Chapter Eleven

Next Afternoon-Dr. T'Sakos' office

Lieutenant Kaja T'Soni sits on the examination table waiting for Dr. T'Sakos to finish her examination. The asari medical doctor is looking over the omni-tool readings and rescans Kaja's shoulder for the fourth time. The doctor is not sure if the problem is with her omni-tool or not, but every reading has been different. None has been close to each other. Except for the first reading and the fourth. The fourth reading is giving the doctor the results she is wanting to see. There is temptation to scan the shoulder for a fifth time, but the doctor decides having two reading giving her similar data is good enough for today.

Dr. T'Sakos says, "Your shoulder is looking fine, Lt. You are also showing no signs of the concussion. I thought when I released you on Tuesday, you might require another surgery on your shoulder. It is healing better than I thought. I still want to see you once a week for the next two weeks. The brace I had made for your shoulder is here. I'll have to show you how to take it off and on. Is your bondmate here Lieutenant?"

"Yes, ma'am. She is waiting for me in the lobby." answers Kaja. This is turning into good news, bad news type situation. Good news is the shoulder is healing well and no signs of the concussion. Bad news is she's stuck on Elysium for the next few weeks while Cass is on Feros. The huntress thinks she might as well get use to being apart. Because if she gets the transfer and her shoulder heals enough for her to pass the physical, she staying in the military. It is something Kaja still needs to discuss with Dr. Mitchell. Kaja doesn't want to live with 'what ifs'. Not at her young age. She at least wants to make sure the shoulder can pass the physical. Then see if she'll be allowed the transfer.

"I'll be right back, Lieutenant T'Soni," says Dr. T'Sakos before she leaves the examining room. Within five minutes, the medical doctor returns with the shoulder brace. The nurse opens the door to let Cass into the room. "Good, you're here. I wanted to make sure you know how to help Lt. T'Soni with the brace I'm giving her."

It doesn't take long for Dr. T'Sakos to show Kaja and Cass how the brace goes over Kaja's shoulder and clothes. Relieved she will have partial use of her left arm. Her arm goes into the brace above the elbow. It immobilizes the upper arm and shoulder. T'Sakos also shows Kaja the support near the wrist to stabilize the lower arm within the brace if she needs it. "Any questions on how to get it off and on, Lieutenant?"

"No, ma'am. It seems easy enough to get off and on," replies the huntress. Kaja gives Cass a cheeky grin and a wink.

The asari medical doctor puts down more notes in Kaja's file. "I will see you next week, Lieutenant. I have already set your appointment for next week and the week after. Same time next two Fridays." T'Sakos nods with a smile as she leaves the examination room.

"Thank you, Dr. T'Sakos," replies Kaja before the medical doctor leaves the room, leaving her and Cass alone. Kaja turns to Cass to ask, "Would you mind if we go someplace? I'm tired of being cooped up at home."

Cass opens the door for Kaja. As Kaja walks out of the room, Cass asks, "Were do you want to go? Any place in particular?"

Kaja thinks about where she wants to go. "A walk around Shepard Memorial Plaza would be nice. I rather go to the amusement park, but my shoulder wouldn't handle the rides."

"Really? Last time we went there, your demeanor changed," remarks Dr. Mitchell. She's surprised Kaja wants to go for a walk around Shepard Memorial Plaza. Cass gives Kaja a grin while running her hand over the asari's back.

"I know. It's a nice place for a walk and that is what I need," says the commando as they leave the building and enter the parking lot. Kaja gently grabs Cass' shoulder. "Cass, I have a few things I need to talk to you about. I thought maybe we could again try to walk and talk around the park."

Cass chuckles at Kaja's comment. "That would be nice. I might have a better idea. How about..." Cass grins as she opens the car door. "...we get on the next shuttle to Eden Prime. We'll be there before it gets too late and come back Sunday morning. I've already packed most of my stuff and put it in storage except what is in the apartment. It won't take me long to pack Sunday night after we get back from your mom's."

"Hmm. I don't know," answers T'Soni. She gives Cass a mischievous grin to go with the look in her eyes. "How about we check into a hotel here and not waste the travel time?"

Dr. Mitchell likes that idea as well. She wants to go off-planet, but checking into a hotel here works as well. "Before or after our walk around Shepard Memorial Plaza? And leave your extranet terminal at home. Please."

"Yes, dear, I'll leave it at the apartment. In fact let's go there. Grab a change of clothes, check in to the hotel of your choice. Grand Hotel of Elysium is still one of the best isn't it? I've stayed there once when I was a kid. Then we can go for a walk. I know the Plaza isn't far from the hotel. We can walk there and back," replies Kaja as she gets into the car.

