Vaay's awakening was slow, and sluggish. Still feeling quite groggy after her sleep. The lights were still off throughout the cargo hold, which surprised her as usually it was the lights that forced her into waking. Gradually, the Asari dragged her right hand off the metal floor. Pulling her forearm to look at the time.
2:40
Her arm dropped back down, letting out a content sigh as she thought there were many hours till morning. Until she thought about the night before, thinking about just when she had arrived back to the ship.
That can't be…
Once again, she dragged her arm up, squinting her eyes at the display for a second before reading the two small letters at the end of the time
p.m
Fuck.
She pushed herself up, tossing the blanket to the end of her cot as she got up. Having fallen asleep in her armor, she was ready to go. Looking around, she realized that the room was quite absent of anyone else. Not even the guards were present.
The Asari got up as the amount of time that had passed truly dawned on her. Rushing herself over to the elevator and heading up to the mess hall. Relieved to find no one present, swiftly chugging a full bottle of water. Regretting the act as soon as it was done, her empty stomach voicing its complaints at the stark change. Afterwards, Vaay would double check that she was alone. Then proceeding to open the half full milk that was in the fridge, and carefully pouring the milk into the now empty bottle till a third of it was full.
How am I going to hide this…
Helyt wasn't enjoying just how often she found herself asking that question. Shaking her head free of the self doubt and setting the milk back in the fridge. Putting a credit chit down in front of the milk before closing the door to the fridge.
"Miss Helyt?"
The voice of the Doctor made Helyt jump, quickly hiding the bottle behind her as she turned to face Chakwas. Both hands held behind her and standing at attention. Chakwas found it difficult it keep the amusement on he face from showing. Her left eyebrow raising as she smirked.
"Yes, Doctor Chakwas?"
"Whenever you've had your breakfast, I need someone to escort me to the Colony."
"Oh, I just need to grab my rifle and we can-" Chakwas held a hand up, stopping the Asari mid sentence. The Doctor simply shaking her head.
"Eat something first, I know you just got up. I can turn that into an order." The comment was made in jest, but something about the Doctor made Vaay believe she would back it up. Giving a short nod before turning back to the fridge, careful to keep the bottle out of sight till the Doctor was back in the med bay. The Asari hurried to eat, going back down to cargo to retrieve her weapon once finished.
The Asari found herself in a bit of a conundrum on how to bring the bottle with her. Finally, she ended up digging into her duffel bag. Pulling out a black sash that had white trim along the edges, sighing quietly to herself before slinging it around her right shoulder and down to her left hip. Pinning the cloth neatly into place before trying to hide the bottle inside of it. Finding success only when she pulled the cloth tight against her armor, hiding the bottle in the back portion of it.
Just a sash, nothing suspicious…
Except for the fact you haven't worn this around them.
Or that there's a bottle in the back of it.
Once again she'd shake the doubtful thoughts from her mind. Heading up the elevator with her rifle in hand. Chakwas made no comment on the sash, but certainly noticed it from the long look she gave it. The two having a quiet walk to the colony.
Upon arrival, Helyt realized why the guards weren't present at the ship. Pretty much everyone from the ship's guard was at the colony, except Kaidan and the handful that remained dedicated to the CIC. The Exogeni employees and guards all present, the scientists free to walk about, some attempting to bring the water back up to a functional level. Those without the knowledge to aid were speaking with the now awoken colonists. The guards and Ethan Jeong however, were all in handcuffs. All sitting with their backs against the wall. Two Alliance soldiers standing guard over them. Wrex paced back and forth in front of the prisoners, almost daring any one of them to try something.
Shiala was doing what she could to aid them, but lacked medical experience to truly help them. Chakwas departed from her escort, tending to the weary and confused colonists. Shiala was quite relieved to have a Doctor to guide the process.
It wasn't much more than a few steps before Vaay froze, seeing the once blocked passage completely open. The bent door free of any crates that had blocked it. Tali, Liara and Williams all
standing at the door like they were waiting for someone. The Asari would take a few, slow breaths, trying to ease her heart rate before walking forward to join the group. Looking at Tali first before looking at the other two.
"What's going on?"
The attention of all three would momentarily turn to Vaay as she spoke. Williams spoke up before the others.
"The Commander found the door this morning behind a bunch of crates. Now he and Garrus are checking it for Geth."
A pause took over the group as the four turned their attention to the darkened hallway. The silence was broken again by Vaay hesitantly speaking up again.
"Have they found anything…?"
"Not yet, they've been in there for a while though."
A loud clearing of someone's throat pulled Vaay's attention behind her. Seeing the Batarian on the far side of the colony, sitting next to the door that led to the garage. The slightest nod of his head cluing her in to walking over to him. Stopping next to him with her left arm crossed over the rifle that was held in her hand.
"Yes?"
Vaay did her best to sound confident, unsure if the ruse worked on Iromak. His helmet gave nothing away to the Asari.
"Nice sash. What's in it?"
"I… None of your business."
Iromak scoffed lightly, shaking his head at her comment before following it up with another question.
"Looking for your helmet?"
