Chapter 16

Abby had hoped Omega would return to normal after Aria got closure, but she was beginning to realise it was wistful thinking. Omega was never normal. It had its own rhythm and constantly changed as the variables inside it did. Abby hoped Cerberus's presence would diminish. However, as far as they could tell, their numbers only increased. Cerberus' representatives were present in very specific regions. Most lived in the central area of Omega, where Aria's people could keep an eye on them. The Pirate Queen of Omega had the sense not to put them in wards with a strong mercenary presence, but there were incidents. Minor, considering most of Omega's denizens were criminals, but still troubling. Tensions between the batarians and Cerberus were particularly high. The former blamed the latter for what happened in Ba'hak.

With Shepard out of the public eye, it was easier to blame all humans.

Even Abby struggled with the odd racial altercation, and for her, it went both ways. Batarians hated her because she was human and Cerberus operatives hated her because she shared her life with an alien. A month after Liselle's death, Omega still felt like a cookpot.

At least Asura was alright, Abby mused as she ordered them supper from one of the local bars. She had a long day in the clinic and knew Asura had to pay attention to her business dealings. The demand for minerals had increased across the galaxy. It was a sign, Asura said, that the nations were preparing for war.

Though nobody claimed it openly, she felt everybody was worried about the reapers. Someone had leaked data from the Normandy's scans of the Ba'hak system just before it departed. Most called it fake news, but there was no denying the energy signatures the ship recorded.

It was nearly identical to Sovereigns, the reaper who had carried Saren to the Citadel to open a portal to dark space. Abby didn't know where dark space was, but she knew she didn't want to visit.

The thought made her chuckle, and she took the drink offered by Drethus Miik, the drell. He had been disappointed not to see Asura. He had expressed more than once that she was so lucky to have such a beautiful partner.

If only you knew, Abby thought as she turned her attention to an advertisement.

"Are you one of those cowardly humans who cannot get on with other species?"The batarian voice hissed over the speakers. "Do you think your skills are too good for Omega? Do you want a normal job? Well then, coward, this announcement is for you. The colony of Horizon is recruiting! Arrogantly, these idiots think they can create a second Illium out in the Terminus Systems. As if the disaster of Eden Prime wasn't enough…"

Abby snorted in surprise, then chuckled.

"Trust a batarian to call a spade a spade," she mused to herself and was a little surprised when someone slipped in beside her with a soft laugh. She turned to find a human woman sitting down, an amused look on her face. She was drinking wine and looked like she was at her day's end.

"I doubt the colony got the advertisement they paid for," the stranger mused.

Abby blinked and wondered if she should respond. When the woman turned to look at her, she fumbled a bit.

"Ah… Well, I doubt," she mused. "But then again, you need a special kind of voice to be heard out here. And look, it got our attention."

"Fair enough," the woman said and raised her glass to Abby. She was of mixed race, with dark brown hair and a vaguely Asian aesthetic except for her blue eyes. "Are you tempted? I'm Rachel, by the way. I've just moved here." She put down her glass and held out her hand.

Abby hesitated, then reached out and took her hand. She didn't look like someone who would willingly move to Omega. Cerberus maybe?

"I'm not," Abby said. "But I'm crazy enough to like Omega." Rachel chuckled at this, not letting go of Abby's hand immediately. "Why did you move here? If there are opportunities for idiot humans, such as us, on Horizon."

Rachel finally let her go and settled back to take another sip of her drink. "Well, I've never considered myself cowardly," she pointed out. "And there are a lot of opportunities on this asteroid. Why are you here? If you don't mind me saying, you don't have a spacer accent."

Abby shrugged. "Opportunity," she pointed out. "I'm from Wales, originally. I'm Abby. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Rachel's smile was warm. "Definitively," she said. "It's such a pleasure to see a friendly face. Do you work here?"

Abby shrugged, then realised there was no harm in saying. The truth was she was so flustered by this stranger deciding to have a conversation she didn't quite know what to say.

