Epilogue

May 2419

It's graduation day and the house is buzzing with excitement. It's the day Eric has been looking forward to the most since his first day of high school. Now the day has finally come, the young adult couldn't be happier or prouder. It's been a long four years, but the good has out weighed the bad. Being jumped by Mico was the low point, but it turned Eric around and things between him, his momma and Neena have been better since. He still gets into some trouble at home for breaking curfew or not doing what is expected of him. He's not alone, Derek breaks curfew more than he does.

Kaja sees them as adults or tries to see them as adults. They'll always be her little boys, her sons. She is so proud of them both. Eric took a harder road, but he is stronger for it. More mature than she thought he would be at eighteen and graduating high school. Kaja always thought Derek would be the person he is turning into. A thoughtful young man and a talented artist with a bright future ahead of him.

Neena hugs Kaja from behind as the asari cooks breakfast. "It's a beautiful morning isn't it?"

Kaja turns to kiss Neena. "Yes it is. Are the boys up yet?"

Karrera walks into the kitchen, yawning. "No, dad. They're still sleeping. They got in late last night. I thought their curfew was midnight?"

"I think it was after 0230 when they got home," replies Neena, who moved in with Kaja once her apartment lease expired in October 2417. Things haven't been perfect, but Neena never expected there wouldn't be a few rough patches here and there. There's been a few minor issues that have worked themselves out, but nothing major.

Kaja removes two hot skillets from the stove then puts some scrambled eggs from one skillet on two different plates. She hands Karrera one plate. "Schools over for them and so is their curfew. They're adults or so they keep telling me." She grabs the second skillet, puts the eggs on a plate then hands it to Neena..

Karrera comments, "I keep forgetting school is over for them. Or it is for Eric. I hope Derek likes the art school he is going to on Earth."

Neena adds, "Derek does seem very excited about it and has been since he received his acceptance letter in March."

"I would be too if I was him. He's attending a well-respected art school on Earth and one he feels will give him the best education. I am happy he won a scholarship that is paying for his tuition and books, I just have to pick up the rest," says Kaja. She winks at Karrera. She notices the time. "They need to get up soon. The ceremony starts at 1300. It's almost 0930."

"I'll get them up, dad." Karrera leaves the table with her breakfast half-eaten to wake her brothers. She is very tempted to pour cold water on them both as pay back for them doing it to her when she was visiting for their eighteen birthday back in March.

The young attorney knocks on the twin's bedroom door. Karrera hears muffled voices then peeks her head in the door. "It's 0930, time to start getting ready for your graduation ceremony."

Eric is already out of bed, but Derek is still lying down. Derek comments, "Why are people always in a big hurry to stand around and wait? All I need to do is shower and change clothes. And we have more than one shower in the house. What's the big hurry?"

Eric adds, "It's not like aunt Liv and Tracy are here or aunt Gaia. They're at grandma's house. I'm with Derek, why are we in a hurry to wait until we need to leave for our graduation ceremony? We don't have to be there until 1230. Then we get to stand around there for thirty minutes. I just want them to give me my diploma then let me leave. But they want to parade us around like show dogs or something."

"Don't forget about David Spinggler being valedictorian. I can't wait to hear what he has to say to us." Derek sits up with a bad case of bedhead. His hair is sticking up in every direction possible. His hair is long enough for Derek to pull it back into a ponytail and that is how he wears it most days. He face is clean shaven expect for big bushy sideburns that run from his ears to his jaw.

"Urgh, I forgot about him giving the final speech. I think they'll need a step stool for him to stand on so he can reach the podium." Eric is trying to decide which shirt he wants to wear with his navy blue dress pants and the bright pink retro Blasto tie, Liv got him for his last birthday. The tie is ugly, but Eric loves it because Liv gave it to him. Ugly or not, he's wearing it today. The only people who will see it are those who are around when he isn't wearing his cap and gown.

Derek starts laughing. "Spinggler is short alright, but that guy is as smart with math as Liv is. As far as I am concerned, Liv is a math genius."

Karrera smiles and shakes her head at her brothers. At times, it's hard for her to see her brothers as adults. She graduated with her law degree last year and has been clerking for Matriarch Pavva on the Citadel since. Matriarch Pavva is one of five members who make up the High Judicial Review Panel on the Citadel. She's learned more in the past year clerking for Pavva than she ever did attending school. She did have one professor tell them daily for the first two weeks of their first year that all law school is going to do is teach them how to think like a lawyer, they won't learn to actually be a lawyer until they start working as one. The young attorney has found that professor's statement to be an absolute fact.

"I'll let dad know you're both awake. Eric, wear the powder blue shirt with magenta pinstripes. The stripes color goes with the Blasto tie. Am I wrong about that, Derek?" asks the asari sibling.

"No, you're right. That tie will look great with that shirt. You want to know something, Eric? You should be glad you joined the Alliance. That way you don't have to pick out something to wear. You get a uniform or two and you have to wear those." Derek chuckles as he stands up then stretches his arms over his head and arches his back.

Eric playfully smacks Derek's ribs as he stretches. "I can always call you to help me pick out my clothes when I'm on shore leave, Derek."

Karrera leaves her brothers alone to head back to the kitchen to tell her father, they are up and should be ready to go before noon. She did miss them when she left for Thessia to attend school, but she gets a feeling they'll miss each other more than either one thinks once Eric leaves for boot camp on the 10th. The twins show up in the kitchen looking for something to eat a few minutes after Karrera returns.

