Disclaimer: The Mass Effect Universe and everything in it belongs to BioWare. I only lay claim to London and Teagan.

Thanks to my beta reader zebrahater, you're pretty much a bowl of awesome. That's right. A whole bowl.

[Chapter Thirteen: To do what is best]

When London had exited Miranda's office she noticed a loud gathering of people who all seemed to be enjoying themselves. She entered the eating area to observe Teagan was among many of the Normandy crew: Shepard, Jack, and Chakwas included, eating breakfast and listening to their friendly banter.

London leaned against the wall, watching how everyone seemed to love the little biotic—even Jack's eyes didn't look at Teagan with their customary hellfire. Jack might not have been speaking to Teagan (for the sake of appearances of course), but she definitely didn't seem to mind the child.

It was nice seeing her little sister this way. She was so happy and free to walk amongst actual decent people, a rare breed in London's experience. Teagan didn't have any friends with the exception of Mr. Wiggles, but he real either so seeing her like this gave London a kind of comfort she hadn't had in a long time.

Determined not to ruin the moment for her little sister London waved to Teagan as she passed the little biotic in the eating area and reassuringly called out, "Go ahead and stay and eat as much as they let you. I'm feeling tired so I think I'll go take a nap. If you need anything, you run back to me okay?"

Teagan was hesitant to leave her sister alone but with the reassurance in London's voice figured it must be alright. "Oh. Okay! I'll be here with Mr. Shepard!"

John looked over to London, feeling awkward as seeing he forced her to practically pour her soul out to him. "She'll be fine with us. Oh—and London? "

She gazed over him tiredly, "Yes?"

"Can we talk later tonight? If you're up for it that is…"

London looked over his face with quiet consideration before deciding to respond, "Yes. I would like to talk as well."

"I'll be by later then, ma'am."

The sniper nodded her head then went into her bedroom, plopping down on the bed with a loud groan. She was too tired to feel anything, so for now…sleep.

xxxxxxx

Jack internally grinned as she watched Teagan gobble up her breakfast platter. "Shit, Shepard. She eats like I do."

John laughed, going off to get another plate then coming back to place it in front of the child. "As much as you want, Teagan. Eat up!"

The little biotic slowed her chewing, embarrassed that she looked like a little piggy. "I-it's alright. I shouldn't eat too much, anyways. We have to save some for London."

Shepard could almost hear his heart break as he forced himself to casually ask, "…was food hard to come by on Omega?"

The little girl nodded, "Uh-huh. But it's funny… sometimes I wouldn't see London eat anything all day! She'd just keep saying 'I'm full, Tee, you eat mine. I had a lot yesterday.' But…I don't remember her eating much the day before either!"

John looked off in the direction of the sniper's room before turning back to ruffle the little girl's hair. "Well here you can eat as much as you want when you want. Don't worry about London. I'm sure she'll get as much as she wants too."

Teagan looked up at him with a shocked expression, "Really? I-I can eat as much as I want?"

He grinned, "Really."

It didn't take more than that one word. Within seconds she was practically inhaling her food, Jack following right behind her. The pair was quite the sight to see.

"M-Mr. Shepard," she asked through a mouthful of eggs.

John laughed, "Yeah, Teagan?"

"When I'm done and wash my plate, can I explore the ship?"

He nodded his head, "…you don't have to wash your plate, but sure. You already know to stay away from the armor and gun racks though, right?"

She nodded her head firmly and very seriously, "Right!"

"Then I don't see a problem with it. Just make sure to be careful, and if you have any questions just call out for Edi and she'll explain everything about the room you're in."

Teagan swallowed her food, "Edi?"

Shepard tried to find a way to explain who she was, "Well…Edi is our ship's voice. If you ask her anything, she'll be more than happy to respond."

The child's eyes widened, "Your ship can talk? I've never seen that!"

A few crew members who were paying attention let out a heart filled chuckle, Shepard being one of them. "Well, there's nothing like our ship! She's special. So we try to take good care of her, see? I expect you to do the same!"

Teagan's face went serious again, saluting him in the best way she could, "Aye aye, Commander!"

As Teagan strolled away Dr. Chakwas couldn't help but gush over the charming little biotic, "Oh my God she's so cute!"

xxxxxxx

Engineering Deck

Early Afternoon

The child made her way out of the elevator, observing the humongous landing zone with wide eyes, "…whoaaaa…Edi where am I and what's down here!"

"You are on deck four, Miss Teagan: Engineering. Down here you will find our shuttle, the engine room, and several leading crew members of Commander Shepard's team including: Grunt, Chief Engineer Tali'Zorah, and engineers Donnelly and Daniels."

