C'apul - A dextro beverage, made from roasted and ground seeds of a tropical shrub of the same name, served hot or iced. (Turian)

Ionúin Álainn - beautiful beloved (Gaelic)

Kaffe - equatorial Thessian vine, seeds of which are used to produce a non-alcoholic beverage of same name, taste described as a mix of coffee and chocolate (Thessian; Source: CDN)

Nara - literally "bearer"; one who shoulders another's burden (Thessian; Source: CDN)

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

The Law of Surprise

T'Soni Estate, Thessia, Parnitha System – 25 Dec 2191

Garrus, accompanied by Desis and Ace, had thoroughly enjoyed a Turian version of a breakfast inspired by Shepard's love of bacon and eggs from her homeworld. The happy glint in Dee's brilliant, silver-flecked violet eyes was all the assurance he needed that the C'apul, of which she was enjoying the last couple of swallows from her mug, was a very welcome addition to the cuisine they could look forward to enjoying over the next several days.

He drained his own mug, then rose from his seat; after adding her tray to his own, he took them both to the cleanup station. By the time he returned to the table, Desis had cleaned up little Ace's face and had extracted her from her special chair. Accompanied by her mate and eager to socialize with the other guests, they strolled to the large commons room which was dominated by an enormous, gaily decorated Christmas tree, beneath which a number of presents remained to be distributed to their recipients.

Garrus visually inspected the room all around, attempting to discover a small couch or pair of chairs in which the two of them could comfortably sit and observe the activities swirling around the room, in an approximation of the mix of dead leaves and loose snow being blown about by the cool winter breeze outside.

He had just located a potential pair of armchairs when they were approached by Kasumi Goto. The master thief was dressed for a Thessian winter day, adorned in a mid-thigh length wool skirt in a rich shade of medium burgundy, a light grey turtleneck sweater under a black leather jacket, and a pair of black, over the knee suede boots. She stopped in front of them and grinned, "Merry Christmas, Garrus… Desis. Have you had breakfast?"

Garrus was still attempting to wrap his head around the massive change in Kasumi's everyday attire. Before he could formulate a coherent response, Dee tipped her head and answered, "We have, and a merry Christmas to you, Kasumi." She spared a quick glance at her mate before returning her attention to the woman in front of them; after visually inspecting her up and down, she observed, "It would appear you're planning on taking a walk in the gardens, Kas.

"I am and, should it please you to accompany me, I need to retrieve a couple of things from my cabin inside Spectre's Rose. Seeing you standing here reminded me that you had expressed a desire to take a look at my ship." A tiny smile playing along her expressive mouth, she concluded with, "If you have time to do so now, go grab your coats… I'll wait for you inside the door leading out to the rose garden."

Desis answered happily for both of them. "It will be a pleasure. See you in a few minutes."

After a leisurely walk along the perimeter path to the secure hangers, Kasumi called up the hanger's entry-code in her omnitool and unlocked the passage door beside the bi-fold hanger doors. Upon entering the hanger – immediately followed by Garrus and Desis – sensors detected their movements and turned on the overhead lights, illuminating first near the doorway, then expanding the lit area across the hanger, eventually revealing Kas' ship on the far side.

Garrus' jaw dropped in awe at the ship's appearance. Finding his voice, he exclaimed, "Kas! She's beautiful!" Desis echoed his sentiment as he approached the entry hatch and stopped to stare in appreciation. Turning to look at Kasumi, he observed, "I seem to recall from my time in C-Sec there was a human female – a master thief – wanted in connection with a number of high-end thefts in Council space. Among other aliases, she was known primarily as the Red Rose." He cocked his head and asked in a slightly mocking tone, "The single rose under the ship's name wouldn't have any special meaning for you, would it?"

Kasumi's expression was as inscrutable as ever. "I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about, Garrus." She paused and locked his gaze with her own. "And now is not the time to discuss it. You and Desis are here for a tour of my ship." She unlocked the hatch and stood aside as it swung open. "Come aboard. I'm reasonably sure you've never had a chance to look inside a Salarian manufactured Veshok-6."

