THESSIA
Shepard and family are waiting outside the stadium for Mia to join them. They arrived home from Earth with plenty of time to get something to eat, change and head to the stadium for Mia's Skyball game. The first half was close but right before halftime Mia scored. That gave her team confidence returning from their halftime break to go on to win the game 5-1, with Mia scoring 3 of the 5 goals. It is the best Shepard and Liara have ever seen her play.
"What a game you guys!"
Shepard and Liara turn to see who is talking to them, "Valya!" Shepard gives her a hug, Liara follows.
"My Goddess you two Mia is fantastic," says Valya.
"Thank you, we are very proud of her," says Shepard.
Valya sees Liara looking around, "Dara and Dava are coming, they needed to visit the bathroom first."
"How are they?"
"Good. Dara loves being a professor. I think it is next month or so that she is going to some dig site off planet with her class."
"Really?"
Shepard places her are around Liara's waist. "You going to join her again honey?"
"Funny Elly."
The last time Liara joined Dara on a dig, Dara was finishing up her studies and Liara fell into a bed of poisonous flowers and nearly died. It is not exactly a happy memory because the former Shadow Broker relived the two years where Shepard was dead and being rebuilt by Cerberus. Not a happy memory at all.
"Sorry." Shepard flashes her sly grin and kisses Liara on the cheek.
"So where is the rest of your family?" asks Valya.
"Well they are around here somewhere," says Shepard. "You still loving being a police officer?"
"I do actually. Atalia and I are still partners after all this time. I think we both have maxed out our pay grade we have been Detectives for so long." Valya laughs. "Seriously though, I love it."
"That's great."
"And Dava?" asks Liara.
Valya shrugs her shoulders; the look on her face turns solemn. "She …."
"Hi Valya,"
"Hello Raina, Eva."
"What a game," says Eva. "Mia was fantastic."
"There were scouts here tonight," says Raina, "she certainly picked the right time to have one of the best games of her life."
"Is that right?" asks Valya.
"Hey where is Little A?" asks Shepard.
Raina points. Shepard and Liara follow her finger. "She and Kaya are a little busy at the moment."
Shepard and Liara see two asari embraced in a kiss oblivious to everyone around them.
"Excuse me," says Shepard.
"Ah here are my girls," says Valya as Dara and their daughter Dava approach the group.
"Liara!" Dara gives her friend a great big hug. She holds her at arm's length, "How are you doing? Are you holding up all right? I wish you would have let us pick you up when you arrived from Earth. Where's Shepard? Did she come with you?"
"Geez honey take a breath and let her speak," says Valya as she laughs.
Liara smiles. "I am doing well Dara thank you and yes she is right over there."
Dara looks and sees the human breaking up two kissing asari. Dara giggles a little and nudges Liara, "Young love."
"How are you Dava?" asks Raina. The asari saw her scowl at her mother's words.
"Fine."
There is an uncomfortable silence in the air for a beat or two. "It is good to see you," says Raina hoping she sounds believable, "did you enjoy the game?"
Raina is not all that fond of Dava anymore and it is not just because of what happened 80 years ago. It is all of the times she has been inappropriate since then. The asari seems very, very angry and though she probably should not know it, Raina knows that Dava is no longer seeing Malin for help.
For many, many years after Dava forcibly entered Mia's mind, Raina made excuses for the asari because of how she was kidnapped and beaten by Elina, a very young Ardat-Yakshi that had her sights on Mia and used Dava as bait. As the years passed, however, instead of healing Dava grew angrier and angrier. Raina fears for what she may become because of it. She feels if Dava does not get a handle on her anger soon, it will eat her alive.
"Yeah, it was a good game," says Dava.
Shepard rejoins the family this time with Little A and Kaya who are holding hands and looking like they got a talking to.
"Hello Dava," says Little A.
"Hey."
Dara gives Shepard a hug, "I am so sorry Shepard, how are you doing?"
"Thank you Dara, fine just fine." Shepard takes Liara' s hand. It is too soon to answer such questions they only landed about eight hours ago.
"Here comes the star of the game now!" says Eva as she sees Mia waving to her teammates and fans. Eva runs to her and gives her a great big hug. "You kicked their asses just like I said you would."
Mia kisses her cheek, "Damn straight." She doesn't see Dava when she reaches the group.
Liara steps in and gives her daughter a hug, "You played very well honey, I am proud of you."
"Thanks Mom."
Shepard is the next to hug her, "You did great sport, just great. Where did you learn all of those moves anyway?" She kisses her crest then steps back.
Raina then Little A give her a hug followed by Valya, Dara and…Mia freezes a little when she sees Dava. When her former best friend won't look her in the eye, Mia steps forward and pulls her into a hug. "Thanks for coming." Mia starts to end the hug but Dava holds her there.
"You played great Mia, as always."
Mia tries to let go again and this time Dava lets her.
Mia does not look at her when she steps back.
"Excuse me?"
The group looks at a female human.
"I am so sorry to interrupt. My name is Amy Brickman. I am a scout for the New York Strikers." She extends her hand to Mia. The asari takes it with a slack jaw. "I wanted to meet you and tell you that I have never seen anyone play quite like that before."
