Chapter 35
EDI' voice broke the silence. "According to the style and wording, my calculation assesses this to be a kind of diary."
"A diary..." Jane muttered and shot a blank look at the specialist.
Sam swallowed hard, that wasn't what she had hoped for.
The redhead fixed her eyes. "We did this all... for a diary? We let the clones escape... for a diary?" Her voice sounded angry.
Sam felt uncomfortable and disappointed, the way Jane was looking and speaking made her fearful. The moment she asked her down in that Power facility to make the right choice was coming back. Sam had been absolutely sure about that suspicion, it can't be all it is, there has to be more information than just a simple diary. Her commander had trusted her opinion and she doesn't want to betray her confidence.
Liara took the moment and showed her delight at the unexpected outcome. "Just as I already said, Shepard... Priorities are to be set...right..." She enjoyed the teasing and held a wide grin when she crossed her arms and added. "We better work with the prothean plans to make progress..."
Jennifer grunted and shook her head while her sister made a pissed face. Sam needed to say something and tried her best to sell the result as a first 'small' success. "This is just the first part, the beginning. I'm sure there'll be more and if I understand right, they found some construction plans, too. If they mean the reapers when they speak of 'harvesters', perhaps it contains information on the catalyst..." she explained in a calm voice.
The last sentence and especially the word 'catalyst' made Jane raise her brows and ponder, the redhead's face changed to a more friendly expression. Jennifer nodded and grinned at the shadow broker only to receive a frosty look. "See Li, the protheans had no idea about the catalyst.. we better work with the translation to make progress..." she said in a swanky way.
Oh... trouble is brewing...
Sam decided it would be better not to get in the middle of it, so she held her mouth shut while Jane read the short part of the translation again. Liara and Jennifer locked eyes and Sam thought about the black haired's words on the prothean beacon some hours ago. Jennifer hated them because it almost killed her sister and there was Liara on the other side who worshiped the protheans with all its remains without hesitation. The way they look at each other made Sam believe there was still something else. Had something more happened? The shadow broker had mentioned melds they had done for gaining the visions of Jane's mind. And by thinking about that right now, it occurred to her that Liara was always going on missions as part of Jane's squad, rarely with Jennifer. Maybe for a reason...
"OK.. we can start with this..." the redhead mumbled and faced Sam. "The translation is working on its own to continue?" She shot a weak smile to the specialist, while the two at their back still said nothing to each other.
"Yes, it will calculate and go on by itself..." Sam nodded. "We don't have to do anything, we have to wait.. but I don't know how long it will take..." Apparently Jane wasn't angry anymore and Sam was grateful for that.
Thanks to the goddess...
"Good...So you'll return to your normal duty at the galaxy map." She ordered in a commanding tone then added playfully. "I missed the good view..." followed by a seductive smirk.
Jennifer's head turned and she said. "Me too..." and rolled her eyes. Liara sighed and disappointedly went back to her monitors.
Oh...Is that a tactic to flatter me?...No way...I won't forget...
Sam tried to make a serious face when she responded. "We'll see...there are still some things to discuss...Am I dismissed Ma'am?"
…
After she had returned to her ordinary post and relieved Thomson, who thanked the specialist with a smile, Sam began to break into the latest updates of her workstation. She didn't have much to do, the lieutenant did a good job in her absence and she took the time to check her mails and after recognizing there wasn't anything new, she decided to return to her questions and the feelings for her unusual relationship. A good source of information was the ship's AI and if she didn't have to many restrictions, she could get something new from her, it may be worth trying, she activated the communicator in her ear.
"EDI?"
"Yes Samantha, how can I be of assistance?" the AI responded immediately.
"EDI can you tell me some more about Kelly Chambers and the commanders?" Sam started in a low voice and looked around. She was alone at her post, the place in front of the galaxy map, normally Jane or Jennifer's position, was still empty and the other crew members at their stations were quite far away to be able hear anything. But she felt a little discomfort by spying on the former yeoman and her romance or whatever with the twins.
But the AI negated the request. "I am afraid I can't, the information concerning the former crew mate Chambers and the commanders is classified and not available.."
"Hmm.." Sam groaned in disappointment, but she was a smart one, so she had another question. "EDI can you tell me how much time they spent together?"
"Positive...This information is accessible. The time is exactly 176,4 hours."
"Aha..." the specialist murmured along and her expression went sad.
That's quite a lot of time...
Ostensibly the AI recognized the bitter undertone in her voice and offered. "Do you want me to calculate the time you have spent with both upstairs so far?"
Sam answered quickly. "Yes, please!"
"49,5 hours until now."
Sam sighed deeply, that's not much compared to the former yeoman.
"May I suggest something?" EDI's voice continued.
Sam formed a weak smile and nodded. "Yes..."
"I'll make a calculation of probabilities...Considering the time of your presence on board, my calculations reveal a higher percentage as Miss Chamber and the expected value will reach 542,7 hours at same time on board."
Sam smiled and gave a "Thank you EDI..."
"And I can also tell with my statistic analysis, that both bandy more words with you than any other crew member. That's an indication for a positive process of a relationship according to human standards."