"Grand Hotel? Well, that sounds nice. I've never been there. Too pricy though. I do there is a cheaper hotel with great service across the street from The Elysium Theater. I think you'll like it." Cass shuts the car door once she gets in.

The car lifts off the ground and Cass heads towards the apartment. After getting a few items from the apartment, Cass and Kaja check into The Duchess Hotel. The room is bigger than the apartment. They joke about how the hotel room is bigger than the apartment. It's a typical upper class hotel room. Spacious with plenty of amenities. Plus the hotel has twenty-four hour room service with breakfast being served at 2300 until 1100.

The one amenity that catches Kaja's attention is the over-sized pedestal tub. She looks at the tub then her eyes move to catch a glimpse of Cass. Kaja looks at the tub again. It might be perfect to relax in after their walk. Nodding at her thought, Kaja says, "I'm still wanting to take a walk. I need to be outside. I've been cooped up inside for over a week."

"I know you have, sweetie. Let's go." Cass offers her left hand to Kaja. They walk out of the room then out of the hotel and start walking down the street. Heading in no place in particular, Cass points out a few new restaurants near the hotel. "I hear the Blu Rose has wonderful food. If we can get a table."

They cross the street and walk into the restaurant. The maitre'd greets them with a polite tone and a big smile. "What can I do for you today?"

Cass asks, "Is there a table available tonight or tomorrow?"

The maitre'd looks at the reservations. Tonight booked. He goes to tomorrow's page. His eyes scan the screen in front of him. His smile returns when he looks up from the computer screen. "We are open for lunch on the weekends. How does 1415 tomorrow afternoon sound, ma'am?"

"Sounds perfect," answers Kaja.

"Put it under the name of Dr. Mitchell," adds Cassandra quickly after Kaja's remark.

The maitre'd types in the name into the computer in the 1415 slot for tomorrow afternoon. "We'll see you tomorrow. Enjoy the day, ma'am." He nods his head to go with the smile on his face.

Kaja brings up her omni-tool to make a reminder of the reservation then she looks at her credit situation. The asari never really thinks nor cares about how much money she has. She receives a good salary being an officer. She lives on base and has very few expenses. Kaja has a couple of small investments. Her mother, Dr. Liara T'Soni, manages those investments and puts a small percentage of the monthly dividends from those investments in Kaja's account.

The asari knows she is not broke by any means. When she looks at her bank balance, she gasps. "I have how much?" mumbles Kaja. She quickly logs out of the banking program and begins scratching her chin.

Cassandra Mitchell gives the asari walking with her a sideways look. "Something wrong?"

"Ah, no. I...ah...have more than I thought. So, no, nothing's wrong," answers Kaja. The thought of what type of job to take or try to get if she gets out of the military becomes a little easier knowing she has some money to start her own business is she choices. That's an interesting thought. The young asari makes a mental note to thank her mother about her investments. They are paying off.

They turn left on the corner, slowly walking enjoying the afternoon. The statue of Commander Shepard comes into view. There is a bench next to a small tree. Kaja and Cass walk over to the bench and sit down. Cass asks, "What all did Dr. T'Sakos tell you, Kaja?"

"That my shoulder is healing better than she thought it was going to after a week.. I have no more signs of the concussion. I've not had a headache since my meeting with the Councilor. As you know, she took off the cast and put me in a brace. Which gives me a little more movement with my arm. And Dr. T'Sakos wants me to see her once a week for the next two weeks. So, I'm stuck here," replies the huntress. She puts her ankle on top of her knee and her right arm on the back of the bench.

Kaja looks towards the statue and wonders if she is doing the right thing. Doing the right thing for herself and for Cass. It feels right. Is that good enough? How do you ever know if you doing the right thing for the future or the right thing for the present? Do you ever know? Kaja continues to look at the statue then moves her gaze to the human sitting next to her.

Cass listens carefully to what Kaja is telling her. It's sounds like the shoulder is healing well. Time will tell if there is any set back or not. She hopes not for Kaja's sake. "Did she say anything about when you would start rehab? Or are you doing that on Thessia?"

"In about six weeks. Thessia, I think. Maybe she can arrange it where I can rehab on Elysium. I don't know. She still has influence, so her recommendation will carry weight," comments the huntress. Kaja leans closer to place a soft tender kiss on the human's lips.

While the couple is kissing, a human girl about seven or eight-years-old approaches them. She stands about a meter from the kissing couple. "My momma told me that kissing in public is a cry for attention." A young asari maiden briskly walks towards the little human girl.

Kaja turns to face the human child. She gives the little girl a hint of a smile. Kaja notices an asari walking in their direction and goes on alert. The young asari maiden says, "Stacey-Lynn, how many times have you been told to not approach strangers?" She kneels down next to the girl to get the child's attention. "Are you listening to me?" Petra Mellina recognizes the asari sitting on the bench. "Kaja T'Soni? Oh, my. How long has it been? Century? Longer?"

