Notes:

Anam Cara - Soul Friend/Mate (Gaelic)

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

New Doctor in the House

Daniels-Creath Home, Edinburgh, Scotland – Monday, 26 May 2194

It had been fifteen weeks since Gabby, Harley, Violet and the twins had moved out of the two-story house Gabby had inherited when her beloved Kenneth had died onboard the Normandy. Today, as a small crew of people moved furniture and personal items back into the house, Gabby was getting her first look at the renovated main floor, and – of vastly greater importance to the propulsion engineer – her newly constructed office in the basement.

The walls and ceiling were painted an eggshell white, and numerous lights flush-mounted in the ceiling made the space feel light and airy. A pocket door in one corner of the room led to a modest water-closet – a welcome addition for a pregnant woman with a bladder increasingly compromised for space by a growing baby. A door in the corner on the other side led to the soundproofed room in which the T'Sere databank-servers and high-power transceiver were installed; Gabby smiled in silent approval at the neatness of the routing of the many cables connecting everything and the simplicity of the HVAC ductwork.

Of great surprise to Gabby, T'Sere had outfitted her new space with new furnishings – a pair of overstuffed leather-covered armchairs, three side tables with lamps, a low table in front of the chairs, and a pair of wall hangings depicting the Thessian cities of Armali and Serrice; a third wall hanging featured a large painting of the Kendra Ocean at dusk, as seen from T'Sere Shipwrights' main office, with the lights in the nearby harbor just beginning to glow. A modest, wine and liquor cabinet, already stocked with several bottles of Elasa, was placed against the wall beside the eezo-powered platform elevator – a necessary addition, due to the size and weight of the electronic equipment that had to be moved into the space.

Asari Comms Specialist Carli Ferria and Systems Support Technician Clarissa Sheris had finished installing and connecting her new design computer on Friday; today, they would be instructing Gabby in how best to utilize all the new features included with the upgraded hardware and software. Gabby was teary-eyed at the overwhelming generosity of her employer, until Clarissa reminded her that she was family. "Matriarch Sashia considers you to be her daughter, Gabriella. There is nothing in this galaxy she would not do for any of her daughters, Thessian born or not."

Gabby simply stared around the comfortable space, larger by a third than the room upstairs that had been converted into a comfortable bedroom for Violet Sweeney. Finally shaking her head in acquiescence, she took a seat in the comfortable desk chair – also brand new – and logged into her new workstation while saying, "Okay, Rissa… let's get started."

After spending a few hours using her updated design computer – with Carli Ferria and Clarissa Sheris introducing her to all the new bells and whistles the equipment possessed – the threesome came upstairs for lunch. Of some surprise to Gabby, Violet, having made lunch for them and the children, was standing, one hand over her nose and mouth, just outside the door to her new bedroom. "Both o' you," she said as she waved her hand towards the table, "help yourselves. I'll jyne ye shortly."

Gabby approached her friend and placed her hands on Violet's upper arms; squeezing slightly, she asked, "What's going on, Violet? What's wrong?"

The woman turned around to face her employer… and friend. "Oh Missus! It's sae grand! It's bonny, 'n' seems lik' muckle mair than Ah deserve." She threw her arms around Gabby and hugged her tightly. "Having a room that's designed juist fur me is muckle mair than Ah expected fae this remodel, Missus," she whispered, voice catching in her happiness. "Howfur kin Ah ever thank you?"

Gabby returned Violet's earnest hug with her response, "It's no less than you deserve, Violet. With all you do around her… for me… the twins… Harley? You need this space. It's a retreat. A place in which you can relax… sit and read… soak in the tub. There's extra sound-deadener in the walls, hopefully enough to prevent most of the extraneous noise from bothering you."

"Aye, you ken a wee bit o' noise haes ne'er bothered me, Missus!"

Gabby's grin was radiant as she observed, "Now then, the only thing missing in there is all your personal possessions – your clothes and such. If you need any help transferring everything downstairs, just ask."

"There pure isn't that muckle tae bring doon, Missus, sae ah expect Ah kin manage juist fine." Waving a hand at her new room, she concluded, "I cannae begin tae thank you enough fur this!"

Gabby hugged her again, then said, "Come on, Violet. Let's go enjoy our lunch so you can finish moving your things and getting re-settled in."

Violet replied with a bit of a giggle, saying, "Leid th' way, Missus."

