THESSIA
Bags are by the front door. Liara is hurrying around her bedroom to make sure she has everything she needs.
"Mother, please let me come with you," says Raina.
"Yeah Mom we can help," says Mia. Eva and Little A are also in the master bedroom watching the events unfold.
"Absolutely not."
"You cannot go alone Mom," says Eva, "it isn't safe."
"I won't be alone, Miranda and Arelia will be with me."
"What does Grandpa have to say about this?" asks Little A.
Liara ignores the question. She checks the bathroom one more time.
The sisters look to Raina who shakes her head back and forth.
"My Goddess Mother you haven't told her?"
"Yeah because Grandpa will try to talk her out of it, right mother?" asks Mia.
Liara stops and looks at her daughters. How they have grown, she couldn't be more proud of them. She lets out a breath. "I know you are worried, but I know what I am doing. I have dealt with her before."
"Not like this Mother," says Raina.
"Yes exactly like this Raina. I have nothing to fear from her."
"That is nuts!" says Mia. "She is the Pirate Queen."
"I know full well who Aria T'Loak is and who she isn't." Liara walks past her girls out of the bedroom back to her bags by the front door and slips something in the side pocket of one of her bags.
"I want to come with you."
Liara approaches Mia and places her hand on her shoulder. "You can't. I am sorry that I will not be here when you meet with the other recruiters honey. I am sure Oriana or your Grandpa will attend the meetings with you if you do not want to bring one of your sisters. I hope you understand why I cannot be here for you."
"Of course I do, that is not the point. It's too dangerous."
Liara kisses Mia's cheek and gives her a hug. "I know what I am doing." She turns her attention to Eva. "Please tell me when you hear back about your poem okay, your father and I want to know." She gives her a hug and a kiss. "Little A, I want you to stay out of trouble." Liara playfully nudges her youngest daughter's shoulder.
"Mom this is not a good idea. What if we don't see you or Dad again?" Little A's voice cracks. Liara pulls her into a tight hug.
"We will come back honey, I promise."
Liara looks at Raina. "You are in charge."
Raina nods as she steps close. Liara hugs her and gives her a kiss.
Liara turns to the girls, "The program that allows us to talk to your Father should be finished soon. If not, then I will figure a way to get word to you once I reach Tuchanka. I will call you every night when I can I promise."
"Mom," says Mia, "Do you really think Aria is going to help you?"
"She won't have a choice."
The doorbell rings. Liara turns and opens it to Miranda and Arelia. "I am just about ready."
Mia walks past her mother and pulls Arelia aside outside, out of earshot from the others.
Raina moves close to her mother. "Are you sure about this mother?"
"I am. We need to help the Krogan Raina and I need to get your Father back." Liara looks at her daughter. "I am sorry to ask….but…"
"I don't know," says Raina. "If I feel anything, I will contact you. And Mom?"
"Yes honey?"
"I am sorry about last night; about saying you were worried about Grandpa."
Liara hugs her daughter, "It's alright honey. Please keep that between us." Liara steps back from the hug. "Have Shayna and Rose over once in a while please. They will be worried for their parents."
"Can we have Aunt Oriana over too?" asks Eva.
"Of course honey. They can spend the night if they want. I know school is done next week, please try to concentrate on your exams."
Mia walks back into the house. Liara notices tears in her eyes. She looks behind her and sees the bags are gone. Miranda and Arelia are waiting outside. Liara looks at her daughters one more time. "I love you all so much. Do not hesitate to message me. If I do not reply right away please do not worry. We are a family and we will be reunited I promise."
Little A all but tackles her mother. Eva is the next to join then Mia and then Raina. After a few moments in the group hug Liara wipes her eyes turns toward the door and doesn't look back.
"Akira?" Atalia is following Caressa. The distraught asari is walking through traffic of people. They are on main street and Atalia has no idea where she is going. She is calling Akira to let someone know what is going on.
"Atalia? Where are you?"
"I need you to do me a favor."
"We need to talk."
"Akira I need you to listen to me."
"What? What is it? Are you all right?"
"Do you remember the name of Caressa's Doctor?"
"When she was younger?"
"No her Doctor right now, is it the same one?"
"I..no why?"
"I need you to contact her. Follow my tracking device and get her to me."
"Why Atalia, what is going on? Where are you?"