Kaja comments when she sees them. "Morning sleepy heads. Have fun last night?"

Derek runs his fingers through his hair, pushing it back and out of his eyes. "Yea, I did. Too bad Sonia wasn't able to go out with me last night. We're suppose to go to Ray-Ray's party tonight though."

"Ray-Ray always throws great parties. There is supposed to be a band and everything. -Ray-Ray's parents went all out for this party." Eric rubs his hands together, "What did you cook for us, momma?"

Kaja grins at her son. "I can cook you what ever you want. I only cooked enough for me and Karrera, plus Neena's. What do you want?"

Derek yells out, "Quiche," knowing how much his momma hates it.

"If you want quiche, Derek, by all means, feel free to make it," replies Kaja with her right arm pointing to the stove. "Or I can make you something. The choice is yours."

Eric says as he grabs himself a glass of apple juice, "Eggs works for me, momma."

Derek and Eric sit at the kitchen table across from Neena. Kaja makes them both scrambled eggs with cheese and ham mixed in along with a few pieces of toast. Neena excuses herself so she can get ready for the day. Kaja is the only one who doesn't need to shower and get ready. All she needs to do is change clothes. Karrera also excuses herself so she can get ready.

Today is the last day they'll be able to spend together as a family. The twins are leaving for Earth tomorrow to spend Eric's last two weeks traveling the planet together. Kaja asked them what they wanted as a graduation gift at the beginning of the school year. At the time, neither twin knew what they wanted. When Eric enlisted with the Alliance in March is when they decided they wanted to travel Earth together for the short time Eric has between graduation and when he needs to report for boot camp.

Kaja has been nothing but supportive of the idea. Wanting to roam and explore is what asari do naturally and she's never going to keep her children from exploring the galaxy. It's a wonderful and yet still mysterious place. Dangers lurk in the shadows and only the naïve fail to realize it. Kaja has done her best to prepare both young men for what the galaxy is like. Some things they have learned the hard way. Like life isn't fair and the good guys don't always win every battle. She believe they'll be fine traveling Earth together. She'll worry about them, but she thinks she'll always worry about them. Even when they're old and gray with grandchildren of their own.

Kaja asks, "Which are you more excited about. Graduation today or leaving for Earth tomorrow?"

Eric wipes his chin, "I looking forward to leaving for Earth. Why do we need to be paraded around in silly looking hats and gowns? Why not just give us our diploma and leave it at that? Why have all the pompous shit to go with it? I'm done with high school, big deal. College graduation means something, not high school."

Kaja thinks he is making a semi-fair point, but not all kids graduate high school. Some end up in prison before graduating, Mico Borsa is the perfect example. Some people drop-out and never look back. While others go back to school and earn their diploma. The only answer Kaja gives is, "Tradition. That's why, Eric. Even Karrera had a ceremony when she finished high school."

"I know that, momma. I was there. Her graduation last summer means more than mine does today. Or it does to me anyway." Eric grins to his momma. "Today does give me a reason to wear the Blasto tie Aunt Liv got me for my birthday."

Kaja rolls her eyes when Eric mentions the ugly tie Liv gave the boys as a gag gift for their birthday and she doubts Liv ever seriously thought either one of them would ever wear it. She can't wait to see her sister's face when Eric shows up wearing it. "I agree with you. College graduation does mean more than high school graduation. But that doesn't mean high school graduation means nothing because it means you finished the first step in being an adult." Kaja places her hand on the table to show her point. She balls her hand into a fist. "This is high school, it opens different avenues for you to go down." Kaja lays her hand flat on the table with her fingers spread apart. "Once you graduate high school, you have more options." She wiggles her fingers.

Derek rolls his eyes and facepalms at Kaja's visualization. "Nice visual there, momma. If I was ten, I mean." He has a smirk on his face. "I think we both know graduating high school is important. I am actually looking forward to graduation. Where else can I wear my honor cord I earned from the Alliance Art Honor Society?" The young man beams with pride when he mentions his honor cords. He is one of two students to earn the rainbow-colored cord.

Eric says, "I know what you can do with the cord you earned, Derek. You frame it and hang it in your dorm room."

"I can do that for you while you and Eric are traveling around Earth before he leaves for boot camp," comments Kaja with a big smile on her face.

"I like that idea, Eric. I would appreciate that, momma," replies Derek. He finishes up the last of his eggs then takes his empty plate to the sink. "I'm going to jump in the shower and get ready. I'm still unsure what to wear."

Kaja says, "Wear something nice, please."

Derek hugs Kaja, "Don't worry, I will momma."

Eric says as he puts his dirty plate in the sink, "Momma, I bet two-to-one he wears the burnt orange shirt with silver pinstripes with his silver and orange tie. I watched him look that over last night before we went out." He kisses his momma's cheek. "Do you mind if I use your shower to get ready?"

"Make sure Neena's out of the bedroom before you go barging in. There might not be much hot water left. It's just a warning." Kaja hugs Eric.

"Didn't you and Neena both say I won't always be taking many hot showers once my training starts on the 10th? So, I might as well get used to it now." Eric smiles then heads towards the bedroom to get ready for his graduation ceremony.

