Notes: More time jumps...

Ai'a me - a trusted friend and unquestioned ally (Source: CDN)

CGC - Center for Galactic Cooperation

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

The Joy of Surprises

Donnelly Home, Edinburgh, Scotland – 1 Nov 2191

Gabriella Donnelly rose from her rocking chair and, after placing the datapad she'd been using on the nearby end table, stretched her arms towards the ceiling while arching her back. Taking note of the time – it was nearly 2240 – she ruefully shook her head; she had spent a bit longer than she'd intended reading about the origins of the Andromeda Initiative and was idly wondering just how far the Nexus and the other five Arks had traveled. Can work the numbers out tomorrow, came the thought. Too sleepy to think about it right now.

After confirming for herself that the doors were locked – a habit she couldn't seem to shake, despite knowing that Violet, by this time in her own bed and probably asleep, had already done so – she dimmed all the lights to their minimum and quietly climbed the stairs to her second-floor bedroom. With the door closed, she stripped out of her clothes, peeled off and tossed her panties and undershirt in the hamper, removed and placed her necklace on the nightstand, then donned a sleep shirt. After brushing her teeth and rinsing her mouth, she moved to her bed and pulled the covers down; sitting on the edge of the mattress, she had just started to raise and swing her legs under the covers when her omnitool chirped. She glanced at the I.D. with an annoyed sigh – her annoyance at being disturbed at this late hour faded completely as she saw who was calling. She immediately stood and moved quickly to take a seat in her rocking chair.

Bringing her feet up to sit with her legs crossed, she eagerly answered the call originating from the Vila in Rio. "Harley! You caught me just in time… another moment, I would've been in my bed." With a naughty grin, she added, "Which would be so much more inviting if you were waiting here under the covers." The grin diminished slightly as a worrisome thought intruded. "It's really nice to hear from you… is everything okay?"

The chuckle she received gladdened her heart. "Everything is just fine, Gabby. I'm glad I didn't wake you. I sometimes forget we're four hours behind Edinburgh down here." He shook his head slightly before continuing. "I realize this is short notice, my darling, but do you think you can take a week off from work so you can join me here, at the Vila?"

"Shouldn't be a problem, Luv, especially if I ask for unpaid time. How soon are we talking? Do you have a date in mind?"

His answer was immediate. "Tuesday, 15th of November, through Sunday the 20th – departure back to Edinburgh morning of the 21st." A brief pause, then "Oh, and bring Violet and the kids with you." Before she could think to ask why, he added, "We're gonna get married, Gabby! I have 90 minutes reserved on Thursday the 17th in the on-base chapel; Navy Chaplain Lieutenant Eduardo Mendes will officiate. He's Catholic but agreed to perform a non-denominational service for us after I explained how you were widowed, Gabby." With a chuckle, he added, "All I actually needed to say was 'Normandy', and he was more than happy to accommodate us. Just be sure to bring a copy of Kenneth's death certificate."

Her mind was reeling… it all just seemed much too sudden. "I'll begin preparations tomorrow." A thought suddenly struck her. "My 36th birthday is on Sunday the 20th, Harley."

This brought on an outright laugh. "Did you think I set that return date up on a whim?" With another short laugh, he added, "And, after we celebrate your birthday here, I'll accompany all of you back to Edinburgh, so we can celebrate our first Thanksgiving together as a married couple… even if it is just an American holiday and not a Scottish one." He grinned and added, "Our first cultural blending event!"

He paused for a moment before adding one last surprise. "By the way, I took the liberty of contacting Commander Fletcher Voight, in the propulsion lab on the CGC. After telling him I was a member of Spectre Shepard's assault team during the Galactic Council's action during the Quarian rebellion, I explained that you would really appreciate having your friend Tamiko Miyazaki join us in Rio. He agreed to give Tammi a week off so she can be here for you."

Gabby had tears in her eyes now. "Harley! Wow! I don't know what else to say, except… I love you! I will always love you." She paused before adding, "I'll give Tammi a call in the morning."

