Chapter Six
Kaja tells Cass to park her car at the lot by her apartment. She'll walk to two blocks. As the car descends from the traffic down to the parking lot, Cass asks, "Are you sure? I really don't mind."
"I'd rather walk. It's nice outside and I think I can carry my bag for two blocks," replies Kaja with a small doze of sarcasm in her voice. Grinning brightly, the asari winks at the human driving the skycar.
Cass turns her head enough to see the grin on Kaja's face and the wink. "Okay, Lieutenant, if you say so." The car comes to the stop on the tarmac, Cass hits the button to open the doors. "Let me go upstairs and change clothes."
The asari and human get out of the car with the human moving quickly to her apartment. Kaja walks to the front of the building waiting for Cass to change clothes. The neighborhood seems peaceful. Or this block anyway. Kaja has been to enough places to knows how drastic things can change by simply crossing the street and moving a block or two away. The apartment she is renting is cheap enough to make Kaja think it could be a little rougher block than Cassandra's apartment.
It doesn't take long for Dr. Mitchell to change and join Kaja outside. The asari's eyes bulge slightly and her mouth falls open when she see the human walking towards her. Cassandra is wearing a mid-thigh high dress with a very low-cut neckline. The sleeveless dress is bright yellow with subtle color changes in the filigree pattern on the left side of the dress. Kaja thinks Cass looks stunning. "You look absolutely stunning, Cass."
Cass bats her eyelashes at Kaja while replying, "Thanks. If you like this, then you'll love some of my other dresses." The human has a coy smile on her face as she gives the asari a peck on the cheek. "Ready to show me your small apartment?"
Kaja takes Cass' hand with her's and they take their time walking to Kaja's apartment. As they approach the building, Kaja keeps an eye out for any thing out of the ordinary. It's something her father taught her as a child then drilled into her during commando training. The block looks as peaceful as the block Cassandra lives on. The asari opens the door to the apartment, hits the switch for the lights. "Trust me, it's small. But perfect for what I need."
"Wow, you weren't kidding," gasps Cass as she looks around the apartment. Along the wall across from the door is a loveseat, a small end table, and a chair. Over in the corner behind the chair is a bed and one dresser. The walls are bare except for a few pictures on the table. By the kitchen area is a small table with two chairs, so Cass sets her bag on the small table and takes out two glasses and an open bottle of brandy. "I brought a little apartment warming gift. I hope you don't mind, it's sorta already been opened."
Kaja laughs at the comment when she sees the gift Cass brought over. It's the bottle of brandy they were drinking last night. "I don't mind." The asari looks in the cabinets to see if there are any glasses. "Well, wise of you to bring glasses. Looks like I'll have to go shopping tomorrow to pick up a few things. Food for one." When Kaja turns back around, Cass has left her a glass with brandy in it on the kitchen table and moved to the love seat.
"I figured you didn't have anything when the only thing you took from your mom's was your bag and I doubted the apartment had any dishes with it," comments Cass as she watches Kaja join her on the loveseat. "Do you cook, Kaja?"
"A little. Nothing fancy, but I know some basic, easy recipes," Kaja takes a couple of sips from her glass. "Surprised?" asks the asari with a grin.
Cass downs about a third of the liquor in her glass, thinking should or shouldn't she be surprised the commando can cook. She glances over to the asari sitting next to her with a silly looking grin on her face. "Some what, but I know I shouldn't. Maybe you can make something some night."
"Are you sure you want me to cook you something? I sense your doubt in my ability," teases Kaja as she sets the glass on the floor next to the arm of the loveseat. The huntress gets up and starts to look through her bag looking for small case. She sets the case on the floor next to the opposite and opens it. The case contains a portable extranet terminal. "Anything you would like to watch, Cass?"
"There's a movie on channel 8 I planned on watching until I met someone last night. I believe it starts in about ten minutes. You might like it. It's a documentary about justicars. If I remember the description correctly, it's about where did the justicars go," answers the archeologist before she finishes the rest of the brandy in her glass.