Kas activated the interior lights, then stepped onto the flight deck; initiating the main computer sent a slight vibration through the deck under their feet. She looked at Garrus as he sidled up behind her. "Jon had the latest and best of everything installed in her. The ship might be a bit old, but the control interfaces, engines, navigational computer, weapons and stealth equipment? All top of the line. We flew rings around more than a few slavers and pirates that tried to test us."

Garrus nodded his head as he admired the cockpit. "Very nice, Kasumi. And Bau gave this ship to you? Free and clear?"

Kasumi ducked her head and turned away. After getting her emotions back under control, she coughed and replied, "I was his only partner… like, ever… so, um, yes… he did, actually." She started towards the stern, saying "Come on. Let me show you the rest of Rose. The accommodations are rather nice for a decades old patrol craft."

The remainder of the House T'Soni Christmas passed as it had every year since Shepard's bonding with Liara. There were the normal snowball fights followed by time in front of the fire with hot Kaffe or cocoa in hand, the gift exchanges, the Christmas blessing and finally, at the end of a long, enjoyable day, the huge feast – multiple dishes from multiple heritages – all expertly created by Chef Leyana, who somehow managed to make enough food to fill three, full-length buffet tables.

While Liara loved everyone in the house, there was always one woman in particular who inevitably captured most of her attention. Even now, after dinner, with many people standing and sitting together in the lounge, Liara found herself sitting all by herself. Shepard was currently dancing a slow waltz with Hannah, but she could feel the Asari's gaze on her back. As she danced, she chuckled softly and smiled. {You're not jealous of Mom, are you?}

{Absolutely not, Samantha. But I will admit to thinking about how good you look in your jeans and boots… and how positively gorgeous you'll look when I get you out of them… later.}

Shepard almost misstepped, but somehow managed to keep tempo and continued to dance, a grin spreading on her face. {Liara T'Soni… You little vixen! That is completely unfair!}

Unaware of the private exchange, Hannah smiled back at her, saying, "It is fun, isn't it? I will say I'm glad we managed to get in Karin's promotion and still have the standard holidays all happen like they're supposed to."

As the music came to an end, Samantha stepped close and dipped a surprised Hannah, who recovered nicely, being so well practiced in the dance. As Hannah stood back upright, Shepard stepped back and bowed. "Thank you very much for the dance, Mom… but Liara calls."

"Ahhh." Hannah gave her a sly smile and a quiet chuckle. "That would explain that little stutter in your step a few moments ago."

"Yes… so I asked her if she was jealous of you." Shepard chuckled. "But no worries there. She loves you as much as I do, Mom."

Hannah let out a laugh as they made their way back to the table. "That's good to know, because besides you? I imagine Liara T'Soni is the next to last person I would ever want unhappy with me."

"And that's just one of the many reasons I love you, Mom." Shepard grinned. "You're a smart woman."

Garrus had excused himself to stroll across the room in order to refresh his drink at the bar. Just as he slid up onto a chair, Kasumi seemingly materialized at his side. "A private word, Garrus?"

"Spirits, Kas!" Garrus almost jumped back off the stool he had just occupied. "Even without your hooded cloak, you still managed to sneak up on and scare the shit out of me!"

"Apologies." Kasumi shook her head. "Aethyta said much the same to me… and I thought I was getting better about not doing that." She smiled, chuckled, and observed, "Perhaps it has less to do with my sneakiness, and more to do with your singular focus on your next beverage?"

"Might be something to that." Garrus relaxed and chuckled. "So… a private word? Like somewhere other than the bar?"

"No… here will be fine, so long as Desis doesn't make her way over to join us. Everyone else here is aware of my background."

"Your background?" Garrus looked puzzled. "What has that got to do with Desis not being here?"

