The Cryonic Man
Chapter 6: Tours Continued and Serious Decisions
A bit of foreword
This is my first story so please no flames.
I do not claim ownership to the rights to Mass Effect or its characters (sadly only Bioware and EA can claim that).
I do however claim ownership of the characters I create
Italics stand for thoughts and voices over an intercom
Wow, first update of the New Year. Sorry it took so long but I'm sort of running out of ideas of how to make chapters longer. On top of school, studying for finals week, and all around loss of time, I haven't really had much time to write. Fair warning, this chapter may not be as good as my previous ones, but hey, this is just a chapter to end the Citadel arc.
"John, John," said Lia.
"Huh," John said, shaken out of his flashback.
"Are you alright," said Lia.
"Oh uh yeah, just thinking about something," John said in a distant tone.
"What about," Lia said with concern.
"Oh it's nothing. Hey, I just remembered that we need to finish the tour of the Normandy. Shall we head off," said John, eager to change the subject.
"Sure, I'm sure that the Doctor and your friend have finished by now," Lia said, laughing.
This caused John to blush and say, "Why did you have to bring that up? I was just getting over seeing that."
Lia laughed even harder and said, "Come on, we're not too far from the taxi terminal."
Later, back on the Normandy
"Okay, so as I was saying before this is the medical lab," said John.
"Hello you two," said Dr. Chakwas, "Ah, John this must be your girlfriend that I've heard so much about."
"Remind me to kill Garrus the next time I see him, and she is not my girlfriend," said John.
"Whatever you say dear," said Doctor Chakwas, before she noticed that John wasn't looking her in the eye.
"What's the matter, John," said Doctor Chakwas with concern.
"We came by earlier but apparently you had some company," Lia finished ambiguously.
Doctor Chakwas had a look of confusion on her face, which quickly changed to one of shock and embarrassment.
"Oh, so you saw…," said Doctor Chakwas.
"Yep," John finished before she went into detail.
"Oh um, I'll leave if you like," said Doctor Chakwas.
"Yeah, that would be great," said John, and Chakwas left.
"Anyways, the lab is fully stocked with medicine, bandages, antibiotics, immune-boosters, medi-gel, and everything else you could think of," said John.
"Is Doctor Chakwas a very good doctor," said Lia.
"Yep, she has had tons of experience with all sorts of human and alien physiology including turian, krogan, and quarian, from when she served on the original Normandy," said John.
The two of them then moved on to the next door.
John opened the door and said, "And here we have the home of our AI, EDI. She runs the electronic warfare part of the Normandy's system."
"AI, IT MUST BE DESTROYED," said Lia as she picked a pipe lying around and began viciously hitting the various systems in the AI core.
"Lia stop, what are you doing," yelled John.
"AI's are horrors that must be destroyed," said Lia.
"Lia, please calm down. What is the matter with you," said John.
"You don't know," said Lia, "The last time the quarians allowed an AI to develop freely, it created the geth. Since then the quarians have been taught to never trust AIs in any form. Now stand aside so I can destroy this monstrosity."
She then pushed John aside and began wailing on the AI core again.
"Lia, please stop," he said again.
"No, I have to destroy this thing before it kills us all," said Lia.
"Lia please," John said and he grabbed her and turned her around so she faced him, "Lia, do you trust me?"
"Yes, of course, how could you ask that," said Lia, surprised.
"Lia, trust me when I say that EDI has had plenty of opportunities to kill me and the rest of the crew but she didn't. And do you understand why," said John.
"She's trying to lull you into a false sense of security," said Lia.
"No, it's because A) she doesn't have control over any life essential systems and B) she cares about the people on this ship, now do you understand," said John.
Lia considered this for a moment. "No, but I trust you, and if that means having to trust an AI, I'll do it, but only for you," said Lia.
"Thank you Lia," John said with a hint of relief that Lia wouldn't try to smash EDI, at least for now.
"Well, shall we finish the tour, and please put down the pipe," said John.
"Okay, let's go," said Lia, putting down the pipe.
"Okay," said John and the two walked out into the galley and headed down a hallway.
