[[ A/N: The Mass Effect universe and all it's characters (with the exception of London and Teagan) belong to Bioware.

And thank you to zebrahater for your wonderful suggestions and corrections. I greatly appreciate them. ]]

[Chapter Eighteen: Goodbye, Little One]

[Commander's Cabin/9AM]

"EDI," Shepard called out casually as he roughly dried his hair with a towel, "set course for the Citadel. We have to get to work early today."

"Course set and we are en route, Commander. Arrival at destination in two hours."

John turned to look at Jack, the goofiest of grins appearing on his face as he observed her. When he eventually responded to EDI it was as an afterthought, "…thank you, EDI."

The couple had been up since six in the morning. John and Jack had just finished showering after Jack insisted she help with Shepard's 'morning ache'. The biotic now lay happily on top of Shepard's bed wearing nothing but her black boy-short styled panties and a grin that screamed contentment.

The commander smiled as he crawled up the bed, planting firm kisses along Jack's length. He would stop occasionally to give the biotic's most sensitive areas extra attention before moving on towards his next destination. Jack bit her lip and closed her eyes, her arms raising to rest above her head as she soaked in the expert ministrations of her lover, "…wanna go again?" she asked, her voice throaty and aggressive.

John grinned as he continued to kiss his way up her body, "…want to, yes…able to—not so much. I have to have Teagan dropped off to Anderson by noon."

Jack scowled, lifting her legs to wrap around Shepard's waist dominantly, "Tell him to wait."

"He's been waiting a week." John mused, wrapping his arms underneath the biotic and lifting her up easily to where Shepard was now sitting up straight in bed with Jack in his lap, her legs still wrapped around him as they sat face to face.

Though still rather early in the morning, the ex-convict was already showing signs of becoming short-tempered, "So it won't kill him to wait another fuckin' two hours will it, Shepard?"

"Well you know Jack…I was just thinking the faster we finished our work—the quicker we'd be able to take those extra hours off. I promised you a good time around the Citadel after we finished this, buuuut...if you'd rather we just—"

Jack squint her eyes and put a roughly placed palm onto John's mouth, measuring the truth to his words before finally giving into the temptation of actually getting to leave the ship. "Fucking fine, whatever. But tonight…you're mine."

The commander couldn't tell if he should be excited or worried.

xxxxxxx

[Portside Observation/9:30AM]

London's eyes thoroughly searched the Observation room trying to spot anything she might have forgotten. "Okay Tee, do you see anything we forgot to pack?"

Teagan checked under their bed one more time, "I think we have everything!"

The older sister began to run through the list once more, "Okay let's review. We packed your clothes—"

"Check!"

"We packed Mr. Wiggles and Winnie the Pooh."

"Check!"

"We packed your quilt."

"Cheeeeck!"

"Is the terminal Ms. Lawson gave you packed securely in your new backpack?"

The little biotic nodded quickly and very seriously, "Yes, ma'am!"

"You made sure to put my terminal's linking I.P number somewhere where you will not lose it, right?"

Teagan laughed, "London, you taped it to the bottom of my terminal!"

The older brunette grinned, "And I already showed you how to reinstall our terminal's links if something ever happens, right?"

"Yeeeeesssss," Teagan replied somewhat bored with the questions she had already answered two times earlier.

London laughed at Teagan's demeanor and scooped up her little sister, twirling her quickly in tight circles sending the child into loud screams of laughter. The sniper growled playfully, "Can you blame your older sister if she just wants to make sure you have everything! Hmm?"

Teagan was having trouble breathing through all of her delight, "No…no I don't blame—London stoooop!" she pleaded happily, her old sister's slender fingers now expertly tickling her ribs.

"What are the magic words!" London roared with a beaming smile on her face.

"Please! Please, please, please!" responded the now heavily breathing child.

"Very well," the older woman said, abruptly withdrawing her fingers and settling her little sister down onto their bed.

As Teagan silently fought to regain her composure, London sank into melancholy, the sudden stillness and quiet of the room without her little sister's laugher making the woman wonder if this loneliness was what her day to day existence would be like without her family. "Well then," The older brunette spoke up again after clearing her throat, "it looks like you have everything, pun'kin. If you want, you can go and say goodbye to everyone before we dock at the Citadel and the commander calls us up."