"Kissing in public is bad, Petra. Momma says so," protests Stacey-Lynn with her hand on her hips. The posture of the human child reminds both Petra and Kaja of Gaia when they were kids.

"Petra Mellina!" Kaja gets off the bench and hugs the best she can her sister, Gaia's best friend from Illium. "It's been about that long. Petra, this is Cass. Cass this is Petra."

Cass smiles at the Petra. "It's nice to meet you, Petra."

"Too bad I didn't run into you yesterday. You could have come over to mom's and had dinner with Liv and Gaia. So, how have you been?"

"I've been well. Better than you apparently. Please, Kaja, don't tell me you were the asari in the news last week? The shooting on which street? Oh, I remember now. Solstice Way." asks Petra as she sits on the bench next to Kaja.

Kaja's cheeks blush with embarrassment, "Yes, I'm sure that news story was about me. What can I say. I'm my dad's daughter."

Cass asks, "Excuse me, but how do you two know each other?"

Petra answers with pride, "We grew up together on Illium before they moved to Elysium. Gaia and I were close once. We still kept in touch until about a century ago. I can take it, you're Kaja's girlfriend?"

"Yes, she's my girlfriend. What brings you to Elysium? Mom still lives here if you didn't know. I'm sure she would be happy to see you, Petra," comments Kaja. Or she thinks her mom would be. Kaja knows she is happy to see her old friend. The huntress doesn't have many old friends she keeps in touch with. Kaja starts to give Cass another kiss when she notices from the corner of her eye the human child giving her a look. The asari commando asks Stacey-Lynn, "Is it okay to hug in public?" Kaja winks at Cass then give her a smile to go with the wink.

Stacey-Lynn moves closer to Petra and takes her hand. "I want to go home."

"Stacey-Lynn, this is my friend, Kaja. I've known her since I was about your age if not younger. Remember the asari actress you like so much?" asks Petra. The young asari is the human child's nanny.

"Gaia! I love her movies." a big smile appears on the little girl's face when she mentions Gaia's name.

Petra puts her hand on the child's shoulder to calm her down some. "This is her older sister, Kaja.

Cass gently buries her face on the outside of Kaja's upper left arm. She hopes this doesn't cause the huntress any discomfort, but Stacey-Lynn's reaction when she said Gaia makes her laugh. Cass doesn't want to embarrass the young human.

The little girl's eyes grow big with surprise. "Really? You're Gaia's sister? Wait until I tell mom. She won't believe me."

"Don't worry, I'll back your story. We should continue our walk around the park while we wait for your mom to get off work. Nice seeing you, Kaja. Here is my contact information. If you want to go and do something while your here. I do have nights free most of the time." Petra relays her information to Kaja's omni-tool. She smiles at Cass as she says, "Nice meeting you, Cass. Come on, Stacey-Lynn. I think your mother is about ready to meet us."

Petra takes Stacey-Lynn's hand and walk up the street. The human girl turns and waves bye to the couple sitting on the bench. Kaja gives the human a wave in return. Cass moves from Kaja's shoulder. "I'm sorry, it was either that or laugh at the little girl and I didn't think it was appropriate."

"It's okay. You were careful enough to not put any pressure on it. I didn't even know Petra was living here. I wonder if Gaia knows. I don't think they talk much anymore. Pity. They were so close until we moved, but they always kept in touch," Kaja reaches with her right hand and caresses Cass' check. She gets off the bench and starts walking in the opposite direction of Petra and the little girl, Stacey-Lynn.

Cass follows Kaja's lead, but moves to the asari's right side and grabs her hand as they walk closer to the statue of Commander Shepard. "She seems nice. It looks like she's the nanny."

"Petra was always good company. Maybe I should contact her for a night out once my shoulder heals some more? What do you think?" asks Kaja.

"I think you should and I hope you have a fun night out. Sounds like you two have a lot to catch up on," replies Dr. Mitchell as she wraps her left arm around Kaja's waist and leans on her right shoulder as they get closer to the statue.

Lt. T'Soni stops walking to look up at the statue. She pulls Cass tighter against her body. "Cass, I, ah, hmm." Kaja moves over to a bench right next to the statue and sits down. Cass sits next to her and still keeps her head on Kaja's right shoulder. The asari squeezes the human's shoulder as she tries to find the words she wants to say. Nothing is ever done without a little courage to overcome the scary moments in one's life. "Cass, as you know. I'm an officer in the asari military."

There is a long enough pause for Cass to reply. "Yes, I know. It doesn't change the fact I love you, Kaja T'Soni."

