Homecoming

The Yorktown cruised into her berth at the Citadel. Unlike the previous arrivals, this one was unhurried and planned. Jan waited with her aunt Sarah and Bakara. Oriana, James Vega, Joker, and Ken Donnelly waited as well. Even Dr. Chakwas was there. The crew disembarked and most went their way to enjoy some shore leave on the Citadel. Miranda was brought to tears as Oriana, Vega, Joker, Donnelly and Dr. Chakwas warmly greeted she and Grunt. Jan ran to her parents who scooped her up and carried her, her legs in Ashley's arms and her torso in Shepard's. Diana Allers made sure to get quickly get around and get a still of the entire group together in front of the magnificent SSV Yorktown SR-3. And with the taking of that picture, it was all over. Diana was glad to have been a part of it.

As the crew was being received by friends and loved ones, Jane disembarked and looked around, unsure of what to do or where to go. Kelly was hustled away along with the rest of the Cerberus personnel and Shepard was occupied with his family, but Miranda quickly waved her over.

"Jane, come on over!" Miranda smiled as she called. "You're one of us now."

Jane hurried to join her.

"Oriana," said a joyful Miranda, "our family has grown by one more."

"Who is this?" Oriana looked at Jane, trying to ascertain what her relation to Miranda was.

"Hey, she looks like dad," remarked Jan as the Shepards joined Miranda and Oriana.

Jane went to Jan and stooped slightly to better talk to her. "Councilor Shepard is your dad?"

Shepard's daughter smiled and nodded. "Yup!"

Jane smiled wistfully. "You look very happy."

"I am," Jan replied with a smile, extending her hand. "I'm Jan, by the way. Pleased to meet you."

Jane shook her hand. "Pleased to meet you too, Jan. I'm Jane. I … I think I'll be going with Miranda Lawson."

"She's nice," Jan assured. "She's like an aunt. Is she your mom?"

"Shepard, you didn't …" Sarah gasped, a cross expression over her face, but Shepard put his hand up.

"No, I didn't," he retorted defensively.

"I was cloned from Miranda and Shepard," Jane said. "Dr. Henry Lawson created me from Shepard's DNA."

"We freed her from Lawson's attempt at a Cerberus part two," explained Ashley. "He was also behind the spheres."

Sarah was visibly relieved at that. The thought of Shepard and Ashley confronting those Leviathan creatures clearly terrified her. "So Shepard …" asked Sarah cautiously, "are the two of you going to remain in active service?"

"No," he replied without hesitation. "This was the last time. I'll be back in the weeds by tomorrow when I relieve my mom and resume my duties as councilor. And believe me, she'll be relieved."

"She's not the only one." Sarah directed her comment to Ashley, who surprisingly nodded in agreement without hesitation.

"Shepard," said Bakara in her low contralto, "I too am relieved to have you back on the council. Meaning no disrespect to your mother, those three really need you to keep them in line."

"Yeah," he laughed. "Tell me about it."

"I won't hit you with Council business on your first day back," said Bakara, "but I do have a matter regarding the Krogan people to discuss with you."

"You know my feelings about politicians," said Shepard. "And you know that you're definitely an exception. Consider your matter a priority."

"I appreciate it, Shepard," she said. He was sure she was smiling under her veil. "I do think that it will be something that you'll like."

"Looking forward to it," he said. "Why don't you join us later this evening? If Wrex is in town, he'd be welcome as well. You know you both have an open invite anytime Ash and I are here."

"Eleven years ago, when my sisters and I were first contacted by Maelon, I would never have dreamed that I would count a human family as family to myself, and among my dearest friends."

"Eleven years ago," mused Ashley. "Seems like a lifetime."

"Back then," said Shepard, "I was going after the Collectors and Wrex had become Chieftain of Clan Urdnott. I still remember meeting up with him and reminiscing about our adventures aboard the Normandy SR-1. He was just beginning to make the changes that would bring about Krogan unity." He looked directly at Bakara. "And you were a big part of making that successful. I don't think he would have been able to keep it going without your efforts."

"We all played a part, but it was your bringing an end to the genophage that brought hope to Tuchanka," she observed. "Without that, the clan rivalries would have maintained much greater strength and would likely have pulled apart our efforts."