"I have a practice," she said. "I'm a medical professional."

"Medical…" Rachel mused. "That's good to hear. Tell me, I've heard rumours of a plague which spread around the lower wards. Is it still a problem?" She sounded concerned.

Abby quickly shook her head and accepted the food packets Drethus served her.

"Oh, not for many months," she said. "And humans were immune to it. It's nothing to worry about. She…" Abby nearly said Shepard. "A salarian doctor found a cure. You do have the odd outbreak of the flu or some form of dysentery every now and again, but it's mostly in the lower wards." Normal whenever people or animals congregate in a small space together.

"That's good to hear," she said. "Anything else I should be worried about?"

Abby smiled and shook her head. "Just keep your nose clean," she said. "And keep your head down. You might feel that Omega's a little tense now, but we hope it will pass." She shrugged. "If you can't work with aliens, move to Horizon."

Rachel smiled. "I don't think I'll be happy there," she said. "Though I do admire what they are doing, you know. They are the only colony that withstood a Collector attack. They are working hard at rebuilding. I can understand why they are recruiting. They need the best for the work they are doing."

Abby shrugged. "The best humans," she pointed out and decided to be frank. "Some of the best places and recent developments were made by an alliance of species. I disagree with Horizon's politics."

Rachel's gaze was searching. "But can you blame them?" She asked. "Their people were taken and slaughtered by the Collectors. Culturally, it will take them months to recover."

Abby smiled politely. "And I wish them well," she said, taking her food. "I must go. Thank you for your company, Rachel." She hesitated, feeling awkward at her abrupt exit. "Maybe I'll see you around."

Rachel hadn't picked up on her discomfort and sipped her wine.

"Maybe we will," she said. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Abby."

The strange thing was Abby didn't know if she could say the same.

Asura was lost in thought when the door opened, her eyes scanning the datapad. She had long since stopped seeing the actual words on it. Glancing at Abby before looking at the time, she was surprised to see how late it was.

I haven't done half of what I should have done.

Pinching her brow, she stood up and went to help her partner with the food.

"Hello, my love," Abby said warmly and was happy to relinquish some of her bags because it gave her a free hand to slip around Asura. "Rough day?" She used her grip on Asura to steady herself and stood on her toes to give her a kiss on the cheek.

"Unproductive day," Asura said. "It is worse. I'm at a loss with the business." She motioned to the data pads stacked on their dining room table. "Vena sent those over, but she's right. I will have to make a few onsite visits with her." She had been trying to avoid that because it usually involved a lot of time away from home.

Abby raised a brow at the revelation and went to get them some wine glasses.

"Remind me," she said. "She's the one who helped you with your mother's business."

Asura nodded. "She's on the board," she said. "And can vote in our absence." A thought struck her. "Come to think of it, I must introduce you two. She oversees a lot of the finances. I think it's important she knows you are a part of the family now."

Abby chuckled at her turn of phrase.

"You make it sound like the mafia," she said. "I doubt it's necessary. I don't think I can add anything to your business." She smiled shyly, and it filled Asura with warmth.

I don't deserve you.

"She's a good connection to have," Asura said. "And if something ever happens to me…"

"Which it won't," Abby said quickly.

Asura thought about the last couple of weeks and ploughed forward. "If something happens to me, she can care for you."

Abby waved the sentence away as if to banish the thought.

"That's not in the cards, Asura." She pointed out. "Besides, Aria's got other things on her mind these days. I haven't seen any of her people around in ages. I think they are too busy keeping the batarians and Cerberus out of each other's hair."

Asura had to agree. She was worried about Omega. Abby believed they'd be spared if they kept their heads down and ignored the politics. Asura wasn't so sure. The influx of Cerberus personnel had brought hostility, dividing the asteroid across species. There was a sense of "us" and "them".

Aria kept control of the situation through sheer force of will, but she was partially to blame for it. She should never have let Cerberus come here.

"So when do you think this trip will be?" Abby asked. "Do you want me to come with you?"

