Transcending history, and the world, a tale of souls and swords, eternally retold.

Sorry. Just had to get a bit of Soul Calibur in there. First actual request I've done! woo! prompted by one lovely reviewer who wanted some Post-war Kiddy Adventurings way back in Summer '12. So here they be. Two parter because, ye gads, I've only gone and done some actual plot to go with my fluff. And by gove, it's a big 'un. Two parts and 15,000 words. Woo!

I wouldn't say that I'm a particularly religious or spiritual person, but I am a believer of that more things change, the more they stay the same.

Also, 'Xand/'Xand'r is pronounced with a 'z' if you were interested. But you probably knew that already.

Also Also, Izzy's name forebear has appeared before, namely in From Little Acorns and Triple Threat, so if you want the full story, you might want to give them a gander.

Onwards!

.

.

The Assassin stalked through shadows, tailing its prey with sharp eyes. The quarry scurried forward, blissfully unaware of the impending death about to be wrought down.

The hunter paused, smirking internally. This fight was already over. Apex Predator. That was the name for it. Like a cheetah on the plains of Africa, or a panther in deepest jungle. Like my fathers and forefathers before me. While the grounds he prowled were decidedly more synthetic and metal in nature, his primary skill set remained the same. Efficient. Silent. Deadly. He almost felt sorry for the quarry for having the misfortune to cross paths with them . Still. At least he won't suffer. Much.

The predator stalked closer still, dark smirk widening before he tensed, ready to pounce.

A heart beat.

Two .

He leapt.

Inches away from his mark, the predator scrambled to a halt as a giant metallic limb descended, crushing the quarry underfoot before grinding it into the ground. Such power, so swift. He looked up at the behemoth that had stolen his kill, eyes wide with a mixture of fear and adoration for the worthy opponent, praying to Bastet that his doe eyed appearance would at least save him from the same fate as is prey. He was met by a humanoid face, sculpted perfectly, stainless steel features analyzing him with utmost precision. Opening his mouth to greet the metallic goddess, he could manage little more than a shy mewl as he waited for her to pass judgement. A tense moment passed as he remained frozen, before a cry from behind flooded his senses with relief.

"Jones! No!" The tiny Asari weaved through the forest of legs before scooping the pet up on her arms. "Bad kitty! You know you're not allowed a' run off like that! You might get left behind, silly cat." The child, realizing she was in company, glanced shyly up to the metal woman in front of her, who was watching the interaction with a small smile and tilt of her head.

"I- thank you, ma'am. I-I dunno what would a' happened if you hadn't stopped him." She spoke bashfully, colour blooming in her cheeks.

"You are quite welcome." The metal lady responded, crouching down to the child's height, her eyes glancing momentarily down to the cat bundled in her arms, who was still looking up at what she had come to associate with 'awe' in Earthen species. She returned her gaze to the child, flashing a warm smile as she offered a hand.

"I am EDI."

The child scrunched her face, thinking, before her large opal eyes widened in recognition, an excited glee taking over her features as she fumbled to free a hand to shake.

"You're a'puter lady?" The child studied the synthetic's features with unbridled curiosity before remembering her manners.

"Oh, uh, I-" she cleared her throat and stood to her full height, chest puffing. "I am Isabela Shepard-T'Soni, daughter of Commander Alex an' Doctor Liara." She flashed a nervous smile. "But e'rry body calls me-"

"Izzy!? Goddess!"

EDI peeked over the child's shoulder to see another Asari, still not fully grown, frantically weaving her way towards the pair, her emerald eyes alight with equal measures of anger and panic. Coming up behind her younger counterpart, the Asari wrapped her arms around the younger's shoulders, pouting at the cat cradled in the child's arms.

"Jones? Stupid thing's nothing but trouble." Rolling her eyes before noticing the android.

"Oh hey EDI, look um, can you, like, not tell my parents that I, kind of, nearly lost Izzy? I don't think they'd be too happy."

