THESSIA

It is early afternoon. Miranda, Arelia and Shayna are out shopping and will not be home until dinner time. Rose the youngest daughter is home alone, well she feels alone because her Aunt Oriana has not left her bedroom since landing on Thessia a week ago.

Rose has heard her father cry at night talking to her mother in their bedroom. Rose has not said anything to her father or led on that she knows what is going on. She did try to talk to her big sister Shayna, but all she said was leave her alone. Well Rose doesn't want to leave her alone. Rose remembers a vibrant Aunt full of life and she wants her back.

Rose approaches Oriana's bedroom door. There is a tray sitting outside. Her lunch was barely touched. From previous visits the asari, who is now 95 years old, knows that her Aunt likes chocolate. Whenever she is down it always brings a smile to her face so it should work for humans too. That is her hope.

Stealing some courage Rose knocks on the bedroom door. There is no reply. She didn't actually expect one but is waiting nonetheless. She knocks again. No reply.

"Aunt Oriana it's Rose. I'm coming in." The asari opens the door before any protest can occur. She sees her Aunt lying under the covers of her bed with window shades drawn. You would have no idea that the sun is shining outside.

Rose slowly walks over to the bed. "Aunt Oriana?" She hears her Aunt sniffle a little.

"Not now honey."

Rose ignores her. She walks to the other side of the bed and opens the shades. She hears a groan and looks to see her Aunt's head disappear under the covers.

"It is a beautiful day outside Aunt Oriana. I was hoping you would keep me company today by the pool. I asked Little A over but ever since she started seeing Kaya she has less time for me."

Rose sits on the bed. "I have something for you, but you have to come out from under the covers to see."

She waits.

"I promise you will like it and it really is not that hard to sit up in bed." She smiles as she says it.

"Go away please."

"No, I can stay here."

It takes a good twenty minutes of Rose sitting then standing then sitting on the bed again before Oriana finally shows her head.

"Fine." Oriana sits up. "What is it?" Her hand covers the sun that is beaming into the room.

Rose has a great big grin on her face when she shows her Aunt a chocolate bar. She hands it to Oriana.

Oriana smells it through the wrapper. Rose sees a slight upturn of her lip. She looks at Rose, "You remembered."

"It would be hard for me to forget because it's my favorite too, ever since you brought me to the candy shop in town. It's still there you know. They expanded it and even make the chocolate in the store. They have a huge window you can look through and watch. Mom and Dad have a special bar made with my name on it every year for my birthday ever since you brought me there. Do you remember?"

Oriana has a sad smile. "I do remember yes. Every year huh? That is very nice of them."

"Well I wanted something to remind me of you on my birthdays so this was the best thing I could think of. They have been doing it for over seventy years or so now. Shayna even does it too, but she gets some animal not a bar like I do."

Oriana starts to tear up. Her hand covers her mouth.

"Oh I'm sorry Aunt Oriana; I didn't mean to make you cry. I was trying to make you feel better." Rose feels the heat in her own eyes.

"No no it's okay." Oriana rubs at her nose.

"Then why are you crying?"

Oriana shakes her head. "It's just; well I didn't know you did that Rose. That is very sweet."

"Well I love you so of course I want a little part of you with me on my birthday." Rose gives her the brightest of smiles.

Oriana's smile fades a little.

When Rose sees her Aunt have a faraway look she asks, "Do you want to join me by the pool? It is really nice out. There is a slight breeze so it's not too hot."

Oriana shakes her head a little. She looks at Rose. "Can't you ask someone else?"

"Everyone is shopping. They are going to bring dinner tonight from that pasta place in town that is so good. I love that place."

"Yeah me too."

"I called Little A but she is out with Kaya, again." Rose rolls her eyes.

"Who is Kaya?" Oriana sits up straighter against the bed's headboard.

