Chapter 148: An Unexpected Party, or, Picking Up the Pieces

=== Summary ===
It is Vi’s birthday, and Garrus is getting ready for the party while Hannah Shepard looks after her daughter and granddaughter. Shepard confirms that she is getting better slowly, and Anderson tells Shepard that he is proud of her. 
We flashback to the moment Shepard decided she wasn’t ready to die and woke up with Garrus; who frantically calls for Chakwas. Chakwas relays her discoveries about what and who poisoned Shepard and quickly creates a treatment plan. The doctor says that while the damage is reversible, it is extensive- and that Shepard should be put in a medically-induced coma to give her the best chance to heal well. Shepard expresses that she doesn’t want to miss Vi’s birthday or her wedding. Over at Huerta Memorial, Solana briefs Khonine on her death, the Marquis’ death, her resurrection by Shepard’s hands, and Shepard’s death. The two of them then quietly discuss if Khonine should ask Ka’hairal to marry her; Khonine says she doesn’t want him to feel obligated or pressured, but in light of what had happened, the two of them might wish to take the opportunity they wouldn’t have had if not for Shepard. Shepard immediately begins treatment while Garrus and Chakwas talk about what to do with Verity’s body (to the disposal chute! The keepers will take it from there) and who to reach out to make this problem go away and re-secure the apartment. Game plan made, Garrus gets Vi and the whole family snuggles together for some much needed rest. Khonine asks Ka’hairal to marry her and he accepts. Garrus comes down to check on the group in the hospital and tells the group that Shepard isn’t dead.
The next day, Garrus and Khalisah meet with the Council to try to figure out what they can do to help. Mostly the plan is to stick to one story until Shepard is well again to be seen by the public and help choosing new individuals for their security detail. Sparatus floats the idea of Garrus becoming a Spectre. One week after that, three days before Vi’s birthday party, Shepard wakes up from her coma. She is happy that she didn’t miss it, but is extremely upset and feeling guilty about her perceived “stupidity”.
At the birthday party in present day Solana and Aelianus arrive and admire Garrus’ icing artistry of the two sets of markings (the Vakarians and the ones Shepard has created for herself) interwoven. They briefly talk about the reconstruction of the manor, keeping Akantha busy with art collecting, and inheritance. Garrus gets nowhere on discovering whom Solana has a romantic interest with. Ka’hairal and Khonine arrive and invite Shepard, Garrus, and Vi to their wedding. Hackett gives Shepard a short briefing on the rachni stepping up during her illness, the number of assination attempts, and Minos in general.
After cake, it’s time for gifts. Many of them are memorable, and a few come with cultural weight. Sasha and Aeran’Celet play dress up with Vi, and when they bring her back down Vi takes her first steps on her own to Mama.
=== Title Meaning ===
=== Easter Eggs ===
==== Discord Highlights ====
istie's written three books what, the Dance of the Sugar Plum Tuba, and EOTA: The Next Generation