THESSIA

Raina wakes to a dull headache. She is still in her clothes under her bed covers. She doesn't remember going to bed. Slowly standing up Raina eases across her room into her adjacent bathroom. When she comes out she hears a knock on her doorframe.

"I hope you're hungry." Jess brings in a tray of food.

"Jess?"

"Morning, or should I say early afternoon?" Jess continues to stand with the tray in her hands. Raina sees her looking at her. "This doesn't really work unless you are in bed."

Raina furrows her brow then gets it, "Oh! Yes of course." Raina makes her way into bed and sits up leaning against the headboard. Jess walks over and sets the tray across her lap.

"Thought you could use some food after last night." Jess sits on the side of the bed by Raina's knees.

"This…this is amazing thank you. Won't you join me?"

Jess smiles. "Sure." She makes her way to the other side of the queen sized bed and sits next to Raina careful not to tip the tray.

Raina takes a bite of eggs. "This is very good, what's in it?"

"That my dear is a secret. Someday I may tell you."

"Here." Raina holds up a smaller plate that has bacon on it.

"I was kind of surprised to see you had bacon, well and eggs for that matter. I mean I think it's great, I just figured you might eat something different."

"Well my father is human so we pretty much grew up on eggs, bacon, pancakes and oh French toast."

"That's my favorite."

"Mine too." Raina smiles as their eyes lock.

There is an awkward silence building.

"I will have to remember that for next time," says Jess. She grabs another piece of bacon. "Uh…since you brought your father up…"

Raina sets her fork down and looks at Jess. She wonders if there is a problem.

"Uh, you kind of left out the fact that your parents happen to be the saviors of the galaxy. I mean…holy cow Raina that gives new meaning to hey want to meet my parents?"

Raina swallows the food she was chewing as she studies Jess' face. "Are you upset?"

"No no not at all. I just…I mean …wow….wow. Was it weird growing up?"

"What do you mean?" Raina asks quickly. She stabs her fork at the eggs.

"Oh hey," Jess places her hand over Raina's. "I don't mean anything by it Raina. I'm sorry, there's no need to get defensive."

Raina blushes a little. She didn't realize she was getting defensive but she was.

"When I carried you to bed last night I couldn't help but notice the pictures of your parents. I was just thrown that's all Raina."

Raina kisses Jess' hand, "That's okay. Wait, what? You carried me?" Raina looks at Jess who is staring at her with a big smile. "What?"

"You just kissed my hand."

"What?" Raina is shocked. She does not remember doing that.

Jess laughs. "It's okay. I will never again wash this hand of mine for the great Dr. Raina T'Soni has kissed it." She makes a claw with her hand and grabs Raina's side. Raina starts to laugh and nearly knocks over the tray.

"Stop…stop."

Jess finally stops then helps steady the tray.

After composing herself Raina looks at Jess, "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For taking care of me last night. For this," she gestures to her food.

"It was my pleasure Raina. I am just glad you felt comfortable enough to call me last night even though you don't remember." She nudges her shoulder.

"Ah yes that. I am sorry for that."

"Enough with the apologies. There is nothing wrong with having a bad night Raina. I'm glad I was part of it."

Raina winces a little.

"I mean…not that you had a bad night..no….I mean…"

Raina places her hand over Jess' and looks her in the eye. "I know what you mean. I am glad you were here too." Raina has a vague memory of trying to kiss Jess last night. She usually isn't that bold, but she feels very calm with this asari, she feels like she can be herself. She leans toward Jess. Jess' eyes flicker to her lips then they start to close. Raina knows she wants this too. When their lips meet Raina feels goose bumps on her flesh then a warming below her stomach. Raina feels Jess' hand on her face as the kiss deepens. She still smells like cinnamon and ink for some reason but her lips, oh her lips are soft and supple and tender. Raina feels hot suddenly, she leans back to break the kiss.

"Wow. Now that is what I call a kiss," says Jess.

Raina blushes.

"You are beautiful when you blush you know that?"

"You're not so bad yourself."

Jess smiles. "You want to spend the day together?"

Raina looks at the time. "I should probably see if Mia needs anything."

"She's not here."

"What?"

"She never came home last night. I heard your omni-tool ring though, but I didn't think I should answer it."

Raina brings up her omni-tool. There is a message from Mia. She writes that she is staying with Dava and not to expect her until this evening.

"Everything all right?"

"Huh?" Raina looks up from the message to see a concerned look on Jess. "Oh no, everything's fine. And to answer your question, I would love to spend the day with you today."


Mia rolls over on her side. She smiles when she feels an arm around her pull her closer. "You know at some point we should probably get out of bed."

"Why?" asks Dava. "I like you just where you are."

Mia turns to face her. She kisses her on the lips. "I don't think I can continue to ignore my rumbling stomach.

Dava smiles but then it fades quickly.

"What's the matter?"

"I'm sorry I couldn't…you know…deepen the meld last night."

"Dava," Mia sits up to look at her, "how many times do I have to tell you that it's okay? Just being here with you, spending the night, waking in your arms, that is all I need."