"I've already spoken with her, and she's waiting to hear from you." He paused, looked down for a moment, then continued, "I'm sure you don't need me to tell you she's absolutely thrilled that you want to include her on your special day – days, actually, since she'll be with us to help celebrate your birthday. We can give her a lift back to London during our flight home… plenty of scheduled shuttle flights to the CGC from there."

Despite being virtually speechless at this point, she still managed to squeak out, "I don't have any idea what your job as a Special Ops Commander entails, but I suspect you must have a lot of free time to be able to pull all this together, Harley." She used her right hand to wipe her eyes; after a glance at the bedside chrono, she added, "It's getting quite late for me, my Love; I really need to sleep on everything. I'll contact Matriarch Tralis in the morning… explain why I need to take a week away from home." A smirking grin appeared as she added, "I wouldn't be at all surprised if T'Sere provides a crewed vessel to transport us there and back again, including the stop in London."

"Okay, Gabby. Let me know if you need me to do anything to make sure we get through this as smoothly as possible."

"You do realize I will also have to call Shepard and Liara? I'll have to beg off from the winter holidays." Gabby sighed. "I always look forward to catching up with all the friends who show up for those parties, but I can't expect T'Sere to give me a pair of 2-week vacations within two months' time." Gabby hoped Harley took no offense at her comment, regarding his selection of timing, so quickly added, "I'm sure they'll understand. Us tying the knot is much more important to our future than seeing them again this year."

Answering her smirk with a teeth-baring grin, he said, "Please convey my regrets as well, Gabby. I have never been to a place that was warmer or more inviting than the T'Soni estate. I will really miss seeing and visiting with everyone there." He paused before adding, "Send a note after you speak with T'Sere," then signed off with, "I love you."

Donnelly Home, Edinburgh, Scotland – 2 Nov 2191

Gabby took her time getting showered, dressed and down for breakfast – enough time that Violet was almost to the stairs, intending to go up to see if the young mom was okay. "Ach! Ye hud me a bit worried, Missus. Ah kin count oan yin haun th' batch o' times ye'v bin late fur breakfast." She nervously wiped her hands on the towel she was carrying. "Urr ye okay, then?"

Gabby grinned. Taking one of Violet's hands in her own, she started them off for the kitchen as she replied, "To use an old saying, I'm right as rain, Violet." Sniffing appreciatively once in the warm confines of the kitchen, she greeted her children as she released Violet's hand and sat at the table. Within a few moments, Violet set a plate in front of her, loaded with scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns and toasted bread.

She brought a pair of filled coffee mugs over and took a seat across from Gabby. The perceptive woman could see that Gabby was literally bursting at the seams; after taking a sip from her mug, she set it down and quietly observed, "You hae some news that involves a' o' us, fur guid or ill, Missus?" She sat back in her chair and waited.

Gabby began applying herself to her breakfast nearly as soon as the plate was sitting in front of her. Looking up at Missus Sweeney, she finished chewing, swallowed, then took several sips of coffee. Her hunger slightly sated, she sat back slightly and said, "We're gonna be traveling to Rio on the 15th, Violet. Harley has arranged for use of the chapel on base; we're to be married on Thursday the 17th."

Saying it out loud made Gabby want to jump for joy; Violet quite nearly did exactly that as she surged out of her chair. "Married?! Ah knew he wis planning oan it, especially efter ye told me o' his desire tae see ye 'n' th' bairns protected, Missus, but… sae soon? It juist seems sae sudden!"

Gabby nodded as she continued eating. She cleared her throat and chuckled. "You do realize it's early summer in Rio, don't you? We'll be there for a week – Harley spoke of celebrating my birthday on the Sunday after we're married – so we won't be leaving there for home until Monday the 21st, which means we should be able to spend a bit of time on the beach."

