Hopelessly Blue: I would love a hug right now, actually. But to be honest, I'd probably fall asleep after a minute or two, considering I haven't slept recently. Ah, well I missed you too. ^.^ … Brunhilda? Really? Nice name choice, cupcake. But Hannah really might give her a good scolding. She doesn't seem like one to hold herself back when she's got something on her mind.
Hound Akragth: Yes, I should think so. Who knows, maybe she'll pop up out of nowhere later and give Shepard and Raegas a good talking to in person. They never mentioned the status of Shepard's dad, but we all assume he's dead because one, he was in the Alliance, and two you never heard from him.
Bluemarlin: Thanks! And I'm not completely sure, but it's a high possibility that she may yell a little at Raegas. And never fear, Bluemarlin! I shall continue always. Until I'm finished, that is. XP
A/N: Another update, everyone. Let's get started on our mission for Tali soon, huh?
"A… bone?" I asked, furrowing my brows in confusion.
"Yes, a bone! I don't mean to sound disrespectful, princess, but not only do you have to wait until you're cornered on the Citadel to explain what's going on, but you also tell the galaxy that my only daughter is alive!" she began, obviously getting worked up.
"H-Hannah, I-"
"Tell me please, because I'm confused; did you accidentally delete my call number after you left or did you simply decide a live broadcast was a better way to tell me my only child isn't in fact dead?" she continued, throwing her arms into the air.
"Look, it's just-"
"How long have you known she's alive? Days? Weeks? Months? Why did you not tell me earlier? Were you too busy to tell Aerin's mother she's alive after months of mourning?"
"Hannah!" I snapped, stopping her from continuing. I watched her relax and let out a sigh, shaking my head. I knew she was going to yell at me sooner or later. "I'm sorry I didn't contact you earlier and explain my motivations for not telling you the details of Shepard's condition. But you know what I told you before I left and that I couldn't explain it at the time. I have far less freedom than I'd like, you know that."
"Yes, of course. I apologize for forgetting that. But why did you not tell me? I know you must have gone through a lot of crap to find her again, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for it, but please, just tell me that." She pleaded, staring right at my eyes. I sighed.
"I just didn't think it was… right… for me to blurt out what happened. Both Aerin and I were separated before it happened and when I found her she was already… Well I'll tell you the whole story once I tell her about-"
"You haven't told her yet?" she interrupted, gaping at me like I had two heads.
"No, I-"
"Well why not?" she demanded. The woman wasn't one for waiting was she?
"I just haven't yet!" I defended, shrugging. "I haven't had the chance to say 'oh hey Aerin, guess what? I know your mother because I crashed into her ship on accident one day' okay? It isn't as if I don't want to but I don't think she wants more on her plate right now." I explained.
"I am not a burden, honey, I am her mother! It isn't that hard to pick up the Omni-tool and contact me." she frowned. "And that crash is not the only thing that happened, missy." She then added, jabbing a finger at me.
"Okay, I get it. I'll tell her when next we see each other." I promised.
"You aren't with her on the Normandy?" she asked.
"Not exactly. I run a ship next to the Normandy called the Slayer's Fate. Remember it?" I smirked.
"How could I not? That thing came barreling out of an eezo explosion in front of me." she grumped.
"Well yes, that did happen. It's been repaired and we're working with the Normandy to affirm the alliance, appease the human Alliance brass, you know the political reasons and other motivations."
"All too well, dear. Now, tell me what's wrong." I frowned in confusion at the sudden order. "Oh come now, you didn't think I wouldn't notice that look on your face?"
"What look? I don't have look, Hannah." I replied.
"We spent two weeks in a cave together, dear, I know when you have a look." She frowned.
"That…" I sighed, knowing she wouldn't let it go. She was as stubborn as Shepard, after all. Or vice versa, rather. "It's complicated."
"Don't give me that excuse, I've heard it from you enough times already. Now tell me what it is." She ordered, almost looking imperious.
"Well… you know how I told you about what happened when I joined the Normandy?" I began.
"Yes…" she drawled.
"I've been having the strangest flashbacks of that and my life before it lately and I can't figure out why. With everything going on and all of these responsibilities and restrictions piling up I can't help but feel as if I need to do something more. The things I've been dreaming about look like warnings." I admitted.
"What, like hints at something happening under the surface?" she inquired, to which I nodded.
"Right. And I feel like it's trying to remind me of something I should know but can't remember. It's just irritating is all."
"That is strange… Is there anything I can do to help?" she offered. I smiled at her, glad for my accidental meeting with her those few months ago.
