Little A is in the parking lot of Thessia Medical. She is waiting for her parents and sisters to arrive. Eva said that James would watch Beni and she would come by as soon as possible. Raina, well she did not take the news well. Aethyta was glad that Jess was there with her. When the line was silent she thought they got disconnected. Jess came on and Aethyta had to tell her everything she knew all over again, which is that Mia is in surgery.
"Aethyta?"
Little A turns quickly, "Goddess! Don't sneak up on me like that!"
"Sorry."
Little A looks at Dava, "What are you doing here?"
Dava looks down.
Little A studies her. She has a bandage on her arm, "What happened?"
"How's Mia?"
"Mia?" Little A's eyes get big, "You were there? Goddess what happened?"
"Is she all right Aethyta?"
Little A looks to see if Dava has any more injuries.
"Little A!"
"What!" She jumps again. "Stop scaring me, Goddess!"
"I'm sorry. What are you doing out here?"
"I'm, I'm waiting for my parents. Mia is in surgery. What happened?"
"I don't know. I was outside of the electronics store where Shayna works talking to her and her Dad."
"They were there too? Are they alright? Where are they?"
"They're fine Aethyta." Dava squeezes her shoulder to calm her. "I saw Mia."
"What? What do you mean you saw her? Where?"
"She was outside on the sidewalk one store over. She yelled for us to get down. I just knew, I knew she saw something. I was able to bring my shield up and project myself, Shayna and Miranda. Then the store blew. I saw…" Dava looks away and clears her throat.
Little A touches her arm, "You saw what Dava?"
"I saw her get blown off her feet. I couldn't…I couldn't find her at first, there was so much smoke. She ..she looked so small and there was so much blood."
"You found her? Oh Dava, I had no idea."
"I can't lo…" Dava presses her lips together.
"You can't what?"
"Aethyta?"
Little A turns to see her mother and father approach. "Mom!" She runs to her mother's open arms.
"Honey how is she?"
Little A starts to cry. Her mother holds her tighter.
"Dava?" says Shepard as she limps closer. "You okay?"
"Fine."
"Is your Dad here?"
"No I don't think so."
Shepard places her hand on Dava's shoulder, "You sure you're okay?" She looks at the bandage on the commando's arm.
Dava looks down. Liara and Little A come closer. "Mia saved my life."
"What?" says Liara.
"I was on main street just outside of the store when I saw her. She must have seen something because she started yelling for everyone to get down. On instinct I created a shield."
"Shayna and Miranda were there with her," says Aethyta.
"Are they alright?" asks Shepard.
"Yes, they are fine. They are inside waiting to be released. It's pretty busy in there."
Liara hugs Dava, "You are welcome to wait with us if you want to."
"You wouldn't mind?"
Shepard squeezes her shoulder, "Not at all."
They walk inside. Little A directs them to the surgical floor and then a private family waiting room. "I will check to see how the surgery is going," says Little A.
"Do we need to call your sisters?" asks Liara.
"No they should be here soon. I will be back as soon as I can."
Shepard turns to Dava who is standing with her arms crossed looking out the window. The day has clouded over now as if Thessia is in mourning. Shepard approaches. She places her hand on the commando's shoulder, "You okay?"
Dava uncrosses her arms, "Yeah," she clears her throat, "looks like it's going to rain."
"Did you see her? Before they brought her in?"
Dava looks at Shepard then swallows. "Yes."
"And?"
"She was bleeding from her side. She was covered in soot, her face was bloody, it..it was hard to see."
"Was she unconscious the whole time?"
Dava nods.
"You said Shayna and Miranda were here?"
"Yes, we each had a few cuts and bruises."
"Shepard? Liara?" They both look at the door, it's Miranda and Shayna.
Miranda hugs Liara first. Shayna walks over to Dava and gives her a hug.
"Hi Shepard."
"Shayna."
Miranda approaches and hugs Shepard.
