"Um, hey mom." Cass spoke slowly into her Omni-tool; leaving a message for her mother when she returns to the ship. "I'm sure, that, by the time you get this message you'll have realized I'm no longer on the Citadel. I'm headed to Omega with Aria, to, um, take back Omega. So please don't be mad. I have to do this, and I have no idea what we're up against."

The girl paused to swallow the forming lump in her throat.

"I'm really, really sorry. I-"

"We're under fire." One of Aria's Mercenaries called. "Shields are down! All systems failing!"

Cass cut off the message and ran to the command center where Aria stood, with a severely angry expression.

"We can make it!" The Asari thundered.

"Don't be stupid!" Cass clambered in next to the alien, gripping the rail for support. "We need to sound the evac."

"Damn it!" Aria's fist slammed down onto the rail. "Program escape pods for the station."

The girl ran after Aria, forearm shielding her face from each blast of explosion as the ship began to overheat; swinging into the escape pod after Aria; the girl strapped herself in.

"I guess that asshole really did upgrade the defense system."

"No shit." Cass growled, clinging to the straps that held her in place. The entire pod shaking heavily. The girl jerked forward as the pod collided into Omega's shell, breaking them through the barrier and landing inside one of the lower loading docks. Shoving away the safety harness, the girl began to climb toward the opening. Through the smoke, she could make out 3 figures. Leaping into the air, the girl charged with a glowing blue fist, as it connected with the Cerberus troopers jaw, she winced at the sickening crack the collision made. As the soldier fell, Aria and the remaining shuttle companions picked off the two remaining guards.

"What's our target?" Cass asked as the fell into cover as more Cerberus troops began to appear.

"We need to hit the defense station; shut down Omega's outer defenses so my ships can land." Aria answered between gun shots. "If we don't, they'll be blown to bits like we were."

"Got it." The teen nodded.

Meanwhile, back on the Normandy…

"You can't expect me to choose?!" Shepard exclaimed at the hologram in front of her.

"These Prothean artifacts could be the difference between winning and losing this war, Shepard." Hackett explained calmly. "And this isn't a matter of choice, commander."

"But my daughter is off participating on an assault against a Cerberus base; she could be hurt and I can't-"

"Commander. You need to go and get these Prothean artifacts now; Cerberus will already be making their move, then you can go help your daughter."

"But Admiral-"

"No, Shepard. You once told me that Cassandra is very capable, which is why I have allowed her to stay and participate on these missions, against protocol. I have done you many favors, Commander. And now I am telling you to do this. If I know your daughter at all and if you know your own child, then I think we can both assume she is fine, she wouldn't have gone if she didn't think she was capable. "

"Yessir." Shepard nodded.

"Good." Hackett sighed. "Just hurry, Commander. Then you'll be one step close to your daughter."

The admiral's visual disappeared as Shepard's knuckles turned white as she gripped the rail as tightly as she could. "Joker, set course for Eden Prime."

"You look like shit." Aria stated, eyes falling on her young companion.

"Well, next time I kill someone right next to me, I'll try not to get covered in their blood." Cass growled, trying her best to wipe the red from her face, only resulting in a dark red smear along her cheek and forehead. "This is so gross."

Aria snorted, either is disgust or amusement, the teen couldn't really tell.

"How about, instead of laughing at me, you shut down the defense system." Cass deadpanned, pointing to the controls being the Asari.

"Already done."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Cass frowned.

"You."

"Well, let's go then." Cass spoke through gritted teeth.

"Jarl, the defenses are down, signal the remaining ships to converge on the rendezvous point." Aria spoke into her com while keeping eye contact with her protégée. "Bre, status report."

"The hanger doors are functional, we'll have them open in a few minutes." Bre responded.

"I need them open now." Aria replied. "My birds are coming in, prepare for reception."

"Where the hell is this rednesvous point, anyway?" Cass frowned.

"It's on d-deck, a bunker I've established for some more sensitive operations."

"Why don't I know about it?"

"Because you don't." Aria spoke shortly.

"We're in this together, aren't we?" Cass growled. "I feel like I am flying blind here."

"I've given you the information you need to know."

"Maybe I need to know all of it!" Cass exclaimed. "I have nearly been blown up like 3 times already and those stupid fucking robots! They're everywhere! Do you understand that if I die or get so much as a scratch down here, my mother it going to charge in like a rampaging monster to come murder you. That is something that I don't really want!"

"So you do care?" The Asari's words dripped with cynicism. "How touching."

"Just tell me the entire goddamn plan and we won't have a problem." Cass folded her arms defensively. "I know Omega like the back of my hand, minus your stupid, secretive bunker, and I am here to help. I came willingly, didn't I?"