There was a silent stand off between the two, Helyt not wanting to answer his question, while simultaneously knowing he already knew the answer. The Asari only shook her head and rolled her eyes, turning to face the colony. "What does it matter to you?"
"Well, I thought I saw your helmet back there last night. If it isn't, then I guess I'll hand it off to John… unless…"
Iromak let the statement hang, turning his head up focusing his attention onto the Asari. The silence held between the two for several seconds. Vaay couldn't even speak the words. Letting a soft sigh out before giving him a nod. Iromak let the silence sit for a minute, eventually slapping his hands onto his knees and pushing himself into a standing position. The groan he gave out as he did made it seem like a hefty task.
"Come on."
Shepard and Garrus ducked through the broken door that entered into the colony. They had found a few, mostly empty rooms, some of the first ones seeming to be storage for the colony. Several dead Varren were found further down the path, close to the exit leading to the underbelly of the bridge. From the condition of the remains, it was easy to tell a Krogan had gotten attacked by a pack of the creatures, the Krogan coming out on top in the fight.
Wrex hadn't been sent down the tunnel at any point, so Shepard was fairly certain it had been the one from the tower. He at least hoped it had been, as a lone, wandering Krogan could cause a fair bit of damage. He gave Liara the go ahead to start searching the rooms, Williams following in tow for protection. As a precaution, Shepard sent Wrex to patrol around the area that Liara would be searching. Just in case any other Krogans were wandering around down there, Garrus took Wrex's spot guarding the Exogeni mercenaries.
Shepard didn't find himself without a task for long though. His omni tool was the first to queue him, the several rapid beeps telling him that Pressly was trying to get into touch with him. Before he could look at it, he was approached by Tali, already knowing that she was hoping to go back down to the surface of the planet.
Once he confirmed with her that the plan was still in place for today, he turned to open his omni tool. Only to be interrupted by Doctor Chakwas as he was opening the message.
"Commander, I finished the autopsy."
"Thank you, Doctor. I just need the relevant information for next of kin."
"I… think we need to discuss something, Commander."
Shepard turned his gaze from his omni tool, his eyebrows raising slightly in curiosity as the two exchanged a short, silent look.
"Alright, you can tell-"
The sound of Iromak clearing his throat from behind Tali caught John's attention. Taking a slow breath as he realized what type of day it was shaping up to be. He'd point a finger at Iromak before asking his question.
"Is it urgent?"
Iromak shook his head no at the question. Shepard nodded as he turned to the exit, starting towards the Normandy as he spoke.
"Iromak, I'll get to you when I'm not busy. Chakwas, tell me on the way to the ship. Tali, we'll head down to the surface after I talk with Pressly."
Tali nodded as she watched Shepard march off. Doctor Chakwas reading something from her omni tool to the Commander as they walked back.
"Tali."
Iromaks rough voice forced Tali to turn around. Finding the Batarian with his arms crossed. His top pair of eyes watching John, his bottom pair watching Tali.
"Could I have a word with you?"
Iromak stepped to the side, gesturing towards the hall that led towards the garage. Seeing Vaay standing quite sheepishly in the shadows, her arms wrapped around her helmet that was held upside-down. The helmet covered in the black sash she had been wearing earlier. Tali already knew what this was about.
"I… yeah…"
Throughout the brief walk to the Normandy, Chakwas elaborated on the autopsy she had performed on Fai Dan. Using her omni tool to show the Commander her findings. Fai Dan had been dead before the incident with the lone Geth. The Doctors only explanation for his placement was that his body had been moved there. The finding was not something that Shepard was exactly happy to find out, but it did mean that he would be ruling Geth out of his cause of death.
John's speculations on what had caused the death of Fai Dan would have to wait. As the Commander and the Doctor entered the Normandy, they were immediately greeted by Pressly. The CO immediately launched into a message that the Commander had received and a live call with Udina that had been waiting for some time now. Kaidan passed with a silent nod. The Alliance soldier was armed and armored, the shotgun in his hands pointed towards the ground. Keeping a slow patrol around the CIC, mainly focusing his attention on the airlock.
Shepard would have been aware of the call, but his tendency to ignore the political pain in the ass made him late for the sudden request to speak. Not that he would've given Udina the courtesy of being punctual in any case. Shepard took the message first, which had been sent to Pressly from the ship's previous captain. Two simple words.
Trojan Horse.
Shepard closed the message before giving a short nod of thanks to Pressly. Moving on to finally get to his chat with Udina in the comms room. He'd stop at the terminal before accepting the call. Rolling his shoulders back a few times before reaching forward and tapping a single button.
Udina appeared in front of him, first staring down at a bundle of papers he was holding. The ambassador's attention flicked up to the Commander. Shepard was surprised that he could see the vein popping out of the man's forehead from the simple hologram.
"Shepard! Do you know how long I have been waiting?!"
Shepard shook his head rather plainly. His lips pressed into a thin line as he watched the ambassador.
"No… ten… twenty minutes?"
"An hour and a half."
