Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Imperial Glory: Epilogue.

'These indicate normal thoughts'

This means an AI construct communicating.

This means telepathy'.

Dolphin Palace Courtyard, Florida Atlantic Coast, Terra. June 2nd, 2193. 0915 Hours.

John sat down on the edge of the fountain, taking a drink of his mead. Glancing around he spotted Tsu'Tey mingling with another Na'vi he didn't recognize. The courtyard was huge, easily two acres in size. Half a dozen huge ornate fountains, featuring carved statues of the palace's namesake, eight verandas, a garden and arboretum. A band was playing softly nearby. Off in the distance the grounds stretched for miles in three directions, the sea bordering the fourth. The palace itself stood to the north, huge and imposing, 8 stories high, with towers and parapets and battlements, the whitewashed stone glistening beautifully in the sun.

There were officers, officials, and dignitaries strewn all through the area, mingling and talking. Occasionally he heard the herald announce another party joining the reception. He closed his eyes, savoring the moment. It was already 94 degrees and rising. A stifling heat for some species, but a Terran of his lineage thrived in it. He had been away from home for far too long.

He heard someone sitting down beside him, and knew instinctively who it was, "Long time no see Brother."

Benjamin Shepard grinned, "Sharp as ever John. How does it feel to have saved the Galaxy?"

John shrugged, "Honestly, it feels like I need a vacation."

Ben chuckled, "I doubt you'll be denied that. You should come to Pandora, it's beautiful this time of year."

John opened one eye, turning to look at his brother, "You've been there, what two months? You haven't gone native have you?"

"I wouldn't go that far, but Pandora is a beautiful world, I've already decided to accept a long-term station, with the possibility of a permanent assignment." Ben replied.

John snorted, "Like I didn't already know that. 'I won'?"

Ben snickered, "I wanted to keep it simple. Open your eyes, you've got company."

John opened his eyes, following Ben's gaze. Tsu'Tey was walking toward them, along with the Na'vi woman she had been conversing with. The other woman was older, with a steady, confident bearing, clothed in an ornate purple gown, crown and jewelry. Now that they had parted from the crowds he recognized her from the reports about the Pandora operation, Queen Mo'at, leader of the Na'vi.

His eyes were drawn to his pet however. Tsu'Tey had been done up stunningly for this event. Her hair was in it's normal style, locks falling about her head and shoulders, but set gems had been tied into the locks in the Terran style, facets of green and red sparkling as she walked. Her gown was a military dress cut, with tight sleeves, high collar, and form fitting long skirt. Blood red, with black runic patterns around the trim, collar, and cuffs. Boots, several rings, and a gold choker adorned with the crest of House Shepard completed the ensemble.

He rose as they approached, offering a traditional greeting, "Queen Mo'at, it is an honor to meet you. I am Lord Johnathan Alexander Shepard, Imperial Spectre."

"The honor is mine Lord Shepard. It is good to meet the man who is spoken of with near reverence by some of my most trusted compatriots." Mo'at replied, leaning in abit, "And the kin of my consort." She said quietly.

"You flatter me milady. Spectre Everett and Tsu'Tey have spoken highly of you as well. They never spoke of your beauty or presence however, an unfortunate oversight. I can see why my Brother is so taken with you." John said.

Mo'at smiled, "I must say I was surprised when I learned that Aaron Everett had released Tsu'Tey into your service, but I am glad to see she is in good hands."

"Very good hands my Queen." Tsu'Tey replied as she sat on the edge of the fountain.

John spotted a palace attendant moving through the crowds toward them. It took a trained eye to catch one. They were renowned for being unseen and unheard. Hard to imagine with their almost flamboyant orange uniforms. They were also rumored to be the Palace's second line security force, assassin trained and capable of killing anyone or anything barehanded.

The attendant neared then, bowing deeply, "Queen Mo'at, Lords Shepard and Miss Tsu'Tey. Queen Mo'at, Empress Sativia requests your presence. If you would follow me." He asked.

"One moment." The Queen told the attendant. "Please, stay and catch up with your brother Benjamin."