Kasumi let out a quiet sigh. "That right there is exactly why we need to have this little chat, Garrus. You're former C-Sec… do you not see the problem here?"

Garrus was stumped, his mandibles pinched in confusion. "What exactly are you getting at, Kas? Why do you care if Desis learns about…"

He didn't get to finish asking the question before Kasumi cut him off. "I don't only care, Garrus. She simply cannot… and that is non-negotiable. My history is not yours to reveal… to anyone!"

"Why the Hell not? Everyone here knows!" Garrus was feeling a bit offended by Kasumi's attitude towards his mate… the mother of his child, for Spirit's sake! His sub-harmonics reflected an increasing amount of anger as he queried, "Do you not think that Desis is trustworthy?"

"That is not the point, Garrus." Any humor that may have remained in her voice had vanished. "I am leaving the old me behind – in case my new look isn't enough of a giveaway – and trying my best to keep it a secret… both for my own safety, and for the safety of all those who surround me. I took many incredibly expensive things… and I made more than a few powerful enemies during the course of that life. There are still people out there I do not wish to have hunting for me, whether it's to reclaim their property, or to seek revenge. Remember my little side trip with Shepard, to visit Donovan Hock on Bekenstein?"

Here, Kasumi paused in her narrative, watching the expression on Garrus' face shift slightly as he started to nod, however slowly, as his mind worked on the issue. "I see you begin to understand, now. So… you need to refrain from making any references to my past jobs… my past life… especially in Desis' presence. It is not a story for you to tell, and definitely nothing she needs to know. Do you not realize that knowledge could put her and your baby in danger?"

"What?" Garrus, shocked by a possibility he had previously never considered, was suddenly very sober. "Spirits, Kasumi! How?"

"Garrus!" Kasumi shook her head in surprised incredulity. "You need to start thinking like a thief… or a spy! All it takes is a whisper of a rumor… like the fact that Commander Shepard recruited a bunch of misfits for her team on Normandy. She had a Drell assassin on board… and what of that Omega vigilante? Archangel? She also had a master thief, identity unknown – to anyone. That whisper I just spoke of? It could induce the wrong people to begin hunting… looking to tie those mystery people to actuals… looking to discover which of them are still alive…"

Garrus remained silent, prompting Kasumi to shake her head again and continue. "You must certainly realize where I'm going with this, Garrus. If someone figures out who you were on Omega… can definitively tie you to a vigilante that's supposed to be long dead, that makes both Dee and Ace targets… to be used as leverage, to get to you, in order to find out who, exactly, that master thief on the Normandy was. Of course, they won't know if that person is actually the thief they are trying to find… but they're still going to investigate those leads. Unfortunately, I very much doubt people in their position will care about who gets hurt along the way."

"Shit." The truth of the matter hit Garrus like a direct shot from a flak cannon. "I am so sorry! I never thought of any of that, Kas! Honestly! You'll never hear another peep from me regarding anything prior to your employment as a security specialist by House T'Soni… which, by the way, is a matter of public record on Thessia, so is no secret."

"Which still has no reason to come up in idle conversation." Kasumi suddenly smiled, "Unless, of course, it's a personal reference for a side gig, should I decide to go out on my own after I build a good rep here in the security field." She couldn't help but chuckle at the expression that crossed the big Turian's face. "Kidding, Garrus. I have no intention of going out on my own. This is a great place to work… and a secure place for one like me to retire. The only reason I'm working now is so I don't go absolutely crazy from boredom. A woman has to do something to fill her time, else she could find her way back into making mischief!"

