This short chapter takes us on a whirlwind tour on Elaaden and the Archon ship, but more importantly highlights Peebee's realization that she truly needs someone...

Chapter 20, Needs

After what they'd been through, Elaaden didn't prove much of a challenge. With all her experience Stephanie had little trouble restoring the Vault. Outlaws cried for mama when they caught sight of Drax. The krogan settlement was going to be a great ally for the Nexus. Good news all around.

Peebee tried to be happy with all this smooth sailing but she couldn't. She'd noticed Ryder being more distant and she hated it. More distant, because of him.

Reyes Vidal joined them for a couple of missions. The official explanation was 'resource exploration' but Peebee knew better.

He wants to be with Steph.

It shouldn't bother her this much but it did. Seeing Stephanie Ryder and him together felt... unpleasant.

After exploring the huge Remnant ship Peebee thought she'd be happier as she carried loads of Remtech into the bright sunlight. But the lifeless metal in her arms felt so... insignificant.

What's wrong Peebs?

She caught sight of Steph and Vidal. They were not focused on the mission at all - instead goofing around, running after each other. He was teasing her. She was giggling. He playfully pinched her butt and she squealed before laughing out loud. He joined her and they laughed like fools in love.

Yugh.

Peebee stood alone, watching with hollow eyes. She was just going through the motions as she proceeded to bring the Remtech to the vehicle. Ignored the kissing couple.

It was impossible to admit she needed Steph. She didn't need anyone! It was better to go alone. No strings, no pain. Right?

At night the crew of the Tempest had organized a movie night and a good time was had by all. Snacks, fun and excitement. Peebee didn't care at all. Vidal was hanging on the couch, Steph in his arms. She could barely look at them and went to bed early. Alone.

She had always enjoyed being alone. But tonight felt... different.

The bed was cold. The room was quiet. She turned and turned, unable to sleep.

I really like her. I do. She's funny. And she likes me. But there's no way I want a relationship... right?

She rolled her eyes. Even that word. Relationship. "Yugh."

A nagging voice at the back of her mind was refusing to be quiet.

Wouldn't you like it if she was here with you right now?

Yes. Yes I would.

...she's been very clear about her intentions. She likes me. But now she's with him!

"Aargh!" Throwing her hands up in a dramatic gesture she growled at the ceiling. Closing her eyes she saw Stephanie. Always Stephanie.

Gotta face it Peebs... you can't stop thinking about her

...I wish she was here right now!

The sudden, urgent need made her belly turn. She was not dependant on anyone, dammit.

Ugh, just go to sleep Peebs!

So it had come to this. They were making good progress aboard the Archon's ship but to break out of these shackles, SAM was going to stop Ryder's heart.

Wait, what?

Peebee felt her head spin. "No way!" She could not allow this to happen!

SAM was going to stop her heart. She was going to die.

"Waitasecond wait-a-second!" Peebee yelled, way too loud, "shall we think about this? Dying sounds like a really... really stupid idea. I'm putting it mildly!"

Was she even seriously considering it? Can't be, right? She looked at Steph's expression. Ryder didn't looked worried at all. Was she really gonna risk her life on SAM'S suggestion?

"You don't have to do this. Please don't do this!"

Stephanie flashed her a painful grin. "We gotta get out of here. Otherwise all three of us will die. Or worse."

Peebee knew what she was talking about. Experimentation. Exaltation. "Yes, but... but..."

"Sam, is there any other way?" Ryder asked.

"I believe this is the only way."

"Ok. Do it."

Peebee gasped as she watched Stephanie falling to the floor. This was not happening!

The electric shackles around Ryder's wrists disappeared but Peebee didn't care. "NO! OH NO!"

Steph was not breathing. Not moving. She was dead. "NOOO! SAM!"

"Stimulating the cadiovascular core. Zero activity."

Emotions swirled like a wildfire. She felt like she was going to throw up. She felt defeated. Stephanie hadn't moved in well over a minute. Sam's efforts were in vain! "Steph... oh no..."

"Stimulating the cadiovascular core. Zero activity."

Sam could not bring her back. She watched the lifeless body of her friend and felt like crying. Tears rolled down her cheeks. "Stephanie... please... oh please."

A lump swelled in her throat and she found it hard to breathe. What was the point without Ryder?

In a flash Peebee recalled all the fun and laughter she'd shared with the young pathfinder. We're so in tune with each other... like we can read each other's mind. I can really talk to her...

"Stimulating the cadiovascular core. Zero activity."

Even now Sam's voice was maddeningly calm. He didn't care about Steph as she did - he was just a machine - he didn't care at all!

Two minutes and Ryder had not moved. "What the fuck! Sam!"

"Stimulating the cadiovascular core. Zero activity."

"SAM!"

Suddenly Steph inhaled sharply and twitched. In a flash she sat upright. 'I'm h-here! I'm here!"

Peebee dropped to her knees and hugged her friend. "Ohmygosh! Oh!"

"Now now..." Steph stroked the asari's back and felt her sobbing, "it's okay... it all worked out."

Suddenly Peebee shoved her. "Crazy! I think of myself as daring and death-defying but you..."

"You are daring. I had to up my game."

"Well you win. Jackass."

As she was following the team, Peebee still felt her heart beating incredibly loud. She had come this close to losing Stephanie and that thought was unbearable.

I cannot ever lose her... I care about her so much!

She swallowed hard.

I want her. I want to be with her. I need her in my life!

Admitting to herself that she needed anyone was incredibly difficult. Shocking. But she knew.