"What's a Grunt?"

"Grunt: A worker used to do menial tasks. It is also a colloquialism for infantryman, one who serves in war and fights on foot, usually carrying a portable but powerful weapon of sorts."

"Whoaaaa…I wanna see Grunt!"

"To locate the specialist, please enter through the port cargo doors to your left."

Teagan turned and ran down the hallway, waiting for the doors to slide open then walk through. What she saw made her body freeze. It was the back of a Krogan in thick armor and even thicker looking skin. She had seen many Krogan during her years on Omega, but never this close before. From far away she had always thought they were big. But close up? They were huge! She made the lightest of squeaks, causing the tank-bred to quickly turn and aim his loaded shotgun directly at her. Teagan flared up in a blue-black biotic aura and found herself unable to move.

"What is the tiny glowing human doing in my space?"

"..i-i-i'm sorry…I wanted to know what Mr. Grunt looked like. A-are you him?"

"I am Grunt, pure tank-bred Krogan of clan Urdnot."

"Hi…I-I'm Teagan of…um...clan Mr. Shepard."

Grunt immediately lowered his weapon. "You are here of the Battlemaster's request?"

Teagan swallowed the lump in her throat, nodding furiously at the tall Krogan. "H-he said I could explore the Normandy."

"I see. Very well then. Resume to your duty and I will resume to mine. But be warned, little glowing human, that if you touch my weapons—I will kill you."

"A-actually I think I've seen everything in t-this room. I'll be leaving now Mr. Grunt. Thank you and um…have a nice day…"

He nodded at her, "Little Human."

Teagan exited the room as quickly as her scared legs let her. Once the doors closed behind her she exhaled loudly. "Edi?"

"Yes, Miss Teagan?"

"Are there any more like him on this ship?"

"Negative, Grunt is the only known krogan on this vessel."

Teagan sighed in relief. "That's good. Can I go through there next?" Her little finger pointed at the doors that lead to Tali and her crew.

"The Commander has specified that you have access to all parts of the ship."

"…okay," she said slowly walking through the doors and into the engineering room, peaking in her head first just to double check for any signs of Krogan. There were none. However, someone did catch her eye. A taller, curvier woman with only three toes and fingers wearing the most beautiful suit she'd ever seen. The naturally curious biotic walked quietly up behind the woman and reached out to touch the side of her stomach and feeling the material beneath.

Tali practically jumped out of her suit, yelling loudly at the gentle and unexpected touch, "KEELAH!"

Kenneth and Gabby snapped up their heads to see what had happened.

Teagan stumbled backwards and fell onto her rear while the Quarian quickly assessed the situation. Her bright eyes widened as she bent over to help the little girl up, "Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry, little one! I didn't expect the touch and I got nervous and thought it was—wait you're the one Shepard went to go get down on Almos, right?"

Teagan, who was giggling merrily, got back up onto her feet with the help of Tali and nodded. "Mhm! I'm Teagan," she happily said as she shook the hand that helped her up in friendly greetings, "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Tali blinked at the lightly shaking hands, "Tali'Zorah vas Normandy."

The little biotic chuckled again.

Tali, who was now smiling behind her visor, shook her head in puzzlement. "What may I ask is so funny?"

"Nothin'. I just really like hearing you talk. Your accent is pretty...and so is your suit."

Tali looked down the front of her torso, "You like my enviro-suit?"

Teagan shook her head quickly, "Yeah…it's really nice."

Kenneth spoke out after hearing the comment while following Gabby in the direction of Tali and the child. "I agree with you, it is pretty. Snug in all the right places."

Gabby whacked him across his chest, making him chuckle heartily. He loved teasing her.

Kenneth leaned down to Teagan, "Polite little bugger aren't ye? I like that in a kid, it's a good strong base that will make for a wonderful adult." He ruffled her hair much like Shepard had, "Hey lass, how's that sister of yours doing?"

"London? She's taking a nap right now. Mr. Shepard said I could explore the ship for a little while."

He squinted, "Does she still have that damned rifle with her?"

The little girl nodded, "Mhm! She always has it, silly. It was my daddy's."

Kenneth groaned disapprovingly. "Damn that woman and her combat skills."

Gabby smirked, "You're just worried that if she catches you staring again she'll kick your ass out the nearest airlock."

"Damn right I'm worried, woman! Oh how she teases a lad like me with those tight little tank-tops of hers."

Gabby rolled her eyes, "Kenneth, it's a tank top. They're light enough to keep you cool, and don't get in the way if you have to shoot. Besides, what kind of tank top do you know of that's not tight?"

Kenneth looked at her as if the question was stupid, "Really big tank tops, that's what type!"