T'Soni House Armali, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 3 Jun 2194

Everyone who could make the trip tried their best to keep themselves busy while awaiting the birth of Nezia Axoni. Nayla had gone into labor just after 9 AM, prompting a call to the Estate; Liara and Shepard had immediately made their way to the VIP-1, which Lusmeni Thoni had ready for departure by the time they arrived, overnight bags in hand. They were joined, of course, by Riana, Michael, and the Personal Guard, but the rest of the staff would have to await news from the townhome, as the VIP transport could take only so many passengers.

Being 407 years of age, in excellent health, and in her prime, Nayla had expected a relatively easy birth, but Nezia obviously had other plans. The little one was taking her sweet time and Doctor Corrina Sidhu teased Nayla about little Nezia being somewhat reluctant to leave the warm, dark comfort of her mother's womb. "You should have known better than to name her after the House matriarch! From what I've heard, Benezia T'Soni never did anything until she was darn well good and ready to do it and, once she had made a decision, no amount of cajoling, harassment, nor flattery was going to change her mind!"

"Truer words have never been spoken." Nayla chuckled good-naturedly for a moment before another spasm hit and a groan escaped from between her lips. "Though, I think little Nezia may have heard you and deemed it is time, finally, to make her appearance!"

Corrina placed her gloved hand down into the bathing pool to check, answering Nayla's comment with a grin as she confirmed, "You are correct… she has definitely crowned!" The doctor moved into position and smiled, looking to Lyana. "It's time for some handholding and the meld, to encourage little Zia to come out and join us!"

Once the actual delivery began, Nezia became rather impatient about getting through the squeeze point. While obviously not yet able to use words, the emotions Nayla felt from her coming baby were of aggravation and discomfort. With thoughts about how eager her mother and father were to see her in the light of day, Nezia calmed and slipped noisily, wailing away with powerful lungs, through the enlarged opening into the supportive hands of Doctor Corrina. Her cries of surprise and fear at the sudden brightness were quickly calmed as she was lifted from the water and placed upon her mother's bosom, with a warm towel placed over her to shield her from both the relative brightness of the room and the coolness of the air, as compared to the womb from which she had just emerged.

Corrina immediately went to work, finishing up the birthing process so the family – now consisting of three members instead of the twosome they had been for so long – could prepare to climb out of the birthing tub and move to the comfort of their quarters. Nayla chuckled quietly as she heard the cheers, claps and happy laughter filtering in from the outer room, obviously a result of the announcement that a perfectly healthy little Nezia had joined the T'Soni family.

After the quick relocation was completed, the entirety of the house moved quietly to offer their congratulations, get a quick peek at the newest member of House T'Soni, and move on so the rest of their comrades could do the same. Shepard and Liara held back, waiting patiently for everyone else to have their chance, before finally entering the quarters of the new parents. Shepard waited while Liara stepped up and offered her personal congratulations, getting her first close up look at their new addition. "Goddess, she's beautiful!" Glancing at Lyana she smiled, adding, "And she has your eyes!" Returning her eyes to the mother, a loving smile spread across her lips as she continued, "You've done very well, Nayla… and I don't want you worrying about anything. I'm giving you then next three months completely off…"

Liara raised her hand when Lyana started to protest, continuing, "That timeline is not up for debate. I know you will likely be ready to return before that, but I want your entire family truly rested and ready when you return to work. Until then – as leader of Team 1 – Lieutenant Tressi will occupy your chair on a provisional basis as temporary House Captain." She cast a smile and a glance at Samantha before adding, "Then, come September, Shepard will be here as well, since I will be preparing for my return to the University for the start of the new school year."

Lyana knew better than to protest any more so simply smiled and accepted the decree. "Thank you, Liara. You are more than the leader of our House… you are friend and family. I could not ask for better."

Shepard finally stepped up, a wide grin on her face. "And that's good, because we're not going anywhere anytime soon. I'm sure Michael will be tickled to have a younger sibling to protect!" She huffed out a quiet laugh and shook her head. "It's hard to believe he and Ace are going to be three-years-old in three more weeks!" She paused, giving a quick glance to Corrina before turning back to stick out her hands and ask, "May I hold her?"

As the rest of the group looked at the woman in surprise, Corrina chuckled quietly. "Don't worry. She asked me earlier if it would be possible. I told her normally 'no,' because we usually need a few days to complete the immunization treatments before we let anyone but immediate family handle the child. But! With Shepard's unusual immunity boosters, if she was willing to be fully sanitized to get rid of any exterior contaminants before she entered the room, to which she quickly agreed, then I would allow it… but it would still be entirely up to you."