"Little A's girlfriend. I am pretty sure they love each other. I am really happy for Little A, I really am. But I miss her ya know? I don't see her as often as I would like and it's hard. We used to see each other a few times a week, now I am lucky to see her a few times a month."

"That bad huh?"

"Well yes." Rose lets out a long sigh. "I am happy for her. But I am sad for myself. Does that make me selfish?"

"No honey. It is part of growing up. Relationships change. Have you told Little A how you feel?"

"What do you mean?"

"Have you told her you want to spend more time with her and that you miss seeing her?"

"No. I thought with being in a new relationship I should just wait and see."

"Well you can do that too honey, but if you are not getting what you want from your friendship with her and you want to remain friends, then you need to tell her that you want to spend more time with her."

"Hmm I don't know. I kind of wish it was how it used to be. Seemed a lot simpler then." Rose sees the faraway look in her Aunt's eyes again.

"I know what you mean."

Rose stands up, moving the bed slightly. "Well I am going to enjoy this beautiful day Aunt Oriana. I sure would love your company, but I understand if you want to stay in here." She moves to the window. "Do you want me to cover the window?"

"No you can leave it, thanks."

Rose starts to leave the room.

"Rose?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you for the chocolate."

Rose smiles, "I'm glad you're here. Maybe I will see you out there." Without another word Rose leaves her Aunt's bedroom hoping the human will eventually follow.


TUCHANKA

Not the creature comforts Shepard is used to at home on Thessia, the Krogan at least gave her extra straw for her bed hoping it would be more comfortable for her. Shepard wishes she could speak to her wife. She misses the sound of Liara's voice and her wisdom. Wrex's plan to start hitting small pockets of Clan Jurdon is a doable plan, but Shepard would prefer to have her blue beauty with her by her side in battle.

Alone in her room trying to get comfortable on her bed she cannot help but think of her Krogan friend. Shepard cannot believe that within a span of an hour she had her friend back only to find out that he is dying and probably won't last much longer. More must be done to help the Krogan but according to Eli, Clan Jurdon monitors all communication off planet and they control who comes and leaves the planet. A message must be sent out that is long enough to explain the situation and what is needed but short enough to not be detected. The shorter the message the quicker it is which may slip my prying eyes.

Tomorrow a small group of Krogan head out to a small town. It is not a City but there are a lot of Clan Jurdon Krogan there according to Wrex. Eli will lead the men into battle. This is step one of Wrex's plan. There are surrounding towns he wants to take over, capture the Krogan from Clan Jurdon and talk some sense into them in hopes to turn some of them to his cause. He knows it is a long shot but his numbers are dwindling and without more bodies the war that no one seems to know about will be lost.

Shepard insisted she accompany Eli on the mission. She wants to help. She wants the Krogan people to prosper as Wrex wants them to prosper. She and her crew did not lose Mordin so that a few Krogan could ruin what they have been given. Shepard understands how people are resistant to change, but from what Wrex explained it makes perfect sense to her. She is trying to see another side to it, but all she can see is a Krogan who wants power and glory for himself and a few of his buddies, not a peaceful life for all the Krogan people.

Shepard doesn't want to think about what is happening to Grunt or what is happening to Eve and the rest of the Krogan women. They have made such progress, the retired Captain will do all she can to help keep the progress going.


THESSIA

Arelia, Miranda and Shayna all arrive home after a day of shopping. Arelia places the takeout food on the kitchen counter.

"Can we eat out by the pool?" asks Shayna.

"Of course honey," says Arelia.

"Put away your packages first," says Miranda.

"Yes father."

Arelia squeezes Miranda's arm. When the human looks up at her bondmate she realizes how she sounded toward her oldest daughter. "Shayna?"

The asari stops and faces her father, "Yes?"

"I'm sorry. I did not mean to snap at you. Would you like some help?"

"No I got it. I will see you out there."

Miranda lets out a sigh and sits in a chair.