She covered her eyes and groaned, "…you're an idiot."

xxxxxxx

Deck Three

Mid Afternoon

She'd been wondering around all morning and afternoon and felt that she hadn't even found ten percent of the ship. So, making sure to discover every nook and cranny, she decided her next stop would be the armory. Teagan remembered and knew not to touch anything in there but really just wanted to see what it looked like. Upon entering the doors she was greeted by a happily chattering Jacob and Kasumi.

She offered them a shy smile and waved in her hellos. Jacob waved her over with a grin and Kasumi was the first to speak, "Ah there you are, Teagan! I'd been meaning to give something to you."

Teagan walked up to the couple with a curious expression on her face. "Like a present? Me?"

Kasumi chuckled; hopping off the table she was using as a seat and walking towards a chest full of her things. "Of course you! I heard a little bird tell me you were interested in painting. Were they right, or did I simply hear wrong?"

The little biotic excitedly walked over to the thief, peeking her eyes into the chest full of wonders. "I do! But who told you and...whoaaa…look at all those old books! London would love you!"

Kasumi chuckled, taking the large painters kit and leather protective case into her hands. "Well you tell her that she may borrow any one of my books any time she feels the desire to read."

"Really?" her eyes got wide.

"Really really. But! This is not about London; this is about you, little one. You see, on my travels I discovered this painting kit. It's rather large…full of assorted brushes and paints and what have you. But the problem is…I'm just not very good at painting and Jacob hasn't a drop of artistic creativity in him. He's a boring old soul."

Jacob waved his hand to draw their attention to where he sat looking insulted but playful, "Uh hi, I'm right here, Kas."

Kasumi grinned, "Like I was saying, we've no need for this. And if my little bird is correct…you're quite the gifted little artist. So Jacob and I thought it would be nice if you would take this heavy thing off our hands and made proper use of it. What do you say?"

Teagan reached out to touch the old leather casing and opened her mouth in awe, "Y-you wanna' give me this whole thing? All of it?"

Kasumi smiled gently, "All of it. Would you like it?"

The little biotic bit her lower lip, "I would feel bad. London already bought me one back on Omega. It's not as big as this one, but it's still good and it was a present also."

Kasumi put the kit down and leaned it on her leg, "Hmm…then I guess you're just going to have to have two kits then!"

Teagan gasped, "Really? You don't care if I already have one?"

Kasumi and Jacob shook their heads, "Nope. That just means when your other one runs out you'll already have another one ready to go."

The child hugged Kasumi at her waist as tightly as she could manage. "Thank you, Miss Kasumi. Thank you very much. And thank you Jacob!"

Kasumi, having grown rather fond of the child despite their brief acquaintance, cleared her throat of the small choke welling up at Teagan's innocence, "Don't you worry about it. I'll have Jacob take it over to your room later on today, alright?"

Teagan nodded happily, turning to leave their room and give a small goodbye wave as she did so.

xxxxxxx

"So what's left, Edi?"

"Locations you have not discovered include: The Ship's Battery, The Tech Lab, Operative Lawson's office, The Pilot's Cockpit, and the Starboard Observation Deck. I suggest extreme caution. The Ship's Battery is not suitable for one your size or age. Accidents are probable."

Teagan wrinkled her nose, "We won't go there then. What's in the Tech Lab?"

"The Tech Lab houses our upgrading system. It is where Commander Shepard applies bought or found upgrades to both the Normandy and his squad's weapons or armor. The Salarian Dr. Mordin Solus resides in this department as well."

Teagan gulped, "Another doctor?"

"Correct, Miss Teagan."

"I think…I'll skip that place also," Teagan said nervously before her voice cheered up, "I liked Miranda! But I don't want to bother her if she's in her office…so I guess…that leaves two places?"

"Correct. The Pilot's Cockpit on deck two and the Starboard Observation on your current deck."

"Isn't that Starboard Obser-mavationplace across from my room?"

"The Starboard Observation is located right across the hall from your current residence. It is where the asari Justicar Samara resides."

Her eyes widened, "A real Justicar is on this ship?"

"Correct."

Suddenly the little biotic knew where her last stop of the day would be.

xxxxxxx

Starboard Observation

Late Afternoon

Teagan was suddenly nervous facing the starboard observation's door. She eyed the big green light in the doorway's center and twiddled her thumbs timidly. There were many vids and stories about the Justicars and London sometimes read to her about the adventures they would go on to right the wrongs evil people committed, saving countless innocent lives while driving the wicked away. A Justicar was someone that Teagan grew up idolizing, so she didn't take it lightly that a hero was only several feet from her current location.

"…E-Edi?"

