Anam Cara - Soul Friend/Mate (Gaelic)

CGC - Center for Galactic Cooperation

Ionúin Álainn - beautiful beloved (Gaelic)

Dwyn - Druid God of tricks and pranks; exists to test faith, to ensure followers possess the strength to accomplish their divine purpose

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)

Pildavi - widely enjoyed Asari sport, roughly a kind of biotic hockey (Source: CDN)

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

Michael

T'Soni Estate, Thessia, Parnitha System – 29 Dec 2191

Shepard awoke early, as per her normal, but felt… different… simply knowing the day before she had suddenly become a parent. She leaned over to place a gentle kiss on Liara's forehead, only to discover a pair of blue eyes looking back at her. "Are you alright, Sam?"

"Yeah." Shepard smiled softly. "It's just weird, you know? Waking up and suddenly remembering you're a parent… that there's a little life out there now… one that's totally dependent on you."

"I depend on you," Liara replied quietly, a teasing smile crossing her lips and earning her an answering chuckle from her bondmate.

"I know you do," smiled Sam. "But I also know the reverse is true… because you are quite capable of taking care of both yourself and me. You've got a big heart and some pretty sweet biotics to cover both our asses, should the need arise."

"I could ask a rather silly question… like, do you think we're ready for this?" Liara grinned. "But I won't, because the only answer we could possibly come up with is that we have to be, don't we. I mean, he's here… and we accepted that responsibility yesterday. It's not like we can give him back at this point."

"We can't? Why not?" Shepard tried to keep a straight face as she asked her questions, but it didn't work, and they both chuckled softly.

"No, we can't… and I won't dignify your second question with an answer." Liara finally responded. "Give me a minute and I'll go with you to the nursery."

"Don't need to give you a minute." Shepard chuckled and sat up, her laughter growing at Liara's surprised expression, as the Asari realized her siame was still naked.

"Are you just waking?" Liara then looked at the windows, still dull from lack of sunlight. "Wait. What time is it?"

Shepard smirked as she replied, "It's just after six… and you're awake with me before the sun has come up, my dearest Ionúin Álainn."

"So, I am." Liara sat up, teasing Shepard in return as the sheets fell away from her body. "But we are awake for a reason… to go visit Michael… so, save those thoughts for later, Anam Cara."

"Oh, you are such a temptress, T'Soni!" Shepard's smirk transformed into a full, loving smile. "First you throw down your sheets and place your exquisite body on full display, and then you start speaking my language! You know how sexy I find that!"

"I know." Liara grinned. "So, we go look in on Michael, first… then, maybe later? We are still on holiday, after all."

They arrived at the nursery, only to discover Michael was not in his crib. Upon stepping back out into the hallway, one of the commandos shouted out, "Looking for the little one?" from the end of the hall. Receiving a quick, affirmative response, Bev continued, "Miranda came and picked him up about twenty minutes ago… said she was going to take him to the medical center… explained that she totally trusts Alyna, but wanted to complete her own exam?" Bev shrugged. "No idea what she meant, but I figured she is a trusted friend, so it was okay to let her take him?"

Sensing the question in her statement, Liara immediately nodded. "Yes, of course. We'll catch up with her in the clinic.

Multiple questions floating across her consciousness, Liara glanced at Samantha, who only shrugged and said, "Guess we'll find out what she's looking for when we get there."

They strolled to the medical unit, trusting Miranda and being in no particular hurry. Once they got there, Miranda glanced up and chuckled. "Shepard I would expect… but you, Liara? Up so early?"

"Nerves of being a new parent, I suppose?" Liara smiled in response. "I surprised myself, waking before the winter sun broke the horizon." She hesitated only a moment before asking, "So… what additional tests did you want to run… and why before everyone else was up and about?" Her voice took a hint of an edge as she added, "And without asking us first, if it was okay to do so?"

"The timing was just a matter of chance." Miranda shrugged. "I, too, woke early… and Judea wasn't budging, so I figured now was as good a time as any. But I apologize… you are absolutely correct. I should have asked first." She paused, judging the expressions on both faces to be forgiving, so continued. "As for the tests… I wanted to take a blood sample for a full DNA analysis." Her eyes narrowed only the slightest bit as her glance shifted to Shepard. "We all know he has your genes… but I was more interested in looking at aging factors… and compatibility."

