Chapter Nine
Cassandra Mitchell wakes up before Kaja does. Looking over to the clock, Cass can't believe the time. It reads 0416. Cass carefully gets out of bed. She doesn't want to wake the sleeping beauty. There is a beam of light shining through the window from the street light giving enough light in the apartment for Cass to move around without turning any lights on. The human puts her hands over her head to stretch her body. "I can't believe we slept that long." says Cass when she sees Kaja open her eyes and yawning.
"What time it is?" asks the asari huntress as she finishes her yawn. She sits up slowly and gets out of bed.
"It's almost 0430. There is some food here. I'll cook something if you're hungry." comments Cass as she turns on a light. Then quickly squint because the light is very bright on her eyes.
Kaja stands next to the bed, rubbing her eyes with her hand. Slowly trying to wake up. "Really?" The asari looks over to the clock and it says 0419. She blinks her eyes not believing she slept for more than twelve hours. Kaja isn't surprised Cass slept for hours. "I can believe you slept over twelve hours. You haven't slept much. If there are some eggs, that would be fine." The asari walks over to the human to place a soft kiss on Cass' lips.
"I have a few eggs. How do you want them cooked?" The archeologist looks through the mini-fridge to see if there's anything to in or with the eggs. She finds a small hunk of cheese. Enough to add to the eggs, but that's about it. Cass looks to see what else to cook and sees nothing. "I'll stop at the store on my why home from work and pick stuff up to cook for the next few days."
"Scrambled works, Cass. Thanks. Is there anything I can make or have for lunch while you're gone? If not, I'll manage," comments T'Soni. The huntress looks at the blinking light on the terminal's case. Kaja does not want to check the messages. Thinking one of is from Matriarch Jilianea and she isn't wanting to deal with her today. She grabs the case from the kitchen table and moves it to the bed.
Cass turns her head to watch Kaja's movements. The asari looks like she is moving around a little better. Cass lips tilt up into a smile as she starts to heat up a skillet to cook the eggs. "Kaja, it looks like you're feeling better this morning."
"I do actually. First time in days, I was actually able to sleep. It's bad enough with my left shoulder bandaged and the IV made it harder to sleep," says Kaja as she walks behind Cass and wraps her right arm around the human's waist. "I think it's you, Cass." The asari moves some of Cass' hair to expose more skin. Kaja whispers softly in the human's ear as she places soft kisses around Cass' ear, "I have a confession to make, Dr. Mitchell. I love you. I've been too scared to say it and I don't know why."
Turning to face Kaja, Cass takes the asari's face with her hands and gives the huntress a deep, passionate kiss. "I love you too. Love is a scary emotion sometimes. Or I think so. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little scared." She kisses the asari again before saying, "Now, if you'll let me, I'd like to cook us something to eat. I don't know about you, but I'm hungry."
"Yes, I'm hungry. I didn't realize I was stopping you from cooking. Please, cook away, my lady," replies the huntress as she lets go of Cass. She has a big grin on her face as she sits at the table watching Cass cook.
Shaking her head at Kaja, Cass pours the beaten eggs on the hot skillet.. She adds the cheese before commenting, "Guess you do feel better. How long will it last? I have a feeling you'll do too much and be sleeping when I get home." She looks over her shoulder to see Kaja with a grin on her face. The human turns back to the eggs.
"Oh, I don't know. Maybe I'll sleep while your gone. I won't have anything else to do. Beside check the messages I have waiting," says Lt. T'Soni as she rubs her chin.
Cass takes the few steps to the table with two plates in her hands. "Here, enjoy. I hope you like them," says Dr. Mitchell as she places the plate of eggs in front of Kaja. She sits in the other chair across the table from the asari.
Kaja takes a bite of eggs. Nodding her head as she chews. "Very nice eggs. Fluffy and not too much cheese. Perfect." Taking another bite, Kaja chews it quickly. "Tell me more about the dig site on Feros."
"A construction crew found an underground city. They university is telling me they think it could be Prothean. I'll know more after I talk to the head of the department. So, you're okay with me going to Feros?" asks Cass.
"If we hadn't met last week, would you even hesitate about going to Feros?" replies Kaja as she answers Cass' question with a question.
Cass shakes her head as she answers, "No, I wouldn't. Kaja, thanks."
"What are you thanking me for?" replies T'Soni with a curious look on her face. She leans her head to one side as she looks at Cass.