Asura had been considering it all day. As always, she wanted to be as close to Abby as possible. However, it would be a draining trip for her partner. She was also happier working in the clinic.

"Probably next week," Asura said. "And…" She paused and sighed. "It would be a waste of your time."

Dark, ageless eyes studied her.

"I don't mind," the woman said. "If it will help you."

Asura smiled at her. "My appetite's not what it used to be," she said, and it was true. Melding with the hybrid had been so frightening she found new strength to withstand her urges. Abby's expression was kind as she came closer and slipped an arm around her again.

"It's not about that," she said. "I just don't want you to be alone."

Asura drew Abby closer and breathed in, taking in the smell of her, feeling the familiar contours of her body. Desire came, though it was soon replaced by love.

"I'll be fine," she said, realising she had to do this alone. I can't lean on her the whole time. "Will you be?"

Abby smiled and took her hand to bring to her lips. "I will," she said. "Of course, we'll have to plan the departure." She pulled away from Asura and returned to the kitchen, pouring them some wine.

"Maybe when you come back, you and I can go on holiday somewhere. We haven't really had a break in a while. I think getting out will do us both good." Her eyes brightened as she motioned to Asura to sit at the kitchen counter. "Maybe we can find a beach somewhere."

Her delight at the idea soothed Asura's senses, and she smiled.

"Anyway," her partner continued. "I should tell you; I heard the funniest advertisement today. A batarian was reading a recruitment piece for Horizon, and the way he did it was so scathing. He made it sound as if only cowards would dare to go there. Those humans who don't have the stomach for staying here."

The name came up a lot these days. Horizon.

"I haven't heard," Asura confessed, a thought coming to her. "Would you be tempted to go to such a colony?"

Abby chuckled. "I'll tell you what I told the woman in the bar," she pointed out. "I like Omega. I'd hate to imagine what it's like in a pro-human colony. I can't see any good coming from it."

"What woman?" Asura asked out of curiosity. "Was she human?"

Abby nodded. "New arrival," she said. "Claiming there are opportunities here." She frowned as she packed out their food. "I don't think I liked her, to be honest. She had a funny vibe. Of course, I might be out of practice having an actual, friendly conversation with my own kind."

Asura thought of the life Abby had before she came here.

"Don't you miss it?" She asked curiously. "Connecting with your own kind? Oh, thank you." She accepted the food Abby passed to her. "This looks wonderful."

Abby agreed. "Harry is the only one who can do a curry right," she said. "Trust me, I've sampled several." She settled down opposite Asura and took a sip of her wine. "And I don't miss my own kind, Asura. Life is too rich here. I don't need to connect with other humans. I have Jack, Kelly and Chakwas to reach out to. And I have a few human clients. It's not as if I need more." She hesitated. "You? You don't really interact with your own kind either."

Well, there was that.

Asura shrugged. "You know why," she said. "They can sense I'm different. They don't always understand it, but I don't like taking the risk."

"Well," Abby said. "It's the same for me. The woman called me out on my accent today. It always makes me nervous because they might ask more questions I can't answer. I've never been to Earth. I can fool other species, but not my own." She studied Asura from across the table. "What have you been thinking about all day, my love? You're in a strange mood."

What had she been thinking? Asura considered the question as she glanced back at the datapads.

"The future," she said finally. "Our life. Sure, we have a routine, but… do we have everything we need? Will we be better off somewhere else? And what about the reapers? What do we do when they come?" Her senses picked up a spike of fear from Abby, but the veterinarian quickly mastered it.

"We keep calm and carry on," Abby replied dryly. "We stay safe, and we stay out of their way. We've discussed this. We can't do more, you and I." She sighed. "I know it's not the best plan. However, we must ensure we're not caught with our pants down."

Asura found herself saying. "Well, not in public anyway."

Abby laughed, her ears going bright red. "We can always make your day more productive." Her desire was like a breath of fresh air against Asura's senses.

"Besides," Abby finished her thoughts on the reapers. "Shepard will save us."