The biotic child looked up at her older sister, "…you don't wanna' say g'bye to them too?"

London clenched her jaw briefly, her eyes almost revealing a deep sadness that London refused to let her little sister see. So instead, the sniper shrugged gently. "…I'm…I'm not very good with goodbyes, Tee. You go ahead. And tell them I wish them all nothing but the best."

"…okay…I'll tell them."

London offered her little sister an encouraging smile, "Oh and Tee? I put all of the jewelry I made in a small pouch inside of your backpack, okay? So be careful when you unpack that nothing spills out."

Teagan's eyes widened, "Why'd you give me your jewelry? You and mama made those!"

The snipers eyes softened, "I don't need them. I want you to give them away to people at your school—your friends. But be sure you only give them to those that really, really deserve it. Remember, Teagan…people have to earn your trust and respect and vise versa."

The little girl was silent for a moment as if soaking in the words, "…I will remember, London." Teagan's bright green eyes stared up into her older sister's gray, "But…what about the jewelry box? Didn't Daddy make that for you? What happened to it?"

London went to take the small wooden box out of her pack and took a seat near her little sister, "I still have it," she said softly as she opened its lid to reveal the now empty container. The older woman's slender fingers felt for the notch behind the box and twisted it several times, the small figurine at the boxes center beginning to dance slowly to an inaudible tune that seemed to have broken years ago.

Teagan looked into the container and smiled when she saw the little dancing lion that turned on its pedestal happily. "…what music does it dance to?"

London shrugged sorrowfully, "I wish I could remember. It broke a long time before you were born. I think a part fell out and Daddy wasn't ever able to fix it."

The little biotic reached into the box with a small finger to trace the outline of an engraving that had been burned into the wood many years ago, her small voice repeating the words it said, "…for my little L.E.O. Love, Dad and Mom."

London leaned into her little sister and placed her own cheek on top of Teagan's head in a quiet moment of remembrance. "They would be so happy to see you going to a school like the one on the Citadel. So, remember to keep up with your studies and make our parents and yourself proud okay? Now, go say goodbye to everyone."

The child exhaled softly before nodding, "Yes, ma'am."

xxxxxxx

[Med Bay/10:30AM]

"Ow…OW! GRUNT…you're standing on my bloody foot!" called out the Scotsman from behind Miranda's medical bed.

The Krogan eyeballed the complaining man and clenched his fist, "Awww is the tiny male human crying because I hurt his soft skinned foot? It's the battlemaster's wish that we do this—so shut your hole."

Gabby had been trying to push Kenneth, Mess Sergeant Gardner, and Legion away from herself so she could have a little more room to breathe, "Can I just—guys can you …uuuugh!"

Legion's optics zoomed in then out, the flaps around his eye whirring softly. "Shepard Commander, space is inadequate."

Teagan was giggling loudly and sitting on the floor in front of Miranda's bed next to London, Tali, and Samara as she waited for the commander to finish setting up.

Shepard was tapping his foot as he stood in front of his entire crew holding a holograph in his hand and waiting for them to settle. "Oh for the love of God! Everyone just squeeze in so I can set this thing up and take the picture!"

Jack was a good eight feet from the rest of crew with her arms crossed and shaking her head quickly from side to side, "Nu-uh!"

The commander slapped his forehead with the palm of his hand and exhaled softly, "Heaven help me. This crew stopped Harbinger from doing the worst thing that's ever happened to the human species yet we can't seem to get a group photo taken?" John glared at the ex-convict, "Squeeze in!"

"Shepard," the ex-convict argued, "don't make me kick your ass in front of the crew."

Grunt and Garrus let out pleased laughs. Shepard groaned, "Jack will you just please get in the photo? Teagan said she wanted a holograph of all of us together so she could take it to school. Are you seriously going to deny her that?"

Jack growled, "Oh, low blow using the damn kid!"

Teagan gave her best pout towards the tattooed woman, "Pleaaaaase, Jack!"

The biotic clenched her teeth and stood in the very back behind Grunt. She wasn't even visible in the holograph's shot. "Jaaack," Shepard warned, "Move out to the side."

