EARTH

Being in a room with a reaper even though it is a dead reaper is not something Oriana ever thought would happen. Once the sheet revealed a reaper everything that Dr. Sadler said was lost on her. All she could do was stare, not move, not touch, just stare.

"Holy shit," whispers Claire. "Can you believe this?"

No reply.

"Oriana?"

She feels a hand on hers.

"Oriana….hey you okay?"

Blinking once, twice she realizes she is not in a dream. "Huh?"

"Are you okay?" Claire is holding her hand now.

"Yeah…um…yes." Oriana looks toward Dr. Sadler. The woman is conversing with Dr. Belstair. She notices Claire getting closer to the reaper. "What are you doing?" she grabs her arm to stop her.

"What my gosh Oriana what is the matter?"

"Don't touch it!" she sounds panicked.

"Is there a problem?"

Oriana nearly jumps two feet off the ground. She did not realize Dr. Sadler was behind her.

"Dr. Blair Sadler." The shoulder-length brunette extends her hand to Dr. Claire Grossman.

"Hello Dr. Sadler, I am Dr. Claire Grossman."

"It is a pleasure to meet you."

"You as well. This is all very exciting," says Claire still concerned for her colleague.

"Oriana?" It's Dr. Sadler. "It is Dr. Oriana Lawson is it not?"

Claire nudges the human when she doesn't reply.

"Oriana?"

"Yes?"

Blair nods to a chair which Claire grabs and sets it behind her. They both ease her in the chair.

"Oriana can you hear me?" asks Blair.

"Of course I can hear you. I…what is the meaning of this?" Oriana looks into Blair's eyes.

Blair smiles. "You will see."

Oriana looks her up and down. She studies her face. "You don't look like you have aged a day since I last saw you."

"I could say the same thing to you," says Blair. "What has it been over twenty years?"

"You two know each other?" asks Claire.

"We were in graduate school together," says Oriana. "What are you doing with a reaper? What about indoctrination?"

Again Blair smiles, "You will see."

"Everyone if I may have your attention again please," it is Dr. Belstair. He is at the podium.

It takes a few minutes for the scientists to gather around. Oriana stands. The shock rubbing off, she is a little embarrassed. She notices Dr. Sadler retaking the stage.

"Thank you Dr. Belstair. My fellow Doctors," says Blair, "I know it is shocking to be so close to a reaper. Please believe me when I tell you, you are not in any danger."

"What about indoctrination?" asks one of the scientists.

"There is no threat of indoctrination because there are no more active reapers," says Blair.

"How can you be so sure? I mean I still hear rumors that there are a few remaining which means every minute we are close to this thing it is affecting us."

"I assure you…"

"I have heard of your work Dr. Sadler, but with all due respect," says Dr. Cochran, "it is going to take more than your word to believe you or feel safe with this thing."

"Yes I understand Dr. Cochran. If you would please look at this." She punches a few buttons on the podium and suddenly a video begins to play. "I have been working with reapers since after the war."

This makes the group start to chatter. Dr. Sadler ignores them and continues.

"As you can see by the time stamp you can see when I began my work and how long I have been working with reapers. I have been tested every three months for the last ten years and I assure you I am not indoctrinated. As you can see the results." The video displays data results. "You are not in any danger."

The group is quiet.

The video disappears. Another video begins. "When the war with the reapers was over as you can see each planet had their own dead reapers to clean up." The video shows dead reapers on Earth, Thessia and Palaven to name a few. "Once the mass relays were up a running again most of our allies returned to their home worlds. Over the years after dismantling the machines an illness developed. As you can see here," Sadler points to a picture of an orange like substance on the reaper shell.

"What is that?"

"We are not sure. To me it looks like rust," says Blair. "Because it took so long to dismantle each one and dispose of it this rust seeped into the ground and into our water supply. Now at the time we did not think this was a problem. But about twelve years ago people on Earth as well as Thessia started to get ill. They presented with symptoms very similar to what Earth called blood cancer back in the twenty first century." The list of symptoms display for the group. Dr. Sadler continues. "As you can see symptoms such as exhaustion and weakness, bruising of the skin, bleeding from gums/rectum and on and on can be pretty common complaints. It took years of analyzing the data to spot the trend."

