Chapter Fourteen
Dr. Liara T'Soni and Dr. Cassandra Mitchell finish packing the last box from the kitchen. Liara sits in one of the kitchen tables. "Take a break, Cassandra. This didn't take long and I'm sure Kaja is still sleeping. You're starting to look a little ragged."
Cass joins Liara at the table, "I appreciate your concern. I'm fine. I think I should stay instead of going to Feros tomorrow."
"I think you should go. If I know my daughter at all, it is what she wants. Has Kaja said different?" asks the Shadow Broker.
The archeologist shakes her head, "No, she told me to go while we were outside earlier. I can only imagine what it must have been like to have a yard like that to play in."
"Then you go to Feros, Cassandra. Listen to me, doing what you love will be good for Kaja. And I think it will help. It will give her a little normalcy if you continue to work at dig sites," says Liara as she pats on Cass' hand. "I think the girls enjoyed the freedom of our yard. More room than the apartment we had on Illium. I think that is why Shepard wanted to build on the outskirts of the colony. To give the girls room to stretch their legs. Shepard grew up on ships. Or it was on the outskirts. Now, it's another neighborhood."
"I grew up in the middle of the colony in an apartment. I only had parks to play in. City is full of them, but to have a yard," comments Cass with a big smile on her face. "It would have been nice." The human reminisces about a time when she was a child and the trouble she got into for digging a hole under a big oak tree. A chuckle escapes the human's lips, "Maybe I wouldn't have gotten into trouble for digging a hole under a tree in the park. An older boy told me there was treasure under the tree and I went digging for it."
Liara chuckles with Cass. "Don't worry, Cassandra. I to got into trouble for digging for ruins in the grass as a child. I think it's an archeologist's right of passage."
"You too?" comments Dr. Mitchell laughing.
Liara gets up from the table, "I think we should get going. You said you have a storage unit rented?"
Cass follows suits then grabs the cooler and puts the refrigerated food in it. "Yes, it's not far from here. LL Storage on Capital Drive."
Liara takes the last box while Cass carries the cooler. The human opens the door and an asari is about to knock on it. The young asari takes a step back and stands tall with her hands clasped behind her back. "Excuse me, ma'am. My name is Specialist Lorrea Trippolis. I'm looking for Lieutenant Kaja T'Soni. Matriarch Jilianea told me she was staying at this address."
Dr. Mitchell looks at Liara, who is looking at the asari. Liara asks, "She's not here, Specialist."
"Dr. T'Soni, ma'am. If she's not here, is she at your house?" asks Specialist Lorrea Trippolis.
"So you know who I am then?" replies Liara. The Shadow Broker goes into a defensive position even with the box in her hand.
The Specialist nods with confidence. The young huntress notices Liara's defensive posture and keeps her stance the same. With her hands clasped behind her back Trippolis says, "Yes, ma'am. The Lieutenant has a picture of her family on her desk.
With Eclipse being a factor, Liara is being cautious with the young asari. She seems to know Kaja, but Liara isn't going to take any chances on telling the commando her daughter's location until she knows the Specialist actually works with Kaja. "Who's in the picture? Where was it taken?"
"I'm not sure where, ma'am. It has you, Commander Shepard, Lt. T'Soni, and her two sisters in the picture. Big mountain in the background. I think LT said it's from the day she left for huntress training," replies Specialist Trippolis.
Lirara remembers the day Hannah Shepard took the picture. Satisfied the young asari works with Kaja, Liara relaxes her stance then answers, "Yes, she is at my house. She was also taking a nap, so if you want you can either follow us or wait outside until we get there."
Specialist Lorrea Trippolis nods with a smile, "Thank you, ma'am. I took a taxi here. I hate to intrude, but may I ride with you two?"
"Of course," answers Cassandra. The human gives Liara a look then nods in the Specialist's direction. Liara takes the cue and hands the box she is carrying to the younger asari. The trio walk to Liara's car. After putting the last of the boxes in the car, the Specialist squeezes into the backseat. The car lifts of the ground and heads to the storage unit. Cass looks back at the asari smashed in the backseat. "Why are you looking for the Lieutenant?"
Specialist Trippolis grins at the human posing the question. "I was sent by Matriarch Jilianea to..."