Udina spoke through gritted teeth, glaring at the Commander with fiery eyes. Shepard clasped his hands together, a smirk slipping onto his lips.
"Ah, shame. Taking care of a colony. So my hands were tied. How may I help?"
"You'll start by telling me why the data storage you brought to me had been accessed beforehand."
"Were the contents of the device accessed?"
"How would I know that?! I was told it was opened up, and that you requested the blueprints for it. So, you tell me, were the contents of the device accessed?"
Shepard scoffed, shaking his head to himself. Struggling to keep himself from walking out of the room.
"This is what you pulled me here for? No, they weren't. Now if you don't mind, I've got-"
The sound of Udina's papers hitting a table out of Shepards sight surprised him. Surprised to see such a level of anger from the Ambassador.
"I do mind, Commander. I think you'd do well to show me at least a modicum of respect. You didn't get to take that ship because you're a Spectre. I got you that ship, and I could have it right out of your hands again."
"Please do, I'm quite certain that the crew would love to have Anderson back at the helm. You and I both know there's only a handful of people that the Alliance would trust with this ship. Without Anderson or myself, your options are limited."
"I doubt-"
"Ambassador?"
The interruption was clearly not welcomed as Udina glared at Shepard, waiting for him to continue. The Commander beginning to pace back and forth slowly, his hands folded behind him.
"Do you understand the lengths the Council will go to prevent the development of A.I.?"
"I don't-"
"I've recently been having a… conflict of opinions, with myself."
Shepard turned his head to face Udina, continuing to pace back and forth in front of the hologram. His face was blank as a rock.
"You see, I've been a member of the Alliance's Navy for a few years now. And I'd like to say I'm dedicated to it. Sometimes though, I wonder if everything I have been ordered to do has been… in line… with the Council's laws."
Udina's glare only sharpened. The Ambassador squinting at the Commander with a slight sneer developing. Shepard quickly shrugged his own comment away, folding his arms across his chest.
"I suppose I won't know… unless I decide to randomly poke through the long, complex and rather stringent regulations they have…"
Shepard let the silence hang, staring at Udina as he waited for an answer. The Commanders left eyebrow lifting slightly as he spoke up again.
"So? Ambassador, should I look through, see how many I can tally off?"
Finally, Udina responded as he shook his head.
"No, I think you'll be fine."
With that, Udina disconnected. Shepard took a long, deep breath to calm himself. Turning away from the console once he had calmed himself. Walking back through the ship so he could return to the colony. Rubbing his throat slowly as he left.
Fucking politics.
The airlock opened before Shepard reached it. Williams and Liara walking through the open door. The Asari Doctor carried a few rusted trinkets along with a small, rather degraded box. Liara went to the pilot who was quietly flipping through a magazine, starting to show him the few bobbles that had been found from her scrounging. Joker seemed quite interested in what she had to show, which surprised Shepard, till the Commander realized that Joker never really got to see the places they went if it wasn't safe. Williams departed from Liara's side as they entered, instead she went to intercept the Commander on his way to the airlock. The Gunnery gave her Commander a quick salute, which Shepard quickly waved down.
"Commander, I thought you were still at the colony. Is something going on?"
"Nothing important. Udina just being a pain as usual. Did Liara find something?"
Williams nodded, turning around to see the Asari holding a rather well preserved piece of metal. Three thin tubes spiraling out in different directions from one central point, and meeting once more to create a hollow sphere. A short point sitting on one end of the ball. It was small enough to fit neatly in the palm of the Asari's hand. Showing it to the pilot with curiosity.
"Yeah, a couple things. I don't know what any of it is. I'm not actually certain she does either."
Shepard gave a short nod to the Pilot and Doctor as he went into the airlock, Williams following in behind him.
"Do you have to deal with that a lot? Political stuff I mean. I always thought that a Commander was more navy sided."
Shepard shook his head at the question. Reaching to unhook his rifle from his back, letting unfold before reaching to open the door.
"No, it only started with the whole Spectre thing. I thought the ship would still be under Anderson when all that happened."
The door slid open and the two stepped out into the open. Shepard scanned the area for any loose Geth that were looking to get a retaliatory strike on them. He'd find nothing though, gesturing for Williams to stay close as he proceeded on towards the colony. The Gunnery obliging as she stayed at the Commanders side. Shepard speaking up once again after a minute of silent walking.
"I feel like Udina wanted me to owe him a favor because I got command of the Normandy."
"But… you're not a Captain? Shouldn't you have been promoted by now?"
The question gave John some pause, although it wasn't because he hadn't thought of that question. Nodding to answer the question.
"Well… yes."
His slow, and quiet response told Williams that he knew why he wasn't. Turning her eyes to her Commander now, a slight tilt of her head as she tried to catch his eye.
"And? Why aren't you?"
Shepard noticed her leaning into his peripheral vision, watching him rather intently. Answering after he let the question hang in the air a bit longer.
"I don't want to be one?"
"You…" There were several long moments of silence, Williams footsteps halting as she tried to reason it out in her head. "What?"
Shepard stopped with her, turning to look at the Gunnery with a slight confusion. Her bewildered look amusing the Commander slightly.