Shepard's brow wrinkled for only a moment before she realized what Miri meant. "Oh… shit." She passed what she was thinking to Liara via the link and then asked, "So, what did you find? Will he have an extended life span?"

"Short answer, yes." Miranda's face held a surprisingly tender smile. "Let me expound on that by saying he has Ori's 400 years, at the very least… probably closer to 500. But, more importantly, he also has your blood type, Shepard, meaning he has the compatibility for a blood transfusion – with you – to include your replicator nanites. With that, barring some catastrophic accident, he could very likely live as long as you… somewhere between 900 years and a full millennium."

Miranda paused and shook her head in disbelief, then continued with a small shrug. "I begin to understand better what Mordin meant by his comment in the note he wrote to you… about your genome being unique… and the ignorance of the Illusive Man in ordering me to render your reproductive organs non-functional."

"What exactly are you talking about, Miri?" Shepard frowned, particularly at the reminder she could never have her own children. It wasn't necessarily that she wanted to, now that she was with Liara, but she would have liked to have had the option.

"Somehow, the Protheans modified your actual genome to carry foreign DNA… in any other Human, those differences would have been non-compatible… and lethal. But in your case – and Michael's – you both readily accept foreign DNA as normal! No mutations, no catastrophic failures within any of your normal body processes." She shrugged and continued, "I always believed it to my father's evil genius combined with Cerberus resources, but what I and Ori have is nothing compared to what your and Michael's bodies are capable of doing. I compared your DNA to Michael's… and the implications for Humanity's future are absolutely astounding."

"What future possibilities?" Shepard suddenly grasped exactly what Miranda was inferring. "Wait. You're saying the Prothean modified traits are inheritable!" She paused, her voice incredulous as she asked, "They can be passed on to Michael's offspring, should he choose to have children?"

"Exactly."

Shepard had no response, simply staring at Miranda in dumbfounded amazement. Liara reached over and latched onto Samantha's hand, also gasping in surprise. "By the Goddess!"

Shepard suddenly felt the need to sit, so located a chair and plopped down into it, dragging Liara with her, and pulling her down onto her lap. "I don't know that the rest of the galaxy is ready for Humanity to be the next Krogan and Asari… living to a millennium. I don't know that Humanity is mature enough to do so… not given how they acted before… and during… the Reaper War."

At that, both Miranda and Liara scoffed. Miri cracked a smile and nodded to Liara to speak first. "Well… it's not like any of the other races acted any differently… certainly not better than Humanity! The Krogan and the Salarian bitterness towards each other nearly doomed all of us at the start, and the Asari's intransigence regarding the Prothean beacon they were hiding almost doomed us near the end!"

"But, neither can we forget Cerberus…" Shepard interjected, only to be countered immediately by Miranda.

"Whose head was a snake! Most of the rest operated in good faith to help you, Shepard. Cerberus brought you back… and the basic flight crew we put together for the Normandy? They wanted nothing more than to avenge their relatives for the atrocities the Collectors had rained upon their home worlds… on their families!" Miranda paused, then quietly added, "Even you admitted you treated them poorly… gave them less credit than they deserved for their dedicated service to you. Then, in the end, you made sure all those who survived the Collector mission had the opportunity to evade Alliance imprisonment when you brought the SR-2 to Sol and turned yourself in."

Shepard met her gaze without hesitation and nodded. "You're right, Miri." A small smile crept onto her lips. "I shouldn't blame the entire organization for the faults of an indoctrinated leader." She smiled and huffed, continuing, "I guess Humanity isn't really any different than any of the other races. We all experience growing pains, all have our individual faults, and have our collective strengths. When we put it all together, it counts for something… and, in the end, our unity won us the unwinnable war."

Miranda smiled and gave a little chuckle. "How poetic, Shepard. We need to inscribe that on a statue that stands in the middle of the CGC, to remind everyone of that fact."

T'Soni Estate, Thessia, Parnitha System – 30 Dec 2191

Accompanied by Desis and baby Ace, Garrus had just finished a late breakfast; the Turian couple, knowing their days would be full to overflowing once they returned home to Palaven, were thoroughly enjoying the leisurely pace of life that seemed to be the norm at T'Soni's oceanside estate as they strolled towards the lounge.

Additionally, Desis knew she would totally miss living in a place with so many people that were more than willing to hold and entertain a baby; not one of the many commandos she encountered during their time here ever expressed any reluctance at interacting with Ace.