"Over here are the weapon systems where Garrus just finished putting in our new Thanix Cannon systems," said John, showing her the new armaments.
"Wow, a turian designed cannon which fires superheated metal shaped by an electromagnetic field. Wasn't there something like this on Sovereign when he attacked the Citadel," asked Lia.
"I wouldn't know, all I know about that whole attack on the Citadel was Shepard's stories and old news footage I found on the extranet. Also, seriously, no one could come up with a more original name than extranet," said John.
"What's more original than extranet," asked Lia with a cocked head.
"Not important, the point is that while the Battle of the Citadel was going on, I was sleeping in a space shuttle as frozen as an ice cube," said John.
"Oh yeah, I forgot about that, sorry," said Lia, holding her head down.
"That's alright, it's just hard sometimes believing that a 174 years have gone by. But enough about that, were you on the Citadel when the attack happened," asked John.
"No, I was on Ilium when it happened, looking for work. My friend Kara was here however, she told me stories of what happened. How Commander Shepard had the choice of letting the Council die, but he didn't. He called in Alliance reinforcements to save the Destiny Ascension, a ship containing the Council and a large amount of civilians, including Kara. When she heard about the attack by Sovereign on the ship, she was honestly afraid that she was going to die on that ship. But when she heard that the Alliance Military had been called in to save the Ascension she was awed that humans honestly came in to save the lives of aliens, despite how humans were treated by the galactic community as a whole. The Council was so grateful that they gave humanity a seat on the Council itself, a huge precedent," said Lia.
"Heh, apparently time has made them forget what he did for them. Despite the human lives he sacrificed, the Council just rebuffed him when he told them about how the Collectors were abducting human colonists. Hell, they refuse to acknowledge his warnings that the Reapers are working with them, or that Sovereign was anything but a geth construct and they honestly believe that Saren used charisma to win over the geth," John said with venom.
"No way could the geth create something that advanced, or an organic could come up with a good enough lie to make the geth follow him, they have polygraph technology and all sorts of sensors which would tell if he was lying," said Lia.
"Exactly what I told the Council, but honestly the asari and turian Councilors have the amount of stubbornness that mules have," said John.
"A mule," said Lia with a cocked head which said confusion.
"It's an animal on Earth, which has a reputation for being one of the hardest animals to train or convince to do anything," said John, "The point is when those two form an opinion, it's impossible to change their minds."
Lia laughed a bit, "Yeah, the turian Councilor has a reputation for being a little bigoted sometimes."
"Sometimes! "Ah yes, The 21st Century, a period of time which took place between the years 2000 and 2099. I thought we had dismissed that claim"," joked John, mimicking the turian Councilor.
The two laughed hard for a long time, caught each other's eyes, and stopped, blushing which was more obvious on John than Lia.
"Let's continue the tour," said John.
"Yeah, let's go," said Lia.
"Finally, we come to the Engineering Deck, where me, Kenneth, and Gabby work," said John.
"This is amazing, what is this right here," asked Lia with her eyes pointed at the drive core.
"That's the Tantalus Drive Core, I can't discuss the specifics of it, I promised Shepard I wouldn't," said John.
"And he's alright with you showing me the weapon systems and tech lab," said Lia.
"Well, when you put it that way," said John.
"Hey John, who's your friend," said Gabby.
"Oh hey Gabby, this is Lia," said John.
"Wow, lad. You didn't tell me your friend was so, provocative," said Kenneth, checking Lia out.
"Get your tongue off the floor, Kenneth," said John.
"And her suit is tight in all the right places," whispered Kenneth, which wasn't heard by Lia but heard by John and Gabby.
"Gabby, please show your boyfriend proper etiquette for guests," said John.
"With pleasure John," said Gabby, which after she said that she began to give her boyfriend a lesson.
John and Lia watched this from afar, one with a look of pleasure, the other with a look of confusion.
"What's going on here," said Lia.
"A lesson in etiquette," said John.
Gabby ended the lesson with Kenneth with him holding his ribs and wiping the blood from his nose.
"You know some people would classify this as abuse," said Kenneth.
"Others would consider this funny because you got beaten up by a girl. One of those people is me," said John while laughing.