Asura hoped that she was right.

Asari cunt.

Abby stared at the wall of her clinic, seething. Around her the crowds of Omega moved past on their daily commute. Some paid her attention, others glanced at the wall. Most just walked past, refusing to get involved or be noticed.

Asari…

Abby rarely cursed, but this was an opportune moment to do so.

"Fuck," she breathed. She was so angry she began shaking. "Fuck me." And whoever did this to her wall. Beside her, Grom glanced from the graffiti to her. He was wringing his hands nervously, his shoulders rising and falling as he tried to come to some conclusion. She wasn't sure if he understood what was written there, but he knew her well enough to pick up that she didn't like it. It wasn't just words. There was a Cerberus sign scrawled underneath.

One had to be blind not to recognise it.

Abby took a shaky step towards the wall and touched the paint. It was still wet and had an acrid smell to it.

"I go get bucket," Grom said quickly. "You… tea? I take you inside." A thin hand rested on her shoulder, but she shook it off and took a deep breath.

"You better get two Grom," she said. "We need to get this off before Asura sees it."

Her partner was in a business meeting with Vera. They were planning their journey and visits to Asura's family businesses. Abby had met the asari briefly. It was difficult to say how much she knew of Asura's affliction. Her partner claimed she was never told, but she gave Abby a very curious look.

"I clean!" Grom insisted. "You rest!"

And do what? Abby thought as she turned around and scanned the crowds again. One or two sympathetic faces caught her gaze however that was it.

"No rest," Abby said. "No rest till this is off the wall." She met the vorcha's gaze. "Asura will lose her mind. It might stop her from going away."

The vorcha sneered and turned around abruptly. "I go get many buckets and soap," he said. "We clean fast."

Grom had a difficult relationship with Asura. Abby had a feeling he didn't like to share. Asura didn't make it any easier on him. Asari, with their seemingly infinite lifespan and enlightened society, rarely saw vorcha as more than sentient pests. However, Abby also knew she appreciated the vorcha's protection and loyalty.

She just wished her partner would say it more.

She took a steadying breath and looked at the wall again. This was a new low, she decided. Though it wasn't entirely unexpected. She tried to downplay her own worries about the tensions on Omega when she was around Asura. Abby wasn't blind or deaf though. Humans and batarians didn't mix well in large quantities. She wasn't the only person harassed, yet it had never been this malicious.

Anger and humiliation warred inside her once more. She always tried not to be biased and treated all who came to her with equal respect. Aria was supposed to protect her and Asura.

And I'm helping, Abby thought angrily when Grom returned. I am really trying to make a difference.

She thought of the holiday she and Asura planned and realised she was looking forward to it.

"You put these on," Grom said as he put a bucket by her feet and slapped some gloves into her hands. "No water. This strong." Water sounded like wata. Abby peered into the bucket, picking up on the content's strong chemical smell. She reached out to touch it when he slapped her hand away.

"It strong!" he snapped. "No touch."

She had to smile, appreciating his company. She slipped on the gloves and bent forward to pick up the rough washcloth he had brought. She lost her balance and would have fallen against the wall had Grom not reached out and steadied her. She and her partner were due to meld, but they were trying to push it closer to the date Asura would leave.

"I'll start on the floor," Abby said, allowing him to lower her. "Thank you, Grom." She looked at the Cerberus sign and decided to start with it.

"I see no one Docta," Grom was saying, referring to the act of vandalism. "I shoot if I did."

Omega justice, Abby thought dryly. "Probably a good thing you didn't see anything," she said as she started. "I'm guessing this was Cerberus. They'd have shot you back."

"Cerberus?" Grom growled. His body language told her he was unsure. "Maybe. Maybe mercenaries. Chance to scare you. Get you to pay protection money. Against Cerberus. They say Aria don't take care of her people anymore."

She hadn't considered it, which made her both impressed with Grom's insight and angrier. Now her enemies felt more.

"I'm just a veterinarian," she pointed out angrily. "What's the point in harassing me?"