–
Lt. Kaja T'Soni wakes up after only sleeping for less than an hour. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she looks over to the desk to see the artifact has been move and a note next to it. It's from her mom and all it says is she went with Cassandra and the french toast is in the fridge. The huntress moves the Prothean artifact back to the middle of the shelf. She looks at the case with the extranet terminal. The case she always has with her. Kaja debates whether or not to check her messages. She knows they are from Jilianea and Kaja does not want to deal with her CO.
The huntress sucks in her lower lip as she picks the case off the floor and sets it on the desk. She steels herself and opens the case and checks her messages. There are several from the Matriarch. Kaja hits a few keys on the keyboard and makes a call to Jilianea.
Matriarch Jilianea's form comes into view. "About time, Lieutenant. I've tried to reach you since Friday. Where have you been?"
Kaja keeps telling herself to stay calm. Let her vent. What high ups in the military do, they yell at the ranks below them. "I left the terminal at the apartment and checked into a hotel for a little quiet, alone time before my bondmate leaves for her new job tomorrow, ma'am."
"You know the regulations, Lieutenant. You are to keep the terminal with you. No excuses. Since, you are not only on shore leave, but you are also on medical leave. So, I'll let this slide with a warning. Don't do it again, Lt. T'Soni." reprimands the Matriarch.
"Yes, ma'am," answers Kaja as she stands at attention.
"I've sent Specialist Trippolis to Elysium. I was going to tell you before she left. She is looking for you now, Lieutenant. I've received some news about Eclipse. Remember about two decades ago or so a case I assigned you dealing with a Lieutenant named, Rommea Sederis? You caught her smuggling guns to Eclipse."
The investigator thinks about the details of that case. She remembers that case took her and Trippolis a year to break and Sederis threatening her, but never gave the threat a second thought. Another mistake. Kaja closes her eyes and shakes her head, "Yes, I remember that case. I also remember Sederis smuggling illegal weapon mods to Thessia. She then threatened me and nothing came of it. Until now."
"I have sent the Specialist to investigate more about what happened to you and to keep an eye out for Eclipse. It doesn't look like they are going to attempt anything, but I'd rather have another huntress keeping an eye out if Eclipse does try something. I do have other investigators still looking into Sederis. It's looking like she wants revenge against you for getting her kick out and for what happened last year on Omega. Which is Sederis' location most of the time. Or Illium. Where are you now, Lieutenant?" asks Jilianea.
"Thank you for the information, ma'am. I'm at my mother's. I moved back in last night and will be staying here. I'll need help with the shoulder, ma'am." answers Kaja. She neglects to inform her commanding officer of her mental state.
Matriarch Jilianea looks at the Lieutenant. "Speaking of your shoulder, Lieutenant. I also received Dr. T'Sakos' latest update on your shoulder injury. She still recommends a medical discharge because of your shoulder. What is your feelings on that, T'Soni?"
Kaja thinks about the discharge. She does think it will help relieve some pressure she is feeling. "I know it still hurts when I move it, ma'am."
"Heh, typical huntress. You girls can never admit your injuries are bad enough for a discharge. There is no shame in it, T'Soni," replies Jilianea with a hint of a grin. The usual stoic Matriarch is showing a sign she has a little compassion.
"Matriarch Jilianea, ma'am. Permission to speak freely?" asks Lt. T'Soni.
The Matriarch folds her arms across her chest. "Granted."
The huntress takes a deep breath and holds it for a couple of seconds. After exhaling, she says, "I'll take the discharge, ma'am."
"Then you need to return to Thessia ASAP and turn in all military issued equipment, Lt. T'Soni. And sign all necessary paperwork. T'Soni, I'm sorry you're leaving. You are a damn good investigator. I know it's not what you wanted, but you excelled at it. You really should think about the Spectre offer. I sent the Council my approval on your candidacy," replies the asari Matriarch.
"Thank you, ma'am. I'll keep the Spectre option open. Expect me some time tomorrow," comments Kaja. If she does what Cass thinks she should do, being a Spectre isn't it. But then Cass didn't mention not being a Spectre. Kaja knows if she becomes a Spectre, it will be easier for her to go after Sederis and keep Cass safe. It will also make it harder for her to step out of her father's shadow. Kaja wonders what advice Cass will give her on it.