"So anyways, I'm giving her a tour of the Normandy, but do you mind taking over the tour of the Engineering Bay, I kind of need to use the bathroom," said John, embarrassed.
"No problem John, me and Kenneth will take it from here," said Gabby.
"And we can get to know your new girlfriend," said Kenneth with a mischievous smile.
"Gabby," said John, with a look that said, "Please take care of this."
"No problem John," said Gabby and then she hit Kenneth upside the head.
Even Lia was laughing a little at this display.
"I'll be back in a bit," said John and headed off to the elevator.
"So, this is an advanced version of the Tantalus Drive Core that was on the original Normandy. It's streamlined and stationary saving space unlike the rotating drive core on the SSV Normandy," said Gabby.
"Amazing," said Lia, who was very impressed.
"With this, the Normandy has amazing stealth systems in order to evade pursuers," said Kenneth.
"This ship is so amazing, and most of the crew that I've met are really nice, even though I'm a quarian," Lia said with a bit of a depressed tone.
"Well, we don't really have any prejudices here. You could say Shepard and John are good influences on the rest of us," said Kenneth.
"Yeah, the two of them are very nice, almost like brothers," said Lia.
"Kenneth can you leave for a moment," said Gabby with hint of mischief in her eyes.
"But I want to stay and meet John's girlfriend," said Kenneth.
Though after seeing the look in Gabby's eyes he said, "Okay I'm going, I'm going."
Lia began to fear what was coming next so she tried to leave, only to be stopped by Gabby.
"So, what do you really think of the crew here," said Gabby.
"What do you mean? Like I said before, the people I've met seem very nice," said Lia.
"Calm down Lia, I just wanted to get the chance to talk to you and get to know you bit, girl to girl," said Gabby.
"O-Okay Gabby," said Lia.
"So, how's your tour been going," said Gabby.
"This ship is amazing; the amount of technological improvements in one ship is simply mind-blowing. The weapon systems, the drive core, even the AI Core is amazing," said Lia.
"Yeah, the Normandy SR-2 is a real marvel. John loved it the first time he saw the ship. Which reminds me, what is your relationship with John anyway," asked Gabby.
"Uh err ah guh what," said Lia, surprised at the question.
"How. Do you. Feel. About. John," repeated Gabby.
"Well he's nice and sweet and um I'm glad to have met someone who doesn't hate quarians, but he's just a friend, nothing more," said Lia trying to placate her.
"You may not know this, but me and Kenneth followed you all day. Kenneth thought we would catch you two in an embarrassing position. When he saw that you two were just doing a normal tour he quickly got bored and left. Yet, I saw through it, I saw the way you looked at him, your body language towards him, the way you intently listened to him when he talks, someone has a crush," said Gabby.
"I don't have a crush, I just enjoy John's company," said Lia.
"John and Lia sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G," said Gabby.
"I do not have a crush on John," said Lia.
"First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes a baby with a baby carriage," said Gabby.
"I DON'T HAVE A CRUSH ON JOHN AND IT'S NOT LIKE HE'D WANT TO BE WITH SOMEONE LIKE ME ANYWAY," yelled Lia.
This caused Gabby to completely stop her teasing tone and look at Lia with shock, "Lia, I didn't mean."
"I'm nothing but a walking suit, why would John want someone like me," said Lia and she began to cry.
"Lia, listen, I think John likes you a lot," said Gabby.
"You're just trying to make me feel better," said Lia, angered that this woman had the nerve to pity her.
"Lia, John smiles a lot when you're around, and he's happier than I've ever seen him before in the 2 ½ weeks he's lived in this century. Hell, he can't look at you for 5 seconds without blushing. I'm not entirely 100% sure, but I believe he's got a bit of a crush on you too," said Gabby.
"You really think so," said Lia, "The truth is that…I don't really know how I feel about John."
"What do you mean," said Gabby.
"Well, he's really nice, he's smart, he's funny, and he sees past peoples races to the people they are inside, and he's so handsome…err anyway but I'm not sure if what I feel is love or maybe something else, I don't know. Please don't tell John," Lia said in almost a begging tone.
"Don't worry, your secret is safe with me," said Gabby.
