Chapter 6
As the shuttle we had boarded began its journey toward the Minuteman Station, where a good chunk of Cerebus' operatives were based, I found myself feeling slightly numb. The research station had been the place I had been "born again" and yet nearly everything and everyone within it had been destroyed. It seemed with Shepard now up and about, the station had no further use.
What perfect timing to kill everyone Wilson...
I had found myself in a seat beside the commander with Randa across from me and Jacob diagonally. I was staring out the only window in the shuttle compartment, trying to come to grips with all that had happened. I could hear the others talking. Randa was doing one of her infamous tests and making sure that Shepard's personality and memories were intact. She had done a similar test to me when I had woken up. However, mine had been a little more difficult. Before the box that activated my now wealthy status and gave me back my dad's old ring, all she had to go based on were some archives that were held in her family records and some old videos that had been recorded of me. Old home movies from various moments in my life just before I had gotten sick. They had been converted to a newer format as time went by and were available as a matter of public record among trillions of other such vids. Available for research and study in the life of a random human woman at the turn of the 21st century...
The time passed as the shuttle made its way to the Minuteman Station; their voices were like background noise to me. All I could hear was the sound of my own steady heartbeat. I was so dazed I didn't realize that someone was calling my name. I blinked and looked at the others, my eyes focusing on Jacob since it was his voice that finally registered with my thoughts. "I'm sorry, did you say something?"
"Are you OK, El?" he asked, the look on his face was one of slight worry. "You've been a little quiet... This was all a bit much for you, wasn't it?"
I could only nod as my emotions began to get the better of me. "It's one thing to train for it... but to experience it is a whole different matter."
"You did well," said Shepard and I glanced at her in surprise. "For your first real combat, you have a natural instinct in looking out for your teammates. That's a big help." She had actually smiled at me and I couldn't help the happiness that welled up in me. "With more training and experience, you'll be fine."
"If she ever learns to follow orders," said Randa, throwing in her two cents but she was smiling at me when I turned my glare her way.
"I'll take your word for it," was all I said in response to Shepard as I looked back out the window. The station was nearing. I couldn't wait to take a long, warm shower...
-o-
Showers were wonderful things.
The water falling over you, massaging each milometer of skin. Washing away the dirt, the grime, the sweat, and the tears. I was in the shower for well over an hour before I felt clean enough. I had gotten out, dried myself off, and went into my room. I had gotten dressed in a pair of comfortable flared black jeans and a sleeveless red blouse with a low neckline. It had taken a lot of pleading to Randa, a lot of strings to pull, but she had managed to find a company that specialized in making vintage, turn-of the-21st century clothing. They knew how to make clothes from my time period. She had ordered some clothing for me since price was no longer an issue. I had been so ecstatic when she had surprised me with my new wardrobe; I had nearly knocked her over in my haste to hug her. The smile on her face had been a fond one.
To have clothes I was used to made a huge difference in during my stay at the station. I was comfortable in jeans and in a blouse. The fashion in this new time was not something I felt comfortable in. No matter how well-adjusted and supportive the clothes were to your form, my form was not meant to look decent in those clothes. Everyone seemed to be on the slender or skinny side of the scale. Unless you were of a particular alien descent where bulk was your default, the majority of the people in this time were slender to a degree so the fashion keyed in toward that mass.
I was on the thick side for a human female. That was how I had died and how I was frozen. Fat cells didn't go away if you had no way to work it off. I was, more or less, in the same shape I was before the car accident despite, the corrective procedures used on me during the reanimation process.
I was thick.
Not slender. Not pleasantly curvy.
Thick.
Despite my training with Randa over the past year, the most I had lost was about fifteen pounds. I would feel I was genetically dispositioned to keep that thickness despite the exercise and dieting. It must have been a hereditary advantage at the time for my lineage and it was something that had carried on. In fact, I was actually considered thin for an average woman of my age and ethnicity in my time frame. I did not have a problem with it. I was in good health at the time before I had gotten sick.
170 years later, I was having a problem.
People were staring.
They were staring at me as an oddity, as if I were a new kind of alien they had not come across before. I had even had a few people question me if I was human. That was the last straw. If people were going to stare at me and question me, I'd rather it be in something I felt comfortable in. At least if they looked at me they would assume I was some crazy fanatic of the early 21st century. They would think I had deliberately put on the weight and it made it less awkward. Sure, they thought I was crazy but I could deal with that. So, I had clothing that consisted of a majority of jeans, some khaki capris, and a variety of t-shirts and blouses. Aside from the footwear of this time, I looked like a living, breathing relic of the 2010's.