"Shit, Shepard!" she spat, "Jack you're too far out, move in. Jack, you're too far in—move out! Make up your fuckin' mind!"

Shepard sighed heavily, "Just stand BESIDE Grunt!"

"Comaaander my legs are starting to huuuuurt," Joker said in a toddler's voice—obviously trying to piss the commander off.

John could feel his right eye twitch, "Joker—I will break your arm."

"Commander," EDI said in her usual calm demeanor, "breaking the arm of your pilot could prove—"

"I know, EDI!" John said irritably. "Will everyone just—"

"Hey Shepard, is it true we're getting some time off on the Citadel?" Garrus interrupted.

Shepard forced himself to not grab his pistol, "Yes, I'm giving us a few—"

John didn't have to finish the sentence to have the entire Normandy crew begin talking excitedly at once and over him. It had been a long while since anyone had been able to go out for the sake of having fun.

"Oh Jacob, 'I lost myself on Omega, but found myself in you' just premiered tonight! Let's go watch it!" Kasumi sang happily to her boyfriend who could only groan dejectedly in return, "Kasu, I'm already half asleep just after hearing that title."

Garrus nudged Kenneth's ribs as a wicked chuckle left his lips, "Looks like Jacob got caught in 'chick flick' movie night. But the rest of the gang is already planning to go to the Darkstar for a few drinks and a couple of dances. You in?"

Miranda closed her eyes and listened to the crew, smiling at their antics from where she lay on her medical bed. Usually such banter would drive her over the edge and towards pulling rank to shut everyone up, but the last two nights had been quiet and lonely and the change of pace was welcomed. Her chest tube was, much to everyone's surprise, already out; Dr. Chakwas having decided it was safe to let Lawson breathe on her own. She was still in a lot of pain but she could now sit upright for extended periods of time and even stand for a short time before discomfort forced her to rest again.

"Hey you should join us, London—it could be like a farewell party!" Kenneth merrily chimed in, "It'll be good times," he said as he grinned perversely and thought of all the alcohol consumption, "really, really good times."

London warily eyeballed the Scotsman before hesitantly responding, "I'll…think about it."

"—Ex-excuse me, everyone." Came the soft voice of Teagan who now stood beside Commander Shepard. The Normandy crew instantly shut up. "Mr. Shepard is only doing this because of me so if everyone could pretty please listen?" When the crew kept their silence, Teagan smiled shyly then retook her seat, "…t-thank you."

John rubbed his eyes as he considered handing his rank over to the child that the crew so obviously loved to listen to. "Thank you, Teagan. Now if everyone will shaddup and squeeze the hell in!"

The soft shuffling of feet and loud groans of annoyance left the crew's mouth as they did as instructed. "Perfect," said Shepard, "Nobody moves!" He set the timer to 15 seconds then bolted to pick up the child, place her on his own shoulders, and stand off to the side beside his girlfriend. Teagan had let out a loud squeal of delight, causing the entire Normandy crew to smile in kind—even Jack.

The holograph made a soft beeping noise. The picture was taken.

Shepard smiled widely, setting the child back on the ground then ruffling her hair. "Here you go Ms. Teagan, one holograph of the Normandy family."

Teagan took the holo, looking down onto it with sudden wet eyelashes and an appreciative smile. "Thank you very much, Mr. Shepard." He had said it was a holograph of the Normandy family… that meant her too.

John looked over to London awkwardly as if asking for help—he never meant for the kid to cry. "It's really no problem, Teagan. It was a pleasure to meet you and I hope we meet again in the future."

"Uh-huh," The child said happily as she wiped her eyes free of tears. London came rushing over and placed a supportive hand on the little biotic's back, "Uh Teagan, why don't you go put that holograph away in your pack so you don't lose or scratch it?"

Tee sniffled but nodded in agreement as she walked out of the med bay holding the new picture close to her chest.

London turned to Shepard with an apologetic smile, "I'm sorry, Shepard. She's just…really happy. Thank you for everything you've done for us."

"It's fine," John smiled, "I'm glad to help in any way possible."

"Commander, we have arrived at the Citadel." EDI rang in matter-of-factly.