Arelia steps away from the kitchen counter and approaches Miranda from behind. She rubs her shoulders. "She is going to be all right honey."

"Are you sure because I sure as hell am not. I want to hit her Arelia. I want to yell at her to get out of bed and leave her room. I want to tell her that life is passing her by and she is letting it." Miranda leans forward so Arelia will stop rubbing her shoulders. The asari stops. "I sound like our father Arelia and that is the last thing I want to sound like. I want what is best for her and I honestly don't know what that is anymore."

Arelia moves to the other side of the table and sits down facing her bondmate.

"Aren't you going to say anything?" asks Miranda.

"You know where I stand. Every time we talk about this you get upset with me and I do not want to add to your stress."

"Add to my stress? Are you kidding me Arelia? I am asking for your opinion?" Miranda stands and crosses her arms over her chest.

Arelia stands. "No you are not. You want me to tell you, you are right. You want me to tell you that your sister is wrong. I will not do that Miranda." The asari moves back to the counter and takes the food out of the bags. She grabs the plates and starts digging into the silverware drawer.

"You know what Arelia, all I am asking for is a little support here. Is that so much to ask?" Miranda starts to walk toward the wing which houses her personal lab when Shayna comes running toward them.

"Oh my Goddess you have to come!"

"What is it? Are you all right?" asks Arelia.

"Dad! You have to see this."

The human turns. She is not in the mood. "What?"

"You have to come see this." Shayna practically runs over to her father and grabs her wrist. "Come on Dad."

The human reluctantly follows. Arelia walks behind the two toward the pool.

Shayna quickly opens the doors that lead out to the pool area.

Miranda stops in her tracks. She cannot believe what she is seeing. Her sister Oriana is talking and laughing, actually laughing with Rose. Miranda feels something in her hand. She looks down and sees Arelia's hand around her own. The human looks up at her bondmate. "I am so sorry Arelia."

The asari kisses her cheek and squeezes her hand. "I know you are. Go and join them. Shayna and I will bring out dinner."

When she starts to walk away Miranda pulls her in close and kisses the asari. When they break from the kiss she says again, "I am so sorry. I don't mean to be such a bitch." Miranda knows she has been hurtful to her bondmate while worrying for her sister. She sees the hurt in the asari's eyes and wishes she could take the pain away. "Please forgive me?"

"You love your sister Miranda. You do not need to …"

"Please Arelia." Miranda turns to Shayna, "Your mother and I will get the food."

"You sure?"

Miranda places her arm around Arelia, "I am sure thank you." The human walks Arelia toward the kitchen. "I appreciate everything you have said and done for me and my sister Arelia." Miranda stops her so they can look eye to eye. "I have been horrible." The asari breaks eye contact which confirms to Miranda that she has indeed been horrible. Miranda places her finger under the asari's chin. "I do love you Arelia. I know I want to control everything and ….well….I'm sorry." Miranda leans forward and softly kisses her.

"Shall we get the food?"

Miranda is happy that her sister is out of her room, but she is not happy that she has hurt Arelia. She hopes in time her bondmate will forgive her for her behavior.

Liara is in the secure room waiting for word from the Shadow Broker Svaari. She recently sent the asari a message stating that she must reply back within five minutes. That was three minutes ago.

The former Shadow Broker is growing concerned for Shepard. The research she has tried to do on the extranet regarding the current events of Tuchanka have come up with nothing. Server down or not responding is all she gets whenever she runs a search. Even using her old programs Liara is not able to actually get current information on the planet. It is as if someone put a large blanket over the planet to cover it up from the rest of the galaxy.

Liara is about to send another message when her omni-tool beeps. She puts the call on screen. "It's about time."

"My, my apologies Liara."

"What is going on Svaari? Why is it taking so long to get information from you?"

"I am sorry Liara."

"Enough apologies. What is going on?"

"I …well I am a little overwhelmed at the moment and excuse me for taking a few hours off to get some actual sleep!"

