Chapter Five
Dr. Liara T'Soni parks the skycar in the lot next to the history museum. Before she opens the car doors, she looks over to her eldest daughter saying, "You're very quiet, Kaja. Something wrong?"
Shaking her head from side to side, Kaja answers, "No, mom. No need to worry about me. I'm fine. I have a lot on my mind is all. There is one thing I need to tell you. I am looking to rent an apartment while I'm on leave. I can't think straight being at the house." The asari huntress gives her mother a grin with a bit of regret mixed in.
"Kaja, do what you need to do. Does this have to do with me or your father?" asks Liara as she pats her daughter's arm to let Kaja know everything is alright. Even if Kaja is in a bad place at the moment, Liara is still very proud of her. Kaja has been home for less than two days and she can already see the subtle changes in her daughter. The information broker hopes some of this is because of the human, Dr. Cassandra Mitchell.
"Thanks, mom. It's dad and she is all I think about when I'm home. I think about what would she say to me. What kind of advice would she give?" Kaja looks over to her mom and tries to give her a smile, but all she can manage is a somber grin. "Mom, when did you know you loved dad? And wanted to spend the rest of her life with you?" The younger asari hopes her mother's answer can help her figure out her own feelings about Dr. Mitchell.
Liara is a little taken back by the question and the odd timing of it. "Well, I'm not sure." T'Soni pauses, thinking back to when she knew she loved Commander Shepard. "Kaja, my relationship with your father was not a typical relationship. I'm not sure if you can gauge your feelings for Dr. Mitchell on how I felt about her father. It's a feeling I can't describe to you, little one. Trust me, you will know. If you have feelings for her, pursue them."
Kaja leans over and gives her mom a loving kiss on the cheek, "Thank you, mom. That really didn't help me any, but I think I understand what you're saying." The commando gets out of the car and waits for her mother, so they can enter the museum together.
–
Dr. Cassandra Mitchell is looking over more artifacts she received from Earth. She thought going over everything was going to take her all day and into the night. But after going through almost everything, Cassandra thinks she'll finish going through everything before the museum closes at 1800. Maybe she thinks she can have a little time with Kaja tonight. Or she hopes anyway.
Dr. Liara T'Soni walks into the storage area of the museum to see Cass looking though another box of artifacts. "Good afternoon, Dr. Mitchell. I'm here to see the armor you received."
"Hello, Dr. T'Soni. It's good to see you. Follow me and you can see the armor for yourself," comments the human. She has a feeling the armor is not Commander Shepard's. She hates asking Dr. T'Soni's advice about it, but she doesn't want anything on the museum floor that is fake. Especially if it has to do with the biggest hero the galaxy has ever known.
Liara and Cass both are looking over the armor. Liara has her omni-tool out scanning the armor. Looking at the reading, Liara closes her eyes not believing what her onmi-tool scan is picking up. The armor is from her fight with the Collectors. Some of it is the Kestrel armor Shepard wore during her mission with Cerberus. The chest plate is N7 armor and the arms carry more ammo, but the shoulders are Kestrel. Dr. T'Soni scans the leg pieces one more time and the readings come up with nothing. "Well, Dr. Mitchell. This is Commander Shepard's armor. Or most of what she wore against her mission against the Collectors. Except for the leg pieces. I've scanned them three times already and I keep getting nothing from the scan. If Shepard wore these leg pieces, her DNA would register and I'm getting nothing."
Cass has one arm across her chest and her elbow sitting on her arm with a hand covering her mouth thinking about what Liara is telling her. Parts of the armor is Commander Shepard's, but not all of it. She isn't sure what to do with it. Armor without legs would look very silly. "Any suggestions, Doctor?" asks Cassandra. She is only the assistant curator, but the curator is usually gone off planet. Which leaves Dr. Mitchell in charge of the museum most days.
"The chest, shoulder, and arms are pieces Commander Shepard wore during the her mission against the Collectors. The legs pieces she never wore. If she did, there would be traces of her DNA. I'm not sure what type of display you are putting up. If it is possible, I would stick the armor behind something and not have the legs showing. Is there no helmet? She only wore her N7 breather helmet and I have that helmet at the house." comments Liara. She is very surprised the armor is actually Shepard's. It is the armor Leia wore when she helped take out the yahg.
"No, ma'am, no helmet. Which I also find odd. Wouldn't a helmet be part of her armor?" replies the human archeologist.