Seeing Cass has finished off her drink, the huntress brings the bottle of brandy with her as she rejoins the human. The viewer comes to life. Channel 8 is airing a trivia game show. The host for the show is a fast talking salarian wearing a sleek suit and tie. Since the show is almost over, there are two contestants left. One is a quirky looking human and the other is a turian. The host asks a question about the krogan genophage. The turian buzzes in first, but gets the answer wrong. The human also gets the answer wrong.
"Is this the type of stuff you watch? I don't think I've seen this show before." comments Kaja as she pours more brandy into Cass' glass.
"No, not normally. But I knew the movie was on soon. I'm sorry if you don't like it. You can put something else on if you want," replies the human as she sets her drink on the end table and leans her head on the asari's shoulder. "What do you normally do for fun, Kaja T'Soni?"
T'Soni moves enough to put her arm around Cass. She starts to answer when she realizes she doesn't do anything for fun. Not since... Kaja sits there unable to answer the question. For the first time in over twenty-five years, she realizes she went on auto-pilot after her father died and stopped enjoying life. "I...I suppose I don't do much. I work a lot and that's about it," replies Kaja with regret dripping from her words.
Cass mulls over the comment. It makes her a little sad to know Kaja doesn't do much except work. "When was the last time you went out with friends and enjoyed yourself?" ask Dr. Mitchell. She is afraid to hear the answer. The tone in Kaja's voice makes Cass think it's been decades since she went out and actually her life.
Kaja removes her arm from around Cass and gets up to move the chair closer to the loveseat. Sitting back down next to the human, the asari places her feet on the chair using it as a foot rest. She doesn't want to talk about it, but knows she needs to talk to move past it. Putting her feet back on the floor, Kaja leans forward with her elbows on her knees and her chin resting on her hands. The tone in Kaja's voice is emotionless. "The day before dad died." Kaja turns her head to look at Cass. "That was the last time I enjoyed my life. The last time I felt whole." There are tears forming in the corners of the asari's eyes as she look away and at the floor. "Work was tolerable then. Even though I was asking for a transfer then as well."
Cassandra gets it. Or she thinks she does. Cass places her hand on Kaja's shoulder then slowly runs her hand across the asari's upper back, unsure exactly what to say to make things better. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked."
T'Soni looks over to one person she feels the most comfortable around and gives her a somber grin, "It's okay. Cass, thank you." She takes the archeologist's hand and hold it with both of her's. "Because of you, I finally realize what is missing. Having more to my life than a job I rather not have. I joined the military to help people. To..." Kaja pauses to think about her father. "...follow my father's footsteps. Now, all I do is investigate crimes in the military. Who is that helping?"
"By removing the bad apples, you help. Even if you don't think so," says the human as she hugs the asari sitting next to her. She keeps her chin on Kaja's shoulder.
Neither one is paying any attention to the documentary on the extranet. "I don't know, Cass. Some of what I investigate is busy work and nothing seems to come from it. I don't feel like I am helping anyone. I don't know if I want to join a police force like C-Sec." Saying C-Sec reminds the huntress of the meeting she has on the Citadel in a few days. Kaja looks at Cass in her hazel-colored eyes, "I have a meeting at the Citadel my sister, Liv, set up. I have no idea what this meeting is about. Liv said it was a surprise and something I want to hear. It's on Monday. If possible, would you care to join me? Not to the meeting, but to the Citadel."
Cass looks at her work schedule on her omni-tool. With the new exhibit opening, her work schedule is different the next few days. A huge grin crosses her face. "Looks like you're in luck. I have Sunday and Monday off."
Rubbing her chin, thinking what to say. She fully expected Cass would have to work. She gives Cass a smirk, "Want to leave Sunday and return after my meeting? I'm suppose to meet Liv at her office before noon. Liv was being cryptic in her message. "
"Sounds like we have a date, Kaja," replies the archeologist as she hugs the huntress again.