Placing a hand on the elder sister's shoulder, EDI engaged her warmth protocols once more. "Your secret is safe with me-"

"Vari! Izzy!" EDI's head perked up again as the distinguished flame hair of the children's' father flashed through the crowd, jostling passersby with notably less finesse than her daughters.

"Son of a- Dear God, there you are. Thank the maker you're alright. You are alright, right?" Shepard shook her head, banishing the fluster from her expression, before fixing the children with a stern glare. "Not a word to your mother, if she found-"

"Shepard?"

"Over here, sweetie!" Shepard waved Liara over, her tone saccharine sweet, before firing one last warning look at the two children. Liara came bustling over, a frown etched on her face.

"What are you doing at the other end of the space port? I told the three of you to wait while I checked us in with port authorities."

Shepard cleared her throat as her hand wandered to the nape of her neck, itching. "I uh, we..." She glanced down to the children, silently begging for back up. Vari straightened her posture as she fixed her mother with her most sincere gaze. "Well, we, umm-"

"They followed me, Liara." EDI spoke up, stepping in. "I do not believe the children had seen the Normandy before. I thought it would be nice to show them."

Liara regarded the synthetic sceptically for a moment. "Really?"

"If you are attempting to ascertain the validity of my statement, I can assure you it is not within my core programming to lie or misconstrue truths to trusted individuals designated 'friends'. I would not lie to you Liara if I have no reason."

Liara's glare remained for a second more before rescinding, satisfied. Giving the AI a courteous nod, she moved to join her family, she placed a gentle hand on her Bondmate's back, ushering the trio toward the ship's airlock.

"I'm sure there shall be time enough in the coming week for everyone to get well acquainted with the Normandy. Now come along, we shall see you inside, EDI."

Passing the synthetic, Vari flashed a grateful smile that turned into a wide grin upon seeing the AI shoot a sly wink back.

EDI watched the family board with a tilt of her head. She hadn't had much, if any interaction with children in the past and her data banks on the topic were sorely lacking. Further research would prove enlightening. The AI gave a soft smile.

All in the name of science, of course.

.

.

Running through the airlock with unbridled enthusiasm, Izzy came to a sudden halt, torn between visiting the helm of the ship or the CIC first. A voice called from the helm, catching the child's attention. A man swivelled around in is chair, flashing an impish grin at the family. Catching a glimpse of the vast array of buttons and switches glowing on the panel behind him, Izzy's mind was decided.

Running up to the console, the child refrained from actually touching anything, instead looking upon the vast contraption as if it were a revered holy relic. Familiar metallic tones chimed from a speaker on the console.

"Can I be of assistance, Miss Shepard-T'Soni?"

Izzy started at the noise, her head spinning around to the airlock, before turning back to the console, confused.

"But... You're a'robot lady? You're ou'side?"

"Yes, but I am also here, on the ship. I can see everything that happens within 50 feet of the Normandy. I am the ship."

Izzy paused for a second, thinking.

"So that means you can see ev-"

"Everything."

Izzy lapsed into silence, regarding the console warily, only relieved when she felt her father's strong hands pick her up and settle her on the human's hip, her papa chuckling lightly as she did so.

"That's enough, AM. I could do without you giving my youngest nightmares."

"That was a joke, Shepard. And if Jeff is to be believed, your children should already be well accustomed to night terrors after infringing on yourself and Liara's... Intimate time."

"Oh, Jeff told you about that, did he?" Shepard glanced sideways, quirking an unimpressed eyebrow at the flight lieutenant who immediately held up his hands in surrender.

"Hey, she would've found out eventually. Better hearing it from a sympathetic source, huh?"

"I hardly think you'd count as sympathetic, Joker. Especially when it comes to gossiping about how your old CO got caught by her kid with her ass up in the air."

"At any rate," Vari butted in from her father's side, having watched the back and forth, speaking with rehearsed rigidity. "Papa's ass is delicious and you are all jealous just cause you couldn't get a piece of that fine... Uh, booty, was it?"