"Thanks, Gabby," said Lia.
"I wonder what the boys are doing right now," said Gabby.
Meanwhile on Deck 3
"Good god, note to self, cut down on fluids," said John as he zipped up his fly.
"Hey lad," said Kenneth.
"Oh, Kenneth, why aren't you downstairs showing Lia the drive core," said John.
"I was enjoying spending time with your girlfriend," Kenneth said, and after John's denial, he continued with, "When Gabby said she wanted to talk with her."
"And you left Lia alone, ARE YOU MAD," said John.
"I didn't want to leave, but Gabby gave me the "Leave now or face the consequences" look," said Kenneth.
This caused John to calm down a bit, admittedly he knew that when Gabby gave people that look, it meant avoid at all possible.
"OK, I'll just need to do damage control later then," said John.
"So, John, it was nice meeting your new girlfriend today," said Kenneth.
"For the last time man, she is not my girlfriend, I just met her and we're just friends," said John.
"Yeah I don't believe that for a single second, you're crazy for her," said Kenneth.
"What makes you say that," said John.
"Because whenever you look at her your face turns as red as a tomato," said Kenneth.
"I, uh, have a bit of a fever," said John, almost like he was trying to convince himself.
"Riiiight, and it has nothing to do with the curves on your lady friend downstairs," said Kenneth.
"Look, she is smart, funny, and well, beautiful. Bu-But, there's nothing going on between us, I swear. But, I wouldn't be against the idea," said John.
"Welllll, good for you lad. Have you told her yet," said Kenneth.
"Well, no. Look, I'm nervous. We barely know each other, and she has her Pilgrimage to think about," said John.
"Well lad, do whatever you need to do. Come on, let's head back down to Engineering to finish that tour," said Kenneth.
Back on Deck 4
"Sorry about that girls, so what's up," said John as he and Kenneth stepped out of the elevator.
"Well, we were just talking," said Gabby.
"Really, what about," said John.
"Nothing, I was just discussing with Engineer Gabriela here about how the tour was going," Lia said quickly.
"Oh, well, alright then," said John, though he felt a bit of suspicion.
"Well, I would say it's getting late, wouldn't you Kenneth," said Gabby.
"I do believe so," said Kenneth, and he turned to John and said, "We're gonna turn in, have fun with your girlfriend."
At that point both John and Lia began stammering a denial, but Kenneth and Gabby had already headed for the elevator.
"So how was the talk with Lia," said Kenneth.
"She has it bad for him, how was your talk with John," said Gabby.
"The lad is head over heels for her," said Kenneth.
The two laughed and headed off to the elevator for Deck 3.
"With all the innovations they put in this ship, you'd think they'd put in more than one elevator," said Kenneth as they waited.
They left and left John and Lia alone.
"So, anyways I guess the only thing left to show you is our most recent addition," said John, "Let's head down to the hanger and I can show you."
Later on Deck 5
"Keelah," said Lia, shocked and awed.
"We just recovered this prototype one week ago, ain't she a beaut," said John.
Lia didn't answer as she stared at the experimental M-44 Hammerhead with its armor plating, pulse cannon, guided missile system, and hover jets.
"Come on, let's head inside," said John.
They headed in and Lia said, "Wow I'm surprised how spacious it is."
"Well it's not that spacious, there's only room for 3 people," said John.
"My specifications are actually built for four individuals sir," said a voice on the loud speaker.
"Gah, what was that," said Lia.
"Oh that's the on-board Virtual Interface, good evening Phillip, how's the Hammerhead running," said John.
"Systems currently running at optimum efficiently, weapon systems currently require calibrations," said Phillip.
"I'll have to tell Shepard to tell Garrus to do that," said John, thinking about revenge for this morning. Calibrations for the Hammerhead took almost an entire day, so his little date with Kelly would have to be put on hold.
"Why would you call a VI Phillip," asked Lia.
"Well he's actually the Personal On-board Navigation And Repair Systems, but, for me anyway, calling him PONARS just seemed weird," said John, "So I just gave him a name."
"It is a pleasure to meet you mam," said Phillip.
"Um, nice to meet you, um Phillip," said Lia.