"Good. I didn't except it, but I'm glad you can join me," says Kaja as she turns her body to kiss Cass. She pulls away to caresses Cass' cheek. "I'm glad you approached me last night."
Looking into Kaja's eyes, Cassandra sees not only the sadness and emptiness, but a hint of happiness. She smiles at the asari with ocean blue-eyes. As she leans in to kiss Kaja, Cass says, "I'm glad my friends made me want to apologize to you."
As their kiss deepens, the portable terminal starts beeping from the incoming message from Thessia. Kaja breaks away from Cass, "I have to answer this. I'm sorry." Kaja goes over to the terminal and moves it from the floor to the small table.
The huntress hits a few buttons and her commanding officer Matriarch Jilianea appears. The Matriarch does not look happy. "Lieutenant T'Soni, I have received a message this morning regarding a meeting you have in a few days." The Matriarch is standing tall and looking very intimidating. "Who do you think you are, Lieutenant? Going behind my back and setting up a meeting with the asari Councilor."
Lt. T'Soni stands at attention not saying anything. She does make a mental note to have a little talk with Olivia. "Ma'am, I didn't set up the meeting. My youngest sister did. I don't know who the meeting is with or what it is about, Ma'am."
Matriarch Jilianea replies, "Your sister? Why would Dr. T'Soni do that? What does she gain?"
"Ma'am, I don't know. I'll be happy to send you a copy of the message she sent to me. She says it's a surprise, Ma'am," answers Kaja. She keeps thinking, Damn you, Olivia. What trouble have you gotten me into now?
The Matriarch can tell by Kaja's demeanor, Kaja is being truthful. Jilianea also thinks Kaja does need the two months off. Even if she is thinking of revoking the Lt.'s shore leave and having her return to Thessia after the meeting. Jilianea knows T'Soni hasn't taken any time off in almost three decades and does need to step away for a while. "I expect that message within the hour, Lieutenant. I'm very tempted to revoke your shore leave. Instead, I expect a report of this meeting within twenty-four hours. I also expect your decision when you return from your shore leave. Is that understood T'Soni?"
"Yes, Ma'am," replies the huntress as she salutes her commanding officer.
Returning the salute, Matriarch Jilianea replies, "Jilianea out" And the holo of the Matriarch disappears.
Kaja quickly logs in to her account to send a copy of the message her sister sent her. After a few clicks on the terminal, the asari turns to Cass, who I sitting quietly on the loveseat. "That's my commanding officer, Matriarch Jilianea. I suppose some things will never change. My sisters will still get me into trouble." The commando closes up the case and sits in the one of the chairs at the kitchen table.
Dr. Mitchell walks over to Kaja and rubs on her shoulders. She can feel the tension in the asari's muscles. Cass' thumbs rub the base of Kaja's neck. The human whispers, "Relax, Kaja. Everything will work out like it's suppose to work out." She continues rubbing on Kaja's shoulder's and neck.
"I hope so, Cass," comments Kaja T'Soni as she leans her head back as far as it will go to look up at the human standing behind her. The asari gives Cass a somber looking grin as she asks, "Are you still willing to go to the Citadel with me?"
Kissing Kaja on the cheek, Cass answers, "Of course. I'm looking forward to spending time with you." She kisses Kaja's cheek again. Cass debates with herself over what to say. There are things she wants to say to the huntress, but isn't sure if this is the time to share those thoughts. So, she keeps those thoughts to herself and continues to help Kaja relax.
Lt. T'Soni closes her eyes to enjoy the attention Dr. Mitchell is giving her. She's never been with anyone like Cassandra before. Someone that seems to actually cares about her as a person and not someone who is looking for fling or one-night stand. The asari stand up and faces Cass. "Would it be easier if I was lying down?"