"Close enough." Shepard rescinded, flicking a credit chit from her pocket, Vari catching it mid air before running off down the ship. Letting the younger child and her cat down, the two humans waited for them to chase after her sister before Joker raised a questioning eyebrow at the former Commander. In response Shepard gave a humble shrug.

"Hey, when you're the dowdy one in a relationship, you'll take compliments wherever you can. Plus," she turned to a three quarter angle, "You can't argue with facts, right?"

At this the Flight Lieutenant held his hands palm up in defence, eyes wide as sarcasm laced his tone.

"Oh I wouldn't know, Ma'am. I would never objectify women in such manner."

It was Shepard's turn to quirk an eyebrow, before a snort broke her visage, the pair cracking into small laughter.

.

.

"So this was your ship, Dad?"

"Sure was. She's a beaux, right kiddo?"

"I guess," Vari said, distracted as she gazed out the starboard observation window, her brow furrowing. "If this is their ship, then where's Humanity's Second Spectre? I was going to ask if they could show me all their guns and tell me about all their recent missions." She sighed dejectedly. "They're so cool. Like, the coolest."

Shepard shoved her hands in her pocket, pouting out into the star field, muttering.

"If they're so cool, how come they're busy presenting a paper on fiscal security of Nirn's second moon when we're out celebrating? "

Vari, failing to pick up her father's grump, answered earnestly, her eyes lighting up as she spoke

"Because they get to see all the cool stuff in between the paper work, like you used to do! Don't you miss it sometimes, Dad? I can't imagine sitting around the house all day, not doing any commandeering. It must be really boring, especially when there's so much action out there!"

Shepard shifted slightly, her voice becoming small and defensive.

"I've seen enough action."

"I don't even think that's possible!" Vari responded, grinning. The pair lapsed into silence, remaining so until the door behind them swished open and they were joined by the remainder over their family.

Still clutching the small cat to her chest, Izzy sat perched on her mother's hip. Upon spotting the Human however, she began squirming, eager to get down.

"Papa! Have you seen a'Engine core!? It's so huge and pretty. I wish I could'a shown Nana 'Thetes."

At this, Vari's gaze was drawn from the window, instead flicking between her two parents, a small pout drawn over her lips.

"Is Nana 'Thetes not coming anymore?"

Breaking out of her funk, Shepard relaxed into a nearby sofa, flashing an apologetic smile at her eldest as Liara came to settle next to her.

"Nah. She got called away last minute to attend some convention thing. Things must be bad if they're calling on the wisdom of that Matriarch."

Liara turned to her Bondmate with a scolding look but held no true anger in her expression.

"That convention thing is the Matriarchal Conclave and will decide the course of Asari politics for the next ten years. As much as she despises the Matriarchy, I doubt even my father would pass up attending the event, even if only to try and convince some of them to pull their fingers out their collective arsehole." At this Shepard gave a hearty cackle.

"Ooh, tough talk from T'Soni over here! And in front of the kids too! Is the testy Maiden slash Matron critical of Asari high command?"

"Wouldn't you be if your people; having suffered the most painful wake up call in history, instead of learning and using it as springboard for change, they choose to cling desperately to the ways of the old? And I'm still very much a Maiden, thank you."

"Sweetie, you've had two kids and a Bondmate for the past 15 years. Plus Aethyta told me all about the changes. They're getting bigger. and if there's one thing I'm an expert on, its the Wonder Twins." Shepard gave an impish grin while Liara fixed her with an icy glare, undermined by the slight tweaking at the corners of her lips.

Jones, having long gotten bored resting on the youngest Asari's lap, was currently scoping out his new habitat while his owner sat patiently, waiting for her parents to finish talking about boring grown up stuff. After several minutes of inane chatter, Izzy realised she would be waiting a long time if action was not taken. Carefully, she sidled ever closer to her father, snuggling into the Commander's side, staring up at the human with rapt opal eyes. Just as predicted, Shepard took notice of the child at the next lull in conversation.

"Papa, who else s'gunna be on T'chunky?"