And I was happy with it.
It was a rare time when you would find me in clothing from this time and it was only during an emergency. Like during the mech attack on the research station. I had been in a skin-tight, black and white jumpsuit of Cerberus issue with accompanying armor. It had been because of the situation at hand but now that I was back on the Minuteman Station, where I had lived the last 6 months, I was going to be comfortable. Who would have thought going with Randa on a joy ride to visit Shepard would have turned into a fight for my life?
After the shower and dressing quickly, I made my way from my room, through the corridors that led from the staff wing, and back toward the docking station where I was sure the others were. There was going to be a mission lined up, one that I was not going to be a part of, but one in which Randa would be. I wanted to say my goodbyes and wish them luck. I had more training to get in and more studying to do for my medical exams. Working as an intern for Dr. Chakwas had been interesting to say the least.
The moment I arrived in the docking area, I caught sight of Shepard speaking with Randa by one of the computer terminals. As I was nearing, I could hear the tension in Randa's voice as she turned back to the console in front of her. "...got an assignment. We can talk about it or we can do it."
"Is everything OK?" I asked as I drew up close to them and looked at the both of them. Randa looked at me, the frustration clear on her face, before her gaze moved over my outfit. The frustration had given way to mirth as a smile touched her lips. She had always found my taste in clothing amusing. Well, she could go fuck herself. I was comfortable.
"We were just discussing a few things," she said as she looked back at the computer screen and continued to type. "How are you feeling, El?"
"Better," I said, folding my arms beneath my breasts. "A shower is a therapeutic and much needed experience."
"What are you wearing?" was the first question Shepard directed my way. I glanced at her and I could see the confusion on her face as she looked at my black jeans and red blouse. Apparently, she had never come across 2015 style of clothing before. At least not my taste in clothing from that time, which was based loosely from the Flower Child period of the 1960's.
"Something comfortable," I said in reply as I allowed a smile to touch my lips. "I may have been brought back to life in 2184 but mentally I am still in 2015. I go with what I know well."
"You did mention that you were part of the Lazarus Project," she said, her eyes taking on a spark of curiosity. "Did you have some time to talk? We have a few moments before we get dispatched on a mission."
I glanced at Randa, who looked at me and gave a smile but said nothing in response. This was clearly all me. Shepard was curious about me and I was sure as hell curious about her. Now was as good a time as any.
"I do," I said and beckoned her to follow me toward one of the rows of seats that lined the docking station. It was far away enough from prying ears but still within visual sight of Randa, who liked to keep a close eye on me.
Shepard followed after me as I went to take a seat closest to the window that overlooked the nearby star and planet the station was orbiting. I heard her sit down in the seat right beside me and I looked at her with a welcome smile. "So, what's on your mind?"
"A lot," she said in reply, the look in her eyes were thoughtful before she focused her gaze on mine. "I'm curious about you though, Moreno. You're strange but you've been honest with me from the moment I met you." She took in a breath and shifted slightly in her seat, her armor creaking from the movement. "You said you were one of ten experiments in the Lazarus Project that had been used to test the reanimation process. You were only one to survive." She hesitated a moment before she looked out the window and continued on. "You walk, talk, and act like a woman completely out-of-place. Hell, you even dress the part. I have little doubt you are who you say you are. I have so many questions for you but the only one that comes to mind is... Well... Why did you call me your niece back there?" She turned her eyes back toward me. I could see the disbelief but I could also see a hint of hope. Was she hoping that she had a living family member? Oh goddess...
I took in breath and reached out to take her gloved hand in my own. She didn't pull away from my touch and I was thankful. She trusted me enough to allow the physical contact. "The goddess willing... It was just a series of events of knowing the right people at the right time. It set the universe in just a way where it brought about a number of actions that ensured that I would be able to sit here and speak with you myself." I sighed and shook my head. "I call you my niece out of respect. Had things gone the way I had planned and dreamed, you would have been my descendant instead..."
So, I had given her a brief explanation about who I was, when I had been born, when I had died, and the circumstances to which brought me here before her. She listened intently and, though I knew she doubted my words, she was still willing to listen. I gave her access to my records from the data on my omni-tool. I had advised her to not take my word alone for it and research everything herself. It was there. I had nothing to hide.