"I would like your opinion on what I should do. If my shoulder passes the physical and they allow my request for a transfer, I want to stay in the military and finish my commitment. Which is less than seven years. If not, I don't know what to do. I still don't trust politicians enough to want to work with them daily as part of their security detail. Being a Spectre. I just don't know. It's an honor and I would be helping people. Which is what I really want to do, but do I want all the politics that go with it?" asks Kaja.

Cass thinks about the scenarios Kaja has to choose from. The archeologist isn't sure what to say. Or what advice to give. "You'd be a good Spectre, Kaja. Or I think so from what I know of you. You have a lot of patience and seem to figure out problems quickly. And you would be helping people." Cass gives Kaja a smile to go with the soft caress Cass gives Kaja's cheek. "I don't blame you for not trusting the politicians. I don't think many people do actually. It's a safe job for the most part. You'd be on the Citadel. Close to Liv. Not sure how many people you will help though." The human grins from ear to ear.

It isn't lost on Kaja that Cass didn't mention anything about being in the military. Only the jobs the Councilor offered her. That sends up a red flag for the investigator. It makes Kaja question if Cass is able to handle being bondmates with her if she is in the military. Kaja looks up and sees part of an arm above her. "Let's head back to the hotel. We can talk more on the way."

"You okay, Kaja?" asks Cassandra as she stands up. The human archeologist offers her hand to the asari still sitting on the bench.

"Yes, dear, I'm fine." replies T'Soni as she takes the human's hand. As they start to walk back to the hotel, Kaja says, "I love you, Cassandra. I did notice you didn't mention anything about me staying in the military. No opinion on that topic?" The tone in Kaja's voice shows a hint of concern. She's worried once Cass leaves for Feros, their relationship will cease to exist. Thinking that makes Kaja's heart grow heavy.

Cass stops in the middle of the sidewalk and faces the asari. She holds Kaja's face with both hand with her right thumb caressing the huntress' cheek. "If you stay in, I'll deal with that. Kaja, you been in the military longer than I've been alive. It's not my place to dictate to you what you do with your career. I can only support your decision. Kaja, I know you're wanting me to help you decide, but only you can do that. What do you want me to say? That I want you to get out and not put your life in danger? If I asked that and you did what I asked, you would cease being the asari I love and turn into someone else. I don't want that. Do I want you in harm's way? No, but I know that is where you will be. It's what you do. Helping people and sometimes helping others puts your own life in danger. Even being a Spectre will put you in harm's way." She wraps her arms around the asari's neck. Being careful with the left shoulder area, Cass kisses the tip of Kaja's nose, "Even my job is dangerous. Not as dangerous as yours, but it does have its own set of risks. Especially underground ruins. Cave-ins are always a concern."

The story of how her parents met pops into Kaja's mind when she hears Cass' comment about her job also being dangerous. The asari has her right arm around the human. She rests her left arm on Cass's hip. Kaja relaxes when her brain final processes everything Cassandra said. The asari starts walking again with her right arm still around Cass' waist. "When your done on Feros, what do you plan on doing next? Go back to working at the museum? Or are there other sites you can examine?"

The couple takes their time walking back to the hotel. As they walk, Cass thinks about the question posed to her. She really hasn't thought that far ahead. Mostly because she has no idea how long she will be on Feros. If they find something new or big, Studying what they find will take time. The work on Feros could take years or it could take months. It's hard for Cass to know at this point. If it's mostly things they have found at other Prothean ruins which is mostly the warning about the Reapers, then it's a few months. "I haven't thought that far ahead. I suppose it would depend on what I find on Feros."

There is a dress shop one block from the hotel. Kaja stops and looks at the dressing showing in the window. She walks in the store to look what else the shop has in their inventory. One catches her attention. A yellow short-sleeved dress for Cass. Taking the dress off the rack. It even has the same filigree pattern only on the right side of the dress instead of the left. Kaja turns to show the dress to the human. "What is your thought on this?"

She takes the dress from the asari. Cassandra looks at the size. One size too big, she likes the dress. It looks like the one she was wearing and had to toss. It's has enough differences for the dress to not be a constant reminder of that night. Cass asks, "Do you have this in a size 8?"

The sales clerk walks into the storeroom of the store to see if they have that dress in a different size. It takes the clerk roughly fifteen minutes to find a size 8. "Here you go, ma'am." The clerk hand the dress to Dr. Mitchell. She also points to the dressing room, "If you want to try it on, the dressing room if behind the two swinging doors."

"Thank you," replies Cass. She looks over to Kaja, who is looking over a few dresses imported from Thessia. Cass walks over to the dressing room and checks the fit of the dress and see it she likes how it looks when she tries it on. Looking in the mirror, Cass nods in approval. Not only is it a perfect fit, but Kaja picked it out.