"I don't want to be a Captain. It's actually outlined in my contract that I would not be promoted above Commander."
"And you made those arrangements?"
Shepard gave an affirmative nod. Turning to look up and down the hall they were in, making sure they were still alone."
"Yes. It's in my second contract.
"But why? Being a Captain you'd get more benefits, and their pay is better."
John chuckled lightly, shaking his head at the idea of him being a Captain. Williams only watched the Commander with growing confusion. Shepard noticed this, speaking once again as he gestured for her to continue towards the colony. Williams quickly continued her walk.
"I was going to be Andersons lead on the Normandy's ground team. He'd take care of logistics and the more political side of the job."
"And… now you're doing all of those?"
"Well… not really, Pressly has been helping me a lot. Mostly with reports to the Alliance, a little bit of aid on the political side. That sort of thing."
"There can't be THAT many reports that the Alliance wants."
Now Shepard stopped, turning to look at the Soldier. His eyebrows pulled up high as he nodded.
"Oh, yeah. Especially since I brought five people aboard of my own accord. Four more were shoved onto us. They wanted an extensive report on each person and my personal reasoning on why they'd be a benefit to the team. That was a request from Udina, actually."
"So you have a lot of reports, because you decided to bring them on board?"
They'd once again continue the walk, Shepard walking at a slower pace now as he went over the tedium of Alliance work.
"No, they want more than that. Requisition forms are read, signed, authorized, sent out, sent back, confirmed. That's one form each, for every different thing we need, another form if I'm requesting more than the usual amount. More forms for requesting non regulated equipment or supplies. Like weapons that are designed for Turians size in mind, or dextro rations, or purified dextro rations."
"Well… that still seems like it could be knocked out in a night."
"Reports on the missions themselves, separate reports for unexpected events in said missions. Like Exogeni employees nearly being executed, or the Thorian, or my Gunnery blowing up part of a building."
"I… see…"
Williams could feel a light lump developing in her throat as she walked. Falling silent for the rest of their walk to the colony. Wondering just how his report may be marking her record. Doing her best to push the feeling to the back of her mind.
The colonists were starting to get their wits about them. With their ability to think and act of their own accord returned, they'd start making progress on cleaning and tidying the small colony. Shiala doing her best to help where she could. Wrex and Garrus were standing guard over the Exogeni prisoners. Wrex seemingly enjoyed his chance to toy with the Exogeni mercenaries, making jokes about which he'd crush first if any made a move.
Shepard moved on throughout the colony, trying to find Tali or Iromak. Williams followed in tow, observing the colony but not interfering with their work. Knowing that she'd be of little to no use without any knowledge of their systems and a single usable arm. Williams finally worked her gumption up to say something, hoping to avoid the idea of her record for the time being.
"When will we be leaving, Sir?"
The question caught Shepard by surprise. Thinking how he should answer as he ducked his head under the bent door that was blocked earlier in the day. Waiting for any sound to clue him in on if someone was down the hall. Pulling his head back when he heard nothing.
"Whenever the Alliance brings in my requests. The colony needs a comm buoy, a team to clean up everything downstairs, and transport for those idiots."
Shepard gestured to the Exogeni mercenaries in cuffs, as well as Ethan Jeong. Who seemed rather perturbed about the situation he was in. Shepard and Williams passed by the group as they went towards the hall leading to the garage.
"Till then? I've got to tend that ship down on the surface and whatever Iromak has going on. Why? Looking to jump ship?"
"No, Sir!"
Williams' quick, and almost panicked response pulled Shepards attention onto her. The Commander watched her with an eyebrow raised in curiosity. Waiting for her to continue. Speaking up once she proved stubborn enough to keep her lips sealed.
"Is something wrong? Miss Williams?"
The Gunnery suddenly found herself regretting not wearing a helmet. Her poker face being sub par, Williams knew she couldn't hide her worry.
"Will…" Ashley stopped, shaking her head as she reformed the question. "Sir, am I going to be reassigned after the… building… incident?"
A smile could be seen flashing onto the Commander's lips. It was quickly hidden by his left hand as he reached up to scratch his face. The man hadn't even considered the idea of booting the
Gunnery off his ship. Once he got his composure firmly in hand, he turned his attention back to Ashley with a stone cold face. Shepard letting his hand fall back down to his side, which promptly folded behind his back. Letting the silence hang between the two, for what felt like an eternity to Ashley.
"Tell me, Williams. How is Liara doing?"
The question surprised Williams for sure, finding her brain wildly trying to draw some connection between her question and Shepards. Shaking her head lightly in confusion before answering.
I guess he's still deciding.
"I… I'm not totally certain, Sir. Why? If I may ask?"
Shepard turned on his heel, starting down the hallway now. Answering as the Gunnery rushed to stay up with him.
"Well, you were there, at Noveria."
"Yeah…"
"And? How is she?"
"Like I said, Sir. I'm not certain. Some days, she seems alright."
"And on other days?"
Shepards pace slowed, his weapon held ready in his hands. The barrel angled downwards slightly, ready to play it up at the first sign of trouble. It was easier to see through the halls as the power to the area had been brought back thanks to the colonists.
