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

New Unions

Oasia, Ilos, Refuge – 22 Aug 2192

Ambassador Colis sat in silence for a moment, absorbing everything he had been told by Doctor T'Soni and then viewed on the Council session recording. When he finally shifted his eyes from the now-blank screen to meet Liara's gaze, he actually had a slight smile on his face; Shepard somehow managed not to laugh at his expression, but passed through the link that she would have to define it as a smirk. Liara cast her a knowing smile but said nothing in response before returning her attention to the ambassador.

"Interesting development, indeed." Furant's eyes were bright as he continued, "I see why you felt the need to show me this immediately, rather than wait for tomorrow's scheduled meeting. I have no doubt I will be up as soon as the Salarian day begins on Sur'Kesh, the Dalatrasses sure to be calling and attempting to coerce me into making some… arrangement… with the Protheans. When it is convenient for them to do so, they very purposefully fail to remember I am a Council representative, and not a Salarian Ambassador."

"I anticipated exactly that and thought, as your Cultural Attaché, I needed to inform you as soon as possible." Liara shook her head and shrugged. "It seems we learned nothing from the Reaper War, particularly that we work better together, than when at odds and competing against one another."

"And I do appreciate your diligence, Liara. I would like to sit and have dinner with you both, then retire to the offices, where we can come up with some sort of plan on how exactly we want to handle this. Join me?"

"Absolutely, Ambassador." Liara nodded and smiled. "We are here to serve, and my meetings with those on the dig site team are not until tomorrow, starting immediately after breakfast. We are here through the 28th, then need to head to Sol for a dear friend's wedding. You remember Spectre Ashley Williams?"

"Ah, yes. Very efficient and an excellent warrior." Furant flashed a smile. "Please, give her and her chosen my best wishes." As he spoke, he shut down his communications and vid terminals and stood. "So, dinner first. Shall we go?"

After they ate, the trio moved to Furant's office and discussed various options for gaining the favor of the Protheans. After an hour of conversation, Liara actually became a bit impatient with Furant, who was seemingly guiding the discussion away from the entire question of the potential locations of Prothean pyramids within Salarian space. She finally huffed in frustration and asked a very pointed question that he was unable to dodge.

"We all learned of the Protheans... or, at the very least, Prothean technology... when we found either ruins or beacons on one of our primary expeditionary worlds. The Salarians, however, have always been very tight-lipped regarding the sources of your advancement. I will ask this question only once, Furant… and it may determine my future as your Cultural Attaché, as our relationship is dependent on open and honest discourse between us. Do you have any knowledge of Prothean pyramids or other ruins within the systems of any of your colonized worlds… including your original colonies, like Jaëto and Mannovai? In general, Salarians are very secretive when it comes to information about your original colonies – even going so far as to not reveal their actual locations – and I find it difficult to believe there are no Prothean ruins anywhere in those systems, in which your people must have discovered the Prothean tech that allowed your development of the mass reduction technology required to achieve FTL interstellar travel we all now take for granted."

"You are correct in your assumptions, Doctor." Without a blink, Furant simply stared at her for a moment in total silence. When Liara said nothing, he finally added, "It is not my place to divulge that information… and I will tell you revealing such information is a crime so heinous to our people it would likely result in a death sentence for me." He held up a hand, stopping her immediate protest and buying time to explain. "I will, however, promise you this. When a Dalatrass calls – whichever one their conclave appoints to make contact with me on this matter – as the Council Ambassador to the Protheans, I will relay your feelings and your questions… as well as my confirmation regarding Jorè Lentos' blunt honesty in his demands, to confirm to them he is not simply posturing. If they truly wish to have a Prothean Embassy located on one of the Salarian worlds, they will have no choice but to meet those demands."

Shepard practically growled as she responded to Furant's words. "I certainly hold no love for your Dalatrasses, or the Salarian system of governance, but to go against Council law and hold the locations of Prothean ruins on two of your primary home worlds a secret… to the point of a death threat? All I can think is there are some atrocities hidden there that they dare not reveal to the other members of the Council."