Liara rubs the back of her neck thinking. Maybe the helmet is the same since Shepard worked with Cerberus to take down the Collectors. "It's not odd if the only N7 helmet she wore is the one I have. Which could be. I can't say for certain, Dr. Mitchell."
"Thank you for taking the time to verify this for me, Dr. T'Soni. The museum and I appreciate it very much. I'll transfer your normal fee plus a little bonus into your account by the end of the day. Again, Dr. T'Soni, thank you," comments Cass. She wants to ask about Kaja, but thinks this isn't the time nor place for personal questions. Not when she is wanting to think about work and not the asari she wants a relationship with more than she ever thought possible when she was still a teenager.
"No charge this time, Cassandra. I do have one request," says Liara as she looks around to see if there is anyone else in the vicinity. Seeing they are alone in the storage area, Liara continues, "We can call this one a trade, Dr. Mitchell. All I ask is of you is this. Be there for Kaja. She seems in a better place today than she was yesterday and I think that is because of you." Liara places her hand on Cass' shoulder and gives the human a smile. "Thank you."
Dr. Mitchell's cheeks turn beat red when Liara mentions Kaja. Cass has no idea how to respond to Liara's comment about how she is affecting the asari huntress. "Ah. Hmm. So, I can take it she made it home okay? I thought about asking, but I wanted to keep this a business meeting. Guess that didn't work out very well." Cass is unable to look Liara in the eyes, so she looks over Liara's shoulder instead.
Liara chuckles to herself at the human's awkwardness. It reminds her of herself when she first met Commander Shepard. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything," says Dr. T'Soni. She steps closer to Dr. Mitchell and says softly, "It's okay, Cassandra. I don't poke my nose in any of my daughters personal lives unless they ask. All I want for them is their happiness. You are giving Kaja something she is lacking, Cassandra. She might not know what that is at the moment and needs time to figure it out on her own. So, please, be there for her. All I can do is give her advice."
Cass is unsure what to say. Liara's comments are leaving her speechless and she has never been speechless before. The human is finding it weird talking to the mother of the asari she is crazy about even though she has known Dr. T'Soni for fifteen years and just met Kaja yesterday. Cass puts on a brave face and smiles to Liara before saying, "I will, Dr. T'Soni. I give you my word on that. Ahmm, Liara, may I tell you something?"
"Please do," answers Liara. The more she talks with Dr. Mitchell and how nervous the human is around her makes Liara think Cassandra really cares deeply for her daughter. Dr. T'Soni feels it is a very good thing. Something Kaja has always neglected, her own happiness.
"I don't know if you ever knew, but ever since I knocked the picture of Kaja off your desk and look at it, I have cared about her. Until last night, I always thought it was a teenager's crush and I also thought I had moved on past it," Cass gives a sheepish grin to Liara to tries to mask her embarrassment.
Liara almost starts laughing and has to stop herself from doing so, "I knew, I saw it in your eyes as you look at her picture. I noticed you would glace over at it from time to time when I was helping you understand my work. And no, I never did tell Kaja about it. Anything you say to me stays with me unless you want me to tell her." T'Soni gives Mitchell a friendly squeeze around her shoulders.
"I'm not surprised you already knew. And thank you, Liara, for your help today. I don't know what to do with it yet. Might sit back here in storage until I talk to Dr. Reinhart about it. He will back tomorrow," replies Cassandra as she walks Liara back to the public area of the museum.
"My pleasure, Dr. Mitchell. If you have anything else for me to verify for you, please, don't hesitate to ask. I do miss going on archeological digs," says Liara with a smile.
As they get back to the public area of the museum, Cassandra notices Kaja talking to Della. "Ut oh. This might not be good," comments Dr. Mitchell in a hushed tone that only Liara can hear.
"Problem?" asks Liara. She sees them talking, but doesn't think there is any hostilities between her daughter and the human security guard.
"God, I hope not. Kaja played a little joke on her earlier today and Della didn't care for it very much. I thought it was funny. Besides, she has been a pain in my ass all day about Kaja anyway. I told her off after lunch," answers Cass. She hopes Della doesn't do anything stupid. She thinks they might be friends, but if Della messes things up with Kaja. She is sure their friendship is over. It wouldn't be the first relationship Della as ruined, but it will be the last.
Liara makes a mental note of the name of the security guard to do a little background on her. The Shadow Broker knows it's better to have the intel and not need it than to need it and not have it. A lesson she learned from the war with the Reapers. "It looks like they are getting alone just fine. Again, Dr. Mitchell, it was my pleasure to help today and if you need me again. Please, feel free to contact me." Liara smiles then heads towards the exit.