"Others… not so much. She seems to enjoy chatting with Joker when we're not docked somewhere."
Shepard turned the corner, raising his weapon up as he did. Finding the area void of anyone or anything. Continuing down the hall at a slower pace, watching the stairs for movement. The Commander's paranoia would only push Williams to be on edge. Drawing her pistol from its holster and checking behind them instinctively.
"You seem a bit tense, expecting more Geth?"
Shepard shook his head at the question. Stopping in place at the bottom of the stairs, kneeling down as he noticed what appeared to be milk on the ground. Looking around with a bit of confusion as he tried to figure out why it was there.
"Is that what I think it is?"
Shepard was silent to her question, giving a short nod so that she wasn't left wondering. The Commander turned and held a finger up to his lips. His eyes darted around as he thought of why it'd be there. Looking back and forth between the stairs and the way to the garage. He knew that checking floor by floor would take all day, turning towards the garage before continuing down the hall. Silently signaling for Williams to follow close behind.
On edge much, Shepard?
Williams quickly shook the thought from her head. Focusing on checking behind them for movement. Trying to keep each step as quiet as the Commander's. Keeping just a few paces behind Shepard as they moved. Keeping any further questions to herself for the time being.
Shepard would stop near the doorway leading to the garage. Poking his head in to look around. The Mako was there, the hatch on the back sitting wide open. The Commander could spot Tali on her knees fiddling with a broken Geth, her back to the doorway. The voices of Iromak and Vaay could be heard, but they were out of sight around the corner of the Mako.
Shepard cursed himself silently in his head, having been hoping to find out what Helyt or the Turian team may be up to. Having fairly good confidence that the Commando wouldn't try anything while under Iromaks watchful gaze.
The Gunnery would poke her head out to see what Shepard saw. The only notable thing she saw were the haunches of an unaware Quarian.
"See something you like?"
Shepard snapped to attention, his head quickly swiveling over to look at the Gunnery. His usual blank face couldn't be held, cracking from a slight redness forming in his cheeks.
"Williams-"
"Sir."
The silence held between the two for several seconds. Williams struggled to keep her smirk off her face, holding her hands up innocently.
"I didn't say anything."
"Oh, you've said plenty-"
"John?"
Shepard realized now just how his voice carried in the concrete rooms. His head turned to see Tali watching the doorway. The Quarian raising her right hand to give him a small wave. John found himself at a loss for words, slowly raising his right hand to wave back. A sudden slap on the back of his head from the Gunnery surprised him. Williams passing by with a quiet chuckle.
"Come on, Commander."
John blinked a few times, trying to get a hold of himself. Following Williams as he used his right hand to rub his cheeks. Tali moved to sit back on her ankles as she watched them approach, her eyes lingering on Shepard. Williams stopped beside Tali, the Gunnery's left hand moving up to sit on her hip.
"What is that?"
John stepped up to stand on the other side of Tali. His arms crossed over the rifle he held. Iromak sat in the hatch of the Mako, watching Tali and Helyt. Vaay sat cross legged on the ground, her helmet sitting in her lap. Inside the helmet sat a baby Varren, the nub of a tail it had started to wag wildly at the arrival of two new people. Her sash sitting balled up underneath her helmet. A water bottle that once had milk sitting empty next to the Asari.
Helyt refused to look up from her helmet. Her left hand held the helmet close, her right keeping the Varren from climbing out of it. A light purple blush evident on the Asari's cheeks. The Varren had a silvery belly with a dark blue back. Small strips of silver spotted along its back and small spikes. It's two large, shining blue eyes watching John and Williams.
"What- Where did you get that?"
Vaay finally looked up at the Commander. A small, guilty smile breaking out for just a moment, quickly getting washed away by the feeling of dread flooding through her at his stern look. Finding her attention flicking over to the Batarian who sat with his legs hanging out of the Mako. Iromak shook his head before speaking up.
"I didn't find her."
Helyt looked back down at the Varren. Her lips pushed together in a slight stubbornness, not really sure how to answer the question. The Commander cleared his throat to make her understand he was still expecting an answer. Vaay's attention pulling up after she pulled together her courage.
"I… found her. Through the door, that was hidden behind those crates in the colony."
Shepards eyes flicked between the Asari and Iromak, a questioning look in his eyes. The Batarian only shrugged at him, pulling himself into Mako to check something. Leaving Shepard to talk with Vaay.
"When was that?"
"I-I, well… it w-wasn't, I didn't…"
Vaay found herself tripping over every word, having a difficult time laying out even a basic sentence. Falling silent when the Spectre stepped up to stand in front of her. Vaay took a deep breath before slowly pulling her head up to look at him. Suddenly wishing she had been standing, as she felt very small sitting in front of the heavily armored man.
"Would you all give Miss Helyt and I a moment?"
There was an awkward silence as Tali got up to leave with Williams. Iromak climbed out to join them, giving John two light pats on the shoulder as he passed. Helyt's attention dropped back down to the pup that had nearly escaped her helmet. Feeling her throat start aching just at the thought of the Spectre questioning her.