"Phillip is an amazing feat of engineering, he can monitor the climate of any planet, and runs the auto-repair and mineral excavation systems," said John, "The Hammerhead practically couldn't run without him."
"That is untrue sir, as the weapon and piloting systems are manually operated therefore I require individuals in order to operate," said Phillip.
"And I forget sometimes that VI's don't have personalities and therefore can't take a complement," said John, earning a laugh from Lia.
"Now that's just hurtful sir," said Phillip.
This caused their eyes to widen and Lia said, "Is he supposed to do that?"
"No and we should probably leave now," John said, and the two ran out.
Later, back on Deck 2
"Well, that's all you need to know about the Normandy," said John.
"This was an amazing day, I've never seen so many innovations on a single ship. Thanks again for the tour, hope I didn't get you in any trouble with your Commander," said Lia.
"Shepard may look intimidating on the news, but he's actually just a big softie," said John.
"Talking bad about your Commanding officer Desmond," John heard someone say and turned around to see Shepard with a frown on his face and his arms crossed.
"Oh uh Shepard, I didn't think your meeting with the Council had already finished," said John.
"I guess we'll have to find a suitable punishment for you Desmond," said Shepard, which John saw anyway, with anger in his voice.
"Wh-Wh-What do you suggest Commander," said John with a bit of fear.
"Your punishment is to go with Miss Vael and treat her to a nice dinner, and then make sure she gets home safely," said Shepard, who was desperately trying to keep a straight face.
John, catching up on the joke, quickly saluted and said, "Yes sir, Commander."
"Now move out," said Shepard.
"Come on Lia," said John and the two left.
"Great meeting you Commander," said Lia.
Later at the restaurant
The two ordered a couple dinners and began a conversation.
"So you never told me how you eat in that suit," said John.
"Well, you see, I have these special tubes that run through my suit, some are for medicine injections some are to help seal off my suit when there's a leak, and some allow me to eat special nutrient paste," said Lia.
"What is living in an envirosuit like," said John.
And thus the two began a long conversation which lasted throughout the night with Lia with John talking about pre-mass relay life on Earth and Lia talked about her life on the Flotilla before she left for her Pilgrimage. Before they knew it, they were back at the shelter at the day's end.
John looked at the time on his Omni-tool and said, "Wow, it is getting pretty late, I have to get back to the Normandy."
"Wait," said Lia and John turned around, "Um, I had a really good time today and I was wondering if we could see the Citadel tomorrow um together."
John considered this for about a nanosecond, smiled and said, "That sounds great, see you tomorrow."
"Yeah," said Lia, and she headed inside the shelter with a smile on her face, which would have been big enough to be seen from space if it weren't for her mask.
"Today really was amazing," thought John.
And for the next 3 days, Lia and John spent every day together, rarely separating until it was time for Lia to return to the shelter and John to return to the Normandy. All the while enjoying each other's company and spending time together.
The other members of the Normandy who saw John everyday noticed a change in his demeanor. He was friendly before, but he was a lot less quiet and he seemed a lot happier than normal ever since meeting Lia. Kenneth and Joker frequently joked that maybe John had seen the forbidden fruit that the quarian's hid, but a quick glare from John in the case of Kenneth and a glare from Shepard in the case of Joker quickly silenced the jokes. Garrus tried to joke but John's revenge quickly put an end to any laugh to be had, and Garrus learned that you don't screw with a Desmond.
Kara noticed a change in Lia's demeanor as well. Before, she was always depressed about people treating her like trash, scum, and a thief. But ever since she met John, she seemed to never be depressed, she had a bounce in her step, and Kara wasn't 100% sure but she was pretty sure Lia had a smile that could be seen from space at the end of every day.
Lia and John also tried to set up Kara and Joker together on one of the Normandy's final days at the Citadel. Later when John returned to the Normandy he found Joker's hands rubbing parts of Kara's suit and Kara with her hand down Joker's pants. Suffice to say, he quickly left to give those two some privacy. (It didn't go further than that)
It wasn't long however until it was the last day of shore leave for the crew of the Normandy. The new armor had been installed and the repairs had been made.
