So, long time no update ey? Life took over I'm afraid. This chapter provides a considerable time jump from the last chapter but drags us into the realms of ME1 with my own twist. Remember, the Shep of this story is not the Shep of ME, but the sister.
23 years later.
Confident that their tent is secured to the floor and not going to blow away in the likely event the wind picks up strength, Ladochka approaches a cliff top where Tevos is seated, basking in the last of the day's sunshine. "I could retire here," Tevos remarks casually as Ladochka joins her on the cliff edge. But, should they happen to slip and fall from the edge, or the rock gives way, they would fall 250m down a sheer drop and to their inevitable deaths.
"No, I don't think you could," Ladochka states as she moves to lean on the Asari, "You would quickly get bored. I could, though. Plenty to hunt, good weather all year round, and look at that mountain range; I could spend years exploring it on my bikes."
"Hmm," Is Tevos's only response as they continue to watch the sun drop below the mountains far away on the horizon. The planet has two stars to call a 'sun', but the smaller star, a brown dwarf, is usually hidden behind the more giant star due to its unique orbits and size. Every 19 days for six hours, the two stars can be briefly told apart with the naked eye, but today the two are indistinguishable from one another. "How are the others getting along?" Tevos asks just as the stars are about to vanish from view. The sky is a deep red, maybe one of the reddest skies Ladochka has ever seen.
"They need more practice," Ladochka replies with some humour, "But they are finishing up with the last few pegs now." The security guards have yet to experience camping; this holiday is the first time they have lived out of a tent. This is the fifth holiday that Ladochka and Tevos have enjoyed together off the Citadel; the Councillor is usually too occupied with work to leave for an extended time. The travel time to this backwater world alone was nearly three weeks, and the Councillor only committed as she could arrive and conduct work while here. Ladochka only probed a little into the job that Tevos came for, but she knows it is related to the prized Protheans. The Councillor also had to use her personal ship as most ships are not outfitted to take a Human, who are easily made sick from the element zero used in FTL travel. The Councillor spent a ridiculous amount of money installing a lead lining into her yacht, making it safe for Ladochka.
After the sun vanishes, Tevos sighs and says, "You start the fire; I'll get the food." She does not make an attempt to move, however. The air is still warm, as is the rock they are seated on.
"In one minute," Ladochka replies. Eventually, Ladochka reluctantly stands.
After starting a small fire from some nearby dead wood, Ladochka stays by the fire, occasionally adding wood or poking the embers with another stick. In between interacting with the fire, she watches the security guards work, setting up motion detectors to inform the guards in case anyone or creature comes calling in the middle of the night. Shepard doubts they will be visited; they are at the top of a mountain on a small world in the middle of nowhere. Except for a rare few, no one knows they are even here.
Nyx is one of the four guards present; Ladochka has taken the young Asari under her wing and has spent a lot of time training her in the Armax Arena; now, Nyx works directly for Tevos providing her security.
Their food for the evening is a collection of small rabbit-like creatures Ladochka had killed during the day with a slingshot. Despite the animals looking relatively thin, there are surprising amounts of dense meat to come off them. Mixed with some canned vegetables then, it is more than ample food.
After eating food and enjoying a bottle of rare and expensive wine, Tevos retires for the evening, leaving Ladochka alone to her thoughts and the night sky. A security team member does remain awake at all times, but they sit far enough away not to intrude on their private conversations. With the stars on full display due to the lack of artificial light, and some polar lights dancing in the skies in the far distance, Ladochka spends ten minutes after Tevos goes to bed simply gazing at them. She wonders if she can see Sol from her viewpoint, to which Freya informs her that Sol is too distant for the naked eye. The AI directs her view to a dark part of space, and Ladochka stares at it, but no stars are visible. She may be the first Human not to be blessed with light from Sol. It is a lonely thought for the ex-soldier. With the fire now just a few glowing embers, Ladochka pours some water onto it and then retires.
/.../
Ladochka awakes with a startle and moves to sit upright but finds Tevos has tangled her arms and legs around her. "Osh, you awake? Get up." She hears Nyx call while attempting to find the zip to the tent's door.
"Yeah, I'm awake. What's up?" She replies groggily. The wine is still in her system.