"I honestly do not know, Captain." Furant met her gaze, a heavy sigh escaping him before he added, "I have never been to either world. Perhaps you could ask one of your STG friends… but I do not know if even they are brave enough… or reckless enough… to tell you."

Furant dropped his head and stared at the floor. "I am ashamed to admit my fear of death at the hands of my own people, but a Dalatrass holds ultimate authority… and can be ruthless, as they have no concern of reprisals. I know I should be more curious as to why many of our worlds are off limits to other races – including council species – but such curiosity can get you killed." He looked up, glancing between the two before him. "I hope you understand my position. Salarian lives are already relatively short. I do not care to have mine truncated earlier than normal."

"I don't blame you in the slightest, Furant… and neither Liara nor I will think any less of you for being frightened by the specter of a premature death." Shepard shrugged and smiled, reaching over to place a reassuring hand on the ambassador's shoulder. "Your secrets and your fears are safe with us. Say no more. I'll reach out to a few contacts and see what I can discover while you take on the Dalatrasses. I think we'll both need a little bit of luck and a whole lot of patience to see our way through this one."

"Agreed," nodded Furant. "And thank you for understanding."

Liara actually managed a chuckle. "You know, SILC don't sleep… and we explained to them about the Asari debt of life. If you like, we could pull a favor and get you a full-time, unsleeping, bodyguard. As bodyguards go, you couldn't ask for better than a SILC protector."

Furant actually managed a smile. "I do not think that is necessary, Doctor… but thank you for your most generous offer." He stood from his chair, giving them a nod. "Now, I do believe I have taken more than enough of your time tonight. Go relax, and if I don't see you before it happens, I will call you after I finish my conversation with Sur'Kesh… whomever it may be with."

"Thank you, Ambassador." Liara stood, Shepard quickly joining her. "We look forward to a new exchange of information, once we have all had a chance to do our research and share what we have all discovered."

London, Earth, Sol – 03 Sep 2192

Monday morning had dawned brightly, with a brilliant sun ascending into the flawless blue of a cloud-free, late summer sky, where it warmed the small group of people gathered in the courtyard of St Mary Abbots Church. The church's spire, originally standing 85 meters above the building and courtyard, was still being rebuilt, as was the rear half of the sanctuary below it. Much of the damage to the sanctuary was the result of several of the spire's ring of bells crashing through the roof; a number of the pews were left in splinters and the polished wooden floor sustained severe damage. Although it was still being repaired, Andreas had chosen this particular church for the wedding ceremony, not only as a way of honoring Ashley's deeply held personal belief in God, but because it had not been totally leveled during the Reaper's assault on the city.

Lieutenant Colonel Falk had been totally smitten with the raven-haired Spectre from the moment he'd laid eyes on her, when she stepped out of the small supply transport Auxilium, immediately after the Reapers had been defeated. He smiled inwardly, remembering the ribbing he had endured from ship's captain 'Storm' Weatherly, who had arrived here at the last minute, saying, "Wouldn't miss this for anythin', young feller! I knew this was where you two was headed, ever since ya met each other on one of my supply runs to Farnborough Field."

Upon sneaking a peek at the chrono on his omnitool, he began moving in the direction of the main entrance. Time to get this 'do' under way, came the thought, as he joined the group of special guests who had traveled here to see Ashley – already inside with her mother and sisters – exchange her vows with him.

A nervous Ashley Williams stood in front of the full-length, wall-mounted mirror – twisting her torso first left, then right – as she attempted to find any flaws in the fit or finish of the new dress she had just pulled on. It featured a floor-length skirt composed of several alternating layers of silk, crêpe, taffeta and brocade, joined to a lace-covered charmeuse bodice that hugged her curves from her neck to her waist as if it were a second skin. The entire dress was a standard shade of eggshell white, and her three sisters – her bride's maids – had all assured her she was the most beautiful woman on the planet.

Linn exclaimed, "You have nothing to worry about, Sis," as she joined her in front of the mirror. "Andreas is so over the moon about you, you could show up in sackcloth and he'd never notice!"

Ash turned to face her as she responded, "I'm glad you think so, Linn. It's just… I've waited my entire life for this." Sighing heavily, she concluded, "I really want everything to be perfect."