The commander turned his attention to his crew, "Well you heard EDI, everyone—get back to your stations to make sure everything is as it should be before we unload. Whatever it is you choose to do today, keep it civil and I'll see you back on this ship by 3AM and no later, understood?"

Once everyone agreed and left the med bay, John turned his attention back to London, "You and Teagan are with me. Are you ready?"

The sniper nodded, "We're already packed and ready to—"

"Excuse me, Commander" came the still weak voice of Miranda Lawson, "…may I speak with London for a moment?"

Shepard eyed the two women briefly before nodding and smiling, "Of course. We still have a little bit before our official meeting with Anderson, but remember – we have to be there by noon sharp. On arrival I'll give you a proper introduction and I'm sure he'll answer any questions you might have."

"Understood," said the sniper professionally.

"Very well then, I'll leave you two be."

xxxxxxx

Miranda groaned softly as she tried to sit up. London rushed over and placed a gentle hand on the operative's back and tenderly added pressure to help lean her over. "Miranda, should you be moving around this much so soon?"

Lawson inhaled slowly as she sat up straight, a grin coming to her lips as she looked onto the brunette. "Dr. Chakwas wasn't kidding when she said I could be up in a week. I—" she grimaced, holding her stomach delicately. "…feel good as new."

If London's face didn't give away her concern, her quickly placed hands on the operative's shoulders to help steady the other woman did, "Just…Don't force yourself, please?"

"London," the raven haired woman said thoughtfully but ascetically, "I'm fine."

The brunette instantly retrieved her hands, feeling sheepish that she was treating the operative like a breakable porcelain doll. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to imply that you were wea—"

"—Will you just sit next to me? Your standing around is making me nervous." Lawson teased to ease the sniper's worry.

London lowered her head and laughed nervously as she moved to sit next to the operative, careful of her movements as to not cause too much discomfort for the other woman, "…by the way, thank you for your gifts. They were just… amazing. And the backpack is beautiful—Teagan loves it."

Miranda nodded with a small smile, "I'm glad I could help. She really is a wonderful little girl."

"So," London turned to look onto the other woman with interest, "are you going to be able to sleep in your own room again?"

Lawson grinned but shook her head, "I'm afraid not. I'm stuck here until the end of next week for constant monitoring during the nights."

"I take it that means you won't be joining the rest of your crew at the Darkstar?"

The operative shrugged lightly, "Honestly I don't know, Dr. Chakwas told me not to over exert myself. I'm not much for dancing, but I suppose I could go and just watch from a table…I would love to get off this ship even it means just to sit somewhere else. Are…you going? Kenneth did invite you after all—and we'll only be docked for this day."

London bit her lower lip, "I don't think so. Somehow I think celebrating after my sister's departure wouldn't be the best thing for me."

As the two women sat together Miranda began to unconsciously lean against London for support in her weakened state, "Celebrate, no. But…I think maybe you should be around people you're acquainted with…at least for a while."

London raised a brow, "Oh?"

Lawson looked over the brunette's neutral face and sighed, "You don't have to pretend that it won't hurt, London. I've had to leave a sister too." Miranda had to take a moment to catch her breath before continuing, "I know what it's like afterwards…how loneliness and worry creep their way in. Teagan is your only family, just like Oriana is mine. It's hard to say goodbye and…it's even harder to be alone afterwards."

London considered Miranda's words carefully, her tone still uncertain when she finally responded. "…I'll think about it when that time comes…that's the best I can tell you for now."

Lawson, now conscious of the fact that she was leaning on the other woman, nodded her head as she quickly corrected her own posture. "I understand. Give Teagan my best will you? And tell her I'm sorry I wasn't able to be there to send her off alongside Shepard."

London gently hopped off the bed and nodded, "I'll do that but don't worry…she understands why you can't be there and just wants you to get better." As the brunette turned to leave, London looked over her shoulder to give Miranda a playful smile and tone that made the operative's stomach flip, "…and so do I."

xxxxxxx

[The Citadel/Top floor: Human Embassy/ 12pm]

John was holding onto Teagan's hand as he nodded London over in the direction of Anderson and a tall woman with blonde hair, "He's right over there. Teagan and I will stay here so you can have your introductions in private. He should have the paper work for you to fill out."