Lifting the child onto her knee and fixing her with a soft smile, Shepard corrected her.

"Tachunka, sweetie. That's where Uncle Wrex and Grunt live, remember?"

Izzy's face lit up at the mention of her foster brother.

"Grunt's gonna be there!? And Uncle Wrex?"

"Yep. And I think they're bringing their kids too." Shepard added, frowning slightly as she tried to remember. To her left, Liara let out a small snort as a soft smile played across her face.

"One each at any rate. I can't imagine any gathering involving - what we're they up to now? Fifty? - Krogan children that wouldn't end in catastrophe."

"Hey, speak for yourself. We're honorary Krogan now, remember?"

"My father never lets me forget." Liara put on a mock scowl as she attempted the Matriarch's gravelly tones. "Hey kid. Knew you had it in ya. What did I say about Asari reproduction?" She couldn't help the warm chuckle that escaped her lips as the facade fell. "Now that I'm properly versed in such matters, I've got to concede, she has a point."

"Mhmm?" Shepard enquired, straightening out her daughter's frock.

"Well, looking at Vari, it's clear to see who she takes after."

Shepard frowned, teasing.

"You mean the blue kid with the sparkly crest and mind magic?"

Liara gave Shepard a light shove on the shoulder. "Stop being facetious. Her mannerisms are so you it's frightening. She's got this..." Liara searched for the word before Shepard interjected.

"bone headedness?"

"I was going to say reckless abandon and single tract minded indomitability, but if you want to use that, I'll be sure to let her know. Luckily," she reached across the Commander's lap, tracing the outline of Izzy's face, lifting her when the child motioned. "You are much more sensible."

Happy the conversation had turned back around to her, Izzy took her chance to continue.

"Who else is gonna be there?"

"Well..."

.

.

"I am Urdnot 'Din, daughter of war lord Wrex, clan mother Bakara and future clan queen of all of Tachunka." The red crested Krogan introduced herself, offering a hand not yet weathered and calloused from heavy duty. Vari accepted it, only for another Krogan, this one grey crested and with dazzlingly blue eyes, to knock 'Din's shoulder and stood proud, puffing out his chest.

"And I am Urdnot Xand'r, son of Battle masters Grunt and Zaldana and future king of Tachunka!"

Vari's brow furrowed at the remark.

"I didn't know Krogan arranged marriages."

Xand'r looked horrified at the concept before spluttering out his next words. Vari could swear she had just seen the young Krogan blush.

"No! I will be king when I rip her head from her shoulders and use her carcass as my throne!"

'Din merely rolled her eyes at the thought, contemplating how best to execute a swift kick to the quads to her fellow clan mate. Such plans were cut short, however, when her father called the pair away to meet Dr T'Soni and the Shepard.

Seeing the only other two children at the gathering standing awkwardly by the entrance to the Normandy, Vari set off toward them, Izzy never leaving the security of her sister's shadow. With a devious grin splayed across her lips, Vari shouted out.

"Hey Bird Brain! Hood Rat!"

She let out a gleeful cackle at the scandalised expressions of the young Quarian and Turian previously eyeing the vessel. Upon spying the trio of Asari, the Quarian gave out a small chuckle, his sister slightly more wary of their new company.

"Big talk from Tentacle Crest over there." He snorted, before moving his eyes over to Vari's companion. "And to what do I owe the pleasure to this little cerulean cherub?"

Izzy remained steadfastly secured to her sister's dress, a curious expression developing over her face. Motioning behind her, Vari spoke.

"Smooth, Vakarian. This is Izzy. She's my kid sister. I think you met her a few years ago."

"Ah yes," He mused in return. "But you were just a babe back then, yes?"

Vari snorted and scrunched up her nose.

"Babe? Why are you talking so weird?"

The young Quarian bristled slightly.

"Dad said the ladies like a gentlemen. Plus it never hurts to have a little manners. You should try it some time. Ah, but speaking of which, where are mine? I am Kal'Vakarian and this is my little sister, Shala."