The night before the Normandy leaves
"So, you leave tomorrow huh," Lia said with a bit of morosely as the two stood on a balcony on the Presidium, staring off into space, literally and figuratively.
"Yeah," said John with a bit of depression.
"I can't believe that it's over, but it was fun," said Lia.
"Yeah, you can still come with us you know," said John.
"It does sound wonderful John, but I'm not sure," said Lia.
"But you can get paid for your work, have more places to find a Pilgrimage gift," said John.
"I know, but I still don't think I can accept such a huge change so readily. I mean, this place has been my home for almost 2 years. Plus, Kara is here, and I can't just abandon her," said Lia.
"B-B-But," John said, and he sighed and continued, "I understand, I can't ask you to abandon your home nor your friends. But, I really will miss you, and if you change your mind we don't leave until 10:00."
"Well, you'll be back here soon right," said Lia with some hope.
John instead didn't look her in the eye and said, "Who knows when we'll be back. With the way the crew has been talking about the mission… we may never come back."
Lia then reached over and grabbed John in a bear hug, which John returned after some hesitation. Even with her mask on, John could hear her sniffling a bit.
"Promise me you'll come back safe," said Lia.
"Lia, I can't be entirely sure…," said John.
"PROMISE ME," Lia yelled.
"Okay Okay, I promise. I promise that I will come back safely," said John, "Will I see you tomorrow?"
She didn't look back and said, "See you later John."
Later at the shelter
Lia found herself sitting up on her cot, holding her legs to her chest. Inside there was a battle going on inside her mind over whether this was the right choice. On one hand, she really liked John and the prospect of going with him was something she really wanted. But she couldn't just up and abandon everything, especially Kara who had practically been her best friend for almost 2 years.
Her musings were interrupted when she heard her friend call her.
"Yeah Kara," said Lia.
"So how was your last date with John," asked Kara.
Lia was so depressed that she didn't even try to say a denial and just said in a distant tone, "It went just fine."
"Whoa," Kara said, noticing her friend's tone, "Are you alright Lia?"
"Yeah, why do you ask," said Lia, still in a depressed tone.
"Well for one thing you seem depressed, the first time you've been depressed since you first met a certain human," said Kara.
"Well I'm just fine, so stop asking," said Lia.
"Lia, I'm just concerned for you," said Kara, "And trust me you don't look fine. Hell, I half expected to see you packing up your things."
"I'm not going," said Lia.
"What! I thought for sure you would say yes to John after the amount of time you spent with him. So why did you say no," said Kara.
Lia sighed and said, "I just couldn't do it, the Citadel has been my home for 2 years, and I can't just leave this and you behind."
Kara replied, "Lia, don't give me that. You've only lived on the Citadel for 2 years, and getting a job to earn money for a Pilgrimage gift was the only reason you came here in the first place. And as for me, I appreciate your concern but I can take care of myself thank you. Look, everyday you tell me about how badly you're treated here, and yet you're allowing the only person besides me who's treated you like a person instead of a vagrant, thief, or walking suit to leave? You seem happier in the last four days than in the last two years. So do you want to tell me the real reason why you said no to him?"
Lia looked down and said, "B-B-Because I'm afraid."
"Of what," Kara said with concern.
"Me and John are friends, nothing more. But I'm afraid if I keep spending time with him, maybe what I feel…," said Lia, trailing off.
Kara understood immediately, "You want to be more than friends," Lia nodded, "And you're afraid that if you tell him that, he'll be weirded out or you'll, pardon the pun, alienate him, is that right?"
Lia nodded again and Kara kneeled down till she was at her best friend eye level, "Lia, I can't understand what you're going through, but wouldn't going with him be better than staying here and acting like what you two had never happened?"
"No but," Lia started.
"Lia, what John has offered you is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and if you don't take it, I can fully assure you that you will regret for the rest of your entire life," said Kara.
"But," Lia started again, "What will happen to you?"
"Again with this, I'll be fine. Lia, you're my best friend, and as your best friend I just want you to be happy, and I truly believe you'd be a lot happier exploring the stars with your boyfriend than staying here in the Citadel," said Kara.
"I still don't know what to do," said Lia.