"Yes?"

"What if I'm not good enough to face her? I mean…I'm no one special…"

"The Justicar swear to follow their code. This code pledges them to the protection of the innocent, the punishment of the guilty, and defense of common law. If one does not believe she is good then practicality suggests that Samara will slay you." Edi's tone was painfully matter-of-fact.

Teagan's eyes grew wide with fear. "S-so if I'm not good enough, she'll…" Teagan gulped.

Jack, who had come down to see Teagan, and who had been listening the whole time, suddenly gave one of the walls a loud smack. "Oh shut your hole, you fuckin' overgrown tin can."

Teagan swung around and began her little biotic flare in fear of the loud bang.

Jack cocked her hip and raised her brow in amusement, "Look at you being all tough n' shit. I can do it too—watch." Jack smirked as she let her biotics flare up brightly around her entire body in hues of brilliant blues and purple blacks. "…booya."

The little biotic opened her mouth in awe as her own little field died out. "Whoa…I didn't know they got that big."

Jack snorted under her breath, "…that's what she said."

Teagan took a few steps towards the pro biotic, "…I wish mine could do that."

Jack cooled her biotic engines, "…who says it can't? Just gotta' practice, midget. I didn't start out this way either."

Teagan smiled softly at her, making Jack feel really uncomfortable. She rubbed the back of her neck, "So…what the hell are you doin' outside the old squid-head's door anyways?"

The little biotic turned back around, admiring the door that kept her precious hero confined within. "…Did you know there's a real Justicar in there?"

"Yeah. So what?"

"So what? They're the most awesomest people in the entire galaxy! The fight the bad guys and save the good people!"

Jack leaned against the wall and crossed her arms, "…you been readin' those damned adventure books?"

Teagan turned to face her and nodded furiously, "Uh-huh! London reads them to me sometimes! My favorite one is about this Justicar named Adr—"

"Yo kid, if she's so amazing why not just go in and talk ta' her?"

"…but if I'm not good enough she'll," she remembered the term Edi used, "…slay me."

Jack let out a loud laugh, "Trust me. You ain't her type. Just walk the fuck in and talk to her—come on, I'll go in with you. Haven't seen Samara in weeks…for all we know the old kraken finally died."

Jack confidently strolled past the entrance with an eager little Teagan hiding closely behind. The sight of the Justicar made a big enough impact on the little biotic that she let out an audible gasp. Samara was sitting and meditating just like every Justicar in the movies Teagan had seen. Pale baby-blue biotics oozed around her body like a thick layer of cooling water. In between her hands she held a grape-fruit sized biotic ball of energy and balanced it between her palms about five inches apart from each. As the pair slowly walked around, Teagan noticed the Justicar had her eyes open and was staring out into space through her observation window. They were glowing brightly and beautifully, and Teagan couldn't stop herself from staring at the breath-taking asari. She might have been old…but she was beautiful and impressive. "Welcome to the Normandy, little one. I am Samara. And greetings, Jack. What brings you two to me this afternoon?"

Jack plopped down lazily on the couch directly opposite the Justicar, "Eh. Was bored half way ta' hell and Shepard suggested I see what the midget was up to. Turns out she was standin' outside your door while Edi traumatized her with ideas of you smearin' the walls with her."

Edi spoke up, "Correction, Jack: I was explaining to—"

Jack threw a couch cushion at the roof of the room, "Hey, who the hell asked you to join girl's night out! Get the hell outta' here you overpriced toaster!"

Teagan nibbled the inside of her lower lip, "…d-don't be mean to Edi, Jack. She's really nice and—"

"Don't worry about it kid. She'll get over it. Just freaks me the fuck out is all—always lookin', always watchin'…the next thing you know you're using the elevator when she's feelin' a little pissy and then you're stuck between levels while she sucks out all the air from the room."

Teagan would never leave deck two again.

Edi voiced herself in defense, "I would never do such a thing. You are my crew-mates."

Samara, who could no longer meditate with all the noise, let her biotics die out. "I will restate myself only once more," she said casually. "What may I do for you, Jack?"

Jack rolled her eyes and plopped her back onto the soft cushions beneath, "Like I said, the midget was outside your door and wanted to meet you. She's gets all gushy n' shit over Justicars."

Samara turned her head towards the child, "Come, little one. Sit by me."

Teagan took a few cautious steps.

Samara gave her a fraction of a smile, "There is no need to fear me, child. Come, sit."

The little biotic swallowed her fear and took a seat next to the powerful Justicar. Teagan observed the way she sat and held herself and soon mimicked the posture. Samara nodded to her approvingly. "Do you wish to meditate with me?"

