THESSIA

The ride home for Valya was thankfully quiet. She did not want Dara to go on and on and on about how she kept something like an Ardat-Yakshi on the loose from her. But the former commando also knows that the quiet will not last, it is simply the calm before the storm. Dara is waiting until they are home, waiting for Valya to be in her favorite chair, perhaps even with a drink in her hand before getting absolutely yelled at. The pounding in her head has quieted a little but she knows that is temporary. She wants to call Shepard to ask her if she knows this Justicar Samara and just how bonded to their code they are. She will not allow anything to happen to her daughter.

The sky car lands. Dara does not see if she needs help, the asari just walks into their home. Yep. Valya knows she is going to get yelled at. Instead of leaving the sky car right away Valya makes a call to her partner. She doubts Atalia will answer her omni-tool, but she wants to keep her in the loop on what is happening with the investigation. Valya leaves a message for the lead detective, disconnects the call then looks at herself in the vanity mirror. "Ready for this?" She takes in a deep breath and then lets it out before entering the house.

"Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

Valya was wrong; Dara did not wait until the former commando was in her favorite chair. She didn't even wait until she was through the front door before she started yelling.

"Dara I know you are upset."

"Don't you do that! You have no idea how I feel right now!"

Valya sits down at the kitchen table. Her wobbly legs won't make it to the family room.

"Were you ever going to tell me about this?" Dara is standing with her hands on her hips just glaring.

"No." Valya rubs at her temples with her fingers.

"What do you mean no?"

"Dara, I cannot comment on an ongoing investigation. I tried to explain that to you."

"You suspecting our daughter is an Ardat-Yakshi has NOTHING to do with your fucking investigation!"

Valya winces. The pounding in her head has just doubled.

"How could you keep this from me? With everything we have been through Valya. With my crying in your arms over our daughter…" her voice trails off. Dara composes herself. She lowers her voice. "You lied to me. Again."

"I didn't lie to you Dara." Valya looks up at her bondmate who has tears in her eyes. "I didn't lie."

"What would you call it?"

"I was scared all right?"

"No it's not all right! We are bonded Valya! Do you even know what the word means? Oh of course you don't. First it was Lahja and now this."

If Valya was feeling better she would have stood up and yelled right back. But she doesn't feel well. She needs to lie down.

"Are you just going to sit there?"

"I need help."

"You're telling me!" Dara's arms are across her chest. She doesn't seem to get Valya's meaning.

"Dara. I am not feeling well. Can you help me to the bedroom please?" Valya can tell that her bondmate is at war within herself. She wants to help but at the same time she probably wants Valya to suffer a little. The former commando wonders which side of her bondmate will win.

"I'll be right back." Dara heads for the bedroom.

Valya places her forearms on the table then rests her forehead on them. Her upper lip is twitching which only happens when she feel s like she may be sick to her stomach. Valya concentrates on slow deep breaths. She does not want to throw up. She doesn't hear her bondmate approach.

"Valya?"

The former commando feels Dara's hand on her back which makes her jump a little.

"You okay?"

Dara's voice sounds faded. Small black dots are swimming in front of Valya's eyes. She can feel Dara trying to help her to stand but Valya does not move. "Faint…" She is not sure if Dara heard her or not. She feels a hand go to her forehead then she feels weightless. Valya opens her eyes. She is floating. Did she pass out already? When she realizes what is happening Valya closes her eyes again before she feels the softness of the bed. Dara using her biotics carried her in.

"You rest now."

Valya swears she hears her bondmate sniffling. She reaches out her hand without opening her eyes. She is thankful that Dara takes it. "Sorry Dara."

Dara places a warm washcloth on her forehead. "You rest. We can discuss this later."

Valya continues to hold her hand. She wants to console her bondmate, wants to apologize to her. She was scared. Once Elina was killed Dava seemed okay for a while. Her therapy was going well. But then things changed and they probably were not sudden even though it felt that way. Valya didn't notice the small changes in her daughter until it was too late. Now her daughter is in a jail cell most likely an Ardat-Yakshi and may very well be a target for this Justicar that appeared out of nowhere.

She needs to be well. She needs to make her bondmate understand. She needs her partner to be okay. She needs to speak to Shepard.

Valya quickly sits up. Dara is there with a waste bin as the former commando retches. She cannot hear the words her bondmate is speaking, everything is distorted. Valya flops back onto the bed. It doesn't take long before she falls into a deep sleep.