"Maybe… Do you think you can contact Admiral Hackett?" I asked, coming up with an idea.
"I do know him… I believe so." She replied, confused.
"I think it would be a good idea if you asked him about Project Acies. I don't know if he'll tell you everything but it should tell you what's going to happen and give you clearance at some level. With that you'd be able to talk to me and Aerin whenever you needed. I figure it should keep you updated better anyway." I explained, shrugging.
"And just how is my being informed supposed to help you?" Hannah asked, looking as if she were crossing her arms. It was hard to tell when all I could see were her shoulders.
"It lets me talk to you more often." I smiled. "You help just by listening. Didn't we already have that sappy conversation?" she paused, looking down for a few moments. I had told her more than I should have when we were trapped in that cave but it ultimately ended in a good thing happening. Mostly.
"Alright then. I've got to go now sweetheart, but don't forget to tell my daughter about what she's missed." I nodded in return to her announcement.
"I will. Goodbye." I replied, before we both shut off the call.
I sighed and slumped in the seat, feeling exhausted. What else was I going to have to tell Shepard? The fact of my medical records? Rissara and Karamu watching me? My father waiting for me to screw up and no doubt planning something behind my back? How about a few secrets of my people I had kept from her? Like the Decay. Maybe I could throw in the details to how I brought her back to life without cybernetics?
Now that I thought of it… I was keeping a lot of things from her.
Shit.
"Hey! Hey, Raega!" I looked up at my name and saw Joker limping over with a scowl on his face.
"What are you doing out of-"
"Where's that horribly rude pilot of yours?" he demanded, not even noticing I had spoken. "She needs an ass whooping!"
I stood and met him halfway. Iravina was going to return any minute now if she had time to check up. But then, I doubt she would entertain Joker at all let alone before the Runners got back. There was only a five minute window before she needed to go through the systems, supplies and personnel check anyway even if we still had an hour before we had to leave.
"I never would have guessed a so-called soldier would lower himself enough to insult both another pilot and a member of the royal family." I turned and saw Iravina herself stalking to my side. Joker spluttered for a few moments, his face getting red. I couldn't tell if it was embarrassment or anger so I shrugged.
"He isn't one for rules." I replied. She frowned at him in distaste, crossing her arms gracefully.
"I see." She answered. "You are the rude human I spoke to earlier? How unsurprising." She mused.
"Hey! I was unjustly insulted just because I asked a question about the schedule!" he argued, jabbing a finger at Iravina.
"And I answered it." She retorted, shrugging.
"Meanly!" he cried, getting passerby to glance over. "You talked like the Ice Queen, and I already get enough lip from her!"
"I don't understand where a body part would come into play but I assume you are overreacting." Iravina deadpanned. I couldn't help but smirk, knowing the Vertoak didn't use 'giving lip' as an expression for talking back at an order.
"Unless that is normal for humans? If so, I see I have a harder job than I first expected." She added, making Joker sputter again. It would've been funny if I wasn't worried for his well-being and not popping arteries.
"Argh! See what I mean?!" he demanded, now looking at me wildly. I put my hands up and waved them down a few times to try and calm him down. He didn't seem like one to go looking for a fight, even though he acted like it with his snark, so I was at a loss as to what to do.
"Joker, just calm down. Chill out and calmly tell me what happened to get you so worked up." I said. He turned away in frustration but took a few breaths anyway. He rubbed his face and let out a sigh while I set a hand on Iravina's shoulder to signal her not to speak. She was as quick-witted as I was and with Joker's snarky personality I had a feeling it would be best if she didn't clash. Even if not on purpose.
"Okay…" Joker sighed, turning back to us. "She sent me the schedule as asked and when I looked through it I asked how we were supposed to do anything in three hours. Then she said it had nothing to do with leave and there was no reason to care or something." He mumbled.
"Why did that bother you?" I asked slowly.
"She said it like I was three years old." He grumped. I smirked at his behavior and patted him on the shoulder, drawing him closer to see Iravina face to face.
"Now Joker, no one wanted to hurt your… pilot's pride." I drawled. "But you two need to work together if we're to get through this. Now. Apologize."
"What?" they both gaped, staring at me in horror.
"Get rid of your ego, both of you, and put it behind you." I may have been smiling in a carefree way but my grip in their shoulders said otherwise.
"…" they both just stared at each other, scowling. They might as well have been an angry couple or a pair of siblings the way they seemed to automatically hate each other. I hoped to the gods that they wouldn't be that way our whole journey or we'd die because they weren't paying attention while they argued and we ended up dying by crashing into a planet.