The sniper nodded at Shepard and gave Teagan a quick smile before making her way over to Anderson and extending her hand, "Thank you for taking the time to meet with me, Sir. This situation is proving to be a little bit stressful on my behalf and it eases my mind somewhat knowing you're so willing to answer any questions that I might have."

The older man nodded his head and shook the young woman's hand respectfully, "Not at all, Ma'am. I'm glad to be of any service you might require. And just to ease your mind further, we'll be keeping an extra eye on her security. I'm quite aware of the amount of credits that was placed on her possession—and I'll have you know that she'll be more than safe with us." London nodded, the tight feeling in her stomach loosening somewhat.

"And this," Anderson motioned over for the blonde woman to join their company, "this is Ms. Patricia West, she's a representative and mentor of Teagan's school. While you two fill out the paper work, you are more than welcome to begin asking whatever questions come to mind. I need to have a moment with Commander Shepard."

The sniper took the blonde woman's hand in greetings then offered her thanks again towards Anderson before he walked away. London was led to a nearby table and handed a pen and small stack of forms. Ms. West pointed out various locations that required signatures and initials, "Basically this is just telling us that as her legal guardian you agree to Teagan's enrollment in this school with full knowledge that it's purpose is to teach Teagan not only about the fundamentals of learning, but also about becoming acclimated with her biotics."

London nodded as she read over each line of the contract carefully before signing and initialing at the end of each page. "How are classes assigned?"

"Each age group is divided and placed into separate buildings with their own large, unique staff of highly trained professionals who specialize in teaching that given age range. For example: Our 'Year One' students are usually the youngest—about Teagan's age in fact, and are sent to building one." Patricia pulled out a map of the campus and pointed towards the building for London to see, "Building One has classes that focus on introducing the student to biotics. Before they are allowed to use their ability, they are required to complete extensive studies on the subject before putting their newly acquired knowledge to practical use."

London frowned, "To use, ma'am? You're not training these students to be weapons or just more specialized recruits for—"

Patricia raised his hand towards the other woman in gentle protest, "No ma'am, not in the slightest. Students do not get trained in combat until they move up to building five. Normal studies only last until they reach building four—or the age group of seventeen and eighteen where they graduate. After that, those who wish to pursue a career in the military are given the opportunity to join the recruitment program and enter into building five where they are trained in military techniques that focus on their usage of biotics. Now, while we do have a fair number of recruits from our school, we also have quite a large number of graduates who go on to lead successful, civilian lives. Many of them, in fact, continue on to other universities to pursue their masters or doctorates degree."

The brunette nodded her head in understanding, "What are you security measures?"

"Each building has its own set of well trained adult hall monitors that also specialize in dealing with children of their assigned ages, as well as security cameras around every corner. If a student becomes violent or uses their biotics in inappropriate ways, a minimal dosage of biotic inhibitor is given and disciplinary action is applied. Furthermore, students of Teagan's age are required to be in their rooms by 7:00PM and are allowed friendly, camera monitored visitations by other students until 8:30PM. Lights out is at 9PM due to classes starting at 7AM sharp each morning. Every child is expected to attend."

"What if the child is sick?"

"They have a fully trained medical staff on hand at all hours of the day that can take care of the situation immediately. The staff is to let the child's guardian know immediately if the condition is severe. But about that, Ma'am—I have a question about Teagan."

London nodded, "Of course, what is it?"

"She's been through a delicate situation. Are there any concerns I should be aware of? Is she in need of counseling or any sort of special attention to help her sort through what happened?"

The sniper turned to look at her little sister who was laughing gleefully as Shepard lifted the child horizontally in his strong arms and spun her around in quick circles like a space ship, making various engine sounds as he did so. London's gaze turned back onto Ms. West with a smile, "I don't think that will be necessary. She's a happy child, ma'am. She's strong of spirit and damn smart."

The blonde woman nodded as she took note her personal data pad.

"I have another question of my own if I may," London began, "but just to ease my mind further, Teagan was recently given a portable terminal to keep in contact with me—I assume that won't be an issue given her circumstance?"