Having looked through the windows at the frozen grounds around the mansion, Desis wanted nothing more than to sit in one of the many comfortable chairs in the large room, enjoy the warmth from the fireplace, and visit with many of Shepard's and T'Soni's family and guests.

Many of the conversations she overheard were on the subject of baby Michael, the latest addition to Shepard's growing family. Wishing to learn more about the child's origin, Desis flagged down Samantha Traynor as she and Riana were walking past. Saying, "I'll catch up with you in a few, my darling," Sammi turned towards the pair; moving a nearby straight-back chair closer, she sat down as she asked, "Where's baby Ace?" Cocking her head as she studied, first Garrus, then Desis, she cheekily added, "You surrendered, didn't you? Gave her to a Huntress?"

Desis, still unfamiliar with the intimate level of camaraderie Garrus' enjoyed with his former crewmates on the Normandy, stared at the comms specialist in stunned surprise. Her mate – the absolute love of her life – actually laughed at Traynor's snarky question. After momentarily turning his sapphire eyes on Desis, he looked back at Traynor and replied, "Yeah, there was a pair of them… said they wanted to examine her in order to devise some sort of comparison chart, so they would have a basis to better understand how Turian children differ from Humans."

Traynor nodded her head with her reply. "That actually makes a lot of sense, Garrus." Glancing back and forth between the couple, she asked, "What was Ace's birthdate, Desis?"

"This past June, on the 24th. Is that significant somehow?"

Sammi reached out and gently grasped one of Dee's hands. "Very significant, Desis." Shifting her gaze to Garrus, she offered, "I've heard it said many times during the war: 'There is no Vakarian without Shepard' – I truly believe that statement is completely applicable to the next generation, for both of you, Garrus." Shifting her gaze back to Desis' silver flecked violet eyes, she softly stated, "I had to transcribe the hand-written notes that accompanied baby Mike from the orphanage, Dee. In addition to the letter of explanation from Mordin Solus, there were rather extensive notes written by the Salarian geneticist involved in baby Mike's… creation."

Traynor stopped speaking and looked down for several moments. An encouraging squeeze of her hand brought her attention back to the Turian mom, who softly asked, "Why ever would Ace's birthdate be significant, Sammi? Significant to whom?"

Sammi nodded as she quietly responded. "Baby Mike was born on 24 June, Desis. The children share the same birthdate!"

Desis and Garrus both looked at each other in stunned silence. It was Traynor's turn to squeeze the Turian's hand. As Desis returned her attention to Traynor, she said, "How extraordinary!"

A nearby voice asked, "What's extraordinary, Sammi?" Shepard and Liara had been walking past but stopped to greet their guests… and Shepard's best friend.

Samantha ducked her head for a moment, hoping her dark skin was adequately camouflaging the blush she felt creeping up her neck and engulfing her cheeks. She then looked straight at Shepard as she answered, "Baby Mike and Baby Ace were each born on the same day, Shepard."

Liara started to ask Traynor how she could possibly know Mike's birthday, then stopped upon remembering that Sammi was responsible for archiving all the communications received within this house. With a wry chuckle, she said, "That truly is an extraordinary coincidence, Sammi."

"That's… amazing! Of all the possible coincidences..." Shepard glanced at Garrus with a smile, who immediately dropped and spread his mandibles in his version of an answering grin.

"Destiny, Shepard." Garrus chuckled. "Looks like we started something that's going to last at least one more generation, if not more."

Shepard stood silent for a moment, contemplating what the comms specialist had revealed, before finally asking her, "Have you completely finished the transcription of our mysterious scientist's notes?" With something of an embarrassed nod from Traynor, Shepard smiled and added, "Don't worry about it, Sammi. It's not like his birth date is going to be any big secret, seeing as I have no plans of denying Michael his birthday parties as he grows up. But… do me a favor and send us a complete copy of your transcription, so Liara and I can read through them again, in their entirety? Obviously, we somehow missed that little detail…" She glanced at Liara who was nodding in agreement. "… and it makes us wonder what else we may have missed."

"Absolutely!" Traynor was relieved that she hadn't spoken out of turn, but still made a mental note to herself to be more circumspect when speaking of personal data regarding members of House T'Soni. "You'll have it before the end of the day!"

