Chapter 3: Grasping at Biotics

Attican Beta, Theseus System, Feros.

Yang

Shepard, Garrus, and Ingersoll left the colony along with Liara and Yang to fend for themselves while they tried to secure water and repair material, while trying to eliminate a Geth transmitter inside the tunnels.

"Follow me, we'll find some place where you can practice." Yang just nodded, following Liara while looking the alien over.

Her figure was that of a human from what Yang could tell of the shape of the armour, which was much lighter than the set she was instructed to wear. The two notable differences for Yang was the blue tone of her skin, and instead of hair on her head there were these almost tentacle-like growths. She found herself thinking that the face of Liara was almost like a jellyfish, the soft body was her face while what Yang figured her scalp and back of her head to be, was the potentially dangerous stinging area.

Stopping on a walkway with railing and a pile of burning debris and broken things sat before them. To their left was an old and in some places cracked stone wall. To their right were a few steps that led down to what looked to be a loading area. It was here that Liara turned and met Yang's gaze.

"This seems like an adequate place to test out what you know." Liara said.

"Which is nothing," Yang answered, rolling her eyes and putting her hands on her hips. It was strange too, having all that extra padding made it feel like her hands were rather far away from her hips. "I don't even know what biotics are. I was like, cool I can do magic now."

Liara's laughter made Yang feel more at ease. "Magic doesn't exist. Science does though and it can explain a lot." Yang just smiled at Liara's comment, she'd seen magic working first hand and several times. There was nothing scientific about it.

"Well, if it's not magic then let's get started. I don't want Shepard leaving me behind when I could learn a few things about this place."

"Since you mentioned that you don't know anything, we'll start at the beginning. A brief summary of the power you have acquired." Her voice told of her uncertainty of Yang's story. "All of my kind are born as biotics unlike any other species we've encountered in the galaxy."

Galaxy wasn't a word Yang heard often, space was even a rather out there concept since her world hadn't been technologically advanced to physically explore the stars. Galaxy. Weiss would love hearing about this.

"Those with the ability to use biotics can create mass effect fields using element zero nodules embedded in their body." Liara's explanation wasn't very helpful to Yang, who didn't understand a few things in that sentence alone. "Biotics can be used offensively or defensively. What you showed earlier was a pull or lift ability, but with enough training it can also be used to create protective barriers, shields, or even knock people over. It can be dangerous though, tearing both objects and organic matter apart."

Chills ran down Yang's spine as she assumed what Liara meant. "So it can kill people?"

"It can." Liara hadn't needed to answer, but the confirmation was nice for Yang to hear. "That's why you need to train and learn control. We Asari are born with an inherent ability to control our biotics through neural control. Other species such as your own, Turians, Salarians and so on need special training and often implants that help you to control and effectively use your biotic abilities."

"Geez, don't need to brag about your kind being so superior."

Liara seemed a little rattled by the comment and began to stumble as she spoke. "No, I didn't mean that Asari are… I simply meant that we… I was just trying to give you more of an understanding." Her blue cheeks had changed colour a little, purple instead of red.

"Relax professor, I'm just messing with you. Superior or not, thanks for offering to help." She gave a grin, her eyes closing for a moment.

"Oh, right, of course. I… had the same problem talking with Commander Shepard the first time. Please excuse me, I usually spend most of my time alone doing research."

Yang just laughed softly as Liara explained herself. "So you're an introvert like my sister, that's fine. You'll get more used to it with time." Yang said as she looked out at the fire. She could feel the heat of it even from several feet away, it was comforting and a nice change from the constantly cold weather in Atlas.

"It feels strange hearing that from someone so much younger than myself." Liara said as she stood beside Yang.

"You can't be that old, I mean you look like you're in your twenties, early twenties."

"Twenties, I fear I am a little older than that." Yang's stare got impatient and she started to narrow her eyes at Liara who eventually got the hint. "I'm one hundred and six, barely considered an adult by Asari standards."

The revelation had Yang choke on her own spit. Forcing herself to take a step back and thumping herself in the stomach she both collected herself and got a feel for how solid the armour was. Are you kidding me! 106! She's a babe at that age! Liara could see that Yang was processing and waited patiently for the young human to speak.