Dr. Mitchell isn't sure why she is thanking Kaja. Probably because the huntress is making it easy for her. "I'm not sure why. You're making this easy." Cass pauses and looks at Kaja with a grin unsure what to say. She feels like she needs to say something. "I wasn't sure how you would feel if I took another job off planet. You seem to want me to take it. And that is why I am thanking you."
"To me, it doesn't matter what job you're doing or where you live. We'd still be light years apart if I transfer. If my shoulder heals up enough. For all I know, the Councilor might only be saying what I want to hear, or what she thinks I want to hear. I don't know if I trust her or any politician," sighing after the last word leaves Kaja's lips.
Cass places her hand on her forehead when she realizes what an idiot she has been. Of course, Kaja isn't going to care where Cass live or what she is doing. Kaja is a member of the asari military and is only on shore leave. The only thing on the human's mind has been Kaja and how she would take the news of her leaving Elysium for Feros. Cass hasn't thought once about them being apart when the huntress' shore leave is over and returns to Thessia. "I feel like an idiot. I was only thinking I was leaving you here and never thought about what it would be like when you to return to Thessia."
T'Soni reaches out with her right hand and holds Cass' hand. "Here is what I think it will be like. We send messages and call as often as possible and when I go on leave, I'll be you. I'll take leave as often as I can and when you can get away and I'm not on a ship. You can come and see me. And if I don't get the transfer or my shoulder doesn't pass the physical, I'll move closer to you. That simple, Cass."
"That simple, huh?" Cassandra places her hand on Kaja's "This whole thing is like a whirlwind and we're caught up in it." The human looks into those ocean blue eyes of the asari. "I wonder if everything is moving too fast, Kaja."
Kaja gets up from the table and takes her plate and fork to the sink. Leaning against the counter, Kaja places her right arm over her left. "I know, I think that too. I can make this easier for you. If that is what you want. I can always go stay at my mom's and you can keep the apartment. It's paid for until you leave for Feros."
"Kaja, stop. That's not necessary. I'm okay with this arraignment. Are you always this easy to be around?" asks Cassandra Mitchell. Picking up her dishes, Cass puts them in the sink with the others. She wraps her arms around Kaja's waist then leans against the asari. "You seem to look at a bigger picture. Maybe it's because you're an asari. I don't know. You are so calm and collected."
Chuckling at the comment, Lt. T'Soni squeezes Dr. Mitchell with her right arm. "I'm glad you think so, because I'm not so calm and collected. I've been lost for far too long." Kaja starts to think about her father and what type of advice she would give. She's conflicted between "do your duty" and "if your unhappy, get out" comments. Her entire life, Kaja has heard do your duty. After finding the message from her father about being happy, Kaja isn't sure what to do.
The asari so much wants to join the Armali sniper unit. The unit is from the city where her mother grew up. It is also one of the commando units who helped take back Earth during the war with the Reapers. It's a famed unit and Kaja has always wanted to serve in it. Kaja leans her head on top of Cass' head. The huntress' thoughts then move to the human in her arm. A grin appears before Kaja says, "I really wish I could hold you with both arms instead of one. Cass, I believe things happen for a reason. Including the crap like what happened last week. That happened for a reason."
"What possible reason could there be for that? You getting shot?" asks a curious Cassandra. She moves her head enough to give Kaja a soft kiss on the cheek. "Your sister is right. You are crazy. A good type of crazy. Like how a firefighter is crazy for running to a fire when most are running away. And how you'd risk your life to save someone else."
"Hmm." Kaja takes Cass' hand and leads her to the loveseat. The asari sits and leans back as she puts her feet in the chair. Cassandra sits to the right of the asari as Kaja wraps her arms around the human. "Well, I'm not sure, but I think getting ambushed by Eclipse taught me something. It showed me what is important. One is to pay better attention to my surrounds. Another is life is too short to dwell on things that you have no control over." Kaja thinks of Commander Shepard when she finishes the last sentence. The huntress knows she needs to stop being so concerned about what her father would think and start enjoying life. It is what her father wanted for her.
Cass wonders what Kaja means by dwelling on thing outside of her control. Could it be about her father, Commander Shepard? Cass remembers how Kaja's demeanor changed during their walk through Shepard Memorial Plaza and what she said before Kaja walked her home. Cass doesn't think either Shepard or Dr. T'Soni put any pressure on Kaja when she decided to join the military. Her mother doesn't seem the type, but does she really know Liara? "I don't mean to pry, but what have you been dwelling on? If you don't want to talk about it, I understand. I am here for you if you need someone to talk to, Kaja."