"Until then Lieutenant, stay safe. Oh, T'Soni, bring Trippolis with you. Jilianea out." the holo of the Matriarch fades away.
Kaja shuts the terminal off for the last time and closes the case. A smile appears on Kaja's face, "Yes, ma'am." She snaps her fingers when she remembers she still needs to set up the terminal she bought for Cass.
Kaja leaves the case on the desk and heads to the dining room. She thinks that is where she saw the case containing the extranet terminal. The asari maiden walks past the front door when it opens with Liara walking in the house first. Followed by Specialist Trippolis and Cassandra Mitchell. "Back so soon?" asks Kaja.
"You didn't sleep very long, did you?" asks Cass when she walks in the door carrying the cooler and a few bags of take out from the diner Cass is fond of.
"No, I suppose I didn't. Here, let me help you with the cooler," replies Kaja as she takes the cooler from Cass.
Cass puts the to go bags on the kitchen table while Kaja sets the cooler on the counter next to the refrigerator. The asari huntress puts the food away before joining everyone else at the kitchen table. Specialist Trippolis is standing near the patio door looking outside. Kaja asks, "Lorrea, you're not eating?"
"No, ma'am. With your permission, LT, I would like to check out the exterior of the property," replies Trippolis.
Kaja shakes her head at the younger huntress, "Granted, Specialist." Liara starts to say something about the security when Kaja places her hand on her mother's arm. "It's okay, mom. She is doing her job. Watching my back for Eclipse. We're leaving for Thessia tomorrow."
"What do you mean you're leaving for Thessia tomorrow, Kaja?"asks Dr. Liara T'Soni.
Specialist Trippolis walks from one side of the back yard to the other. Kaja keeps her eye on the younger huntress. "I need to sign my discharge papers and turn in all my equipment. Dr. T'Sakos has recommended I be given a medical discharge because of my shoulder. So, I took it. I talked to Matriarch Jilianea after I woke up."
Dr. Mitchell smiles at Kaja, "What are you going to do next?"
Before Kaja answers, Specialist Trippolis walks in the front door, "Ma'am, everything looks secure outside. I noticed lots of security cameras around outside. Paranoid, Dr. T'Soni?"
"I would say more cautious than paranoid," replies Liara with annoyance in her voice. The Shadow Broker gives her eldest daughter a look that reminds Kaja of the look her father use to give when she was unhappy about things.
Kaja gets the unspoken hint, "Specialist, you being here is unexpected. I appreciate it, but you are interrupting what little time we have together. So, go stand watch outside until I say other wise."
"Yes, ma'am." responds the younger huntress before she goes back outside.
Lt. T'Soni looks at Cass then to her mother, "Mom, I have a huge favor to ask."
"What do you need from me, Kaja?" asks Liara before she starts to eat her lunch.
"Will you take me and Specialist Trippolis to Thessia. Help me gather my things from my apartment and bring me back to Elysium?" Kaja looks over to Cass. "Cass, do you have to take a public transport to Feros? Maybe we can take you instead. If that is okay with you, mom."
Liara looks over her schedule for the next few days. She closes her omni-tool, "Yes, of course I will help you, Kaja. We can take you to Feros tomorrow, Cassandra. If that is what you want."
Cass finishes chewing the bite of her sandwich before answering, "That would be nice, thank you, Liara. You still didn't answer my question, Kaja. What are you going to do after you return from Thessia?"
Kaja smirks at the human, "I plan on rehabbing my shoulder once Dr. T'Sakos says I should start and to see someone about my mental state. That is it." Kaja takes a bite of the clam chowder Cass got for her. "Will you two please not say anything to Lorrea about that. I didn't tell Matriarch Jilianea and I don't plan to unless I have no other choice."
"That sounds good, Kaja. What did the Matriarch say to you?" asks the Shadow Broker. Liara pats on her daughter's arm.
Wiping the soup from her chin, Kaja answers, "She told me why she sent Lorrea. It doesn't look like Eclipse is planning on anything yet, but she is being cautious. She said she was sorry I was leaving, but also told me I should consider becoming a Spectre." The huntress looks at Cass when she asks, "How do I get out from behind dad's shadow if I become a Spectre?"
Cass looks at Kaja, shrugs her shoulders, "I don't think you can, Kaja."