"First thing, wow. You look… amazing." Liara chuckled at this, her blush returning. "Second… we don't have much time right now, but I'd really like to learn more about your species. But for now, how about we focus on getting me able to control these biotics."

"Agreed. You were able to use your biotics before, to lift that debris. Try what you did before on something about the same size in that pile there." Liara pointed towards the fire with Yang's attention going with it. She found something and smiled, part of a destroyed vehicle that was around the same size like Liara suggested.

She took her stance to push her right hand forwards and made a grabbing gesture before raising her hand. There were a few moments where it was just the sound of the fire crackling before Yang sighed.

"Again, failure is common on early attempts at using biotic abilities, for other species." Liara added, a small smirk appearing on her face.

She does think she's better than humans. Giving her a smile, Yang tried again. Shaking her arms and wrist she reached out with her left. Her target was the same object as before and this time as she performed the motion that had worked earlier, nothing.

"Come on, I…" She suddenly felt a wave of dizziness wash over her mind. She stepped and started to lose her balance before Liara grabbed a hold.

Rubble moved from beyond the fire and the pair caught sight of something rushing upwards coated in a partial blueish wrap. It continued up and on an arc, finally descending far behind them and down onto what they could only assume was the planet's surface.

"Well…" Yang groaned while finding her footing and letting go of Liara.

"That sometimes happens when the individual doesn't have control of their abilities. We're just lucky that it was a simple skill." Liara's attempt at comfort made Yang scoff.

"Simple? Damn, you Asari must be powerful people." She rubbed her temples and kept her eyes closed.

"Our biotic capabilities are more accessible than that of any other species we've encountered so far. Though not all of us go down the path of further developing our biotics. I have seen some evidence of very strong human and Turian biotics."

"Just not as powerful as higher tier Asari practitioners?" The silence and the way Liara turned away gave Yang her answer. Damn, I better not get on her bad side. Having a hundred years of life to train with these powers had Yang wondering just how strong Liara was. "I'm not going to be allowed to go on whatever mission you're going on, am I?"

Liara seemed to examine Yang who tensed a little bit. "Well, can you tell me something truthfully?"

"Sure." Yang's enthusiasm was noted by Liara who continued.

"Did you really kill all those Geth, and the varren today? If what you said was true about coming from the other world, then how did you know they were enemies?" She leaned against the railing of the walkway, her bright blue eyes never leaving Yang who shrugged.

"Uh… the varren attacked me on sight, though I was there to get some animal meat. Big creatures by the way, those teeth are huge! But I doubt they'd stand up to a beowolf." Liara didn't voice an opinion but she didn't look annoyed or impatient either. "Yes, I did kill those Geth today. I had a brief run in when I first arrived, they were attacking the humans here. I helped drive them off and on the way back with the varren I saw more. I just… figured they'd probably be going to finish off the colonists so I stepped in. It's… it's what huntresses do. We save people and kill big bad monsters. I always wanted to be one, like my parents." Her thoughts drifted back to her family for a moment. Her father who supported his two daughters after losing so much. Ruby who had been so shy and was really starting to blossom. And Summer who was taken away far too soon for anyone's liking.

This time Liara did speak, but very briefly. "Alright." Liara pushed herself upright and looked Yang over. "I'll tell Shepard you were a fast learner, and although you might lose control at some point, I would be confident it wouldn't interfere with our mission."

Yang's expression that had been one of a sad remembrance quickly changed into a full smile. "Seriously? Awesome!" She looked at the rubble and threw her right hand out trying to lift something. This time all she managed was a small rattle before it ceased. "Probably just a rat." There was a loud bang that made them both flinch. "A large rat," Yang said as she started to laugh.

Seeing this girl burst into laughter was strange for Liara. She was somewhere she didn't know, had no person to rely on or friends to trust. Yet here she was trying to gain control over something that she hadn't even heard of until today apparently. And she was doing it all with a smile on her face, teasing and making small jokes.