When she comes out of the dressing room, Dr. Mitchell see Kaja is still looking over the rack full of dresses from Thessia. She walks over to the asari, "Can't decide on which one to get?" The yellow dress is hanging across her arm.

"I'm looking for something to blend in with this brace and I can't find anything. I do like this one though," replies Kaja as she shows Cass the peach and white colored three-quarter sleeve dress. The piping down the sides is a creamsicle color. "But it clashes with the brace." The asari huntress scrunches up her nose at the thought of how she would look wearing the dress with the brace.

"So, it clashes. Which will last longer? You wearing that brace or you owning that dress?" remarks Cass with a hint of sarcasm in her voice as she points to the dress. "Go try it on at least."

Kaja grins at Cass as she says, "Yes, dear." She makes her way to the dressing room with the human following a step behind.

Cass hand the sales clerk the dress she is carrying before she goes back to the dressing room. Kaja starts to remove the brace on her shoulder the best she can. Cass walks in and starts helping with the strap on the back. "How are you going to get this off and on when I leave Monday, sweetie?" asks Cass as she gingerly removes the brace from Kaja's shoulder.

The asari takes care getting out of her clothes. The shoulder is stiff and hurts when she moves it. Taking clothes off and on is a chore and painful. Kaja isn't looking forward to getting dressed after Cass leaves. The topics to think about keeps getting bigger for the huntress. She'll figure it out, Kaja usually does. Lucky for the asari, the dress goes on easily over the shoulders and it doesn't cause too much discomfort to put it on. Kaja looks in the mirror to see how the dress looks on her.

Dr. Mitchell whistles softly as Kaja looks at the mirror. "You look beautiful, sweetie. You should wear it when we go for lunch tomorrow."

"Only if you wear the yellow one. I don't need to see you in to know you'll look stunning in it," replies Kaja as she carefully takes the dress off and puts her shirt back on.

"Deal." Cass helps put the brace back on the huntress' shoulder. Cass leaves the dressing room before Kaja, but has Kaja's dress in her arms. She gives it to the sales clerk. "We take both." The archeologist gives the clerk a smile.

Lieutenant T'Soni pays for both dresses. Cass takes the bag and Kaja's hand as they leave the store. Kaja asks as the walk down the street, "What's for dinner, my lady? Go to one of the restaurants nearby or have room service?"

The doors to the hotel swish open when they step close enough for the sensor to pick up someone is near the door. Cass walks over to the info terminal and uploads to her omni-tool the room service menu. "Let's stay in for the rest of the evening. Maybe go to a club if you feel up to it tomorrow. I do like to go dancing."

The elevator door opens and the couple gets inside. "Sounds like a plan. When we get back to the room, I plan on soaking in the big tub. That was looking inviting before we left," says Kaja before she kisses Cass.

They break the kiss in the nick of time. The elevator door opens on their floor and a turian couple gets in the elevator. Cass and Kaja nod to the couple as they get out of the elevator and turn left to head to their room. Kaja opens the door and it doesn't take long after she closes the door before Cass starts kissing the asari and forcing her against the wall.

Kaja's hand reaches around with her right arm and pulls the human tighter against her body. Cass pulls away from the kiss. Taking Kaja's hand, she leads the asari to the pedestal tub. The human looks around and finds a small packet of bubble bath. "Well, Lt. Care for a bubble bath?" asks the human as she turns on the water to the tub. "And you're right. It does look inviting." The archeologist starts to undress in front of the huntress.

Kaja has a smirk on her face. "I only need you. Not the bubbles." The asari only manages to get one boot off before a naked human stands in front of her. Kaja's eyes move from her boots to the naked legs standing in front of her. Her eyes slowly look over the naked legs, hips, torso. They linger a little when Kaja looks at Cass' breasts. The asari stands upright and takes a step closer to the human standing in front of her.

Cass takes a step backwards as Kaja moves forward. The archeologist has a wicked looking grin on her face. "You're a little slow, sweetie. Here, let me help," comments Cass as she closes the gap between her and Kaja. Cass carefully removes the brace first. "Can you get this wet? If so, you probably should wear it."

"No, I'm to keep it off when I shower. So, I would it would be the same for a bath," answers the huntress as she starts to take off her pants. The pants hit the floor and Kaja steps out of them. Cass kneels down to remove the socks the asari is wearing.

Dr. Mitchell removes the shirt Kaja is wearing. For the first time, Cass gets a good look at the huntress' shoulder. She can see where Dr. T'Sakos removed portions of the muscle around the shoulder. The human places several soft tender kisses all over the wounded shoulder. The kisses move from the left shoulder to Kaja's neck. Suddenly, Cass stops with the soft tender kisses when she notices the water shuts off when the water reaches a certain level in the tub. "Well, sweetie, our tub awaits," comments the human before she gives the huntress a passionate kiss on the lips.