Shepard had sighed at the end of it and gave a nod. "You gave me a lot to think about." She swallowed and looked away. "I'll check it out on my downtime but... I do want you to know I trust you. More than anyone here so far." She glanced at me then and allowed a small smile to show. "You were there for me the moment I opened my eyes. You looked out for me, watched my back, and had been honest and open with me the entire way. That means a lot. I need people I trust by my side and you are someone I feel I can trust. If things check out as you say, given time... I think it will be nice to know I have a family member to call my own."
I let out a soft laugh and gave a nod in agreement. "I'll look forward to that day."
Shepard smiled before she glanced over at Miranda, who was speaking with Jacob. They were looking to get ready; their weapons were getting a checkup. She looked at me, her eyes studying me as she reached up to brush away a lock of short, auburn hair from her eyes. "Are you coming with us to Freedom's Progress? I could use you to watch my back."
I smiled at this and shook my head. "It was a fluke that I was there on the station when that hell had broken loose. I'm not one to play soldier. Though I have training for those emergency situations, my experience leans toward patching the soldiers up in between the battles." I gave her hand a squeeze before I let it go. "I'll be here brushing up on some studying and training. When the medical bay needs some help to patch you up, I'll be sure to get you and your team taken care of."
She started to laugh and then she nodded. "Sounds fair. But one way or another, I'm going to get you more field training. I'll have you out there by my side soon enough."
"I'll... try to look forward to that," I said with a laugh as we both stood up and smiled at each other.
It was a start for the both of us but it was looking to be a very good start.
-o-
Training and studying resumed for me and I was soon buried in page after page of medical data. Time was funny on a space station, especially when you were hopping from one system to another. I was just beginning to get used to not worrying about pacific, mountain, central or eastern time zones. Now, it was simply a universal clock that was used for all stations and ships, which was normally a 24 hour Earth period. When you were on a planet, then you would adjust yourself to the time frame of that place. It was too much for me to focus on and instead I adjusted my internal clock as needed.
At this time, it had been over four days since I said goodbye to Randa and Shepard before they headed on their new mission to investigate a colony that had its inhabitants go missing. While I am sure very little time had passed for them while traveling, the hours on this station dragged by. During that time, I was familiarizing myself with my most recent study log about Turian anatomy. It was my current field of study once I had conquered asari, quarian, drell and salarian anatomy and medical care. I had not broached the subject of krogan anatomy yet due the sheer volume of research it consisted. I have to say, aliens had brought the medical field into a whole new ball game. My respect for the doctors that handled these people had grown to the point of awe. Needless to say, I was very humbled by the fact that Dr. Karin Chakwas had taken me under her wing and was teaching me all she knew.
I was so focused on my studies it was a surprise when I was notified of a guest at my door by the synthesized voice of the computer that kept an eye on me. I called out to whomever that the door was open. I was hardly ever bothered by anyone outside of those who knew me. My only frequent guests were Randa, Jake, Joker, or my mentor, so it was little surprise when I heard the doctor's familiar voice once the door to my room opened.
"Busy studying?" Dr. Chakwas asked as she walked in, a pleased smile on her face. "It's always good to see you so focused."
"Hey there Dr. Hacksaw," I said, my eyes focused on the text before me. I was reading on a particular paragraph that went over a particular part of a male Turian's anatomy. I waved at her sit to down in the empty chair by my desk as I cast a glance her way before looking back at my screen. "What brings you around so soon? I thought you weren't testing me for another month."
The doctor didn't even bat an eyelash at my butchering her name and simply sat down in the chair across from me. "You're right, I'm not. However, there's been a change in plans and we're going to need you fit for duty."
This time I did focus my attention on her, my gaze flicking to hers, as I turned slightly away from the screen. "I thought I was only here for back up."
That had been the plan. I would stay safe and sound on the station while the doctor manned the medical bay of the new ship. There weren't going to be many people on Shepard's team and those that were would be more experienced than me. I wouldn't be on the ship; I knew the risk I caused from my lack of experience. I would be more of a hindrance, not an aid. Randa and I had talked about it and we felt it best that I stay out of harm's way and be there to help when absolutely needed.
"Apparently, Commander Shepard is adamant in keeping you on hand with the rest of us. When Miranda had argued against it Shepard had told her, and I quote, 'I need people I trust on my team. Moreno earned that trust the moment she helped me. She stays.'" There was such a pleased smile on her face. I had no idea the doctor could even smile like that. "So, Miranda had made it clear you would be continuing your studies on board the new ship but with on field experience to add under your belt. That is why I am here. The Commander will be expecting you on board with the rest of us."