"Oh EDI, you're so cute and you know how to make a girl happy...but I'm not sure that we have something like a real relationship.." Sam responded with a sigh.
"What makes you believe that it is not a human relation? I analyzed human behavior and familiarizations in romances. The time you spend together between shifts at night, including extensive sexual intercourse and the ..."
"Shut up EDI!" Sam loudly ordered with a blushed face and looked around, she was still in the CIC and despite the fact that nobody else could hear the statement, nevertheless she was ashamed of that last bit of information the AI revealed.
"Did I offend you Samantha?" EDI directly said.
"No EDI...but we better talk about that stuff in private... OK?" Sam tried to not sound too angry.
"As you wish Samantha. I'm available anytime."
Sam focused back on her terminal, the things EDI said improved her mood a little but she wasn't satisfied, later she would go upstairs and ask some awkward questions. In the meantime she could use some distraction and checked the ships dates to see that the Normandy has changed course and was heading to the Omega Nebula. She remembered Liara's statement on finding the war heads.
Black market... a visit to omega? That would be interesting...
She switched to the extra net and the latest news to find Allers 'Battlespace' channel as most viewed feed in the net. Sam shook her head, she never had seen Allers stupid show since the reporter came on board and annoyed her with that silly interview, luckily she won't ask her anymore after getting the order from Jane to keep away from her. But the high amount of hits on the show made her curious and because she had nothing else to do, she clicked the channel to see the latest video.
The window opened and showed a short dressed Allers with a lot of make up standing in the small cargo bay, no surprise...
"Good evening...This is Diana Allers reporting live from the famous SSR Normandy lead by commander Shepard on its mission to save humanity.
The latest news on the worlds that fell to the reapers in the Artemis Tau make us all so sad and shocked. We'll think and pray for the lost souls that sacrificed their lives in the restless fight against our enemies. (Allers is making a 'fake' sad expression and placed a hand on her chest)"
Goddess.. what a shit...
The reporter continued, now with a smile.
"The good news is that the council on the citadel reacted to the severe defeat and is planning to send some reinforcements to the border lines. The talks have already begun and the human ambassador Donnel Udina is confident that earth will get some of the needed support in time."
Not in your dreams...They are sitting on their asses and will do nothing...
"The alliance flagship is still on its way through the galaxy to assist our allies and to gain new resources for reinforcement. The progress of the negotiations promises support from the turians and salarians in the near future..."
Bullshit...
"...In this cruel and biggest war ever, all species are affected and we all need to stand together, side by side..."
This is the first useful thing you said...
In the following, Allers told about morale-boosting slogans in a very dramatic manner until she finally got to the user posts.
"...and I asked the questions you sent me to our commanders."
In the next scene Sam could see Jane and Jennifer in the captains chamber. They looked bugged but the redhead answered the following questions from the reporter. It was a surprise that both behaved in such 'friendly' manner while dealing with the reporter. According to the extra net, they like to pummel any journalists that ask more than one time. But now they really made an effort, despite the fact that they behaved in a casual way, trying to make fast work of it. Most of the questions were stupid and not useful, some were even cheeky, but for a wonder the sisters 'behaved' . Sam shook her head, after Allers finished the farce.
Nonsense...
The next scene returned to the reporter in her cargo bay.
"I'll continue to ask your questions in the next episode so send me your queries and ideas. Coming up next an Interview with Lieutenant James Vega, serving as weapon master on the Normandy and a short report on Grissom Academy, the place where alliance's best biotics were made...
This is Diana Allers for Battlespace. Thank you for watching.
Be strong and stay alive out there... (Allers makes a very dramatic face.)
Sam closed the window.
Why the fuck is Allers on board?
Sam thought to herself. This was really bad and the nonsense she told, she could have told it better from the Citadel or any other space station
"Samantha?" the AI's voice sounded on the loudspeaker.
"Yes EDI..."
"I have to inform you that your presence in the conference room is requested immediately..."
"Oh...OK..." Sam logged out of the terminal and made her way to the elevator.
…
Arriving at the conference room, she spotted both commanders, Liara, Miss-I'm-so-perfect-please kill-me, Jack and Kira. Obviously she was the last one to arrive for the briefing, because after her entrance the door sealed shut behind her. Sam took the place next to the XO, curious on the reason for this unannounced meeting.
Jane pointed to Lawson to begin. "Tell us why we are here..."
The former cerberus officer activated the projection in the middle of the desk. The display replayed a small space station, located in the Terminus system, Valhallan Treshold.
"This is one of the newer stations Cerberus built when I was...well..." Lawson explained but stopped her comment.
Jack was so nice and finished the sentence for her. "...when you were the slutty cheerleader of that fucking..."
Jane lifted a hand and Jack shut up then ordered. "The facts Miranda..."
Lawson gave the other biotic an evil glance again then went on. "This station is orbiting around Farlas, a provider for minerals including e-zero and Iridium. This institution was meant to exploit the minerals and was used for special experiments..."
Special experiments...whatever it means..it can't be good...
