THESSIA

There are only a few weeks before school begins again. The case Atalia and Valya have been working on has officially been closed. She and Atalia continue to work the cases they are given as they come up. The former commando has checked on Carissa a few times. The young asari is still at the institution, they have not found a suitable home for her yet. She is opening up more, talking more to other asari that are there. But during Valya's last visit Carissa clammed up when the detective brought up Elina. They may never know all that Elina did to her; it is something Valya is having a hard time letting go.

Mia has returned to her skyball teammates. She has practice every morning and afternoon now preparing for the upcoming season. Raina has not heard from Abby in over a week. The two usually exchange emails every day but lately Abby has not sent one. Raina is trying not to take it personally. School has already begun for the human and her course load sounds very busy.

Raina's work with Dr. Snowden is going well, the asari though sometimes wants to turn to drinking to numb her pain but she has found some coping techniques that are working for her. She was saddened to hear yesterday that Dr. Snowden will soon retire. When Raina told her father she acted like it was no big deal, but she knew better. The human psychiatrist will be sorely missed. She did mention that an asari is taking over her practice. She suggested she sit in during one of Raina's sessions, she has not given her answer yet. Raina knows she will need to continue to work out her issues, maybe having an asari doctor will be better, only time will tell.

Little A announced at dinner last night that she and Rael will only be friends and even that will probably go away. He is just too busy with his life as she is busy with hers. Everyone just sat at looked at the young asari who shared the news with her chin out and jaw set. It wasn't until after dinner that Eva held her as she cried in her room.

Eva has learned a lot about her family this past summer. How well they stick together, how much they love each other. She has been spending a lot of time writing and journaling. She is very excited for school to start because she is actually taking a creative writing course. She is nervous however because in the course description it talked about how she would have to share her writing with the class.

Shepard and Liara seem a bit on edge lately. They don't realize their children have noticed. Miranda and Arelia stopped by recently to give them an update on what Oriana is doing. Last they heard her simulation said it was 100% effective at eradicating the RUST virus. Of course it could take years before human trials are allowed. This is just one hurdle, one very big hurdle.

The ex-Cerberus operative was insistent that Shepard figure out what to do about Blair or Blake whichever name you want to use. The retired Captain was a little put off by her insistence to say the least. She didn't give a reply because she doesn't know what she wants to do and why the hell is it up to her anyway? She and Liara are having lunch together, just the two of them at their favorite pasta restaurant to discuss it.

"Have you given any more thought about…"

"No I haven't," Shepard cuts her off. She lets out a sigh, "Sorry."

Liara squeezes her hand across the table and gives her a smile.

"I don't understand why it is up to me. I put this all behind me Liara. I don't want to deal with this shit anymore."

The asari more than understands. It has taken a long time for her bondmate to let go of things. "Have you discussed this with Dr. Snowden?"

"You're kidding right? No I haven't." Shepard takes a drink of water. "She's leaving Liara I can't tell her this stuff anymore, I mean what's the point?"

"I disagree Elly. Just because she is retiring does not mean you cannot still seek her advice until she is officially retired."

"And what exactly am I supposed to say? Hi Doc. So yeah remember the woman who drugged me and mind controlled me. Well she's back now and a friend of mine wants me to take care of her. Any suggestions?" her tone is very sarcastic.

"Perhaps not in those precise words Elly." Liara smiles at her hoping she will get her to smile back. It doesn't work.

They quiet down when the waitress sets down their plates of food. Shepard takes this time to gather herself. She is angry but she is not angry at her bondmate. After the waitress leaves she says, "I still think the Council should be notified. They have Spectres that can take her into custody."

"So you think they should move on her before a true cure is realized?" asks Liara.

"Well from the sounds of it, Oriana is already moving to the next phase whatever that is. It sounded like from Miranda that Blake is not really needed. She cannot stop the cure now so why not move on her."

Liara looks away.

"What?"

"I would not underestimate her Elly. If she wants to stop Oriana's progress I believe she will."

"But why would she?"

"Perhaps she is interested in controlling the cure in a way we have not thought about. Perhaps it is the power that motivates her."

"But if she is sick like Oriana thinks she is, she will need it just as badly as everyone else."

"That is true; however she does seem to have a backup plan for every backup plan. I just don't think it is wise to underestimate what she is clearly capable of." Liara studies the human. "Is this more about her helping you? Are you not sure that she should be brought to justice?"

This is why it is hard for Shepard. Blake let her go. She did help her. Yes it was her fault that Shepard was in that facility in the first place, but when the human scientist could have had her way with Shepard she didn't, she showed kindness and she let her go.

"No I think she should, I am just not convinced that I need to be the one who brings her to justice."

Shepard knows she needs to be punished, of course she does but she does not necessarily agree with what Miranda wants, her dead. What was it she said, ah yes, her head on a platter. Somehow Shepard does not think Miranda was being metaphorical. But shouldn't she take down the woman after what she was put through? After what her family was put through? Shepard's fighting days are over….aren't they?

After a few minutes of silence Liara asks, "What are you going to do?"