The video displays a map of Earth.

"A red dot here indicates a downed reaper and the red circle around the dot represents people who presented with symptoms as late as ten years later. The connection between the disease that has been branded Rust and where the reapers died is extremely convincing. Studies have found that the people who presented with these symptoms lived near the vicinity of the downed reapers. Our government has been working very closely with the Asari Republics. Why the Asari you may ask? Of all of the other species we have encountered, humans and asari are the closest to each other genetically."

The scientists mumble.

"Now I understand the similarities are small. Our government here on Earth has reached out to other home worlds in the Galaxy and it was the Asari who agreed to work jointly with us. That is why our team consists of three of the top asari scientists from Thessia. And why you will not see scientists representing the Turians, Krogan, Salarians and so on."

The three asari nod their heads and smile when people look their way.

"Because our governments were very skeptical of working with a reaper I had approval to do preliminary testing years ago. With the help of Dr. Belstair we created controls and I also had myself tested to ensure indoctrination was not a concern. So for the last ten years I have been working with that reaper." Dr. Sadler points behind the group.

"Now I need help. As you may know Rust is now in the top three causes of death on Earth and the top five on Thessia. We need to put a stop to this disease. Based on my findings I believe that can be achieved. I believe we can cure it."

The group of scientists is quiet.

Dr. Sadler continues, "I know this is a lot to take in. When you leave this afternoon, your driver will follow you home to make sure you arrive safely. I don't need to tell you again how important it is that no one knows we have a reaper. It could cause a panic. But please do not be naïve. Though I cannot officially say, I would not be surprised that each home world has at least one reaper that they are running tests on. We are not here to improve weapons or armor or up our planet's defenses. We are here to cure a devastating disease that is slowly killing our people."

The group starts to talk amongst themselves.

"Please help yourself to some food and refreshments. The rest of your day is to let all of this sink in. On the table over there," she points and eyes follow, "is the data I have compiled. Please review it. It is encrypted and in your folders are directions in how to access this. Now we all know that in your homes you have a secured area, an area where no one else can see this data or your research. As part of the agreements you have all signed you must follow security protocols. Again, I know this is a lot to take in. Please feel free to approach me with any questions. I will be here for another few hours. Enjoy your afternoon everyone and we will get started tomorrow."

With that Dr. Blair Sadler steps down from the podium. When she and Dr. Belstair notice that no one is grabbing food they start and soon the group follows as they talk amongst themselves.

"Are you okay Oriana?" asks Claire.

"Yes thank you. I …well I guess I was a little shocked."

"I can't wait to read her research. I can't believe you two know each other."

"I know, small world I guess."

The line for the food moves. "You can say that again," says Claire. "Ooh that cake looks yummy."

Oriana smiles at her friend.

"What? It does." Claire smiles and gives Oriana a half hug.

THESSIA

"There you are," says Lacy, "I have been looking for you all over the place. Why aren't you in our normal spot?"

Raina is sitting under a tree away from the lunch tables they have situated outside. It is their lunch period at school. Lacy sits down in the shade next to Raina. She digs into her lunch. After taking a bite she realizes her friend has not replied.

"Raina?"

"Hmm?"

"What's going on?" Lacy does not like how pale Raina looks. Her friend also has not been going out with her at night or getting together to study like they used to. She misses her. "Where's your lunch?"

Without looking at her Raina says, "Not hungry."

Lacy sets down her sandwich. She gets on her knees directly across from Raina. She takes both of her hands so the asari will look at her. "What is going on?"

Raina opens her mouth only to close it right away. She diverts her gaze, "Nothing."

"Don't give me that Raina. I know something is going on. You can talk to me."

Raina shakes her head avoiding eye contact.

Lacy lets out a deep breath. "Is this about your.." she looks left and right to ensure she is not overheard, "you know…your ability?"

Raina snaps her eyes to Lacy, "What? I…don't know what you are talking about Lacy."

Lacy will not let go of her hands when she tries to pull away. "I am not stupid Raina T'Soni. I know you know things."

"Can I have my hands back please?"