T'Soni Estate, Thessia, Parnitha System – 28 Dec 2191

A winter storm had moved in, beginning with strong northeasterly winds blowing across the Kendra Ocean; with the accompanying drop in temperature, first sleet… then snow had started to fall. To describe the weather outside the mansion as being rather unpleasant could not convey how miserable it had turned. Because of that, many of the family and friends were gathered in the lounge area, simply chatting and sharing stories. Lyessa moved quietly to stand at Shepard's side and leaned down between her and Liara, speaking softly, but urgently. "Nara, there is a woman at the gates, saying she has come from the orphanage to deliver a child. I do not recall any young visitors being scheduled over the holidays…"

Shepard glanced at Liara, who frowned slightly and gave an almost imperceptible shake of her head before turning to Lyessa to respond, "We have not formalized any agreement yet, as we have not been home long enough at any one time to establish any sort of formal relationship. Why would they come out in this weather? I hate to even ask this, but could you determine if there is actually a child with her?"

"Yes, Liara. We scanned for life signs." Lyessa nodded. "And, as far as we can tell, it is just the two of them." She paused a moment before adding, "And the child is very young… only about six months, at best estimate with the long-range scanner."

Shepard drew a deep breath and stood from her chair. "Have Livos meet us in the foyer."

"Yes, Captain."

As Lyessa hurried off, Shepard looked at Liara, who nodded and also stood before announcing to the group, "Apparently, we have two unscheduled visitors. Please excuse us, while we ascertain who they are and deal with them accordingly."

Liara's announcement caught Riana's attention; she pinged the members of the Personal Guard to rally immediately in the front foyer. Once the group had come together, including Shepard and Liara, Livos took the lead. "We have contacted the orphanage and they verified the person at the gate is one of their employees. They took guardianship of the child just this morning, after he had been abandoned on their front steps, along with two sealed envelopes."

She paused to take a breath and Shepard jumped on the chance to speak. "What do you mean, he? The child in not Asari?"

Livos looked at her, an indulgent smile on her face. "That is correct, Captain. The child is, in fact, a Human male." As Shepard fell silent in surprise, Livos continued on as though she had hadn't been interrupted. "She stated a message on the first envelope indicated it should be opened immediately… and apparently included a rather generous payment to the orphanage for their services, along with specific instructions to bring the child here, within the same day. The second envelope has its own message, instructing that it is to be opened by no one but you, Shepard." At this point, Livos looked directly at Shepard and, in a voice that brokered no argument, stated, "Obviously, we are going to open that envelope for you, outside and away from the house… just in case. We will not risk your exposure to a potential poison or any other threat that could be placed in such a small space."

Shepard drew a quick breath to protest, then stopped and blew it out angrily, disgusted by the very idea that someone would use a child to that end. "Right." She gave Liara – who had immediately informed her via the link that she would accept this particular security measure without protest – a nod of acceptance and simply replied, "So, what's next?"

"Riana will take two members of the guard with her, to collect the first envelope and speak with the representative from the orphanage. The other three members of the guard will take the second envelope and move to a relatively safe distance before opening it. Where we go from there depends on what both groups discover."

Grudgingly, Shepard had to accept the terms and nodded in acquiescence. "As much as I hate it, Liv, that sounds like a reasonable approach… but make only one guard member responsible for the second envelope." She allowed her disgust with the entire situation to color a heavy sigh. "No sense risking any more of our people than necessary."

"I am happy you agree with the plan, Nara… seeing as you really have no say in the matter." Livos offered up a quiet, relaxed chuckle, fully expecting the whole situation to resolve without incident. "We all realize how much you despise the necessity, but our actions are protecting you and the future of House T'Soni. We will also give the child a complete physical examination before you… or Lady Liara… are allowed anywhere near him." Glancing between the two she had just mentioned, she pointedly asked, "Is that understood?"

Liara was the one to answer for them. "Yes, Captain Tanni… and thank you for looking out for us, even if the possible threat is only from an innocent child."

"If all this is as innocent as we all hope, then there will be nothing to worry about." Livos gave them both a quick nod before turning to Riana and the Personal Guard. "Let us get this done."