"M-meditate?"

"This," Samara brought a finger up to London's heart and placed it gently over the organ, "…and this," She then moved the finger up and in-between Teagan's eyes, "Are not moving in harmony, young one. If you wish to make them still and clear, then you meditate. We learn to listen to the troubles within our hearts and ease them with the wisdom of our minds, with the knowledge of who we are and the guidance of what we choose to follow."

Teagan looked down at her lap to consider her head and heart, "…sometimes I get really bad dreams about London. And I worry about my sister all the time. She works so hard…even when she gets sick. I try to make her soup, but she only ever says she's not hungry and that I should eat it." The little girl's voice was steady, but her lower lip began to tremble, "…And I tell her that it's okay if she wants to take a day off to sleep, that I would protect her…but I can't do nothin'. I just…glow. Like a night-bug," she sighed sadly, "All I can do… is glow."

Samara remembered a time long ago when her children too were small, vulnerable, and doubted themselves. And though bound by a code greater than she, it didn't mean the asari was without heart. She looked over to the small human and placed a warm and gentle hand onto her back, rubbing gently in small circles much as a mother would do to her child. "Young one, I see more than a simple 'night-bug'. You have a well of un-tapped potential locked deep within, and the only one capable of bringing that out to greet the light is you."

Teagan wiped her eyes and tried to stop the tremble in her lip, "…I don't know how."

Samara tucked a lose strand of hair behind the girl's ear and smiled, "You're scared aren't you? Of what you can do, of what has happened because of it?"

Teagan looked up at her with a shocked gaze, "H-how did you know?"

The asari chuckled, "Oh my dear, when you have been around as long as I, you become quite perceptive. Soon people become wide open books for the reading."

The child averted her eyes, "…I caused a lot of problems for London. And I've even hurt her before. She won't admit it but you can see it on her body. I've given her some pretty bad burns. Sometimes when I get scared I don't know how to make the glow stop. So…London will hug me to make it better. She makes it go away."

Samara fixed the little girls meditative pose, "Then let us learn to be still. Can you feel the tingle of the element zero in your system beneath your skin?"

"I always feel a little tingle."

"Good. You say you only ever glow when you get scared, that is because the electric stimuli you feed the nodules is greater than average at that time. However, for this you will force the stimuli to react while you are calm, thus making an aura of biotic energy that does not burn because you are in control."

"…how do I do that?"

Samara tried to speak in terms that the child could understand, "Close your eyes and think of nothing. Let the little tingle spread all over your still body. Naturally, you are going to want to pull the tingle back so that it will not overwhelm your senses. But when you feel it begin to reach that point, instead of pulling back I want you to push out. Do not worry yourself about hurting me, I will not be harmed."

Teagan held her eyes tightly shut, remaining still and thinking of only blackness. The room was quiet and cool against her warm cheeks. Jack had been watching curiously as the Asari guided the little biotic to a place where her mind was no longer screaming.

"Make the noggin' shut up, eh?" Jack raised a brow as she watched the two and contemplated what they were doing. "…why the fuck not. Let's give this bullshit a whirl." While Samara focused on the child, Jack too sat in a meditative position, having made sure Samara wasn't looking at her. Jack popped her neck, cracked her knuckles, and shook her hands out before finally sitting quietly on the couch and closing her eyes. It was simple for Jack, she'd done this shit for years so the glow was easy…but making her mind quiet? Not so much.

Moments passed before Teagan began to exude the same blue-black aura as Jack. Her eyes popped open, amazed at herself. "I'm doing it! And I'm not scared!"

Samara smiled, pleased that the little girl easily grasped the concept. "You're naturally gifted at biotics. Now focus, little one. Will your aura stop flickering and instead just let it wash over your body like gentle water. Rid yourself of all excitement and just be still."

Teagan closed her eyes again, brow furrowing slightly as she felt her biotics splash and flick off of her skin wildly. After what felt like an hour, she finally began to feel as if she could control the tingle beneath. If she pushed, it would grow, and if she pulled it would retreat within her. When she tested the feelings and limitations of her new found capabilities, she quickly found a happy balance that let the aura glide gently over her body much like Samara had described. Teagan didn't have to open her eyes to know she was doing it so instead of speaking; she simply sat by the now meditating Samara and exhaled happily, continuing to enjoy the company and acceptance of the other two biotics.

Jack was not having such a great time though. She already had the biotics down, but she couldn't get her head to shut the hell up. Thoughts of Pragia, of drugs, of rape, of pain, and of sadness filled her mind. A soft growl left her lips as her forehead began to dampen and her fists began to clench. "...this shit doesn't fuckin' work." Jack let out a loud exhale and told herself she'd give it just one more attempt. So, she tried another tactic and began to think of other things, things she'd enjoyed. Girly things like: guns, punching people in the face, grenades, bombs, blowing bombs up, knives, and…Shepard.