Izzy assumed he was referring to age, since the young Turian was easily half a head taller than him. When the two made eye contact, her mandibles fluttered shyly in a way to reminded the Asari of Uncle Garrus. Izzy smiled. She like Shala. Approaching the nervous Turian, Izzy took one clawed hand in her own.

"Wanna see the Norm'dy's drive core? It's huge!"

Watching the gaggle of children disappear up the boarding ramp, Liara gave a wistful sigh and gentle grin before returning her attention to the party, already gearing up into full swing. Cocking an unimpressed brow, she watched as Shepard, blasted Ryncol in hand, smirked devilishly at Wrex, with Grunt egging her on in the background. She gave another sigh. Honestly. There were times she was convinced she was responsible for three children.

"Ha Ha! You're on Shepard! I'll take you on at this Human art of 'Arm Wrasslin'! Best two outta three!" He laughed rambunctiously. Giving the Commander a hearty slap on the back, the younger Krogan chuckled, eager to witness the clash of the two titans. Liara could only look on and watch as the two Krogans' noise attracted the remainder of the guests and before she could blink, Joker had his hat off and filled with credit chits as a betting pool materialised in front of her.

"You don't stand a chance big guy, these guns are crafted to precision! You know, there's a rumour I actually downed a Reaper with one punch, "

"True, Commander," Bakara chipped in "But some also believe you to be a man deeply in love with the Turian." This earned a round of laughter from the crowd as Garrus straightened his posture, fluttering his mandibles in the best Turian approximation of an eyebrow waggle. Liara let herself smile and drew into the crowd, depositing a chit of her own into the Flight Lieutenant's now brimming cap.

.

.

"This ship is so cool!" Kal swooned, plopping himself down on the vacant pilot's chair "Can you believe our parents lived here!?"

"It is a technical marvel, even after fifteen years." 'Din added, gently caressing a nearby console. Beside her, the smaller Krogan gave a small jump of excitement.

"And those guns! Did you see the size of those Thanixes?!"

"I guess," Shala frowned, mandibles flapping exaggeratedly. "But did you see those read outs? Those numbers were all wrong. I could squeeze another 0.43% out of those things in my sleep!"

Kal popped off his visor to give an exaggerated snort. Whatever cutting remark he was shooting back at his sister went unheard by Izzy, who had become instantly entranced by the alien's appearance, his hood slipping down to reveal the most beautiful creature the young Asari had ever seen. His skin was pale with the faintest of violet tingeing his visage. Either that or his amethyst eyes were shimmering, and casting a heavenly glow on his features. Intricate line work decorated his face, the dark scores highlighting his defined jaw, strong cheekbones and proud nose. And his hair! Well, Izzy thought it was hair. It sprouted from the same place Papa's did, but looked more like cables than the Commander's strands but equally as soft. If only she could reach out to touch it...

A nudge brought her back to the present with a start. 'Din glanced down in amusement as the young Asari began to take on her own purple hue, the tips of her crest flushing almost instantly. Turning her attention back to the conversation at hand, she was unsurprised to discover it had evolved into a rather heated argument. To the Krogan's left, Vari cleared her throat as a mischievous grin playing out across her face and a menacing eyebrow cocked itself.

"Hey, enough of this. I know how we can decide once and for all who the better tech nerd is out of the two of you. How about we have a little race to see who can hack the most advanced warship in council space the fastest?"

.

.

High off the adrenaline of actually beating a Krogan warlord in the first round of arm wrestling, Shepard's face was hardened into a grimace, her teeth bared as a drop of sweat trickled its way down her forehead, its course only faltering as it ran over the bump of a bulging vein. She would have to remember and tell Miranda that her handiwork withstood the might of the most prestigious Krogan in history. If only she could muster up the strength to push Wrex's hand down a few more inches and put this thing to bed...

A cold chill swept over the Commander, causing her eyes to snap away from the warring appendages and stare vaguely into the distance over the Krogan's shoulder. The ice in her gut had at one point been a constant companion in her life, only truly lifting with the fall of the Reapers. And it had served her well, this companion, keeping her sharp and alert to any nearby dangers, Be they the daily threat of earthen urchin life or the weekend from hell spent on Elysium.

