Cass sighed as she began to pack up her things, her mother was off with Anderson for the day preparing, or more like doing whatever they can to face the impending threat. She wanted to help, and she knows she can help, but not here. This morning, her resolve broke; she laughed and for a moment, a tiny sliver of time, she felt like nothing had happened between them; like they could be a normal family, something that she had so desperately wanted before, but now, it simply couldn't be the case.

If they stood any chance of being together as a family again, it has to be on Cass' terms, and her mother, breaking through that wall, even just a tiny bit, it couldn't happen again. And her offer, the offer to fight alongside her, well, it becomes less of an option every time she thinks about it. Her mother cannot be Commander Shepard and her mom at the same time. It would be the same story as before, her mother would stop making the right calls in order to protect her, and with this war only moments away, the galaxy needs the self-sacrificing Commander Shepard, not her mom.

Cass frowned, hoisting the N7 duffle bag off to the side, she wished she could be stronger, or maybe this was stronger? She wasn't sure. Is slipping away without saying goodbye a copout? Or is she sparing them the pain of having to go through separation again, but on her terms? But, regardless of how she was doing it, leaving was the best option.

Opening the metal casing that held her newly purchased armor and weaponry; the girl shifted the cases' contents and began to change into the protective covering and sheath two new, heavy pistols at her hips.

Shuffling over to the table, Cass grabbed her mother's data pad to leave her a message; not wanting to fully cut ties without at least leaving something for the commander. And it would be easier this way, for both of them; they couldn't be selfish anymore.

Setting the tablet carefully on the table, the girl hefted the bag onto her shoulder and slipped out the door.

"Where're you going?" A voice made Cass jump; she was standing at the window looking out onto where the shuttles were coming and going from ships taking people back and forth to the citadel and other places. Squinting, the teen could make out Ashley's figure in the glass reflection.

"I'm not exactly sure." Cass frowned, not bothering to turn around.

"So you're just leaving then?" Ashley asked, standing next to the teen.

"Yeah."

"Does your mother know?"

"Yes." Cass lied, unconvincingly. Withering under the older woman's almost maternal glare, the teen relented. "No, she doesn't… I left her a note."

"Oh, well, maybe it's for the best." Ashely frowned, primarily to herself.

"You think so?" Cass asked, her tone unbelieving.

"Well, there's a lot of questions being raised about your mother's ties to Cerberus, and I think it might be a good thing you're not staying around her."

"I was there with Cerberus too." Cass' eyes narrowing.

"I know, but you're a child-"

"I hardly would classify myself as a child, Ashely."

"I didn't mean it in a bad way-"

"Whatever."

"I'm just trying to say, that there is a possibility that your mother could still have Cerberus ties, that's all."

Cass frowned. Could that be true? She had no idea what actually happened after they defeated the collectors and blew up their ship. But it's not likely; they talked about it before, when they were together. Her mother working with and or for Cerberus was next to impossible. The older woman held as much disdain for the illusive man as she did.

"Do you really think that?" Cass turned to Ashley.

"I don't know what to think, other than that we should be careful."

Cass frowned and turned back to the window, not seeing much point in correcting the lieutenant commander.

"So, have you decided?"

"Decided what?"

"Where you're going?"

"No." Cass rolled her eyes.

"If you need somewhere to go-"

"Don't." Cass mumbled.

"Don't what?" Ashley frowned, turning the teen by her shoulder, forcing eye contact.

"Don't pity me." Cass growled.

"I'm not-"

"You are. There are plenty of places that I can go, Ash. I just need to decide, so I don't need your help or anyone's help. I'm fucking fine on my own. You may have caught me in a vulnerable position last night, but don't be mistaken; I am not someone you want to be around and I'm also not someone to be fucked with. So you can stop the little pity party you're throwing me and just keep moving." Cass growled.

"Cass, I'm just trying to help-"

"Yeah and the last person who tried to help, left me in the dust. I don't need help, not from you, or anyone else."

"I hardly think this is anyway to talk to me."

"Why is that? Do you think you're important? Is it because you're an Alliance officer? Lieutenant commander?" Cass' eyes gleamed, the hostility shining darkly.

"Cassandra." Ashely warned in a voice that was all too familiar.

"Oh, Ash," Cass laughed coldly, "Remember one thing: People who think they're important tend to die first."

Ashley winced at the girl's icy laugh, and frowned as the teen picked up the black duffle bag at her feet, mumbling a "Good luck, Ash," the teen turned her back and walked away, leaving the lieutenant commander behind.

"So the prodigal daughter returns." Aria smirked; her lips turning upward ever so slightly.

"I always do." Cass replied settling on the couch next to the Asari. "This isn't as nice as the one on Omega." The teen pressed her hands against the fabric.

"Nothing here can compare to Omega, the people, the music, the lights; we won't be here long, Cass. We will take back Omega; but it's taking longer than I thought to gather our resources." Aria explained.

"So we wait," Cass leaned back, resting her arms behind her head, "The reapers are coming, we wait for them to attack, to weaken Cerberus; then we make our move. In the mean time we continue to plan."