Soon, the two were alone, Vaay keeping her attention firmly angled downwards to avoid making eye contact. Shepard slowly moved down onto his right knee in front of the nervous Asari, laying his rifle to lean on the Mako. Moving the back of his hand towards the Varren to let it get his scent.
"Vaay, would you look at me, please?"
The calmness of his voice was a relief compared to what Vaay had been expecting, although it did little to alleviate her worry. Gulping quietly before bringing her gaze up to meet his. Shepard held eye contact at first, looking down to the Varren as he posed a question to Helyt.
"When did you find her?"
"The other day, when you went down into that hole."
Shepard wiggled his index finger back and forth in front of the pup, which quickly leapt forward in an attempt to bite at it. John's reflexes were too quick for the small animal, pulling his finger back before the Varren managed to catch it. Vaay finally forced herself to speak, keeping her gaze down on the pup.
"It's parents… aren't… they weren't-"
"I think, I know what you're trying to say."
John picked up the empty bottle from next to the Asari, noticing her head ducked even lower as she saw what he was looking at. Shepard spun the bottle around to gather the few drops of milk that were left at the bottom.
"This milk belongs to my Gunnery Chief, I'm expecting you to apologize, and pay her back."
"I have paid her back… kinda."
The Commander began to open up one of his pouches. Pulling out a small, sealed packet of beef jerky. Opening it nearly got the Varren to jump out of the helmet at him. Caught by Vaay's two hands as she nearly had a heart attack at the sight, which was eased as Shepard chuckled lightly at the Varrens excitement.
"You don't know much about Varren, do you?"
"I know some things."
Shepard pulled a piece of jerky out of the packet, holding it up to the Varren. The pup quickly snatched it from between his fingers. Sitting back and starting to chew on the meat happily.
"Clearly not enough, Varren can have meat after just a week or two. Milk is good, but they need meat too."
Helyt was quite surprised. Looking up at the Spectre, her eyes squinted slightly with a hint of curiosity in them. Gently petting the now content Varren. "How do you know about Varren?"
"I was taught. Simple creatures really. Heavily pack oriented, she'd be a lot meaner if she was a month or two older."
"And who taught you?"
John was silent to the question, his eyes watching the Varren fumbling in the helmet to get the last bits of the jerky that had fallen. Pulling out another piece and handing it to Vaay. Nodding to the Varren after she gave him a questioning look. Speaking up after the Asari fed the varren another piece.
"Are you familiar with the Avesi family?"
Vaay's posture straightened up at the question, her head nodding before answering. "Yes, Sir. One of the Commando families; most everyone of them either serve the Republics, or help train new Commando's."
"Much like the Helyt family." Shepards statement forced Vaay's attention to drop down, once again avoiding eye contact with the Commander. After several awkward seconds of the Asari refusing to look up, Shepard spoke again.
"Can we continue our conversation? From last night?"
"I don't really remember it…" The quick response was most certainly a lie, the Asari glancing up only momentarily. Still avoiding eye contact with Shepard.
"Well… I was hoping you could shed some light on the peculiarity of your file."
Vaay's lips pursed together, clearly not wanting to talk about the subject. She didn't have any other way to reroute the conversation, so Helyt gave him a short nod, her eyes still focused on the pup.
"Whatever is going on, you should tell me now. I'll find out sooner or later, and I would be grateful if you would help me and just tell me the truth."
There was another, quiet gulp from the Asari. Shepard remained where he was, waiting patiently for Vaay to make her decision. In time, she'd start pulling her head up, making eye contact with the Commander in front of her. Just as Vaay's lips opened to speak, the sound of the heavy doors of the garage starting to pull open stopped her before a word got out.
Shepard stood, taking a step towards the Mako as he retrieved his weapon. Ready to pull it up should a Geth or Krogan be waiting on the other side. Instead, three Turians entered, heading towards the hall. Only noticing the two behind the Mako after they passed the vehicle. John standing between Vaay and the three others, his eyes flicking between each of them in silence.
Cavius was about to speak up, the glare that Vitus shot in his direction shutting him up before a word slipped out. The group passed without any comment. Once they were out of earshot, Shepard turned back to Vaay. Who had her eyes on the Varren again, giving light pets along the small spikes on the pup's back. Hoping to avoid the conversation that she knew was imminent.
"What do you know about them?"
The question wasn't what she had been expecting, but didn't have much that she could provide on the subject. Giving a short shrug as she reluctantly looked up to Shepard.
"Not much, they don't… I think they would've rathered that I wasn't part of their group."
"And how long have you been a part of their group?"
"Not long, less than a month before I- We, were assigned to the Normandy. Most of what we did was around the Citadel."
Shepard hooked his rifle onto his back as he stepped back to the Asari. Offering her a hand to help her up. Rather than taking it, Vaay held her helmet, and Varren up to the Commander. John hesitated at first, but when he saw the disheartened look Vaay wore, he found it difficult not to.