Eric's smile warms Kaja's heart. It's days like today, Kaja wishes more than anything Cass was still with them. She would be so proud of them too. Kaja knows Cass would be shedding several happy tears when each son crosses the stage, receiving their diploma. The asari is sure she's going to shed a few later this afternoon and again tomorrow when they leave for Earth. She's proud of both boys, but she is extremely proud of Eric. He's turning into the man she always hoped he'd be. A compassionate, caring person, who's willing to jump into the fray to help. When Eric talked to her about joining the Alliance military and being a medic, she didn't have to think twice about supporting his decision.

Kaja knew before the twins were ten, Derek would be an artist. He always played with his friends after school, but he was always drawing too. His drawings improved naturally as he got older. Derek has a natural eye for color and she wonders what he plans on wearing today. If Eric is correct, it's going to be an orange day even though their cap and gowns are purple. Derek always pulls off the look he's going for even when he wears colors schemes most don't wear. There is one thing she wishes Derek would do and that's trim his sideburns, because she thinks they look ridiculous. She has thought about asking him to trim them, but she never says anything to him.

Kaja cleans up the kitchen while everyone else is getting ready. They walk over to Liara's so the twins can spend time with their aunts, that includes Tracy. They do consider her an aunt too. Derek is wearing the shirt and tie Eric thought his brother would be wearing. To Kaja's surprise, the colors don't clash as much as she thought once the twins put their gowns on over their shirt and ties. The more she looks at them standing side-by-side posing for pictures, the more she thinks Derek looks nicer than Eric. Eric looks nice in his blue shirt/pink tie, but the burnt orange shirt bounces off the purple gown more than the blue shirt does. That is what Kaja notices the most about Derek's dress clothes. How certain colors pop more than others in his outfits.

The colors Derek wears are unconventional, but Derek always looks nice. That's what matters. Kaja always feels it's the artist in him coming out for the galaxy to see. It's a colorful sight to see too. Some colors are bright and some consider them loud, but Kaja loves it. Derek has enough self-confidence to not worry about what everyone thinks. He knows he sees things differently then most people and he is okay with that. If everyone and every thing was the same, the galaxy would be a very boring place to live. The galaxy is anything but boring and is big enough to allow artists to thrive and be creative. Kaja knows Neena influenced Derek's desire to join the Alliance Arts Honor Society and to attend art school. He achieved the goals he set for himself the summer before his junior year. He has the honor cord to show for it.

The graduation ceremony is being held outside in the school's sports complex. The main stage is set up in the middle of the field with temporary seating added to the field, so people attending can see the stage from the front and not just from the sides. There is also a big screen behind the stage to allow more people to see the ceremony. The school's various groups and clubs have fund raisers to help share the cost of the of the graduation ceremony. The art students had an art showing and a few pieces were sold. One piece was a pencil drawing submitted by Derek. The music department always earns the most money. The band and choir will do a few benefit concerts during the holiday season. Their shows always sell-out.

The school couldn't have picked a better afternoon to have an outdoor ceremony. There isn't a cloud in the sky. The sun is shining brightly in the sky and there is enough of a breeze to keep the temperature comfortable. Kaja and the entire family which includes Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell are sitting in the middle of the bleachers, waiting for the ceremony to start. The students are filing in to take their seats. Liara whispers how proud she is in her daughter's ear when she sees the twins. Kaja sheds a tear when she sees her sons walking to their seat. Cass, I wish you were here to see them. You'd be so proud of them. I see good things in their future. Even with Eric joining the Alliance military, I see good things from him.

Gaia whispers into Kaja's ear when Eric's name is called, "You must be very proud of them, sis." She joins everyone clapping as Eric walks off the stage.

"I am," whispers Kaja to Gaia. She beams with pride. Her sons are high school graduates and the sky is the limit. Until someone comes and messes things up. Like the Matriarchs on Thessia did with her during her time in the military. Kaja's only hope is, her father has been gone long enough for Eric to not feel any pressure from being a related to Commander Shepard. She remembers her time doing basic training and how her instructors would mention those who became Spectres.

Kaja doesn't know if the Alliance will do that or not, but if they do, Eric has two relatives who were Spectres. Commander Shepard, the first human Spectre and Lt. Commander Jason Mitchell, who happens to be the third human Spectre. Knowing those people are members of your family can make military life harder than it needs to be. For Eric's sake, Kaja hopes enough time has passed, so Eric can be just a guy serving his people and not have the stigma of being related to those who did extraordinary things during their military career.

Kaja looks around to her family as the final speech is being given. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell are beaming with pride. It's the same look Liara has on her face. One she's seen before. Her graduation, her sisters and even Karrera's, her family was always happy and proud when someone graduateed high school, college, or even basic training. There are always signs of happy tears being shed and this ceremony is no different. Even Neena has happy tears for her step-sons.

Once the ceremony is over, everyone meets by the entrance. Derek is talking to his girlfriend, Sonia. "I'll pick you up after 2000. I have family commitments until then. Your family did their stuff yesterday, but I'm doing mine today. I'm sorry, I can't go out until then, Sonia."

Sonia holds her cap in her hands, "Plus your leaving tomorrow for two weeks, Derek. I wanted to spend the rest of the day with you. My grandparents are headed home and I have the afternoon free."