Feeling the soft lips on her wounded shoulder sends waves of pleasure mixed with a hint of pain through the asari's body. It's making it harder for Kaja to maintain her self-control. She continues to stand in front of the human kissing not only her shoulder, but also her neck. Kaja doesn't say anything when Cass mentions the tub is ready, but returns Cass' passionate kiss. The asari's hands move up and down the human's back. Kaja's lips move from Cass' lips to the archeologist's neck. Kaja sucks softly on an earlobe before whispering, "Let me get in first. Relax, Cass."

Lt. T'Soni gets into the tub and lies back. She grins as Cass joins her. The human leans back against Kaja as the asari wraps her arms around Cassandra as she starts kissing on the huntress' neck again. Cass quietly says in between kisses, "What do I need to do, Kaja? I've never been with an asari before."

"Relax, Cass. Close your eyes. Free your mind and embrace eternity," replies Kaja as her eyes go from their normal blue color to solid black.

The meld is something Cass has never experienced before. As their minds and souls merge into one, they continue to explore each others bodies. Kaja isn't using her left arm much, but the asari isn't feeling any pain coming from it. All she feels is pleasure from their meld. After an hour in the tub, they move to the bed. By the time their meld ends, it's dark outside

Kaja is lying on her right side with her head on Cass' shoulder. Cass lightly runs her finger tips over the arm that is lying across her stomach. The human moves to give the asari a quick kiss on the lips, "That...was the most incredible thing I've ever experienced. I've had great sex before, but nothing like that."

"Goddess, Cass. You're incredible." Kaja rolls onto her back. Before she sits up, she gives Cass another passionate kiss. "I love you, Cass," says the commando as she beams at the human lying next to her. Kaja T'Soni has melded with other humans before Cassandra Mitchell. Even a couple of turians and another asari. None of those melds felt like this one. This one went deeper than the young maiden ever thought possible. Kaja has heard from other asari in her unit that at times a meld can truly be a life altering experience, but Kaja never believed that. Until now.

Dr. Mitchell gets off the bed to grab the brace Kaja is supposed to be wearing. She hands it to the love of her life. "Here, sweetie. You need to put it back on."

Kaja puts the brace on the bed next to her as she gets up to grab a shirt to put on before putting the brace back over her shoulder. Cass helps her with the brace. "Thank you, Cass. What am I going to do when you leave?"

"Never take it off?" comments Cass in a teasing manner. "I'm sure you'll think of something, Kaja. Hungry?" asks Dr. Mitchell as she pulls up the room service menu from her omni-tool.

Kaja is sure she will think of something. Maybe she can get away with only loosen the pieces she can reach and hope it comes off and on with ease. If not, she'll think of something else. "Yes, I'm hungry. I suppose it would be a good idea to put some pants on, huh?" asks T'Soni with a goofy look on her face.

Cass chuckles at the comment, "It would. I need to put some clothes on too. What do you want for dinner?" She looks at the menu. To her surprise, they have steak imported from Earth. "How do you like your steak cooked?"

"Steak? They have steak available for room service? I like mine medium. I don't care what the sides are, my dear," answers the asari commando. Kaja is putting her panties and pants back on. She goes to lounge on the couch and turns the extranet on to see if there is anything worth watching on a Friday night.

Dr. Mitchell orders two medium steaks with vegetable medley as the side. After she completes the order, she joins Kaja on the couch. "Check channel 20. They usually show movies on Friday nights." The asari turns the extranet to channel 20. The movie is an older one and one Cass doesn't want to watch again. She didn't care for it the first time she saw it. "This movie is horrible. Try channel 27." The view changes to channel 27. There is a sporting event on.

The newest sport to gain popularity across the galaxy. It's a hybrid between American football from the 20th Century and basketball. The court is half the size of a standard football field. The players wear armor and try to get an egg-shaped ball into a hole on either end of the field. There are 8 players on the court playing per team. It's a very violent sport, but very few of the players actually get seriously injured.

"Mind if we watch this? It's the an asari league match. Serrice vs Armali." asks Kaja as she leans forward watching the game being shown on the extranet.

Cass reaches over and holds the asari's hand. "The asari league is the roughest league in the galaxy. Don't you live in Armali?"

"Yes, I live in Armali. I know the Melders captain. She was a commando before she left the military to form the Melders team. Very talented commando has made her a furious opponent on the field," answers Kaja as she lets go of Cass' hand to put her arm around the human. She squeezes Cass then kisses her temple.