"We have lost all comms. It's actively being jammed."
Ladochka sighs as she breaks free from Tevos and sits up. She pulls a shirt on and then begins to fiddle with the zip of the tent, and just as she finds it, there is an almighty boom heard, the sound coming from the sky. With a frown and some vigour, Ladochka opens the door and looks out just in time to see a large ship descending from the sky, its trajectory taking it towards the settlement twenty km away. As it falls towards the outpost, a red beam shoots forward from the ship.
"That is not good news," Ladochka says before turning to Tevos, who is slowly waking up, "Come on, blue, we need to go and fast. Nyx, pack your tents and make ready. Don't use any lights." Despite not being the security guard's official leader, none of the guards questioned that Ladochka is leading security.
"What is wrong?" Tevos asks as she sits up, their sleeping bag still wrapped around her.
"This world is under attack," Ladochka responds as she pulls the rest of her clothes on. She is thankful for the genetic modifications that allow her to see easily in the dark. "Get dressed and quick."
"Oh," Is Tevos's simple response as she quickly gets out of her sleeping bag.
It takes the team only a short time to quickly pack their tents and kit, and as they do so, they can hear muted explosions in the distance. Due to the distance from the settlement, the explosions must be enormous. With the camp closed down a short time later and all ground signs of their presence have been hidden, Ladochka gathers all around her, "Right," She states, "This world is under attack, and we have no comms. Without more support, we are in a bad place. Our best bet is to make for those caves with the stalagmites we explored on the walk here, but we need to move fast; no sightseeing this time..." As they speak, another sonic boom is heard and looking up, they see a ship consumed in flames falling towards the ground. Freya informs the team that the ship belongs to Tevos and was their transport. With a scowl, Shepard continues, "We eat and drink on the move; we don't stop till we get to the caves." Ladochka waits for the Asari to blink in confirmation, "It is about 7km from here, so we can move fast and expend energy. We stay under trees where we can. If we get separated or you get lost, the RV is the river, and I will come to find you. Understood?"
There is a lot of blinking.
"Your four," Ladochka gestures to the guards, "Have you made ready?" She gets a few blinks back, "Good, your comms are passive only, do not broadcast under any circumstances." The guards blink again. Sometimes Ladochka wonders if she is teaching them to suck eggs, "Good. Give me a pistol." Nyx hands hers over without thinking about it."
Ladochka checks the weapon before making ready, "Right, if we do get into a fight, everyone fights, and no one quits. If you don't do your job, I'll shoot you myself. Welcome to war." Not a single person doubts the statement, and the fact Ladochka's eyes have turned red does not bode well for them if they fail to fight. "Prepare to move. We step off in two."
As the team disperses to grab their kit, Ladochka helps Tevos get her bag on by holding it up from the straps. The bag easily weighs more than 35kg. "I've never heard you speak like that," Tevos states as she puts her arms through the bag's straps.
"I have never had the need," Ladochka replies simply and without much emotion.
"Will you really shoot them?" Tevos asks and then turns to look into her bondmates eyes, which are still glowing red.
"I will." Ladochka replies resolutely before pulling the bag's straps tight, "But, if we get into a fight, drop this bag, grab your water bottle and run, and whatever you do, do not return for the bag. Also, stay in the tree lines; it will counter their IR sensors unless they are directly above you.
Tevos blinks, "And let me take an educated guess, you will stay and fight."
Ladochka nods, a habit she has not lost despite her time with the Asari, "It's what I was made for. Do you remember the way back to the caves?"
"Yes." Tevos blinks.
"Good. I took these out of our bags, keep them in your pockets at all times and don't eat them if you have anything else." Ladochka hands her two packets of nuts and one bag of dried fruit. "If you get separated from your bag, you have water and food to last a day or two. If you need more water, find a fast-flowing stream. Do. Not. Drink from still water. Understood?"
Tevos takes the snacks and shoves them into her cargo shorts' pockets. Her only response, however, is a single blink. "Good. Take off your bracelet."
"What?" Tevos asks as she looks down at her bonding bracelet. The bracelet is rarely worn, so the public doesn't know she is bonded to Ladochka, but she enjoys wearing it when they have complete privacy.