Liara looked at Samantha in surprise. "Is that what you ran off to do while we were waiting for everyone else to finish?"

Shepard blushed slightly, an embarrassed smile on her face as she replied, "Guilty as charged, but I figured you had at least gotten the gist of my earlier conversation with Corrina and knew what I was doing and why I was asking those questions."

"I simply assumed you wanted to know if non-family could even visit before the immunization treatments. I never dreamed it was because you wanted to hold the baby!" Liara chuckled and shook her head. "Just when I think I know you, you surprise me yet again with something completely unexpected."

Shepard grinned, responding, "Glad to know I can still surprise you, T'Soni." Looking back at Nayla and Lyana, Shepard continued, "And never mind. I didn't realize the immunization treatments would be done so quickly. For Human children, the docs recommend three months for the child to build their natural immunities before they'll complete any of the gene therapies. I didn't want to wait that long!" She chuckled before adding, "But even impatient me can wait three days!"

T'Soni House Armali, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 6 Jun 2194

On the third day following Nezia's birth, Shepard and Liara again visited the newest member of House T'Soni, just as they had every day in between since her birth. Nayla smiled at the couple, standing slowly from her chair, the babe in her arms. She smiled as she whispered, "She's just fallen asleep since filling her little tummy… but, I know you are here today for a very specific reason, and I shall not deny you your request, Captain. You have been very patient, and her treatments are complete. So, if you care to hold her, I am happy to hand her over for a bit and give my arms a rest. Even as small as she is, she still gets heavy after a while."

Shepard smiled softly, looking down at little Nezia as Nayla carefully shifted the child into her eagerly awaiting arms. Nayla spoke softly as she added, "I have seen you with Michael since he first came home, so I have no fears about whether or not you know what you're doing. It is very obvious you are a wonderful parent in your own right, even if it has been a few years now since you've held one so tiny."

Shepard chuckled softly as she nestled the little tyke into the crook of her left elbow. "Yes, but Michael came to us at six months… and was on the upper end of the size and weight spectrum for his age. I've never held someone as tiny as little Nezia." She fell silent as she used her right hand to pull the swaddling cloth away from her little face. "Gods, but she's beautiful, Nayla. You and Lyana produced an absolutely magnificent child." She gave a quiet chuckle. "Human babies this young normally still have their faces all scrunched up, their skin not quite smoothed out yet from their previously rather tight quarters."

"Really?" asked Liara. "All Asari children are born smooth-skinned. No wrinkles to be seen."

Shepard chuckled again and nodded. "Yes. You should do some research and look at a few pictures of Human newborns… faces all red and scrunched up… and normally squalling like they just had their toes cut off! Compared to a Human child, Nezia is a dream."

"I imagine the parents of such children could care less if they come out scrunched up or not, because they obviously turn out just fine, either way." Liara studied the loving expression on Samantha's face and smiled. Shepard's eyes had not left Nezia's face since Nayla had placed her in the woman's arms and, suddenly, Liara was overcome by a desire to be old enough to bring just such a smile to Samantha's face with one of their own.

As that thought flashed across the link, Samantha looked up and met Liara's gaze with a loving smile. She grinned in response as she answered with a thought. {All in good time, my Anam Cara… all in good time.}

Serrice University, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 11 Jun 2194

Liara's spring session had concluded, and the annual Doctoral Review Board was upon them. So, as Saleesha Kessori's doctoral advisor, Liara was sitting off to the side, silently observing the proceedings as Sal was peppered by the evaluation board with questions related to her work decoding the musical language of the Inusannon.

Liara had prepared her well, particularly regarding the help provided to Sal by both Oriana and, more contentiously, the SILC. Many of the evaluators believed the combined processing power of the machine intelligence provided an unfair advantage – countered easily by Sal's prepared response to just that question. "It's not like the SILC are a new galactic phenomenon anymore. Seriously? One of them sits on the Council! Why should I not use their abilities, just as I could use any of the analytic computer systems out there? I certainly don't have exclusive use of the SILC. Anyone can contact and contract them for a job… including analytical studies. We were told we could use any legal resources available to us… so why not the SILC? Should I not use them, just because other researchers either don't think of them or are biased against them? That's the entire point of research, isn't it? To stretch the boundaries of what we know?"