"Is there news?"
"Not yet," says Liara as she joins the group by the window. "All we know is that she is still in surgery. Little A went to see if she could get an update."
Little A walks up to the surgical unit desk. There is an asari nurse behind the desk who looks as tired as Aethyta feels. "Excuse me."
"Yes?"
"I'm Dr. T'Soni. My sister Mia is in surgery. Is there someone who can provide an update?"
"Dr. T'Soni?"
Aethyta turns. "Yes?"
"I'm Dr. Ronan."
Little A nods in respect.
"They are finishing up with her now. They should be moving her to intensive care shortly."
"And?"
"Are you the only family here?"
"No, the rest are in the waiting room." Little A places her hand on the asari's arm, "Please tell me."
Dr. Ronan nods, "Of course. She lost a lot of blood. The care she received on sight most likely prevented her from bleeding out. There was damage to her intestine which we repaired."
"Her intestine?"
"Glass imbedded into her side making quite a mess of it."
Little A swallows. "We are most concerned about her brain. It is quite swollen. We had to put her into a medical coma in order to release the pressure. The next forty –eight hours are critical."
Aethyta sways a little, Dr. Ronan catches her arm. "Are you alright?" She looks to the nurse, "Can you get a chair please?"
Little A can't talk. She is suddenly exhausted as if her long work hours, her worrying for her sister and now this have hit her like a two-ton sky car.
"Here, sit down here Dr. T'Soni."
"I'm…I'm sorry."
"Take this." Dr. Ronan hands her a glass of water. Aethyta drains it.
"No need to apologize, it is a shock I'm sure."
Little A looks into the Doctor's ice blue eyes, "How did you know she was my sister?"
"Doesn't everyone know who the T'Soni's are?" the Doctor smiles. "Actually, I am a big sky ball fan. Played it when I was younger though I was never as good as your sister. I have followed her career and I have seen you around. You are in your first year residency correct?"
"Yes that's right."
"Wish I could tell you that it gets better. Have you decided on a specialty yet?"
"Not yet no.
"Well if you ever want to learn about surgery let me know. I'd be happy to tell you the do's and don't's."
"That is kind of you thank you." The Doctor has a very nice smile.
"Think you can stand?"
"Yes I think so." Little A leans on the good Doctor.
"Shall we try a step or two?"
Little A feels the heat in her cheeks. She stands on her own, "I apologize."
"No need."
Aethyta takes a few steps under the careful eye of Dr. Ronan. "I'm okay, thank you." She turns to the nurse behind the desk, "Thank you."
The nurse nods with a sympathetic smile.
They make their way back to the family waiting room. Raina and Jess along with Eva are there waiting. Little A holds her sister's hands while Dr. Ronan tells them what she told her. That the next forty-eight hours are critical, that Mia is in a medical induced coma.
The Doctor gives a smile to Aethyta before leaving. Aethyta mouths 'thank you' before she departs.
"I think you need to get some sleep Little A," says Eva, "you look exhausted."
Little A sighs.
"You heard the Doctor," says Shepard, "we can't do anything now. You all should go home."
"That includes you too Dad," says Raina.
Shepard places her arm around Liara, "We are going to stay for a while longer."
Malia walks in and touches Little A's shoulder. When the asari turns her friend pulls her into a hug. Malia whispers into her ear, "Can I talk to you?"
Little A nods then walks out with her. When they are away from everyone she asks, "What's going on?"
"I have to tell you something. First how is your sister?"
Little A fills her in on what Dr. Ronan said.
Malia hugs her again, "I'm sure she will be okay Aethyta, she is so strong."
"Yeah. What were you going to tell me?"
"That Detective friend of yours Valya came in and took Dr. Lini away."
"What?"
"I know. I don't know why, I wasn't close enough to hear anything."
Little A shakes her head in shock.
Malia places her hand on Aethyta's shoulder, "Do you need anything?"