"If you are sure my Queen, thank you." Benjamin replied.

"Enjoy yourself, I will be back." She said, before motioning the attendant to lead on.

John sat back down, putting an arm around Tsu'Tey, "Well Brother, when is the ceremony?"

"Not right away. Na'vi culture is very specific on the Queen taking a mate. It was easy enough to find a work around for me to be proclaimed her consort, but anything else will take time and conditioning. I'm content with this for now. I could ask you the same question as well." Benjamin replied.

"The formal ceremony will be during the Wintertide festivities, that's when Tsu'Tey and Gruna will take my name. Between now and then though, the only thing I am going to worry about is some well deserved rest." John said.

Benjamin smirked, "I wouldn't bet on that. The Empress has more than enough things to keep you busy."

"With what?" John asked.

"Not sure. The Lord Inquisitor just told me they had some things planned for you and your mates, advanced training and such." Benjamin explained.

John arched an eyebrow, "Since when do you get told things in confidence by the Lord Inquisitor?"

"Since Dalton wanted House Shepard to owe him a favor or two. How else do you think I got the transfer order?" Benjamin replied.

"Transfer order?" Tsu'Tey asked.

John gestured toward his brother, "Benjamin here joined the Inquisition as a Hunter, instead of going into the Inquisitorial Academy. Transferring between branches of the Inquisition just is not done, to get a transfer you need a waiver and three letters of recommendation from superior officers. Then you have to run the gauntlet in Death's Head."

Tsu'Tey was still curious, "Death's Head?"

"An ancient city in the Chesepeake Basin. The initiation of an Inquisitor involves surviving 4 months there with the barest of rations and no advanced weapons. I can't speak anymore about it." Benjamin replied.

"It's a very old place, and purely evil. It is inhabited by ghosts and demons, undead and hellspawn, dead gods and ancient evil. Only 40% of those who enter actually complete the initiation. 20% die, and the other 40% are driven irrevocably insane. They wander the ruined city, violent and mindless, preying upon the ones that come after. I spent a month there as part of the Black Squads training, the Reapers are like pink, fuzzy rabbits compared to some of the horrors I was witness to." John explained.

"Now now, no reason to fill the young Na'vi's head with visions of supernatural creatures and paranormal spirits. After all, every species knows such things are impossible." Benjamin chastised, winking at the girl.

Tsu'Tey cocked her head, still not entirely certain whether they were being playful or serious, "I see."

Benjamin rose, looking at the entrance to the courtyard, "Well isn't this fortuitous."

John looked over, the herald was letting another party in, a pair he recognized. He grasped Tsu'Tey's hand and they both rose, "I'd like to introduce you to a couple of people, come on."

Benjamin followed as John led her over toward the gates. Tsu'Tey observed the pair that the herald was getting ready to announce. They were both tall, regal and austere. The male was light haired, dressed in an elegant and ornate white and black suit. The female was also light haired, dressed in a Marine Dress Uniform, with several medals and ribbons along her breast. There was something familiar about their looks, but she didn't place it right away.

The herald stood straight, calling out, "Baron and Lady Shepard."

"Mother, Father." John greeted as they moved closer.

"Johnathan, Benjamin!" Annelise Shepard said joyfully, hugging her sons, then turning to look at the Na'vi, "And this will be either.."

"This is Tsu'Tey mother, my Na'vi mate." John explained.

Annelise studied Tsu'Tey for a moment, "So this is a Na'vi. Johnathan does have good taste. Welcome to the family Tsu'Tey." She said warmly, hugging the Na'vi girl.

Tsu'Tey smiled broadly, "Thank you Mrs Shepard."

"Call me Annelise dear." She replied.

"Richard. Welcome to the family." Baron Shepard greeted, bowing and placing a kiss on the back of Tsu'Tey's hand.

John was smiling at this, "I knew you'd be a hit pet." He whispered to Tsu'Tey.

"Where are your other mates Johnathan?" Annelise asked.