Raina and Mia are making dinner for their grandpa and sisters. Aethyta has been staying with them while their parents are off planet.

"Smells good, what are you making?" asks Aethyta.

"One of Mia's favorites, spaghetti and meatballs," says Raina.

"Why? We celebrating something?"

Raina and Mia exchange glances, "You could say that," says Mia.

"Say what?" asks Little A. She enters the kitchen to smell the sauce, "Wow that smells wonderful. Are you using Dad's recipe?"

"Of course, now please get out," says Raina with a smile.

"Can I taste?"

"It will be about ten more minutes. Out."

Little A pouts and walks around the breakfast bar to sit down and watch.

"You heard from your parent's lately?" asks Aethyta.

"Mom sent a message this morning," says Mia.

"And?"

"She is on her way to Tuchanka. She also asked about my meetings with recruiters and Eva's contest."

"She asked about Kaya too. Still don't know why I couldn't invite her over tonight," says Little A.

"Because you have your last exam tomorrow that's why," says Raina.

"Not sure why I am even here. You girls have everything under control."

"What? We love having you here grandpa." Little A throws her arms around the Matriarch's neck.

"Yeah yeah."

"Hmm what smells so good?" asks Eva.

"Where have you been?" asks Aethyta.

"What's the matter?" asks Little A.

Raina and Mia look toward Eva. It looks as if the asari has been crying.

"Oh it's nothing."

"Bullshit," says Aethyta.

Eva smiles a little, but it fades quickly.

"You heard back didn't you?" asks Raina.

Eva nods. "I didn't win."

Raina stops what she is going and walks over to Eva and gives her a hug. "I'm sorry Eva I really am. I know how excited you were." Little A then Mia are the next to give her hugs.

"This about your poem?" asks Aethyta.

"Yes."

"Fuck 'em."

"Grandfather!" says Raina with eyes as wide as saucers.

"I read that poem and it was beautiful so I say Fuck 'em!"

"Thanks grandpa." Eva hugs the Matriarch tightly.

"You will get it next time."

Eva steps back from the hug. She wipes her cheek. "Thanks. I hope so."

"And if you don't you know what I say…"

"Dinner!" Raina quickly cuts off her grandfather.

Everyone sits at the table while Raina and Mia serve.

"It looks wonderful," says Eva.

Raina and Mia return to the kitchen before sitting down. "Yes Mia, you should still share your news."

"I don't want to make Eva feel bad."

"She will be happy for you, you'll see."

"You two coming or what? I'm hungry," says Aethyta.

"Coming," says Raina. She takes Mia's hand and gives it a squeeze before joining everyone at the table.

"Wow this is good," says Little A.

"Don't sound so surprised," says Mia.

"So what's the occasion?" asks Eva.

Mia takes a sip of water then wipes her mouth. "I have decided to sign with a team."

"Which one?"

"The Vancouver Storm."

Eva and Little A both squeal and jump to their feet. They rush Mia she almost falls off her chair.

"That is fantastic!" says Eva.

"Are you sure? I wasn't sure if I should share the news just yet."

"Nonsense. I'm happy for you."

"Told you," says Raina with a wink.

"Have you told your parents about this?" asks Aethyta.

All eyes look to Mia. "I haven't had a chance. I mean Mom knew I was getting close to making a decision. The team said they needed to know in a few days and it has been a few days."

"Relax kid, I was just asking."

Mia lets out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. "Do you think they will be mad?"

"Mad? Are you kidding me? They will be thrilled." The Matriarch gets up and stands there waiting for Mia to also stand. When the young asari does, Aethyta hugs her close. "I'm proud of you Mia, they will be too."

"You really think so?"

"I know so."

Raina stands up and enters the kitchen.

"This calls for a celebration!" says Aethyta.

"That's what this is," says Mia.

"No I mean…" Raina hands her grandfather a glass of Ryncol. "Thank you Raina."

The gifted asari nods her head.

"Glasses up everyone."

Little A and Eva stand with their sisters and raise their water glasses.

"To Mia T'Soni, one badass Skyball player. The Storm is lucky to have you!"

"Here here!" says Little A.

They all clank glasses then drink.

"Invite some friends over. This deserves a party."

"I can't grandpa," says Mia.

"Why not?"

"We still have exams tomorrow."

"Oh shit, I forgot. When are you done with them?"

"We all finish tomorrow," says Eva.

"This weekend then?"

"I am not sure that is wise," says Raina.

Aethyta laughs a little. "What is the matter with all of you? I tell you you can throw a party and you are saying no? That's not how this usually works."