Patricia shook her head, "Not all at. In fact many of the students in later grades use PT's to take notes or record lectures and lessons. It's a very helpful tool to have."

London nodded, "She'll be fed three times a day? And clean uniforms are provided?"

"Yes Ma'am, both clothing and food. Breakfast at 8AM, Lunch at 12PM, and Dinner at 6PM. Students also have the option of small, healthy snacks throughout the day—all provided."

London smiled inwardly; she wouldn't have to worry about Teagan going hungry anymore. And though the school seemed to be run a little bit to military for her liking, Teagan would have the best professors, a clean environment, and a full tummy at all hours of the day…something London hadn't always able to provide, much to her regret. "If for any reason my little sister wants to leave the school, would she have that choice?"

The representative couldn't help but chuckle, "Ma'am it's not a prison, it's an educational facility. If the child wishes to transfer or withdraw completely they have that choice provided, of course, that they also have their guardian's consent."

The sniper exhaled happily at hearing this as she signed off the last of the paper work and added the last of her initials. "I think that's it then. I just need a moment to say goodbye…"

Patricia stood up and shook London's hand one last time, "Take all the time you need, Ma'am."

When London returned to her little sister, Shepard put a hand on the older woman's shoulder and smiled gently before walking off with Anderson to have a talk, "Alright sir, I can see it in your face—what's the update?"

Anderson patted John roughly on the shoulder before leaning onto the guardrail and watching the commotion of the Citadel below them, "I have word that other children—some younger than Teagan, have been reported as missing."

Shepard leaned onto the guardrail as well, a furrow coming to his brow as he looked onto the older man, "What's the count, sir?"

Anderson inhaled deeply, "We are currently aware of three others, each discovered to have a genetic abnormality from Eezo exposure."

"Sir," John began, "we found out Teagan has such an abnormality. The Eezo in her body seems to overact to the stimuli from her brain. Her biotic skill is much more advanced than it should be for someone her age. I can only imagine what her capabilities would be like in just a few short years."

Anderson nodded slowly, "I could only figure as much. This isn't coincidence, Shepard. Someone out there is going through a lot of resources to gather the identities of these children."

John sighed heavily as he thought of a resolution, "I'll get in contact with Liara and see if she can gather any information on this 'Buyer'. However, I don't know how much intel she'll be able to acquire with her…distraction" John said almost sourly, "but, I'll see what I can do."

Anderson smiled, "Ah yes, the Shadow Broker."

Shepard raised a brow at the admiral, "You know, sir?"

"John," the older man chuckled with a somewhat dark humor, "I know a lot of things—Liara hunting for the Shadow Broker being only one of them. And I just might be able to help Ms. T'soni with her problem."

John interest was peaked as he leaned into Anderson, his voice lowering. "I'm listening, Sir."

"We only recently uncovered some information that might give Ms. T'soni a lead on where to find the Shadow Broker's base of operations. I'm sure that if you help her, she'll help us."

Shepard nodded firmly, "I know Liara, Sir. She'll help, so consider it done."

"I'll forward the coordinates to your omni-tool," Anderson said as he turned his attention towards the two sisters and walked towards the hovercraft that would transport Teagan, "For now…while you gather the information, we simply wait and keep the child safe."

Looking up at her big sister, the reality of the situation hit Teagan as she began nervously twiddling her thumbs, suddenly unsure if her choice to leave London, the woman she'd grown up to know as her home, was correct. "W-What if you get sick? I can't be with you to look after you and make you soup. Or what if you get l-lonely?" Her little green eyes searched frantically for an answer to her own distressing questions, "If I can't do it t-then you need to be with people who can make you feel better. Daddy n' Mama aren't here anymore, and I think they would be sad seeing you alone all day. Her small face fell a little, eyes tracing the lines in the floor, "...I would be sad too."

London kneeled down to level her face with her baby sisters, her own gray eyes thick with emotion and beginning to blur from the tears that threatened to spill. What a smart, intuitive child Teagan is. "Listen Tee, I'll be just fine. You don't have to worry—that's my job remember? Your job is to grow up big, and smart, and strong for your older sister." Her voice cracking at the last word, London instantly cleared her throat, the light cough covering up the tremble in her voice.