"Off somewhere mingling. You can meet them after the ceremony. I think I'm about to be summoned." John replied, watching an attendant walking toward them.

"Lords and Lady Shepard, Miss Tsu'Tey." The attendant greeted, looking at Johnathan, "Lord Shepard, your presence is requested by the Empress."

"Duty calls. Tsu'Tey, why don't you stay here and get to know everyone, I'll be back." John stated, heading off with the attendant.

John followed the attendant to an enclosed sitting lounge. Walking in John saw Empress Sativia seated on a lounger, Captain Wolfsblood and Guardsman Grayson positioned behind her. There were several people in the room, he recognized Khan Jeris, Grand Admiral Yallar'Rayya, and Queen Mo'at. He also recognized the Batarian in the room, Duchess Dakkat, from Camala. The others he didn't, a male Raptaran and an Asari, both in the most regal of dress.

"Cousin." Sativia greeted warmly.

"Sativia." John replied, bowing.

She gestured around the room, "You are acquainted with my faithful Khan, the new Queen of the Na'vi and the Grand Admiral of the Quarians, now I would like you to meet the leaders of the rest of the Imperial Races, new and old."

The Raptaran walked upto him, "Lord Shepard, we were not formally introduced at Quaria. It is an honor to meet you properly." Septimus said, holding out his hand.

John shook it, "Likewise Lord General Septimus. Your people performed gloriously in that fight."

"It's Field Marshall.", Septimus replied with a grin. "We did what was necessary for the victory, even if our sacrifices pale in comparison to the Quarian people's." He finished, sitting back down.

"Lady Dakkat, it is an unexpected pleasure." John greeted.

Jalara Dakkat smiled wickedly, "That it is Lord Shepard. Power shifts quickly in the Authority. I should thank you again, because of your actions I was able to garner enough support among our worlds, press my claim upon our throne. Perhaps I will get the chance to repay that debt in the future."

"It would be an honor to work with you again." John replied.

"That it would Spectre, that it would." She replied.

The Asari was next, walking up to him, "Baroness Neyara Dantius, head of the Asari Republics." She introduced, bowing slightly.

"An honor milady." John replied.

"It is time for the ceremony." Sativia stated, rising.

John bowed his head, "By your lead my liege."

The entire courtyard was filled to the brim, Officers, Senators, Dukes, Barons, Lords, from all the Races of the Empire were there. The awards were for John and Aaron's squads, they were all lined up behind the podium where the Empress was speaking. Prince Taylor and Inquisitor Dalton stood near the Empress, the Imperial Leaders standing on the platform as well.

"Quite a sight isn't it?" Aaron asked.

"Yes it is. My Father said there's more people here than there were at the coronation." John replied.

"More races and worlds to participate this time around I suppose. Or maybe we're just that damn big a group of heroes." Aaron mused.

John grinned at the thought, "Maybe."

The Empress began then, "Today we gather to honor the men and women of the Empire who were so pivotal in this victory."

The awards were presented from least to most, Akwey was called first to receive his Empress's Commendation.

John found his thoughts drifting back for a moment to the day after the battle on Citadel Station.

"Today, we stand victorious!" Empress Sativia began, pausing for the cheering to cease.

Continuing, "The cost has been high, all have suffered in this conflict. Our Brothers and we have paid a high price, but here we stand, alive! The Empire has stood firm against all comers. At the beginning of this war, we stood as the strongest power in the Galaxy, and now at the end, we still stand as such! We drove back all who stood against us, defeated the treacherous among us, and stopped the vanguard of our extinction."

After another moment, "Make no mistake however, the Reapers are not done, they will come again. We have set them back, but not stopped them. They will come to continue their work of purest evil, and we shall be here to stop them. All will suffer their wrath if they are successful. Not just Humanity and our Brothers, not just the Empire, not just Organics. No race or creed in this galaxy is immune from their rage, and that is why we shall stand together!"

Legion stepped forward, taking a place to the left and just behind the Empress. More cheers rang out.