"I have no idea."


EARTH

"Is he ready?" asks Dr. Blair Sadler. She is at the private clinic that is caring for Dr. Cochran.

"Yes Doctor."

"Good, leave us."

The Doctor does as she says Dr. Sadler owns the place after all and runs it as well.

Another doctor walks in. "Hi gorgeous."

Blair smiles at him, "Nice disguise Cooper."

"Now now, I am Dr. Stevens remember?" he teases through his thick glasses and fake moustache. "What do you think? Should I grow one for real?"

"No."

He nudges her in the side as he passes. Cooper is in a very good mood today. Today he gets to watch history in progress.

"I wouldn't get too excited Coop," she says, "this is just a preliminary test."

"I know. But if it works we can bypass some phases and get this on the market." He rubs his hands together in anticipation.

She is also excited but is trying to keep her calm. Dr. Lawson and Dr. Grossman have broken through, their simulation showed RUST completely eradicated. The doctors did not even need the additional scientists that she suggested join the team. Without letting either of them know, Blair has taken a sample and is about to inject it into Dr. Cochran's IV.

He is unconscious but agreed to it when Dr. Sadler told him how close the two doctors were. His condition is fast deteriorating and though this will most likely not cure him, it should be a good field test to see what will happen.

"You ready?" asks Cooper.

Blair didn't realize that she has been staring at the syringe in her hand for the past few minutes. She looks up at Cooper.

"Hey." He grabs her shoulders and gives them a squeeze with both hands. "Whatever happens, you will be just fine."

She doesn't believe him but loves him nonetheless for saying it. She inserts the syringe into Dr. Cochran's IV and pushes in the plunger. She lets out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. "Now we wait."


THESSIA

Eva and Little A are outside enjoying the slight breeze on a warm summer day. Mia joins them dropping her gear bag and slumping to the grass with a grunt.

"You okay?" asks Eva.

Without lifting her head Mia replies, "Tired."

"You are working too hard," says Little A.

"Do you have to go back later?" asks Eva.

Both sisters look at each other then look at Mia who is sprawled face down on the grass. Eva gets out of the Adirondack chair and kneels down, "Mia?" She lightly touches her shoulder. She looks up at her younger sister and smiles, "She's sleeping."

"We should cover her or something, she could burn," says Little A.

"I have a better idea." Eva stands up. She stands with her feet shoulder width apart.

"Uh…what are you doing?"

"Want to help?"

Little A's eyes go wide, "You're going to move her?"

"Well to the couch inside at least, why not?"

Little A is game. She nearly laughs when she runs to the sliding glass door and opens it. She quickly looks at the couch to see if she needs to move anything, she doesn't. She returns to Eva who is positioned by Mia's waist.

"You sure about this?" asks Little A.

"I see Mom and Dad do it all of the time, it can't be that hard."

"Well she is heavier than a rock Eva."

"That's why you are going to help me."

"Okay but if we drop her it's your fault."

Eva rolls her eyes, "Chicken." The asari rubs her hands together then inhales and exhales. Beautiful blue light dances around each hand. The light grows and grows.

Little A does the same thing. The blue light from both of them envelope Mia's sleeping form.

They both start to lift. Little A was right; Mia is heavier than a rock. Eva breaks a sweat and Mia is barely off the ground. Then as if on cue the weight seems to get lighter. Eva looks beyond Mia and sees Raina. She is helping. Mia is hovering about a foot off the ground now, she is still face down. All three sisters work together and slowly move her inside.

"Flip her," says Raina.

Eva and Little A are getting tired but they work with their big sister to turn Mia. It is pretty tempting to poke her as she turns midair. They slowly set her on the couch. The blue light dissipates leaving three asari breathing heavily.

"We did it," says Little A as she takes a knee, her body is shaking.

"Great job you guys," says Eva. She pats Little A on the shoulder.

Raina grabs them all water and hands them out.

"Thanks Raina for your help, how did you know? Oh wait…never mind." Eva laughs.

Raina checks on Mia to make sure she is okay. "She is pushing herself too hard."

"That's what I said," says Little A.

"Does she have to return to practice after lunch?"

"Don't know," says Eva, "I asked but she never answered."

"Maybe we should check her bag," says Raina.

"I'll get it." Eva runs out and grabs the bag and brings it into the kitchen where they all sit around the kitchen table. She sets the bag on the table.

"Maybe we shouldn't look, I mean there could be private things inside," says Little A.

Raina checks the surface of the refrigerator then her omni-tool. "Well I don't have her schedule. If she is supposed to be somewhere this afternoon we have to wake her up."

"That's a good reason," says Eva all too happy to open Mia's bag and start searching for clues. She finds a change of clothes a couple of water bottles, different shoes and that's it. "Nothing about her schedule." She feels something weird with her hand, she pulls it out. "What is this?"

It's a small container, the size of her palm. Eva opens it. "Pills?"

She shows the open container to Raina and Little A.

"That doesn't mean anything," says Raina, "let's not jump to conclusions."