Grom shrugged. Behind the door, Abby could hear Oz scratching to get out. She didn't have the strength or balance to take the three-legged varren for a run and he was getting frisky.

"You make money now," Grom pointed out. "More clients, more attention."

The cleaning chemical he put in the bucket made her eyes water. She attacked the wall, scrubbing the paint as hard as possible. It wasn't a job which required a lot of finesse.

"I pay Aria's rent," Abby said irritated. "There's a reason my clinic's here. Her people are supposed to protect us."

Grom shrugged, then sneezed. She began to wonder what they were cleaning the walls with.

"Maybe you not give enough credits," he said. "Maybe you need to pay more."

Maybe I need to have a talk with the Pirate Queen of Omega, Abby thought angrily but refrained from commenting.

Despite being wet, the paint was harder to remove than anticipated. Abby's frustration grew as she tried to rush the job.

I shouldn't let this bother me, Abby thought, horrified when she realised she was close to tears. It's just some graffiti.

But it wasn't. It felt like an attack on her home.

She was so lost in her anger and frustration she didn't realise they were being watched.

"Oh dear," a quiet voice spoke up behind her. "This won't do at all."

The person was familiar. Abby looked around and felt her stomach turn. She recognised the black and white uniforms immediately. A group of humans had stopped to survey the damage, their expressions unreadable as they stared at what remained of the Cerberus logo.

One stood out, and she glared at the woman when they made eye contact.

"You're Cerberus," she said and turned back to the wall. "Figures."

Rachel from the bar stepped up to her and made to rest a hand on her shoulder when Grom leapt between them, flapping his rag in her direction.

"No touch Docta!" He snapped. "No touch!"

Abby tried to move quickly as she heard the group shift. She tried to stand up and position herself between them and Grom, but her balance failed her, and she sat down hard. One of the mercenaries had reached for his gun, but Rachel made a small motion in his direction. He stopped, though they were all watching Grom with a measure of suspicion and disgust.

"I don't want to hurt her," Rachel said, amused by Grom's display. "It's Abby, right? We met the other day."

Abby stared at her, then at the partially removed Cerberus logo.

"It was barely a conversation," Abby couldn't keep her anger from her voice. "I think you should move along. Your people caused enough trouble." She felt vulnerable suddenly, sitting on the floor as she did. She held a hand to Grom. He dropped his rag immediately and pulled her up with so much force she stumbled and had to grab him for balance.

Rachel was studying the wall again, her expression pensive.

"Nobody in Cerberus did this," she said thoughtfully. "I must apologise."

Not daring to reply, Abby stepped away from Grom and patted him on the shoulder. "Thank you," she said softly, turning her attention back to the wall. She aggressively attacked the paint, purposefully turning her back on the Cerberus agent.

"Abby?" The woman showed no signs of leaving, which made Abby pause, her one palm flat against the wall to stop herself from trembling and losing her balance. She did not want to show any weakness at this moment and decided to speak her mind.

"The way I see it, Rachel," Abby emphasised the name, not taking her eyes away from the wall. "You are either a part of the solution or part of the problem. I have seen no evidence of the former." Grom moved closer to her, his hand to the side as he watched the group of people.

The woman clicked her tongue. She stepped in beside Abby and put a hand on the arm she used to brace herself.

"Too close!" Grom hissed. "Too close!" He started to move, but Abby stopped him with a quick sign. Rachel had glanced at him but now turned her attention back to the veterinarian.

"Then let us help you," she said. "I'll get some of my people down here to come and assist. I can see this upset you. Allow me to make you something to drink. Our people can be here shortly to clear this up. We will make sure it doesn't happen again. I insist. No one from Cerberus did this. We operate under very strict orders from Aria."

Abby didn't like the woman's familiarity. She stepped away from her, reaching out to Grom. He was there immediately and took the rag from her. Abby found she couldn't look at the group, but she sounded firm when she spoke.

