Hannah pulled Marissa into a tight hug; tears slid down both their faces. Hannah watched over Marissa's shoulder as Plautia walked up to Kalea and they rested their heads together in silence.
Hannah released Marissa from her grip and looked her over. Dirty, smelly, a few pounds lighter probably, but no worse for the wear.
Hannah looked at Detective Vakarian. He activated his omni-tool and sent a ping.
"The other units have been notified that the girls have been found. It'll be a long trip back; we should get going," said the detective.
Marissa wiped the tears from her eyes and looked at the detective. "Sir, I need to show you something before we go." She pulled up her omni-tool; a moment later audio played. Hannah, Plautia, and Detective Vakarian listened.
Eclipse mercenaries, an illegal AI, unauthorized transport out of Tayseri Ward, contacts in security; all this information sank in. Hannah watched as Marissa transferred the data to Detective Vakarian's omni-tool. Marissa also told him about the Asari and Vorcha in the warehouse and the events that took place just a few hours ago. Hannah put her face in the palms of her hands and rubbed her eyes. She didn't know how to sort through the tangle of emotions bubbling in her gut. Hannah looked up to see Bobby standing in the corner, close to Kalea.
"Mare, what happened to Bobby's dad?" asked Hannah.
Marissa looked at her, then to Bobby, then Kalea, and then settled her eyes on Detective Vakarian.
"He was with us at first, and then he went with the Asari. When she came back he wasn't with her anymore. He might have left when she did, but I don't know where he is now."
Eyes locked with the detective, Marissa pointed to her chest and held up two fingers. Bobby was standing behind her so he didn't see the gesture, but Hannah knew what it meant. Hannah sighed.
Kalea spoke up. "We can't leave Bobby down here. We can't leave him alone." She looked around at the adults and then put her arm around Bobby.
Detective Vakarian cleared his throat. "We need to discuss this situation. Ms. Shepard, Ms. Torquatus, please join me outside."
Hannah saw the panic in Marissa's eyes; she was afraid. Hannah put her hand on Marissa's shoulder. "Don't worry!" She smiled and walked out of the tent.
Hannah, Plautia, and Detective Vakarian walked several paces away from the tent and left the kids under the watch of a few officers.
"He's dead; two shots to the chest," said Hannah once they were out of ear shot.
"I assumed as much, based on the gesture," said Detective Vakarian. "We shouldn't stick around here much longer; C-Sec isn't a welcome presence."
"We need to decide what to do with Bobby first," said Hannah.
"There are organizations on the Citadel that take care of orphaned children. I'm sure one will be glad to take him in and offer their attention," suggested Detective Vakarian.
Hannah looked at Plautia. "It looks like Kalea has taken to that little boy. It might be hard to separate them." It was an honest observation voiced with hope.
Plautia looked at Hannah, opened her mouth several times, and then finally said, "I don't know how to take care of a human child. We are completely different and Palaven isn't human friendly." She shook her head.
"Plautia, there are always options. Plus, you have an ingenious daughter to help you figure it out," Hannah responded.
Detective Vakarian spoke, "Ms. Shepard, unfortunately, cross-species adoptions are not well tolerated here on the Citadel. Only the Asari are seen as suitable cross-species adopters by the Council."
Hannah responded, "I wasn't aware the perception of adoption across species was frowned upon. On Earth, adoption among humans is common; we even adopt cross-species with felines and canines."
"It is a bit different across higher level species, but I understand your perspective," said Detective Vakarian. "I find it interesting that you see it as acceptable for a Turian to take care of a human child. Most humans and Turians are not that open-minded."
"I understand. You said there are organizations that could bring Bobby into their care? Then I hope he will be nurtured." Hannah looked at Plautia. "I also hope that Kalea will remain in touch with the boy." Hannah could understand the complexity of the situation even if it wasn't ideal.
Plautia sighed and clacked her mandibles. The emotion Hannah thought projected from the Turian was a sad relief. She understood how it could be a difficult decision to go against the norm and take care of a child with absolutely no similarities.
After re-entering the tent, Hannah watched as Plautia told Kalea that Bobby would be brought with them to the Presidium, but would have to remain on the Citadel. The reason given was Palaven wasn't a safe place for a human with all the radiation. Plautia promised Kalea and Bobby they would keep in touch and schedule visits. Both children reacted with some argument which was quelled quickly by the Turian mother's subharmonics. To Hannah it sounded like a growl.
In order to be supportive and to calm down a visibly irritated Marissa, Hannah told Plautia, Kalea, and Bobby that she would do anything she could to help find the right fit for Bobby.
After that discussion was settled, everyone started assembling.
"Alright, kids. Grab your things and let's go." Hannah clapped her hands. Emotionally, she settled on relieved; relieved to have her daughter back and minimal damage done.
The trip back didn't seem to take as long as it did earlier. Marissa chatted with Detective Vakarian about C-Sec, the Keeper tunnels, the FENRIS mech, and more. The mechanical dog walked next to Marissa the entire return trip and Hannah thought it was adorable.