A nervous chuckle escapes Cass' lips, "Yes, it would be easier if you were lying on the bed, but I think you would enjoy it more if you were...ah...ahmmm...naked." A coy smiles crosses the human's lips. Being with Kaja like this is making Cassandra nervous again. Not as bad as last night.
Cass' comment brings a big smile to Kaja's face. Kaja senses Cass' nervousness again, which causes Kaja to take Cass into her arms, "Don't be so nervous, Cass. I'll wrap up in a towel. I stole one from my mom's. I'm sure she won't miss it." The commando kisses Cass' forehead then grabs her bag to find the towel she stuffed in it. Finding it, she goes into the bathroom to remove her dress and wraps herself in the towel.
The human archeologist can't believe the turn of events. She pinches herself to make sure she isn't dreaming. Cass thinks maybe this is going too fast. But she also knows, she started it. Would Kaja understand if I... No, Cass, don't send mixed messages. Cass walks over to the end table and downs the brandy in her glass to try to calm her nerves. Maybe Kaja only wants the massage and nothing else.
Kaja walks out of the bathroom wrapped in a plain, fluffy white towel. She moves to the bed and lies on her stomach waiting for Cass to finish what she started. "I'm all yours, Cass." Kaja winks and smiles at Cassandra.
"Ahhh...okay," replies Dr. Mitchell as she moves to straddle Kaja. She moves the towel out-of-the-way then smacks her hands together and rubs them to warm them up. Placing her hands on the asari's skin makes her shiver. Cass is unsure what to make of the comment, "I'm all yours." She thinks it can have one of two meanings and to her both are a good thing. Cass wants to ask, but thinks better of it.
As she massages Kaja's back, Cass' nervousness dies down. She feels the asari's muscles loosen as she rubs on them. Hearing little sounds of pleasure from Kaja, causes Cass to start kissing on the folds of skin on Kaja's neck then moves between the asari's shoulders. Her hands continue to massage the stress out of Kaja's back muscles.
As Kaja enjoys the massage Cass is giving her, she starts to doze off. She feels like putty in Cass' hand and is loving every second of it. T'Soni opens her eyes when Cass stops rubbing and lies on her back. "Done already?"
"Yes, I'm done. I hope you enjoyed it, Kaja," replies the archeologist as she gives Kaja a kiss on the cheek then gets off of her back to sit on the edge of the bed.
"I did. Thank you, Cass," comments the huntress as she wraps the towel back around her body and sits next to the human on the edge of the bed. Kaja reaches out and takes Cass' hand. "You seem nervous again. What's wrong?"
Dr. Cassandra Mitchell turns her head so she can give Kaja T'Soni a smile before she answers, "You still make me nervous. Especially with you in only a towel."
The asari takes the not so subtle hint and goes in the bathroom to change back into her clothes. Kaja returns full clothed and again sits next to Cass on the edge of the bed. "Better?" A huge grin crosses Kaja's lips.
Cass is still mulling over Kaja's "I'm all yours" comment when Kaja returns from changing back into her dress. She grins at the asari, "Not really, but thank you for being considerate. You are so different from anyone I have ever met before, Kaja. Anyone else would have expected more than a massage from me."
Kaja gets off the bed and kneels in front of Cassandra. She places her hand on top of Cass' thigh and says, "I'm not anyone else, Cass. You are slowly finding that out. I care about you a great deal, Dr. Mitchell. I would never put pressure on you. If need to say something, please, Cass, don't be afraid to say it. You'd be hard press to get rid of me now." A smirk appears on the asari's face.
The smirk Cass is seeing is making her more nervous. She so much wants to tell Kaja how she feels, but is too nervous to say anything. Even with Kaja telling her it's okay. Knowing how patient Kaja is being with her is actually making her nervousness worse. She takes the asari's hand and holds it tight. "O...Okay. I want to ask you something. What did you mean when you said, I'm all yours?"