"Huh? No, no thank you. Is it bad if I go home and sleep when my sister is in a…" her voice cracks. Aethyta starts to cry. Malia holds her close.
"Have a seat," says Valya. She and Kendall brought in Dr. Lini for questioning regarding the main street attacks. Her name is one of the names the young asari Linda gave to Raina.
"I do not understand why you could not tell me what this was about at the hospital. I have patients to attend to."
"My understanding was that the emergencies were over Dr. Lini," says Valya.
"They are never over Detective."
Valya smiles at her, "Well nonetheless, we appreciate you coming in."
"I didn't realize I had a choice."
Valya ignores her comment. "Would you like something to drink? Water perhaps?"
Dr. Lini lets out a long breath. "Please."
Valya nods to Kendall who leaves the room. Valya sits down across from the Doctor.
"What do you know about the attacks on main street?" says Valya.
Dr. Lini furrows her brow, "Nothing other than I hope you catch those responsible."
Kendall enters the room and sets the water bottle down in front of the Doctor.
"Thank you," says Dr. Lini.
Valya presses a small black box in the middle of the table. "Have you seen any of these people?" A projection appears displaying pictures of six asari varying in age.
Dr. Lini's lips press together. "I know her. What has she done?"
"What is her name?"
Dr. Lini sighs and rolls her eyes. "Linda, she is my daughter."
Valya does not react to the identification. "Your daughter?"
"That's right. What has she done this time?"
"Why do you say that?"
"The girl never listens and this is not her first time getting into trouble. Now if you don't mind please tell me what she has done."
"What happened to your hand?"
Dr. Lini looks at her bruised knuckles then covers them with her other hand. "I ran it into a door. Now what is this about?"
"I'd hate to see the door," says Kendall who is staring at the Doctor.
"Excuse me?"
"Do you know where your daughter is Dr. Lini?" says Valya.
The Doctor rolls her eyes, "I suspect she is either home or with a friend."
"So she has friends?"
"Yes she has friends."
"Can you provide their names please?" Valya brings up her omni-tool.
Dr. Lini looks at the tool then the Detective. She doesn't reach out to enter a name.
"Is there a problem?"
"I don't remember their names."
"Convenient," says Kendall.
"How did you hurt your hand again?" says Valya.
Dr. Lini looks hard at Valya, "Did something happen with my daughter?"
"Do you really care?"
"Excuse me?"
Valya stands up and walks around the table. She grabs Dr. Lini's wrist with a vice like grip.
"Hey!"
"You know what I think Dr. Lini?" She struggles but there is no getting away. "I think you like to control things and when you can't control them you lose your temper."
"Let go of me!"
"I think you should pick on someone your own size, oh but wait, you probably wouldn't have the guts to try to take on someone your own size." Valya lets go of her wrist.
The Doctor cradles her wrist with her other hand. "I don't know what you are talking about."
"Cut the crap!" says Kendall. "We know what you have done Doctor."
"I…I don't…" The Doctors is frazzled.
"How long has it been going on?" says Valya as she towers over the sitting Doctor.
"I don't like what you are implying. I discipline by daughter."
Valya gets right in her face, "Discipline wouldn't leave bruises on your knuckles!"
Dr. Lini sets her jaw as she leans away from the Detective.
"What I don't understand," says Kendall, "is why you would want to hurt innocent people."
Dr. Lini's head snaps up, "What are you talking about?"
"Oh please like you don't know," says Valya who is still towering over her.
Dr. Lini furrows her brow she has a lost look on her face.
"The attacks on main street," says Valya.
"What about them?" She looks between the two Detectives. "What you think I had something to do with them?"
"We have a witness that says you do," says Kendall. Valya shoots her a look.
"What? That…" Dr. Lini looks at Valya. "Linda. Linda told you I had something to do with the attacks?" She sounds shocked.
The Detectives don't say anything.