"Fine. Stop whining." Aria breathed. "I debrief you when we get to the bunker."

"Good." Cass growled, eyes moving to the corner, the now obvious buzz of camera movement pulling her attention; whipping her pistol out, the girl fired a shot into a camera attached to the pillar next to them. "I think we're going to have company, soon."

"Then there's no time for sightseeing. Let's move."

Cass nodded and followed the Asari down the hall; a the orange glow of a barrier only 30 feet ahead, along with a curious Vorcha.

"What the hell is he doing?" Cass frowned.

Aria shook her head with disdain and stepped forward.

"Robot! Robot!" the teen whispered loudly, as she watched the mech drop in on the Vorcha. As their alien began to fire erratically, the teen fell into cover; watching in horror as one of their companions was gutted by an omni-blade and then the other Vorcha went up in flames after being thrown against the barrier by the mech.

"Let's take them out!" Aria commanded, firing her weapon and flaring her biotic abilities.

Cass nodded and threw a wave forward, effectively knocking one of the robots backward; firing her pistol, the girl dropped back in cover as the machine exploded in fiery bits of metal.

"Okay." Cass breathed as Aria's target ended in the same way as hers had. "Let's keep moving."

"You don't think they'll come down in these tunnels?" The teen asked, following after the Asari.

"Doubtfully, they don't know them like we do." Aria paused, raising a fist, both of them dropping back behind some stray cargo.

As footsteps were heard around the corner, both women raised their weapons at the offending shadow.

"Who the fuck are you?" Cass growled.

"Spirits, look whose back." The hooded figure breathed. "Aria T'Loak."

The figure stepped forward, out of the shadows, head raised, the image of a female Turian before them. Red paint coated her face, a stripe down the middle; her green eyes, piercing and inquisitive.

"Nyreen." Aria stated, dropping her weapon. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"Playing cat and mouse mostly, trying to stay alive. If it wasn't for these tunnels."

"My tunnels." Aria said sharply, before softening. "I'm sure glad I showed them to you."

"If you hadn't I'd be dead or locked up by now."

"Wait. You two?" Cass paused, grinning cheekily. "Aria hates everyone, she showed you her tunnels. Heh, that sounds dirty. You were together, weren't you?!"

"I don't know, were we? Aria?" Nyreen replied.

Nyreen Candros, ex-Turian military." Aria said, glaring at her you young companion. "We go way back."

Cass grinned, looking back and forth between the two older women; earning a slight shove from the Asari, the girl hid her smile as she looked away.

"Come with us." Aria stated as she stepped toward the Turian. "We'll get you to safety."

"Yeah! Come with us!" Cass grinned, looking at the Asari, earning another, harder, shove.

"I'll do my best." Nyreen nodded.

"Shut the gates!" Aria commanded.

Cass stumbled in behind Nyreen and the Asari; falling into cover, shielding them from the incoming fire of Cerberus troops and machines. As the turrets shielded them and finished off the majority of the troopers, the girl happily slumped against one of the barricades for a break.

"Retract the bridge and lower the door, we're coming in." Aria directed.

Walking behind her companions, the girl entered the bay.

"Go clean up." Aria ordered, turning to face the girl, her eyes falling on the, now dried, blood streaks across the teen's face. "Then meet me at command in five."

Cass nodded with a sigh, heading off, in what looked like the direction of a bathroom. Knowing she should probably call her mother as well, but after she got the blood off of her face.

The girl shuddered as she faced the mirror, the bathroom was a little cramped, it reminded her of the one back on the Normandy, except less clean; splashing water onto her face and scrubbing, the red began to fade away, deeming herself acceptable, minus the tiny red marks and scratches from the debris and fire that seemed to follow them everywhere, the girl brought up her omni tool to finish her message.

"Um, Hey, again." She began awkwardly. "Sorry, um, about earlier. Things got a little, um, explosive." The girl paused with a sigh.

"I'm really sorry, like really sorry! I know I shouldn't have left without telling you, and- and I thought you would be coming with, I thought that's why Aria wanted me along, I thought that she wanted me for you and I wish you were here, cause I really scared." The girl rambled with a whimper. "It's easier when you're with me, I've been on so many missions, but Petrovsky is insane and there's all of these barriers up everywhere and Omega is a mess; we got the outer defenses shut down and are just held up in some secret bunker, but he knows where we are and he keeps sending waves of men to shut down out turrets, he hasn't succeeded yet, but I don't know what's going to happen. I don't even know what will happen if we pull this off- I- I'm probably not instilling any confidence in you with this, am I?"