"I imagine it micht be a wee bit o' a letdown tae return 'ere efter spending a week doon thare, Missus," came the observation. "Newly marrit, 'n' goin awa yer guidman behind?" Violet rose to clean the hands and faces of the twins, done with their meals and clamoring to get out of their highchairs. Gabby's chuckle, along with her reply, gladdened Violet's heart immensely as she released the toddlers from their confinement.

"Harley thought so as well, Violet. That's why he'll be returning here, with us, so he and I can spend our first Thanksgiving together as a married couple." She paused long enough to finish her last bit of bacon and toast, followed by the last of her coffee. After applying a napkin to her lips, she grinned up at Violet, who gathered their own plates and mugs for a trip to the sink, then returned Gabby's mug, freshly filled with hot coffee. "He even arranged for Tamiko, my friend from the Alliance propulsion lab, to join us there. He literally thought of everything!"

Violet laughed in shared joy with her mistress. "I realize a piece o' yer hert wull aye belong tae yer Kenneth, Missus, bit A'm sae happy that ye'v opened yer hert tae Commander Creath!" She paused for a moment as she thought of everything this young mom had been through since becoming pregnant with Belle and Malcolm, concluding with, "Ah think he wull be a guid husband tae ye, 'n' a braw faither tae th' twins."

"I couldn't agree with you more, Missus Sweeney." She took a sip from her mug, relishing the flavor as she rose and turned to leave her comfortable kitchen. Carrying the mug of Chandra-sweetened coffee to her office, she took a seat in front of her comms terminal, activated and entered the routing code and number for T'Sere Shipwrights – specifically, that of Operations Director Matriarch Tralis – then sat back and waited the several seconds the equipment required to make the vid-call connection over the light-years separating Earth from Thessia.

Even knowing how much she was loved by this Asari, Gabby still had butterflies in her stomach at the thought of asking for a favor, after T'Sere had done so much for her and her children. The matriarch's serene face resolving itself on her screen instantly banished the butterflies – it was nearly as if her dear departed mother was addressing her. "Gabriella. To what do I owe the pleasure of this call today? Is everything okay? You and the children… all healthy and happy?"

Remembering that the Asari high matriarch preferred to speak of family and friends before getting down to business, she replied, "Never better, Matriarch, and thank you so much for asking. And what of your family? Clarissa? Matriarch Sashia and Neyna?"

"Everyone is fine, Gabby." With a happy grin, she added, "And you rarely, if ever, call me direct, so you must have something important to discuss with me, yes?"

Gabby nodded enthusiastically. "I need to be away from my home for a week, Ma'am – 15th of November through the 21st – in order to travel to the Alliance N7 school in Rio… ahh, that's in Earth's southern hemisphere. An Alliance Navy chaplain will witness and bless my vows to Navy Commander Harley Creath, and his vows to me." After a moment's pause, she gushed, "We're gonna get married, Matriarch!"

The Asari's mouth momentarily dropped open in surprise; recovering quickly, she asked, "Is that the only favor you need of me, my dear? What about transportation, there and back? You must realize we would be beyond pleased to provide such for you, just as we did when you travelled here last March aboard Jaziza."

Gabby sighed, knowing in her heart that, now that it was out there, there was no way she could gracefully decline the generous offer. "I was actually planning to book my own passage, Ma'am, but your offer is most welcome, and beyond generous."

"Nonsense, Gabriella. You are family, as dear to me and the people here as if you had been born with blue skin and head crests. Of course, we will provide transportation for you. May I assume Missus Sweeney and your children will be accompanying you?" Before Gabby could formulate an answer, Tralis continued with, "Consider it a combination bonding – um, that is, a wedding – and a birthday present, my dear. I believe it's the least we can do for T'Sere's premier propulsion research engineer."

The young mom finally nodded in reluctant acquiescence. "Your gift to me – to us – although it seems much too generous, is more than welcome, Matriarch. And yes, Violet and the children will be making the trip with me. Thank you, so very much."