"Look," Atalia is walking quickly to keep up with Caressa who seems to be on a mission, "I can't talk right now, please just do this for me."
"Not until you tell me what is going on."
"Damn it Akira." Atalia grunts as she knocks shoulders with someone on the sidewalk. She quickly turns, "Sorry." When she turns to look for Caressa she doesn't see her.
"Atalia?"
"Shit."
"Atalia what is going on?"
"Hang on." Trying not to panic the lead detective quickly turns the corner and feels relief when she sees Caressa up ahead. "Akira, I am following Caressa. I pushed her too hard and she panicked or something. I am following her to see where she is going."
"What?"
Atalia can hear the concern in her voice. "I have to; it's my fault she is freaking out."
"What did you do?"
Atalia turns another corner. Caressa seems to be heading out of the main part of the city. Buildings are getting sparse. "There was another person involved at the shack."
"What, are you sure?"
"Akira please. Get the Doctor and have her come to me. I am afraid for Caressa. I need to go." Before the medical examiner can say anything more, Atalia disconnects the call. She ducks behind a nearby building when she sees Caressa stop dead in her tracks.
Catching her breath, Atalia peaks around the corner. It looks like Caressa is looking right at her. The lead detective freezes hoping she has not been detected. Caressa looks lost. After looking in each direction Caressa heads out of the city. Atalia follows hoping she will lead her to this other person.
TUCHANKA
The rough terrain of the planet is something Shepard hopes to never get used to. She is taking Wrex to see Eli in a Tomkah. She contacted the Krogan leader telling him that they were on the way. He told them to hang back at an operational camp they set up. He would join them when he could as he and his clan are out taking two towns.
Shepard shuts off the vehicle. "Do you want to wait here or walk to the operational camp? Eli said it is about a half mile ahead."
When there is no reply Shepard looks over at her friend. She shakes his shoulder, "Wrex?"
When he isn't roused Shepard exits the Tomkah. Her heart is beating fast. She does not want to lose her friend, not like this, not now. She opens the door to look at Wrex. "Wrex? Wrex can you hear me?"
"Hmm?" He growls a little. "What?"
Shepard works on slowing her breathing. She cannot believe the relief she feels. She turns her head away when she feels tears welling in her eyes.
"I'm not dead yet Shepard. Are we here?"
After composing herself, Shepard looks at Wrex and says, "The camp is about a half mile away. We should walk. Don't want to draw attention by bringing the Tomkah."
Wrex growls again. "Help me out."
Shepard extends her hand. Wrex takes it and leans on her as he exits the vehicle. They start their half mile hike.
After about ten minutes of silence Wrex says, "I want you to do something for me."
Shepard turns to him thinking he needs help. She extends her arms not sure if he is close to falling over or needs help sitting down, or…
"What are you doing?" Wrex stares at her extended arms then makes eye contact.
Shepard swallows, "Sorry."
Wrex growls and continues to walk. Shepard shouldn't be surprised that he is making the hike just fine. She suspects his stubbornness is preventing him from resting.
"What do you want me to do Wrex?"
"I want you to save the females."
"That is the plan."
Wrex stops and shoves Shepard's shoulder.
Shepard falls, rolls and then gets on her feet in one smooth motion. She looks at the Krogan, "What?" Shepard wonders what she said wrong.
Wrex looks at her with determination. "Females first, Grunt second."
Shepard feels her heart sink. She knows he is right.
"You got me Shepard?"
Shepard slams her hand down on his shoulder, "I got you Wrex."
They continue the rest of the hike in silence.
En Route to Omega
Miranda is piloting a small ship. After meeting with Raina and the rest of the Shepard/T'Soni kids, the ex-Cerberus operative spoke with her bondmate Arelia and they both agreed that they would help in any way they could. When Liara called to tell them her plan, they decided to rent a ship capable of flying to Omega and Tuchanka. It is not as large as the Normandy but it has enough room to sleep up to twelve people, two to a room. There is a full kitchen as well as a small shuttle in the belly of the ship.
Miranda and Arelia are on better speaking terms though Arelia has asked for more time. Miranda's constant need to control every situation really got to the asari and the way Miranda treated her while Oriana was hidden away in her room was not good. Arelia told her that it was unacceptable and that she is not her punching bag, a term she learned from Shepard. Though Miranda was surprised at how harshly she must have treated Arelia, she agreed to give her space instead of constantly bugging her with apologies. It has been difficult for Miranda to be patient. It has been a very difficult few days.
