Anam Cara - Soul Friend/Mate (Gaelic)

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)

Military Junta - a military government that has taken power by force instead of elections

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

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

STG - Special Tasks Group

The Final Word

Mannovai, Eagle Nebula, Relic – 5 Oct 2192

Shortly after the Protheans had arrived on Jaëto, Zoji made his way to Mannovai, where the war was over almost before it had a chance to begin. The planetary Dalatrass, Kirova Esheel, had been a long-time ally of Liara and Shepard but had made the mistake of appointing her daughter, Elania, to serve as head of the science division. Unfortunately for Kirova, Elania was ambitious far beyond her mother's realization.

When Spectre Zoji arrived, Kirova had met him on the landing pad, immediately acknowledging her failure to provide an adequate level of oversight to what was taking place at what she had been led to believe was a simple archaeological site. She immediately surrendered herself to the Spectre, presenting him with copies of her daughter's monthly reports, none of which recorded other than routine discoveries; there was certainly no mention of the purported vast Prothean catacombs, nor what was happening within.

As she apologized to Zoji – not only for her lack of oversight on the project, but for her utter failure as a leader to realize such atrocities were happening under her watch – several shots rang out, immediately killing the esteemed Dalatrass, while only wounding the Spectre, who was in full armor. Zoji's response team immediately shielded the pair; though it was too late for Kirova, they did manage to protect Zoji and get him to safety. What followed soon after could only be described as a massacre.

Kirova was a beloved leader who had the faith and support of an extremely large portion of her followers and staff. Her daughter, Elania, had no idea just how much those of the colony loved the aging Dalatrass until she had Kirova assassinated, which the population immediately saw as a betrayal. The ensuing war was not fought between the Spectre – nor his STG support teams – and Elania's enforcers. Instead, as soon as word got out about what had happened, the entire colony immediately erupted into civil war, the people of Mannovai storming Elania's compound with overwhelming numbers. The self-proclaimed rebel leader Elania Esheel, along with her entire science team and other supporters, were all dead within a matter of days. Assistance from the forces that came with the Spectre was neither required nor desired.

The war on Jaëto was still raging, but when Jorè heard of the victory at the second homeworld, he immediately sent Aelia to Mannovai to coordinate the incoming SILC support teams and determine the Prothean future there. Within an hour of her arrival, Aelia was introduced to a relatively young Salarian – the newly appointed leader of their colony, Dalatrass Mannovai Selok Ilhänl Duran Jilon Esheel; Kirova's niece.

Jaëto, Salarian Space, Milky Way – 29 Dec 2192

Unfortunately for Liara and Samantha, what had eventually become known as 'The Jaëto War' took much longer. For the first time in years, Shepard and Liara had, out of necessity, been forced to lead separate lives for the past three months. Even with the full might of the Galactic Council, the entrenched Dalatrassial forces on Jaëto withstood multiple assaults before finally breaking, the last week of the year.

While Shepard had fought alongside her Prothean friends and the STG, she had missed many events back home on Thessia. Liara had gone through her entire fall semester, including the two student digs; the first at Tuntau in Argos Rho and the second on Eden Prime in the Exodus Cluster. Sam had also missed the Alban Arthan and Christmas celebrations and, given the date and the fact they had just taken down the last Dalatrass stronghold, she was going to miss the Estate's New Year's celebrations as well. Of course, they had spoken over the vid-comm whenever they had a chance, but it wasn't the same as speaking in person.

What Liara had missed more than anything was being at Shepard's side as the Human fought, worrying every single day about how she was doing, and if Sam was being careful not to expose her left side as she was so prone to doing. Even if they didn't have a chance to chat, Liara was comforted every night when Shepard would take a few moments to send a message her way, summarizing the day's events, including any injuries she had received, which were few and always relatively minor. She had even made a comment about Aelia being like a doting mother to her, always making sure she had a Prothean 'aide' at her side… who Shepard knew was no aide at all, but one of Jorè's most capable personal guards. Liara smiled as she read the words, 'Aelia is almost worse than you when it comes to concerns for my safety… some of which, I'm sure, comes from her having no desire to endure your wrath if any Prothean actions – or lack thereof – result in me getting injured.'