"I will not pay protection money. I said no to the other mercenaries, and I will also say it to you. I will clean my own wall if that's the game you are trying to play."

Amused, Rachel shook her head.

"It isn't," she said. "This is human kindness. Please let us help you."

Her soft tone took some of the wind out of Abby's emotional sails, leaving her feeling less angry and more upset. She sniffed as she looked at the wall. Judging by their progress, cleaning it was going to take a while.

She was so worried Asura might see it.

I don't really have a choice, she thought, blowing a steadying breath.

"Okay," she whispered. "Alright. Please, I'd appreciate the help."

Rachel put a hand on her shoulder. When Grom started to move between them, Abby shook her head slightly.

"Grom, please go and put Oz away," she said. "I'll be fine."

He looked from her to Rachel and shook his rag before dropping it into the bucket. "You clean," he snapped and pointed at it. "I make tea. I watch you. You stay outside." He went back into the clinic. Oz tried to push his way outside, but the varren grabbed him and disappeared. Beside her, Rachel told her people to organise a cleaning crew. Her hand never left Abby's shoulder, and the gesture felt very possessive.

"Your vorcha's very protective," Rachel said. "Is he your assistant? Bodyguard?"

"He's invaluable," Abby replied. She tested her balance and decided that it was safe to move. "He takes care of the place."

"That's helpful," Rachel murmured and glanced at her omnitool. "My people are sending a team. Our one lab is quite close. We'll have this nasty business sorted out in no time. Have you been harassed before?"

Abby shook her head as she motioned to the paint. "Nothing this obvious," she said and tried to smile as she took off her gloves. "You don't have to clean. Grom is harmless. I can offer you a cup of tea."

Rachel's smile was pleasant. "That will be lovely," she said, her eyes moving to the clinic's sign. "I remember you said you had a practice. Are you a doctor?"

Abby kept her one hand on the wall as she walked. She purposefully didn't look at the other Cerberus officers, lest they thought the invite also extended to them. I don't want to be associated with Cerberus.

"Technically, a veterinarian," she said. "But I have my multispecies license." She felt emotionally drained and went to the reception desk, taking one highchair and motioning Rachel to the other. "And you are with Cerberus. Fancy that."

Rachel smiled apologetically. "Would you like to see my identification?" she asked. "I assure you, Doctor. We didn't do this." She held out an identification chip to Abby. It was the equivalent of business cards these days. Abby scanned it and frowned.

"Dr Rachel Harvey," she read out loud. There was a familiar subscript to her ID, like Abby's. "I see you also operate with Aria's blessing. Your field of expertise?"

"A little bit of everything," Rachel said conversationally. "I…" She paused when Grom returned to the room, hissing at her as he carried in a teapot and a cup.

"You should clean!" he snapped. "Tea for Docta! Not you!"

Abby quickly held up her hand. "It's okay Grom," she said softly. "I've invited her in; her people will do the cleaning. Can you bring me the cup from my office?" The vorcha was going to make things awkward and she didn't have the energy to deal with his hostility. "Is Oz in the back?"

Grom was still glaring at Rachel. "Will let him out," he said. "Will teach her not to come in…" Abby was reading his nonverbal cues and was touched to realise he was concerned.

"I invited her," she insisted. "It's alright, we've met before."

Grom studied her with narrowed eyes, then turned and headed back to her office. Rachel studied his departure with interest.

"He's very loyal, isn't he?"

Abby waited for Grom to bring her another cup before she replied, watching his back as he went to stand by the door.

"I don't think he has anybody else," she said quietly. "Generally, they are not treated very kindly, especially after the plague. So, he's welcome here. I need the help."

Rachel raised a brow in her direction and poured them a cup of tea without being asked.

"And Oz?" She asked. "Whose he?"

Abby studied her, wondering where the curiosity came from. "My guard varren," she said. "He's in the back. With the medication, I need some protection. Omega has its problems."

"But you haven't hired any guards," Rachel pointed out.

Abby shook her head.