The groups eventually dispersed and went their separate ways. Jacob back to his family, Miranda and Oriana taking Jane with them, Garrus back to Aeliana, and Lee Riley back to her own life. Ashley, Sarah, Bakara, and Jan went to Shepard's apartment while Shepard himself took a side trip to visit the hospital and check in on Gabby and Samantha. Dr. Michel was wrapping up a conversation in the lobby and saw Shepard. She waved him over.

"Good to see you home and in one piece, Commodore," she said. "Come to check in on your crew?"

"How are Gabby and Samantha doing?"

"Gabby is stable," observed Dr. Michel. "She will live, though we still have her sedated. We're working to restore functionality to her lower body, but Miranda provided us with some of the data from your own reconstruction and it was very helpful. Though … I'm not sure that she can afford the treatment."

"I can," said Shepard. "Do whatever it takes. I'll cover it all."

Shepard had made a large fortune from his council salary, endorsements, and video rights. He also earned income through speaking engagements and was always in demand for seminars with the Alliance Navy. On a lark, he had even made some investments through Barla Von, which had returned a great deal of money. He mused that he was probably as wealthy as Henry Lawson had been before the war. He could afford to be generous. In fact, he considered it his duty.

"Thank you, Shepard. I would never have asked you. You know, you have always been generous to me and to the hospital. Perhaps a wing named for you is in order?"

Shepard shook his head and laughed. "Please," he said holding up his hands. "I'm already too respectable as it is. I'm just a soldier. I don't need recognition for doing the right thing. Besides, I hardly know what to spend my money on anyway. Though when the Normandy is decommissioned, I've arranged to purchase her. She should always have a home."

"You know, a ship like that would be a boon for disaster relief efforts," observed Dr. Michel.

"Yes, it would," mused Shepard, pondering previously unconsidered ideas.

"In any case," she continued, "Samantha is awake and going stir crazy, so I am certain that a visit from her old commander would be more than welcome. You may see her if you wish."

"Thanks doc," he said. "Keep up the good work."

"You too, Commodore Shepard." Dr. Michel stood at attention and saluted him. She was not a naval doctor, but she just wanted to. Shepard saluted her back and then gave her a warm embrace.

"Take care, Doctor."

He made his way back to the same room that Ashley had been in, and tried to decide if this was a good sign. Samantha was awake, and had regained a little of her color, though she was still pale. The coms officer looked tiny and frail in the hospital gown. Shepard remembered how weak and frail the normally robust Ashley Williams looked when she was in the hospital after being beaten nearly to death by the gynoid, Dr. Eva. He hoped that Traynor would be out soon.

"I see you're up and awake," he said.

"Councilor," Samantha said, smiling weakly. Shepard leaned down and gave her as much of a hug as he could. Samantha was still bandaged up, but she was definitely on the mend.

"How are you feeling?"

"Not fit for duty, but much better than I was," she said. "I hear you were reactivated. I'm willing to serve under your command. If you'll have me, that is."

"Unless you're planning to shift careers and get into the diplomatic corps, that probably won't be an option," said Shepard with a smile. "I've just been deactivated, and will resume my duties as councilor the day after tomorrow."

"I heard what happened to Miranda." She was silent for a moment. "I forgive her, but I don't know that I can go back to serving under her. Vega and Cortez said that she wants to visit. I … don't know if I can face her yet."

"Take whatever time you need, but at least let her apologize to you. She's beating herself up over it pretty badly. She doesn't understand why she couldn't resist. After it turned out that her father was behind it, she's even more depressed."

"I suppose I can do that," she acquiesced. "She is a good captain. And I enjoyed serving under her."

"It'll all work out, Samantha," said Shepard. "You just get healthy again. And that's an order."

"Yes sir!"

Traynor saluted Shepard, who returned her salute and then hugged her again. He embraced Kelly and then made his way back home, looking forward to resuming his civilian life.

N7

As Jane rested after what had been an emotionally turbulent day for her, Miranda sat with a glass of wine, contemplating that her life had just turned upside down. Her very Henry Lawson had taken Miranda's very self from her, and used her to do his bidding. It was a violation of her very person. After regaining her free will, the mission had led them to Lawson's base, where they found the fruits of Henry Lawson's work: a genetically engineered and artificially birthed girl, built from the essence of Miranda and of Shepard. Shepard's DNA was available to Henry only after he had obtained Miranda's work, which she saw as yet another violation … and yet, when she saw Jane, she felt nothing but love for her.