Liara had to work very hard to not laugh – coughing softly and placing a hand over her mouth to hide her smirk. The whole process threw her back to her board review… and the hostility of the professors she had faced. To this day, even with their victory recorded into history, she still wished she had been wrong about the existence of the Reapers… almost. As much as she hated what they had gone through, she had found her soulmate in Samantha Shepard, something she knew would have very likely not happened but for the war. That event alone made it all worth it.

Her attention snapped back to the current event when she suddenly realized the evaluation board had fallen silent. Dean Trevany stood as she spoke. "Thank you very much for your presentation, Saleesha. If you and Doctor T'Soni would kindly step out, we will begin our deliberations on the merits of your presentation."

As the door closed behind them, Saleesha – both eager and trepid – asked, "So, what do you think my chances are?"

"Honestly?" Liara smiled as she replied, "One hundred percent. They have absolutely no grounds to reasonably decline your doctoral certification. You answered every challenge without hesitation… though, I have to admit some of those challenges were aimed at me as your advisor. I apologize for that."

"That's ridiculous," Sal scoffed. "Not that I disagree with you, Liara. It's just that you have no need to apologize for their obvious personal bias against my advisor. It simply amazes me that such a small-minded professor remains on staff at such a prestigious university."

"Which is exactly why we need you." Liara chuckled quietly and smiled. "After a few years in the field, continuing to work with the Protheans, we'll need to move you to something new. In the meantime, we'll broaden your leadership experience… to include a few opportunities at teaching during the semester field digs, with you as lead, Doctor Kessori."

"Ha!" That brought a relieved smile to Sal's face. Simply knowing how confident Liara was in her success made her feel much less nervous about the outcome of her board. "I can't thank you enough, Liara, for all the assistance and guidance you have given me through this entire process. I could not have possibly selected a better advisor."

"And I could not have selected a better student to advise, Sal." Liara grinned. "Of course, when we get home, we'll need to sit down and finally discuss the terms of your employment."

That brought a new, larger grin from Saleesha. "Goddess! Just talking about it makes me feel giddy! There were times, especially during the war, that I honestly believed I would never see this day!"

Her grin remained – there was nothing in the galaxy that could wipe that off her face at the moment – but her voice did turn a bit solemn as she continued, "I hate to admit there were too many times I honestly believed the galaxy was doomed… but it was news of your and Shepard's heroics that gave me the courage to hope for a different outcome." She let out a huff of laughter, adding, "That was the main reason, once the war was over and done and I heard you were joining the staff at Serrice, I was so intent on getting you as my advisor."

Liara blushed at the praise, staring at the floor as she replied, "In the beginning, it was Shepard's courage… and my desperation." Her blue eyes came up to meet Salisha's gaze. "She was my motivation, and she would say the same about me. It's crazy to think the war was won for and by relationships… but that is the honest, bottom-line truth of the matter."

Their conversation was interrupted by the appearance of Dean Trevany in the doorway. The smile on her face immediately told them the outcome had been favorable and without much contention. "Saleesha. If you and Doctor T'Soni would care to join me, the board is prepared to formally announce its decision to our newest doctor of the University of Serrice Alumni."

"What a wonderful way to start my summer break!" Liara gave Sal a knowing look as they both stood, broad grins on their faces as they moved to follow the Dean of Archaeology back into the conference room.

T'Soni Country Estate, Thessia, Athena Nebula – 24 Jun 2194

While evening on Palaven, it was only midday on Thessia and, since Liara now had summers off, they could easily hold celebrations at the Estate, which had much more space than the city house. Unfortunately, Michael's and Ace's third birthday fell on a Tuesday this year, and Garrus was abnormally busy, so it was impossible for the Vakarian family members to make the trip to celebrate together in person.

So, for the first time since being born, they all had to settle for Mike and Ace blowing out three candles each on their own cakes over a vid conference call. What was initially a cause for tears and little tantrums turned much happier as soon as the two children realized they could still wave and chatter at one another over the connection. Those involved had planned the event in advance, so their separation did not equate to fewer presents; each of the children still had a number of gifts from their adoring families. The packages mostly consisted of clothes, since they were of an age when it seemed like they changed sizes every other week, but there were also sufficient toys to keep them both satisfied and content.

Of course, Liara and Shepard also took the opportunity to introduce the newest member of House T'Soni, Nezia Axoni, as well as pass on the news regarding Sal's successful completion of her Doctoral thesis presentation. At that, Garrus commented, "Excellent! I would assume that should mean more home time for you, Liara… but I have to wonder if you can actually let fieldwork go so easily. How often do you plan on sneaking out of school to go check on the site progress personally?"