Half way through the first half of the match, their room service arrives. Kaja answers the door, tips the employee, and brings the tray to the table next to door. The huntress brings Cass her dinner and she sits back down with her own plate. They eat their dinner and watch the game without saying much to each other. Kaja finishes her meal first. She puts her dishes on the table then waits for Cass to finish her meal. Kaja then puts Cass' plate on the table with the other plate.

After the couple finishes watching the game, they turn the viewer off and turn on some music when they start to cuddle on the couch. Cass lies in Kaja's lap looking up at the asari. Kaja strokes Cass' hair. Cass lies with her eyes closed, enjoying Kaja stroking her hair and wonders if their relationship will continue to grow after she goes to Feros and when Kaja returns to Thessia. Cass hopes so, she wants to spend the rest of her life with Kaja. Their relationship is moving so fast, but it feels right. Dr. Mitchell does wonder if her feelings for Kaja are because of the crush she once had at eighteen. Or has her feelings truly blossomed because of Kaja saving her from Eclipse. The human reaches up to caress the huntress' cheek when Kaja takes it and places a soft kiss in the middle of Cass' palm.

Cass opens her eyes when she notices Kaja has stopped stroking her hair. The huntress is asleep with her head back against the back of the couch and her mouth wide open. Cass thinks she looks cute and hates to wake her, but if Kaja is going to fall asleep, she is better off in bed. Not sitting on the couch. "Kaja, sweetie, if you're going to fall asleep, why don't you go to bed?"

"Huh, what? Oh, sorry. I feel asleep didn't I?" asks the huntress while she yawns. Kaja gets off the couch and walks over to the bed and sits on the edge of it. "What else do you want to do tomorrow, Cass? Besides lunch at Blu Rose and going to a club later in evening."

The temptation to say what is on her mind is strong, but Dr. Mitchell thinks better of it. "I'm up for anything, Kaja. If you think your shoulder can handle the amusement park, we can go there for a while. I know your shoulder can handle the train." Kaja falls back on the bed laughing at Cass' comment about riding the train. The archeologist gives the huntress a curious look. Cass walks over to the bed and stands in front of Kaja, "What's so funny? Don't like the train? It's a good ride to cuddle and see the sights without walking around the park."

"I'm sorry, Cass. The train is the worse ride at the park. I hated it as a kid, but I concede your point about cuddling while riding it. My parents did all the time. I like fast rides, but I know my shoulder won't take those. Maybe in a few weeks I can go, but you won't be here to go with me." remarks Kaja as she sits back up long enough to pull Cass on top of her, so she can give the human a long lingering kiss.

"Well, sweetie, I do have another idea," says Cass then she stops herself from finishing her thought. She shakes her head for even thinking it and for almost saying it. The human thinks this is not the time. This is not the time.

Lt. T'Soni's investigative instinct has kicked in. She can tell from Cass' body language she wants to say something, but refuses to speak her mind. "Ah, my dear, you do remember I investigate people for a living right? I can tell you want to say something. Let there be no secrets between us. If you want to say something, please, say it." Kaja scoots back on the bed, so her legs are actually on the bed instead of dangling over the edge.

Cass moves when Kaja does and the human continues to straddle the asari's torso. She leans forward resting both hand near Kaja's head. Cass looks the huntress in the eyes, "Okay, remember, Kaja, you wanted me to speak my mind." Dr. Mitchell pauses long enough to figure out the exactly how she wants to say what is in her heart. Those ocean blue eyes of Kaja's is calming the butterflies in Cass' stomach. She isn't sure if this is the right time, but Kaja can tell she has something to say. The only thing Cass manages to say is, "I love you, Kaja."

An eyebrow moves up on the asari's face and Kaja tilts her head to one side. "I love you too, Cass. I have a feeling you want to say more than that to me. I don't want to put any pressure on you. If you're unable to say it now, maybe you'll be comfortable enough with me to say it later." Kaja gives Cass the Shepard smirk as she caress Cass' check then leans up enough to give the human a tender kiss on both cheek.

Dr. Mitchell curls up next to Kaja and holds the asari's left hand. "Kaja, I don't know why I'm so scare to tell you what's on my mind. Maybe I'm scared of your answer. I don't know. I'm sorry." Feeling Kaja's arm going around her, causes Cass to relax and fall asleep in the huntress' arms.

Lt. Kaja T'Soni lies there holding Cass with her right arm as Cass holds her left hand. Kaja also is feeling scared, scared Eclipse will come after her while she is still vulnerable . Scared Eclipse will go after Cass and she won't be around to stop it. Kaja has already filled out all the paperwork if something happens to her. It's something she took care of while she was in the hospital and while Cass was at work. Kaja still hasn't told Dr. Mitchell about it. Even Matriarch Jilianea is having others from her unit investigate Eclipse. Which tells Kaja even her CO is taking Eclipse seriously.