Mia is a bit stunned. Eva nudges her to say something, anything.
"Thank you, ahh, thank you very much."
"Are you her parents?" she looks between the 3 oldest asari and Shepard.
"Yes we are," says Liara.
The human extends her hand then takes Shepard's. "It is a pleasure to meet you both. I would love to talk to your daughter with your permission of course. I was thinking maybe an early lunch tomorrow. I am staying here," she brings up her omni-tool. "You two are happy to join us."
"You are from Earth?" asks Shepard.
Under her breath Mia says, "Dad."
Shepard does not move.
Liara clears her throat and brings up her omni-tool. "Tomorrow for an early lunch sounds perfect Ms. Brickman." They exchange information.
"Please call me Amy. I am sorry to interrupt your celebration. I look forward to seeing the three of you tomorrow then?"
Shepard still says nothing.
"Yes, we will be there," says Liara, "thank you."
The scout shakes Mia's hand again then walks off.
Eva pulls Mia into another hug, "Oh my Goddess!" The group swarms her, all except Shepard.
"We should probably head home," says Liara. She looks at her bondmate who only gives her a halfhearted smile.
"We should go as well," says Dara, "please let us know if you need anything okay Liara?" She gives the asari another hug.
"I will Dara thank you." Liara makes a point of hugging Dava when the asari starts to back away from the group. "It is good to see you Dava, I hope you are well." Liara squeezes her shoulders when she ends the hug.
Dava smiles at her but there is sadness in her eyes. She catches up with her parents.
Liara notices Shepard is facing away from the family and is looking toward the stadium.
"Why don't you girls head for the sky car, we will be right there."
"You sure Mom?" asks Little A.
Raina places her arm around her youngest sister and leads her away from her parents.
As they walk away Liara can hear Mia asking them why the hell her Dad didn't seem happy for her, something she wonders herself.
Liara places her hand on Shepard's shoulder. "What's going on Elly?"
The retired Captain does not reply. She just continues to look straight ahead.
"Why are you not happy for our daughter?"
Shepard just shakes her head.
"Elly, you are not the only one hurting right now. I know we just lost Ashley and I emphasize the word we. Your daughter has a dream Elly and I am not going to let you stand in the way of that."
Shepard sniffles a little and turns her face away from Liara.
"I am taking them home, are you coming?"
Shepard does not reply she keeps her face turned away.
Liara wants to hug her and tell her everything is going to be all right, but she is angry too. She sees a father not supporting her daughter and Liara finds that unacceptable. "I hope we see you at the lunch tomorrow."
Shepard holds it together until Liara is near the front gate. She looks around; the stadium is nearly cleared out. The tears start to flow as she walks out a different gate. She cannot believe this is happening. She loses the last of her friends and now she is going to lose her daughter, it's too much. It is just too much.
After the excitement of the game and the mini celebration her family had for her when they got home Mia had a hard time falling asleep. She is very excited to speak to the scout from New York. Lying on her bed with her hands behind her head Mia day dreams about what her life might be like. The thought of training with elite players is scary and exhilarating at the same time.
When everyone went to bed Mia surfed the extranet looking up the team. Earth has been expanding their Skyball program. Their teams are not as good as the ones on Thessia, but they are getting there. The teams are comprised of all races of biotics these days, though you typically see mainly asari and human, you will sometimes see a Turian and even a Krogan. There are not a lot of Krogan quick enough to play the game though, so when you see one they are usually on defense and not typically a starter.
Looking through the roster of the New York Strikers Mia cannot believe that maybe, just maybe in a few short months she could be training with them. She even does a double take at a few of the players, very beautiful.
As she lies in bed day dreaming her thoughts turn to her Dad. She cannot believe that she is not happy for her. After dinner Mia excused herself for a few minutes because she cried. She is so disappointed in her father. Her Mother tried to explain her behavior away, she blamed the recent funeral and the shock of maybe Mia leaving, but Mia doesn't care. In one of the highest moments in her life she will always remember the look on her Father's face when the scout said the words New York.
Mia hears a knock at her bedroom door. She looks at the clock, it is nearly 2 AM, and everyone went to sleep a few hours ago. There it is again.
"Mia can I come in?"
Mia gets up and opens the door to see her Father standing there. "What do you want?" She crosses her arms over her chest.
"I saw your light on; do you think we could talk?"
Mia looks at her Dad. She is not happy with her at all but she also doesn't like what she sees. Red bloodshot eyes, sagging shoulders, Shepard actually looks her age and it is frightens Mia. Letting out a deep breath Mia says, "Sure." She turns and walks back to her bed and sits on it.
Shepard steps in and closes the door then takes the chair that is pushed under the desk. "I want to apologize for my behavior tonight Mia. I want you to know that I am very proud of you, both your mother and I are very proud of you."
Arms still crossed Mia says, "But?" She spews the word out.
Shepard lets out a deep breath of her own. "There is not a lot in this galaxy that shocks me anymore Mia and that is not necessarily a good thing. You played an amazing game tonight I mean you were brilliant. You deserve to have every scout lined up around the house ten times over." Shepard scratches the back of her neck. "I was shocked tonight Mia and…and I was scared." Shepard looks at her daughter.