Liara smiled as she replied, "You know me well, Garrus, but my teaching schedule pretty much sets the pace for that. Other than now getting summers off, I only get two weeks between each of the other semesters, so I will be limited to three short trips a year. Admittedly, the summer trip can be more leisurely, with the three-month break, but there are events within that timeline for which we prefer to be home… or at least on Thessia."

Desis smiled and commented, "Like your anniversary? Along with what? Two holidays… or three?"

"Good memory, Dee." Shepard chuckled, then smiled as she clarified, "Two, not including birthdays."

Liara added, "So… if we want to have any in-person birthdays for the kids, we will very likely have to plan trips to Palaven for the next few years, until the day falls on a weekend again."

"Well, we can take turns taking vacation and traveling," began Desis. "But, you certainly know you are welcome here any time! I'm sure Garrus can arrange quarters for you easily enough through the Primarch's office." She then chuckled, a twinkle in her eye as she teased, "Who wouldn't be willing to make an ambassadorial suite available to the saviors of the galaxy?"

Shepard groaned and shook her head, her own lips twitching up into a grin. "Just keep it up, Dee. Ask Liara… I always get even." At that, everyone had a good laugh before saying their farewells for the night. Shepard made one last comment about how it shouldn't be so long before they all spoke to one another again, gaining a full chorus of agreement before terminating the call.

Michael was soon snuggled into his bed for his afternoon nap, Shepard having sat next to him to read a book he had received for his birthday. Even without his normal birthday playmate being at the estate, the party had worn him out, so Sam smiled softly and closed the book, Michael being sound asleep before they got even halfway through the story. She carefully slid off the bed, then leaned over and kissed him gently on the crown of his head, whispering, "Love you, little man. I promise we'll finish this tonight."

As she slipped out the door into the hallway, Liara intercepted her. "Call her, Siame. With my new schedule, we have plenty of time to go."

Shepard looked at her questioningly. "Call who?"

"Kahlee." Liara smiled softly and took the woman's hand. Giving it a little tug so Shepard would start walking with her, they started down the hallway toward the communications center. "When you and Dee were speaking, I felt your regret… that you haven't talked to Kay in a while and, with all the talk of birthdays, you remembered that David's is coming up in a few weeks." She stopped and turned to her bondmate, looking her in the eyes. "Family is important, Sam, and Kahlee is most definitely family. I have the time off, so we can easily take the time to go to Petra and visit the academy, even if we have to stay aboard the Aletheia. It's not like we haven't done it before… and our onboard suite isn't exactly… uncomfortable."

"Have I told you lately how much I love you?" Shepard smiled lovingly at the Asari before her. "Thank you, Liara, simply for being you."

Holding hands, they resumed their trip to the communications center and placed the call. It wasn't long before Kahlee was on the vid screen before them, a worried look on her face. "What's happened?"

Shepard's brow pinched as she replied, "Must something always be wrong for us to call you? Nothing's happened Aunt Kay. We just wanted to call and see how busy you were. We figured the majority of the students would be home for the summer holiday, so it would be a good time for us to come out for a visit."

Kay's worried expression immediately shifted to a raised brow, accompanied by a smirk. "Seeing as you must have known I would be teaching, I assumed you would only call during the day if it was some type of emergency, so I am relieved that it is not. As for summer holiday, you also know some students always stay here at the school, Sam. What you truly mean is that you want to come check on me and keep me company over David's birthday, don't you."

Shepard let out a sigh, along with a shake of her head. A slight smirk appeared on her own lips as she replied, "Nothing gets by you, does it?"

"Not much… especially with you. I know you too well, Sam." At that, Kaylee had to laugh. "But, with that said, I always love it when you and Liara come to visit… along with your entire family. You'll be bringing Michael?"

"Of course, we'll bring Mike. Can't have him growing up not knowing who you are!" Shepard smiled. "So, I take it that's a yes?"

"That is most definitely a yes." Kaylee chuckled quietly, a huge smile on her face. "We only have three students staying the summer with us, so you'll get to meet them as well. And I'm sure Jack will be thrilled that you're coming for a visit. Of course, she won't admit it, but she's developed a few new techniques I'm sure she will want to demonstrate for you."