"A united front, not just organics, not just synthetics. All races willing to fight for this galaxy united under one Banner, one Empire. Terra will be the shining star that rallies us onward to victory! The cycle of untold eons has finally been broken. We will honor the sacrifice of our forebears, the Protheans. We WILL DEFEAT THE REAPERS. The Gods will grant us victory. Nothing will stop us!" She finished as the roar of the crowd became deafening.

He was brought back to reality as he heard the applause, Akwey rising from his kneeling position and bowing again before the Empress, the red and black ribbon and stars fitting perfectly with the red and black of his new Imperial Marine Dress Uniform.

Aytucan was next, then Rev'Lar, Neytiri, Tsu'Tey, Gruna, Jenkins, Shiala, all receiving Empress's Commendations.

Liara was called then, followed by Natalya, and Tali. They each received an Empress's Commendation and Ribbon of Gallantry.

"Here we go." Aaron whispered.

"Spectre Aaron Everett, come forward." Sativia ordered.

Aaron walked forward to the podium, going on one knee before the Empress.

"Aaron, of House Everett. You have fought for the Empire as long as nearly any warrior alive. You are Noble of spirit, more than many. You and your abilities have proven critical to our victory, and you alone brought the Na'vi into our fold, without who we could not have won this as easily. It is with the great pleasure I bestow two awards onto you. The Star of Terra, the greatest acknowledgement of heroism and ability in the Empire, and another Commendation."

Sativia paused for a moment then, gesturing for Aaron to rise and pinning the medal and ribbon onto his uniform. She smiled before continuing, "Through your actions you have proven beyond a doubt the honor and ability of your bloodline. I declare House Everett, now and forevermore, a Great House."

Aaron was shocked, "Thank you my Liege. House Everett will continue to prove ourselves worthy of the title."

She gestured for him to return to the line up, then, "Spectre Johnathan Alexander Shepard, come forward."

John looked to his right and left, meeting the eyes of every member of his and Aaron's squads before walking forward and kneeling.

"The man most responsible for our victory. My Cousin, Johnathan Alexander of Great House Shepard. I present you with the highest award a Warrior and Noble of the Empire can receive, the Star of Terra, your second in fact. This is the first time in history that a warrior has received two Stars, a fitting reward for one whose actions are already legendary. But not enough." Sativia said, gesturing for him to rise.

The Empress turned back toward the gathered crowds again, "The deeds of this man are too numerous to mention, so I shall only recite the most recent. He saved the capital of Eden Prime from total destruction, he delivered the colony of Feros from the traitorous clutches of both Exo-Geni and Saren. He commanded the deep strike mission that forced the Geth to pull their forces back from our borders. He saved the world of Camala from certain doom, making the necessary choices to preserve the integrity of the Empire. He commanded the defenders at Quaria, rallying the Quarian and Turian forces, and proving through his actions that the Reapers were vulnerable. He penetrated Terminus twice, once delivering a critical blow to Saren, destroying the abominations and perversions the traitor was attempting to create. The second time he led an Imperial Fleet deep into unknown space without incident, killed the traitor, and at the end of the mission delivered Citadel Station and the Relay Network into our hands. Through his actions he has placed the Rachni and Geth onto the path of the Truth and the Way, under our banner."

She paused for effect, "As many of you know I have ruled over the Empire for 23 years. I have not chosen an heir in that time, leaving the determination to the line of succession. It is time I rectified that error."

She took the barest of moments to survey the crowd, they were silent one and all, waiting for her next proclamation. "I hereby name Johnathan Alexander Shepard my heir, Crown-Prince of the Empire."

There was scattered applause, but the crowd was mostly silent. Prince Taylor stepped forward, the man that John had just replaced in the line of succession. Breathing was paused as they all waited to see his reaction.

Taylor turned his head, looking at Johnathan he gave a slight nod, then turned back to the crowd, raising a fist into the air, "Long live Crown-Prince Shepard. Long live Empress Sativia!"

"Long live the Empress and her Heir, long live the Empire!" Queen Mo'at joined.

The crowd continued the chant, "Long line the Empress and her Heir, long live the Empire!"