"Very well." Iravina stated, unnaturally stiff, even for her. "I apologize." Thank the gods for Vertoakan discipline!
"Yeah, whatever." Joker grumbled. I squeezed his shoulder tighter then, making him wince. "Okay, I'm sorry!" he almost shouted.
I watched in amusement as Iravina quirked a tiny smile in return. Joker noticed and frowned in confusion as I let go of them, stepping back. She lifted her hand, offering it to the man as a sign of… well it couldn't be peace…
Hesitantly, Joker took it.
"I look forward to working with you." she smiled, the dark look under the surface making me raise a brow. Or both. Even so, Joker smirked.
"Me too." He replied. I saw the same look in him, too. I watched them for a few more moments, wondering when they were going to let go of each other's' hand. After a few moments of watching their expressions twitch, I looked at their hands.
They were squeezing hard enough to make their knuckles white. Damned kids were going to get everyone killed in their new rivalry, I could tell already. It was just a palpable cloud of dark intentions. There was no doubt in my mind that they were going to try and show each other up at every turn if not kill on another.
And why not? It was more fun that way.
"Hey everyone, we need to get going!" we all turned to see Shepard running up herself, looking tired. She must've hurried.
"Oh hey, Commander. I'm finished so I'll get going." Joker grinned, before starting to leave. I still noticed his backward 'smile' at Iravina though. Said woman then turned to me and bowed slightly.
"I need to prepare as well, Lixeria." She stated, to which I smiled. She was normally formal but her sarcasm seemed to sneak through often anyway. A complicated woman, she was, certainly.
"I'll see you on the ship in a minute then." I replied, clapping her shoulder. She nodded in affirmation before leaving to the Slayer's Fate. I let out a breath, letting myself relax as I turned to Shepard. She grinned at me and walked up, wasting no time in pulling me close. It was an addicting feeling, being close to her and smelling her, feeling her. I didn't believe I would ever get used to it, and for that I was grateful.
"Couldn't wait to see me again?" I grinned, resting my arms over her shoulders.
"Maybe. Thought you'd miss me already so I figured I'd visit." She drawled, causing me to blow out a smile, shaking my head.
"Maybe I did miss you. What do I get if I admit it?" I inquired. I knew I was supposed to tell her everything. I promised Hannah. But we just didn't have the time. I could use the comm and tell her, but I wanted to tell her face-to-face. I was beginning to regret taking a second ship.
"It depends on how you tell me." she smirked. I wasted no time leaning forward and stealing her lips in a deep lock, savoring the taste and feel of my Shepard.
Once we parted, I rested my forehead against hers. "I missed you." I whispered. She smiled in return and held me tighter before giving me another quick kiss. The woman wasn't one to hold back once I finally told her my feelings that was a certainty. Not that I minded once bit, of course. It was amazing how she could wipe my brain in a haze and make my knees weak with just one touch, and I loved it.
"I missed you too, Rae." Aerin muttered, once we managed to pull away.
"I should hope so." I smirked, to which she snorted.
"You would, huh? Who knew you were so sweet under that badass princess guise."
"Someone's got to fulfill the duty and 'badass' in the job description." I quipped sarcastically, making her laugh. I could listen the sound all day and still want more. "Although I believe sweetness is optional."
"Thank you." she smiled, turning that shining gaze on me.
"For what?" I asked. She gave me a peck on the forehead before pulling away, knowing it was time to leave already.
"For letting me in." she said simply, before disappearing into the crowd I just realized was there. I couldn't help the blush that took to my cheeks as I smiled to myself. I was such a weakling for getting so easily dazed and distracted by the smallest of things Shepard did. Weakness, to Karamu, was to be rooted out. He succeeded too, until that one person came into my life.
So I don't care if I'm weak. It's only for her. Even if I end up hurt I'll know it was worth every second.
At that, I began picking my way through the terminal crowd toward the Slayer's fate. Kareck was probably already getting restless to see Tali again and I didn't want to make him wait. He tended to be irritating when he was restless and agitated, and I, as his big sister, wanted to keep from fighting with him. If I did we'd both get agitated.
Anyway, next up: Haestrom. No way would it be boring.
A/N: Ah, it didn't take me two months this time! ;P It must be nice. I hope you don't mind the random fluff I added at the end. If you didn't it's still there so just ignore it or something. I'll try to update SoaP soon as well, just so you all who read it know. And of course, I should update this as well.
Now if you don't mind, I'm going to sleep. XP