THESSIA
Scream. All Valya wants to do is scream. Her bondmate is lying in front of her and she is dead. How can she be dead? What the hell happened? The former commando cannot stop touching Dara's lifeless form. Her hands are so cold. Sitting up now Valya tries to warm Dara's hands. "I'm sorry Dara….I'm…" her voice trails off.
She doesn't hear the sirens or notice the sky cars landing. All Valya can think about is how cold Dara must be. Valya lifts and holds Dara's hand against her cheek as she strokes her arm. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."
"Valya?"
The former commando does not hear Kendall. The detective on the scene along with her partner Andrea heard the call come in from Akira. Meryl dispatched them immediately.
"She is contaminating evidence," says Andrea.
"Shh, I know that."
"Lilly is going to be pissed."
"Have some sympathy! Goddess Andrea."
"Look I'm sorry but I'm just thinking abou…"
"I disagree." Kendall steps closer to Andrea, "You are not thinking at all. Go over there and wait for Lilly."
Andrea says nothing more. She breaks eye contact and walks away.
Valya feels a hand on her shoulder. "Valya? It's Kendall. You…" feeling her throat is suddenly tight Kendall clears it then kneels down next to Valya. "You have to let her go now."
Valya doesn't voice a reply just shakes her head as she continues to hold Dara's limp hand against her cheek.
Kendall keeps her hand on Valya's shoulder, "Valya. You have to let go. We can take it from here." Kendall stands behind her and gently places her hands under Valya's arms. She starts to pull gently.
Valya shrugs her off, "Not yet!"
Kendall looks up to see Lilly, Akira's counterpart. She is very meticulous about her crime scenes and Kendall can tell by the look on her face that she is not happy that the body is being contaminated. When their eyes meet Lilly gives Kendall a sad smile and a nod. She and Andrea keep their distance.
Kendall kneels back down. "What can I do for you Valya? What do you need?"
Valya just shakes her head.
It takes another ten minutes before Valya lets go of Dara's hand. Kendall leads her away from the dead body to sit down keeping their back to Dara. A police officer stops by with bottled water. Kendall hands one to Valya. When she doesn't do anything with it Kendall opens it for her, takes her hand and says, "Drink."
Without thinking Valya raises the bottle to her mouth and drinks.
"Are you with me Valya?" asks Kendall.
The former commando wipes her mouth with the back of her hand and looks up at Kendall, making eye contact for the first time. She quickly looks away, "Yeah."
"Do you know what happened?"
Valya shakes her head.
"Why was your bondmate at one of our safe houses?"
Valya looks at her confused. "What?"
"Why was Dara here?"
Valya averts her eyes. She didn't tell anyone what she was doing with her bondmate and Dava, only Akira knew. "Akira."
"Akira? She called this in. She said she was following someone. Sara and Naava are meeting up with her. This person Akira is following, do you think they had something to do with this?"
Valya feels so lost. It is hard to think. She wants out, this isn't happening, this can't be happening. The former commando suddenly stands. "Where is Akira?"
Kendall stands with her extending her arms out as if to settle a horse down. "I…I'm not sure. Valya?"
"I need to go." Valya starts walking quickly toward a sky car.
Kendall follows, "Valya I don't think that is such a good idea. Valya?" Kendall catches her arm.
Valya turns fast and throws a punch. Kendall is totally caught off guard and falls to the ground. Valya quickly checks her pockets. She finds keys and runs to the sky car when she sees officers and Andrea running toward her.
TUCHANKA
Shepard has not slept so soundly as she is sleeping now. Her omni-tool is beeping which brings her out of her dream. She and Liara were having a repeat performance from last night and …
"Elly? Are you going to get that?"
"Hmm?" Shepard slowly rolls over. She is not sure if she is awake or dreaming. "What?"
Liara quickly gets out of the bed and grabs Shepard's omni-tool. "Hello?"
"Yes hello is this Elly Shepard?"
Liara thinks she recognizes the voice but cannot be sure. She sits back on the bed. "No this is her bondmate Dr. Liara T'Soni. May I help you?"
"Dr. T'Soni."
Liara swears she hears relief in the caller's voice.
"This is Captain Meryl from the Thessia Police Department."
Shepard has started to kiss Liara along her leg when Liara stops her with her hand. When Shepard looks up at her she sees the look on the asari's face. Shepard sits up and waits.
"Yes Captain what can I do for you?" Liara grabs Shepard's hand. "I am putting you on speaker Captain, I am here with Shepard."
They hear the Captain clear her throat.
"Go ahead Captain."
"Y-Yes thank you. You two are listed as emergency contacts for Valya."