–
Kaja is busy looking around the museum killing time until her meeting with the owner of the apartment she is looking to rent. As she is looking at the display about the history of Elysium, Kaja notices Della is keeping an eye on her. If the human is so concerned about her, why doesn't she approach and be done with it. Kaja knows Cass' friend doesn't care for her very much. Not after what happened this morning. Kaja's concern is Cass not Della. The asari knows it would be easier if Cass' friends liked her, but Kaja isn't worried about them at this moment.
Every move Kaja makes, Della is there watching. It's making the commando feel uncomfortable because she isn't saying anything to anyone or acting like she is going to cause trouble. The asari is minding her own business and isn't bothering anyone else. As she walks around the museum, she still has a lot on her mind and Della is being annoying to the point where Kaja is about to say something to her about it.
Before Kaja can say anything to Della, the human approaches the asari looking at one of the many new displays. "Excuse me, Kaja. I should apologize for my behavior yesterday and again today. I am sorry. Cass told me off when she returned from the diner. Be good to her or else."
"Or else what? That sounds very close to a threat, Della," replies Kaja with a serious tone in her voice. She gives the head of security a glare, which causes Della to take one step backwards.
Della puts her hand up in defeat. She knows the asari is a biotic and could tear her in half if she wanted to. "Ah, no. Look, I think we have gotten off on the wrong foot. I've been friends with Cass since high school. I know all about her major crush on you the summer before she went away to college. And now..." Della stops before she says something she shouldn't and get Cassandra pissed at her again.
The asari almost starts laughing at the human. One look and she backs off. Not much of security guard if this is how she is with everyone is what Kaja is thinking. She also thinks it has more to do with her being friends with Cass than how she performs her job. Kaja hopes that is the case because if not the museum has shoddy security otherwise. The huntress sticks out her hand to the human security guard, "My name is Kaja T'Soni. Nice to meet you."
Della shakes Kaja's hand. "Nice to meet you, Kaja. My name is Della Appleton. What brings you to Elysium, Kaja?" asks Della. She is starting to change her view about the asari huntress. Cassandra is right, Kaja is very nice.
"I grew up here and my mother still lives in the same house my parents built when I was a kid. I'm here on shore leave for a few weeks and came home to see my mom," answers Kaja with a sideways smile on her face. Kaja wonders what Cass said to her friend, Della, after she left the diner. It seems to have caused a change in Della's behavior. She still don't trust the human. Kaja is willing to give her a chance. She is friends with Cassandra.
The human and asari continue to talk and get to know each other a little better. Both archeologist walk over to Kaja and Della. Liara gives Kaja a smile then leaves the museum. Della walks away to go back to work and leaves Cass and Kaja alone. "Come with me, Kaja." The museum assistant curator takes the huntress' hand and leads the asari to her office.
Once they are in the privacy of Cassandra's office, Kaja pulls the human close for a tight hug. Cass places her head on Kaja's shoulder and enjoys the warmth and comfort. Still holding the human in her arms, Kaja asks, "Is the armor you received my father's?"
"Yes, all but the leg pieces. Plus there isn't a helmet. Your mother said she wore a N7 breather helmet and that helmet she has at home. I'm still unsure what to do with it. Dr. T'Soni gave me an idea, but I don't know if I will put it on display or not," answers Dr. Mitchell before she moves in the asari's arm to give her a kiss on the lips.
The asari commando breaks the kiss then notices the time, 1622. Her appointment to look at the apartment is at 1700. "I hate to do this, Cass, but I need to ask you for a favor."
Cassandra smiles at Kaja, "What do you need, Kaja?"
Kaja walks over to the office window and looks out it, "May I borrow your car? I am looking to rent an apartment while I am on leave. I can't think clearly being at my mom's house." Lt. T'Soni closes her eyes when she starts thinking about her father. "I have an appointment in about thirty minutes."
"Sure, you can borrow my car. Are you okay, Kaja?" asks Cass as she joins the asari next to the window. The human reaches out to take the commando's hand.
"Not really, but this isn't the time nor place to discuss it. I know we only met yesterday and I am probably asking too much from you. I need you to trust and believe in me, doc." Kaja squeezes Cass' hand then looks at the human with sadness in her eyes. "Thanks. I'll go to my appointment then come right back."