Lt. T'Soni finishes eating her soup without saying anything more. She is feeling mentally exhausted again. Every time she starts thinking about things, she is getting tired. Kaja moves from the kitchen table to the dining room table after she puts her empty bowl in the sink. Opening the terminal for the first time. The huntress starts filling out the information required for the extranet connection.
When Dr. Mitchell finishes her sandwich, she moves to a dining room chair so she can sit next to Kaja. She gives the asari a peck on the cheek, "Are you okay? You seem a little stressed, sweetie."
Kaja ignores the question until she's finishes with the terminal. "I'm done setting this up with all the information. All I need to finish is for you to set up a password. To answer your question, no, I'm not fine. I have another huntress looking out for me and I didn't ask for it." Kaja gets up from the dining room table and starts to walk outside to talk to Specialist Trippolis. After taking a few steps, Kaja stops then goes to her bedroom instead.
Cass types in a ten character password. The extranet terminal comes to life. The archeologist checks her messages. One is from Della Appleton and has a date stamp for the day after Kaja's release from the hospital. Her finger hovers over the delete key. She decides to read it anyway:
Dear Dr. Cassandra Mitchell-
I have been allowed to send a few messages. My lawyer set it up. One, thanks for contacting my parents like I asked. They are no longer talking to me. I suppose I can't blame them for that. I did screw up big time.
Cass, I am sorry. If I were you, I wouldn't want to talk to me either. You've not come by to visit. I can't blame you anymore than I can blame my parents for not bailing me out. I killed two people and was part of the plot to kidnap you.
I really don't know what to say to you except I am sorry and I hope Kaja makes you happy. You looked very happy when she was walking you home. My lawyer told me, Kaja is out of the hospital and is going to be fine. I am sorry for what happened. Looking back on it, I should have done something about it. Like contact the police. But I didn't and I don't know why.
We've been friends for a long time, Cass. I have already gave them my guilty plea. I don't know where they are sending me. I doubt you'd come to see me anyway.
Della Appleton
Cass types a reply:
No, I won't come to see you. If you were truly my friend, Della Appleton, you wouldn't have agree to help Anika and Eclipse kidnap me. I do think you cared enough about me to spare Kaja's life, but not enough to stop it from happening in the first place. You could have said something. Give us some type of warning.
Don't contact me again.
Dr. C. Mitchell
She sends the message to Della then turns off the terminal. Cass checks Kaja. When she walks into the bedroom, she sees the asari looking at the memory shard. "Kaja, how long do you plan on staying here on Elysium?"
"Only as long as I have to, Cass. I need to allow my shoulder to heal before I can do anything about a job. I have enough credits to live on for a long time without working, so please don't worry about how I am paying for your extranet access. I don't want the Spectre position even if being one would make it easier to go after the leader of Eclipse," answers Kaja. The asari sits on the bed, looking at the human standing by the desk. "Know of any good doctors to help me with my mental state? Now, I'm getting exhausted when I start thinking too much."
Cass pushes the chair from the desk to the side of the bed. Sitting in it, the human faces Kaja and holds her hand. "I'm afraid I don't know anyone who can help you, Kaja. Your mom might know. I think you're doing the right thing by getting out, sweetie. Worry about getting better, not about me. The terminal works great. I got a message from Della. She says she is sorry, but I don't want anything to do with her. She cared enough to spare your life, Kaja, but not enough to stop in the first place. Or warn us about it."
"I set it up so you will have priority when it comes to bandwidth. It costs more, but you're worth it. Besides, I have nothing else to spend my credits on," replies Kaja. She moves from sitting on the bed to lying on it. "Maybe I'll sleep longer than I did earlier. Talking to Matriarch Jilianea and having Specialist Trippolis here has worn me out mentally."
"Kaja, mind if I have Lorrea come inside? She might not listen to me, but I don't think she needs to be outside all day. She still has her pack strapped to her back," comments Cass as she leans down to kiss Kaja's lips.
Kaja thinks for a moment before answering, "Sure. Tell her she can have Gaia's room. It's the room across from mine. I'm sure Gaia won't mind." The asari has a mischievous grin on her face when giving away her sister's room. "Might want to ask mom about it first. She doesn't seem too happy Trippolis is here."