The commando stands up and pulls the archeologist off the bed and hugs her tightly, "Exactly what I said. I'm all yours. The more I get to know you, the more I want you in my life. The feelings I have for you, Cass. They scare the hell out of me because I've never felt them before. You've done more for me in the past day and half than anyone else has ever done. So, if you're scared, then we'll be scared together."
Cass moves out of Kaja's embrace to kiss the asari fully on her lips. Moments pass before Cass breaks away from the kiss to say, "I love you, Kaja T'Soni. I wanted to say that to you earlier today. Hell, I almost told your mother that this afternoon. I think she already knows how I feel about you."
"If I know my mom, she probably already knew. It's getting late. You're welcome to stay over if you want, or I can walk you home. The choice is yours," says Kaja with a smile on her face as she runs her fingers across Cass' cheek to the back of her head. The asari whispers softly into the human's ear, "I care about you. I want us to work." She kisses Cass passionately.
Cass replies, "I probably should get home. I have another long day at work. I don't know when I get off tomorrow. I have to set up the new exhibit and sometimes that can take me late into the night. Keep the glasses and what is left of the brandy. My gift to you." She walks over to the small kitchen table to grab her bag.
Kaja follows Cass out the door and locks apartment. They couple walks down the street holding hands. When they arrive at Cass' apartment building there is two humans waiting outside. One seems familiar to the commando. Kaja is unsure where, she is thinking maybe Omega. She knows for certain this human is trouble. The other human is Cass' friend from the amusement park. The one Kaja hasn't been introduced to yet.
"Anika, why are you here?" asks Cass. She leans her head some to one side giving Anika a curious look. "Anika, this is Kaja T'Soni. The one you and Della were staring and pointing at yesterday."
Anika glares at Kaja, but says nothing. There is a merc standing behind Anika and another one shows up behind Cass and Kaja. Seeing her friend acting strangely causes Cass to have some concern on what is going on.
The commando goes on full alert. Kaja keeps a keen eye on her surroundings. It seems there is only the two of them, but Kaja thinks there might be more. Something seems very wrong. She turns around and sees a gun pointed at her. The only thing the asari has to defend her and Cass with is her biotics and they are out numbered. Kaja knows he is too close and can get a shot off before she can bring a barrier up. She looks over to Cass and tries to give her a reassuring grin. Kaja sees Della across the street.
Della Appleton aims her weapon at the human who is standing behind Cass about ready to grab her. Kaja notices Della's intentions and dives on Cass to keep her safe as Della shoots the Eclipse merc in the chest with her pistol. Kaja starts to get up when she gets a rifle butt to the side of the face by Anika. "Stay down, T'Soni. I'll kill you if you force me. Come on, Cass. You're coming with me."
Anika's partner grabs the archeologist by the arm and drags her to the waiting car. Cass starts screaming, "Let me go!" Cass struggles to get free and all it does it cause the merc to tighten his grip on her arm. "Let me go!" screams Cass one more time before a stasis field freezes the merc in place. Being free from the merc's grip, Cass runs towards her friend, Della.
The last thing Kaja does is free Cass from the merc's grip before Anika shoots the huntress in the shoulder. As Anika is aiming at Kaja, Della is aiming her pistol at Anika. Della pulls the trigger a split second before Anika does which causes Anika to only hit Kaja in the shoulder. The museum guard hits her friend in the chest.
Someone from one of the apartments has called the police after hearing the first gun shot. The stasis field wears off and the member of Eclipse sees the police coming and gets into the car and takes off leaving his companions behind. One of the police cars chases after the merc while the other two cars land near the apartment building.
Della and Cass slowly make their way across the street. Neither Anika or the other merc is moving, but Kaja starts to get up. The asari tries to shake the cobwebs in her head out and falls over when she loses her balance. Instead of trying to get up again, Kaja tries to sit up on the building's steps. Cass runs up to Kaja with tears streaming down her cheeks, "Oh my God, Kaja, are you okay? You saved my life." She takes the wounded asari in her arms. Getting blue blood all over herself and her dress.