Dava sits up but averts her eyes. "But for how long?"

Mia lifts Dava's chin with her finger. "We do not have to rush into anything. I like nice and slow."

Dava captures her hand and gives it a kiss. "Are you sure?"

"Yes for the thousandth time yes."

"I…I'm just not ready to…" Dava's eyes meet Mia's, "I don't want to hurt you again."

"You are not going to hurt me. We are taking it slow. The shallow melds last night were great. I loved seeing your commando training. I…I'm not exactly ready to share all of my memories yet either Dava. I mean…who knows with an intimate meld what memories might pop out. I…I am fine with this. I really am I wish you would believe me."

"I guess with you leaving soon I…" her voice trails off.

"What?"

Dava meets her eyes. "I'm scared I am going to lose you again."

Mia cups Dava's cheek with her hand, "You are not going to lose me. I know I leave day after tomorrow, but you said so yourself you might be able to visit. And even if you can't, we can call each other and see each other that way."

"I might be called to fight Mia."

Mia lets out a deep sigh. "I know." She looks away, "I know."

Dava takes her hand, "We will stay in touch as best we can right?"

Mia smiles a little, "Right."

They sit in silence for a while. "I didn't mean to bring you down," says Dava.

Mia shakes her head, "It's okay. I suppose you're right. We should get out of bed and get dressed. I told Raina I would be home for dinner…well I said evening."

"Okay."

"Dava?"

"Yeah?"

"Are you okay with your Dad staying at Akira's?"

"Yeah. We talked about it. She was pretty nervous when she told me that she had feelings for her. I know she loved my Mom, she loved her a lot. I told her I am okay with Akira. I think they are good together and she seems happy. At least happier than I have seen her in a long time. She deserves to be happy."

"So do you."

Dava looks away. "Well I guess we should get ready. I can order us some food if you like."

"Sure." Mia doesn't press her on the change of subject.

"You can shower first." Dava gets up and leaves the bedroom to make the call.


Two days have gone by. Today is the day Mia leaves for Earth. She is at the main house. The household has been up for hours and everyone seems to be in a hurry. She is sitting in the family room with her grandfather. She is not sure what Little A, Eva or her parents are doing.

"Gonna miss you kid," says Aethyta.

"I'm going to miss you too Grandpa."

"Looks like you're going to have some tough competition this year."

Mia looks at her aging grandfather. "Have you been checking up on my bracket?"

"Shit yeah. I have betting pools ya know. Just because you play for the Storm doesn't mean they are always favored to win. I have to know the competition so I can make money." Aethyta takes a drink of Ryncol.

Mia shakes her head.

"What?"

"Gee thanks Grandpa."

"What?"

"I hope that if you bet on the Storm you pick us to win every time."

"Aww honey. That is just unrealistic not to mention statistically stupid."

Mia gives her a shocked expression. "Nice."

"Hey now. I bet on you most of the time."

"Is that supposed to make me feel better?"

"Why would my betting make you feel good or bad?" Aethyta smiles.

"Ugh…nevermind." Mia looks around. They both hear Liara and Shepard talking from their bedroom, not enough to actually hear what they are saying though.

"You heard right?"

Mia looks at her grandfather. "Heard what?"

"They are going to Earth with you."

"What? Why? They think I need an escort because of the Batarian attacks?"

Aethyta shakes her head. "They told me they are going on a short vacation. It will be just me and Little A here now."

Shepard walks in as Aethyta says that last part. "What are you talking about?"

"What?"

Shepard looks between Aethyta and Mia.

"Gee thanks for telling me that you are coming along Dad," says Mia. "And what's with this last minute vacation?"

Shepard ignores her, "What did you mean Aethyta when you said it would only be you and Little A here?"

"Elly?"

Shepard turns to see Liara standing behind her.

"I have been meaning to tell you."

"Tell me what?"

"Eva is going back to Earth," says Aethyta.

"So now three people are accompanying me? Why didn't anyone tell me?" asks Mia.

Shepard looks at Liara. Liara places her hand on the human's forearm. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner Elly. With our own preparations I …"

"You what? You talked to her about this?"

"I did."

"And you are okay with it?"

Liara looks at Mia and her father then back at Shepard. In a lowered voice she says, "I wouldn't say I am okay with it exactly Elly, but I think we need to support her."

"Dad, you can't expect her to get past what happened if she stays here and never goes out."

Shepard ignores her daughter. She takes Liara's elbow and leads her back into the bedroom. She closes the door.

"I'm sorry Elly."

"When did you know? I …I can't believe you didn't tell me. What the hell Liara?"

"Elly please calm down."

Shepard hates being told to calm down. She fists her hands and concentrates on not hitting anything.

"She talked to me last night. She has given it a lot of thought Elly. She wants to be with James, she wants to try to continue her life. She feels like she is on hold here."

Shepard starts to pace.

"You were in bed after we finished talking. I figured we could talk about it this morning, but we have been busy with packing and making arrangements. I mean Goddess Elly; we haven't even told Mia that we are flying to Earth with her."

"Your father just told her. I overheard her when I walked in the family room."