The smile, however, faded quickly with the lonesome ache in her heart, forcing the Asari from her bed to wander down to the communications center. Shepard quickly answered the call. "Is everything okay, Liara? It has to be the middle of the night there!"

"Of course it is, Siame. Alright, that is… and the middle of the night." Just hearing her bondmate's voice lightened her mood considerably, and she told Shepard as much before adding, "I just can't help missing you, Anam Cara." She released a quiet sigh and asked, for the seemingly hundredth time, "I don't like even the idea of becoming accustomed to you not being here, and I know I've asked this countless times already but, any idea when you'll be home again?"

Liara's mood shifted considerably as Samantha answered, "Actually, the answer to that is yes, for a change."

The woman paused a moment as Liara exclaimed, "By the Goddess! When? Why didn't you put that in your message?"

Laughing, Shepard answered, "Because I was going to call you tomorrow… uhm… later today, actually, when you are supposed to be up, instead of sleeping."

"So, tell me now, instead!" Liara demanded impatiently.

"I would do so immediately, Lady T'Soni, if I actually had a date. It is coming, sooner rather than later." Sam paused, the smile in her voice evident as she asked, "You sure you want to hear all this now, instead of at a decent time of day?"

Liara settled down and smiled in return. "Any time I can speak with you is a decent time of day, Sam. I miss you… dearly."

Even though they were way too far apart for their link to function, Shepard felt Liara's pain reflected in her own heart. "I know, A Grá. I miss you too." Smiling wistfully, Shepard returned to the topic of answering Liara's question. "Anyway, we finally took down the last two strongholds today. Given the Dalatrassial position of 'no surrender,' the Protheans were forced to do this the hard way and, therefore, are offering no quarter to the fighters. Plus, instead of leaving it to the Council, they have declared they are going to form a Military Junta…"

She was going to continue, but Liara interrupted. "A what? That did not translate."

"I'm not surprised," answered Samantha. "When the winner of a conflict forms a military government to rule the conquered nation by force, instead of holding free and fair elections, the governing body is called a Military Junta." Liara couldn't see Shepard shaking her head in disbelief, but she could certainly hear her heavy sigh as the woman continued, "Li… the extent of the Salarian barbarism, compounded by their complete lack of any type of remorse and their unwillingness to surrender? Well, as part of their war reparations demand, the Protheans are going to claim ownership of both the colonial worlds with the hidden catacombs. The way they see it, just like Ilos, these two worlds were Prothean home worlds long before the Salarians found them and now, they simply believe the Salarians no longer deserve to rule either one." Shepard's words were met by a long silence, prompting her to question, "Liara?"

"Yes, still here. Sorry." It was Liara's turn to shake her head. "Goddess! That's a lot to take in. I honestly don't know what to say, except I think we should have expected that? I mean… they have just discovered two large catacombs, jumping their population numbers, literally, by the thousands. Given the Salarian intransigence, on top of their war crimes, I honestly believe that to be a just punishment. The only question I would have is what happens to the civilians who live there? Are there even any Salarians there who didn't know what was going on?"

"Yes, actually, there are," Shepard answered softly. "And believe it or not, most were appalled by the actions of their own Dalatrass… first declaring that our accusations must be in error. Then, as they slowly came to realize we were telling the truth… well… they became very angry. The more they learned, the more furious they became over the very idea that such investigations could somehow become acceptable scientific practices. Some even asked to join the Protheans in the fight and, when they were denied, they formed resistance groups on their own."

"Goddess! Were they even soldiers? Or mostly civilians?" asked Liara, suddenly concerned for their wellbeing, even with never having met a single one of them.