"You look lovely, Sis," came the ready response. "Now stand still." Sarah came up from behind her big sister while Linn gently placed the matching veil on Ash's carefully combed and arranged ebony hair. The pair then used several hairpins to secure the satin and lace creation in place before stepping back to inspect their handiwork.

The girl's mom appeared at the door. "They're almost set to begin, kiddo. Are you ready?"

Ash looked at her mom, her facial expression mirroring her increasing inner turmoil. "I don't know, Mom. Maybe?"

Brook Williams cast a sympathetic look at her oldest daughter. "I seriously doubt any woman is ever ready for this, Sweetie… I certainly wasn't." She came all the way into the room and carefully hugged Ashley. "You're an Alliance Navy Commander and a Council Spectre… but, of far greater importance, you are a Williams. You got this!"

Faint strains of organ music began – the prelude to the processional. Abby answered the knock at the door; upon confirming the identity of the visitor, she opened it wide to admit Greg Adams, resplendent in his dress uniform. Greg asked, "You ready, Commander?"

Ashley studied the floor at her feet for several long, silent moments while she struggled to get her emotions under control. Finally raising her head, she nodded as she whispered, "Ready."

Andreas Falk stood facing the rear of the sanctuary, thinking, That's a very long aisle, as he waited for Ashley to appear. While he waited, he gazed out at the people seated in the several pews closest to the altar. Of some surprise, a very large Krogan was seated in a special chair at the far end of the second row on his right. He suppressed a laugh as he thought, Pews in this church were not designed to support a 440 to 450 kilo Krogan. Glad someone thought to provide Wrex with an industrial strength chair.

He momentarily caught the eyes of several of Ashley's crewmates from the Normandy – her XO, Leon Rensch… Flight Lieutenant Moreau, seated next to Edi… Doctor Karin Chakwas. There was also a young Marine Corporal – resplendent in a crisp, dress blue uniform – he had only seen a couple of times… oh, what was her name? Ah, Sarah Campbell, that was it! Of course, Captain Samantha Shepard and Lady Liara T'Soni were there for them both, seated close by in the second row on his left, along with six rather serious looking Asari he guessed were her personal guard, flanking the couple by sitting three on each side. No Asari of any standing travels anywhere without a full contingent of commandos, came the thought.

Although a careful inspection had deemed the building structurally safe, the rear half of the rather large sanctuary had been cordoned off by means of multiple kinetic barrier generators, leaving only the central aisle for access to the altar. A door opened off to his left and Ashley's mom and sisters quietly entered. While Brook, as mother of the bride, took her designated place in the aisle seat of the first pew – right in front of T'Soni and Shepard – Ashley's sisters… her bridesmaids… stood close by, near their mom. Dré grinned happily as he gave a nod of acknowledgement to his two closest friends, who stood to the left side of the aisle as his groomsmen. Returning his attention back to the rear of the building, he again took note of the many meters of yellow tape providing a visual cue to the bottom limits of the kinetic barriers; repairs and reconstruction of the sanctuary had been placed on hold specifically for this morning's ceremony.

Falk perked up as the soft organ music swelled and morphed into a processional. He focused his attention back up the long, central aisle and nearly gasped in astonishment at the vision, seemingly glowing from within, that had appeared there. Dressed head-to-toe in ethereal layers of white silk, crêpe, taffeta, brocade and lace, Falk nearly had to pinch himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming. My God, Ashley, came the thought. You are beyond beautiful!

Flanked on her right side by Greg Adams, her right arm hooked into the crook of his left, the pair began to walk slowly towards him while, as if responding to a silent cue, everyone that had come to see this wedding stood and turned to face the rear of the sanctuary. Falk swallowed hard past the lump in his throat as Adams slowly led Ashley down the aisle. Dré took note of the nervous expression on her face, barely visible through the diaphanous lace veil; it spoke of anticipation.