Sativia turned back toward John, "Welcome to the fold Cousin."

For the first time in his life, Johnathan Alexander Shepard was speechless. He nodded in response as Tsu'Tey and Natalya ran forward and threw their arms around him, the squads cheering louder than the rest.

Secured Veranda, Dolphin Palace, 1510 Hours.

The room was very well appointed, the furniture of darkest wood and gold trim, the finest dark fabrics and leathers used. Two large chairs sat opposite in the middle of it all. The walls were a dark stone, one wall had large picture windows, a small bar set along it, overlooking the sea, a large variety of drinks in crystal and silver decanters on top.

John and Sativia sat, Captain Wolfsblood and Guardsman Grayson taking their positions near Sativia, Nihlus and Gruna taking positions by John. Prince Taylor remained standing, leaning against the wall to the right of the door.

Inquisitor Dalton walked over to the bar, pouring two generous tumblers full of an amber liquid, then giving them to Sativia and John.

"To your new status." Sativia started, raising her glass.

"To your health." John replied, doing the same.

It turned out to be bourbon, the liquid going down like firey velvet, the taste instantly recognizable, "Victory Bourbon?" John asked.

"One of the many privileges of rank. From the Palace's private stock, each bottle worth the price of a Battlecruiser. Enjoy." Sativia replied.

For the second time in his life John drank the extravagant liquor. Casked in 2025 to celebrate the final victory, and establishment of the Empire, outside the Palace and Great House stores there were exactly 4 bottles on the market, each carrying a price tag of hundreds of thousands of Thalers.

"I have to confess, I did expect a rise in station, a place in the line maybe, but this is.. much, much more than I could have hoped for." John stated.

"If I may." Prince Taylor asked.

Sativia gestured for him to proceed.

Prince Taylor continued, "House Hackett has been pushing for an Heir to be named for some time. You can guess the reason."

"Surely they aren't stupid enough for one of them to challenge Sativia to a Trial of Rank?" John asked.

"Doubtful, but they obviously had something planned. They like to style themselves one of the greatest of Noble Houses, they like to claim they were the first to declare their lands sovereign and Noble. They forget that we were there. It was Houses Taylor, Gildenhuld, Davis, Tesla and Jackson. They are too greedy for their own good at the moment." The Prince explained.

"As you can see, picking you as my Heir is the best decision for all involved. You have shown that you are worthy and capable of wielding great power, and that you have vision. House Shepard has almost limitless ambition. But, it is tempered by great loyalty to the throne. House Taylor sponsored you over a century ago as New Blood, and you have never forgotten that. Your family has ties through marriage to the Quarian throne, and soon to the Na'vi throne. I have no doubt that you have plans for even more power. This is good, ambition is not a purely Human drive, but we treat it as an art." Sativia explained.

The reasoning was very sound, John was impressed. "Is this simply normal, albeit overt posturing by House Hackett or is there a chance.." He drifted off.

"If they even think about trying something I'll be happy to slap them all the way down to lowborn status and hand Arcturus over to a more deserving House." Taylor replied angrily.

"Calm yourself Brother. House Hackett is a Terran family, they will remain loyal. They are simply playing the deadliest game, without a true understanding of the rules." Sativia stated, then turning back toward John, "There is one other matter."

Inquisitor Dalton took this as his cue, "Just as there is a Lord Inquisitor, there shall be a Master Spectre, one with rank and ability beyond the norm. As we have both proven, the Inquisition, and the Spectres are two halves of a full and balanced whole. Our orders compliment each other admirably."

"What would the title entail?" John asked.

"You would be in control of recruiting and training Spectres, as well as taking a small supervisory role over their activities. You would be a mirror of the Lord Inquisitor, working under a cloak, your title unknown to the Empire at large." Sativia explained.

John took a drink before replying, "If I may speak freely my Liege?"

"Of course." Sativia replied.

"You are bestowing titles and rank on my House generously, some might say too generously. I think I understand the reasoning, like you said, we're New Blood..." John trailed off for a moment, something hitting him, "You're staying ahead of the curve."