"You can always come over and hang out with my family if you want to. I'm sure my momma won't mind," says Derek with a smirk on his face. He would love for his girlfriend to spend the day with him as he hangs out with his family. They normally only talk, eat, and play some type of card or board game. Derek always has fun when his aunts are in town or when he is visiting his grandparents on Earth.

Sonia shakes her head, then removes a few brunette strands from her eyes. "I'll think about it, Derek. I really want to be away from the adults in our life."

Derek chuckles, "I know. Trust me, Sonia, I want that too, but I made a promise to do family things this afternoon and I'm free to do what ever I want starting at 2000. Today is the last day Eric and I will be able spend together with our family. He leaves for basic on the 10th."

Sonia hugs Derek then places a quick kiss on his cheek. "Contact me before you leave. I might be out doing something with Heather and Greta."

Derek hugs her back then kisses the back of her hand. "I will. I promise." He watches Sonia leave with her parents.

Eric smacks Derek's arm as he asks, "Taking her to Ray-Ray's party?"

"That's my plan. Unless she wants to do something else," answers Derek. He motions to Eric everyone has joined them.

Tracy says, "Well you little moochers have finally graduated high school. How does it feel?"

"It feels great," answers Derek with a cheeky smile.

Eric puts his arm around Derek's shoulder. "Yes it does. I finally feel like an adult for the first time since I turned eighteen." He sticks out is tongue and crosses his eyes.

Derek rolls his eyes and puts on a zombie face with his arms stretched out like he's trying to grab someone while Kaja, Tracy, and Liara take pictures. A few shots are serious in nature, but most poses are the twins goofing around, making funny faces. Everyone takes their turn being in at least one picture with the twins. The best picture of the day is Karrera with her hands on her cheeks, her mouth open like she is screaming, acting scared when both twins with evil looks on their faces, showing her their diplomas. Eric has his left arm in the air, pretending he has a knife and about ready to slash the scared asari.

The rest of the afternoon and into the early evening is spent at home. Poker is a family favorite and per the norm, Gaia complains about Kaja cheating and Liv counting cards when she's the first one to lose all her chips. Liara like everyone else, ignores Gaia's complaints as they continue to play cards. As they sit outside around the picnic table eating dinner, Kaja and Liara look at Karrera, Derek, and Eric, realizing today is going to be the last time the siblings will have together. Just the three of them. Karrera isn't sure if she can meet them on Earth in two weeks to see Eric one last time before he starts his military training.

The family understands once Eric leaves on the 10th, his family time will only consist of a few weeks a year if he chooses to come home when he takes his shore leave. The first few months are the toughest on a new recruit and their families because they don't have much time to communicate with them. Once the initial training is over, Eric will have more time to send messages or talk to someone. There have been times when Kaja has thought about moving from the house to an apartment because she doesn't really need a four-bedroom house if it was just her.

Neena loves the view of the mountains from the backyard and wants to stay. Even if they have too much room. So, they've decided to stay in a house with too much room for their needs. Liara has also influenced their decision by saying because the boys are human, they'll marry and have kids sooner than Karrera will. By having a house with too much room, it makes it easier on them to come and visit. Kaja agrees with that logic and so does Neena.

The boys leave for one last night together with friends. Derek is wearing the same shirt and tie he wore to his graduation ceremony for his night out. Eric changed into a green/white horizontal striped knit shirt, a pair of navy blue cargo short, and sandals. Derek drops Eric off at Ray-Ray's before picking up his girlfriend, Sonia, at the nearest strip mall by her house. Sonia hasn't eaten anything yet, so Derek takes her to a diner she likes before they head to Ray-Ray's party. The music is loud, but none of the neighbors are complaining, yet.

There's a local band playing in the backyard. The band is playing original songs, but they're mostly playing cover songs everyone knows. The house is packed which makes it hard to move around and mingle or to look for someone. Derek and Sonia arrive when the party is in full swing. They split up so Derek can look for his brother and friends while Sonia uses the bathroom. They agree to meet outside near the stage.

Derek finds Eric talking to Lee and Rosey in the kitchen. Derek says loud enough to be heard over the music, "How is everyone?"

Lee answers, "I'm great. No more Mr. Addleson. Gawd, I hate that guy. He made my life hell in physics this year. I'm surprised I passed his class with a C+. Where's Sonia?"

"She's here. She had to use the bathroom. We're meeting by the stage. I want to get my grove on tonight." Derek starts dancing horribly with his tongue hanging out and to the side.

Derek's friends starts laughing at him. Rosey says, "Come on, the party is really outside. I thought I saw Mal outside earlier and I want to talk to her." Rosey leaves out the backdoor looking for Mallory.

Eric says, "More like trying to get Mal to take his cheating ass back."

"Or try to fuck her one more time," adds Lee.

"That is what he gets for cheating on Mal with that trashy bitch from Radcliffe two weeks ago. I think that bitch hit on every guy at Dooley's party that night too. Rosey and I think it was Marco, who also took that 'ho up on her offer and Mal found out about it at school the following Monday. I don't blame her for breaking up with him over it," remarks Derek. He sees Sonia go outside. "I just saw Sonia go outside. Later, guys." Derek takes off after his girlfriend.