"Yeah," says Little A, "if they are pills to give her energy she needs to get her credits back." She laughs at her own joke. Her sisters look at her. "What? Don't you get it? It was funny."

"Not really," says Eva.

Little A makes a face at her.

"We could always call Mom she probably knows her schedule," says Eva.

"I say we let her sleep," says Raina. "She is obviously exhausted and needs to rest."

"I know…" Little A quickly leaves and heads upstairs.

"Something we said?" asks Eva as she smiles. She looks at Raina. Her older sister still looks sad. She knows it is because she misses Abby. "You okay Raina?"

Raina looks at her, "I will be fine Eva thank you."

Eva knows that tone. It is the thanks for asking but don't ask again tone. She continues anyway. "Maybe you should call her."

"She is busy Eva I don't want to bother her."

"You're her friend Raina; I hardly think she will think it is a bother."

"If she had time to talk to me she would contact me."

"Oh my Goddess Raina you are so stubborn!"

Raina is about to respond when Little A comes barreling down the stairs with something in her hand.

"What are you doing?" asks Eva.

"I say we write on her!" She holds up markers.

Raina stifles a laugh while Eva grabs one and says "Okay."

"Wait wait," says Raina. "We really shouldn't do that."

"I saw her schedule upstairs, she doesn't have practice this afternoon," says Little A. She uncaps her marker and heads toward Mia.

"Now hold on a minute," says Raina trying to be the adult of the group. "How do you think she is going to feel when she wakes up with marker all over her?"

Little A and Eva look at each other then both look at Raina and shrug their shoulders.

"Well what if we did it to you, how would you feel?" Raina knows she is grasping at straws.

Little A caps her marker and walks toward Raina. She holds up another marker out to her and says, "It's called having fun Raina you should try it sometime."

Raina grabs the marker and gives her youngest sister a smirk.

Little A again moves toward Mia, "I got the face."

"I'll take her arm," says Eva.

Raina just stands their dumbfounded. She wants to stop them yet on the other hand she wants to write on Mia too. I mean it is all in good fun right?

Little A starts on her cheek bones drawing lines that almost look like war paint. Eva draws a pretty flower on Mia's forearm. They are both amazed that the asari doesn't even stir. Raina slowly approaches. "Will it come off?"

"Of course it comes off," says Little A. She winks at Eva. What she leaves out is that it will probably take multiple showers.

Raina uncaps her marker and tentatively draws a line on Mia's shin. She draws a circle around her knee then colors it in.

"What is it?" asks Eva after she puts more detailing around the flower.

"A balloon."

They all start to laugh which make Mia stir a little then they all freeze. Mia scratches at her face then turns onto her side facing away from them. They all back up and cover their laughs so as not to wake her.

"Well I guess that's done," says Eva since the only exposed part of Mia is one calf.

"Probably better that way anyway," says Raina.

"You need to lighten up Raina," says Little A. "You are far too young to be so serious all of the time. She gathers up the markers from her sisters.

"I do not think I am too serious."

Both younger sisters roll their eyes. "Okay whatever you say."

Little A is right and Raina knows it. She feels things too deeply, takes things too personally but she doesn't know how not to do that. She does need to lighten up but she doesn't know how to do that without drinking. Drinking allowed her to let go, to be free, to stop thinking of the gloom and doom that seems to constantly bombard her. "How?"

Her sisters are back at the kitchen table getting ready to play a game. They didn't hear Raina so she asks again, "How?"

"What?" asks Little A.

"How? How do I take things less seriously?"

They both look at each other then they look at Raina. Little A stands up and pulls out a kitchen chair. "Sit."

Raina sits.

Little A sits down next to her while Eva is across from them. "You need to smile more Raina. You have been moping around here ever since Abby left."

Raina looks down at her hands.

"Stop that." Little A swats at her hands. "Look at me, look at us. We are here. You need to live in the moment. Stop thinking about what could be or should be and live in the here and now."

Though Raina was much like Little A at her age, wise beyond her years, it still throws her from time to time.

"Yeah," says Eva, "what she said. And if you want to talk to her Raina then call her. Don't make up weird games in your mind about why she is not calling you. If you want to talk to her then call her."

"When was the last time you called Lacy?" asks Little A.

Raina thinks. "I…I am not sure."

"Too long if you ask me. She is a really good friend Raina. You need to call her. She can help with your loneliness." The youngest asari looks to Eva, "Not what I meant."

Eva smiles. "See the beauty in the every day."

Now Little A and Raina look at Eva and simultaneously say, "What?"

Eva rolls her eyes. "You know Little A is not the only one that can be wise."

"Apparently I am."

"Ha ha."

Raina smiles.

"See there!" Little A points at her.

Raina looks behind her thinking maybe Mia woke up. She looks back at her sisters, "What?"

"You smiled. You need to do more of that."

"You want to play with us?" asks Eva.

"Sure."

"Loser has to take the blame for writing on Mia," says Little A with a sly grin that is very much like their father's.

"Thems are pretty high stakes," says Eva.

"What do you say Raina? Are you in?"

Raina looks between her sisters. Goddess she loves them. "I'm in."