"The point is Elly; I did not mean to keep this from you, I just…" Liara grabs Shepard's wrist to make her stop pacing. "I'm sorry. I don't know if it is the right thing to do. I have never had a daughter go through this before, I …" her voice trails off as tears start to fall.

Shepard immediately pulls her into a hug. "Oh hey, don't cry. It's okay." Shepard tightens her hold. "She's strong you know? Stronger than any of us probably give her credit because she has always been the quiet one." Shepard holds Liara at arm's length. "She is probably right ya know."

Liara wipes tears from her cheeks.

"She needs to see how she does with James. It will be a difficult road, but we are here for her."

"I know…it's just…I feel like I am losing her."

"Why?"

"I don't know. I just can't help but be scared for her, for both her and Mia. I mean, Earth is not exactly safe Elly. Anything could happen. What if…what if she is taken again?"

Shepard pulls her into another hug. "I know…I know. But I doubt that will happen Liara, I mean the odds of it happening must be pretty low." She breaks the hug again. "This might be what she needs."

"I thought you were upset about her leaving?"

"I'm upset sure; well maybe upset is not the correct term. But I am upset that you didn't tell me." Shepard raises her hand up before Liara can protest. "I get it Liara, I get it. There was no time last night and this morning has been very hectic."

Liara sits on the edge of the bed.

Shepard kneels in front of her and takes her hands in her own. "She is going to be fine Liara."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because she has your strength and your courage. We will fly to Earth if she needs us Liara. We will answer calls in the middle of the night. We will be there for her as much as she allows us to be."

"But we are tracking Svaari. We won't be all that available for the next few days or weeks."

Shepard squeezes her hands. "Do you want to postpone?"

"No I don't."

"She has to learn to stand on her own again Liara."

"How can you be so understanding? I thought you would be furious."

Shepard smiles. "What can I say; your patience has rubbed off me over the years."

Liara gives her a small smile.

Shepard stands and pulls Liara up. She kisses her fully on the lips. "You okay?"

Liara nods.

"I am going to go talk to her okay?"

"Okay."

Shepard grabs a bag and leaves the bedroom. She walks upstairs and knocks on Eva's bedroom door.

"Come in."

Shepard opens the door, "Hey."

"Hi." Eva stops packing.

"Your mother just told me." Shepard looks at her suitcase then at Eva.

"I don't want to hear how you don't think it's a good idea Dad. I need to do this. I need to know if I can do this."

"Hey, hey, hey." Shepard walks into the room and touches Eva's arm. "It's okay, I understand."

Eva crosses her arms. "You do?" Her tone indicates she does not believe her father.

Shepard smiles, "Yes I do. You feel like you are trapped here and you need to get out. You need to see him, I get it."

Shepard sees her daughter narrow her eyes at her. Eva relaxes her shoulders and lets her arms fall at her sides. "Oh."

Shepard pulls out her desk chair and gestures for Eva to sit, she does. She hands her the bag. "This is for you." The retired Captain sits on the edge of the bed.

Eva opens the bag to find a brand new omni-tool. Hers was taken and most likely destroyed. Eva looks up at Shepard with tears in her eyes.

Shepard stands and places her hand on her shoulder and squeezes. "See here," Shepard points, "you press this button and see what happens."

Eva swallows and blinks a few times. She presses the button. A small compartment is revealed. In it is a small chip.

"That is a tracking chip. There is one built into the omni-tool itself, but this one, you just press there and now you can swallow it. I made it smaller so it is easier to swallow. And the distance it can track is much larger now. In theory it should work for up to 1,000 miles."

Eva doesn't say anything. Shepard sees her wipe her cheek.

"I never told you how proud I was of you for doing what you did."

Eva looks up at her, "What?"

Shepard kneels across from her. "What you did, swallowing the tracking chip; it was brilliant Eva, just brilliant."

Eva grumps a little. "I shouldn't have left the building."

"I would have."

Shepard cannot help but notice the shocked look on her daughter's face. "I would want to know what was going on. I would need to know. You know it was James who set me straight when he said that you care about people, even complete strangers. So of course you would leave the building to see if the soldiers were okay."

"But…."

"But what honey?"

"If I hadn't left I wouldn't have been captured and I wouldn't have been…" her voice trails off.

"You know what else wouldn't have happened?"

Eva looks at her father and shakes her head.

"Those Alliance soldiers would never have been found. They would be used by the Batarians. Hell, they would be slaves by now or worse, dead. You saved them Eva, you did. Because you were able to think on your feet you led the Alliance right to you and to those soldiers. They owe their lives to you honey, don't you know that?"

Eva blinks away more tears, "I…I never thought about it like that."

Shepard takes her hand between her own. "I don't blame you for being raped Eva. I don't blame you for trying to help and getting captured. I don't blame you at all. I hope one day you will believe that."

Eva throws her arms around her father's neck and starts to cry.

"I love you honey. Your mother and I love you so much. We want what is best for you. And if you want to go back to Earth, we support you. If you want to return, we support that too." Shepard holds her at arm's length, "Whatever you need, we are here for you."

"Thanks Dad."