The Commander took the helmet and the pup within it. The Varren immediately tried to climb up the chest plate he was wearing. Grabbing her sash out of her lap, Vaay pushed herself up to stand in front of the Commander. Speaking up now on something she had been dwelling on.
"I think… I do have something you may want to know…"
Iromak was teaching Tali the rules of War. The Quarian sitting at a crate with Williams sitting across from her, a few cards in hand. Playing against the Gunnery as the Batarian taught. The card game had paused momentarily when the Turians passed by the group, starting up again just as soon as they were gone. Soon after, Shepard arrived. Vaay followed behind, attempting to keep up with his brisk pace. The Asari now holding her helmet and the Varren once again.
The Commander would pull Iromak aside from the game, gesturing for Vaay to join them. The two exchanged a few quiet words. Vaay stood quietly with them, her attention flicking back and forth between them as they spoke.
The game of War was once again paused as Tali and Williams watched the three. Williams wanted to step over, but decided against the idea. Looking to Tali for any sign on what she thought, finding that she wasn't exactly good at discerning Quarian body language.
"Williams." The Commanders voice made the Gunnery snap to attention, finding the three were watching her now. "You, Tali, Iromak and…" Shepard turned around, looking between Wrex and Garrus for a moment before calling the Krogan over.
"Wrex. You four will head down to the planet's surface in the Mako. Help Tali search for the Geth ship to see if she can salvage something from it. Get back before dusk."
Iromak started off back to the garage, Williams following with Wrex close behind. Tali didn't follow at first, watching Shepard and Vaay walk off towards the Normandy. Wrex stopped with the Quarian to give her a short nod towards the hall. Signaling for her to follow, she obliged, mostly because she didn't want to walk alone.
Shepard, Vaay, and the small pup returned to the Normandy. The Commander leading Helyt to the Captain's cabin so that they could speak with the ensure that no one was listening in.
The surface team returned late in the day, the sun nearly hidden behind the sea of dust that encapsulated the planet. Tali and Williams lead the way back through the halls. The Quarian carried a black box in her arms. Iromak hauled a good bit of scrap circuitry in both arms, while Wrex pulled a few limp Geth bodies down the hall behind him.
Garrus greeted the arriving group. The Turian seeming rather bored from sitting and watching the Exogeni mercenaries. Peeking at the items that the group had brought back, wondering just as to what they were up to. The items were hauled all the way to the area in front of the Normandy. Tali decided it'd be best to ask John before just pulling everything onto the ship. Tali and Williams entered the Normandy, Wrex returning to the colony. Iromak remained with everything they had pulled up.
Williams went to talk with Joker, taking a seat on the far right, opposite of Liara. Tali moved on through the CIC, giving a courteous nod to Pressly as she passed him. Heading downstairs to see if the Commander was in the mess, finding Adams and Chakwas were conversing at the table. Both of them gave separate acknowledgements of Tali before they continued.
Tali found herself standing awkwardly in front of the door leading into Shepards cabin. Pushing herself to knock before the two at the table took note of how long she stood there.
"Come in."
Could barely be heard through the door, Tali reaching up to press the button. Finding both Shepard and Vaay still in the room. John was in his chair, pushed out and turned away from his desk so he could watch the Varren pup wander about the room. Vaay sat on the ground with her legs folded underneath her, occasionally crawling after the Varren to play with it. Seeming to be more confident and in higher spirits than the last time Tali saw the Asari.
"Tali, I'm sorry about not joining you, Vaay and I had to discuss a few things. How did it go?"
"Oh, don't worry about it John. I understand you're busy. And it went well, I found some scrap and a few Geth that didn't get completely crushed. I was just wondering if I could bring it aboard and test on some of it in cargo?"
"Of course, I'll come help you move it."
Shepard pushed himself up and out of the chair. Going to help Tali with the equipment. Tali carrying the black box that she had been before. Iromak carried the scrap he had while Shepard pulled a Geth body through the CIC. Attracting the attention of everyone they passed.
It wasn't long till three, mostly intact Geth lay in the cargo. Alongside the pile of scrap Iromak had carried, and the black box that Tali had brought. Everything placed in the spot that the Mako would usually reside in. The Geth caught the attention of Vitus and Vitesia, both sitting at a crate near their cots. Cavius laying in his cot, tapping through his omni tool in a very bored manner.
While Tali got her haul arranged around the small dip in the floor. Shepard remained to help her as he could, which was very limited as he knew little Geth. Eventually, Tali probed Shepard on the two that sat in his quarters now.
"So… are you letting her keep it?"
Shepard was busy hooking up some of the circuitry to the innards of the black box, following the basic instructions Tali had given him. Tali busy pulling the back off of one of the Geth. Nodding to answer the question, waiting till he finished what he was doing to speak.
"Unfortunately, yes we came to an… agreement on a few things. Which means I need to get Varren food." Shepard shook his head at the idea.
A damn Varren on my ship, how am I going to explain this to-
"What sort of agreement?" Shepard paused for a moment, glad for the interruption in his line if thought.
"Just… some training, I feel like she could improve on some things… Could I see my drawing pad?"