"I think we should," says Eva. "We can invite Shayna and Rose and Little A you can invite Kaya. And Raina we have not seen enough of Lacy lately. We should do it."

Raina puts her arm around Mia's shoulders. "What do you think?"

"I think it will be fun. Can I invite my team over grandpa?"

"Of course!"

"And it is still okay to stay out late tomorrow night? I am hanging with some of my friends from the team."

"Yes."

"There is still a curfew," says Raina.

"Hey, who is in charge here?" asks Aethyta.

"I am of course." She winks at her grandfather.

"I see. Guess I am just window dressing huh?"

Four sets of eyes look at the Matriarch.

"It's a human expression." Aethyta looks at each grandchild. They clearly don't get it. "Nevermind."


TUCHANKA

Wrex and Eli's Krogan are pushing hard. Eli agreed with Wrex that their next move after taking a small city must be to strike before Jurdon Gran can be fully prepared. Word about their victory has been heard by now so time is of the essence. The typical three day journey is being cut down to two days at least that is the hope. Right now one of the Tomkahs is not working and everyone is out of the vehicles waiting to start moving again.

It is mid-day, the sun is at its hottest. Shepard cannot remember a time when she was so uncomfortable. There is the good sweat you feel after a hard workout and then there is the sweat you feel just breathing in the sun. She feels disgusting. Sweat is trickling down her back and down her sides; it makes her want a long cool bath with blue arms wrapped around her slowly kissing her….

"Did you hear me Shepard?"

"Huh?"

"Sit down we are going to be a while," says Wrex.

Shepard didn't notice that the Krogan was sitting on a rock. She looks around.

"No there is no shade."

"Great." Shepard sits next to her friend. "What's wrong with the Tomkah?"

"I knew you weren't listening." Wrex pushes his shoulder into hers.

"Sorry."

"Still haven't heard from Liara?"

"No. I don't think she is getting my messages which can only mean one thing."

"No communication is getting off planet."

"Exactly. I don't know if she has received any of my messages."

Wrex growls.

"Cover! Cover!"

Shepard stands to see what is going on. The Krogan are taking position behind their Tomkahs because one is approaching from the distance. She holds out her hand to Wrex who takes it. His is moving slower each day. Thankfully they are not far from a vehicle. Shepard helps Wrex sit down then takes position at the rear of the vehicle.

The vehicle approaches. Shepard readies her shotgun.

"It's one of ours! One of ours!"

Shepard sets her weapon inside the Tomkah. She helps Wrex stand. He walks over to see the vehicle. "It's our scouts."

"The ones you sent to find the women?"

"Yes. Bring them here Shepard."

She does as he asks after helping him to the rock to sit down.

"Well?" asks Wrex when Shepard brings the scouts.

"We found them."

"Where?"

"Are they in the main city?" asks Shepard.

"Not exactly."

"Spit it out!"

Shepard swears she sees the scout tremble.

"A small compound about five miles outside the city."

"Security?"

"We can take them."

"I didn't ask that," Wrex stands without wavering. "I asked about the security."

"What's going on?" asks Eli.

"They found our women," says Wrex, "in a compound outside the main city."

"What's the security situation?" asks Eli.

"We saw ten patrolling the building. Inside we saw at least four," says the scout.

"Did you see the women?" asks Wrex.

"Yes. Behind locked doors and guarded by two Krogan at all times."

Wrex growls.

"Anything else?" asks Eli.

"No."

"Dismissed." The scouts leave Wrex, Eli and Shepard alone.

Shepard sits quietly. She knows that Wrex is thinking.

"We need to take the compound," the Krogan leader finally says.

"How many men do you want to take?" asks Eli.

"All of them."

"What?"

"We are short enough as it is. We take our women back."

Eli growls.

"Problem?"

"I don't agree."

"I don't care."

Eli lowers his eyes and growls again. He walks away.

"You want some food?" asks Shepard.

Wrex growls.

"You need to eat Wrex."

"You think I'm wrong Shepard?"

Shepard thinks about it. "It is a risk Wrex. You are short men, you could lose more. To take the city after more losses…well, it's a risk."

"We need our women Shepard."

"I agree. You take the city you get the women."

"Not necessarily."

Shepard narrows her eyes at the failing Krogan. "You think they will kill the women if the city falls? How does that further the Krogan race?"

"I don't want to take that chance or wait for the children to grow up. You don't know Jurdon Gran like I do. We need our women back. I need Bakara back."