Dr. Lini smiles and shakes her head. She sits up straighter in her chair. "I had nothing to do with the attacks. You both have been made fools of. My daughter likes to lie Detectives. She obviously is getting back at me."
"Back at you for what? Disciplining her?" says Kendall in a sarcastic tone.
The Doctor grits her teeth. "I do not beat my child. I am a single parent, I am doing the best I can."
Kendall is about to say something back when there is a knock at the door and Meryl walks in, "Detectives a minute please."
Valya looks at Dr. Lini. The asari looks tired, Valya can relate. She too is a single parent; she too had trying times with her daughter.
"Hey."
Valya turns to see Kendall waiting for her. They both leave to speak to their boss.
"She had nothing to do with the attacks," says Meryl.
"How do you know that?" asks Kendall, she beat Valya to the question.
"Because she was at the hospital during this latest attack and the one before that and the one before that."
"There could be more of them," says Valya. They both look at her. "There are always four masked people that are spotted. It doesn't necessarily mean that they are the same four people."
"That's a bit of a stretch isn't it? Why is this the first time I am hearing about this theory?" says Meryl.
"Just something I have been thinking about."
"Uh huh. Can you prove it?"
Valya opens her mouth to speak but then closes it.
"We at least can arrest her for beating her child," says Kendall.
"How credible is this kid?" says Meryl.
"She was shaken up when Dr. T'Soni spoke with her, but I think she is pretty courageous for coming forward."
"I didn't ask if she was courageous Detective. I asked if she was credible."
Valya sighs. "I'm not sure." She hates to admit it, but right now she is not sure.
"We don't have enough to hold her."
"What are you talking about?" says Kendall. "She beats her daughter!"
"Says her daughter. Release her. And find out why the Doctor didn't know her kid was taken to child services."
"You can't be serious?" says Kendall.
"Maybe we can hold her while we follow up with the daughter," says Valya. "Let the good Doctor stew for a bit. It's within the law to hold her on suspicion of child abuse without charges being brought."
Meryl crosses her arms as she looks between the two Detectives. "Do it."
"Thank you boss," says Valya. She pats Kendall's shoulder, "Let's go."
"Do you think she's telling the truth?" says Valya. The two Detectives are on their way to where Linda is staying, temporary housing is available for emergency cases for young asari in need.
"About what? Hitting her hand in the door? Hell no," says Kendall. "That Doctor beats her kid no question."
"Maybe." Valya can see out of the corner of her eye that Kendall is looking at her. "What?"
"What are you thinking? You don't believe Linda?"
"The bruises on her arms are not be consistent to bruising on Dr. Lini's knuckles. How often do you punch someone's forearm?"
"Did you check her anywhere else?"
Valya grimaces, "No I did not. Dammit! I was so concerned about getting those damn names I didn't ask to see if there were any more bruises."
"Don't sweat it. We will see Linda soon and we can ask her then."
"Yeah but it's sloppy work on my part."
"Oh big deal. The great and awesome Detective makes a mistake, better call Thessia Times." Kendall playfully pushes her shoulder.
"Ha ha."
"I wouldn't worry about it Valya."
They fly the rest of the trip in silence.
"Why are you landing here?" says Kendall. "The house is across the street over there."
"Call it a hunch."
"Call what a hunch?"
Valya looks at Kendall, she knows to be quiet.
After almost an hour of waiting Kendall says, "So. We going to sit here for a while?"
"A while."
Kendall sighs then stretches her arms over her head. "What are we waiting for exactly?"
A smile crosses Valya's lips, "That."
Kendall follows her partner's eyes and sees Linda leaving the house. "And where do you suppose she is going?"
"I don't know but she sure carries herself well don't you think? Doesn't look like a scared little girl to me."
Kendall leans forward, "Son of a bitch. Who is that?"
They see Linda getting into a sky car.
Valya looks at her partner, "I think we need to find out don't you?"