Tralis signed off with, "I will send a text to you with all the pertinent information by this Friday, the 5th." Tralis paused for the briefest of moments before signing off with, "I wish all the best for you as you embark on this next stage of your life, Gabriella. May the Goddess watch over and bless you and yours."

Vila Militar, Rio de Janeiro – 17 Nov 2191

"You look absolutely beautiful, Gabby! Just let me…" Tamiko Miyazaki reached out to adjust a shoulder strap. "There. It's perfect!"

Gabriella Donnelly looked at her image in the full-length mirror, twisting her body slightly to the left and right. She was not used to wearing a dress of any kind, and the sight of her upper chest – bare except for the imperial topaz nestled at the top of her cleavage – along with her bare legs, visible from mid-calf down to her feet, was just a bit unnerving. Half-transparent sleeves covered her arms from shoulders to wrists; the top of the dress – in a nice shade of medium ivory – was made in the same dotted illusion tulle, with a visible corset grid all around, while the sheath silhouette twisted the skirt around her waist. "You really think so, Tammi?

"I've never seen a more gorgeous bride-to-be, Gabby! That dress fits you perfectly." Tamiko, standing beside her friend, reached behind her and used a hand in the small of her waist to pull her in for a little hug. With her head tipped towards Gabby's she added, "It simply won't do at all for you to be wearing sweats and sandals for your wedding, sweetie." With a little chuckle, she added, "Once Harley sees you in this outfit, you'll be lucky if he's still able to say, 'I do'."

Gabby offered her Ai'a me a mock grumpy frown, saying, "That would not be a good thing, Tammi." Returning her gaze to her image in the mirror, she smiled again with the admission, "It will be nice to be dressed appropriately for this ceremony. Wore my dress blues for my marriage to Kenneth." The thought, I can actually speak about that time with Kenneth without breaking out in tears, came unbidden. I guess I really have moved on with my life.

Slipping her feet into her new shoes with their moderate heels, she inspected her appearance one last time, swallowed hard, nodded, and said, "Okay, Tammi. I'm as ready as I'll ever be."

T'Soni Estate, Thessia, Parnitha System – 19 Nov 2191

"Sam! How are you? How's Liara?"

Shepard smiled at the familiar face on the vid screen. "We're both doing great, Aunt Karin. As hard as it may be for you to believe, Liara and I are truly sitting back and enjoying some time off. First time since we got together that we've had a real holiday… one where there isn't some galactic tragedy happening in the background, causing us to feel guilty about not being there." Shepard paused a moment before asking, "Judging by the smile on your face, that's still the case… right?"

"Yes, my dear. Your vacation is safe from disruption… at least from me." Karin chuckled softly and shook her head. "Actually, that may not be entirely true. Would I be disrupting anything important if I asked you to come visit me during your time off… let's say during the week of December 19th?"

"Well… Alban Arthan is the 21st." Shepard's brow knit as she continued, "So, how about some details on what we're talking about… unless you feel like hosting this year?"

"Oh, that's right, it is, isn't it." Karin's shoulders slumped. "I really don't want to screw up your celebration plans, but I also really hoped you could come. I just got news from Ines… I've been selected for Brigadier, Sam! And the headquarters really isn't messing around, as desperate for senior officers as they are, so my promotion date is first on the rather short selection list, so it's only 30 days out… promotion date of December 19th!"

"Holy shit, Aunt Karin! A general… already? You've only been a Colonel for a year! Congratulations and of course we'll be there!" Sam had to sit back down, quite literally having jumped out of her chair at the news. We'll figure out some way to make it work… like coming the week before, instead, and staying just through the ceremony, so we can be home for the holiday. Would that work?"

"Oh, I do love you, Sam! That sounds positively wonderful!" Karin's shoulders straightened and a bright smile lit up her face. "Are you sure you can make that work? It won't interrupt anything?"