Lacy gives her a frustrated look. She lets go of her hands. Raina stands up but Lacy stands with her. "You can talk to me you know. I haven't told anyone. You can trust me Raina."

Raina starts picking up her books. "I don't know what you are talking about Lacy."

Lacy knocks her books out of her hands. "I'm not stupid!"

Raina looks around to see if Lacy's outburst caught attention, thankfully it did not.

"I remember Raina."

"Remember what?"

"The ball. It was going to hit me square in the head but you pushed me out of the way and it sailed by. I remember."

Raina pretends that she does not remember. The incident happened during recess fifteen years ago.

"And what about Mia and that bully?"

Raina is very nervous now. What would it mean for Lacy to know and why of all days does she pick today to talk to her about it. "I don't know what you are talking about." Raina bends over to get her books but Lacy blocks her path.

"I know you have some type of ability Raina and I want you to stop shutting me out. Talk to me. I thought we were friends."

"Are you going to let me get my books Lacy?"

"No." She stands with her arms crossed.

"Fine." Raina starts to walk away.

Shocked Lacy follows leaving books and her lunch behind. She grabs Raina by the arm and spins her around. "What are you doing? I thought we were friends!"

Raina looks around again.

"No one can hear us. Is that what you are afraid of? That someone will find out what you can do? I have known for years Raina and have never told anyone, not even my parents."

Raina just stands there and stares at her friend.

"Do you know…" her blue eyes start to tear up, "it hurts you know. It hurts that you don't trust me Raina. We have been friends for like ever and I can't believe you are shutting me out."

Raina is caught by surprise. She reaches out to Lacy but the asari turns around and walks back toward the tree to grab her lunch and books. Raina follows, "Lacy?"

The asari ignores her but Raina grabs her shoulder and she stops. "Lacy..I'm.."

The asari turns to face her. "What?" She is crying now.

"I'm sorry. I …I am not supposed to tell anyone."

"I'm not just anyone." Lacy starts to walk away.

"Wait please."

Lacy stops and turns around. "What?"

Raina is suddenly overcome with emotion. She collapses to her knees and sobs into her hands.

Lacy drops her lunch and books and goes to her friend. She kneels in front of her. "I'm here. I'm here Raina." Lacy touches her shoulders and Raina hugs her fiercely.

"I feel so alone…." It's all Raina can say as the sobs come hard now. She is so exhausted, exhausted because of her dreams, exhausted because she can't tell anyone and exhausted because she doesn't want this ability. She doesn't want to be able to sense trouble. She wants to know what it feels like to be normal.

"It's gonna be okay Raina."

Shaking her head, "It's not."

Lacy just holds her. She is not happy that Raina is so upset, but she is relieved that the asari is finally letting her in. "Hey I've got an idea."

After a few minutes Raina gains some composure. Since they are away from most of their other schoolmates no one has come over to ask if everything is okay. "What?" Raina wipes at her face.

"Why don't we skip the rest of the day?" asks Lacy. "We can eat some ice cream and maybe catch the latest movie. Then…" Lacy looks around, still no one is within earshot, "then you come and sleep over tonight. We can talk and watch vids or do whatever you want. What do ya say?"

Sniffling Raina looks at her friend, "But it's a school night. I …I don't think I can stay over on a school night."

"I bet your parents will let you. Just like mine will let me. We can tell them it is an emergency."

"Emergency?"

"Yeah. That your mental health is at stake," Lacy says with a smirk.

"Ha ha very funny," Raina playfully pushes her away.

"Well…it is isn't it?"

Raina knows she's right.

"It doesn't hurt to ask. I say we do it. Forget about class. I mean we are Asari Raina. We are going to be in school for another sixty years. Who cares about one afternoon?"

This makes Raina laugh. She forgot how it felt to laugh. It feels good.

"Do we have a deal?" Lacy asks standing. She extends her hand for Raina.

"Deal."

The two grab their books and lunches and leave the school grounds.

"I wondered if I might find you out here," says Arelia. She has found her beautiful bondmate in her bikini sitting by their pool.

Without opening her eyes, "You're home early."