Ashley gazed at the many faces looking at her as she slowly made her way towards her destiny. Samantha Traynor caught her eye first, followed by Gabby Daniels-Creath, with her husband – loving arm around her back – standing close beside her. Miranda Lawson stood next to Judea Voni, with Samantha Traynor and Kasumi Goto looking on. Thinking, Having so-called aliens here for a wedding would have been inconceivable before the war, she smiled at each of her guests – Human, Asari, even the one lone Krogan, who was one of her dearest friends – as she clung to Greg's arm for support, both physical and mental.

Taking note of her crewmates from the Normandy, she grinned at the cloudy expression on her XO's face, thinking, Looks as if Leon's about to burst into tears. Shifting her attention to Shepard, she silently mouthed a greeting of, "Hey, Skipper," as she approached the second pew; Shepard's smile becoming an answering, teeth-baring grin was all she needed for recognition.

Finally reaching their destination, Ashley released Greg's left arm in favor of Dré's right hand; he led her as he took the four steps needed to stand before Navy Chaplain Lieutenant Mavournee Rouault, who – with the permission of the Bishop of the Church – would be leading them through their declarations of love and devotion.

The lieutenant smiled at the pair standing before her during the few moments needed for the music to fade to silence, then warmly greeted the modest number of people seated in the chapel behind the man and woman in front of her, bade them to retake their seats, and announced the purpose of the gathering before commenting, "Thank you so much for being here today, as Andreas Falk and Ashley Williams enter into a lifelong union. Today we celebrate the separate journeys that brought them together, and we usher them toward the new journey they will embark upon as loving partners. Please, accept my welcome to each of you that have chosen to attend this special ceremony, and again, my sincere thanks for joining us today." She paused briefly, then looked pointedly at Brook Williams and asked, "Who gives this bride away?"

Ashley turned her head to look as her mom stood, faced the chaplain, and responded, "As her mother, it is my distinct honor… and privilege… to speak not only for myself, but for Ashley's late father on this solemn occasion; I freely give her hand in marriage to this man." As she retook her seat, the love she had for her daughter and, by extension, her future son-in-law, was clearly displayed in her smiling countenance.

Lieutenant Rouault again addressed the entire assemblage. "This marriage is a singular event in the lifetime of a love. Love is always patient, always kind. It is never jealous… never boastful or conceited, never rude or selfish, does not take offense, nor is it resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people's lies, but rather delights in the truth. You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving. The greatest acts of love are done by those who are habitually performing small acts of kindness. Love is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes. Love is knowing that even when you are alone, you will never be lonely again. Above all, love conquers everything."

She paused to glance at the man and woman standing before her before continuing, "Marriage deepens and enriches every facet of life. Happiness is fuller, memories are fresher, commitment is stronger. Just as two different threads woven in opposite directions can form a lovely tapestry, so can your two lives merge together to form a beautiful marriage. Today, Andreas and Ashley acknowledge all this with excitement as they prepare to join hands in matrimony."

Addressing the pair before her, Chaplain Rouault requested, "Andreas… Ashley… please face each other and join hands." Ashley nearly burst into tears at the look of utter devotion on Dré's face. Oh, my God! This is actually happening! Hard to believe this man has become the other half of my soul! Her hands – always rock steady when wielding weapons on the battlefield – were sweating, and… were actually shaking, a fact Andreas acknowledged by squeezing slightly as she gripped his fingers.

Now facing one another hand-in-hand, each glanced at the chaplain as she continued. "Andreas, will you take Ashley to be your lawfully wedded wife, from this day forward, pledging your love, life, and loyalty in every season until the end of your days?"

As soon as he responded with an enthusiastic, "I will," Chaplain Rouault turned ever so slightly towards Williams and asked, "Ashley Madeline, will you take Andreas to be your lawfully wedded husband, from this day forward, pledging your love, life, and loyalty in every season until the end of your days?"

It took a moment for Ashley to respond past an increasingly constricted throat, but she finally managed to squeak out, "I will."

"Andreas and Ashley, I understand you each wish to publicly share your vows to each other." Directing her attention to Commander Falk, she nodded, "If you would begin, please?"

Andreas stared deep into a pair of dark brown eyes and softly told her, "I, Andreas Falk, take you, Ashley Madeline Williams, to be my wife. I will share my life with yours and build our dreams together. I will support you through times of trouble and rejoice with you in times of happiness. I promise to give you respect, love and loyalty. This commitment is made in love, kept in faith, lived in hope, and made new every day of our lives."