"Not at all, Aunt Karin. First arrivals for the normal holidays don't roll in until the 23d… well, except for Mom, but I'm pretty damned sure she's going to be on the Logan, with us!" Sam suddenly stopped. "Wait… it is going to be on the Logan, in Arcturus… isn't it?"

"Yes, Dear, it is." Karin chuckled. "So, when was your mother planning on joining you on Thessia?"

"She was going to be here on the 18th, so she'll just be heading your way, instead." Shepard smiled. "And, since we will all be on the Logan for the ceremony, she'll just ride home with us aboard Aletheia after it's over. And, just so you know, we're happy to provide rides for anyone else who may need dedicated transport. House T'Soni does have a small fleet of relay-capable craft, so we can cover a variety of locations for you, if required."

"That's a huge offer, Sam. Are you sure?"

"Liara says to hush, Aunt Karin." Samantha laughed openly, a happy smile on her face. "People we know and love don't just go and make Brigadier every day, you know!"

"Well… thank you! That's a wonderful offer, one which just might help out some of the others I really hoped could come to make it after all, even with their extremely tight timelines. I'm going to call your mom, now… and I'll get a message off with the details shortly thereafter! Thanks again… to both of you."

"You know you can always come to us for help, Aunt Karin… and that's no matter what may be going on." Shepard chuckled again as she added, "Especially when it's for something like a promotion party for one of our favorite people! We love you, and we'll chat again soon. Go get your stuff done, so we can get this party going!"

Sam watched the screen go blank, a soft smile on her face. She stood and turned, just in time to watch the door to the communications room slide open, revealing Liara on the other side, also with a smile on her face.

"I am glad we can make the ceremony, Samantha." She did not enter the room, instead simply holding her hand out for her siame to join her. "I will admit to not knowing much about Alliance promotion structure, even after having served with you aboard the Normandy… but I know enough to realize that becoming a general officer is a very special event, reserved for only the best."

"That's true… but, even then, the medical corps is different. They have their own promotion system. Think about the number of docs who serve at a hospital, then add in all those who serve aboard the various ships in the fleet. Add in the fact there are no true combat positions for medical officers, so they are all competing on pretty equal footing, for a relatively low ratio of command slots compared to other specialties. It's tough."

"And Karin did it." Liara smiled, a bit of laughter in her voice as she continued, "I imagine, in the final tally, her time on the Normandy helped more than it hurt, even if we did get temporarily classified as a rogue vessel for a short period of time along the way."

"True enough." Samantha laughed with her as she made her way to the door, taking Liara's hand. "Did you need me for something? I mean… seeing as you apparently came to fetch me…"

"Not really…" Liara gave her hand a gentle squeeze as she continued, "I just wanted to see if you cared to join me for lunch."

"Oooohhh. A hot lunch date!" Shepard grinned. "Absolutely, Doctor!"

Donnelly Home, Edinburgh, Scotland – 16 Dec 2191

For nearly two hours, Gabby had been sitting in front of the terminal display for her design computer when the faint sound of the entry request chime overrode the lush sound of a string orchestra performing Tchaikovsky's Serenade. Secure in the knowledge that Violet Sweeney would respond to the visitor, she continued entering numbers into the equations she had created in order to extract every last bit of efficiency possible from her newly developed sub-light propulsion engine. She had just entered the last number and tasked the computer with processing the several formulae when the sound of knuckles gently tapping on her door surprised her.

After saving her work, she locked her terminal; standing from her chair, she answered over her shoulder, "Come on in, Violet," while stretching her arms towards the ceiling and twisting her torso back and forth at the hips. Bringing her arms back down as she turned to face the door, she was immediately struck by the happy, yet puzzled expression on her housekeeper's face. "What's up, Violet?"

The woman 'dry-washed' her hands as she replied, "Begging yer pardon, Missus, bit a tae o' fowk hae traveled a lang wey tae speak wi' ye, personally." As an afterthought, she said, "One o' thaim is Asari, Missus."