Lt. T'Soni sits there quietly, thinking about what to say. What can she say? She's almost two-hundred-years-old and still can't move past her father's death. If she can't move past it, how does she think her mother will move on. No wonder mom never moves. She wants to live with those memories forever. Maybe some day, she'll find someone else. But I doubt it. Mom seems happy living with her memories. I need more than that. I need to let her go. Let go of being so damn worried about making sure my parents, dad in particular, are proud of me.
"I don't know what to say, Cass. I've told you part of it. About how I haven't felt whole since my dad died." Kaja stares at the wall on the other side of the apartment. "I have since I can remember always wanted to make my father proud of me. She would give us a look that screamed disappointment and to stop the nonsense." Kaja chuckles a little then continues, "Gaia didn't always care if she got into trouble or not. Liv usually behaved, but never really got the looks Gaia and I got. I think I had a normal childhood. I don't know. What is normal when your parents are Commander Shepard and Dr. Liara T'Soni, saviors of the galaxy? My parents are part of a statue on the Citadel. How do you live up to that?"
Kaja removes her arm from around Cass to lean forward and place her good hand under her chin. Her eyes start to tear up and one slowly trickles down her cheek. Cass carefully moves Kaja's face with her hand and looks into those ocean blue eyes, "You don't try to live up to what your parents did two hundred years ago. I think I know your mom well enough. She is like most parents of adult children. All they want is for us is our happiness and for us to do the right thing." She wipes the lone tear from the asari's cheek. "It's what my parents want from me. I'm almost positive it's what your parents want from you, Kaja T'Soni."
"You make me happy, Cass. I don't know if transferring will give me what I need or want. Not anymore. The Councilor said the option to get out is still open, but I don't know if I can trust her word. She has ruined my career or it's how I see it," comments the huntress. She gets off the loveseat to lie on the bed. Talking about things has made Kaja tense. Being tense is causing her shoulder to start throbbing in pain. "I never wanted the job as a member of the asari military police." She starts thinking about how things happen for a reason. Maybe the Councilor's influence happen for a reason. It has made it possible for her to meet Cassandra.
Dr. Mitchell looks over to the clock sitting on the end table next to the bed. It reads 0708. Time flies too much sometimes thinks the archeologist. Cass moves to the bed and sits behind the huntress and takes her into her arms. Being extra careful of the left shoulder. "If things happen for a reason, what reason is there for you being an investigator instead of a sniper?"
"It has allowed me to meet you. Being an investigator has made me miserable, but I think if I was a sniper, I would never had met you and I'd still have a part of me missing from dad's death. You've given me more this past week than I can ever give you back," answers T'Soni. She feels tense. Kaja tries to relax by closing her eyes and leaning back against Cass. Every time she starts thinking about either work or her meeting with the Councilor, Kaja gets tense. It's starting to tell her it's time to move on, be a civilian, and be happy.
Cass rubs on Kaja's right shoulder and neck. "Kaja, relax. You're all tense and I'm sure that isn't helping your shoulder." Cass continues to rub Kaja's shoulder. Her only regret is she has to get ready for work soon and leave Kaja alone. The asari in her arms starts to relax when Cass needs to get ready. "Kaja, sweetie, I need to get ready for work. I'll bring you something to eat for lunch. Try to relax, Kaja." She slides from under the asari and gives her a soft kiss on the lips before heading into the shower.
Kaja T'Soni only hears half of what Cass is saying. She starts to relax and feels sleepy again. The throbbing pain in her shoulder is dying down which is making it easier for the asari huntress to sleep. The last thing she says before dozing off is, "I love you, Cass."
Turning when she hears Kaja tell her she loves her. A beaming smile crosses her lips. Looking down at the asari sprawled across the bed, Cass says, "I love you, Kaja." She grabs the case containing the portable terminal and moves it back on the kitchen table. The light is still blinking which indicates a message waiting. It's been blinking since they woke up. Cass guesses Kaja will check it after she goes to work.
When Kaja wakes up again, she is alone in the apartment. The terminal is back on the table. She gets up to deal with the message or messages she has waiting. The Lieutenant is sure Matriarch Jilianea has contacted her a few times. There is a note attached to the top of the case.