Still, it was a feeling she had almost forgot and one she never wished to experience again. In the heat of the moment, no one noticed the colour drain from Shepard's features, their attention to intent on the action happening just inches below, as Wrex, unaware of the Commander's sudden change in demeanour, seized his opportunity and thrust her arm in the opposite direction, slamming it through the table in an almighty clamour as a roar of approval and disappointment rang out around them.

Shepard was immediately brought back to the presence, although still decidedly shaken. Wrex was already on his feet, arms above his head, bellowing victory chants to those around him. In the ruckus, it took Shepard two calls to gain EDI's attention. Tinkering over, the android fixed the Commander with a pleasant, expectant expression.

"Yes, Shepard?"

"Where are the children? Are they alright?" She said with frown, voice hardening into the battle ready marine not seen for years. EDI merely replied with a patient shake of the head and gentle smile as she waved her hand dismissively, in an increasingly human series of gestures she had picked up recently.

"They are fine, Shepard. Scans indicate no ailments or issues in need of immediate attention. There is a slight rise in Isabela's heart rate, above average for Asari of that age, but little else."

"But they're safe? Are you sure?"

"Yes. They are currently on the flight deck of the Normandy. There is currently no safer place for them to be, if I do say so myself." She added, and Shepard could swear she heard traces of smug pride in her voice. The kind of smug pride she was known for.

Calming and dismissing her moment of madness, she noticed a slight throbbing in her hand. It seemed Liara noticed at that moment too, as she was suddenly at the Commander's side, tutting as she did at her children, a chiding shake of her head a smile tinged with mirth halting only when she saw her Bondmate's troubled complexion. Shepard gently brushed her off, sounding as convincing as a guilty school girl.

"I'm fine. Honestly."

"The wood sticking out of your knuckle begs to differ." She reprimanded, plucking the offending foreign body, raising a questioning eyebrow as the Commander failed to hide a painful hiss. Before the Asari could gloat, Wrex came storming back over, laughter in his eyes.

"Come on Shepard! Time for the decider! Winner takes all! We just need a new table," he turned around, pointing into their throng of friends. "Vakarian, get over here, let's put you to good use for once, ha ha!"

.

.

"Boom! And that's why you never give a Turian a Quarian's work!" Kal said, bouncing from within a gap they had created in the pilot's console. Behind him, Shala emerged, more cautiously yet no less graceful.

"That's racist. And wrong. Did you remember to trip the neutron capacitor and polarize it?" She waited a second for her brother to flounder slightly, doing the most majestic impression of a fish Izzy had ever seen. "Exactly. Luckily for you someone listens when their parents try to teach them stuff, otherwise you'd 'a just set off the Drive Core and melted all our faces off."

The young Quarian muttered as his cheeks flared with colour, but before Izzy could fawn over the sight further, Vari grabbed her attention, storming past and up the bridge, through the CIC and hopping up onto the captain's podium and began gesturing in her best impression of her father.

"Xand'r! Set course for the most treacherous hive of scum and villainy you can find me! Shala, see if you can't squeeze anymore juice out of this baby, wherever we're going I want to be there yesterday! Kal, 'Din! Let's get this birdie airborne!"

The children responded with affirmatives of laughter and set to work immediately, with only Izzy remaining in place, pouting in a way that never failed to bring their parents to their knees.

"What 'bout me?"

"I- uh- I was just gonna-"

"You forgot 'bout me. Din't you?"

"No, look, I-I was just gonna say, since your way better with- with smart stuff than me, maybe you should go help Kal and 'Din keep us running smoothly." Vari lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper, "I think Kal's got a thing for you."

Any anger the littlest Asari may have harboured evaporated at the thought of the Quarian and with a studious nod, bolted back to the bridge. Vari gave a sigh of relief. Only Papa had the power to stop Izzy when she began to pout and Goddess help her if Iz had caused a scene and forced Vari to go fetch Papa. Who would want to follow a Commander who couldn't even stop their kid sister from crying?