What's an Asari doing here, unannounced, came the thought. Gabby nodded as she thanked Violet and moved past her to discover the reason for this unplanned visit; a happy grin erupted on her face upon seeing her visitors, both standing just inside her front door. "Shepard! Liara!" Gabby quickly closed the remaining distance in order to greet the couple with an enormous hug.

Violet had come up behind the trio and began speaking as Gabby released the pair. "Your captain swore me tae secrecy afore she wis even ben th' door, Missus." Violet sounded a bit embarrassed. "Said she wanted hers and Lassie Liara's unannounced arrival tae be a surprise."

Gabby couldn't stop grinning. "It's okay, Violet. A surprise like this is always welcome." Turning back to her unexpected guests, she observed, "There must be more than a few others accompanying you here, Captain. I am sure Riana is with you, at the very least. Please, invite everyone inside… I'm sure we can find refreshments for all of them."

Shepard started to protest that they were only here for a short visit, but was thwarted by Liara, who followed Gabby's instructions by reopening the front door and speaking to her First. It took only a few moments for Riana and four members of Liara's personal guard to join her.

Violet volunteered, "I'll put the tea kettle on to heat," as she turned to move towards the kitchen.

As the Asari milled about just inside the door, a pair of curious children slowly came down the stairs to investigate. Upon seeing Shepard and Liara, Belle squealed in delight and said, "S'manta! L'ara!" Belle carefully finished her passage down the stairs, followed by her brother. Both had happy grins on their faces as they jumped off the last step and hurried into the welcoming embrace of a clearly delighted Samantha Shepard.

"My gosh, Gabby! What are you feeding this pair? They've really grown since we saw them… when was it? Just this past March?"

Gabby grinned at her former captain. "It was… March, that is. And I really don't think they're eating anything different. I expect it's a combination of a loving environment in concert with good, wholesome food. Missus Sweeney is a miracle worker when it comes to our meals." She paused for a moment; splitting her attention between the pair, she asked, "Now, if I may? What brings you to Edinburgh today?" Her grin changed to a smirk as she continued, "Did your pilot make a wrong turn in Widow?"

Liara stepped forward. Taking Gabriella's hand, she explained, "Well, we are on our way to Arcturus, decided we could run another errand while in the neighborhood. Please, Gabby… step outside with me?" With a quick glance at Shepard, who merely nodded, Gabby allowed Liara to lead her to the door, which she opened and stepped through, immediately followed by Liara and Riana… then Shepard once she was able to disentangle herself and pass the children to Violet.

Standing just outside in the midday sunshine, Liara explained as she waved her free hand at the pair of X3Ms parked at the edge of her yard. "You may remember the wedding gifts I proposed during your visit in March, when you announced your engagement to Harley?" Gabby's eyes were instantly awash as Liara continued with a grin. "Seeing as Harley was in such a hurry, Samantha and I decided to bring these X3Ms to you now, rather than waiting for what you refer to as the 'real' ceremony, the date for which is still to be determined."

"My God, Liara. This… this truly is too much!"

"Nonsense, Gabby. You have two small children. What if there's an emergency that requires you to go into the city, while Missus Sweeny is out and about? And Harley will need a way to get around when he's here for a visit. You'll be surprised how often you'll need to have a second vehicle available to use." The Asari chuckled as she reached the right front corner of the closest skycar. Running a hand over the shiny surface, she continued, "This one in particular is something I believe you really need… it's a Sapphire model family skycar, manufactured by Elkoss Combine. It's only a few years old, has less than 14 hours total operating time, and it has room inside for six passengers." Activating her omnitool, she passed the entry and activation codes for it, along with the smaller vehicle, to Gabby's omnitool.

Gabby was still trying to wrap her head around these extremely generous gifts when a strong hand unexpectedly landed on her right shoulder and pulled her into a sideways embrace. "You must realize you are family to us, Gabriella," Shepard whispered in her ear. "I expect you believe these gifts are beyond extravagant, but from our perspective, they are absolutely necessary for your well-being. Neither of these X3Ms were being used regularly, and you know yourself that complicated machines that sit unused deteriorate faster than if they're in constant use."