T'Soni Estate, Thessia, Parnitha System – 31 Dec 2191

The new year hadn't yet arrived, but both Liara and Shepard knew it was going to be a bit different than what they had originally planned. Karin had also taken her turn examining poor little Michael, who seemed to have spent the majority of his waking hours in the clinical area, being poked, prodded and examined by each of the concerned medical professionals visiting for the holidays. Karin, however, was focused on his neurophysiology, and had taken the time to contact a number of experts about potential amps that could handle the likely strength of Michael's future biotics.

When Shepard unintentionally walked in on one of her inquiries, she waited patiently for her adopted aunt to finish her conversation before asking, "Don't you think it's a bit early to be looking at that, Aunt Karin?"

"After examining Michael…" Karin's eyes opened a little wider and she raised her shoulders in a sympathetic shrug. "… absolutely not, Sam. He already possesses all the necessary neural connections and he's living on an eezo world. It would not surprise me at all if he began manifesting his biotics at the same age as Asari… the Human equivalent of the Asari 20."

Liara did the math quickly in her head and blurted out, "With an expected lifespan of 500… he'll only be 10 years old!"

"Oh, shit," muttered Samantha. "That's young for a Human… emotional immaturity and questionable judgment could be serious issues."

"Agreed," Karin nodded. "However, my concern does not lie there. I am not concerned about the type of amp we should be looking at, but the fact that I don't think he'll need one at all. Even better than you, with your Cerberus advancements, he's more Asari… or Krogan… in nature when it comes to that."

"You mean to tell us our juvenile,10-year-old son, could potentially be throwing biotics around?" Shepard's jaw dropped in shock. "That's can't possibly be good."

"You do realize this is all very normal by Asari standards… and that you are concerned about something we deal with all the time?" Liara simply took it all in stride and shrugged. "A 20-year-old Asari isn't exactly the most emotionally mature being in the galaxy either. We'll simply deal with Michael like Asari have dealt with our children since we've had biotics."

"Thank you, Liara." Karin chuckled quietly, an amused smile crossing her lips as she refocused on Shepard. "Given that, perhaps it is just Dwyn's way of evening the score, for all the things you did to your mother while you were growing up."

Shepard grinned, then her face took on an expression of feigned innocence. "What? I never did anything bad to Mom!"

"Maybe not intentionally…" Karin chuckled, "… but you certainly gave us numerous causes for concern with your antics during your younger years… Captain Shepard. You and all your crew."

At that, Samantha laughed and looked at Liara, who was chuckling quietly, having heard many of the stories from Hannah. "I suppose, in that regard, some things never change, do they? Even as an adult, I was still getting into fights with really nasty bad guys."

Immediately understanding, Karin glanced at Liara before looking back to Samantha. "Well, the Collectors and the Reaper War certainly made a mess of things but, somehow, we all managed to come through those intact. That is largely thanks to your leadership and motivational abilities, Sam. You simply just wouldn't quit or give in… and that made all the difference."

"Well, I wouldn't be here if Liara didn't have the same staying power." Her laughter died into a loving smile as she reached over and took the hand of her Ionúin Álainn. "We truly are Anam Cara… soul mates… or we never would have made it this far."

With the combination of the devoted expression on Shepard's face and the tone of her voice, Liara found herself unable to find words, a blush creeping up her neck as she resorted to a quiet, "Oh, Shepard," as the only response she could muster.

"Sorry, babe." Shepard gave her hand a squeeze. "Didn't mean to embarrass you."

That broke the spell, Liara finally offering an answer. "I am, most certainly, not embarrassed by your love for me, Siame. I am simply always amazed at your level of devotion." Liara held the fingers of her free hand to Shepard's lips to keep her from talking as she concluded, "But, if you continue to speak on the matter, you will undoubtedly succeed in doing so, so hush and let us get on with our day. We still have tonight's celebration to prepare for."

Karin smiled happily at the couple. "That we do… and should you care to do it yourself, Michael is likely ready to eat again. Oh…" She suddenly paused and added, "By the way. Miranda and I spoke about the nanite-transfer ability and highly suggest you wait until Michael has the opportunity to develop his natural immune system. I realize that means he has to be like every other child and catch every childhood illness and virus out there… but it will be better for him in the long run, no matter how inconvenient."

Liara immediately asked, "And how long is that for your average Human child?"

"About eight years, Dear." Karin gave her a knowing look. "I know. Eight years of dealing with an occasionally sick child can be very much not fun during his periods of illness but, as a result, he will be stronger for it."

