverters as the ship increased fuel flow to the engines. He marveled at the lack of noise as he turned to watch the sentient vessel lift away from the docking cradle. Farewell, Kasumi Goto. Thank you for your companionship… and your love.

Tears now streaming freely down her face, Kasumi placed the palms of her hands and her forehead against the closed inner hatch and wept silently for several minutes. She hadn't felt this heart-broken since Keiji's murder at the hands of Donovan Hock. The seemingly oppressive stillness inside the SILC vessel was finally broken by a deep mechanical voice. "Shall we be away, Kasumi?"

Her startled realization that she was not alone galvanized her to action. Using the backs of her hands, she wiped the tears from her cheeks, then responded, "Yes, Myriad – I suppose that would be best." Slowly moving back to retake her seat, she added, "Just, please be sure people are clear of your engine exhausts before you lift off."

It was several more minutes before the sentient vessel lifted off and finally left the atmosphere of Sur'Kesh, heading toward the relay that would send her and her passenger back to Widow… and the CGC. Kasumi sighed, closed her eyes and leaned back in the comfortable seat. Within a space of minutes, she was blissfully asleep.

Council Dock Bravo-Four, CGC, Widow System – 13 May 2191

Kasumi, after being met, then accompanied by Omamori during the short walk back to the dock where Gurji's Promise was moored, found that Zelanex – platform Zee-El-Ax6 – had remained by the ship during her absence. "Kasumi Goto… Kas. I am pleased to inform you that all the legalities concerning the transfer of ownership for Gurji's Promise have been completed. The ship is now registered as the property of one Goto, Kasumi. However, you have a period of time, not to exceed thirty days from now, in which you may rename the ship, should you desire to do so."

Looking down at the plating in front of her, she sighed quietly. What should I do? I'll have to ponder on it. They insisted I stop by before I left for Earth… so, perhaps Shep or Liara have a suggestion for me. Returning her gaze to the sentient machine standing before her, she said, "Thank you, Zel. Please inform the Consensus I greatly appreciate everything that has been done for me… and Jondum Bau, today."

"Task complete, Kasumi. It has been my privilege to provide for you today." The SILC seemed to hesitate, then asked, "Where will you go now?"

"I need to pay a visit to Thessia – visit with Shepard and T'Soni. Afterwards? I'll be heading to Earth, though I don't know exactly where I'll land nor how long I'll stay." She shook her head and frowned. "For the first time in my life, I really don't have a plan."

"Then safe travels, Kasumi Goto, wherever your future may take you." Zelanex tipped her head in an imitation of a Human nodding, then turned and walked away. Kasumi released the security locks on Gurji's Promise, entered the ship and made ready to depart the CGC. Visiting the T'Soni Estate and all the caring souls who lived within, particularly Liara and Shep, would be a balm for her soul.