The Empress grinned ferally, "I was wondering how long it would take you to reach that conclusion. How do you think our houses have always had a hand in the ruling of the Empire? House Shepard is poised to assume a position of incredible control, the thrones of three of the Imperial Races rest in your hands. Quintus Taylor foresaw the path your House would take so long ago, that is why you were sponsored."

John was quiet for several moments, processing everything he had learned. "So what happens now?"

"Now we continue as we have. The enemy Geth are quiet for the moment, we will get a better picture of the situation behind the Veil, then determine what action to take from there. The Rachni Queen has been set up in Garuda, one of our Venutian habitat domes. We will take time, study the remnants of the Reaper, continue our military buildup, refit our vessels with Na'vi Crystal technology, and wait. We have the luxury of time, now that you have exposed their plot. We can afford take it slow, prepare, and wait for them to come." Sativia replied.

John stood then, raising his glass, "To victory."

Sativia joined him, "To victory."

Courtyard, Dolphin Palace. 1620 Hours.

'That was enlightening.' Wilco commented as they walked away from the room.

'Very.' John replied.

They moved onto the raised walkway along the side of the courtyard, looking for any of his people. He spotted them all gathered in a corner on the far end, seeing his mates and family there as well.

"Looks like everyone's there. Come on." He ordered Gruna and Nihlus.

The crowds gave his party a wide berth as they made their way over. The group had apparently taken over one of the semi-secluded sitting areas. He spotted several figures he didn't recognize as well.

As they moved past the rows of sawgrass that separated the areas, Gruna perked up, almost breaking into a run as she walked toward a tall Human male in Marine Dress Uniform.

"Father!" She cried, throwing her arms around him.

"It's been too long Daughter, you have no idea how good it is to see you again." David Warren replied, holding her fiercely.

"Sir." John greeted once they broke apart, holding out his hand.

David took it, shaking it vigorously, "Damn fine to meet you Lord Shepard. So you're the one who found Gruna, and decided to keep her. I don't blame you for a second."

"She found herself, I just helped a little bit." John replied with a smile.

David chuckled, gesturing toward the stoic group behind him. A dark haired Human woman dressed in a red and black gown, a younger Human woman in the green and red of the Krogan Home Guard. An older, hardened looking Human man, in a Krogan Army Dress Uniform, several combat citations across his chest and the purple sash of an Armor Commander. A Krogan Woman also in a KADU, with the blue collar signifying she was a Pilot in the Krogan Army close-support Aviation Brigades stood beside him. Finally there was another Human man, younger, in a black suit.

"My wife, Annanora. My other daughter, Winifred. My sons, Joseph and Blake, and Joseph's soon to be wife, Varele." David introduced them.

"Good to meet all of you." John greeted.

"An honor Lord Shepard." Joseph Warren replied.

John saw Gruna already over near her mother, they were both on the verge of happy tears, being reunited after so long.

He turned back to the rest of them, "Call me John, we're practically family now."

That broke the ice, the Warren clan swarmed around him warmly then, greeting him like an old friend.

Some time later found them all gathered around the tables, telling tales. Aaron and his people had shown up, and joined in their semi-private celebrations.

"Come on, we all want to hear it." Aaron prodded.

"There's not much to tell, we went back and forth for a minute, I was sarcastic, he got mad, and that was it." John replied.

"You are a horrible story teller sometimes." Tali chastised, "So after John activates the Prothean Beacon in Saren's Lab on Virmire, a hologram of Sovereign pops up. I thought it was some kind of VI at first, but then it started talking, saying we were incapable of comprehending it's existence. The first thing John does is quip about how High Admiral Hackett lost their bet that Sovereign was an actual Reaper. Just blurts that out, nonchalantly. The Reaper just keeps going on about how this is all part of their grand plan, about how they are unstoppable, and John just keeps throwing retorts at it. Finally Sovereign gets mad and the projector explodes, blowing the windows of the lab out."