"Let our kid get sick. Hmph." Shepard frowned. "That is not advice I ever expected to get from a doctor… but, I suppose, it does make sense." Her frown turned up and she shrugged. "I've never doubted you, Aunt Karin. I'm certainly not going to start now."

Karin chuckled quietly. "I'll be certain to remind you that you said that, when the time comes and you have an uncomfortable, unhappy, crying child on your hands."

Shepard just shook her head, mumbling, "Of that, I have no doubt."

It was over an hour later when Samantha finally declared victory, having taken that long to accomplish the task she had taken on. "How can it possibly take 68 minutes to get 30 milliliters of puree and one bottle of formula into a hungry child's mouth?"

Liara could only giggle as she commented, "And I'm not sure that much actually went in… I think you're wearing almost half of it."

"Oh, no. That's what went in… but, when we travel, we're going to need to make sure we bring twice what we think we'll actually need!" Shepard looked at her clothes in disgust. "Sheesh! I think I needed the bib more than Michael did!" Liara's smile, however, was contagious and Shepard found herself chuckling along with the Asari as she continued, "Now, we're gonna put him down for a nap… or give him to whoever his attendant is for today… and I'm going to shower… again... and then put on clean clothes… again."

Liara gave her a look that spoke volumes, particularly when she asked, "Want some company?"

Shepard's eyes lit up as she responded, "Absolutely, Doctor T'Soni. I just may require more than a little help getting all this off… some of it landed in rather inconvenient locations!"

Having risen a couple of hours or so earlier than normal, no one batted an eye when Liara and Shepard came down the stairs for their second time, this time much closer to their normal nine in the morning. The commando who had seen them early on, Bev, gave them a knowing smile but said not a word, keeping their abnormally early sojourn a secret. The way the morning had gone, neither Liara nor Shepard had eaten, so their 'second' morning started normally, sitting down to eat with the regular guests who chose to sleep in a little and enjoy a leisurely breakfast.

"Good morning, Lady Liara… Captain Shepard." Zan had walked over and plopped down, rather unceremoniously, into a chair at their table, a cup of hot Kaffe in her hand. "I am here to announce the arrival of the Záhrada shuttle…" She glanced at her chrono and continued, "… in roughly thirty minutes." Looking back up to glance between the leading couple, she added, "You need to know that the full support pack is aboard and, according to Vori, so is my mother." Zan chuckled at their expressions. "Apparently, she felt the need to meet your newest family member, before you leave and drag him off to Ilos."

"Matriarch Marisha is coming all this way, just to meet Michael?" Liara asked, a bit incredulous at the whole idea. "I'll need to let Lyessa know…"

"Already done, Liara." Zan grinned. "Lyessa has already begun room preparations, as the matriarch actually called ahead and asked if it would be alright if she spent the night… to which Lyessa immediately said yes." Zan shrugged. "I mean, it will take time to download the shuttle and such anyway, so… as Lyessa put it… they may as well be able to enjoy some House T'Soni hospitality, seeing as House S'Vatyne refused to take any type of payment for the supplies."

"She refused payment?" Liara queried.

"Of course, she did!" Zan laughed. "She said to consider it a Christmas gift to House T'Soni, as well as a belated birthday present for Michael, whom she really wants to meet."

Liara went to protest, but Shepard reached out and laid a hand on her arm. "As you often tell me, just accept it, Liara. For whatever their personal reasons, people simply… care for us… and want to help us where they can. Let them do it."

"Of course, you are correct, Siame." Liara smiled softly as she continued, "Even if you are using my own words against me."

Shepard chuckled softly, replying with a grin, "Your own words always make the best argument, because you can't refute it without calling yourself a liar."

"By the Goddess!" exclaimed Marisha. "What a cute little boy!" She looked up at Shepard with a happy smile. "But where does he get that lovely shock of black hair? Certainly not from the Shepard side!"

"Actually, it is from the Shepard side. My mom… and me, obviously, get our red hues from the McCormicks… my mother's side of the family. My dad, whom this little guy is named after, had black hair, just like Michael's… assuming it doesn't change color as he grows." She paused and smiled softly at her little man. "Human babies aren't necessarily born with their final color, but I hope it stays black. It's kind of a nice reminder of Dad, no matter how bittersweet it may be."

Marisha nodded in understanding. "As Asari, we often look to our children as reminders of our mates, as we so often outlive them. We look to the traits we can carry over during the mating process which, as you likely know, is not always left to chance."