Kaja,
You fell asleep and I have to leave for work. I'll bring you some lunch when I take my lunch break. I'll call the diner ahead of time and have it ready for me. I hope you like soup. Their special soup today is clam chowder.
Relax and try not to think too much, sweetie. It makes you tense and I know that is bad for your shoulder.
I love you
C.
"Ah, Cass, how did you know? I love clam chowder," says Kaja in a hushed tone even though she is in the apartment alone. The huntress opens the case and checks her messages. There are three. All from Matriarch Jilianea and say the same thing. When you get this message contact me A.S.A.P. "Crap, guess I'm in for an ass chewing now," mumbles Kaja under her breath as she types in the contact information to the Matriarch's office.
Matriarch Jilianea appears before Lieutenant T'Soni. The Matriarch gives her subordinate a look that makes T'Soni uncomfortable. Same type of look she hated getting from her father, Commander Shepard. One of disappointment. "Lt. T'Soni, didn't you get out of the hospital yesterday?" asks Jilianea. She stands with her hands clasped behind her back.
"Yes, Ma'am. My mother and sister came here with me and stayed for a while. After they left, I fell asleep until early this morning then I feel asleep again, Ma'am. I'm only now checking my messages," answers Kaja as she looks her commanding officer in the eyes the best she can being this over the extranet. She has her hand by her side while standing at attention.
"It looks like Eclipse got you good, Lt. I've had a long chat with Dr. T'Sakos. I have also read all the reports you have sent me. You didn't send the report within twenty-four hours like ordered, but I know you sent it within a few hours after being released. Well done, Lt. T'Soni." The Matriarch grins a little. "I know what the Councilor offered you, T'Soni. I've been informed the Armali sniper unit doesn't need anyone. The next class from sniper school is getting assigned to other units."
Lt. Kaja T'Soni stands there and isn't surprised in the least. "Permission to speak freely, Ma'am?" Kaja has a few things to say and ask.
"Granted."
"Matriarch Jilianea, I am not surprised I still can't transfer to the unit. How much of it is because you don't want me to transfer? I know you think I'm your top investigator, Ma'am. And if I can pass any physical for my shoulder will I be allowed to transfer, Ma'am?" asks Kaja. Her tone is even and calm. Even though she is seething about being told she can't transfer to the sniper unit.
Jilianea is about to go off on the Lieutenant, but keeps her cool. "Lt. T'Soni, I have not stopped any transfer requests. By the time your shoulder heals enough, there might be an opening in the sniper unit. From my talks with Dr. T'Sakos, it looks like it might be months before your shoulder heals enough to pass a physical. Dr. T'Sakos recommendation is to give you a medical discharge."
"She has not said that to me, ma'am. She's only told me I have a lot of rehab ahead of me if I want to stay in. And to not use my biotics for another two weeks at minimum," replies Kaja.
"Dr. T'Sakos hasn't told you she thinks you should receive a medical discharge?" asks a surprised Matriarch.
Kaja has no idea her shoulder is bad enough to warrant a discharge. "No, ma'am, she has not. She's not a military doctor, does her recommendation carry that much weight?"
"More than you know, Lt. More than you know," answers Matriarch Jilianea. She hates to give that type of news to any huntress. Especially, one on shore leave like T'Soni. "Oh, one more than before I let you go, T'Soni. I went back over your old reports from Omega. It looks like Eclipse is after you over something small. That is unlike them. I have Lt. Allenta and Lt. Kerrin investigating them. So, stay on your guard, Lt. Matriarch Jilianea out." The holo of the Matriarch disappears leaving Kaja alone with her thoughts.
Shortly after closing up the case and sitting in the living room chair with her feet on the loveseat, Cass returns with lunch. "I hope you're hungry. I also got you a salad." The human archeologist places the bags of food on the table and moves the case to the kitchen counter. She notices the light isn't blinking. Cass looks in Kaja's direction. The asari is still sitting in the chair, and doesn't seem to know Cass is home. "Kaja, you okay?" asks Cass as she touches the huntress' thigh.
Feeling the hand on her thigh snaps Kaja out of her daze. "Oh, hi Cass. I didn't hear you come in. You brought soup? Clam chowder? How did you know I love clam chowder?" Kaja gives Cass a hug and kiss when she gets out of the chair.