"What? Jack coming up with new and unique ways to destroy things?" They all laughed as Shepard continued, "I can't wait to see what she's got!"

"Excellent!" Liara smiled, pulling up her omnitool to glance at her calendar. "How does Friday night, the eighteenth, sound for an arrival date? We can easily stay a week, if you can handle us for that long."

Shepard tagged on, "And, just maybe, Jack and I could put on a few demonstrations for your three students…"

"And give them something special since they don't have anyone to go home to for the holiday?" Kay grinned, ear-to-ear. "That sounds positively fantastic, Sam. Jack will be enthralled by the idea, I'm sure. I can imagine her whooping in excitement already, quickly adding something about you and her 'showing the kids some serious shit,' as she's likely to put it."

Shepard chuckled. "Still swearing up a storm I take it, even with the students?"

"Not nearly as much as she used to. But a visit from you? No promises for good behavior during that, I'm sure. She'll be too excited, even if she's not yet to the point where she'll admit to missing you."

It was Liara's turn to laugh as she raised a questioning brow, asking, "Missing Shepard, or missing all the action she brought along with the job?"

Kay smiled and laughed, shaking her head for a moment before meeting Liara's gaze. "There is likely more truth to that than any of us care to believe, Liara." She glanced at her chrono. "Anyway, I'm glad to know everything is going well, but I need to get back to class. I stepped out in the middle of a session, fearing something was wrong, as it's not like you to call in the middle of my day. As I already stated, I am very relieved to know everything is going well – for both of you, and I'm very much looking forward to seeing all of you! Love you and see you soon."

"Ditto, Aunt Kay." Shepard smiled at the woman who had been so good to her in the early days of her career. "Thanks for chatting."

As the vid screen went dark, Liara turned and placed a soft kiss on Samantha's cheek. "See? It's all good, and I can tell you feel better simply knowing the visit is coming up. Let's go chat with Lyessa, so we can start making our travel arrangements."

Oasia, Ilos, Refuge – 24 Jun 2194

After Sal had completed her board review, they returned to the Estate for a huge congratulatory party. It was only three days later when Sal departed Thessia, heading toward Ilos and a welcome reunion with the archaeological team. Rix, in particular, gave her an extremely warm welcome upon her arrival. The entire team was happy to have her back, throwing their own little party in celebration of Sal's new status, before jumping right back into work the next morning.

Barely a month had passed since her triumphant return when Prime Vidan and Oriana Lawson came calling. Sal looked up from her workstation to see a rather flushed Oriana scurrying toward her. Sal dropped what she was doing and walked quickly toward the duo, urgently asking, "What's happened? Is everyone alright?"

Ori immediately responded, "Alright? No… it's crazy! Well… everyone is fine… more than fine, actually, but… I don't even know where to begin!"

Sal placed her hands on her hips and gave Ori a look, saying, "How about you take a deep breath and start at the beginning?"

Oriana's mouth snapped closed, she held her breath for a moment, then blew it out slowly. "Right. Okay." She closed her eyes for a second and started over. "Okay. We found an odd musical piece in the collection that was… well, different is the only word I can think of. Its tempo, rhythm… everything… was different than any of the other pieces we worked on. Once we isolated it, we realized it did have the same basic subharmonics, and that gave us a place to start."

Oriana paused and shook her head. "It was… different… because it was basically a dirge. A… a mass suicide note."

Sal's brow knit in confusion. "So… times were tough. Their war was lost. The Reapers were winning and they didn't want to get turned. Why was this piece so disturbing? What makes it different than the tone of everything else we've discovered?"

"Because it wasn't from Ilos. It was sitting in the received message buffer, having been transmitted from a remote outpost… seemingly forty or so years after Ilos fell. And you'll never guess where it was from…" Ori suddenly fell silent, saying nothing more.

Sal was beginning to get frustrated with the woman, wondering why she was being so vague. "So, am I supposed to try to guess this mystery location, or are you going to tell me?"

"Hagalaz." Ori was shaking her head. "I know it's not possible… but it came from the surface… no, it came from beneath the surface… of Hagalaz."

Sal stared at the woman, trying to decide if this was a well-played ruse – because such a thing wasn't possible. Or was it? "You must be joking." She paused, seeing absolutely no change in the woman's demeanor. "You're not. You are being completely serious."

Oriana drew a deep breath and, for the first time since running into the room, looked directly into the eyes of the Asari who stood before her. "Sal, I have never been more serious in my life."