"Valya?" says Shepard, "what happened? Is she alright?"
"I am afraid I have some bad news. There was an accident and Dara is dead."
Liara's hand covers her mouth immediately as her eyes start to tear up. Shepard places her arm around her.
"What happened?" asks Shepard. "Are Valya and Dava okay?"
"Valya is fine. I have some detectives with her."
"And Dava?" Shepard pulls Liara closer to her as the asari starts to cry softly into the human's shoulder.
"We are looking for her."
Liara gasps a little between sobs. She starts to cry harder. Shepard holds her close. "What does that mean Captain?"
"I would like to put a protective detail on your daughter Mia."
Liara sits up and looks at the omni-tool with wide eyes.
"Why?" asks Shepard.
"As you know Dava has a fixation with her and we want to take every precaution."
Shepard and Liara look at each other. Liara shakes her head in horror. Shepard asks, "Are you telling me that you think Dava killed her mother?"
"That is unknown at this time Shepard. Can we go ahead and send a car now? I would like them to be able to walk the perimeter of your home. I promise they will keep out of your way."
"We appreciate it Captain. We are off planet at the moment. I am not sure how quickly we can get back, but it will be at least a few days before we are in town."
"I see."
"My father Aethyta is staying with the children," says Liara as she chokes up again.
"We will call her to inform her of the police presence Captain," says Shepard.
"Thank you. As I said it is a precaution and the moment we locate Dava I will remove the team from the house. I will send out a team as soon as I can."
"Understood Captain thank you for the call." Shepard disconnects the call and holds Liara tightly as she cries.
THESSIA
Aethyta is sitting outside enjoying her Ryncol while she watches absolutely nothing. The kids are out of the house running errands or on dates or writing for fun or something. She knows they told her but she can't remember. They are done with their school term and they are having fun like they are supposed to. The Matriarch is enjoying the peace and quiet in one of them Adirondack chairs sipping her third Ryncol or maybe it's her fourth.
Still unable to reach her daughter, Aethyta hopes they will call soon because they still do not know about Mia signing with the Vancouver Storm. As if on cue her omni-tool beeps. It takes a few tries but she finds the correct button, maybe she is on drink number five not four. "Yeah?"
"Aethyta?"
"Shepard? Where the hell have you been? You got my kid with you?"
"Hi Dad."
"Liara? Why do you sound funny? What is going on? You two still playing around on that desert planet?"
"Aethyta are the kids with you?" asks Shepard.
"Nah. They're out and about."
"What do you mean? Where is Mia?" asks Liara.
Aethyta sits up suddenly very awake, the buzz she was feeling is gone. "What's going on? What's the matter kid?"
"Aethyta, Dara is dead."
"What? When did this happen?"
"Liara and I just heard from the Thessia police department. They are sending over some officers to watch over Mia. Do you know where she is?"
"Mia? Why?"
"Just answer the question!" Liara yells.
Aethyta stands as if that will help with her memory. "Give me a minute." She thinks. She knows each one of them told her what they were doing today. "Yes! She and Eva are hanging out with Shayna and Rose. Oriana is there with them."
"Oh thank the Goddess," says Liara.
"Can you do me a favor?"
"Sure Shepard name it."
"Can you call her to make sure she is okay? Then when the police come tell them where she is and they will escort them home."
"You don't want to scare them do you? I can let Oriana know what is going on. Let the kids play for a while then I can bring them home. They have only been gone for a few hours."
"I don't want you taking any chances Aethyta, bring the police with you."
"Who exactly are we supposed to be afraid of?"
"That would be me."
Aethyta turns around and sees an asari she has never seen before.
"Who the hell are you?" Aethyta can hear her daughter yelling for her on her omni-tool.
The asari looks the Matriarch up and down. "Give me what I want and I will let you live."
Aethyta shields herself and throws a slam at the asari. She is thrown up in the air and slammed into the ground. Aethyta steps away from the Adirondack chair. "Let me live eh? You'll be lucky if I let you live you fucking bitch!"
The unknown asari starts to stand but Aethyta throws a biotic ball at her. It hits her square in the chest sending her flying a few feet before landing hard on her back.
Aethyta walks with purpose toward the downed asari. She is about to throw another ball when suddenly the asari is on her feet and casting her own spell. Thankfully Aethyta is shielded but she feels the immense power behind the attack, she is pushed back a few feet.
Aethyta throws another ability and it catches the unknown asari in the ankle as she tries to dive out of the way. She cries out. When she rolls to her feet the Matriarch knows she hurt her. Aethyta can see the fear in her eyes.