Ashley was glad she had applied her mascara sparingly, as she now had tears leaking past her lower eyelids. She managed to say her vows – differing slightly from those she'd just received – to Andreas without missing a beat. "I, Ashley Madeline Williams, take you, Andreas Falk, to be my wedded husband. I give to you, in the presence of these witnesses, my promise to stay by your side, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, as well as through the good times and the bad. I promise to love you without reservation, comfort you in times of distress, encourage you to achieve all of your goals, laugh with you and cry with you, grow with you in mind and spirit; to always be open and honest with you, and cherish you for as long as we both shall live."

Chaplain Rouault grinned past her smile for a moment, then observed, "Your wedding rings are the outward and visible sign of the inward and invisible bond which already unites your two hearts in love. Andreas, please place her ring on Ashley's finger and repeat after me: I give you this ring. Wear it with love and joy. As this ring has no end, my love is also forever."

After Andreas had carefully placed the diamond encircled gold band on her finger and repeated the words spoken by the chaplain, he whispered, "I love you, Ash."

Ashley had then followed suit, placing the plain gold band on Andreas' ring finger as she recited the words spoken by the chaplain, adding with a grin, "Love you more, Dré."

The chaplain reached in with both hands; taking Andreas' left hand in her right, and Ashley's right hand in her left, she proclaimed, "Andreas and Ashley, from this moment forward you will never be alone. You will carry with you the love of another person, giving you a completeness and renewed lightness. May your life together be immersed in love and excitement. May you strive to enrich each other in every possible way. And may you work to bring the peace you find in each other to this world, and this galaxy."

Rouault released their hands, took a step back and addressed everyone. "Having pledged their fidelity to one another, to love, honor and cherish one another in the presence of God and of this gathering, and by the authority vested in me by the Systems Alliance Navy, and the laws of this province, it is my distinct honor to now pronounce you husband and wife. Andreas, you may now kiss your bride."

Andreas slowly reached up. Gently grasping the lower edge of the lace veil in a finger and thumb of each hand, he carefully lifted it up and folded it back over her head. He then placed his left hand on her cheek and, wrapping his right arm around her waist, closed the distance and applied his lips to hers, reveling once more in the taste of honey as she returned his kiss with a passion born of their new status as a married couple.

When he pulled back slightly to catch his breath, Chaplain Rouault raised her arms to encompass them both and announced, "Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my honor to be the first to introduce you to Lieutenant Colonel Andreas Falk, and his wife, Commander Ashley Williams-Falk."

Everyone stood and began applauding. Ashley knew she was blushing and didn't care. She looked to her mom and sisters – all had tears running down faces radiant with huge grins of joy. She looked at Dré, who grinned back. Indicating the doors at the far end of the aisle, she asked, "Shall we?"

The applause seemed to grow in volume as they slowly walked past their friends and colleagues. As the newly-married couple exited the sanctuary through the main door and stepped out into the courtyard, they were quickly joined by a throng of people eager to congratulate them on their happy day. Ashley giggled as she hugged and was hugged by her mom and sisters. Andreas laughed in delight at also being the recipient of kisses and hugs from this 'girly horde'.

The crowd suddenly thinned as an ancient Krogan battlemaster moved purposefully towards the pair. Coming to a halt in front of the woman – a squishy Human he had grown to think of as a sister – Urdnot Wrex gently encircled Ash with his arms while quietly – for a Krogan – saying "I'm really happy for you, Williams. I never imagined that, when I first met you during Shepard's hunt for Saren, we would not only become comrades on the battlefields, but close friends as well." He applied a slight amount of pressure with his arms, then released her.

He attempted to back away but hadn't placed any distance between them before she latched onto those arms with her hands. Pulling him back in, she placed a quick kiss on his forehead, just below his top plate and beside the scars running down his face. "I'm so glad you made the trip, Wrex. This gathering simply wouldn't be complete without you." She released him, took a step back and added, "Please, give my regards to Bakara, and hug Eve for both of us!"