After a thorough scan, it appeared neither the caretaker nor the child posed any threat. Given that, they were immediately escorted to the medical facility so the child could receive a complete physical examination. While Doctor T'Lori attended to that task, Shepard was given the letter that had been deemed safe by Bev Shyria. "No contaminants are present, Captain. I did unfold the note, to ensure it contained nothing within the folds… and could not help but notice the name of the person who wrote this." She stopped, a sad smile appearing on her face. "As such, I quite honestly do not care to give either the letter or the attached notes to you at all, but I will… even though I know they will bring you a sense of loss and sadness, no matter their contents."

Shepard frowned, not immediately looking at the pages handed to her, instead focusing on the expression on the face of the commando. "Thank you, Bev." Only then did she unfold the note. It was strange enough that it was a note on actual paper, instead of being on a datapad; stranger still was the realization it had been handwritten – in Scots, of all the possible languages in the galaxy – by an old friend; a friend whose absence still pained her… immensely, to this day.

XXXXXXXXXX

Shepard. Mordin here. Know this must come as a shock, but happy to surprise you one last time. I am confident this language-encoded letter arrives with success of extremely important project I began, seemingly long ago, while researching Collector Swarms. You gave me time and opportunity to make up for my part in creation of the Genophage, so I figured I owe you a favor. With enormity of this guilt, this was only way I could figure out to properly pay you back.

All commenced with irregularities I noticed in your genome. Won't bore you with details; instructed doctor to whom I passed my notes to include a copy for you, along with this letter. I will summarize in four words, Shepard: Your genome is unique.

Much as they did with Asari, Protheans planted within Human race – particularly, your ancestors – a uniqueness I do not wish to see lost a second time; thus, I am pleased for two primary reasons. 1) Scientist I selected succeeded and then delivered, to you, Shepard-genetic child you could not conceive yourself. Of more importance: 2) You won! You survived Reapers to read this note. Can only add my sincere hope Doctor T'Soni is at your side. Otherwise, fully understand this will likely be a hollow victory, if she is not present to share what I hope is a tremendous joy for you.

Your forever friend,

Mordin

PS: If I still had a voice, you know… at this point… I would likely break out in song. So, sing one for me, would you? You possess a lovely singing voice; one I hope you use freely now that the war is won!

XXXXXXXXXX

Shepard felt Liara's hand land softly on her back, comforting, while not intruding on her thoughts. Samantha could tell she had not inadvertently shut Liara out by closing off the link, so turned to the Asari and purposely pulled her in. {Something of a shock, that this would be Mordin's doing… but… I'm okay with it, Liara, however… unexpected… it is to hear from him now.} She paused and drew a deep calming breath as Liara stepped up and wrapped her arms around her.

{I know we spoke of fostering the orphanage… but I don't believe either of us contemplated actually adopting a child… of any race. That said… this is your decision, Siame. I will accept whatever choice you make.}

Shepard released a little huff of laughter. "I'm not sure either of us truly have a say in the matter, especially if what Mordin wrote is true… of which I have no doubt. The child is genetically mine, Liara, whether or not I physically brought him into this galaxy."

"So… we have a lot to talk about." Liara placed a soft kiss on Shepard's lips before continuing, "Assuming, of course, he passes all the medical tests and clearances."

"Agreed." Shepard managed a smile. "Though, whether or not he passes medical, at this point, is likely inconsequential. We have a lot to talk about either way."

Liara smiled in return, a quiet, short chortle preceding her reply. "I suppose that is true." She glanced first toward the medical bay, then toward the commons. "So… who do you think we should speak with first?"

Shepard rolled her eyes, realizing both she and Liara knew the answer to that apparently rhetorical question. "Definitely Aethyta…"

Liara finished, "Who, very likely, will immediately include Mozia… and Mom, of course, will need to be included in the group."

"Absolutely…" Shepard shrugged and smiled. "And, I suppose, now is as good a time as any." She glanced at Riana, who was never far. "Hear that, Ri?"

"Yes, Nara." Riana turned toward her and smiled. "You want me to go fetch them?"

"No time like the present."

Riana nodded and, with an "I'll be right back," headed off at a trot, turning toward the lounge to retrieve the requested group of people.