They both hear it at the same time. Little A entering the house. The unknown asari looks through the floor to ceiling windows and sees the young asari as she walks in. She looks at Aethyta with a snarl on her face as she moves a little to Aethyta's left.
Aethyta quickly throws another biotic ball but the unknown asari is able to dodge it. The ball slams through one of the windows into the house.
"Nice one," she says with a sadistic smile on her face. "Explain that to her parents." She throws a biotic ball toward Aethyta then runs around the house to the front.
Aethyta barely feels the attack. She knows it is to delay her pursuit of the unknown asari. Something she won't do anyway because she cannot keep her eyes from the unmoving form lying in the family room.
Aethyta is screaming internally at herself. She knows now that she played right into the unknown asari's hands by throwing another attack. She is telling herself to move, to check on Little A, but her body won't obey.
TUCHANKA
"Father! Father can you hear me?" Liara is pacing now. She is near hysterics.
Shepard starts to pack. She needs to think, she needs to plan. She puts her gear in her bag and sets it on the bed.
"She's not answering Elly why is she not answering!"
"Liara…Liara honey look at me. Look at me." Shepard grabs Liara's shoulders to face her. "You need to take a deep breath."
"Elly how can you…."
"Liara listen to me." Liara tries to struggle out of her grip but can't. "Take a deep breath right now."
Liara stops struggling. "Why won't she answer? You heard the voice right? You heard it. Oh Elly." Liara crumbles into her bondmate's arms. Shepard guides her to the floor as the asari sobs. Shepard fights the heat behind her own eyes. She needs to think, she needs to plan.
"Liara honey I need you to listen to me okay?"
Liara nods.
"We need to call Miranda and Arelia and meet them at your ship. We need to get home as soon as possible. I am going to tell Wrex and Bakara that we have to leave."
"Goddess Elly Wrex! What about Grunt?"
"I know honey." Shepard blinks away the tears in her eyes she can't cry right now. "Wrex is dying; our staying or leaving won't change that. The Krogan will do what they can to find Grunt. We are needed elsewhere Liara, they will understand that okay? Can you call them?"
Liara starts to sob into her hands. Shepard holds her. "Okay, it's okay. I will call them. Can you do me a favor?"
Liara continues to sob.
"Okay. Just hang on honey. I will call them right now." Shepard dials her omni-tool.
"You know what time it is Shepard?" asks Miranda in a not so nice tone.
"Miranda?"
"What is it?" Her tone changes to worry. "What's going on?"
"I need you and Arelia to get the ship Liara came in on, it's outside of the compound. Shh Shh" Shepard tries to quiet Liara's sobs.
"What is that Shepard is that Liara? What is going on?"
"There is no easy way to tell you this Miranda."
"Spit it out Shepard!"
"Dara is dead."
"What?"
"Something is going on back home and we need to get there fast. Can you get the ship? It's outside of the compound. We need to leave as soon as possible."
"Yes of course. We can be there within the hour."
"Thanks Miranda."
"Do you know how?"
"No I don't, but I sure as hell am going to find out when we get home. See you soon." Shepard disconnects the calls. She pulls Liara into a tight hug. "Shh it's going to be okay, everything's going to be okay."
After a few minutes Liara's sobs turn into cries.
Shepard says, "Tell you what Liara, why don't you stay here and I will go talk to Wrex okay?"
"No!" Liara grabs her arm when she tries to stand.
"Okay, okay but I need to tell him what is going on Liara. It's the middle of the night. I think I owe him a goodbye at least."
"No I mean," Liara wipes her face with her hands, "I want to come with you."
They walk through the dark twists and turns of the base with their bags in hand. Shepard is starting to panic inside that maybe she is going the wrong way when she sees Bakara up ahead. "Thank God, Eve."
"Shepard, Liara. What…?" the female Krogan looks between the two, "What is going on?"
"Something is happening at home that needs our immediate attention. I'm sorry Eve but we have to leave. Is Wrex awake so we can say goodbye?"
"I was bringing him some water. Wait here and I will check." Bakara enters the room.
Bakara steps into the hallway, "Please come in, the lights are low to help with his headache."
Liara not trusting her voice at the moment squeezes Bakara's arm as they enter.
"Hey Wrex."
"Shepard. Liara. What's going on?"
"We just got word from home that a dear friend of ours has died."
"I'm sorry Shepard, Liara," says Bakara.
"We need to get home because our children may be in danger. I'm sorry Wrex I know you are in the middle…"
Wrex lifts his hand to stop Shepard. "Nonsense." The Krogan slowly stands. "It has been a pleasure and an honor to be by your side again Shepard." Wrex extends his hand. Shepard looks at it and she cannot help the tears in her eyes now. She hugs her friend because she knows it will be the last time she sees him alive.