Liara had moved to stand in front of Gabby as her siame was speaking, adding, "And while I seriously doubt either of these vehicles will see daily use while in your possession, they will certainly see more frequent use by you, Harley and Violet than they ever would at the Estate."

Gabby shifted her attention past Liara to the smaller of the two vehicles as Liara turned and took the few steps needed to stand in front of it; Shepard, still holding onto Normandy's former propulsion engineer, followed along. Liara waved a hand over the nose while explaining, "This is a rather special little machine, Gabby. It's an Esquiran sport shuttle, Turian designed and manufactured, with acceleration and maneuvering ability that's second to none."

Gabby admired the sleek lines of the small aircar, flawlessly painted in a distinctive shade of black cherry over a silver basecoat. While the overall design was similar to every X3M made, there were a few distinctive styling touches that, while subtle, spoke to its Turian heritage. With a teeth-baring grin, she admitted, "Harley will certainly enjoy traveling around town in this… as will Violet, and myself." She turned and, as Shepard was still holding onto an arm, used her other arm to give her captain a warm hug. Placing a quick kiss on a freckled cheek, Gabby released her, turned to Liara and embraced her just as tightly. "You both make me feel so very special." Releasing the Asari after placing a sisterly kiss on a blue cheek, she added, "I'll be forever grateful for your generosity."

Suddenly remembering her other guests, Gabby blurted, "Oh! We should go back inside. I'm sure Violet has already prepared to serve tea and cookies… and everyone is likely waiting on us!" She looped her arms through T'Soni's on one side and Shepard's on the other and led them back to her front door. "Come on! I'm also fairly certain the kids are starting to get impatient, knowing snacks are in their immediate future!"

Alliance Docks, Arcturus Station, Arcturus Stream – 18 Dec 2191

"Mom!" Shepard smiled and waved her hand in the air as the woman made her way off the arriving shuttle, catching her attention with the call.

A joyous grin appeared on the woman's face, even as she sought out the source of the voice, her eyes lighting up as she finally located her daughter's waving hand in the crowd. "There you are!" she answered, a wave accompanying her words.

Making her way over, she gave first Sam, then Liara, a huge hug of hello. "Who knew so many people would be coming here today? The shuttle was packed! They can't possibly all be here for Karin, can they?"

Liara smiled knowingly, answering for both of them. "Well, I suppose we knew, since House T'Soni offered up…" She looked at Sam, who informed her of the final number through the link. Liara continued, "… seven shuttles, which completed a combined eighteen runs, delivering forty-three persons to Sol. Each of them then booking transit to Arcturus on the twice-daily shuttle runs. Apparently, a large number ended up on this one, and I imagine the rest will be showing up tonight and tomorrow morning, before the ceremony."

Hannah smiled and gave her head the smallest of shakes as she replied, "I should have known you'd step in to help out… collecting people from all over the galaxy, who love Karin so dearly, to get them here for the big event. How many of those are coming from the Normandy?"

"Are you kidding? We're not doing a thing for them!" Shepard had to laugh at the expression that popped onto her mother's face. "Oh, don't look so shocked, Mom! Ashley wouldn't miss this for the world, so she's bringing the whole damned ship! They'll be arriving tonight… she hopes before dinner."

"Oh, my. Just how many people are coming to this party? I mean… just those you brought, plus the Normandy… we're already up to at least 60!"

Shepard shrugged. "No idea. That's a question for Karin who, by the way, apologizes profusely for not meeting you in person, but she's in with the Fleet Admiral, making sure all the final preparations for the ceremony and follow-on party are complete. It's the only opening Admiral Lindholm had on her schedule today."

"I can understand that well enough. Getting promoted to Brigadier General is no small thing… a lot of details to attend to."

Shepard gave a knowing nod, accompanied with a soft chuckle. "That sounds like someone speaking from experience."