"If we are captured, it will give them a tool to use against us. I can turn my pain receptors off and take torture all day long, I don't know how long I would hold out if they turn that torture onto you." Ladochka reaches over in an attempt to take the bracelet off.
"No," Tevos replies, "On the contrary, this may be the only thing that keeps you alive."
Ladochka sighs, "It is sentimental value only. We can return to look for them after this,"
"Sentimental value means we can't replace it." Tevos counters.
"Ah," Ladochka begins but stops when she notices that the guards are now waiting on them. "Fine," Ladochka gives Tevos a reassuring smile before turning and saying, "Let's move."
Getting to the caves nearly two hours later without incident, Ladochka finds a suitable area and tells the team to make camp, no tents, only their roll mats and sleeping bags. With them being in a cave, Ladochka allows a fire to be started for food and warmth. As everyone starts setting up, Tevos asks, "What are you thinking?"
"What did you come here for?" Ladochka asks.
Tevos pauses for a moment before revealing, "They found a working Prothean beacon. The best condition beacon we have found in a thousand years. So I came to commission a research team."
"Hmm. I would bet an arm and a leg it is linked. That ship which descended, maybe the Hanar?"
"No," Tevos replies with a clench of her fists, "Their ships can enter atmospheres, but that ship was too large. Maybe Geth?"
Freya replies, using a small speaker on Ladochka's omni-tool, "No, the Geth are not aware of this. However, from what we have seen, I believe it is Fish Ship. I estimate its size to be 2.14km in length, and trying to enhance the image shows struts that could be legs. I could tell you for certain if I wasn't relying on meat for optics."
"I want to get a closer look," Ladochka then says while ignoring Freya's little dig at her eyes. "And Freya, let who needs to know back at blightly know.
"I know I can not talk you out of it," Tevos quickly responds with a grimace as she takes to sitting on a rock, "But I can only beg you to stay."
Ladochka shakes her head, "You have talked me out of worse. So I'll stay, but I'm going in when the ship leaves."
"A fair compromise." Tevos replies, "So, what are we going to do about getting off this rock?"
"Two options," Ladochka says, "Freya has been working on a ship, she is getting it ready to depart now, but it won't get here for two months. So our best option is waiting for the Council to send help."
"Well," Tevos begins sounding unsure, "By the time news gets back to the Citadel that will be three weeks, and Asari high command four weeks. Time to commission a fleet? Another two weeks, then three weeks travel time. Freya is likely to be here before my people arrive."
"Hmm, well, I can hunt, and there is a stream not too far from here. So we will be fine for a few months." Ladochka smiles grimly. "Will there not be a random ship on patrol that could help?"
"Yes," Tevos blinks, "But there will also be pirates and scavengers. We are not in Citadel-patrolled territory. This settlement's primary defence was its size."
/.../
The next three days are relatively uneventful; the team simply live out of their cave and rotate through stag duties, ensuring they are not surprised by an attack. Every now and then, Ladochka takes her slingshot out with her and returns with fresh food. Finally, almost 72 hours after the arrival of the enemy, their ship departs, allowing Ladochka to grab Nyx and go for a look at what remains of the settlement.
The walk back to the settlement took the best part of a day due to the mountainous terrain, filled with gushing rivers, thick forests and deep ravines to navigate. Finally, when they are two km away from the settlement, Ladochka hears Nyx gasp as the outpost enters their direct line of sight. Fires smoulder, and many buildings have collapsed from evident damage caused in battle. Occasionally, gunshots can be heard, signalling that someone is alive and some enemies are still about. "Keep your wits about you," Ladochka says quietly, "We're going in." Freya sends a message to Ladochka's old phone that is held by Tevos, letting her know their status.
Getting into the settlement, Ladochka notices something immediately, "There are no Asari bodies," She states aloud, "Plenty of blood stains, but no bodies." Then, walking over to the body of a Turian, she inspects the corpse. The corpse has a single bullet wound to the head, but nothing has been taken from the corpse. Not his omni-tool or credit chit. As she takes the chit, she notices an odd look from Nyx. "He won't be needing it," She states.