Dr. Mitchell feels for Kaja. She seems so confident when she is around other people, but sees the turmoil Kaja is going through when they are alone. Cass isn't sure what to think. She knows one thing, she will always be there for her. Whether it's as her lover or if they are just friends. She will be there for Kaja for two reasons. One because she cares about Kaja and because Dr. T'Soni asked her to. Cass moves to stand in front of Kaja. She smiles as she reaches up with her hand to caress the asari's cheek. "I'm here for you, Lieutenant. In any capacity you need me."
T'Soni takes the hand from her cheek and holds it close to her heart, "I should go, Cass. I'll check out this apartment then bring your car back. There is a good chance I'll rent it. Then maybe I can actually think clearly about what I need to do." Kaja kisses Cass' hand then leaves the museum to look at the apartment.
Cassandra watches the huntress leave her office. Dr. T'Soni is right. Kaja is in a bad place. The archeologist hopes she can help the young asari through this. She thinks about calling Liara, but thinks better of it. Cass knows she will be there for Kaja. But will it be enough is the human's concern. She looks at the time and decides her work break is over. Leaving her office to finish going over the artifacts, Cass hopes she can bring some happiness to the commando's life.
–
Lieutenant Kaja T'Soni, trained asari commando is waiting for the apartment owner to arrive. Leaning against the building, Kaja sees a short, stocky human walking briskly in her direction. Kaja can tell by his body language it's the apartment owner.
"I am so sorry for being late. I got held up at work and couldn't leave on time," says the human as he tries to catch his breath from his brisk walk.
Smiling at the apartment owner, Kaja replies, "It's okay. I haven't been waiting for very long."
As they enter the small apartment, the owner stays by the door to allow Kaja to look around. T'Soni walks around and thinks this is perfect. The kitchen only has a two burner stove and a small oven. The refrigerator is also small. She looks at the tiny bathroom. Rubbing the back of her neck, Kaja thinks this apartment is what she needs. Close to her mom's house and even closer to Cass. She turns to the human and says, "I'll take it." Pulling a blank credit chit from her pocket, she puts 10,000 credits on it and hand it to the apartment owner. "This is for two months. Which is all I need it for."
The human verifies the credits on the chit and after they clear he says, "Here is the key card to the apartment. The apartment is your for the next two months. I hope you enjoy yourself while here on Elysium, Lt. T'Soni." He also hands her a rental agreement that contains basic information on it. He then turns to leave the asari alone in the apartment.
Kaja takes the key card and rental agreement from the owner, "I'm sure I will. Thank you." Giving the apartment another look over before she head back to the museum to give Cass back her car. She'll pick up her things from her mother's house later. She checks the key card to make sure it works properly. Satisfied she'll be able to get back into the apartment later, she leaves to head back to return Cass' car.
Dr. Cassandra Mitchell is walking out the side door to the museum when Kaja parks the car in the employee lot. Perfect timing thinks the human as she walks over to the car. The asari gets out of the car and walks towards the archeologist. Cass smiles at Kaja, "You have impeccable timing." She takes the asari's hand then leans to give her a soft kiss on the lips.
Blue hands snake their way across the doctor's back, pulling her closer. They stand in the middle of the parking lot oblivious to their surroundings. Kaja breaks the kiss then caresses Cass' cheek. "Thank you for letting me borrow your car." She holds the human close.
"Hmmm." escapes from Cass' lips as she enjoys the warmth of their embrace. "You're welcome. Do you need a ride some place? Back to your mom's?" asks Cassandra as she pulls away from the embrace to get in the car.
Kaja gets in the seat next to Cassandra. She asks, "Are you sure you don't mind? I wouldn't mind going to mom's and picking up my stuff. I took the apartment."
"I don't mind," replies Cass as she gives Kaja a sideways look. The car lifts off the ground and turns to head to the outskirts of the colony. The drive to Dr. T'Soni's house doesn't take long and Kaja describes the apartment on the way. Cass shakes her head without commenting on the apartment's description. It sounds very small, but she is sure it's what Kaja needs.
–
A/N: Again, I don't have a bunch to say. However, I would like to answer some questions I have been asked.
Do I plan on writing more stories with Shepard, Liara, and all three kids? I might in the future. Unsure at the moment, but I probably will.
First I need to finish this story. Then finish writing the shorts for "Lover Mode". What I do next is still up in the air. I do plan on writing more, so please stay tuned. See everyone next week