"I am." Arelia leans down and kisses her on her lips then her collarbone, her breast, her stomach."

Miranda grabs Arelia's face and kisses her with passion. She grabs hold of the asari so she lies on top of her. After a few minutes they break from the kiss. Arelia sits up. "Wow."

"What time is it?" Miranda sits up and rubs the asari's shoulders.

"Just after 2."

"When are Shayna and Rose due back?"

"Miranda I would think by now that you would know their schedule."

"I meant do they have anything going on after school? Or do we only have an hour?"

Arelia turns to face her, takes her hand and kisses it. "One hour."

Miranda quickly gets up and takes Arelia's hand. "Let's go."

Arelia follows without protest.

After their love making they snuggle. "You know Rose keeps asking when she is going to see Hunter and Tanner again," says Arelia.

"Well I can ask Oriana if they plan on coming anytime soon. We were just there six months ago."

"That long ago? I hadn't realized. She just misses them."

"She misses having play mates is more like it. Shayna doesn't do enough with her."

"Perhaps we should see about having Little A over for a night."

Miranda squeezes Arelia's shoulder, "Little A? Not you too."

"What? I like the nickname."

"Don't let Liara hear you use it."

Arelia props up on her elbow, "I know for a fact she calls her daughter that."

"Oh is that so?" Miranda kisses her.

"Yes. Especially when Aethyta is in the room. Besides, we cannot make our daughters get along Miranda. Surely you did not always get along with Oriana." The minute she said it she felt horribly. "I…I'm sorry Miri I wasn't thinking."

"Hey," Miranda kisses her again, "don't worry about it. You're right. When we were together, though it was not for very long, there were times we did not get along at all."

"Let's mention it to Rose when she gets home."

"Shayna will also want something," says Miranda.

"She can invite Eva over if she wants."

"Okay let's bring it up when we get them." Miranda checks the clock, "Which is in about twenty minutes."

Arelia settles on top of the human. She starts kissing along her neck, "Does this mean we have time for…what do you humans call it?...a quickie?"

Miranda starts to laugh. She grabs Arelia and rolls her over to be on top. "My turn."

EARTH

"Hi honey welcome home," says Mark. He gives Oriana a quick kiss on her cheek. He looks past her and sees a sky car take off. Oriana walks past him. "You have an escort or something?"

"Yes it is part of the new assignment." She sets down her purse. She takes her briefcase and sets it in her den then shuts the door and enters the code to lock it. "Where are Hunter and Tanner?"

"Upstairs doing their homework." Mark approaches to hug her but Oriana steps away. "What's the matter?"

"What is for dinner? Or do I need to fix something?"

"Hey hey hey." Mark stops her and holds her. "What's wrong?"

At first she won't look at him. She can't tell him what's wrong. She can't say hey I got to touch a reaper today how was your day. No, she has to live with this burden a burden she is not looking forward to. All the way home she had to remind herself that it is for a good cause, that they are going to cure Rust. A horrible, painful disease that has stricken too many people, far too many people. She takes in a deep breath and lets it out.

"Ori?" Mark is stroking her hair.

She finally looks him in the eye and manages a small smile. "I forgot that's all."

"Forgot? Forgot what?"

"Forgot how overwhelming a new assignment can be. It was a lot of information all at once. I am afraid I will be doing a lot of reading over the next few days."

"And your escort?"

"Part of the assignment. I have my own personal chauffer."

"Really?" Marks lets go of her. "Seems a bit extreme."

"Mark I can't talk about it. It's very sensitive. It's for my protection that's all."

"Are you sure?"

Oriana looks in the refrigerator then looks up at him, "What do you mean?"

"Sounds more like they are keeping track of you."

"Don't do that." She slams the door shut. "There is nothing I can do about it." She checks a few cupboards.

"Hey," Mark stops her hand with his own. He slowly turns her toward him and kisses her hand. "I'm sorry. What can I do?"

Oriana relaxes a little. She cups his cheek with her hand, "Don't give me a hard time at least not until I get adjusted to what I am working on."

He kisses her fully on the lips, "Of course….anything you need."

Oriana hugs him. She loves the feel of his strong arms around her. "So….dinner?"