Disclaimer: I'm going to stop writing these eventually. I hope.

BAMS: I try.

Hopelessly Blue: Yes! I got you to squeal again! *laughs like evil genius and then coughs from trying too hard* I mentioned the Viera before, so I thought you'd appreciate me making it official and all. I do hope the Vertoak and their other races will be able to get through to the ignorant Council members; knowing Raegas though, you can expect her father to be just as… persuasive. And I'm really sorry I've been gone so long again- I was dragged on a horrible vacation! DX (I missed you lots!)

Kachie Takahashi: I'm glad you like. And with the Kasumi thing, I know she'd have to be bi, but what I meant by 'straight' or 'lesbian' was really 'which gender person is she going to hook up with?' you know? Anyway, thanks for that. ;)

Liege Lord: Robot, huh? That would explain a few things. Anyway, thanks for the review- and great idea you've got there, it's actually pretty close to the truth. (Lordy the Sleuth) XP

A/N: Sorry for being out, everyone- I was partially kidnapped. XP Let's get back to this extremely interesting story, eh?

"…Everything's gone to hell. We never actually wanted to show up like this, let alone so early. It's probably my fault…" Raegas muttered, looking down and rubbing the back of her neck idly.
"It really is my fault. Damn it." She looked back up. "I wish I could be there right now, snubbing the Council in person, seeing everyone's faces, meeting your new motley crew." She tried humor, only to have it come out with a pathetic sigh. "Most of all, I wish I could just… see you. Hell, I wish I was there right now, getting scolded for being gone for so long…" she smiled lightly, as nostalgia played in her eyes.

"Rae…" Shepard muttered, clenching her hands.

"Anyway, I need to tell you a few things before you even think of leaving that room I forced my father to reserve for you. For one, you should know pretty no one is going to initiate a conversation; you know we're more accustomed to observation, so… just… look, if you want to talk to anyone make sure they know who you are- by name, not rank, they're touchy about that sometimes." Shepard blew out a small smile at Raegas' worried rant.
"Two, my father is as complicated as I am. Well, almost… Anyway, I'm trying to tell you that he put a price on your room. See, that room in particular is reserved for ambassadors or 'special' people- you fit both bills. So, guess what that means?" she said, sighing, as Shepard's stomach knotted up.

"I'll have to be…" she trailed off, hoping it wasn't true.

"I'm sorry, but it's actually true. You're the only one I really trust and actually know since…" she and Shepard both actually blushed at the insinuation and looked to the side. Raegas coughed subtly, clearing her throat.
"Well, you know. Look, the point here is this: you're the only one any of us will accept as ambassador to both 'sides'. You can talk with the Council as much as you want but in the end, you're supposed to be the so-called peace keeper in the meeting, or meetings, to come. That's what that set of clothing is for, by the way."

"Crap." Shepard groaned, resting her face in her hand.

"Don't worry, I made sure they got the, uh… sizes right." The weary woman looked to the side once more, scratching her cheek with a finger. Shepard rolled her eyes in humor, finding herself feeling better at just hearing Raegas' voice again and seeing her face. Even with the situation as it was, Shepard knew she'd have to be a little more patient.
"I'm sure you're wondering where the hell I am, huh?" Raegas said, catching Shepard's attention once more.

"Obviously, you dummy." Shepard muttered, looking conflicted.

"I know 'sorry' isn't what you want to hear, but I really am. It's weird to think I'm not alone anymore since I have my people and my family back, but… I still feel that empty hole in my chest. Nothing's helped. Jasin and Ayl dragged me to a bar in the Undercity a few nights ago and they got so drunk I doubted they knew their own names anymore- including me. … But I just… I still…" the Vertoakan looked down, shutting her eyes as they misted over. Shepard felt her heart clench at the sight, knowing she couldn't hold her in her arms and tell her it was alright.
"I still remembered you… your beautiful emerald eyes… that shining smile… the ridiculous jig you call dancing." She blew out a watery smile and crossed her arms tightly, holding them close to her body as if she were cold.
"Hell, I could still detail the days we spent together… And I actually did." A faint smile played across Raegas' features, making her look even sadder. Shepard swallowed hard, trying to keep quiet. "I got up on the center table and regaled everyone on how we rescued Liara or saved the colonists of Feros. I even drunkenly announced the 'burning passion of a thousand suns' I held for you." she chuckled, making fun of herself. Shepard found a smile on her own face, even at what she was feeling.
"I'm an idiot. Why did I just tell you that?" Raegas facepalmed, letting out an exaggerated sigh. The Commander shook her head at the woman, clasping her hands together tightly.

"Hell if I know…" she whispered.

"Back to the original topic…" Raegas announced, wiping her eyes. "I'm going to try and get to you soon, okay? I've just got this one thing I have to-" the room suddenly shook as an explosion went off on Raegas' side. She jerked her head to the side just as another, larger quake jolted her into the air and sent her staggering. Shepard jumped up on reflex, wishing she was there.

"Princess! Princess!" someone yelled, bursting into the room. It was another Vertoakan. He had dark blue hair and silver eyes; black lines ran from his eyes and down to the bottom of his cheeks, accenting his pale skin.
"We can't hold here any longer- they have breached the main walls!" he exclaimed, slapping a mechanical sword into Raegas' hand.

"Organize the Sentinels and lead the wounded to the drop off." another quake. Raegas activated her comm as the man ran from the room. "Rota! Get Herga and make sure they don't-" the rest cut off as static took over. Soon after, the message itself cut off and shut down.

Shepard felt her heart beating against her chest in protest but she knew Raegas would be alright. She had to be. Ko was quiet for a moment before floating over to Shepard slowly. The Commander rubbed her palms together to try and keep them from shaking but it did little to actually help. What trouble had Raegas gotten herself into? And princess? When did that happen?

"Would you like to re-view the message?" Ko asked quietly, his center eye looking almost sad.

"No thanks." Shepard muttered, going to the closet once more and pulling out the set of clothes Raegas mentioned. She had to try and get her mind off of the end of that message somehow; maybe preparing to be some kind of ambassador/peace-keeper would help…

The door to the room suddenly whooshed open and in stepped Vetrali.

"I am to provide a tour for you and 'keep you out of trouble' by Raega's request. We will go once you have changed." She announced lightly, seemingly trying to keep from looking depressed herself. It seemed Vetrali, even though she was an AI of sorts, missed Raegas too…

"When was that message sent?" Shepard asked, gesturing to Ko.

"Five days, eight hours and twenty three minutes ago. I do not have any more current information on Raega's location or status, unfortunately." Vetrali answered, looking troubled. Shepard took a breath and turned back to the clothing in her hands. She spread it out, trying to figure out how to even put it on in the first place, knowing she'd have to ask Vetrali for help.

In the end, Shepard had a feeling Raegas was alive. Maybe it was that bond thing she told her about, but… Shepard couldn't help but think, in her darker thoughts, that it was just wishful thinking.

A/N: Again, I'm sorry for being late, and yes, I'm also sorry for the shortness of this chapter, but I needed to get it to you guys ASAP while I worked on the next chapter. Next, we'll actually get to meet the people on this giant ship!