Liara went on."My sources tell me that an unusual amount of ships have been sent to this institution for cargo transports. I got several messages of the correspondences between two ships...Those include talks about scrap metal and toasters..."
...scrap metal and toasters?
Everybody eagerly looked at the former cerberus officer and the asari, not understanding.
Lawson took the floor. "I have to explain. It's a code...This term was used for VIP or extremely valuably things in former times. On further analysis I could make out that this isn't about items, it's concerning a person or maybe two persons that are extremely important to Cerberus..." she said.
"The clones..?" Jennifer asked and Jane became interested, ordering. "Go on!"
"The messages contain instructions for special weapons and equipment, hidden in an advanced code." Lawson told. "So all is pointing to..."
Jennifer stopped her. "How do you know this all?" She crossed her arms and addressed the former cerberus member with a critical expression.
The shadow broker took word. "Miranda checked the ship's channels and called one of her old contacts. The information is no trap, nothing that is passed on to us with purpose...I'm sure." Liara secured with a nod.
Jack shot from the back. "Congratulations Cheerleader.. you are not useless after all, you didn't even shake your ass for this, right?"
Again Jane's hand waved her off.
"How long do we need to get there?" Jennifer asked.
Miranda checked her data pad and told. "From our current position... 18 hours.."
For a moment the redhead pondered, exchanged looks with her sister to get a confirmation then faced the asari. "Can you contact your business partner on Omega and delay the deal?"
Liara sighed. "I can try, but I'm not sure he'll wait. This is a very special 'ware', a lot of people are interested in it. If someone is making a better offer, he will sell..." she seriously said.
"Just tell him we'll pay any price... the money comes from the primarc, so we don't care... If they want it, they'll have to bleed for it..." Jane decided. "Fine, so we go there. Briefing in 15 hours. Dismissed!" she ordered to the XO then she and her sister went to the door followed by Liara and Lawson.
"And Traynor, report upstairs in 20 minutes!" The redhead turned and ordered before leaving the room.
"Yes Ma'am." was Sam's good answer.
Jack commented on it with a grin, whispering. "Do a good job...toy..." and twinkled once.
….
"We need to talk..." Sam made clear when she sat on the seat opposite of the sisters. She rose her hand and pointed at both to stay at their place on the couch.
Jane looked bugged and contorted her face, followed by a groan. Jennifer faced the specialist, asking. "What is the problem, now?"
"How many love toys?" Sam inquired with a cool face.
"What the fuck is this?" the redhead shot back, crossing her arms and leaning back, obviously not in the mood to discuss the topic.
"I wanna know..." Sam responded then added. "...and some more..."
"Is this about Jack?" Jennifer asked.
"How many?" Sam insisted.
"We didn't have love toys..." Jane made clear then grabbed the drink from the table.
"Hmm asari strippers..." Sam's brows rose and she leaned over with a serious face. "How many do you need to be satisfied?"
"Whoaaa...Calm down...That's an old story...we were on on that damn suicide mission..." Jennifer explained and played it down by waving with her hands.
"Listen Samantha... we had a life before we met you!" The redhead said emphatically.
Jennifer nodded and added. "We had no love toys, if Jack told you that bullshit..."
But Sam cut in and shot another. "Oh really... and what about Kelly Chambers?" At this point she was unsure and confused by Jack's words. She didn't want to be a replacement for the former yeoman or a nice pastime during the war. Her impression was different or she thought that both wanted more than that, or was she wrong?
"Kelly was... something different..." Jane drank half of the glass and set it back on the small coffee table.
"Different...Aha...did you have feelings for her?" Sam asked with a heavy heart, hoping the answer to be a negative.
"Feelings? Hell no!....we fucked her.." Jennifer immediately answered. "..it was interesting..."
...hmm...you fucked her...just like me...
"Samantha, cut the crap now...What's the point of this?" The redhead became impatient and annoyed. " We don't play games with you...you know that!"
Sam took a deep breath then said. "What am I to you?"
Both sisters looked at each other and a few seconds passed until Jennifer said. "You're...our girlfriend?..." But this sounded more as a question than a statement.
Sam was disappointed and went on in a low voice. "Girlfriend... hmm...and what feelings do you have for me?" dropping her head down.
"Feelings...? " Jane's expression turned to confusion paired with fright.
Sam spoke in a calm voice. "Do you have real feelings for me?"
"...baby..." Jennifer expressed with hesitation.
"So what feelings...?" Sam repeated with eyes closed.
….Goddess...say it!
Jennifer stumbled a few incomprehensible words and the redhead starred with a open mouth.
"Tell me...!" Sam firmly ordered.
But both didn't answer, now they looked speechless and out of sorts at the specialist.
When silence filled the room, Sam couldn't stand it and stood up. "I just wanted to know if this is real, because..." she turned. "...because for me... it is..." then went straight to the door, holding back the tears.
When she passed the door Jane moaned in the back. "I'm going to kill Jack..."
...
Notes: I planned a small side trip ;) Again it's bitchy time on the Normandy :) Good opportunity to let Jane freak out... And I wanted to show what Allers is doing all the time downstairs.
Thx to ScarletBones and thank you for your support :)