"Liara." The blonde's voice was softer now. "Can you keep giving me tips until Shepard comes back? I'll probably ask again later but I really want some time to like, think about what you teach."

The Asari's face lit up at Yang's wish to continue learning, at least for the remaining time. "Alright, try to picture you lifting an object with a specific motion. Train the action into your mind and associate that movement to the activation of your ability to lift things with your biotics. Think of it like… A mnemonic!" Liara clapped her hands together.

"A what now?" Yang asked in confusion.

"A mnemonic is a learning tool that can help teach facts or information. I'll show you one we Asari use. Pleasant Voyage To Island Oasis." She beamed a smile, though Yang still looked lost. "It's the five systems where the Asari homeworld is located. P for Parnitha, V for Verino, T for Tomaros, I for Ialessa, and O for Orisoni. You understand?"

Yang's frown continued as she tried to think of what she meant. I'm pretty sure I've heard Blake and Weiss talking aloud or rhyming weird things together like that before tests. Opening her mouth to speak, she paused and clenched her jaw.

"It's alright if you don't understand, we can try…"

"RWBY." Yang interrupted with a nervous smile. "R for Ruby, W for Weiss, B for Blake, and Y for me, Yang." Liara's nod of approval had Yang do a fist pump. "So what you're suggesting is that I think of some words that remind me of the ability?"

"No, but something similar. Think of the action you perform like I said earlier. Biotics can only be taught and used through physical mnemonics. Training your mind and body to react to certain motions will eventually make it easier to use specific biotic abilities." Liara once more explained.

"Agh, fine. I'll start practicing now, but why doesn't the non physical way work?"

"The physical gesture is required because it causes neurons to fire in a trained sequence, sending an electrical charge through our eezo nodules which in turn creates the desired effect, a biotic ability." Liara enjoyed explaining things she'd learned, and this human seemed to be taking it in as she watched Yang try and try again on the rubble.

The hell is eezo? Nora would love the whole electrical part though. Yang thought as she tried and tried again. She and Liara spent the better part of the next hour practicing with varying success. Sometimes Yang would see, feel, and hear nothing. Other times she'd see that familiar blue glow around the piece of rubble she was targeting, though it rarely did more than shake or rise more than a couple of inches.

Liara was still impressed with how quickly she was adapting to this new ability she had. "If I didn't know you were human, I might think you have the makings of an Asari."

"Ha! Am I that good? Too bad I won't look like you when I'm a hundred." She whistled and shook her head, wiping her brow with her armour.

"Oh, I shouldn't have let you train so much. Using biotics is a lot harder work than it is physically working. You'll need to eat more to sustain yourself if you start using biotics regularly." It was important information like the rest of what Liara had taught this girl.

"I'm going to need a list." Yang chuckled, taking a seat and leaning back against the railings. Liara pulled out some rations and shared some with Yang. They didn't speak much as Yang quickly devoured her food, her stomach rumbling even after.

"So RWBY, your name was the last letter. The other three are?" Liara eventually inquired.

"Ruby, she's my sister and the leader of our team, RWBY. Weiss is a rich girl, she and Ruby clashed a lot when they first met, even I found her cold but enjoyed teasing her. Blake…" Yang's voice trailed off along with her thoughts. Blake was so much more than a teammate. "She was a Faunus, and had these cute little cat ears that she used to hide under a bow. Took her ages to show us and even that was by accident."

"So they are your friends and teammates. And they're back on your homeworld?" Yang didn't know how to answer that so silence remained for a time.

"Homeworld is such a weird thing to me. We didn't have space travel, which it sounds like everyone here does. Galaxy… so many different species too. We had Humans, Faunus, Grimm, and then lots of animals and insects. What other species are like us in this galaxy?" Yang asked.

"I will assume that you mean spacefaring species. There are numerous. But the Citadel races include us, humans and Asari. Turians like Garrus, Salarians, Volus, Hanar, Drell, and the Elcor with many more that either have gone against the laws established by the Citadel races or do not wish to be a part of the galactic community." Yang listened closely to this, amazed with how many different species there were.

"And they all work together, peacefully?"