She startled as a cool mechanical voice filled the air, calm but under laced with the tiniest hint of uncertainty.

"Miss Shepard-T'Soni, attempted flight of the Normandy would result in failure, as per your mother's adamant requests, I have disabled and deadlocked all flight functions. To re-enable, clearance must be granted from any senior member of the Normandy flight crew. May I ask what you are trying to attempt?"

Vari puzzled for a second. Stall. Confuse. Subterfuge.

"Why'd you call me both names? Usually it's either Shepard or T'Soni."

"While different species have different naming cultures, I follow what is written on your legal documentation wherein you are listed as Miss Shepard-T'Soni. But you failed to answer my original question."

Dammit. She's good. Well she is the most advanced computer in the history of ever.

So how'd you confuse a computer? Vari's eyebrows shot up.

"I'll tell you, but only if you promise not to tell Mama or Papa."

EDI was silent for a minute as she contemplated the proposal. The children's safety was tantamount but if she was unable to report back to Shepard or Liara, how could she protect the children? She couldn't lie. But if she refused to promise, the child would fail to disclose what she was doing. And one thing worse than variables were unknown variables. And the children, from her admittedly limited surveillance of them aboard the Normandy, were presenting an alarming amount of unknown variables. If only I had more data. To make an informed decision, she needed data.

"I promise."

A triumphant grin broke out over Vari's face.

"We're going on adventures! Like Mama and Papa used to!"

It was almost has if Vari could hear the puzzled expression on the AI's chassis .

"Unfortunately, as per your parents' orders, such adventuring will be impossible on the Normandy. We are in lockdown until further notice."

"Nuh Uh!" Vari retorted, with an arrogance that EDI had only ever been able to pinpoint in children. "You're the one that's locked down EDI. Sorry 'bout that. But we need to save the galaxy!"

As if to prove her wrong, EDI moved to dim the lights of the CIC, only to find she couldn't. It was like her ground missions with Shepard, when she might occasionally lose the odd limb and find it strange to get no response when ordering it to move. However, here she was beginning to experience the fear she had seen her crew exhibit so many times in the past. Real fear. Disconcerting fear.

She was the Normandy, but that had been taken away from her. She was put back in her box again. Wrapped in the chains that Cerberus had born her in.

"Very amusing Miss Shepard-T'Soni," She said, attempting to keep the calm in her wavering voice. "But give me back control of the ship. Please."

"Sorry, EDI, but we gotta go. There's bad guys to pound."

"Vari no-"

"Offline mode, EDI."

The voice cut off and the children were left alone in the Normandy. To the Asari's right, Xand'r slowly span around in one of the CIC's vacated chairs, a devilish grin playing out across his face as a faint humming rippled through the air, the only signal of the Normandy's engines coming to life.

"You ready Shep? Next stop, Omega!"

.

.

She was almost there. Victory was just a hand slam away. Shepard swore she could feel the titanium in her bones creaking against the might of the Krogan warlord. Glancing up at the din of encouragement around them, her eyes caught EDI, the only member of the crew not joining in the frivolities. Instead, she looked troubled, as if trying to unfurl a conundrum in her head.

Going unnoticed by the inebriated crowd, it was only Shepard who saw her began to spark, her synthetic eyes glazing over as her chassis stiffened. Eyes widening, Shepard thrust her hand down, Wrex's hand practically bouncing off the hard stone they had settled on as a replacement for the broken table. The Commander paid little attention to the cheers and laughter around her and went straight to the AI, alarm written across her face.

"EDI, status report. What's happening? Talk to me!"

The laughter died as an equally cool, yet decidedly detached male voice hissed from her speakers, the chassis' automated lips unmoving.

[ERROR: Connection lost with alpha terminal. Cloud Function disabled. Replace the platform and try again]

Shepard shook the immobile platform, more in frustration than anything. Around her, she was dimly aware of her friends bristling, Garrus notably adding a few inches to his height as his mandibles fluttered in agitation.