Eric motions to Lee for him to follow as Eric heads outside to listen to the band and find someone to dance with. Derek and Sonia are dancing together. Rosey is trying his hardest to get Mallory to talk or dance with him, but she isn't interested in either. Eric walks over to Sonia's friends and hears Greta saying how surprised she is with Sonia showing up with Derek when she was out with Randy last night. Eric asks Greta to explain what is going on and Greta is more than happy to explain to Eric what Sonia has been up to if he will dance with her. Eric is more than happy to comply to her request.

Greta leads Eric to the house once the band takes a break. Heather grabs Sonia's attention to let her friend know, Eric knows about Randy and it might be a wise idea for her to do something about it before Eric tells his brother. The only thing Sonia does is ditch Derek by saying she is getting something for them to drink the first chance she gets after Heather's warning and seeing Randy is at the party. Derek suspects Sonia is up to something, but isn't sure what and isn't really sure if he cares or not what she is doing. He's leaving for Earth tomorrow for two weeks then he's only going to be home for two more months before he leaves again to attend art school. He's starting to think maybe it's a good time to end things with her.

Kaja's House

Five asari, a human, and a turian sit around the dining room table playing cards. Liara is the dealer because it keeps Gaia's complaints about her sisters "cheating" to a minimum. Because of Liv's natural ability to count cards, they've stopped playing blackjack with her. Shepard and Liara made it very clear to Liv once they figured out Liv can count cards that casinos do not like card counters. Seeing what cards are on the table and figuring out quickly which cards are left, isn't cheating. The casinos view it that way and some are not nice about it. Liv has always preferred poker over blackjack. Poker is winner take hand, not beat the dealer. Beating other players is more challenging and fun than beating the dealer.

"Are you going to even try, Gaia?" asks Karrera when Gaia folds her hand for the fourth straight hand.

Gaia points with her left thumb at the dealer. "Tell the dealer over there to deal me better cards than the crap I'm getting than maybe I'll play a hand." The middle sibling gives her mother a sweet smile with an eyelash bat thrown in.

Neena slides the chips closer to her and stacks them in a neat stack. "I like the cards I'm getting. Look at all these chips." Neena has the chips she just won plus another small stack.

"Once Gaia goes out, you are the short stack, Vakarian," says Liv, who is the chip leader with Kaja and Tracy both close behind.

"Oh no, T'Soni, this is part of my plan. To get you thinking you have me where you want me. But you don't, you're walking right into my trap." Neena grins then sips her whiskey. She's laying it on thick and she knows it. Liv or Kaja will win tonight. Tracy if the cards continue to fall in her favor.

Liv downs the last of her ice brandy. "Is that so, Vakarian? We'll see about that. Chips are in my favor. Deal the next hand, mom. I want to put Neena out of her misery sooner rather than later." She gets up to refill her glass then sits back down before Liara is done dealing the next hand.

Tracy asks as she looks at her cards. "What time does the twin's shuttle leave tomorrow, Kaja?"

Gaia answers, "They're leaving with me tomorrow. I told them I wanted to leave by 1400 at the latest."

Liara glances over to Kaja, who isn't saying anything nor is Neena. The eldest asari says, "I thought they were taking a public shuttle to Earth. When did they change their mind?"

Kaja says, "When Gaia offered to give them a tour of a filming studio this afternoon. I'm all for it. It saves me some money. Thanks sis."

"Oh, you are quite welcome, sis. I'm quite fond of them both. This is something I've wanted to do for them for a while and this seems like the perfect time. They're leaving on Tuesday for Vancouver. Where they're going after that I have no idea."

"I don't think they know where they're going or what they're doing. They know to meet us in New York on the 8th. What they do between tomorrow and then is up to them." Neena sips her drink.

Kaja adds, "I approve too. I told them, go and explore. Don't do anything stupid and get into trouble. I already have reservations at the hotel in New York and that is the only thing I expect from them. To meet us in New York on the 8th."

Liara nods approvingly. "I can't believe they're adults leaving home already. It seems like it was just last year they were still in diapers, toddling around."

Kaja reaches to grab Neena's hand and Neena squeezes it. "To you maybe mom. Yea, they did grow up quickly." She points to Tracy, "Tell us, Tracy, does it seem to you, they grew up quickly?"

"Yes, it does. It does seem like not that long ago I was buying them board games on dares I set up for them to win no matter the outcome," replies the lone human at the table.

Karrera asks, "Then why do you call them moochers?"

Tracy chuckles, "Because they looked like little moochers ever time I mentioned buying them something. Even though I was the one to always bring it up."

"Ahhh, I see," says the youngest asari with an eye roll and subtle head shake.

Tracy puts her palms up in confusion, "What?"

Liara pats Tracy's shoulder, "She's thinking like an attorney. Don't worry about it."

Liv changes the topic from the twins to Karrera clerking for Matriarch Pavva and life on the Citadel. Karrera admits she really doesn't like living on the Citadel and is looking forward to moving back to asari space once her five-year commitment to clerk for Matriarch Pavva is over. She plans looking for a position in a district attorney's office on an asari colony world. Tracy doesn't blame her either. She misses living on Elysium, but her job and life-partner are on the Citadel.