"No, your mother is not happy. I think she is more concerned than mad. I'm not sure. Your mom is hard to read sometimes." Cass gives the asari another quick kiss, "I'll wake you for dinner if you're not up yet." Cass leaves the bedroom to look for Liara before talking to Specialist Trippolis.
–
Dr. Liara T'Soni is in her office going through a few different archive files on Eclipse. Either they have been quiet or she's not receiving the intel. Liara isn't sure which one is worse. "Glyph, are there any more files from the past year on Eclipse?"
Glyph answers in his mono-toned voice, "No, Dr. T'Soni."
"Shit. There has to be something," replies a frustrated Liara.
"Nothing new, Doctor. Do you want a wider search?" asks the information drone.
Liara thinks as her fingers rub the crease between her chin and lower lip then taps her chin with her forefinger. "No, thank you, Glyph." Liara hears footsteps on the stairs and looks to see who it is. "Come on up, Cassandra." The elder asari waves her arm at the human.
"I don't mean to interrupt. I was wondering if you were okay with Specialist Trippolis taking Gaia's room and if she can come inside. I don't see a need for her to stay outside," comments Cass as she sits in the chair across from Liara.
"She can have the couch. I really don't want her roaming around my house. Outside is one thing, inside is another." Liara pauses, puts her hand up to her forehead. "Cassandra, I don't appreciate the Matriarch sending a huntress to look out for Kaja. Yes, it's a nice gesture, but that is all it is. I don't think they have anyone looking into Eclipse, unless they are on Thessia or in asari space. Going into the Terminus is uncommon."
Cass frowns at Liara. "You make it sound like sending Kaja to Omega was a set-up by her commanding officer. Liara, do you think Kaja will go after Eclipse?"
Liara leans back in the chair and puts her right ankle on her left knee. She clasps her hands behind her neck. "I don't think the Matriarch set Kaja up. I think she was working a case and the case required her to go to Omega." The asari closes her eyes, thinks about what Shepard would do in this situation. Opening her eyes again, Liara says, "If she is anything like Shepard. She will want to and I will do my best to talk her out of it. What makes you ask that, Cassandra?"
"She made a comment about how being a Spectre would make it easier to go after the leader of Eclipse. I don't think she wants to be a Spectre. She's made that comment too," replies Dr. Mitchell.
"If she really wants to step out from her father's shadow, she'll do something else. Kaja has taken the first step." Liara turns her attention to a monitor with camera views of the exterior of the house. Specialist Trippolis hasn't moved from standing near the corner of the house closest to the front door. The young huntress has kept watch in both directions from the corner. Impressive and well-trained, thinks the Shadow Broker.
Dr. Mitchell agrees with Liara when it comes to what Kaja needs to do to step away from her father's shadow. "You seem busy. I'll leave you alone, Liara." Cass walks back down the stairs and out the patio door to enjoy the view from the back yard in a lounge chair.
Liara returns her attention back to Cassandra. Only to see the human has already gone back down stairs. The elder asari gives Glyph instructions to continue gathering data on Eclipse and to notify her when the info drone finds something new. Liara joins Cass on the patio, "Sorry about that, Cassandra. I get preoccupied sometimes."
"You looked busy, so I thought I would leave you to your work," replies Dr. Mitchell. "I love your yard. The view is relaxing and beautiful."
"Thank you. You are right about the view. It is one of the reasons I still live here," replies Liara. The two archeologists relax on the patio talking about the view and other topics until an interruption by the asari huntress sent from Thessia.
Specialist Lorrea Trippolis hears voices in the backyard. The huntress is certain she is hearing the human's voice and Dr. T'Soni's. She knows she needs to check to make sure, but has a feeling Dr. T'Soni doesn't want her around. Lorrea can't blame Liara for feeling that way. She shows up unannounced, uninvited, and looking for Lt. T'Soni after her daughter gets ambushed by Eclipse mercs.
Tippolis carries her pack in her hand and walks to see who is in the backyard. She rounds the corner of the backyard. Liara and Cassandra are lounging in the lounge chairs having a nice conversation. Lorrea grins at them. Turning her attention to Dr. T'Soni, Specialist Trippolis says, "Excuse me, Dr. T'Soni, may I say something, ma'am?"
Liara sighs, "What do you need to say?" She knows she is being rude to the huntress. She is sure the huntress will put it in her report too.