Shepard pats him on the shoulder. "Then we get her back."

"Where you going?"

"To get some food then I will see if I can help with that damn Tomkah."


THESSIA

Valya hears voices in the next room. She slowly opens her eyes. She doesn't remember falling asleep. She wonders how long she has been out. Her headache is a dull ache now. She reaches for a glass of water on the nightstand.

The door opens.

"…check one more time but then if she is not awake…oh you're awake."

"Akira?"

"Oh thank the Goddess," says Dara. "You have been out for hours. I couldn't wake you." The asari grabs Valya's hand and kisses the back of it.

Valya a bit confused looks at Akira for an explanation.

"She called me to stop by to check on you."

"I was going to call emergency services but didn't want to panic over nothing. Akira was kind enough to come."

Akira approaches and runs a scan. "Well your vitals are good. How are you feeling?"

"Like I have been sleeping for days and still need more sleep. How is Atalia"? Valya takes another drink of water.

"I'll get you some more. Do you need anything Akira?"

"No thank you Dara."

Dara leaves the room. Akira sits at the side of the bed.

Valya touches her hand, "Atalia?"

"She still won't speak to me. She is a stubborn ass."

"Are you all right?"

Akira smiles at her. She moves her hand away when Dara enters the room.

"So Valya is alright then?"

"I believe so Dara."

"I'm fine," says Valya. "If it isn't too much trouble can I speak to Akira alone a minute? It's about the case."

Dara stiffens. "Of course." She closes the door after she leaves.

"Whoa. Did the temperature just drop in here?" asks Akira.

Valya rests her head back on the pillow after drinking more water. "She is upset with me because Naava told her that there is an Ardat-Yakshi on the loose."

"You're not serious."

"Yep. She is pretty upset with me."

"Well she must understand that you cannot talk to her about ongoing investigations right?"

"Well a possible Ardat-Yakshi on the loose hasn't been an ongoing investigation exactly."

"I'm sorry. Here let me take that." Akira takes the glass of water from Valya and sets it on the nightstand. The medical examiner touches the former commando's face and forehead. "You feel hot but you do not have a fever according to my scan."

"It's hot in here."

"Not really. You look pale Valya. Maybe you should go back to the hospital. I tried to tell Dara that I am not used to working on live patients."

Valya laughs which makes her wince and close her eyes shut. "Ouch."

Akira touches her arm, "Sorry."

"Atalia will be okay you know."

"I'm not so sure." Akira looks away.

Valya props up on her elbows to look at the pale blue asari, "Why do you say that?"

Akira wipes her cheek. When she turns her head toward Valya, the former commando sees tears in her eyes. "She blames herself for Caressa's death. It has been days. She won't speak to me. She won't start her physical therapy. The doctor told me that she either has to start her therapy soon or they are going to discharge her. I .." her voice trails off.

Valya grabs her hand. "What? What is it?"

"I don't want to say. I am a horrible person just for thinking it."

"What?"

"I don't want her home with me if she won't do her physical therapy. Her muscles with atrophy and she won't recover nearly as fast. It's…it's like she has given up. Like she thinks she deserves punishment for what happened. I keep trying to tell her that without her we would not know about this Shadow person." Akira wipes her cheek again. "Which reminds me. Did you hear about the Justicar?"

"Don't change the subject. You are not a horrible person."

"Aren't I? I don't like it when she is like this. I mean I can handle once or twice a year around her sister's death. She bounces back from that and she has gotten better as the years have passed. But this. I have never seen her so defeated like this Valya. It's like she is a different person. A person I don't want to be around. I can only take so much ya know. I can't continue to go talk to her and be ignored for hours and hours." Akira starts to cry into her hands.

Valya sits up as best she can. The world only slightly spins now that she is upright. She hugs Akira. "It's going to be all right, you'll see. She just needs time to grieve."

Akira nods her head as she sobs onto Valya's shoulder.

"I'll talk to her. As soon as I am able, I will go and talk some sense into her. Okay?"

Akira breaks from the hug. She wipes her face with both hands. "I am so tired of crying."

Valya cups her cheek with her hand. "Everything is going to be all right. And besides, you're still beautiful even when you cry." She smiles at her.

Akira places her hand over Valya's. Their eyes meet. Akira leans close.

Valya quickly places her forehead on the medical examiner's forehead so their lips will not meet. "Akira."

"I know."

"I'm sorry."

"I know." The medical examiner stands. "You get some rest. I'll be fine."