The ex-convict found herself biting her lower lip as her biotic aura began to calm itself around her body. "I wonder if he'll stick around. Kinda' looks like it with the way he looks at me sometimes. Those looks that make me feel…" Jack bit her lip a little harder, "Wait. If you feel like that, then why the fuck can't you just screw him and get it out of the way? His balls must be fuckin' blueberries by now the poor bastard. So why not just give it up? It's just another lay. Seriously—what? Are you afraid?" Jack let an annoyed sigh out at herself, "…Nah. Nah you ain't afraid. You're just—waiting. Yeah that's it. You're waiting for the right time." She scowled, "Waitwaitwait, the fuckin' right time? What the fuck are you a virgin?"

Jack just gave up all together and dropped the whole meditation crap. She put her elbows down on her knees and rubbed her face roughly. "…I just get so nervous around him. Then I get pissed at being nervous. Then I get pissed for taking the consideration to be pissed at being nervous for him! FUCK." She let out a loud grunt and got up on her feet to walk out, "This is balls. I'm out."

xxxxxxx

Miranda's Office

Mid Evening

"Commander it adds up. I can't point out any more of the obvious to make it any more concrete." Lawson was pacing around the font of her bed as Shepard sat at her desk at looked at her.

"Okay. Okay let's just run it through one more time," he said calmly.

Miranda gave a gentle exhale then sat at the foot of her bed. "Alright. Teagan was born with biotic capabilities. This is very rare and known only to happen on colonies that are, or have been, exposed to a dust-form of element zero. The human colony Yandoa is known for having the most notable industrial accident. Under 'suspicious circumstances' an Ashland Energy vessel exploded into the planet's atmosphere and permanently exposed the colony to eezo dust. Now, humans are not naturally biotic as you know so the exposure came with several complications: Children being born with tumors or birth defects—but, it's also a colony that has produced the highest number of biotically gifted babies from birth."

She inhaled, "Now. Let's just assume for the moment that Teagan is from Yandoa. The Ascension Program was created to help train human biotics and focused on the colonies of these 'accidents'. The program was set up around 2176. Teagan was born in 2178 and, around the same time that she was stolen, Cerberus operatives plus hired BlueSunMercenaries infiltrated the Ascension Program in an attempt to gain information and research into human biotics in order to 'save humanity'."

Shepard scratched his chin and nodded, "… and then we have the L4 implant."

Miranda nodded in return, "Exactly. Teagan's L4 is a new implant that was used on the children in the Ascension Project; these implants use biotic amplifiers to allow for monitoring and improved performance. L4 implants give about a 10-15% increase in biotic ability in 90% of subjects. This is a similar implant to the ones placed on the children at the Teltin facility on Pragia, whom we also know was run by rogue cell Cerberus agents."

Shepard was a little surprised to hear her admit it, but said nothing. "So basically everything that we can possibly add up leads back to…Cerberus." Somehow, it wasn't so shocking.

"Correct, which means our 'Buyer' has to be involved with them somehow. I don't know if there's another cell operation going on out there or if it's something being worked on with a smaller task force—five or six highly trained people perhaps. But without any kind of lead, we're dead in the water. I couldn't even imagine where to start to look."

The commander sat quietly in his chair for a moment, lightly turning himself side to side as he thought, "…I have an idea about where to start."

xxxxxxx

London stepped quietly into the room she was slowly beginning to hate, "Mr. Shepard, you requested to see me?"

Shepard got up from his seat and offered it to the new arrival that accepted it then looked at the pair of Normandy officers. John cleared his throat, "London, we may or may not have a lead in regards to your little sister."

"What do you have?"

"Well," began Lawson, "really we're only going on a hunch based on what kind of implant Teagan has and the year she was born. The L4 is only particular to the children of a biotic training program known as 'The Ascension Project', a project that was later infiltrated by the Blue Suns and Cerberus Operatives."

London ran over the logo on Miranda's outfit and clenched her jaw. Lawson quickly caught her gaze and spoke up in her defense, "Before you start thinking the worse about me, please know that I am no longer involved with the organization—Shepard can we please just stop somewhere so I can change my bloody attire?"

John couldn't help but chuckle, "Yes, we can. And London please don't consider Miranda the enemy. She's more than proven herself as of late that she's on our side. Hell, she even flipped the Illusive Man the bird and gave him her verbal resignation last time we saw him."

London raised a brow, "Illusive man?"