Natalya giggled at the memory, "I admit I was scared when it happened, but that was a hilarious exchange. 'Mustache twirling explanation'"

"I think it was that little speech I gave at the end that really ground Sovereign's gears." John said.

"You laughed at the Reaper! I still don't know how you were sooo..." Tali trailed off.

"Unconcerned?" John offered.

"Not quite.. Flippant! That's the word I was looking for. You were flippant about the entire situation." Tali stated.

He smirked, "When a man has stared death itself in the face and laughed, it's hard to make him fear evil again."

"That is the purest truth." Aaron spoke.

Annelise Shepard rose, lifting her goblet high, "To Terran bravery."

All the rest stood then, "Terran bravery."

Shepard Estates, Orange City, Florida Atlantic Coast. 0250 Hours. June 3rd, 2193.

His rooms were just like he remembered. There was already a fire going in the small alcove, for decoration and lighting. The two high-backed red leather chairs were still near it, with bookshelves along the opposite wall, filled with tomes and small oddities.

"Well this looks just like I left it." John commented as he sat down, letting out a sigh at the comfort.

The celebrations had gone on for some time. The feast and ball at the palace, then they had moved to the Shepard Estates, the Warren Clan and Everetts came along. More drinking and revelry and boasting and toasting. He and Tali had been the last to retire, dancing through the earliest hours of the morning. His other mates had bowed out an hour ago.

"Where are the drinks?" Tali asked.

"Veneratio Familia." John said.

The bookshelf nearest the inner door twisted, opening to view a short bar and refrigeration cabinet.

"Interesting" Tali commented as she walked over.

"Will there be anything else young Master?" A soft lilting voice asked.

John smiled, "I don't think so Familia. How long are you going to call me that?" He asked.

"Until you are older than I. It is good to have you here, you shouldn't stay away so long." Familia replied.

"I won't argue with that." John stated, taking the offered drink from Tali as she moved back over, standing beside his chair, "Thank you my dear. Familia, this is Tali'Zorah Vas Shepard, my wife."

"Nice to meet you?" Tali said questioningly.

"Familia is our Household AI, an imprint of Kayla Atavos Shepard, our first Head of House." John explained.

"Welcome to the family Tali'Zorah. Young Master, your other mates are already in your bedroom asleep." Familia informed.

"Thank you Familia." John paused for a moment, "Go ahead, I know you want to ask."

"When is the wedding?" Familia asked excitedly.

"During the Wintertide Festivities, and before you ask, it will be held here." John replied.

"That fills my neural passages with great joy. You know how excited I get about such things." Familia responded.

"I know." John said, smiling, "Now if I could get some privacy?"

"Of course. Good night young Master, Tali'Zorah."

"I never expected you'd have an AI in your own home." Tali commented.

John chuckled, "You forget that AIs have been an integral part of our civilization for over a century. This is traditional with Great Houses, the first Head of House will be imprinted into an AI matrix to watch over future generations. Didn't your people once have something similar?"

"Long ago on our homeworld. We practiced a form of ancestor worship. Once we had the technology, Elders would be imprinted into VIs to impart their knowledge on future generations. The ancestor databanks were destroyed during the Geth Rebellion." Tali replied.

John looked up at Tali, she was lost in thought. 'That just won't do.' He thought to himself, sliding an arm around her waist and pulling her onto his lap facing him.

She was broken out of her concentration. Smiling she pressed her lips to his, and they kissed passionately.

After several moments they broke apart, "So what does the future hold, my Prince?" Tali whispered in John's ear.

"Well." John started, sliding a hand up and slowly unzipping her top, "We've got 6 weeks of leave as of yesterday. I plan to enjoy every second of it."

"After that?" Tali asked, pulling the now open top off, showing the simple cloth that separated her bare flesh from his gaze.

He slid his hands to her waist, sliding her underwear top upward, very slowly, revealing her exquisite purple flesh as it went, "After that, we all have retraining to do. The schedule on Titan has already been cleared for us, I'm to be certified as a Level-One by Guardsman Grayson. You'll get your Omni-Controller, and an AI if you want one. Gruna and Natalya will go in for advanced implants and training. Jered wants to try a newly developed procedure on Tsu'Tey, he thinks they've found a way to introduce Biotics to an adult." John finished as he pulled her top up, cupping her supple breasts in both his hands.