Liara was not really looking at Svaari but now that she does look at her she can see how tired she is. She also looks gaunt, like she hasn't eaten in days. "I didn't realize Svaari."

"I don't know how you did this on your own Liara. I can't handle it. With everything happening on Tuchanka I am afraid to go to sleep and it's not like I ….."

"What? What are you talking about? What is going on with Tuchanka?"

"How do you not know?"

"Svaari!"

"What?"

Liara cannot believe it. She takes in a deep breath and lets it out. "I cannot get any information on the planet which is why I have been trying to reach you."

"Of course, sorry Liara." Svaari knocks over something when she reaches for something. "I uh…I have something right….oh here it is."

It is all Liara can do to not scream.

"Ah yes here we go." Svaari punches a few buttons on her keyboard. "I have a few agents on the planet which is a good thing because things there are locked tight. Have been for months, ever since they tried to have Urdnot Wrex killed."

"What?" Liara cannot believe her ears. "What do you mean tried Svaari?"

"It didn't work, I mean he didn't die."

In a very calm tone of voice as she digs her nails into her palms Liara says, "I asked you six months ago about his death Svaari and you said nothing about an attempt on his life but that he was dead."

"Well yeah. At the time that is the information I had."

"And you did not think it was important to inform me that he was alive when you found out he was alive?"

Svaari just stares at Liara through the monitors. Realization finally hits her. "Oh…oh Goddess Liara I am so so sorry.I..I don't know how you did this job on your own." Liara sees her reach for something and she knocks something else off of her desk.

"Svaari. Svaari please listen to me."

The asari stops what she is doing and looks at Liara as if she is in the room with her.

"What is happening on the planet of Tuchanka? I need to know everything."


TUCHANKA

It is nearly dawn. Shepard forgot how cold it is in the desert before the sun comes out. She is laying on her stomach in full armor waiting for the signal. Eli along with his Krogan clan is taking a town this morning. Scouts reported thirty minutes ago that there was a small group of Clan Jurdon Krogan in the town and since their numbers are fewer than Eli's he gave the go ahead. Urdnot Wrex is sitting this one out. Something Shepard is trying not to think about.

There's the signal.

Shepard gets to her feet. She readies her shotgun and charges the town.

The Krogan are not exactly quiet in their attack strategy. They all roar their battle cry as they surround the town and open fie. The scouts have been watching the town for nearly a week. They know where the civilians are staying and where to find Clan Jurdon Krogan. Shepard took out two Krogan with ease. Looking for more to take out she sees how capable Eli is as a leader. His strategy paid off. No one from his clan was injured and there are five Clan Jurdon survivors.

"Cover their eyes before escorting them," says Eli. Four Krogan escort the blinded prisoners back toward base. Another tactical idea from Eli, keep the prisoners close to base but not on their base of operations in case of escape. The setup is perfect. If a prisoner escapes they will have miles of desert to deal with in every direction. Not a huge inconvenience for a Krogan, but an inconvenience nonetheless.

"Well done Eli."

"Thank you Shepard. Coming from you that means a lot."

"You think they will turn?"

"Wrex is hoping they will." Eli watches his fellow Krogan talk to the civilians in town.

"And what do you think?"

"I think the minute they sided with Jurdon Gran was the last free minute they will enjoy in this lifetime. "Besides there are a few civilians that want to join our cause."

Shepard follows his gaze to see that there are indeed a few of them that seem interested.

Eli growls. "They're soft. Peace may be a nice long term goal Shepard but it is no way to raise an army. Those Krogan look like they have not held a weapon in decades."

Shepard agrees.

"So how many men will you leave here?"

"Four."

"You think that is enough Eli?"

"For now. It will take a few days before word gets back to Jurdon Gran on what we have done. By then we will have a half dozen towns. So it does not concern me right now."

Shepard lets out a sign "We need more people Eli."

"I know Shepard, believe me I know."