"He's the big man that leads Cerberus's whole operation."

The statement seemed to make London ease up a bit towards Lawson, who in return gave a relieved sigh. "So," the sniper began to ask, "you all have a small lead, but what can I do to help?"

Shepard leaned forward a bit, "Well I'll tell you, but first let me just apologize for my behavior earlier."

London began to shake her hand in front of herself in protest, but John stopped her, "—just let me do this...please."

He took a small breath, "It's been a long time since any of us had a chance to catch our breath. I worry all the time about my crew. I know that if I make a wrong choice as their commander, that there's a very high probability that someone will get hurt or worse. When I chose to take you from Almos I went on blind faith that you'd be someone that the crew could rest easy with and not have to worry about. It was reckless and naïve to do as a commander. I admit that. But for the first day and night everything went so well, and my mind began to calm down. Then, the next morning I found out that there was a possibility that you lied about who and what you were and my first instinct was to protect my crew and my ship. For a good long moment I thought that I had let an extremely talented and very dangerous woman aboard my vessel, and I had to find out where you stood. Please understand that I might be a man that has done some note worthy things in his life, but at the end of the day I am only that: a man. So I apologize for being so angry, and I apologize for treating you as I did. I had no excuse. "

London gave him a soft expression and extended her hand in which Shepard took and shook gently. "Apologies accepted, Commander."

"Thank you." Shepard cleared his throat, "Well then let's get back to the business at hand. London, based on the information we have something kind of dawned on me."

The sniper nodded, "And what is that, Sir?"

"It is believed to be that Teagan was born and abducted around the same time that hired Blue Sun Mercenaries infiltrated the Ascension Program, right? Well, if our puzzle pieces are assembled correctly and, based on Teagan's L4 implant, I think it's safe to say that she was part of Ascension. And if she was there, then your father had to be one of the mercenaries hired to take her from the program and turn her over to Cerberus scientists.

London's eyes grew wide as it all began to click, "Yes...yes that makes sense. What are you proposing?"

Shepard walked around the room as he thought, "Okay. I remember having a talk with Zaeed a few times down in his lodgings. You don't know him, but the short version of his story is he's a mercenary also. We talked about the Suns, about what being a merc was like and I remember him saying that all mercenaries had records of past work, a kind of insurance plan. If someone came to take the merc out, these secrets would be exposed by a trusted companion. Zaeed said it didn't always work, he said that sometimes the people gunning for the merc could find out where the info was or just decided the merc's death was more important and leave it at that. But he also said that every Mercenary had one. He said something about 'never carried but always kept.' Does that ring any bells to you?"

London eyes went wild with thought as she took herself back through the years worth of conversations she had with her father—or at least the ones she could remember.

A young London runs up to her sitting father peaking over his shoulder to see what he was doing with the small portable terminal that she was forbidden to play with, "Daddy whatcha' doin'?"

"Nothing, my little lion. I'm just adding lots of information from daddy's recent trip. These clients do whatever they can to ensure we don't keep records, but I know better. I keep a separate set and copy hidden away here. So every time I come home, I have to make sure to keep it updated and organized."

London wrinkled her nose, "That sound's awful boring…"

Her father let out a gentle chuckle, "Oh believe me my darling… it is."

"So why dont'cha just take it with you in secret and do it while you fly back home?"

"Because it would be very dangerous if anyone ever found out about daddy's secret terminal," London's voice began to repeat the words she heard when she was younger, "That's why I never carry it, but always keep it—to keep daddy safe."Her eyes shot up to meet John's light blue orbs, "…my father had records."

John nodded, "I was hoping you'd say that."

London furrowed her brow in both sadness and shock, "…but that means."

Shepard put a hand on her shoulder, "I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask your permission to revisit your household in an attempt to find your father's old records. If I had any other choice I'd avoid this option, but…I don't."

London inhaled, her breath going in and out shakily. "I understand. But I can't…Teagan won't be able—"

Shepard silenced her fear, "We won't do it while we have Teagan."

The sniper looked up to him quickly, quite confused by his comment, "…while we have Teagan? What do you mean?"

Shepard rubbed his eyes and sighed. This wasn't the way he was planning on telling her. "The only reason we were on Almos was because I got the order from an Alliance admiral named Anderson to rescue a biotic child that was thought to be stolen and sold to an unknown source. I was ordered to rescue and then transport the child back to the Citadel where Anderson himself would implement her into a school for biotically gifted and mentally bright children. This is what I had wanted to talk to you about before…all of this happened."

London blinked at him with a hint of anger and frustration in her voice, "We're on course to take my little sister to a school for biotics and you failed to tell me this the moment I stepped onto your shuttle?"