She returned within only a few moments, both Aethyta and Hannah in tow. Riana had a smile on her face, the other two a mix of confusion and concern. Aethyta, of course, was the first to say anything. "So, what in the Goddess' name is going on?"

"Let's find a place to sit down so we can talk." Liara looked at her father. "Is Mozia coming?"

Aethyta glanced at Riana as she replied, "I… we… got the distinct impression this was, at least initially, a strictly family affair. So, Mozia bowed out, telling me to simply message her if we wanted, or needed, her to join the group as the House Regent."

"Well then," Liara started, "Let us find someplace comfortable to settle, so we can explain."

After finding a place to sit, letting them read Mordin's message, and then presenting them with the full story regarding the child's arrival, Aethyta simply gave them a dumbfounded stare. Hannah, on the other hand looked a bit shocked, but still managed to ask, "So… first Adrien… and now… I'm a grandmother?"

"Fuck." Aethyta shook her head and glanced at Sam's mother. "I didn't even think about that."

Clearing her throat, Hannah continued, "Well… it was sure to happen sooner or later but, given Liara's relative youth, I honestly had doubts I would still be around to see it. This? This is something I most definitely never expected… so, thank you for letting us read the note from Mordin. I believe it explained things rather… succinctly." Suddenly looking sad, she reached out for Samanatha's and Liara's hands. "This has to be hard… for both of you, as well. I mean… the two of you should have had at least nine months to prepare for this… a full year if it was Liara's first child. This will be a very sudden… and somewhat of a major life adjustment!"

She looked at Aethyta who nodded in agreement. The matriarch knew Hannah was much better at this kind of thing than she ever could be, so simply nodded for her to continue, which the elder Shepard was content to do. "First of all, know that we are both here for you… as is, very likely, every single person in House T'Soni. This is going to come as a great surprise to everyone… a surprise which I cannot imagine will be anything less than a very welcome one!" She released their hands and shrugged. "So… what's next?"

With that question, Aethyta cleared her throat and stated, "I do believe this is when I need to call in Moz… so she can help us figure out the best way to make this announcement to everyone."

Liara held her hand up. "I think I also need to contact Ambassador Colis and explain what has happened. I mean… we're supposed to be heading back there in… what? Four days?" She looked at Shepard, suddenly realizing they had no contingency plan for such an event, which brought on a flutter of unease in her stomach, something that made her actually wonder if she was on the edge of a panic attack. "Goddess. We are not ready for this!"

Shepard's soft smile and her relaxed demeanor did wonders as the woman simply shrugged and answered, "We'll figure it out, Liara, just like we always do. At least the kid isn't trying to kill us." She chuckled at the look she got from her Ionúin Álainn. "We're a smart bunch, Li… especially all of us put together. We'll come up with a good plan. So, I think we put our heads together first… before we talk to anyone else, either those on Ilos or even those right here, in our own home."

Liara released a long, calming breath and nodded. "Agreed."

With Liara's consent, Shepard's attention shifted to her omnitool as she issued an invitation. As the glow faded and she dropped her arm, she looked back up to say, "Mozia will be here shortly."

It was roughly two hours later when Liara and Shepard stood before everyone, with Shepard cradling an exhausted baby boy in her arms. She cleared her throat and told the story of what had happened earlier in the day. "In conclusion… this sleepy little guy is David Michael Shepard, Junior… whom we will call either Michael or Mike… and he is, while unexpected, our very welcome, newest addition to the family of House T'Soni."

As the room erupted in happy cheers, Liara stepped forward and raised her hand, requesting quiet as she continued, "We have many changes we need to make before our journey to Ilos. I have already spoken with Ambassador Colis, and he has kindly given us an extra week to make the additional preparations for travel." Liara drew a deep breath and continued, "If we are to take little Michael with us, we will need to lay in a whole new store of supplies."