"My partner works for Aria. It hasn't been needed up until now." She folded her cup in both hands. "Now, humour me, Doctor. What are you doing here? I can't imagine cleaning up street graffiti is high on Cerberus's priorities. You never said, what's your field?"

Rachel's smile was patient. "Special projects," she said. "I'm sorry I can't elaborate, but our work here is classified. Not nefarious, mind you. Don't look so concerned."

Abby was. It wasn't too long ago when a Cerberus cell was leaving bodies looking like ardat yakshi kills all over Omega. Shifting, she tried to bring the tea to her lips, but her hands shook so much she couldn't manage. Again, Rachel's hand found hers.

"You're still in shock," she said. "I am very sorry for what's happened. You're right, graffiti isn't a Cerberus priority, but I believe we should be good neighbours. Acts of vandalism…" She motioned behind her. "Is not what we stand for."

Abby shifted her tea away and hid her hands underneath the table.

"What is it Cerberus stand for these days?" She asked. "Because in recent months, there's been more than a few incidents here. Forgive me for being sceptical, but there were bodies."

"Rogue sects," Rachel replied immediately as if she had anticipated the statement. "We operate a very tight ship now, Dr Gable. Aria T'loak isn't forgiving."

Abby gave her a look. "To the contrary," she said dryly. "She has to be because you are all still here."

Rachel smiled. "As I understand, she isn't a fool either. She knows good business when she sees it. Yes, there were a few hiccups in the past, but we've mostly moved past it." She took her own cup and sipped the hot drink. Rachel looked surprised when she realised it was decent.

"This is good tea."

Abby sniffed. "Life isn't worth living without it," she stated. "How long will Cerberus be here? Recently you were under severe fire from the Alliance and the Council. They might still convince Aria to give you up. She will; if the price is right."

Abby didn't like Rachel's smile because it was too perfect. "This is why I know our people are not responsible for your wall," she pointed out. "We have been instructed to keep a low profile. Nobody would dare step out of line. The stakes are too high." She studied Abby. "Have you heard about the reapers?"

Abby kept her expression as neutral as she dared, but a twinge in her shoulder might have given her away.

"The world destroyers," she pointed out. "I've heard a few things."

Rachel nodded. "You've probably heard of the Collector attacks?"

I saw it happen in another life.

"Jane Shepard destroyed the collectors," Abby pointed out. "Or so I heard."

"Yes," Rachel said all too quickly. "Under a Cerberus flag, in a body we restored to her. There are many advantages to being part of an organisation such as ours. We work in humanity's best interests. We've long since ceased to be a purely military organisation. There is space for all interests. All fields. We want to make sure we have an edge in the coming fight. All our people will be protected. We're making sure of that."

Abby began to have a feeling she knew where this was going.

"Dr Harvey, are you trying to convert me to your cause?"

The woman had the grace to look embarrassed.

"Guilty as charged," she said. "We are trying to expand our network of professional allies here. There are many advantages. One of them is protection. You won't have to worry about…"

Abby held up her hand quickly, not wanting to hear more.

"Don't waste your breath," she said, though she tried not to sound rude. "As I've told you, I already have protection from Aria herself. Granted, her people didn't stop the graffiti, but they'll ensure it doesn't go further. I won't be welcome in your organisation, Doctor. As crude as the graffiti is, it's correct. I have an asari partner." She felt angry suddenly. "Besides, you might claim your people are innocent, but ever since their numbers have increased on this rock, we've had trouble."

Dr Harvey shifted as she crossed her legs, her expression intense.

"This harassment might be a tactic from other mercenary organisations to scare you," she pointed out. It was too close to what Grom had said for Abby's liking. "Or simply an excuse for maladjusted individuals to make their displeasure at your life choices known. They might feel braver now to act on impulses they have always had."

Abby tried to imagine a world where she trusted Cerberus, but Asura's run-in with them still haunted her. They seemed to have known who Asura was. This was also the organisation that had created Jack.