Teagan's lower lip quivered rapidly, her little fists rising to wipe the tears that spilled from her big beautiful green eyes. London couldn't help herself; in a swooping motion the older sister brought Teagan into her arms and hugged as tightly as possible without crushing the small body, causing the tiny biotic to wrap her little arms around her sister's neck and squeeze as hard as she could, burying her face into the warmth of her only sibling. "...I don't wanna go, I changed my mind! …you shouldn't be alone!"

London tried to calm the child as she swayed Teagan gently from side to side. "You gotta' go, pun'kin." The older sister pulled the younger apart from her to look the smaller brunette straight in the eye. "If you don't go, you'll miss out on all the fun you could have! And you might even miss that chance to make lots of great friends, and play with all of those fun toys. Not to mention you'd be with other kids who were just like you."

Teagan lowered her sad eyes and twirled one of London's long loose curls in her tiny finger, "But I already have someone just like me…I have my big sister…I have you."

London had to take a moment to look up and away from Teagan to refrain from spilling tears. When she felt the moisture in her eyes to no longer be a risk, the sniper once more gazed upon the tiny biotic, taking her little sister's tiny hands into her own fully matured ones, "Hey. Be good and listen to your big sister, okay? Besides, I'm not going to be alone, silly. Shepard's taking me," She looked over her shoulder towards Shepard and pleaded with those striking light gray eyes. London was outright lying to her little sister and hoped Shepard would not only catch on—but work with her. Shepard gave a half smile and nod, realizing what London's eyes asked. London smiled to him then turned back to face her sibling, "...see? He's all for it. So, go on with Anderson, pun'kin. I'll be just fine with the Commander."

Teagan squeezed her big sister's hands then looked over to Commander Shepard. A few long moments passed before a wide smile spread across her mouth and she turned back to stare into London's eyes, "So…so does that mean you can have friends the same as me? Someone to look after you— like you do for me?"

"That's right, just the same as you." She reassured, "Now go on. I'll be sure to write a message to you everyday and visit as often as my credit-chit allows. Don't forget we can have video chats as well, okay?"

A trickle of fear snuck its way back into Teagan's eyes. "Y-you promise?"

London looked dead serious as she brought up her pinky to the little girl. "I promise with all of my heart and soul."

Teagan smiled widely as she joined pinkies with London. "Okay… I'll go to school then— b-but you better write everyday!"

"…That's my girl." London stood up from her kneeled position, watching as the small, suddenly excited child ran towards the gently smiling Anderson and school representative.

"You take care of her you hear me, Mr. Anderson!" London called out, crossing her arms under her breasts and taking two steps forward.

"Yes ma'am. You don't have to worry, she's in great hands." The councilor easily responded.

London bit her lower lip, willing tears to not fall as she watched Teagan enter the hover-car. "I love you, Tee!" she managed to shout without her voice choking.

"I love you too!" Teagan shouted back, the car door soon closing afterwards.

The last thing London could see of her beloved younger sibling was Teagan smooshing her hands up against the darkened glass waving frantically and with a giant smile.

"Goodbye, little one." The brunette whispered brokenly out into the air.

Teagan was gone, and the only thing that replaced her was silence.

Miranda was right, this hurts. London gasped, covering her mouth with a hand and choking back a sob that wanted so badly to come out. After a moment she covered both eyes with the softness of her palm and took a deep breath. She was not going to show weakness in front of Shepard.

She turned and began to leave, glancing at Shepard with tired eyes. "Thanks for helping me out back there, but I got it from here. Also… you don't have to feel bad for lying to Teagan. This is the best thing I could have ever let her do…she just needed to hear I would be okay."

Shepard reached out to her, placing a hand on her forearm to stop her from walking. "And will you be?"

London looked back and over her shoulder, shrugging the hand off gently before walking away and towards the rapid transit. "...I always am," she said softly, "I've been taking care of myself for a long, long time. This will be no different; I'll just have one less mouth to feed." The sound of her saying such a thing broke her own heart. "Goodbye, Commander Shepard, and thank you very much… for everything."

[End 18: Goodbye, Little One]

[[ A/N: ...*sighs sadly*.

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