Liara and Arelia are on the lower level of the ship in the kitchen making dinner. Liara noticed the tension between the two and is not sure if she should say anything.
"Has the program completed Liara?"
Liara checks her omni-tool, "No, not yet." She lets out a sigh.
"I am sure Shepard is fine."
"I hope you are right Arelia."
"May I ask you a personal question?"
The asari looks at her friend, "Of course."
"Does Shepard want to control everything? I mean does she become so focused on something that she forgets about other people and their feelings?"
Liara touches Arelia's shoulder, "Is that what has happened?"
Arelia turns her head away and sniffles.
Liara sees how upset Arelia is. "I would say yes. Shepard at times has a tendency to focus on one thing and forget the rest. I have also been guilty of that."
"How do you get past it?"
"Did she hurt you Arelia?"
"Not physically."
Liara takes in a breath and lets it out, "I see."
"I understand how much she loves her sister. I told her that Oriana needed time, but Miranda wouldn't hear me. She wanted her sister to snap out of her sadness just like that. It's as if Miranda cannot handle true emotions."
"I think sometimes she can't."
Arelia looks at her, "What?"
"The Miranda I knew prior to and during the Reaper war was a very different woman."
"What do you mean?"
"She is fiercely loyal Arelia. That part of her has not changed. She was loyal to the Illusive Man until Shepard helped her see the kind of man he was. Miranda was so ashamed for thinking he was someone he wasn't, for falling for his lies. She has not found a lot of people in her life that she can trust. He broke that trust and it changed her. She was a hard woman to being with, but she became harsher after that.
For a long time Oriana has been her responsibility. Their relationship is almost like a parent looks after a child that is how Miranda was with Oriana back then. I suppose how she looks at her sister is habit. She probably doesn't realize she treats Oriana more like a child sometimes instead of a younger sister. To help her deal with things I believe Miranda is like Shepard in that she will set aside her feelings or bury them if you will until the battle is over."
"What battle?"
"The battle within. Miranda knows Oriana needs time to heal but she does not know how to deal with the feeling of helplessness. In that she and Shepard are very much alike. So instead of dealing with the feeling she buries it and lashes out." When Arelia breaks eye contact Liara knows she is spot on. "I take it Oriana has had a difficult time since she arrived on Thessia? I am sorry I was not aware this was happening."
"No it's okay Liara. She kind of …well she fell apart when she arrived. I don't think she truly mourned Mark's loss. And I think Miranda was incredibly worried and felt helpless like you said." Arelia looks away, "She took her frustration out on me. It is not something I care to endure again."
"I can imagine."
Arelia looks at Liara with furrowed brows.
"I have been on the receiving end of Miranda's wrath. And in the heat of the moment Shepard and I have said hurtful things to each other, very hurtful things. The only thing we can do is try to learn from our mistakes and not repeat them."
"You make it sound simple."
"It is anything but simple. When you get to know someone so well, you sometimes forget about their feelings because you are so comfortable with them. You say the first thing that comes to your mind and it is too late to take it back once you have said it. Then the damage is already done."
"Exactly."
"If it helps any Arelia, I know Miranda loves you very much. I see it in the way she looks at you. Her protectiveness of Oriana of you and your girls is one of the ways she expresses her love of others."
Arelia is quiet. She turns her attention to preparing dinner. Liara does not press her.
"Thank you Liara."
"May I ask you something?"
Arelia turns to look at her.
"What did Mia say to you?"
Arelia smiles a little, "She told me that I must do my absolute best to bring you and Shepard home."
Liara tears up.
"You have wonderful children Liara. They love you so much."
"What…what did you say in return?"
"I told her that Miranda and I would see to it that you both return to Thessia."
Wiping her cheek Liara joins Arelia at the counter to prepare dinner. "Thank you Arelia."
THESSIA
Atalia has followed Caressa to a warehouse type area. There are large long buildings at the end of the road that look abandoned. The lead detective is hiding behind one of the buildings now watching Caressa who is out in the open.
The young violet asari is pacing back and forth and looks to be mumbling to herself. Her arms are wrapped around her as if she is trying to stay warm which concerns Atalia because it is nearly 90 degrees. The sun's beams are strong this time of year. Wiping the sweat from her brow Atalia answers her omni-tool when it beeps.