"Sleep on it," said Kara and she headed off to her bunk.
Lia laid her head down on a pillow and tried to fall asleep with a mind abuzz with activity, for tomorrow would be another day.
The next morning
John stood outside the Normandy dock, anxiously hoping that Lia would show up. He sincerely hoped that she would come with them, or at least she would come to say goodbye in person. But as time wore on, the only person that came by was her friend Kara who came to make Joker promise to message her everyday and to come back safely. He asked her about Lia, but she simply said that there was a strong possibility that Lia wouldn't come.
"I hope you'll understand," said Kara.
John felt himself get a little emotional but tried really hard not to show it.
"No, it's alright," he said with a sad smile which quickly fell from his face, "I just wish she would come by before we leave and say goodbye in person."
Kara pulled John into a hug and said, "I'm sure she would if she could."
"Damn it Lia, why didn't you come? Now I have to be the one to comfort your boyfriend," thought Kara.
John broke the hug and said, "It was very nice meeting you Kara, and if you see Lia, tell her I said she is a truly amazing person, and my life is better knowing that there someone out there who cares for me."
"I'm sure she would say the exact same thing about you John," said Kara.
"Five minutes until departure," said EDI over the intercom.
"Well, I guess I should head inside. Say goodbye to Lia for me," said John and he started to head up the ramp towards the Normandy's airlock.
Just as he was about to leave however, he heard a hover-taxi landing and heard a very loud, "WAIT!"
He turned around to see a woman colliding with him and found himself knocked to the ground. When he came to after a brief moment of dizziness from hitting his head, he saw Lia lying on top of him.
When she came to as well, John said, "I didn't think you'd come."
"Well I wanted to say goodbye in person," said Lia.
John was a bit disappointed, but nonetheless he was glad to see Lia before the Normandy was going to leave.
"Having fun you two," said Kara with a laugh.
Then the two realized the situation they were in and quickly stood up and blushed.
"This feels like déjà vu," said John.
"Déjà vu," Kara and Lia said with cocked heads.
"It's an expression for when something happens and you feel like it's happened before," explained John.
"Ah, right, it does feel like that," Lia said, "Now John, I came here to say goodbye so that's what I'm going to do."
John took a deep breath and braced himself.
Lia then said, "I'm sorry, but I'm going with John Kara, so this is goodbye I guess."
"I understand, but just know that my life will always be better from knowing you," said John, though after his brain caught up with his ears, "Wait what?"
Kara and Lia shared a quick hug and Kara said, "Good luck Lia, I'm very proud of you, and you," pointing at John, and pulling him into another hug as well, "Make sure my best friend comes back safely."
John didn't answer as he was still in shock. He was about to reply when he heard the loud speaker.
"One minute until departure."
"We better get moving," said Lia, and she pulled John along and into the airlock.
As the Normandy undocked and headed off to space, Kara stood there with one thought in her mind.
"Wherever the stars take you Lia, I hope you'll be happy. And I hope that you and John realize you're feeling for each other soon," she thought with a chuckle.
(Author's Note)
And it is finally done. After 13 days of typing, I finally get the 6th Chapter finally done.
Make no mistakes, the fic is not over, not by a long shot.
Announcements
#1
The wait will be a little longer on the next few chapters thanks to A) finals week and B) the start of my other project, LH: All in the Family, which the prologue is currently posted.
#2
I announced in an earlier chapter that the next chapter will focus on Shepard's perspective in order to advance the plot of the game itself. There are three ways I can go about this.
1. I use the next chapter to give a summary of the recruitment missions of Jack and Grunt
2. I glaze over the recruitments and instead give my own version of the events on Horizon
3. I focus on developing John and Lia's relationship and just let the game's plot happen in the background
Leave a review to tell me which idea that you think is better
#3
While I currently have two in-progress fics, after I finish this one and advance LH: All in the Family enough, I will be working on another big OC (well sort of) Alternate Universe fic. It currently has no title, but it will be based off of X-Men First Class and will star my take on a rarely ever used character in the X-Men or the Marvel Universe in general.
Well that's all folks, peace in the Middle East, Stephen Colbert for President and the rest.