The slight tension in Liara's face gave the answer, but she went on to speak. "The entirety of each species is a hard thing to rule over for any one species. For example, there are rogue groups of humans, turians, asari that don't abide by the laws set. But the major governments and leadership of the majority of each species that have agreed to follow the laws see great benefits. Shared knowledge, education, joined expeditions and research. Economic growth and social opportunities that aren't otherwise possible."

Yang's expression was one of wonder, even though she couldn't fathom the shape or interactions of anything other than her fellow humans. She'd only seen a single Turian and Asari after all, but she did note that the Geth weren't among the list of Citadel races Liara had mentioned.

It was when Liara's name was being called out that they knew their time was up and made their way towards what was most likely Shepard and her ground team. The two rejoined the squad making it a five person team and accompanied Shepard as she let certain individuals know that the water was working, the Geth transmitter along with the remaining Geth down in the corridors were eliminated. They also found some power cells near the spot of several dead varren that Yang smiled at. So I helped without even going, bonus. She hoped Shepard would realise that and come to trust or like her more.

Once all their final preparations were done, Shepard gathered the group in a circle. "Liara, how did your control training go?"

"Yang is indeed a biotic, one that is lacking experience. There was a single incident at the beginning, but since then she hasn't posed any danger with uncontrolled uses of her power." Liara gave her opinion on the matter with Shepard nodding.

"Will she interfere with the mission or endanger us?" Shepard continued with Liara looking at Yang.

"I don't believe she will endanger us. If she only found out she was a biotic today she has already shown near basic Asari levels of control. But," Yang swallowed, buts were always bad news. "If she refrains from using her newfound abilities and follows orders, I believe she will be fine."

"Understood, thanks for your input Liara." Shepard turned to Yang and looked her over before pulling her assault rifle from her back and handing it to the blonde. "Don't let it overheat and you'll be fine. Listen to myself or anyone else that gives you an order and we'll see what use you can be."

"No problem, can't be worse than when I worked with the Atlas military," Yang said as she checked out the rifle in her hands. It was in its compartmentalised form which reminded her a lot of Ruby's Crescent Rose.

"Hang on," Garrus said.

Ok, two fingers and a thumb. Should have known there would be some more differences. She knew different species would have different builds, but seeing them up close was interesting to her. There was so much more she had yet to discover.

"You worked with the military before? Mercenary work or enlisted?" Garrus asked.

"Neither of those things. I was part of a special task force made up of other huntsmen and huntresses. Delivering, protecting, and eliminating Grimm threats." Ingersoll gave a loud whistle and Yang finally caught her smiling.

"Special task force eh? Hope you ain't making that up Miss Bimbo."

"If it's true we'll find out. For now we've cleared out the lower corridors and Joker has dropped the mako off down in the garage area." Shepard motioned for her squad to follow, and they did.

Yang stayed near Liara as they walked, her eyes looking more at the back of Garrus and examining how his body looked. It was certainly different from that of a human, or even an asari, though she could see somewhat of a similarity with the kind of head frill of Garrus and the more tentacle-like horn things on Liara's head.

They took an elevator down which reminded Yang of the long ride up to Opzin's or Ironwood's office. It was almost like school, save for the armed and armoured humans and aliens around her. The doors opened to small arms fire.

"Watch out!" Someone yelled from outside.

"Ingersoll! Keep yang in here and cover us from range." Shepard then rushed out firing her pistol with Garrus and Liara following.

"Scouts. They'll be here any minute now," another voice called, but Yang stayed still.

"I don't know how much more I can take," a more scared and desperate voice came.

Yang moved but a hand came to her chest. "Disobeying an order already?" Ingersoll questioned.

Yang just hissed and let her head fall back against the wall of the elevator. They're just following orders now. Her own line repeated in her head as she desperately wanted to go out and help, but thankfully the firefight was quickly over and Ingersoll tugged her out of the elevator. She looked around for anyone that was dead or hurt and when she couldn't find any, she relaxed her shoulders. Maybe Shepard is a good soldier, she didn't let anyone die. Which was more than she could say for Ironwood.