"You know how hot it gets me when you talk tech?" Tali whispered huskily into his ear, her hands fiddling with the belt of her skirt.

John grinned, "So every time I was talking about the ratio of energy output on a enhanced SFAW or extolling the virtues of an Omni-Controller, you were sitting there trying to control yourself? Pet, briefings are going to be so much more fun for me from now on."

Tali had finished removing her skirt, and was working on his belt now, "As long as you rut me afterward you can tease me to insanity all you want."

"I think I can live with that deal." John replied.

A bit later found them curled together, basking in the afterglow.

Tali's head was on his shoulder. "Do you think we're compatible?"

"I know we're compatible pet, why.. Oh, you're wondering why you aren't pregnant with all the mating we've been doing?" John asked curiously.

"Yes." Tali sighed, "I've never taken any fertilization blockers, I should be carrying your child by now."

John shook his head, pulling the Quarian girl onto his lap, "Pet, we Terrans don't use fertilization blockers. Do you know why?"

Tali shook her head in the negative.

"We self regulate. All the semen I've pumped into you and my other mates isn't seed, we Terrans choose when to fertilize our mates. We're completely compatible, as are Natalya, Tsu'Tey and Gruna. When I want to start our brood, and trust me, I do, I'll fill you with as many children as you can handle." John explained.

"That actually makes a lot of sense. I never thought of that before. When?" She asked.

"Soon." He promised, "I want to go through the retraining that the Empress wishes for us. Then, we're going to take a nice, long, deactivation as we call it, and start our family. I want to go down to the Keys tomorrow, there's a nice piece of beach front I've always thought about taking for an estate."

"That sounds nice." Tali replied sleepily, meshing herself against him, her head on his shoulder.

"You aren't going to sleep out here are you?" Tsu'Tey asked seductively.

John turned, seeing the inner door open, two sets of expectant eyes staring at him. "Of course not." He replied, gathering Tali in his arms as he rose.

The bedroom was also just as he left it. Streaks of moonlight came in from the huge circular window, Luna shining brightly. Natalya was awake, watching them from the bed as they entered. It seemed to swallow her up, both from the luxuriousness of the coverings and the sheer size.

He lay Tali down on the covers, rolling onto the soft luxurious fabrics himself, Tsu'Tey and Gruna laying down beside him.

After a time they all curled up around John, Tsu'Tey snuggling into the crook of his right arm and Natalya on his left, Gruna behind her and Tali along the top, enjoying the warmth and proximity.

"Not an hour goes by that I'm not reminded how blessed I am, if for nothing else than the love of you wonderful, wonderful women. I'm the luckiest man in the 'verse." John said.

Tsu'Tey propped her head up, staring into his eyes, "That may be true, but in turn we are the luckiest females in the universe, to have the love and commitment of such a powerful and loving male."

"Agreed." Tali intoned sleepily.

"Truer words have never been spoken." Natalya replied.

"Simple and right." Gruna said softly.

"Oh my pets." John said lovingly, laying his head back and letting out a small chuckle of happiness, "The Gods are truly kind."

"Yes they are." Tsu'Tey agreed, laying her head on his shoulder and closing her eyes.

John lay awake for a time, watching the first rays of sunlight streak over the horizon, thinking about the future. He could find no reason for anything other than hope.

Humanity had once again stood firm against all comers, come through a violent campaign victorious, and was stronger for it. They had proven their Manifest Destiny to the rest of the galaxy, the legitimacy of Terran rule would never be questioned again. And he personally.. well, nothing needed to be said about that. Crown-Prince of the Terran Empire, Master Spectre, and mate of four wonderful warrior women.

The Reapers weren't defeated, but they were something almost as good, scared and confused. When they returned, the Empire would be ready.

'Life is good.' He concluded, sliding off to the world of dreams.

End of Imperial Glory: Epilogue.