Miranda was a Spectre, an Alliance officer, and an unmarried woman. Still, she felt drawn to the girl who had been made from both Miranda's and Shepard's DNA. Miranda thought briefly about asking Shepard to raise her, but dismissed the thought. Captain Lawson was in her late forties, and had served as a Spectre for most of the last ten years. She was at the end of her commission, and decided that it was time to do as Shepard had; resign it.

Both Miranda and Jane were staying with Oriana in an extended stay hotel on the Citadel. It was homey, but not home. It was time for Miranda, who like Shepard, had done very well for herself through royalties from the vids, finally to settle down. Though she did not wish to be single, Miranda did not need a husband to raise Jane, and Jane desperately needed a home and a family, something Miranda could provide.

As she finished her wine, Miranda heard the sound of feet padding from the room behind her and into the living area. She smiled, knowing that it was Jane. The girl joined the third human Spectre on the sofa, and snuggled close to her.

"I'm tired, but I can't sleep," Jane confessed. "Can I sit with you?"

"Of course," Miranda said. "I'll always be here for you, Jane. Always."

"I'd like that," Jane said.

The two sat together, and soon, Jane's breathing had taken on the steady sound of a sleeping teenaged girl. Miranda smiled as she looked down at the contented Jane, asleep with her head on Miranda's shoulder. She stroked Jane's hair, amazed at how similar to her own it felt. She really is blood of my blood, flesh of my flesh, Miranda thought.

Once Jane was sound asleep, Miranda carried her to her bed and tucked her in for the night, a tired Jane sleeping through it all.

"Good night, my child," Miranda said softly. "From now on, your life will be one of joy and happiness, this I swear." She kissed the girl's cheek, and then went to her own bed, and for the first time since this had started, Miranda slept peacefully, with only the pleasantest of dreams.

N7

Shepard returned to his apartment to rejoin his family for the evening. When he entered, the scene of Ashley, Jan, Sarah, and Bakara playing a board game greeted him. They were playing 'Galaxy at War,' a multiplayer strategy game loosely based on the Reaper war.

"Daddy, I'm winning!" Jan was over the moon at this; normally she didn't do quite as well in this game.

"You certainly are," said Bakara. "You seem to have picked up your parents' knack for strategy."

"Yeah, but I never thought I'd be on the receiving end of it," laughed Ashley.

"Keep the pressure on, Jan," he said. "You've got a lot of competition."

"But Dad," she said, "I figured it out. I decided to be like you."

"Oh?"

"Sure," explained Jan. "I made alliances with Bakara and Sarah, uniting the galaxy against mom's fleet."

"So what happens when the three of you win? Do you share in the victory? Or do you then proceed to fight one another?"

Jan, Sarah, and Bakara looked at each other. They had not thought that far ahead and it was clear from the pieces that Ashley was still holding her own. But Jan finally answered.

"We share! And then we offer amnesty to mom and we all celebrate with cake!"

"Now I can go with that," exclaimed Sarah.

"That's the spirit," Shepard affirmed. This is what we fought for, he thought as he went to his bar and poured himself a shot of whiskey. Finally, he thought, it is well and truly finished. He downed his glass and then took time to go upstairs and change out of his uniform and into casual clothes. He rejoined his family and sat down. By this time, Ashley and Sarah had conceded and negotiations on the subject of cake had commenced. Before they finished, Shepard served them all so that they could continue their fun uninterrupted.

After the eating of ice cream and cake, Ashley kissed her husband, and took Sarah and Jan out to Shattered Ezzo, the arcade on the Silversun Strip, leaving Shepard and Bakara to discuss the Krogan Shaman's matter. Shepard brewed up a fresh pot and then joined Bakara in the living room.

"I appreciate you taking the time to discuss this with me, Shepard."

"My pleasure," he said. "If it requires a council vote, I want to be able to back you up."

"We just might need it." She took a sip of the coffee. It was good; Shepard spared no expense, and the warm beverage made her feel at ease broaching the topic with the human councilor. "Wrex wants to petition the council for a council seat."

"The Krogan have earned it," he said approvingly. "Honestly, I'm surprised he hasn't asked sooner. If not for Krogan aid, we'd never have been able to win. And in the decade since, the Krogan culture has really blossomed. Also, I can tell you confidentially that Miranda has officially submitted her recommendation for Grunt and I've written one as well, having served with him on his last mission."