"I know you are not thrilled I am here. If I had a choice, I would not be here. But I do not have a choice, unless I want to disobey an order from a superior officer. Which I do not. I do not blame you for being upset at the situation and I will do my best to stay out-of-the-way while I am here," says Specialist Lorrea Trippolis before she turns to walk back to the front of the house.
"Huh, well, Liara, sounds like she doesn't want to be here anymore than you want her here." remarks the human archeologist. Cass gives Liara a sympathetic look. "Can you at least try to be nice? She is doing her duty and following orders. Would you want someone in your position treating Kaja like you are treating Specialist Trippolis?"
The Shadow Broker stays silent, thinking over what Cassandra is saying. "No, I wouldn't. I know I've been rude. I'll go and talk to her." Liara leaves to talk to the young asari. When Liara walks around the corner, Specialist Trippolis is sitting cross-legged on the ground next to the house. "Specialist, I've been rude to you for no reason. Your arrival is unexpected, but that doesn't excuse me for being rude. Please, forgive me for that."
"I understand, Dr. T'Soni. I don't understand why I was sent here in the first place, but I am to do what the Lieutenant instructs me to do. So, I'll keep watch until she says different. Really, ma'am, it's okay," says Specialist Trippolis as she stands to face the Shadow Broker.
"Okay. I'll leave you alone then, Specialist," replies Liara. The elder asari walks back to join Cassandra. They sit and talk about archeology and what Dr. Mitchell hopes to find at the dig site on Feros.
–
After dinner, Kaja is in her bedroom watching Cass pack her bags. "If you don't want to leave tonight, we can wait until morning. I thought it would be a good idea for me to leave tonight to take Trippolis back to Thessia. My mom doesn't want her here."
"We're going to Thessia first? Pack what's left of your apartment then we take me to Feros? That's the itinerary?" asks Cass. She zips the last bag. She faces the asari, "I was hoping to get a good night's sleep."
Kaja grabs the bag and slings it over her right shoulder. "Then we can wait until tomorrow."
The asari starts to remove the bag when Cass stops her, "No, we should go soon. Your mom seems anxious to take Specialist Trippolis back to Thessia. Or maybe it's to get your things and bring you back here. You'll notice she agreed rather quickly when you suggested it."
"Yes, she did. I think it's more about Trippolis than me, but maybe you're correct. I've put my mom through a lot since I've been home. I've put you through too much too. I'm sorry, Cass." remarks Kaja. She picks up her case containing the extranet terminal. "I suppose we're ready to go. I only need to take this with me." She lifts the case with her right arm.
Dr. Mitchell takes the case from Kaja's hand. She kisses the asari tenderly. "Let's go, sweetie. I'll carry your case since you have my bags. Doesn't that hurt your shoulder?"
"Sorta, but I can deal with it until we get on the shuttle," answers Kaja. She has one bag over her right shoulder and is carrying the other one with her right hand. They couple make their way to the shuttle.
As they walk by the kitchen table, Cass grabs the other extranet terminal. "Don't want to forget this."
"No, we don't," grins Kaja.
Kaja and Cass walk up to the shuttle. Kaja opens the door and with Cass' help removes the bag from her shoulder. The asari heads back to the house, when she remembers she needs to turn in one of her pistols. Cass takes the bags and moves them from the door. She isn't sure where to put them, so she puts them on the floor under the seats. The archeologist puts Kaja's case in on of the seats. She puts her terminal next to her two bags. Dr. Mitchell wonders if she brought enough clothes or stuff with her. Worse comes to worse, she'll contact Kaja and have her either send it or bring what she needs to Feros.
Specialist Lorrea Trippolis enters the shuttle. Her eyes survey the interior of the shuttle. The young huntress gives Dr. Mitchell a nod and a grin before sitting in a seat across from the human. Trippolis is sorry she's going back to Thessia so quickly after arriving. She understands the situation, but is a little sad that Lt. T'Soni is getting a medical discharged before her shoulder has time to heal. Specialist Trippolis knows there is something else going on with the Lieutenant. She hasn't been in the military for more than a century, but she has never seen anyone given two months worth of shore leave at one time. The young asari is Kaja's partner, but she knows it's not her place to ask. She sits in silence until everyone is aboard the shuttle.