"Definitely civilians… and, I will admit, most of them weren't very good fighters… but their pyrotechnics made for a few great distractions." Samantha actually chuckled. "Even so, when it came right down to it, their hearts were in the right place, so the Protheans stepped in to help them. I'm laughing because the biggest impact of their actions was to sway the planned Prothean policy. Originally, Jorè and Aelia were going to evict all Salarians from both planets. Instead, they are going to offer the innocent civilians an option to become Prothean citizens and remain here."

"Seriously?" Liara was shocked, but not about the change. "They were going to evict every Salarian living there from their home planet?"

"Planets, plural. Jorè and Aelia are furious, Liara… and rightly so." Shepard paused only a moment before adding, "Remember how you talked me down from letting Sovereign destroy the Destiny Ascension? I was angry at the Council for being so stubborn and refusing to act as one. The Protheans had the same sort of feeling here… one of gross neglect. They feel all the Salarians here were friends and family of those committing the atrocities. Honestly, how could they not know? Not have at least some inkling about what was happening here?"

"I don't see the comparison there, Sam? What are you talking about?"

"I didn't save the Ascension for the Council, Liara… I saved it for you… and for the 10,000 or so innocent Asari who lived on the ship. Yes… they likely knew the members of the Council… but they had no say in how the Council did business. The same can likely be said for the people here on Jaëto. They may have had some inkling that whatever was happening was wrong, but they didn't know the extent of it... nor did they play a role in it. And, if what Kirrahe says – of which I have no doubt – that speaking against those in power here meant a death sentence for them and their families is actually true, no one would purposefully bring that judgement down upon their own families." Shepard sighed, adding, "I explained that to Jorè and Aelia… and they understood. You don't punish the innocent bystanders – who are also victims – for the acts of those in charge."

Shepard couldn't see her, but Liara was nodding as she replied, "Because those Salarians are not only innocents, but victims in their own way. They dared not speak out because of fear for the safety of their families and friends. Now that I think about it, I remember you mentioned that Kirrahe told you the people living there would likely rebel against the Dalatrasses, if they were given a bit of support and an offer of protection from reprisals?"

"Yes… and rebel they did, in a big way! So, unlike the Military Junta that will rule Jaëto, Mannovai will be a joint Prothean-Salarian government… though the details still need to be worked out," answered Shepard. "What I'm not sure of now is what's going to happen on Sur'Kesh, following all this. I'm sure at least some of the Dalatrasses there have to know about this… if not all of them. I'm concerned we're a long way from done, yet."

"Goddess." Liara whispered. "I truly hope you are wrong this time, Sam."

"Me too, Li." Shepard huffed, then repeated herself. "Me too." She paused for only a moment before adding, "And you need to get some sleep, Liara. I don't need the link to hear the fatigue in your voice."

"I know… but I do have one more question for you." She paused before asking, "Who is Dalatrass Yegan… and what happened to Dalatrass Cha'ak Edra?"

With both Edra and Yegan being on the wrong side of the line, Shepard actually chuckled as she replied, "That's actually two questions, Liara, but… for Edra, I don't know for sure, but rumor has it that she was actually opposed to the Prothean exploitation plan and was… eliminated… by the scientific group. Yegan is the one who took over for her, and she is in Spectre custody. I have no idea what's going to happen to her, but I imagine it won't be good for her." Shepard huffed as she added, "The official record says Edra died in her sleep of natural causes and was cremated, so, there are no remains to examine. I honestly can't say I care to know the how or why, because she was always a pain in our collective asses, anyway. Is that wrong to say about someone who very likely met their untimely demise?"

"Perhaps… but I am in agreement with you, so I won't judge." Liara smiled and her voice was soft as she finished, "I love you, Samantha Shepard, but I do need to get back to sleep… which I will now be able to do, since I have heard your voice and know all is well."

"Good." Shepard released a happy sigh. "I'll call you again as soon as we have a timeline as to when we're going to wrap up here and I can head home, Liara. Love you too, Ionúin Álainn."