"Of course!" Tali had completely forgotten she still had it, stopping to pull it from one of the pockets on her suit. Handing it to him before returning to the Geth. "I'm surprised that's all it took for you to bring it on…" Tali paused as Shepard set a piece of paper on the Geth she had opened. Picking it up to read what he wrote.
Info on Turians.
"She was quite persuasive."
"Well, has she named it?"
"Yes, Laelaps."
The conversation fell off after that. Tali wondered as to what Vaay had been able to tell him. The two worked for quite awhile on the machines, most of the work being Tali; Shepard helping out where he could.
Over the next several days, the Normandy's crew did their best to assist the colonists and secure the building the colony was in. In the end though, it did not have the manpower nor resources to fulfill the role adequately. A small detachment from the Second fleet would arrive so that proper aid could be provided. Bringing a comm buoy with them so that communications could be reestablished with the planet.
The first night of the Varrens arrival, late in the night, Laelaps proved to be to much of a nuisance to the three Turians, she hadn't been a problem till she woke Cavius up. The Turian nearly throwing the pup across the room in a weary rage. She was saved by the Asari pulling the Varren out of his grasp with her biotics.
Afterwards, Vaay decided to take Laelaps up to the mess hall. Knowing now it wouldn't be a good idea to keep the pup around the Turians. Vaay, rather than an empty mess, found Shepard, Tali, Williams and Iromak sitting at the table. The two Alliance soldiers and Batarian were playing cards. The Quarian was still fiddling with the black box that she had found earlier in the day. The majority of it now disassembled, each piece still connected to each other via an array of tangled and uncolored wires.
The arrival of the Asari pulled some attention from the table. Both Iromak and Shepard watched as she stepped into the mess hall. John's eyes flicked between the Varren held in her arms and Vaay. Her face hid her emotions well, but there was a clear look of worry in her eyes. The Commander excused himself from the game to go talk with Vaay. Both speaking in low tones to try and keep it quiet.
Tali's attention was finally pulled from the wiring to watch as Shepard got up from his seat. Her faintly glowing eyes moved back and forth between the two. Tempted to turn her receivers up to find out what they said, the thought being interrupted by Williams.
"Ooh, looks like Tali found some competition for the Commander's attention." Tali's head flicked to look ahead, her eyes darting to the Gunnery. Finding Ashley was watching her with a sly smirk, leaning towards the Quarian to whisper to her. "It's a joke, I doubt very much anyone could pull him away from you."
Tali felt her cheeks warm up rapidly at the Gunnery's comment. Turning her eyes back down to the wires in front of her. Feeling that her mind was very similar to the jumbled electronics.
Soon after their chat, Shepard was heading down the elevator. Vaay stepped over to join the others, sitting down in the chair that Shepard had been in beforehand. Pulling her legs up so her feet sat on the edge of the seat. Giving Laelaps a snug and warm spot to curl up between her legs and chest, her arms wrapped around to hold her knees still. Williams was looking at the Varren, her eyebrow raised in a faint disbelief that her Commander actually allowed the animal aboard. The Gunnery's attention moved now to the Asari that held the animal, realizing just how meek she seemed.
Vaay rarely, if ever, made eye contact with the Gunnery, keeping her gaze nice and low to avoid confrontation with any of the crew. Never spoke out of turn, or made any attempt to exert her authority as a Commando to order the crew about. Deciding to break the uncomfortable silence with a question.
"How long have you been a Commando?"
Vaay was clearly not expecting the question, her emerald eyes moved up to the Gunnery; nervousness plain to see from the Asari. Turning around to see if the Commander was on his way back yet.
"I… well… I don't really-"
Her sentence halted as soon as the elevator opened again. Shepard stepped out carrying Vaay's duffel bag over his right shoulder, her cot folded up and carried in his left hand. Walking over to his quarters, hitting the button with his elbow before nodding the Commando over.
To avoid any further incidents with the Turians, Shepard moved Vaay into a corner of his room for the night. The next day, Shepard would talk with Liara to see if she would mind having a roommate. Liara was fine with the idea, although John had the faint feeling that the Doctor was hoping to spend more time with the Varren. Noticing that the two Asari enjoyed playing with the pup often. Occasionally making sure that Vaay would in fact teach Laelaps some basic commands.
Tali didn't question Shepard on just what he learned from the Asari. Figuring that he'd clue her in should she need to know. John did train Vaay as well, although it was more in his spare time. Spending much of the next days in his quarters. Writing report after report, and making a few requisitions while he was at it.
Once the detachment arrived, the Normandy would depart from the planet. Freeing the Commander to return to his hunt of Saren, although, he wasn't totally certain of just how he'd continue his search. The Cypher had proved to be little more than a puff of smoke in the dark, hoping it'd soon prove to be worth the trouble provided by the Thorian.
I should report to the Council, I did find a trace of the Turian bastard.
Should.
Shepard should have reported to the Council, but the last few times showed him they weren't keen on hearing progress. They wanted Saren, dead or alive. Besides, the Turians could report anything of relevance back. What else were they for?
What else were they for?