"I... but..." I couldn't think of a single thing to say. I was so dumbfounded by all that she had said. Shepard really wanted me with her? Did she really believe me? It was more than I ever could have dreamed. I'm sure she didn't believe everything but she trusted me enough. That was all I had hoped for. I looked at the doctor and shook my head. "What do I do?"
"I was going to suggest you get your things together but Joker had asked me to tell you to meet him at the docking station. I'm here to help get your things in order while you do that."
I couldn't help the excited smile that appeared on my face as I practically jumped up from my chair. "Joker's here? Seriously?" I was about to run out the door when my manners got the best of me and I turned around to look at the doctor. "Are you sure? I don't have much but I don't want to inconvenience you..."
Dr. Chakwas laughed as she got up from her chair and waved me off. "Go and meet your nephew. I'll have some of your clothes packed for you and I'll meet you on the ship."
I couldn't help the squeal that escaped me as I ran over to the doctor and wrapped her up in a tight hug. "You're the best doctor ever!" I said as I squeezed her before pulling away from her and running out the door. I could hear her laughing behind me and I couldn't help the smile that touched my lips. I swear that woman was too sweet for her own good.
-o-
I was out of breath by the time I made it to the docking station, having run the entire way. I must have looked like a lunatic but I didn't care. My nephew was here. I had stopped about halfway into the large area, my eyes scanning the rows of empty seats and computer terminals, before I caught sight of him standing beside the armored form of Commander Shepard. They were standing by one of the windows that looked out over the docking bays.
He was talking to Shepard, a familiarity that struck a case of nostalgia with me. Here were two descendants of two of my family members. I think that even if I wasn't here to witness it myself, they would have still been standing here side by side. A testament to a friendship that went deeper than anything.
I could hear Joker as he spoke to Shepard, his capped head shaking once. "I don't trust anyone who makes more than I do. But they aren't all that bad. Saved your life, let me fly-"
I was practically feeling giddy by this time and let out a whoop and holler, waving frantically to the man who meant everything to me in blood and family. "Baby nephew!"
He turned his head at the sound of my voice and a bright smile touched his bearded lips the moment he caught sight of me. "...aannd brought back a member of my family I couldn't imagine being without," he said to Shepard before he turned to face me and held out his arms in welcome. "Hey, ya old hag! I was wondering when you'd show up!"
I laughed and didn't hesitate to rush over to him. The moment his arms were around me, I smothered his bearded cheek with kisses and nuzzled the hell out of him. Due to his disease, I was never one to instigate the hugs; however I sure as hell could smother him with all of the familial kisses I wanted. It had been a long road to get to this point, to make him see that I was not going anywhere, to have him finally trust me. The day when he had first opened his arms to me for a hug, I had broken down crying in disbelief and gratitude. That had been two months ago and I savored each and every hug he offered me.
"Wait a minute," said Shepard, the tone of her voice bordering in disbelief and amusement. "You mean you two are actually related?"
Joker pulled away from me but kept an arm around my shoulders as he gave the Commander a bright smile. "Commander, meet my great-aunt Estella. She's 200 years old but don't let her age fool you. She can still move well enough for an old fossil. The doc's been training her this past year. She's aced her EMT exams already so she can help the doc out with whatever. She'll make a great part of the team."
"I know who she is," said Shepard, a smile touching her lips as she focused her blue-gray eyes on me. "We met on the research station. She had watched my back in a situation where I had no idea what the hell was going on." She shifted her feet as she crossed her arms across her breasts. "So, a great-aunt huh?"
I was blushing slightly by this time but gave a nod in answer to the question. "Like I said before, it's too long of a story to get into. I gave you the highlights before you left, especially about my relationship with your ancestors. Je-fah-fah here is an actual descendant of mine. His bloodline can be traced all the way back to the loins of my little brother. A scary thought but one I am thankful to know."
Shepard blinked once and then twice, a stunned look on her face as she studied me. "Je-fah-fah?" She looked at Joker then, who simply rolled his eyes and shook his head. Apparently, that was the only part of my conversation that had come through as weird.
"He has an unneeded F in his name," I said by way of explanation and moved my hip to gently bump against his. He laughed and bumped me right back before pulling me in for a closer hug.
Shepard had watched our exchange and then a smile touched her lips. "I'm glad I won't be separating you two then. We'll need all the humor we can for this mission. Having you two aboard should make things interesting." There it was. I could see it in her eyes. She was hoping for something good to happen with us together. Oh boy, was she gonna be in for a treat.
Joker must have thought along the same lines because he had glanced at me and gave such a mischievous smile, his several times great-grandfather would have been proud. "Well, since the Commander is all for it, why don't we show her the ship?"
