2169 CE – Local Cluster/Sol/Earth/Europa/London
The Rat's Nest

Leaving the hotel, Red led Liara through a maze of back streets and alleys. As they delved further into the labyrinth, any signs of modernity grew in scarcity. Metal doors and key pads gave way to rudimentary key and lock, with some doorways resigned to being boarded up with rotten planks of wood. Architecture crumbled, forgotten and ignored, making passing wind currents whistle ominously from above. The ground appeared to be eternally wet and variety of strange and displeasing smells assaulted the Asari's senses.

Eventually the pair came to a seemingly abandoned tenement; the lower level windows and entrances boarded up and covered in faded graffiti. The only thing not worn down by time was a familiar, bright red lion stencilled beside the door. Moving to the dilapidated court yard adjacent the building, Red propped open a large grate, beckoning Liara to enter. The Asari squatted and awkwardly shuffled through.

Despite being relatively small and dexterous, her back and sides audibly scraped along the walls. It was a smart defence, she thought, recalling several Prothean military ruins. It would be difficult for hostile forces, especially those above a certain size, to breach the compound, especially if this was the only entrance.

All a defender would have to do is guard the exit grate and pick off invaders as they crawled through, negating any possible numerical advantage. It was ingenious, she mused, exiting the vent herself, as the barrel of a gun thrust itself against her chest.

"Don't. Move." hissed a voice from the shadow.

While the command dripped with threat, it was too high pitched for Liara to take seriously. Regardless, she thought it best not to tempt fate and stood patiently, as Red emerged behind her. Standing up and brushing herself down, the human squinted in the darkness.

"Toby? At ease, buddy, she's clean." Liara felt the pressure on her chest lessen as a match was lit, illuminating the darkness. The boy, Toby, drew a cigarette. Red patted Liara on the shoulder before moving between the two. She gave the eight year old boy a disapproving glare before setting off for a stairway, only visible in the gloom due to a faint light spilling from the top of it. Toby motioned for the Asari to follow, still not trusting her to go unwatched.

Emerging onto the upper floor, Liara was surprised with what she saw. The open plan room was clearly rundown, with paint peeling off the walls and stains dirtying the ceiling. Several beds crafted from a variety of debris and supporting thin mattresses, lined the room, and a small, rudimentary kitchenette filled one corner. But it was homely. Pictures and crayon drawings served as wall paper, crudely constructed toy space ships hung from the roof as decoration and what little furniture there was, was kept tidy, the place emitting a warmth at odds with the cold exterior.

Red marched over to what Liara presumed was her bed, pulling out a crate underneath before gearing up with what looked like hockey pads and a small rifle. The Asari waited nervously, not daring to step into the room, conscious of the curious eyes taking notice of her. The youngest girl, barely five years old, approached cautiously. She looked up at Liara through curtains of blonde hair, with large, inquisitive, opal eyes.

"Are you going to take Mama away?"

Liara crouched, meeting the girl's gaze.

"Only for a little while. You need not worry. I shall keep her safe."

The girl gave a bark.

"Ha! Mama don't need no one to look after her. She's tough." The girl beamed, examining the Asari closely, before placing a hand on her cheek, stroking her not-quite scales.

"You're pretty."

Liara gently blushed, placing her own hand over the girl's. Seemingly accepted, Liara was dragged into the room, as the other children gathered around her. She introduced herself and told them of her interests and reasons for coming to Earth. It struck Liara that she was most likely the first extraterrestrial these children had seen. Life on Earth was certainly a far cry from that on Thessia. Their conversation was cut short by Red, addressing the children.

"Front and centre, ladies," The children all ran to assemble themselves via height, even the eldest, David, who was himself an inch or two taller than Red.

"As you know, I have been drafted to get Blue here to le gai Paris without causing too much trouble. This means I'll be gone for a week,"

a chorus of groans came from the children.

"That's enough. It has to be done. While I'm gone, David will be in charge. If something happens, go to him,"

She addressed David

"If it's something big, call me. Now, Pitt promised he would keep an eye out for you, just in case, so don't be afraid if you see a few more Reds knocking about. Unless it's Flea. Then kick him in the shins. Again."

A laugh from the children. Ivy puffed her chest proudly.

"I'm counting on you guys to make me proud. And I want a big cake for when I get back."

"Yes Ma'am!" They chanted. Liara watched on, bemused. Red certainly had an aura. The children listened intently, straightened backs and with fire in their eyes. They wanted to make her proud, prove that they were capable.

She looked at Red herself and saw gentle admiration in her firm stare. She loved these kids and Liara could swear she felt the encouragement and confidence Red instilled in them. It was clear why they called her mother.

Red threw her backpack over one shoulder and gave a hug and individual goodbye to each child, before fixing Liara with a determined gaze.

"Ready?"

"Ready." Liara waved to the children before following Red into the darkness.

They walked in silence for several minutes, making their way back to civilisation. Red's brow was once again furrowed, deep in thought

"Alex." She announced abruptly, startling Liara.

"What?"

"Alex. I always liked Alex. Y'know, as a name."

Liara gave a slight chuckle and nodded.

"Very well. I am pleased to meet you, Alex."

She offered her hand. Alex grinned as she accepted, shaking it.

"The pleasure is all mine, Liara."