Cass shook her head and swallowed heavily. "Too be honest, I'm surprised you haven't responded. But maybe that's better; you'll be less worried and then maybe I'll be less dead when you get your hands on me, if I don't die before that- er, I shouldn't have said that. I shouldn't have said a lot of that. But, um, I should probably go. I love you and good luck with whatever you're doing, tell Liara I love her too, and maybe just everyone else, cause you never know- damn it! Shouldn't have said that! Bye, mom!"

Cass shut the message off and breathed heavily as she walked out of the enclosed space; nearly running into their new Turian Companion. "Um, hey."

"Hello." Nyreen greeted. "We weren't really properly introduced back there, I didn't get your name."

"It's Cassandra, but I prefer Cass."

"Last name?"

"Shepard."

"Oh." Nyreen frowned.

"That's not the usual reaction." Cass folded her arms over her chest, defensively.

"Sorry, I'm just surprised that Aria would bring the child of Commander Shepard into a war zone."

"I'd hardly say I'm a child."

"That's debatable."

"Yeah, whatever." Cass growled, clearly annoyed.

Nyreen nodded, following the girl as she sauntered over to where Aria stood. Cass leaned over the console, glaring at the Turian with annoyance.

"Aria, I know this place is built like a fortress, but is it safe now that the general's clued in?"

"I don't like the idea of sitting around until her breaks through." Cass leaned backward, elbows resting on the surface as she huffed with irritation.

"I have no intention of sitting around and you both should know I assume nothing." Aria spoke softly. "And on that front, Nyreen, you left Omega fairly angry with me, I wasn't aware you'd returned, explain yourself."

"Lover's quarrel?" Cass asked cheekily, receiving two scolding glares from her older companions.

"The truth is." Nyreen started, ignoring the teen's comment. "I never left. A fact I went to great lengths, to keep from you."

"I'm not easily duped, well done, but why?" Aria's eyes grew cold as she held gaze with Nyreen.

"I just couldn't leave, but considering all this." The Turian glanced around with a grim expression. "I wish I had."

"Well," Aria glanced away. "You'd always said I'd be the death of you."

"We," Cass paused, trying to gauge what could be Aria's interaction. "Could use her help? She's okay with a gun."

"Are you so quick to trust, Cass? I thought I taught you better." Aria quipped. "Besides, Nyreen never approved of Omega's- what did you call it? Moral bankruptcy. Are you willing to help defend it now?"

Cass grimaced as she watched Aria circle around the Turian like a bird of prey, waiting to attack; however, Nyreen, seemed un-phased. "You'll find me very willing to liberate this station."

"Your combat skills seem a little rusty, but you're still a good shot." Aria's lips pursed. "Go see my duty officer."

Nyreen nodded, before walking away.

"Bre." Aria spoke lowly. "Keep an eye on her."

The seemingly absent Batarian nodded before following after Nyreen.

"Alright." Aria paused, stopping to stare down her young companion. "We need to move fast, I'm itching for revenge."

"So we're going to carve a bloody path to Petrovsky?"

"Precisely."

"Then let's move." Cass nodded. "Cerberus is going to pay, for everything."

"We'll check on my forces, see how many survived, so we can plan the attack- You need to quickly eyeball operations, and make sure everything's running smoothly before we move. Join me here when you're finished."

Cass nodded, watching the Asari's back as she walked away. Aria is right, the girl knew that much. She may be scared, terrified even, but this is war and Cerberus is going to pay in full.

Meanwhile, back on the Normandy…

"Joker, set course for Omega!" Shepard commanded, standing behind the Pilot's seat, Liara at her side.

"Yes commander. Hopefully the rug-rat hasn't gotten into too much trouble." Joker quipped.

"Let's hope so." Shepard spoke grimly, sharing a look with Liara.

"We should probably try to get her online, Cerberus could have gotten Omega's defenses back online." Liara frowned.

"I know." Shepard frowned. "I'll head to the com room, it's probably out best bet."

"We should have EDI monitor Javik's status; I'm worried about instability of his vitals." Liara added; walking with the commander to the war room.

"Should you remain here? I understand that this is a real, live Prothean-"

"No. We need to go get our kid, Shepard."

"Our kid?" Shepard smiled widely.

"Of course, Shepard." Liara pushed the other woman playfully, before turning serious. "Which is why we need to go now."

The commander nodded. "EDI, patch me into Cass' omni-tool."

"Yes, Commander." EDI responded.

"So we're going to get the Talon's on board?" Cass asked.

"Precisely if we-" Aria stopped as the teen's omni-tool began to flash and beep. "Are you going to get that?"