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 4 Jan 2193

Shepard's face held a soft smile as she looked down at the sleeping Asari who, despite her most valiant efforts, had not managed to stay awake until Samantha's late arrival. She was slumped into a corner of the large, overstuffed chair, which Shepard knelt quietly next to, reaching out to gently stoke Liara's cheek. The Asari's eyes fluttered open. "Siame! You made it!" she exclaimed softly, sitting up, then standing with her bondmate so they could wrap one another in a loving embrace.

Liara's eyes closed again as she leaned into the woman, hugging her close and burying her face in Samantha's shoulder. "Goddess, how I've missed you."

Sighing in contentment, Shepard answered quietly, "That goes both ways, Anam Cara… but I'm home now, so let's not talk about that anymore." The woman pushed back and looked into the cerulean eyes she had missed so much. "Come. Let's snuggle in bed, so you can help me get my first good night's sleep in I don't know how long. It feels great to be home."

"Where are the commandos?"

Shepard chuckled. "All doing the same as me… returning to their rooms to fall into a familiar bed and get a good night's rest for a change. We'll all get together in the morning to give you a full debrief, Lady Liara." Her lips twitched, but she managed to keep from laughing again as Liara playfully swatted her shoulder for her snarky response. "Right now, I'm simply too tired to think. I'm just happy to be here, at home in your arms."

Liara was surprised when she woke before Samantha, the woman still sound asleep beside her and unmoving as Liara sat up. Goddess, I can still feel her exhaustion. Torn between letting her sleep and wanting her to be awake, Liara simply sat and watched her for a moment, before finally reaching over to brush an errant auburn lock off her face. Liara's brow immediately wrinkled, and she whispered, "I'm sorry… I didn't mean to wake you," as Samantha stirred, her emerald eyes partially opening to peer back at the Asari beside her.

Her voice still rough with sleep, Samantha smiled and quietly replied, "As long as I'm really here with you and it's not a dream, I'm all good with it."

Liara leaned over to place a gentle kiss on her bondmate's newly exposed forehead, tickling a bit as she whispered, "Does this seem like a dream to you?"

Shepard rolled slowly onto her back as she answered quietly, "If it is, I don't think I want to bring it to an end by waking up. I kinda like it."

Liara's smile spread and she laughed softly as she answered, "I can make it worth your while, should you decide it's not a dream and you are ready to be awake…"

"Oh, really?" Shepard's eyes opened a tad bit wider. "That's a lovely thought… but I don't think I'm rested enough to take you up on that offer, T'Soni. Maybe later?"

They both laughed at the phrase, with it having become a joke between them. "And I'll take you up on that promise, Shepard…"

She got no farther in her statement as Shepard sat up and occupied her lips in another fashion. The kiss didn't last terribly long before Samantha broke off with a quiet chuckle. "I don't even have the energy for a proper kiss, Li. Until I sat up, I didn't realize how tired I was… still am, I suppose."

Liara's demeanor shifted with a hint of concern flashing in her eyes. "Then I won't hold you to anything until I know you are better rested, Siame. You're home now, so we have time to make sure you are fully recovered. You aren't going anywhere again anytime soon, right?"

"Not without you, I'm not." Shepard rolled away and dropped her feet off the side of the bed. "Except to the bathroom, anyway. Well… maybe even there…" She glanced back over her shoulder, a soft grin on her face as she asked, "Join me in the shower?"

Liara scrambled to get untangled from the bedsheets and climb out of bed as she eagerly replied, "Goddess, yes. Absolutely!"

Serrice, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 7 Jan 2193

Liara hated that they needed to return to Serrice for the start of the winter semester, so close to the date of Shepard's return. Shepard had accepted it easier than Liara had, stating something about her simply being ready to return to what she now considered 'life normal.' It wasn't like Liara really had a choice in the matter, so they had packed up as if Shepard had never been gone and relocated to the Serrice apartment complex over her first weekend at home.

With Liara was back to teaching class, and Shepard was home alone, in their apartment, when the call came in from Tevos. "Hey Rae! How are things on the CGC?"