"Absolutely!" Hannah grinned. "Now, come on! Let's grab my bag and get out of this mess… I'd like to sit somewhere quiet and chat with my daughters!"

Aletheia, Alliance Docks, Arcturus Station – 18 Dec 2191

After picking up Hannah's bag, they actually made their way to the Aletheia which, being docked on the station, somewhat surprised her. "Why the ship?" she asked.

"The station is actually fairly empty right now… and, while we have a 2-bedroom suite on the Logan, we're waiting for Karin." Shepard grinned as she continued, "As the closest thing to family that Karin has, we're getting VIP treatment… which was a no-brainer anyway, with both Admiral and retired Spectre Shepard as members of the party. So, we have special privileges like a dedicated docking slot and full access to all the General Officer facilities. And, since Karin knew we would be here, waiting for you to come in, she released her private shuttle. So, we're her ride back to her ship."

"She'll be joining us here, for dinner, before we return to the Logan." Liara smiled softly, adding, "I honestly believe things have been a little crazy the past month, since her promotion was announced… and I think she wants the privacy afforded by being on a private vessel."

"You mean she's hiding out for a bit." Hannah smiled knowingly and chuckled. "Where no one can bug her, because they can't find her."

"Oh, they know where she is…" Shepard paused and corrected herself. "Well, her newly assigned aide knows where she is going to be but has been sworn to secrecy."

"She already has an aide?"

"Much more than that, actually, but Karin didn't give up any info. I'm sure she wants to fill all of us in on the details at the same time."

"So, yes." Karin shrugged. "I know how crazy it sounds, but I'm one of the few full-up trauma surgeons, with multi-race experience, who survived the war… so Ines wants me on the command track. To get there, my assignment will be on the Orizaba, starting as soon as January second, where I will become the medical commander for the fleet."

Hannah's jaw dropped for a second, but she recovered quickly. "Congratulations! From working on a tiny little frigate to the Fifth Fleet Medical Commander? That's quite an accomplishment!"

Shepard let out a low whistle. "Wow, Aunt Karin. Not many places to go for you after that, is there?"

"Well, that is not the end of Ines plans for me." She shrugged. "After that, she wants me to leave my medical practice behind and become the Alliance Chief of Hospital Operations, based on New Arcturus… followed by the Alliance Surgeon General position… which Ines has basically promised to me, assuming I don't retire before that happens."

Both Hannah and Shepard sat back in their chairs, stunned. Hannah recovered first, responding, "But she can't really promise you that… I can't imagine she'll stay in long enough to still be commanding?"

"I don't know… I mean, the war changed a lot of things, and we lost a lot of senior staff, so promotions – as we can see with you and me, Hannah – are not happening at the slow pace they were at, pre-war. Ines is only what? Fifteen years our senior?" Karin quickly did the math in her head. "She wouldn't even be tipping the century mark yet… having another third of her life still ahead of her. So, yes… I think she could still be around."

"By the Gods, you're right." Hannah was stunned. "I hadn't really thought about that. The bad side of that, is everyone in command will be young… so the new officers won't have anywhere to go. Unless people get out, the pre-war stagnation will become reality once again."

Karin chuckled. "Hell of a predicament, isn't it? Knowing the only way you can get promoted is if the person senior to you gets bored and quits… barring, of course, the start of another war."

"Bite your tongue, Karin!" Hannah smiled. "Another war is the last damned thing we need. I would prefer being bored out of my mind the rest of my career, over worrying about what friend…" She paused and glanced at those around her before continuing, "… or family member I was going to lose next."

Liara immediately broke the somber mood threatening to descend upon the group by raising her glass, grinning as she toasted, "Then, here is to a wonderful, loving future with all our family, filled with unending military boredom and few promotions!"

Everyone was first surprised by the toast, and then laughed at its absurdity. Hannah smiled and was the first to raise her glass in answer. "Thank you, Liara. I can most certainly drink to that!"