Aria smiled, her lips curled in a sinister way, she knew there was a reason she like this kid.

"I'm going to kill her! And ground her! And kill her again!" Shepard fumed. "Why the hell did you remove that flag on her, Anderson?"

"Shepard, calm down! Cass is a smart kid- and I, she asked, and personally, I don't think it's right of you to keep her here." Anderson sighed.

"You don't have kids, Anderson. You don't understand; you shouldn't-"

"Don't tell me what I should and should not do, Shepard." Anderson's voice rose, "I understand she is your daughter, but it was very clear that she did not want to be here; and it's not right for you to be in and out with her. Children need stability, that I least do know, and that girl has had basically none in her life."

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that she's a lot like you and can handle herself." Anderson stated, with a tone of finality.

Shepard sighed, before pushing her way out of Anderson's office.

"You can sleep here, for tonight, anyway." Aria stated, clearly unenthused at the idea of having a houseguest.

Cass frowned, maybe she should have found an actual place to stay before running off to the citadel; it was surprising that Aria was even letting her stay in her apartment, and to how Aria even got an apartment this quickly was suspicious to her. Especially an apartment this nice.

The loft like building was overlooking the Silversun strip; so it was clearly expensive, it wasn't as large as some of the other places along the strip itself, but it was more than enough room to accommodate a small family.

Leaning back into the plush, black leather couch; the teen looked to her Asari companion. "How'd you even get this? I wasn't aware that you had real estate on the citadel."

"I don't. But I have many people who owe me favors."

"Oh. Like who?"

"I don't really think it's any of your business, but if you must know, Tevos owes me."

"The Asari councilor?" Cass gaped.

"Precisely," Aria's lips compressed. "Now if you don't mind, I have things to do; I'll send word when I need you next."

Cass nodded, and watched the Asari take her leave; meaning she could sleep here tonight, and then would be looking for a place to stay tomorrow.

"Cass? It's been a while." Liara's look of surprise evident on her hologram, it was late and the teen had not even attempted to contact her in weeks.

"I know, Sorry." Cass blinked. "I need a favor, I- where are you? That doesn't um, look like your ship."

"I'm on Mars, in their archives, I think we may have found something big-"

"Like reaper big?"

"Yes, we're not sure yet and I'm still digging but it could be something." Liara frowned, "Are you okay? You don't look so good."

"I'm fine. Just tired. I was traveling all day and now I'm bunking with Aria for the night."

"Aria? Aria T'loak?

"Yup."

"Cass, honestly? I knew you were back on Omega, but my information says you were back on Earth with your mother, but I see you've returned to her."

"Spare me the lecture, Liara. Aria has been good to me."

"I would hardly classify having you play bodyguard and nearly getting you killed as good." Liara frowned.

"Yeah, yeah. I-" Cass paused and swallowed, not wanting to admit her need for assistance

"What?"

"I don't have anywhere to go." Cass breathed.

"What do you mean? I thought you were with Aria?"

"I can only stay for a night- tonight."

"Cass."

"Yeah, I know. She's not a good influence blah blah blah- anyway, I thought you could help me."

"I don't have any place on the citadel- well, nothing that isn't Broker related."

Cass sighed; it was going to be impossible to find somewhere to stay and Liara wouldn't involve her in Shadow Broker business and undoubtedly her mother might find some way to drag her back to earth, so she needed to find somewhere to bunk fast.

"You could come stay here- if you want, that is." Liara said, clearly hopeful at having the chance of her surrogate daughter coming to stay with her.

"I- wait. You're not working with her, are you? This isn't some scheme to send me back to Earth?" Cass scowled.

"No! Of course not. I've been barely able to contact your mother, even with my connections. You were there, you know she's under lock and key."

Cass frowned, not quite believing the Asari. "I'll think about it."

"Okay." Liara replied, a small smile playing on her lips.

"Well, I should go." Cass coughed uncomfortably.

"Okay, try to get some sleep, Cassie."

Cass frowned, and ended the call. Folding her arms over her chest, she huffed. She hated it when people called her Cassie.

The teen spent most of the night lying awake. She felt guilty, not for leaving her mother, but by leaving, she was no longer helping or planning to aid the fight in the coming war. By running away, she had basically neglected to answer the question of whether or not she would help.

And now, this offer from Liara to come and stay with her on Mars, well it could be her chance to start helping. The past 4-5 months, she had all but screwed around on Omega doing odd jobs for Aria, and now that Omega was gone and Aria wouldn't need her, it could be her chance to do the right thing. But doing the right thing at what cost? Liara had said she wasn't in dealing with her mother, but the two had this unrelenting force that pushes them together every time trouble appears; and trouble isn't far away, so if she stayed with Liara it would undoubtedly cause her to come face to face with her mother once more.

So at what cost? Could she risk being forced into her mother's hands again, even if it meant helping make a difference in this impending war? Liara said they were onto something big… If she could help, would it be worth it?

Cass shook her head, as if doing so would shake the thoughts away. Pushing her skull further into the cushion the girl squeezed her eyes shut, hoping sleep would come soon.

AN: Okay, we're building up, the game story line will likely start in within the next two chapters. Please Review! :)