Then her Omni-Tool rang. Then everyone else's. At the familiar call signature, she answered.

"Commander!" EDI's voice flared through her Omni-Tool, audible distress in her synthetic tones. "They have my ship. They have me!" The anger subsided in EDI's voice. "I-I don't know what to do. I'm trapped."

The gnawing fear in Shepard's stomach grew, before releasing and a cool, familiar curtain fell over her. She had grown up in fear and uncertainty, used it to her advantage. In a second, Shepard was a soldier again. The soldier. Elysium. Akuze. Torfan. Quick thinking, quick acting. Glancing up around her friends, her crew, she studied their faces. Each was hardened, as if the Reapers were still bearing down on them, slipping into their old roles they had hoped to have given up for good. She caught Liara's eye, seeing the darkly determined glare she had once only reserved for the previous Shadow Broker. One that Shepard still had nightmares about. A second's glance was all it took to decide. To retake the reigns. They were all waiting for her. To follow her once more unto the breach. Shepard opened her mouth, her quiet voice steely and resolute.

"EDI, I need you to relax and access your network-"

"I can't Shepard. I'm blind, I-I-"

"EDI, trust me. They may have limited your access, but you can still spectate. It's still your ship. It's still you. Scan your co-ordinates. Where are you heading?"

"Ah-I-They- We're headed to the Aralakh System's Mass Relay, intended destination... the Sahrabarik. Intended destination-" EDI barely contained the stutter in her voice. "Omega."

A deadly chill filled the room as the crew gave a collective intake of breath. It was Joker that eventually broke the silence.

"But... why?"

"Bounty Hunting." came EDI's reply. In the corner of her eye, Shepard could see Garrus shaking with rage, a deadly growl emanating from his sub-harmonics. Knowing his exact train of thinking, Tali stepped up behind him, placing a gentle three fingered hand on his shoulder. Spinning around, they shared a silent conversation, spoken only through their eyes. An understanding was reached, and Garrus' immediate fury subsided, and he allowed himself to be guided outside for further discussion.

A hum of discontent had filled the air, as the remainder of the crew waited for Shepard to take charge. Fighting the paralysing chill in her gut, the Commander swallowed the urge to be sick and turned to Wrex, his own brow furrowed in a strange contemplation. Catching her eye, he nodded.

"Shepard."

"I want the fastest ship you've got on this god damned rock. And I want it yesterday."

With another curt nod, Wrex too left the room, the bellowing of his commands muffled as the door slid closed once more.

"Joker. I want you piloting. If I can count on one person to catch up to the Normandy, it's you."

"Aye aye, Commander." The Flight Lieutenant gave a sombre salute before he too hobbled out the exit. After ordering the removal of EDI's chassis to the transport and for final checks to be made for takeoff, the room was empty save Shepard and her Bondmate. Only then did Shepard let the frown chiselled into her face fall, her shoulders slumping and eyes worriedly glancing up to Liara's. She felt unbidden tears welling up in her eyes and a painful lump lodge itself in her throat. Only then did she realise she was shaking.

Cautiously, Liara approached, as if any sudden movements might startle the Human. Tipping Shepard's chin upward, Liara gazed into Shepard's emerald eyes, filled with unspoken uncertainty.

"They're children. Omega's no place for goddamned adults, let alone kids."

"But they are our children, Shepard. If anyone should possess the tenacity and wits to survive in such a place, even if only temporarily, it's them." She gave a sad smile that while not reassuring, still managed to ease Shepard's nerves. The human's features softened as she leaned into her Bondmate's gentle touch.

"They'll be fine." Liara continued, an eyebrow cocking slightly. "At least until we find them, then they'll find out what true danger and fear really are."

Shepard let out a soft snort at the Asari's attempt at lightening the mood, before closing her eyes and resting her forehead on that of her partner's.

"They'll be fine?"

"They'll be fine."