Her gaze traveled to Lyessa, who immediately answered the yet-to-be-asked question. "He is not the first Human baby to grace our halls, Lady Liara. I still have the lists of foods and supplies we needed for Gabby's little ones. That should be easy enough to adjust for a single six-month-old little boy. We'll have the shopping done before lunch tomorrow."

"Thank you, Lyessa." Her gaze then shifted to Sellina T'Rori, the House Engineering Maintenance chief. "Sel… your challenge is a bit larger. There is no way we can get a custom pressure suit for our little man in time for departure, so we will need a small stasis bed, as soon as possible. First off, I would like Michael to use it as his sleeping cradle… here, at home, aboard ship, and in our living quarters on Ilos. Seeing as the outside pressure on Ilos is over 11 atmospheres, it will also serve as the pressurized chamber we will need to transport him back and forth between the ship and our quarters… at least until we receive his custom suit."

"Understood, Lady Liara." Selina smiled and added, "Just so you know, the pressure suit won't really be 'custom' like you might expect. We saw them aboard the Ascension on occasion…" She chuckled and shrugged. "It is more like a bag… with a clear face section… giving their limbs free movement within. You'll see when it shows up… and it's not as horrid as it sounds. The little ones actually seem to like it; I think the stable atmosphere and pressure within calms them."

Liara was about to begin again when Selina popped out of her chair. "Oh! Something else we'll need to consider is our emergency procedures. If something happens… someone should be dedicated to assist Michael. He obviously can't respond to warning alarms; quite the opposite, actually…"

Liara smiled. "Thank you for thinking of that, Sel, and that is exactly what I was planning to talk about next." She glanced around the room and added, "We will need, basically, a full-time caretaker for Michael. Shepard and I will be working while on Ilos…"

Before Liara even had a chance to finish, Lusmeni stood up. "I am happy to do so, Lady Liara. If we are not flying, my duties as your pilot are minimal. We would just need to designate one of the commandos while we are actually traveling."

Surprisingly, the next one to stand was Zan. "I, too, am available, Lady Liara… especially given the season. I can easily head to Ilos with you for the initial two-month period, and still be back here when Spring breaks, so I can get out and about on the Preserve. Quite honestly, I don't have much to do between now and then, anyway. Also, I can contact Záhrada. We dealt with issues like this all the time, with visitors who arrived with young children. I am quite confident they have such a supply list already in existence, which they would be happy to send to us, once we explain what has happened… or simply tell them an adoption came through faster than anticipated, when a Human child was, quite literally, dumped on their doorstep." She paused and smiled. "Please, leave the mechanics of all of this in Lyessa's and my capable hands, and you will have everything you need for travel within the week."

It took a moment for Liara to process everything Zan had just agreed to do. "Are you sure, Zan? That is a tremendous offer… covering a multitude of specialties…"

"Which is why I will contact Matri…" She paused and smiled as she revised what she was going to say. "I will contact my mother and Steward Emedra. I am sure they already have detailed packages to fit circumstances very similar to ours."

Shepard smiled and gave Liara a nudge through the link. Liara dropped her gaze for a moment and smiled in return before looking again at their new Nature Preserve Manager. "Thank you, Zan. The task is yours and Lyessa's. Be sure to let us know if you run into any difficulties."

"We will. I promise." Zan smiled and chuckled. "Though I very much doubt there will be any problems. Matter of fact, I would anticipate a Záhrada shuttle arriving here as soon as they can get one of the kits packed onto it and Marisha's personal pilot, Vori, can get it here."

Shepard's brow wrinkled in surprise as she asked, "Seriously?"

"Absolutely, Nara." Zan's smile widened into a full-fledged grin as she continued, "You are not the only one who takes care of her own."

A/N: So, now you know the 'evil' Salarian wasn't really so evil. I know the child isn't blue, but hope this all comes as a happy surprise. If interested, the new 'On the Sidelines' will have a chapter titled 'Salarian Notes' regarding the creation of baby Shepard, which will be posted soon after this chapter.