"Yeah, um, it's my mom." Cass explained sheepishly.

"Then perhaps you should get that." Aria stated. "I'll wait for you by the bunker's dock."

Cass nodded and swallowed heavily as she opened the incoming channel.

"CASS!" Shepard exclaimed clearly relieved and possibly angry at the same time.

"Hi mom, hi Liara." Cass spoke slowly.

"Oh thank the goddess." Liara breathed out of relief as she grew stern. "You're in a lot of trouble, young lady."

"I don't really have time to talk right now." Cass whined, looking at Aria's impatient, tapping foot.

"The hell you do." Her mother growled. "We're coming to get you right now!"

"You can't!" Cass exclaimed. "The defense system is up and running, you'll be blown to bits if you even try!"

"I thought you said the defenses were down? You had said that in your message." Liara frowned.

"Yeah, for like two seconds." Cass explained. "We had enough time to land Aria's fleet, but now everything is back up. We're going to try and get the Talons on board and then, well, I'm not entirely sure. Aria has a plan."

"Aria has a plan?" Shepard growled. "Of course she does! Taking my daughter off on some insane mission!"

"Mom! Mama!" Cass whined, getting her mother's attention. "I'm fine! Everything is going to be fine and then I'll call you to come pick me up!"

"Cassandra." Shepard sighed. "You just left me an entire message about how you're scared-"

"Shh!" The teen hummed, "Not so loud and that was like, forever ago. I'm fine now- What took you so long anyways? It's been, like, forever."

"We had to go pick up a Prothean." Shepard responded with irritation.

"I- er, a Prothean?" Cass paused. "Are you okay? Or do you have, like, a head injury or something?"

"We're fine. It's a long story, you can meet him when you are safely back on the Normandy, because I am absolutely not going to leave you in the middle of some crazy mission with a person like Aria." Shepard folded her arms over her chest.

"Well, you don't really have a choice!" Cass exclaimed.

"I will find a way in." Shepard stated sternly.

"Mom!" Cass huffed. "There's no way in and we don't have the chance to shut down the defenses again. Don't risk your life for this!"

"You can't expect us not to." Liara spoke.

"But the entire Galaxy rests on your shoulders, you guys trying to fly in here and save me, when I don't need it by the way, is dumb, cause you have more important things-"

"Nothing is more important!" Shepard yelled.

"Mom! Please! I know you're worried, but you have no way in, so let me do this. Cerberus is going to pay for everything they've done. Starting here."

"So this is some crazy vengeance mission?" The mother shrilled.

"No, well, maybe, I don't know." The girl frowned. "But I've got to go now, I'll message you when I can! Bye Liara! Bye Mom!"

"Cass Wait-"

The teen winced as she shut the message down and turned her Omni-tool onto private mode. She was going to be in so much trouble.

Meanwhile, back on the Normandy:

"I'm going to kill her." Shepard growled.

"We'll have to get her back first." Ashley appeared behind the Asari and Commander.

"Ash?" Shepard questioned.

"Hey, I'm here to help." The previous gunnery chief explained. "Let's get your girl back."

Liara nodded in agreement. "There has got to be a way onto that station."

"Do you have some of your contacts that can get us a layout?" Ashley frowned.

"Probably, but if Cerberus has upgraded the defense system having the layout won't be much help."

"We could have EDI hack into the system." Shepard proposed. "She was made by Cerberus, she'd know how to get in."

"Excellent idea, commander." EDI spoke over the intercom. "I will start now."

"Thanks, EDI." Shepard replied.

"If this works, we can shut down the defenses," Liara spoke. "Then we just need to find Cass."

"Any idea where she's at?" Ashley asked.

"She said they we're going after the Talons. Some sort of mercenary group, maybe?" Shepard shrugged.

"Possibly, " Liara nodded, "I can get in touch with some of my broker contacts, and we'll find where their base is located."

"Okay. Solid enough." Ashely stated.

"As long as EDI can get us in." Shepard frowned grimly; one thing was for certain; the moment she had her hands on her daughter, she was going to be in so much trouble.

AN: And I arise from the grave to give you this decently long chapter! Sorry I am so slow, but now that winter break is upon us, I will likely be much more available to write! Woohoo! I know I just threw in Javik there to get him out of the way, but don't worry, Cass will have plenty of chances to interact with the Prothean. For the next chapter, we're going to finish up Omega, and I'm going to try and have that one out within the next few days, hopefully. Also, anyone playing Dragon Age Inquisition, my fellow bioware friends? I'm really enjoying it, which may be bad for my readers, because all I want to do is play it lol! Please Review! Thanks!