Life is different on an actual planet versus living on a space station. It isn't lost on Liara how everyone at the table has lived on the Citadel at one point in their life. Some longer than others. As Liara deals the cards and listens to her family talking about the Citadel, she thinks back to a time before the war and what the Citadel looked like and how much it has changed with each rebuild. Sovereign's attack and destruction caused major damage to the Presidium and some damage to the Wards. That was repaired rather quickly. Once the Citadel was moved to Earth's orbit, the entire station transformed into something else, then Shepard blowing it up when she destroyed the Reapers. The Citadel is completely different from before when it comes to style and looks. Each Ward has the same name and the Presidium serves the same functions as before. Those things have not changed with each rebuild.

The Citadel Council still has their offices in the Presidium Towers. Those things about the Citadel haven't changed, but the overall look did change after the Reaper War. The statues honoring the past were fixed or recreated. New memorials were erected to honor the sacrifices of so many. The war has been over for more then two centuries, but Liara still remembers those days fighting an enemy no cycle before them had beaten. She still wonders how they made it though it all. Having a Vakarian at the table playing cards, feels like old times for the elder asari. She sees a little Garrus in Neena. Neena has the same level of loyalty to her friends as Garrus. Garrus and Tali did the one thing Liara did not. Join Shepard when offered to help her take out the Collectors.

Liara still has a few regrets about things that happened during the war. The one thing she'll never regret is having a family at such a young age with Leia. Her daughters haven't always gotten along, but when push comes to shove, they always come together. Each daughter has forged their own path and each has been successful in their chosen careers. It looks like each grand child has started down their own path. Derek has already sold one of his paintings. Drey, Gaia's batarian friend, put two of Derek's painting on display at his gallery as a favor to her. One was the painting of Karrera while she was in the hospital. That painting was on loan and was not for sale. He did receive many offers on the piece and declined them all. The painting he did sell was the view of the Elysium mountains from his backyard done in oil. Drey has promised Derek if he has any more paintings he wants to put on display or have enough for a showing, his gallery will always be available to him.

The night grows long and Liara with Gaia in tow are the first to head back home. Tracy pulls Kaja aside to tell the asari how proud she is when it comes to Derek and Eric. She also says she believes Cass would be very proud of her sons today and the choices they've made with their futures. Losing Cass was hard on everyone, especially the twins and Tracy knows this. It was hard on her losing her best friend, but that tragic event cemented her relationship with Olivia. They've been living together since. Kaja has teased them about having a bonding ceremony, but neither Tracy nor Liv are too keen on the idea. As far as Tracy is concerned she is with her life-partner and some ceremony with vows won't change that. Olivia feels the same way about a ceremony, but she has filled out necessary paperwork required when an asari is in a formal relationship and living on the Citadel. They don't see the need to exchange bonding bands or wedding rings.

Kaja gives Tracy and her sister a hug before they leave for Liara's for the night. Karrera has already headed to bed. Kaja and Neena clean up mess in the kitchen and dining room before they call it a night. The twins return home after everyone is in bed. The twins are tired, but are also excited about leaving tomorrow, so neither thinks they'll get much sleep. They can always sleep on the way to Earth, unless Gaia has other plans for them.

Next Day

Elysium Spaceport

Gaia's shuttle pilot is stowing everyone's bags and preparing the shuttle to take off. She's giving her nephews, mom, and sister time to say their goodbyes. The actress peeks her head out of the shuttle door to watch Kaja talking to her sons. She's always thought her older sister was crazy like their father and she still thinks Kaja is like their father in many ways. Gaia was skeptical when Kaja told her about their plans for Cass being the one who gets pregnant. At the time, she really was hating Cass and was negative about anything involving the woman. It caused a riff between the sisters that lasted until Cass' death almost twelve years ago. Gaia still wished she'd been more supportive and less hateful towards her late sister-in-law. She missed the first six years of her nephew's lives because of it. That is time she'll never get back.

Kaja, Neena, Liara and the twins are standing near the boarding ramp to the shuttle. The twins look tired and excited about their trip. Kaja has her right hand on Eric's left shoulder. "...Remember what Neena and I have told you. If you have any problems, do not hesitate to call home. Call Gaia or Liv." Kaja points to her mother. "Or even your grandmother. Please, call someone."

Derek asks, "What about Karrera? Isn't she someone we can call too?" Derek is being facetious with his question.

Kaja rolls her eyes. "Yes, of course your sister is someone you can call as well. Forgive me for leaving her name off my list. I still see her as a kid too." She would ruffle Derek's hair if it wasn't pulled back tightly into a ponytail, so she pats him on the shoulder instead.

Eric comments, "Don't worry about us, momma. We can take care of ourselves and we know what to do in certain situations. If we need to, we will call. I promise." He puts his right hand up like he is about to swear an oath.

Liara adds, "This is your first time alone without any of us with you. There are shady people out there who will swindle every credit you have and you won't realize it until it's too late. Please, be careful." She hugs each grandson before she heads back to the skycar to wait for Kaja and Neena.

"I would ask for you to contact us every day, but that's overkill and asking too much. It would be nice if you sent a message with a vid or pictures every few days. Your momma and I will worry about you," says Neena.

Eric gives Neena a tight hug, "I'm sure you will. We'll try to send something when we go to a new location. We haven't exactly made concrete plans and I think we are going to wing it once we leave Vancouver."

Derek puts his hand on Neena's shoulder, "Don't worry, Neena, I'll make sure we keep you and momma updated on what we're doing. I have an idea on where we are going to go."