"I love you Wrex." She whispers in his ear.
Wrex growls.
Shepard steps back wiping her cheek.
"Oh Wrex." Liara hugs him tightly. "I'm so sorry to leave like this. I was hoping we could have at least caught up." Liara steps back from the hug.
"Not much to catch up on. Got poisoned, lost control of the planet, got control back." He laughs.
Bakara hugs Shepard then Liara then returns to Wrex's side holding his hand.
"The Krogan are lucky to have you Wrex. It's been an honor my friend."
"We would not have this chance without you. It seems the Krogan owe you another debt of gratitude Shepard, Liara," says Bakara.
"It was our pleasure," says Liara. "Goodbye." The asari can't help herself. She hugs them both again.
"You take care of her Shepard," says Wrex.
"Always." They both nod to each other then Shepard with bags in hand leaves Wrex and Bakara behind in order to get home to her family.
THESSIA
Akira is sitting in a sky car outside of an apartment complex about ten miles outside of Armali. She is waiting for Sara and Neeva to turn up. She answers her omni-tool when it starts to beep thinking it is one of them.
"Akira?"
"Valya? Goddess Valya what are you doing?"
"Where are you? Activate your beacon."
"What? Why?"
"Because I want to find the fucking person who killed by bondmate!"
"Valya you need to think about this."
"Fucking tell me where you are Akira and tell me right now!"
Against her better judgment Akira punches her beacon. "I'm outside of an apartment complex. Sara and Naava should be here any minute. They are bringing some officers with them so we can enter the premises."
"We? You are not going inside Akira."
"I didn't mean, I mean…I know I'm not going in."
"I'm not that far from you. What have you seen so far?"
"Well I am pretty sure they didn't see me. I saw two asari enter."
"Was one of them Dava?"
"I am pretty sure yes."
"Was she walking on her own? Was she hurt?"
"I didn't get a really close look Valya, but I don't think she was hurt. She walked fast."
"What does that mean? Was she trailing behind the other asari or walking next to her or…?"
"I don't know Valya." Akira thinks maybe she should not have activated her beacon after all, but if it were Atalia she would want revenge too.
"Think Akira. Maybe she was being pulled along or something, you know against her will."
"It's possible."
"Why? Why do you say that?"
"Well they were walking together and Dava had to walk pretty fast to keep up with the other asari."
"Okay so the other asari is taller then. She has a longer stride."
"Makes sense."
There is a prolonged silence. "Valya I heard about Dara."
"Don't say her name. I can't….I just can't. I see you." Valya lands the sky car behind Akira's.
The medical examiner watches the former commando grab a few weapons then enters her car.
"How long have they been in there?" Valya checks her clip on a pistol and holsters it then checks the shotgun.
"Uh, what are you doing?"
"Going in."
"Not without backup you're not."
"No time." Valya starts to get out of the car. Akira grabs her arm.
"You are NOT going in there by yourself."
Valya turns toward the medical examiner. The look in her eyes makes Akira let go. "Valya please don't."
"Don't what?"
Akira touches her arm again. "I don't want to lose you."
Valya looks at her. She looks at Akira's hand on her arm then makes eye contact again. In a very even tone of voice she says, "Let go. Now."
"No. You are waiting for backup. You are not running in there to get yourself killed because you just lost your bondmate!" She cannot believe she just said that. She wants to get through to the former commando but she doesn't want to hurt her further. "You need to live for your daughter." She sees the extreme hurt in Valya's eyes, the glassy look to them, she knows the former commando is close to tears and it's her fault.
"Let go."
Akira is scared with how calm Valya is. "I can't. I'm sorry but I can't let you go in there without backup. You're not thinking straight. You know I'm right."
"How dare you." Valya pulls her arm away and gets out of the sky car.
Akira quickly gets out and runs to stop the detective from crossing the street. "No don't go in there."
Valya is looking past Akira who is standing in her way. She sees flashes of blue and red through a window on the first floor. "What the hell?"
"What?" Akira turns to look where Valya is looking.
The detective starts to run toward the entrance.
"Valya no!" Akira runs after her.
Valya stops cold in her tracks when she is close to the apartment entrance. She aims her shotgun at the asari who is exiting. She can't seem to keep her weapon steady, she is shaking.
The asari looks confused and a little unsteady on her feet. She is covered in blood. Their eyes meet. Valya can't speak, can't move, can't think.
"Dad?"