Mia's arms uncross a little. "Why scared?" her tone is gentler.
Shepard wipes a tear from her cheek, "I don't want to lose you. When that woman said New York my heart stopped, my mind stopped. I…I just couldn't think. I couldn't handle it Mia. I know it is not fair to you I know that, and for that I am sorry. I …" her voice cracks. Shepard clears her throat. "I want you to pursue your dream Mia, you deserve it. I am so sorry that I acted the way I did. Please do not for one second think it is because I am not happy for you. Because I am happy for you sweetheart, I am so very, very happy for you."
Mia doesn't know what to say. They sit in silence for a few minutes.
Shepard wipes her cheeks again then stands. "You should get some sleep. We have a big lunch tomorrow." Shepard walks toward the door. Mia gets off of the bed.
"Dad?"
"Yeah sport?" she turns to face her daughter. She has grown into a beautiful young woman that will soon be on her own.
"Thanks." Mia steps closer and gives her Dad a hug.
"Oh Mia I am so sorry."
"It's okay Dad."
They break from the hug. "I promise to have my mind working tomorrow okay? Hopefully she will not shock me again, I don't think my heart could take it," she laughs a little. When she looks at her daughter and does not see her laugh or even crack a smile she says, "Hey what is it?"
"I…I don't have to accept their offer if she does offer me a contract."
Shepard looks closer and sees Mia's eyes welling with tears. She places her hand on her daughter's cheek. "Don't you dare honey. If you want to play for them then we will discuss it and make sure you are getting a fair deal understand? You will not say no because you think it will prevent me from being sad. You have to live your own life. This is your life sport. No one can make this decision for you. After your performance tonight I suspect you will be hearing from plenty of scouts. It is an exciting time so enjoy it okay? And I promise that I will try not to rain on your parade again. Deal?" Shepard gives a slight punch to Mia's shoulder.
"Deal, thanks."
"We okay?"
Mia hugs her again. "We're okay."
Shepard kisses Mia's forehead, "Thank you honey. Now get some sleep."
"Sir yes Sir."
Shepard flashes her sly grin then leaves Mia's bedroom.
Feeling relieved that her Father supports her; it does not take long for Mia to fall fast asleep.
After changing into her pajamas and brushing her teeth Shepard eases under the covers careful not to wake Liara.
"You okay Elly?" Liara turns on her side to face her.
Shepard moves to her side to look her bondmate in the eye. Though their room is dark, she can still see Liara's beautiful blue eyes. "I spoke with Mia."
"And?"
"I explained as best I could that I am happy for her."
Liara places her hand on Shepard's cheek. "Are you?"
"Of course I am Liara. I was just…stunned to say the least. I don't want to lose her. I am tired of losing the people I love."
Liara scoots closer and hugs her. "You are not losing her Elly; you are just letting her go. It is what we must do for all of our daughters."
Shepard wipes at her cheek again, Liara kisses the missed tears from her face. "As long as they don't all leave at once, I don't think I could handle that Liara in fact I know I couldn't."
"I do not think that will happen Elly."
"You promise?"
They are silent for a while.
"Liara?"
"Hmm?"
"I know you are hurting, I am sorry if I have been acting otherwise. I know you miss Ash as much as I do."
"I do."
Shepard scoots closer and hugs her bondmate. "I'm here for you please know that. I am here."
"I know, thank you."
Shepard moves to her back. Liara nuzzles her head in the crook of her neck. "I am worried for Valya and Dara," says Liara.
Shepard strokes the asari's arm up and down with her fingertips, "You mean Dava?"
"Yes. Raina told me that she senses such anger in her."
"Is she no longer seeking help?"
"She is not."
"You can't force someone to help themselves Liara."
"Did you notice how uneasy Mia was?"
"Yeah I did, but I thought she handled it well."
"It is almost as if Dava has to look to others to learn social cues or something, like she cannot think for herself. She…well she reminds me of…"
"Caressa?"
Caressa was an asari who for years was under the influence of the young Ardat-Yakshi Elina. Though she is a productive asari now, it took many, many years to recover from the near decade of abuse from her adopted sister.
Liara props up on her elbow, "You think so too?"
"It is a little eerie."
"We have to do something."
"I could try to talk to Valya."
"I think we need to talk to both Valya and Dara together."
"How do you propose we do that?"
"Have them over for dinner, just us adults. The kids can spend the evening at friends."
"What exactly do we say to them Liara, uh hey Valya and Dara, we think something is seriously wrong with your daughter? That Elina changed her mind somehow?"
Liara lies down again and cuddles with Shepard, "Not in so many words Elly, but we must do something."
"It could jeopardize our friendship with them if they don't like what we have to say. They could get angry."
"Elly I do not want something to happen with that girl and we did nothing to stop it. I will call Dara tomorrow and invite them over."
"Okay, if you are sure."
"I am."
Shepard lifts Liara's chin and kisses her fully on her lips. "I love you T'Soni. Now let's get some sleep before we hear how wonderful our little skyball player is."
"I love you too."