Kaja's biggest concern is losing Cass to Eclipse. The huntress knows what she needs to tell the human will scare her. Maybe scare her enough to end their relationship. She looks at Cass, who is now sleeping soundly. Sighing softly to herself. "Guess, I'll tell you tomorrow. I did say we shouldn't have any secrets between us and I been keeping one," comments Kaja softly as she kisses the human's forehead.

Kaja is starting to realize keeping secrets is a family trait. She doesn't like how her parents have kept all types of secrets from her and her sisters. The investigator in Kaja knows for certain her mother is still keeping the biggest family secret. It's been gnawing at her since her mother told her about dad dying in 2183 and what her parents did to the person who tried to sell dad's body. Something doesn't add up. If they took out the old Shadow Broker, who took it over? Someone did take over and from what Kaja knows about the Shadow Broker, the broker's network never went down during the war or after.

The investigator knows the best place to hide something is usually out in the open. Her mother has been an information broker since her father died in 2183. With agents all over the galaxy. Kaja always thought all information brokers have the same type of resources as her mother. T'Soni has heard things from other asari on Thessia about how the Shadow Broker agents helped the refugees from Thessia during the war. Stories about how the Shadow Broker helped the war effect the best he/she could. No one knows who or what the Shadow Broker is. Some think it is a group of people working together in secret. To Kaja, that doens't make sense. Not after all these years. Only a person working solo can keep a secret like the identity of the Shadow Broker a secret.

That has always made Kaja wonder why would an information dealer care about helping asari refugees. If the Shadow Broker is her mother, it makes sense. Dr. Liara T'Soni has always tried to help people the best she can. Even though Liara is only an information broker. Kaja still thinks there is more to it and need to confront her mother about it soon. With everything going on with her the past week and with Cass always at her side, Kaja is waiting for a good time to bring it up.

The asari slides carefully out from under the human sleeping on her, so she doesn't wake Cass and moves to the couch. She pulls up her omni-tool and brings up the holo of her father. She doesn't play the message, but looks at the holo. Kaja is sure if Cass see what she is doing, Cass will think she is crazy. Kaja looks over to the human sleeping and thinks she is out for the night and if she talks in a quiet tone, she won't wake her.

"Dad, why keep all the secrets? What are you and mom hiding?" asks the huntress to the holo. She knows the holo can't answer her questions, but it is making her feel a little better asking them. Kaja looks over to the bed again before she asks her next question. Another secret to keep from Cass. Kaja asks the following question so quietly, Kaja isn't sure if she is actually saying it or is only thinking it. "Dad, is mom the Shadow Broker? I'm willing to bet my life, she is." Kaja hits a few buttons on her omni-tool and the holo disappears again. "I love you, dad and I hope you're still proud of me. Because I feel like I have failed you."

Kaja leans forward with both elbows on her knees even though it causes her pain. She puts most of her weight on her right arm to take some of the pressure of her shoulder. Kaja starts crying when she thinks about all things she can and will lose if Eclipse does come after her or Cass. The huntress grabs her bag and opens a compartment that holds two pistols and a few clips. She takes out the smaller of the two pistols, puts a clip in it, and puts pistol in the back of her pants. She writes a note for Cass and leaves the room to go for a walk. The huntress might be a very capable biotic and is very able to take care of herself, but she feels a little safer having a gun with her.

A/N: I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter. Three more to go before Part II starts. I did write an epilogue, but over the weekend, I decided to move the epilogue from Part I to Part II.

I would like to take the time to answer a question posed to me in a review from "A Note Left Behind" short from "Love Mode" series of shorts.

If Anderson is dead, how is he alive in "A Family Vacation"? That is quite simple really. I started writing that story in September of last year. I knew at that point that Anderson was no longer the Councilor and had been promoted to Admiral. I did not know Anderson was going to die during the war until the game came out and I go to the end of the game.

Anything I posted before April of this year and dealt with events after the war was over was pure speculation on my part. Some of what I was thinking, actually happened. Some did not. Some of what happened with some of the ME2 squad caught me by surprise. Mordin and Jack especially.

This story I started before the ME3 was released, but I didn't finish it until after I finished ME3, so this story, I mixed the events I wrote in other stories plus added in a few events from ME3. Even after I do a new post ME3 arc, this story should fit into that arc without much in way of rewrite. How was I suppose to know, last year, they would kill Emily Wong via twitter. I do think she had a good death, but I'd rather had Wong than Allers. Just saying.

See everyone next week. Thanks to those that take the time to review. I do appreciate them. Thanks to everyone who are enjoying reading what I have written so far. I do hope you continue to enjoy my stories.