"I didn't. I thought you would like it, and it is the special of the day. I also brought you a salad. I hate to do this. I have to get back. I'll eat my lunch at work. I have a meeting in thirty minutes with the head of the archeology department about the job offer. I don't want to be late." Cass gives Kaja a quick kiss that lingers longer than she wanted.
"It's fine. Do what you need to do. I'll be here when you get back. Thanks for lunch." replies Kaja as she watches the human leave the apartment. With a huge smile on her face, Kaja moves from the living room to the kitchen table to eat her lunch. As soon as she sits down there is a knock at the door.
Kaja T'Soni opens the door and see both sisters. Gaia says, "Cute delivery girl." Gaia hugs her older sister, "I'm sorry I couldn't get here sooner, Kaja. You look like shit, by the way."
"Yea, yea. You look good, Gaia. Come in. It's small and there isn't a lot of room for people. I wasn't expecting to having people over," replies Kaja as she stands to the side to allow Liv and Gaia in the apartment.
"Damn, Kaja. My trailer on set is bigger than this apartment. Seriously, are you okay?" asks the asari actress. Gaia sits in the living room chair, but turns it so she can face the kitchen table.
Kaja sits back down at the kitchen table and opens the bags. One contains the salad and the other has a big bowl of soup, but also a bread bowl to put it in. The huntress' face lights up with delight when she sees the bread bowl. She looks over to her sisters, "I hate to be rude, but I'm going to eat first. Gaia, thanks for stopping over. It means a lot. You too Liv." Kaja pours the soup into the bread then takes a bite of the salad.
Liv sits at the kitchen table, she moves the chair to sit next to Kaja instead of being across from her. "We ate already. I wanted to check in on you. Make sure you didn't need anything. Well, mom asked me to, but I would have anyway. Looks like Cass is taking good care of you. Good, I really like her."
Gaia is still taking in the few things in the apartment. "Where did your girlfriend get a Prothean memory shard?" Gaia swings the chair around and looks at the shard. "Interesting."
"At a dig site on Eden Prime. She's an archeologist, Gaia." Kaja rips off a piece of bread and dunks it into the soup before shoving it into her mouth. Some of the soup dribbles down the huntress' chin. She grabs a napkin from the bag and wipes her chin.
Gaia gets a cheeky grin on her face. "Oh! That is even more interesting. When are you going to stop trying to be like dad?"
Liv jumps in, "Gaia, knock it off. When are you going to stop being overly dramatic? Who cares if she is like mom. I like Cass." Liv winks at Kaja to go with her smile.
Gaia, being her usual self starts being overly dramatic in her response to Liv's comment. "Who me?" She has both hand pointing to herself in the middle of her chest. "Surely you jest, sis. I am Gaia. actress extraordinaire " Gaia flings her arms in the air.
The computer expert brings her hand to her forehead while shaking her head. Kaja almost chokes on the bite of salad in her mouth. The huntress snorts as she chews. "Actress extraordinaire my blue ass. More like pain in the ass." Kaja starts laughing. "It's good to see you, Gaia. How have you been?"
"I've been busy. Working too much like you, Kaja. I think I will take the next few weeks off. I start prepping for another movie in a couple of months. I might do a little traveling in the mean time," answers Gaia.
Over the next several hours, the three sisters catch up each other up on what has gone on in their lives. Each sister realizes they all have thrown themselves into their work. Each for different reasons. Gaia loves what she does. Playing different people has always been a way for Gaia to channel being one of Commander Shepard's daughters. She loved acting then and she still loves it today. It comes naturally and over the years, Gaia has worked on honing her craft to become a very deep and diverse actress.
When Olivia starts working on a new program, she loses herself and doesn't realize how much time she spends working. It does make it hard for Liv to see anyone. Liv loves her work, writing security programs for different alien governments or for some it's only basic IT work.
The only sister not loving her career is Kaja. Gaia and Liv both hope she finds some happiness soon and they both think she is heading in that direction. They continue to talk and gossip like the sisters they are. Laughter fills the apartment when Gaia tells a story about one of the pranks pulled on one of the crew by fellow crewmen. Cass walks in with a few bags of groceries to see three sisters enjoying each others company with plenty of laughter in the air.
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A/N: I did finish this story. Several more chapters left, so stay tuned for those.
I do have more in the works, I will be posting soon. EC is tomorrow, 26 June, so we'll see what BW gives us. Then I'll make the decision on where my stories in the future head to next.
See everyone next week. And a thank you to those that take the time to review. I do appreciate it.