Nyx clenches her fists ever so slightly, "His family could claim it, and you two have more credits than most of the galaxy together."
"True," Ladochka replies but she continues to pocket the chit, "But we spend any of our money and if there is someone smart looking for us, they will find us. This chap here doesn't need it and won't raise any flags if we spend his money."
Nyx does not look happy but accepts the comment, "Well, he still has all his valuables, so definitely not raiders."
"No," Ladochka agrees, "I fear what came here is far worse."
Finding a primarily intact building with a security camera Ladochka enters it through a small hole blasted into a wall and finds a computer terminal. After a silent conversation to Freya, the super AI hacks into the buildings internal network, allowing access to the building's secure servers. The video footage captured by the building's cameras is fascinating. First, small humming-like birds seemed to incapacitate everyone not in armour before grotesque creatures carried the Asari away and executed the rest. More than a few people did manage to fight, but only those in armour were immune to the birds. Many Asari found defences against the birds by creating biotic fields, but they only lasted as long as the Asari could keep them up.
After downloading the contents of the computer, Ladochka gives Nyx a nod, and the duo begins to move towards some coordinates provided by Tevos. As they move through the derelict town, Freya spots something and silently informs Ladochka.
After a quick look around to confirm, Ladochka sighs; more than five figures are currently watching them from the shadows; only Freya's ability to analyse Ladochka's sight with all her processing power allowed her to spot it. "Nyx, lower your weapon."
"What?" She asks, but she complies.
After making sure the Asari has her rifle pointed downwards, Ladochka looks over to a building and shouts, "You're a long way from home." She uses English which is most definitely foreign to her now; she has lost most of her accent.
There is an eerie silence before a voice replies, "What gives me away?"
"What is going on?" Nyx asks quietly.
"Human black ops are here," Ladochka replies, "Keep your weapon lowered for now."
After a moment, a figure appears at the bottom of the building wearing typical blue armour. "Ashley Williams," Ladochka states in English, "What in the devil drags you out here."
"The devil itself. Also known as a Reaper," Ashley replies, "Could ask the same of you."
"Holiday," Ladochka replies.
"Trust you to come to a warzone for a holiday."
Nyx speaks up, using her own English, "As much as this is a nice catchup, is that a bomb." She points to a device slowly counting down near the base of the building.
Ashley looks a little surprised at Nyx for using English but then shrugs, "Yes. We are on it. The Geth are getting them out of here,"
"Can't you just defuse it?" Ladochka asks.
"Them, and no, Ultron is trying, but they have defences tighter than a nun's underwear."
"Them? and Geth?" Nyx asks just as she notices a Geth Prime running with a cylinder over its shoulder.
Ash studies Nyx for a second before answering, "We have found five radiation signatures." Ashley begins, "They wanted this place off the map. We have 7 minutes till detonation."
"Where are you taking them to? And I presume by shuttle?"
Ash nods, "The mountains in the far North. Going to drop them in a deep canyon."
"Definitely north? We have people to the south." Freya lets Tevos and the remaining guards know they should hide in the cave for 15 minutes.
Ash nods, "So," Ladochka begins again, "Reapers?"
"Codename for the fish ship. We have been tracking it for months now, and it is up to something. Come, space jockey Shepard can fill you in."
"He is here?" Ladochka asks as she falls into step with Ashley. Ladochka's posture has significantly relaxed.
"Yeah, we have been assigned to the Normandy project for the last fifteen years. Sole purpose has been building a ship and team to track down fish ship and find everything we can about it."
"Isn't that secret information?" Ladochka asks.
"Probably," Ash replies, "But our cover is already blown the second you spotted us."
Getting into the building, Ladochka faces her brother for the first time in over 23 years. "You're looking skinnier than normal," Ladochka tells him as she goes for a handshake. "But fancy meeting you here of all places."
"And you're looking a bit soft around the edges." Shepard replies, "Rumour has it you have settled down and salute every morning." He looks to her left wrist as he says this, demonstrating he already knows her secret. How he knows, Ladochka could only guess.
"Well, I didn't have much choice when my species abandoned me," Ladochka replies. "So, find anything of interest here?" Nyx is silent as the two Shepards interact.