Shepard's face turned only the slightest shade of pink as she responded, "Yeah… we had some discussions about that with Aethyta, Mozia, and Sha'ira…" She paused and glanced at Liara as she continued, "… while we were preparing for our bonding ritual." Her eyes returned to meet those of the matriarch. "Let's just say it was a rather eye-opening experience for this particular Human."

Marisha chuckled softly. "I can only imagine." She looked again at the small child in Shepard's arms and extended her hands. "May I?"

"Oh! Certainly!" Shepard grinned and adjusted, easily sliding Michael into the waiting arms.

Little Michael had already become quite accustomed to being passed around like a Pildavi ball, so simply smiled and attempted to reach for anything he could get his little hands on. Marisha couldn't help but smile in return. "Well, you are quite the gregarious little one, aren't you? Not in the least bit shy!" She glanced up, adding, "You are very much like your mother in that regard."

"Gods, don't curse him with that!" Shepard smirked. "He's already got a long road ahead simply because of his name… and his House association. Poor kid is already behind, just by the sake of being born." She glanced at Liara, adding, "All of our children, unfortunately, will likely face the same fate. The adversity of having famous parents." Looking back at the matriarch, she asked, "Have any tips on how to save them from that?"

Marisha shook her head. "I am afraid not, Shepard. It comes with the territory of being from a High House… and is just something all of us here have to deal with." She then smiled and added, "But, generally speaking, it's not all that bad. I do, however, recommend you never attempt to keep it a secret. The sooner people know the truth, the sooner they will get over it and begin to simply treat them like every other child they know."

"That simple, huh?" Shepard looked skeptical, making the matriarch laugh.

"I'm afraid there is absolutely nothing simple about it, Shepard. It's just something you will eventually get used to." Marisha gave her a knowing look. "Only then does it become simple."

Shepard smiled. "Speaking of making things simple. I want to thank you again for the infant support package you brought with you. It made our preparations for Ilos infinitely easier. I'm sure we would have missed something along the way."

"Nonsense." Marisha smiled and shook her head. "You and Liara are very thorough. I have no doubt you would have gathered everything Michael will require. I am simply pleased I was able to assist, so you can relax and better enjoy your holidays together." She chuckled and dropped her voice, as if telling a secret as she added, "Besides. Don't tell my staff, but it gave me the perfect excuse to join you here and take a small break from the resort, creating my own little vacation and an opportunity to see Zan. That way, I do not need to admit to her how much I miss seeing her every day at the resort."

"I can understand that." Shepard grinned and replied conspiratorially, "But no worries here. Your secret is safe with me, Matriarch."

"Thank you." Marisha drew a deep breath. "As much as I miss seeing her face, I see the happiness that resides on it now, with her being here, fulltime with Livos. There were days I feared she would never find another lover, so it truly does warm my heart. She suffered such evil at the hands of Clarinda, I feared she would be scarred for life."

Shepard gave her a meaningful stare. "That is one person you never need to worry about again… so, consider Zan's future secure for as long as we have anything to say about it." Shepard smiled, adding, "Besides, we could say the same about Liv. She is so dedicated to Liara and her job at House T'Soni, I… we, being Liara and I… never thought she would take time out for her own happiness. Zan changed that and, for that, we are grateful."

"So, it would seem House T'Soni and House S'Vatyne were destined to come together." Marisha smiled down at the little bundle in her arms who had started squirming. "But… I believe our time now is about to be interrupted. I think, just perhaps, little Michael may be getting hungry."

"Thanks for taking him off my hands for a few." Shepard grinned as she took the young boy back from the matriarch. "He's little, but he can still get heavy after a while. And, while I know you realize this, I'm going to say it anyway. You are welcome here any time, Marisha… for whatever reason, or even no reason at all other than you simply feel like dropping in. No previous notice or request is required for you to stop by to say hello and spend a few nights. We will always have room for you and yours."

Marisha looked at the woman who stood before her; a galactic hero, used and abused by the galaxy, dead twice over… almost thrice, if the stories were true, yet still able to hold such kindness for others. "You are a remarkable woman, Samantha Shepard. You and Liara deserve one another, along with every single bit of peace, happiness, and contentment you can garner from this plane of existence and whatever may lie beyond. May you and yours walk in the path of the Goddess."

A/N: I just wanted to say thanks for all the follows, favorites and kudos for both this story and 'On the Sidelines.' Your reponses have been awesome, and fuel our creativity! Thank you!