The crew made it back to C-Sec headquarters and Hannah was able to introduce Detective Yuen to the girls and thank him again for organizing the search. She was extremely grateful for everything they did.
Bobby would stay at C-Sec while paperwork was processed, and he would be placed with one of the human officers until an arrangement could be made. Hannah and Plautia would be contacted after recommendations could be acquired. Kalea and Marissa seemed satisfied that they would be a part of the process of getting Bobby acclimated to his new environment.
Hannah, Marissa, Plautia, and Kalea were about to leave C-Sec, but first, Detective Yuen asked for a moment with Marissa. Hannah watched as Detective Yuen's face was serious then broke into a smile; Marissa and the detective's omni-tool glowed.
On their way back to the hotel, Hannah asked Marissa about the interaction. Marissa smiled.
"Detective Yuen wanted to know how I hacked the Hanar's levitation pack, so I showed him. He found our joke pretty funny."
"Marissa Shepard," exclaimed Hannah with pseudo sternness, "You better be careful who you play jokes on. It might bite you in the butt one day."
"Yeah, I know, Mom!"
Once back at the hotel, Hannah knocked on Captain Marshall's door. It opened immediately. As soon as he saw Marissa, he took a relieved breath and said, "Welcome back. No permanent damage, I hope."
"Nope, but we did have a few scares."
"Well, I look forward to hearing about your adventures when we head back to Arcturus." Captain Marshall directed his attention back to Hannah. "The summit will meet one more time today for the official signatures. I'll need you to be there as a formality, but once that's done, we're out of here. Be at the Embassy in six hours; now go sleep." The Captain smiled. "I'm glad I don't have to write that report."
"Me too, sir. Me too. See you soon."
Captain Marshall waved goodbye and retreated back to his room.
Hannah and Marissa made it to their room, showered, and headed to bed. Marissa ended up curled in front of Hannah; both of them slept deeply.
Hannah woke up to the sound of her alarm. She got Marissa up and they gathered their things. They would be leaving for the ship immediately following the summit, according to Captain Marshall's message.
Marissa and Kalea were put in the Embassy Lounge upon arrival and pretty much ordered by Hannah and Plautia not to move from their seats. Hannah asked the Administrative Assistant to stasis field them if the kids even looked like they were going to move. The Asari laughed. Hannah had a feeling that would be threat enough to keep the kids stationary.
The summit had been a success as the humans and Turians came to a mutual agreement on how to enact the species representation with each other. The diplomats shook hands and made their way to the skycars.
Hannah was able to grab Plautia before she departed.
"I know this didn't work out the way we planned, but considering the results, I'm glad we put the girls together. They really hit it off."
"Hannah, I want to apologize for being so harsh about Marissa and you. I hope we will be able to stay in contact in the future. I'll have questions about helping Kalea and Bobby and I would appreciate any assistance you could offer. Also, I think the girls will want to keep in touch and visit occasionally. I hope that is agreeable to you."
"Plautia, I forgive you for being harsh. I understand that it's difficult to see the complexity. I'll be happy to help you in any way I can and I think it would be great to visit. Have a safe trip back to Palaven."
"Have a safe trip back to Arcturus. May the Spirits be with you."
Marissa wrapped Kalea in a huge hug and swapped contact information. Hannah was glad that Marissa made a friend and adventure buddy. She didn't think this would have turned out so well if either of them had been alone.
Back in the docking bay, Hannah, Marissa, and the diplomats were waiting for the all clear to load. Most of the crew had returned and Captain Marshall was on board finalizing the return home. Marissa was sitting on a bench, busy on her omni-tool.
Hannah looked up and saw Detective Vakarian leaning against the wall of the docking bay; she walked over.
"Detective, I didn't expect to see you. Thank you again for all your help!" said Hannah, as she stuck out her hand.
The detective looked down then reached out his own, familiar with the custom.
"You're welcome," he said and released her grip. "I came down here to let you know we were able to find the AI Marissa told us about. The Salarian on site was arrested but he wouldn't disclose the others, so they're still out there. The AI is going to be terminated according to policy."
Hannah nodded her head. She was worried about the mercs, but she and Marissa were headed back to Arcturus so it shouldn't be a problem.
The detective continued, "Also, a team was able to locate the warehouse and found a Vorcha, an Asari, and an old human male all dead. It was a good thing Bobby was brought up here; he would have been down there alone otherwise."
"I'm glad he was brought up here too. I'll be happy to help the foster organization if they need anything. The kids bonded and I want them to stay in touch." Hannah was optimistic about the trio growing together despite the distance. Hopefully, the humans could help Plautia with her prejudice too.
"I believe it will work out as it should. And Hannah, not all Turians hate humans," he said kindly.
"I know, Kelis. I know." Hannah's voice rose. "Kids! Such a pain in the ass! You try to raise them right! I wish there was a manual!" She smiled and he reciprocated. "Be safe," she said.
"You as well," he replied, and then walked away.
Hannah walked back to Marissa. She received a ping that the ship was open for boarding and would depart soon.
Hannah grabbed her bags and wrapped her other arm around Marissa's shoulders.
"Let's go home!"