"I'm flattered," she said finally. "Or you're desperate for membership fees…" She trailed off when Rachel laughed suddenly.

"We don't charge membership," she said. "All donations to the cause are voluntary."

"I've heard that before," Abby said with a chuckle before she sobered. "Dr Harvey, I appreciate the help you have offered here today. I don't want to sound ungrateful, but I cannot associate myself with Cerberus. I live on Omega for a reason. I love the variety it offers. By the goddess, I am a veterinarian. I thrive on diversity. Nothing I have heard of your organisation says you do the same. I know what's buried in your past. I know people who your organisation personally harmed. A rogue sect or not, there are a lot of atrocities that happened under a Cerberus flag."

Rachel was studying her intently.

"That is a shame to hear," she said. "I'm sure if you have this person reach out to us, we can determine whether or not it was a rogue sect…"

Abby glared at her.

"It's too easy to blame them, you know," she said. "But all it tells me is your house isn't clean. And the one thing you so boldly lay claim to, bringing Jane Shepard back from the dead… I can't even begin to comprehend the madness that went into such a thought. There's a line, Dr Harvey, and your organisation has stepped over it repeatedly."

Strangely enough, Rachel was smiling. "In my opinion, it just shows you what we are capable of," she pointed out. "Regenerating a whole body? Saving an individual's life. You said yourself, Shepard beat the collectors. She saved the colony of Horizon. You cannot deny it. Crossing the line saved lives."

It saved my life.

Abby shifted uncomfortably and shook her head. "I am just a veterinarian, Dr Harvey. I don't want to join your club." She moved away her tea and began to get up.

"I feel restored," she said, though any fool would have realised she didn't. "If your people have somewhere to be, Grom and I can carry on with the wall. I appreciate your help, but I don't want to abuse it."

Rachel laughed as she reached out and touched Abby's wrist, bidding her to settle down.

"It's alright, Dr Gable," she said. "We'll deal with it. Remember, if Aria feels we are stepping out of line, she'll come down on us. It is no trouble, and I can tell you are unwell."

Abby hadn't realised it, but her hand was twitching under Rachel's touch.

"I had a stomach bug," she lied and quickly withdrew her hand. "It's left me… weakened. I'm fine."

The woman smiled that perfect smile of hers.

"All the more reason for us to help you," she said and got up. "I am going to check on their progress. You can stay here, and I thank you for the tea. I have enjoyed our talk; it has been most enlightening."

Abby felt as if she missed something, but she didn't get up.

"Thank you for your kindness." She didn't know what else to say. "I am very grateful."

Rachel waved at her as she went to the door.

"All in a day's work," she said. "With any luck, Dr Gable, circumstances will be better when we meet again." She reached the door, then paused.

"Oh," the woman said as she turned back. "Another question, Dr Gable, if you will humour me."

Abby frowned and nodded at her to continue. Dr Harvey smiled as she opened the door.

"Cerberus is on a path of reconciliation," she pointed out. "With all the recent information that's come to light, we are trying to find those individuals these operations harmed and compensate them. You said you know someone who was harmed? Well." She smiled, but it wasn't kind. "Let us know who the individual is, and we'll reach out."

Abby went cold as she shrugged, not daring to move. Panic came and went, but she tried to find some calm.

"I'll mention it," she said, her mouth dry. "And leave it to her to decide if she wants to reach out. We don't see each other often."

Rachel's smile never wavered. "Make an effort," she said. "There is a fight coming. We need to reconcile with those we might need in the future."

Abby felt slightly nauseous as she looked at Rachel, wondering how much she knew. She wondered if she knew how she had been associated with the Normandy crew.

Was this all a game? Did I play right into their hands? What could she hope to accomplish?

"I'll see you around, Abby," the woman said, her smile still in place. "Thank you for the tea." She left before the veterinarian could reply or make any comment. Unsettled, Abby remained where she was until her hands stopped shaking enough for her to drink her tea.

I'm not telling Asura of this, she thought. She'll never let me out of her sight again.

The End of Chapter 16