"No reservations?"

"None." Shepard replied without hesitation. "I'm human. We didn't have any of baggage from the Krogan rebellions that the other races did. And besides, the first Krogan I actually worked with was Wrex, and we got along well right off the bat." He sipped his coffee and continued. "Besides, I believe that every council race should be represented on the council. It shouldn't be just three or four people making all of the decisions. Representative government requires equality. There's no reason, for example, that the Volus don't have council representation. The way things currently stand, you have a division of greater and lesser races. The Aveena terminals use those words specifically. That shouldn't be. We may be many communities, but Council space should be unified and governed in a way that does not place a small number of species in a position of power over the rest."

Bakara was surprised. She had expected Shepard to comment on the practicality and the political angles. However, she should not have been surprised. Shepard was Shepard. He did not let the details bog him down; he concerned himself with what was right first and then looked after the details.

"I will be presenting Wrex' petition this week, but I wanted you to know first. By the way, Wrex sends his regards. He'll be here next week and said he plans to book the Armax Arena for a week so that he can 'knock heads' with you, Ashley, and Garrus."

"Looking forward to it," he said. "You should join us; it's a great stress relief."

"Hah! I'll bet it is. Very well, Shepard. I will make it a priority."

Soon, Ashley, Sarah, and Jan returned. It was getting late and Jan was already well past her bedtime, but it had been so worth it. A night of nothing but pure fun.

"Hey John," Ashley kissed Shepard. "We're back."

"Always a good thing," he said. "I feel like your dad; surrounded by a girly horde."

Bakara laughed loudly at this. "So your family was a female clan. I told you that you reminded me of Krogan women."

Before the conversation could continue, the doorbell rang. Jan ran to answer. The door opened, revealing an eight-foot tall, eight hundred pound Krogan literally filling the doorway.

"Uncle Wrex!"

"Hehe, make way, little lady," came Wrex's deep voice. Wrex scooped up Jan in one hand. She squealed with surprise and delight. Wrex just laughed. "Shepard!"

"Wrex!" Ashley and John responded in unison. Jan held her hands out like wings and Wrex gently 'flew' her to her dad.

"Thought I'd surprise you guys and take you up on that open invite."

"Sit down and make yourself at home," said Ashley.

The Shepards, Sarah, Wrex and Bakara proceeded to celebrate into the night. Though they did not know the future, they all felt it. A new era began that night, both for the Shepards and for the galaxy.

N7

With the mystery of the spheres solved, and John Shepard back on the Council, the galaxy finally saw peace. The Krogan won their council seat and soon, the Volus, Hannar, Quarians and Elcor joined them. Even the Batarians eventually won seats. The threat of the Reapers had shown the galaxy that they needed to unite, and with that threat gone, the species all realized how much nicer it was to be united. They all kept their cultures; the new peace did not homogenize the galaxy, but instead allowed a cultural renaissance. While there was much suffering to get to the end, the story had a happy ending. Never again would the Reapers threaten the galaxy, and if a threat of that nature were ever to appear, the galaxy would meet it as a united whole.

And what of the Shepards themselves? Councilor Shepard stepped down from the position of human councilor at the end of his term, just as he had promised his wife, and Miranda Lawson took up the mantle. The former Cerberus operative proved to be a unifier, and her experience in the human-centric organization gave her the insight needed to help the galactic community overcome racial divisions before they became deeply ingrained. Shepard called her the finest councilor in human history.

Jane Shepard Lawson joined the Alliance Navy, and served a four-year tour before returning to civilian life and going into the medical profession. Jan Shepard joined the Alliance Marines, following in her parents' footsteps, and became a career soldier like her parents and grandparents, and eventually joined the ranks of the Spectres.

The Normandy was decommissioned after her near destruction, and Shepard made good on his promise. He bought the great ship, and restored to her former glory. Shepard surprised everyone by collaborating with Conrad Verner, and turning the Normandy into a mobile command center for disaster relief and medical aid. Jane joined them and Shepard recruited medical and disaster relief personnel from all of the Council races.

From that day forward, the Normandy was no longer a warship. Her days of fighting were over and she now served as an aid vessel. This was the beginning of an intergalactic relief organization, which served the needs of all. So it was that Shepard's legacy was not one of wartime victories, but one of peacetime unity.

The end.