Chapter 10

Ready, Aim & Fire

The two blue figures strolled into the large cavernous warehouse that had a bad reputation for experiencing significant amounts of cargo damage. The profits that the Illium information broker once collected for this warehouse had long since dried up. That allowed Liara to use her facility for the sole purpose of training Elysia to control her biotics.

As she typed in her access code on the display panel allowing the lights to illuminate the warehouse, Liara heard Elysia unpacking their supplies. As the bright lights systematically turn on, she gazed upon the large biotic scarring on the walls and crates. They had practiced here many times over the last few months as it was the perfect combat training ground. It consisted of various hiding spots and numerous crates to attack, lift, throw or hurl high into the air.

As her eyes looked over the battle worn complex, Liara froze and her face gradually went somber. Shepard would have loved practicing here. The pre-occupied professor slowly felt a small hand enter hers, grasping it, as it stirred her from her thoughts. A small face smiled up at her. The little girl knew where Liara's thoughts often drifted.

Softly she urged, "Come on Liara. Show me again how powerful your biotics are."

Pleased with how accommodating and understanding the young girl was Liara smiled and said, "Ok let us begin."

The day consisted of biotic lifts, throws, conjuring of kinetic barriers, status, a couple practices of singularity as well as a few commando escape and attack tactics; just in case. She was teaching her young student not only to properly control her outbursts but prevent her from doing harm to anyone in case she found herself in the situation to flee again.

As she conjured up her kinetic barrier for the seventh time, Elysia whined, "Why do we always have to start out with barrier training? Why can't we jump right into smashing stuff?"

Smiling Liara paused, Now who does that remind me of. Patiently the woman answered, "Because an asari must first protect herself."

Letting out a breath of disappointment Elysia lazily dropped her hands allowing the mass effect field to dissipate. "But this isn't fun. It's boring."

With a raised eyebrow the professor summoned a biotic throw sending a small crate flying towards the young student with just the flick of her wrist. The hurling object caught the small asari by surprise but she instinctually created a barrier and the crate bounced off her field.

Proving her point Liara announced, "An injured asari does not fight very well, does she?"

With her little heart still racing from the unexpected collision and even a little shocked she stopped it in time, she smiled back at her teacher. "I understand."

Smiling proudly Liara strolled over to the young girl and gently kissed her on her forehead. Taking a few steps back the guardian caringly commanded, "Ok bring up your barrier again. Five more times please."

The older asari stood a safe distance behind Elysia while she focused on a rather large crate. Liara instructed, "Ok, focus, focus. Slowly lift the crate up." The large shipping container rocked a little uneasy. "Careful!"

Readjusting the stance behind the girl the professor readied her self for anything. "Project the field evenly Elysia. Your true power will not come from raw force but rather your ability to control it."

Both sets of blue eyes widened in awe as the crate lifted much higher than either believed would have been possible by the young asari. Lightly straining Elysia gasped, "How much higher?"

Delightfully shocked Liara answered, "As high as you want to go. As long as you can control it." The crated suddenly lifted much higher at a little faster pace. Warningly, her instructor hollered, "Elysia! Control it, control it!"

In between shortened breaths Elysia replied, "I am! I am. Watch this!"

Both their heads were now staring near the ceiling of the large room where the crate started to slowly spin. The make shift biotic instructor quickly glanced over at her student. She remembered that it felt like it took forever for her to learn this skill using a simple rose much less a two ton shipping crate. Elysia was truly an exceptionally gifted biotic; even by asari standards.

The young girl's rapid panting caught Liara's attention as she watched the young asari collapse under the strain of her biotic lift. The crate started its treacherous journey down towards the little girl at an astounding speed. Liara made her way to the child as she tossed the crate aside like a rag doll with a single swipe of her hand.

Breathing raggedly Liara panted, "Are you ok?"

Smiling contently to be in her safe and loving arms, the little asari replied, "Always when you are around Liara."

Returning the warm smile, the instructor conveyed, "Ok lets try something a little less strenuous." They both laughed and reached their feet.

Rumors had begun to surface that the authorities were looking for a small asari child in connection with the homicide of several turian officers at Dantius Corporation.

The local authorities, in conjunction with a band of turian officers, started searching schools, playgrounds and canvassing the neighborhoods. This was actually relieving to Liara who had kept Elysia out of schools and away from the public eye. It helped a great deal that she had mastered the art of staying out of sight when she became a prominent information broker.

The young girl spent most of her time inside Liara's office which overlooked Nos Astra's main plaza. Of the few asari daughters on Illium, there were even fewer children around this sector of Nos Astra. "This is the grown up area." Elysia would say. Besides she preferred her quiet studies in the corner of Liara's office. Stillness meant safety to her, as her ever so watchful protector stood guard just a few meters away, behind her desk.

Liara knew that the authorities didn't mention the young girl in question was an Ardat Yakshi to prevent wide spread panic on Illium. Even though it was a bureaucratically tough planet, it was not above fear; especially amongst its high population of asari whom had grown up hearing horrific stories about the Ardat Yakshi.

She was safe, at least for now. There had been no incidents lately that would draw unnecessary attention to them. Until…..