"Care to share that information, Derek?" asks Kaja with a grin. She doesn't care what they do or where they go as long as they stay out of trouble and don't call her every day asking for more credits. Plus they need be in New York on the 8th.

"Yea, Derek, where are we going?" asks the younger twin. They've been discussion for over a week on the places they want to go. Gaia's offer to take them to Earth then show them a studio gave them a concrete starting point, Los Angeles. There are three places Eric wants to visit. Vancouver, London, and Rio. These cities have a historical or have a family value to the young man. Vancouver and London are the historical cities while Rio is the family one.

Derek grins at his brother, "I plead the 5th."

Kaja starts laughing. "Well played, Derek." She hugs Derek then places a soft kiss on his cheek. "Have fun. Enjoy your time together and treasure ever moment. You may never get this opportunity again."

Derek hugs his momma then Neena. "I will, momma. I love you. I'll make sure we keep you in the loop with our whereabouts. The details of what we're doing might remain a secret though." He does his best to imitate an undercover agent.

"I love you too, Derek. And you Eric. Have fun and we'll see you in New York on the 8th. Remember I already have reservations at The Barkley Hotel." Kaja gives Eric a hug and kiss on the cheek. "Be safe, but have fun."

Eric hugs his momma tight. As much as he hated her at times, he is going to miss her. He hasn't left yet and he is already starting to miss his momma. He is also excited about his trip with is brother and his future in the Alliance military. "We will momma. Don't forget to bring my big bag with you on the 8th. I left it by the front door."

Kaja hugs Eric and Derek once more before they head up the ramp and enter the shuttle. The ramp retracts into the shuttle, the door closes, while the shuttle hovers, waiting for departure clearance. Neena wraps her arm around Kaja's waist as they watch the shuttle depart for Earth. The asari wipes away the tears she has forming. She kisses the turian fully on the lips. "We have an empty house. What are we going to do? Karrera left with Liv and Tracy on a transport back to the Citadel and the twins are on their way to Earth." Kaja's grin turns into a smirk.

"I don't know. Lets just wing it," replies Neena.

Kaja chuckles before she kisses Neena again. They hold hands as they head back to the skycar and Liara. Everything is different now. Eric and Derek are gone with only Derek returning home in two weeks. In a few months, Derek leaves for college. If Derek is like his sister, once he leaves, he will only return during breaks. Once he graduates, Kaja doubts he returns to Elysium. When she left home, she didn't plan on moving back to Elysium. She's realized in her short asari life, things don't always happened as planned. She didn't plan on falling in love with a human archeologist when she came home to visit while on shore leave.

She's well aware that any plans the twins make won't always work as planned and some unplanned things bear the best fruit. Most of the best things in Kaja's life have been unplanned. Her relationships with Cass and Neena were unplanned and something she wasn't actively looking for. She is grateful to have found them both. Her time with Cass was cut short because of an enemy she didn't know she'd made. She has wondered at times if history will repeat itself with Neena. Will some scumbag she helped put away hold a big enough grudge to come after her or her loved ones? Neena has told her to not to worry about it, but that never stops Kaja from thinking about it. Too many things with Neena mirror her relationship with Cass.

The things Kaja planned on doing with Cass once the twins left home, she can do with Neena. More adult themed vacations and not family themed ones. She can go back to how things were before she had kids. Lazy mornings, lying in bed until well past 1000 on the weekends. Kaja still thinks about Cass often. It is hard for Kaja to not think about her late bondmate when she sees Cass' influence all over the house. She's willing to move, but Neena wants to stay. So, they'll stay, buy new furniture, and redecorate the house instead.

Because the twins were still living at home, Kaja never took all the pictures of Cass down. She's replaced a few since Neena's moved in. Now, that they are moving on into their adulthood, Kaja plans on giving the pictures of Cass to the twins. Kaja took down the few pictures of Cass from her bedroom years before she meet Neena, but not the ones hanging in the hallway. There is one item Kaja is unsure on what to do with. The Prothean memory shard. Eric values it as much as Kaja does, but she's unsure if she can part with it. It's the only thing of Cass' Kaja is having a hard time departing with. Besides a few special moments caught on film.

Kaja and Neena have a few things planned when they meet with the twins on the 8th. One is they are finally having a bonding ceremony and are exchanging traditional asari bonding bands. They've talked to everyone except the twins about this and everyone is fine with Kaja and Neena having their ceremony in private and with only the twins as witnesses. The other thing they have planned is doing a match at the combat simulator in New York. Liara has agreed to participate with Neena and Kaja. Kaja is sure Eric will want to also take part, she isn't sure if Derek will or not. If Derek doesn't, he should have fun watching his family do what they've been trained to do. Even if Liara's training was done on the fly and with live ammo.

The combat sim is Neena's idea and one she's been bugging Kaja to partake in for months. The asari has good armor, weapons, and has been trained by the asari military and by her father and her father's best friend, Garrus Vakarian. Neena's been trained by the turian military and Liara fought against the Reapers. The weak link is Eric, who has basic small arms training with a pistol and sub-machine gun, much like the training Kaja received from her father and Garrus. It helps knowing the basics with a weapon going into basic training. Kaja had the advantage of being trained with a sniper rifle, plus the small arms.