"Extremely busy, as you likely well know." Raesia Tevos shook her head in disgust. "This whole business with the Salarians has caused quite the stir." She let out a quiet sigh, then looked directly at the comm unit, staring directly at Shepard's eyes on the screen. "I know you just got back to Thessia… and, apparently, had to immediately pick up again and move to the University… but is it possible for Sha'ira and I to visit this next weekend? There are some important issues on which I would like to get your input… and I have a bit of information I need to pass on, in person."

"Oooohh! Secrets?" Shepard smiled and nodded. "Of course, the two of you can come, Rae! You are family and, as such, will always welcome in our home, no matter which one we may be residing in, and no matter what else may be happening."

"I know you've only just returned, and you haven't had much time together…"

"Stop right there." Shepard shook her head. "Yes, it's true… but I also know you wouldn't be asking if it wasn't important, so we'll see you when? Friday night or Saturday morning?"

"Excellent… and thank you, Sam!" Tevos closed her eyes for a moment and breathed out a soft sigh of relief. "We'll give you and Liara Friday night to catch your breath… and see you mid-morning on Saturday. How does ten sound?"

"Great… and we'll plan brunch, so eat a light breakfast!"

"Thank you, so much, Sam. Tell Liara hello for us, and we'll see you then!"

Serrice, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 12 Jan 2193

Raesia and Sha'ira had arrived promptly at ten and they all enjoyed a lovely, leisurely brunch – a wonderful combination of both Human and Asari foods perfectly melded, through the practiced genius of Chef Layana. As they wrapped up, Liara leaned back in her chair with a contented sigh. "It feels so wonderful to have everyone here again. Sam home…" She looked across the table and gave their guests a loving smile as she continued, "… having the both of you here. It has been much too long since we simply sat down and enjoyed a meal together."

"And I sense a 'but' following that statement," added Shepard, with a quiet chuckle. "I suppose it's time for us to retire to the office, so we can have that chat you mentioned, Rae?"

"Only if everyone is finished," she replied quickly. "The food is excellent… so I most certainly wouldn't want to rush anyone, if they cared for seconds…" Casting a playful grin towards Shepard, she added, "or thirds?"

"Nope! I'm good, thanks." Samantha glanced around the table and shrugged. "So, how about we order up a pot of Kaffe and move to the office, to get this conversation started."

"That sounds like an excellent idea, Sam." Liara lifted her arm and opened her omnitool. "Why don't you get started, and I'll catch up as soon as I send a note to the kitchen. I'll just be a minute behind you."

The threesome stood and made their way to the office in silence, having already exchanged their pleasantries and now thinking about the upcoming discussion regarding the Prothean–Salarian situation that had so consumed their lives for the past four months. True to her word, Liara was not far behind and, once they had all gotten settled on the couches, steaming mugs of Kaffe in hand, Tevos began.

"First, I want to thank you for meeting with us on such relatively short notice. I know we are welcome any time, but I still felt this to be something of an infringement, with Shepard's return home being so recent… so, thank you." She then looked directly at Liara as she continued, "The two of you know, probably better than I, that since the Salarian debacle during the 2187 Victory Tour following the war, the Salarian Union has been basically in stalemate: neither an enemy nor a large contributor to Council efforts. The ten members of the Council of Dalatrasses have been tied, 5-5, on nearly every issue that has come to a vote since that time. The only reason we managed to get anything done was through the neutrality of Councilor Valern… who has basically voted from his heart, in support of the various Council initiatives he felt were at least non-detrimental to the Union."

Shepard cast a raised eyebrow, with a slight tip of her head, in Liara's direction before looking to Tevos and asking, "And we care about this now because… why?"

Raesia looked at her in surprise. "Have you not considered what has happened, and how it affects the balance of power on Sur'Kesh?"

Liara immediately sat forward, her eyes wide as she exclaimed, "Goddess! Not until just now!" She turned and looked at Shepard as she continued, "With Edra gone, and Jaëto shifting to Prothean control… the pro-independence movement loses a vote!" She paused, her brow wrinkling as she added, "But the Salarians also lost Mannovai, bringing the balance back to four against four…" She looked back at Raesia and asked, "So, what am I missing?"