Shepard nodded, "Well we're going to Omega first to gather your belongings like you had wanted but…yes."

London shook her head, "This should have been the first thing out of your mouth. Don't you think I have the right to know where my sister is going? Don't you think she has the right to choose if she'd like to even attend the school? You can't just…take her there without her permission."

"I know. And I should have said something earlier—way earlier. It wasn't right of me to put it off till now, but I was going to speak with you about it. We're speaking about it now and I would like to know your stance on the matter."

London looked down into her lap, "The truth is I don't know anything about this school. I don't know the teachers or the facility and that does not sit to well with me."

Shepard exhaled but nodded his head in understanding, "Will you speak to her about it?"

London nodded her head, "I will. But if we decide not to attend this school I request that you leave us at a location of my choosing after all of this is said and done. Agreed?"

John wasn't in a place to say no. She was right, it wasn't his call. "Agreed."

Miranda spoke up, "London, with all due respect I think a school would be best for her. It's an excellent school with a highly trained staff that works exceptionally well with children Teagan's age. They offer all kinds of classes and hold all sorts of activities that she might be interested in. She's already seven years old and still highly untrained: something that could be dangerous to both herself and others around her if a situation was to ever come up that she didn't know or understand how to handle. Her eezo nodules are ultra receptive to her brain and without proper guidance that could lead to severe injuries."

London knew Miranda was right and she had the scars on her body to prove it. Teagan needed wisdom and guidance that neither she nor anyone else aboard the ship could give to her on a daily basis. Her sister needed stability and instruction on using her biotics, something that no matter how hard she tried, she would never fully understand.

She leaned forward, arms on her knees and nodded her head, "Okay…I'll talk with Tee."

xxxxxxx

Portside Observation

9:30PM

The little biotic was hard at work prepping a large canvas for a portrait she planned to paint tomorrow. When London walked in she greeted her big sister with a large smile and excited, "Ta-da!"

London looked over at her and grinned, "Where'd you get that?"

"Kasumi gave it to me! She said that she and Jacob didn't know how to paint and that I could have it!"

"Did you tell them thank you?"

"Of course, silly!"

London sat down on their couch and stared at her little sister working away to get her painting surface ready for tomorrow. "Hey, Tee? Can I talk to you for a second about something really important?"

Teagan put down her work and skipped over to her big sister, plopping down next to her and grinning widely, "Sure! What's goin' on?"

London caressed her little cheek then ruffled her hair, "…how would you feel about going to a real school? A school with kids your age and some who had biotic talent just like you?"

Teagan's eyes grew sad, "What's wrong with you teaching me stuff at home?"

"Nothing's wrong with that pun'kin, it's just… I can't teach you how to use your biotics. It's very dangerous for you if we leave it unattended to. It's something you need to learn about."

The little girl's sad eyes fell to the floor, "But…"

London urged her on in a playful sing-song voice, "You could make lots of frieeeends, and eat three times a daaaay, and I'm sure they have all kinds of wonderful toooooys, and books, and music! I know that if it were me, I wouldn't miss a chance like that!"

Teagan's eyes seemed to brighten, "…you think they'd have a painting class?"

London nodded, "Probably! I heard it was a preeeeetty big school with lots of different classes and lessons to be learned. I'm sure there would be something exciting to do every day. Not to mention you'd get to learn about your biotics, which is most important."

Teagan looked out into space in wonder as she thought of all the possibilities, "Ya know! I visited Miss Samara today and she helped me meditate to learn to calm down when I get scared! I don't get all night-buggy anymore!"

London chuckled, "That's wonderful, Teagan. I'm very proud of you. So… does this mean that you'll go?"

The little girl thought intensely, "…well I did like learning. It was a lot of fun but…I don't wanna' leave you."

London shook her head, "I'll be fine, Teagan. What I really want is for you to grow up and be smart and strong. I want you to be better than me and to excel at everything you do. So if you do this you would make your big sister the happiest person in the galaxy."

Teagan wiggled her way into London's warm and comforting embrace as she spoke with a soft and considerate voice, "…so if I go you'll be okay? You promise?"

London held the little girl tightly in her arms and placed her cheek on top of Teagan's head, "I promise."

Teagan's voice was tiny and still unsure when London heard the response, "…kay'…I-I'll go."

[End 13: To do what is best]

A/N: This chapter gave me a headache so I'm happy it is done.

To my readers: Feedback would be very much appreciated so feel free to review to your little heart's contentment and tell me what you think… or… if you have nothing to say but are following the story anyways, just give a good 'Assuming Direct Control!"

—n-no seriously. Do it. It'll make for a good giggle. :D