Liara walks into Kaja's room when she hears Kaja's voice muttering a little loudly wondering where her two pistols went. "Looking for these?" asks Liara as she approaches Kaja with both pistols in her hands. She hands them to her daughter handle first.
Lt. T'Soni takes the pistol from Liara's left hand. "Thanks, I suppose. Afraid I would use one?"
"Being cautious, little one. Where do you want this other one?" replies Liara with a grin.
"You can put it back where you had it. Which I'm sure is the weapon safe," says Kaja. She gives her mom a hug. "I love you, mom. Thanks for everything."
Liara hugs Kaja tightly, "I love you too, Kaja. You're welcome. Ready to go?"
"Yes, I think so," replies the huntress. Kaja glances over to the memory shard sitting on the top shelf of her desk. She runs a mental checklist of what she brought with her and what she needs to return. The only items she brought from Thessia that needs turning in is her extranet terminal and her pistol. She has several more tems at her apartment, she will have to pick up before seeing Matriarch Jilianea.
Liara stops at the Prothean artifact in the study. The bottom half of the display case contains a weapons safe. The Shadow Broker puts Kaja's personal pistol back in the safe and grabs a small pistol size case for Kaja to use for the time being. She hands the case to her eldest daughter. "Here you can put your pistol in this. There is enough room for terminal clips."
Kaja takes the case from her mother. "Thanks." She takes the handful of terminal clips out of her pocket and puts them in the case next to the pistol. "Mom, I think I'm ready now."
"Okay, let's go," says Liara as she pats her daughter on the right shoulder. Before they head to the hanger, Liara double checks to make sure all security features are in place and turned on.
Mother and daughter both enter the shuttle. Liara heads to the cockpit and prepares the shuttle. Kaja sits next to Cass. T'Soni puts both cases in a compartment next to the seats. She shows both Cass and Specialist Trippolis where they can store their gear for the flight to Thessia then to Feros.
After showing Trippolis and Cass where to store their bags, Kaja hit a few locks under the seats and pulls out a bed big enough for two to sleep on. Lt. T'Soni instructs the Specialist on how to unlock the small bed. The Specialist declines the offer politely. Grabbing two pillows from storage, Kaja tossed them at Cass. Kaja sits up on the slide out bed, while Cass lies next to the asari with her head on Kaja's lap. It doesn't take Dr. Mitchell long to fall asleep in Kaja's lap.
Kaja has her right arm around Cass' shoulder. She sits and thinks some about what she is going to do next. Besides getting her mental state in order and rehabbing the wounded shoulder, Kaja has no idea what to do about a career. Find something fulfilling is what Cass thinks she needs to do. The asari isn't sure what that entails yet. She is sure she'll find it soon enough. First things first. Get to Thessia and sign the discharge papers, pack her apartment, then take Cass to Feros.
Lt. T'Soni looks over to Specialist Trippolis to see the younger huntress goofing around with her omni-tool. Kaja grins at Lorrea, gives Cass a peck on her head, and closes her eyes. Kaja's journey in the military is coming to an end, but the asari knows the next stage in her life's journey is going to turn out better than the military stage. Kaja T'Soni is confident about that. She is also confident she will find the answers to some of her questions in the months to come. The months when she is is living with mom on Elysium and Cass is living on Feros.
Kaja knows her mental state is over a century in the making and she's prepared for it to take months to fix. With Cass giving Kaja the memory shard, Kaja has started feeling better about Cass helping her through this. The asari is more concerned about her mental state than she is about her left shoulder healing properly. The more Kaja thinks about things, the more exhausted she gets. She slides down to a more prone position and falls asleep. When she wakes up, the next stage in her life will begin.
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A/N: This is the end of part 1. I will start posting part 2 tomorrow. It will be a daily post. Mostly because I feel I screwed up and started posting this story before I should have. The longer I worked on it the more I was realizing I was missing details, but by then it was too late to fix it because of where I needed to add details those chapters where posted already.
Part 2 has some short chapters. There is an epilogue to this story. It's another reason I'm doing the daily post, so you don't have to wait several more weeks to get the ending.
Someone asked last week about the stories I have planned. Outside of part 2, I have two more Kaja based stories to post. They are set after the epilogue.
See everyone tomorrow for the beginning of part 2. Which will be it's own story and rated M for language.