"Hello?"
"Atalia?"
"Yeah, Akira?"
"Yes, I have Malin on the line. She is a psychiatrist, but she is not seeing Caressa on a regular basis."
"What? What do you mean?"
"Hello Atalia?"
The lead detective didn't realize the woman was on the line. "Yes?"
"My colleague Shelia has been working with Caressa. She is on vacation and asked that I be her back up if needed."
"What?"
"I have met Caressa on two different occasions. I have established a rapport. Shelia and I have been colleagues for many, many years. My specialty is dealing with patients with post-traumatic stress as is the case with Caressa. Sheila did not want to leave her care to one of her co-workers due to Caressa's sensitivity."
"Sensitivity?"
"She did not respond well with Shelia's co-workers, so she asked me to meet her."
"Where are you? Are you almost here?"
"We are heading your way," says Akira.
"Can you tell me what is happening?" asks Malin.
"She seems panicked. Right now she is pacing back and forth hugging herself. She seems to be talking to herself or talking to someone who is not there. Wait…" Atalia continues to watch. "Shit, don't fly here, repeat do not fly here."
Akira hears the urgency in her voice. "What is happening Atalia?"
"Hang on." Atalia moves closer by ducking inside one of the buildings. She makes her way to a half open window. She has a good view of Caressa and another asari. She has no idea where the other asari came from. "Caressa is speaking to another asari." Atalia whispers into her omni-tool.
"Who?" asks Malin.
"I have no idea. She looks older, maybe older than…..NO!."
"Atalia? Atalia!" The line is dead. Akira looks at Malin, they are in a sky car together, "I don't care what she told us, I am flying to her."
"Agreed."
Everything slowed to a screeching halt. The unknown asari speaking with Caressa pulled out a pistol of some sort and fired. Atalia had to back track to get out of the building. When she turned the corner of the building she saw the armed asari walking to a small shuttle.
"Stop police!"
The asari turns to see Atalia running toward her gun drawn.
Atalia raises her gun and starts to fire. Running and firing and being accurate is very difficult. Atalia sees a large ball of blue and red light fly toward her. Shielding herself she dodges the ball by rolling. In one smooth motion she is on her feet. She gets into her firing stance and fires three shots. The other asari just smiles, turns her back and walks into the shuttle. Atalia starts to follow when something from behind hits her. She is thrown through the air. Her body hits the pavement hard sending her summersaulting. When she stops, Atalia sits up in time to see the shuttle lift off. She looks at its undercarriage for any class designation, but there isn't any.
Atalia gingerly gets to her feet. She looks up and notices the shuttle heading straight for her. She shields herself as she sees sparks fly her way. She knows the shuttle must be equipped with some sort of gun. The sparks she sees are bullets. She dives out of the way but isn't quick enough. A few bullets rip through her shield. She feels a red hot lance of pain. The shuttle flies off.
Ignoring her pain Atalia makes her way back to Caressa. The asari is lying on her back struggling. Atalia kneels down and sees blood pouring out of her chest. Atalia instinctively places her hands over the gaping wound to try to slow the bleeding. "Hang on Caressa, Goddess please hang on."
Caressa is staring straight into the air as if she sees something there.
"Caressa I am so sorry please forgive me. You hang on, help is coming. You hang on do you hear me!"
Caressa's eyes flutter, she coughs up blood. Saliva and blood trickle down her chin.
Atalia leans over her, "Caressa hang on please."
Caressa locks eyes with the lead detective. Her mouth starts to move.
Atalia leans her ear closer to her mouth, "What?"
"Sh…Shadow…"
Atalia leans back. She continues to apply pressure with her hands. "Shadow?"
Caressa nods slightly.
"Is that her name? Her name is Shadow?"
Caressa smiles a little and nods.
Atalia's sight becomes blurry, "Caressa please..please don't go. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to make you relive every….."
Caressa touches her hands that are on her chest. Atalia stops talking.
"It's okay now." Caressa's eyes flutter once more.
"NO! Caressa you hang on do you hear me? Hang on please! Please stay with me, don't die, don't you die!"
The young asari's eyes stare ahead and no longer move.
Atalia never heard the shuttle land. She never heard Akira or Malin speaking to her. All she could see was a young asari die beneath her hands knowing it was all her fault.