Tevos flashed a smile. "We recently received news of a peaceful take-over on Olor." Her smile faded just as quickly as it had appeared. "Dalatrass Salova decided to cut her losses… though I heard from Spectre Zoji it was only after she had her entire scientific team executed for treason… and promptly revealed they also had hidden catacombs under their control. Even so, their work supposedly had been much more civil… meaning they had not yet attempted to awaken any Protheans, so had not killed any, even inadvertently. Even so, the populous – backed by the STG and given everything that had happened on Jaëto and Mannovai – held a referendum vote and gave Salova an ultimatum – retire and leave immediately or all her records would be sent to the Council for review. And they meant everything she had been party to over the past 25 years, not just the information related to the Prothean ruins research and non-disclosures."

Shepard let out a long, low whistle. "There must be some serious shit in there if she's willing to just walk away like that. It makes one curious…"

"It does, indeed," responded Tevos. "They replaced Salova with a new Dalatrass by the name of Berthe Essi… who, according to Valern, is very Council friendly. What it all comes down to is that for the first time since I was selected for the Council, the Salarian Union should actually be a pro-Council member, instead of an independent third." She shrugged, adding, "Then, to top it all off, the Chairperson for the Council of Dalatrasses has shifted. The designated successor to follow Linron was a member of the Esheel Clan, but Kirova's death changed that. Jilon Esheel is much too young to sit as chair, so the position has shifted to the only remaining world of the original three colonies still in Salarian possession – Aegohr… and Dalatrass Valedra Baon, who has long been an ally to the cause."

"That's… simply amazing?" Liara shook her head, stupefied by the turn of events. "It is an absolutely wonderful turn of events, but… what about this necessitated a personal meeting?"

Tevos glanced at Sha'ira and leaned back in her chair with a sigh. "A Salarian STG member broke all this news… by violating Salarian law, then sought protection from a non-active Spectre… who also then violated Salarian sovereignty by landing on an off-limits world."

"You've got to be shitting me, Rae," Shepard chuckled. "What do they want? Some formal apology or other such nonsense? I mean, seriously. Technically, I am still a Spectre, and an active Spectre granted immunity to all those involved in blowing this case wide open, before a Prothean genocide! What the bloody hell?"

"Nothing that horrible, Samantha… but, after having a very long discussion with said active Spectre Zoji, I do need to secure a promise from you to show your smiling face, on Sur'Kesh, at some yet to be determined date and time, to gracefully accept the award of the Star of Sur'Kesh from the newest leader of the Salarian Union, Dalatrass Baon."

"By the Gods, Rae!" Samantha groaned. "I told him to give all the accolades to Kirrahe!"

"Yes, I know. He told me that… and he also informed me of your response to him, which is the very reason I am here, in person, to secure your participation in the event."

Shepard saw a glint in Raesia's eyes that told her she was holding something back. "What haven't you told me about this… event?"

"Afterward, you will have a personal meeting with Dalatrass Baon, who will offer you an additional reward – the opportunity to become the Asari Ambassador to the Salarian people."

"What?" Shepard practically shouted her response and she had to refrain from jumping out of her chair. "You can't be serious! There is no way in this galaxy that's gonna happen!"

Tevos chuckled quietly and answered, "Sorry to say, I am serious… which is why I am here. I know you will decline, already having an ambassadorial staff position with Furant on Ilos, and I am not of a mind to try to change yours. I know you and Liara are quite content with your current arrangements with the Protheans. I simply needed to prepare you for the question… before you learned of it either through the rumor mill or from Baon, herself… so you would not answer her the way you just responded to me. You have to be more… politic… than that, Shepard, when you decline her rather sincere offer, so as to not insult her or the Salarian people, whom we have finally secured as true allies."

Shepard glanced at the Asari beside her, who was laughing wholeheartedly. She growled, "I'm glad you think this is so funny, T'Soni!" which only made Liara laugh that much harder.