"No, Della saved us both," replies the commando as she grimaces as she speaks. Kaja has her hand over the wound in her shoulder when the local police approach. The right side of Kaja's face is swelling up from getting hit with the butt of the rifle. "Goddess, I hurt." is the last thing Kaja says before she passes out in Cass' arms from the pain in her shoulder and face and the loss of blood.
An ambulance arrives and two medical techs start working on the wounded asari. The techs put Kaja on a stretcher then in the back of the ambulance. Cass asks as she wipes the tears from her face, "Where are you taking her?"
"To Memorial Hospital and I think she'll be alright. She's lost blood and will need surgery," answers the medical tech as he gets in he ambulance with Kaja.
One of the police officers starts asking Cassandra questions and another officer asks Della questions about what happened. They both tell the officers what happened. Two more officers arrive on scene and start talking to some of the residents from the neighborhood. The officer who talked to Della is talking to his superior. The officer walks over to Della saying, "Ms. Appleton, I need to take you into custody. I'm sorry, but you did kill two people tonight."
Della nods her head knowing she did the right thing, but she also knows she broke the law by her actions. "I understand. Cass, do me a favor. Call my parents so they can get me an attorney."
Dr. Mitchell looks at the officer arresting Della, "She saves mine and Lieutenant T'Soni's life and you're arresting her for it?" Her body is shaking more now than before. She is shaking from being scared about losing Kaja and anger at Anika for shooting her.
"I'm sorry, Doctor. Yes, she killed two people. I'm sure she can work something out, but that isn't my call to make. That is up to the DA to decide. I'm only doing my job," replies the officer as he places the cuffs on Della and places her in his car.
Cass looks around the area. Seeing pools of blood on the ground, blood from her ex-friend and her girlfriend. She'll never know why Anika wanted to kidnap her and keep her away from Kaja. She mumbles to herself, "Why Anika? Jealous?" Then she looks over to Della sitting in the police car and wonders how Della knew about it. At least she can ask Della about it. If Della is released from police custody.
One of the officers approaches Cass. "Ma'am, is there anyone I can contact about your asari friend? Does she have any family on planet? I can take you to the hospital if you want."
"Thank you, I would like a ride to the hospital. Yes, her mother is Dr. Liara T'Soni," replies Cass. The officer escorts Cass to a the car, so he can take Cass to Memorial Hospital. Before she gets into the car, Cass walks over and grabs her bag from the ground. As the car leaves the area, Cass looks out the window thinking she is going to stay at Kaja's apartment until Kaja is out of the hospital. She knows she can never stay at her place again. All it will do is make her think about what happened tonight.
Cass looks out the window of the car as it takes off heading to the hospital. She sees more officers showing up at the scene. She can see Della still sitting in the back seat of one of the police cars. Cass wonders as the officer drives away from her block, what just happened and why are her friends trying to kidnap her or keep her away from Kaja? The human hopes she can get answers to these questions. Della has done things in the past to ruin relationships. What is Anika's problem?
Tears keep rolling down Cass face as the police officer parks the car next to the emergency room door. Dr. Mitchell wipes the tears from her face with the back of her hand, smearing blue blood across her cheek. She doesn't notice nor care about how she looks. The only thing on the archeologist's mind is Kaja. The officer walks Cass to the waiting area then leaves to find out when the detectives can talk to the asari. Cass sits and waits for any news on Kaja. She isn't leaving until she knows the huntress condition.
Even then, Cass doesn't think she'll leave. The longer she sits and waits, the more Dr. Cassandra Mitchell thinks this is her fault. It's her fault because it was her friends who did this to Kaja. Why, is now the question that needs an answer. Cass says a silent prayer for Kaja then sits patiently for any news on Lieutenant Kaja T'Soni.
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A/N:Something bad always seems to happen to someone. Stay tuned as the plot thickens. See you need week.