As Wrex offered his congratulations to Andreas, Gabby and Harley stepped up to take Wrex's place, with Gabby gushing, "You look simply smashing, Commander!" After a brief hug and kiss on her cheek, the propulsion engineer continued, "I've been thinking about a setting such as this, so we can reaffirm our wedding vows in front of this crowd." She looked around at everyone as Harley moved to embrace Ashley and offer his own congratulations; upon stepping back, he explained, "We got married in a small ceremony at the Villa so Gabby and the children would be covered by my Alliance insurance."

Gabby quickly added, "T'Sere's benefits are generous, but Harley insisted." She grabbed his hand and concluded, "He promised we'd have a real ceremony, sometime soon, so all my shipmates and friends can attend. You'll be there, won't you, Commander?"

"Of course, Gabriella," she smiled. "Just give us enough lead time so we can plan for it… and I can make sure Normandy won't be on the other side of the galaxy!"

As the couple moved to greet others, Leon Rensch and Joker approached them; Leon offered his hand and congratulations to Andreas while Joker enthusiastically embraced his CO. "Never thought I'd be saying this out loud, Ma'am… I've always thought you are really beautiful, even in your duty uniforms. Today?" He gushed, "I don't think you've ever looked so ravishing! That gown really transforms you, Missus Falk! Everything you wear from this day forward will just look really plain."

"Why, thank you, Joker." She smirked while adding, "I think."

Leon swapped places with Joker; placing his hands on her upper arms, he spoke softly, "I second Mr Moreau's statements, Ashley. I'm so very pleased for you… for both of you." He pulled her towards him and placed a quick kiss on her forehead. "May you and Mr Falk always be as happy as you are at this moment. Don't allow anything or anyone to ever come between you and your happy ever after."

She caught his hands as he started to pull back and replied, "I don't intend to, Leon… and thank you. At the moment, it all seems like an extremely pleasant dream, one from which I don't wish to awaken." Giving the hands she was holding a slight squeeze, she released them so he could make way for a beaming Samantha Shepard.

"Congratulations, Ash!" Her eyes shifted to the man who stood beside her previous squad mate, a big grin on her face as she said, "And you, Andreas. You sure you're ready to take this one on? I can vouch for the fact she can be quite the handful."

Andreas grinned from ear-to-ear. "I don't know if 'ready' is quite the word… but I'm certainly willing to give it my best shot, Captain." He glanced at Ashley with a loving smile. "We both know we've got quite an adventure waiting for us, and we're going to make the best of it!"

"I'm quite sure you will… as both of you are go-getters, willing to fight for your future." Liara chuckled softly as she looked at the couple before her and gave each one a quick hug. "As for right now, you have quite the line to get through before we can all socialize at the reception, so we're going to move along, with a promise to catch up later at the party. Congratulations, both of you... and we'll speak again soon enough!"

"Thanks, Liara." Fresh tears formed in her eyes as she avowed, "Ever since we first met, you have grown to be as a sister to me, such that I cannot imagine my life without you in it." Reaching out with both hands, she grasped a hand each from Liara and Samantha. "I really appreciate both of you being here today." She released them… reluctantly, it seemed to Liara… and turned to greet the next ones in line.

Eventually, after greeting a few more family friends from both sides of the family, Ashley got to more of the Normandy crewmates – Miranda, Judea Voni and Kasumi Goto, who were the tail end of the line. Ashley was a bit taken aback at Kasumi's appearance; she was wearing a beautiful kimono. After greeting the enigmatic master thief, who offered a passionate embrace, she quietly admitted, "I don't believe I've ever seen you dressed in anything but light armor, coupled with a cloaking generator, Kas. You look beautiful." With a smirk, she added, "I'm happy you made the trip. Catch up at the party?"

"Of course, Ashley. It'll be my pleasure."

As the final threesome made their way towards the school where the party was getting underway, Ashley tugged on Dré's hand. "Come on, Colonel… let's go get changed. I won't be able to have a good time if I'm constantly worrying about spilling something on this dress…" she paused, then finished with a smirk, "and… I'll need your help getting the zipper down."

Andreas grinned at her. "Lead the way, Missus Falk. Lead the way."