It's the last time before Eric's training starts they will spend together and Neena wants to make sure it's a memorable one. What better way to have a memorable weekend then fighting against simulated enemies with your parents the weekend before basic? Kaja loves the idea. It is a chance for her to show her sons her huntress skills. Kaja hopes Derek does a match with them. They've set it up where they can do three different scenarios against three different enemy types. Kaja and Neena both hope the boys like their surprise for them.

Eric has asked a few times the past six months if they were going to have any bonding/wedding ceremony and the answer is always, "We don't know." Derek doesn't care if they're bonded or not. Neena makes his momma happy and that is all that matters. His view on the topic meshes with Liv and Tracy's views. Having a big ceremony, exchanging rings, and saying vows shouldn't be what keeps a couple together. Kaja doesn't want another big ceremony, but she does want to exchange the bonding bands. There is something about looking down at your hand or wrist and seeing a piece of jewelry, knowing it symbolizes the love you share with someone. It does mean something special to Kaja and Neena feels the same way.

Moving on for Kaja has never been easy. It took her decades to come to terms with losing her father. Losing Cass prematurely, gutted Kaja, but having three children depending on her forced her to keep moving forward and not dwell on what she should have or could have done to keep Cass alive. There are always bumps in the road. Kaja has learned through her years as a wet behind the ears recruit through her career with the Illyria Police Department, it's how you react to the bumps are what defines a person. While she didn't realize it at the time, the day her father was shot while on vacation was a defining moment in her life. She was calm and cool in a stressful situation and she's still that way to this day.

Her relationship with Eric has grown in a more positive way since the kids were jumped by Mico. Kaja is sure that was a defining moment in Eric's life. He seems stronger and more mature because of what happened that night. She sees him enjoying military life and having a long successful career. Kaja isn't really sure if it's her influence as an asari and their natural curiosity to explore, but Eric wants to see the galaxy and get paid to do it. He wanted to get paid for doing the right thing which is joining the Alliance and not some merc group. A questionable group won't teach Eric how to be a field medic like the Alliance will. That is what he is looking forward to the most. His advanced training which will happen as soon as his basic training is over in twelve weeks. His medical training is another sixteen weeks. Depending on how well he does with his advanced training, he might get assigned to an infantry unit or he might get more medical training and be assigned to a medical hospital.

Derek takes things as they come and keeps track of what is going on through his artwork. He's talented enough as a minor to have a painting sell, she can only imagine what he can do with his talent once he figures out which medium he wants to use. He loves painting with oils on canvas, but isn't sure if that is what he wants to do as a full time job. Neena thinks his 3D work is better than most of the artists she has worked with over the years. Derek doesn't feel his 3D work is good enough and it's one of the reasons he picked the Art Institute in Chicago. He felt it is the best school to make him a better artist and to prepare him with the skills he has into a fulfilling career.

Same with Karrera. Not many asari maidens get to clerk for Matriarch Pavva and those who do, have gone on to have very successful careers. After what happened during her holiday break, Karrera's desire to be a prosecuting attorney solidified. She'd rather work on a colony world like Nevos, Cyone, or Sanves over work on the Citadel or Thessia. Clerking for Pavva has kept Karrera very busy. She was lucky enough to come to Elysium for the twins graduation. She isn't sure she can make it to Earth on the 8th. The Review Panel as a full docket of cases lined up for the next several weeks and that means more work for Karrera and little leisure time. It's the price she's willing to pay. She's learning how to write good briefs and what a bad brief looks like. She reads every case that comes in front of the court whether or not they actually take the case or not. It's part of what she does and it has been a learning experience and one she'll put into practice once she starts working in a DA's office.

Kaja has done her best to prepare her three children for adulthood. She sees good things from all three and she thinks Cass would be proud of the twins when it comes to the path they are on. Nothing that happened during the past twelve years has been easy, but the family is stronger than ever. There was a time when Kaja feared when Eric turned eighteen, he would leave home and she would never see him again. The chances of that happening now are zero. The only thing left for Kaja to do is to enjoy watching her children as adults and to spoil any grandchildren she has in the future.

Even though Kaja and Neena are getting bonded soon, they don't plan on having any children together any time in the near future. They plan on enjoying the quiet alone time both have craved since they met almost four years ago. No one can say for certain what the future will bring. All anyone can do is take life day-by-day and continue to move forward and grow as a person. Kaja and Neena plan on doing that, moving forward and growing as a couple. Do either expect a smooth ride? No, but a few bumps in the road never hurts now and then. For this family, those small bumps always make them stronger in the end.

Fini

A/N: I hope everyone enjoyed this ride. I would also again, like to thank those who have taken the time to review or even put my stories on alert. This is not my last story. I do have a short which ties into this story's epilogue. It's a scene I wanted to add, but because of how long this chapter was getting, I decided to wrap things up instead in writing another day worth of scenes then do the wrap up.

I do have some ideas floating around, but I'm going to give them more time to form into something besides just a few basic idea that I've been running with lately.

Some of my future work might only be very short or they might be multi-chapter in length. I do have a few stories I started and either didn't finish or I didn't like how it turned out, so I'm going to slowly work on those to see if I can make anything from them worth posting.

I can not say where in the time-line these story will fall, but most will have Shepard/Liara as the protagonist. There will be a short next week, but nothing after that for several weeks. I don't have anything written yet.

Thanks again and I hope to see you soon.