"Yeah, why don't you come and have a look." Shepard says before walking through the building and to a distinctly Prothean device. "Whatever was on this, the Reaper wanted it, badly, so now so do we." The brother walks up to it and goes to slap it like you would the bonnet of a trusty car, but some strange force picks him up off the ground, and before anyone can act, he drops to the group unconscious and the device has a distinct smell of burning electronics.
/.../
"20 seconds," Ashley announces to the group, and Ladochka kneels down next to Nyx, "Cover your Pinna." Combined, the nuclear devices have an estimated explosive power of 150KT. Thankfully the devices have a relatively small payload, which means the shuttle was able to get rid of them and clear the blast radius.
When Nyx is covering the sides of her head, Ladochka places her own hands then on top of Nyx's hands. The shuttle may have got the nuclear bombs a distance away, but the town they reside in is still more than close enough for the nukes to deafen them.
The devices blow, creating a temporary sun on the planet, then almost 50 seconds later, a deafening roar companioned with a high-speed shockwave smashes into the building they are sheltering in, kicking up dust from anywhere it's stored. After another second, Ladochka removes her hands and stands up, thankful she is alive and already deaf. She could currently choke on the dust, but it is nothing that pulling her shirt over her nose won't fix.
Moving outside, she whistles at the mushroom cloud far off on the horizon. "Been a long time." She comments to Ashley who has come to stand by her side.
"Last one we set off must have been on Phoebe against the so-called Sons of Light."
"Yup," Ladochka replies, "Certainly shone the light on those asshats." The two share a dark chuckle at that memory.
/.../
"They did what?" Tevos asks with apparent anger when Ladochka informs her of recent events. But, of course, the Councillor is already well aware of the nuclear devices; the mushroom-shaped cloud dominating the skyline is hard to miss. However, right now, Tevos has just discovered she has also lost the Prothean device.
Ladochka can hear the clear fury in her wife's voice, "Freya will show you a video from my optics. We did nothing wrong."
There is a sigh down the line before Ladochka hears her wife say, "Okay, I'm just glad you two are safe. What is the state of the settlement?"
"Not good," Ladochka replies as she looks across the numerous buildings around here, all have battle damage, "All Asari have been abducted and all none Asari have been executed. I've downloaded some videos for you. The good news, however, is the nukes have barely touched the place."
"I feared no survivors, but abductees may be worse if this fish ship is involved."
"Indeed," Ladochka replies, "But we have a choice to make, my brother's crew has agreed to give us a lift off the planet, but they can't guarantee where they are going. Their primary mission is tracking the Fish Ship. So... it may be a few weeks before they pass through friendly space."
"Are there any ships in port that we could salvage?"
"No," Ladochka says, "They are all destroyed."
"What of my ship that crashed? Is it salvageable?"
There is a slight pause before Ladochka replies, "It created a creator 100m wide and a fireball 500m wide when it hit the planet. Nothing survived that, tech or crew." It is for this reason most occupied planets will liberally shoot any ship deemed to be falling to the planet until nothing more prominent than a football is left, no matter the state of the crew.
Tevos sighs again as she recounts those onboard who are now lost, "Then we have few other options, of which that is probably our best. If we pass any Asari or Council member patrol ship, they will take us in."
"My brother won't risk letting fish ship know he is coming for it. He is comms silent. We will need to be dropped off in a system."
Tevos sighs again before blinking, but Ladochka can't see this, "It is still a better option."
"Then I'm coming in a shuttle. See you in five."
/.../
Getting onto the Normandy, Tevos looks around; the ship is distinctly military, from the uniforms worn by all crew to the multiple airlocks and thick bulkheads designed to keep the crew alive in combat. Comfort was a second thought when this ship was designed. "This will be your room," The ship's 2nd in command, Alenko, says as he presses a button on a door and reveals a tiny quarter with a small bed, sink, and limited storage space. Tevos does not enter the room before asking, "And where will my guards stay?"
The second in command motions with his head to the floor, "Shared accommodation. With your position, you are given special consideration. Your guards, not so much."
"And what will we have to do on this starship?" Tevos then asks.
"There are a few recreational activities." Alenko responds to her, "The gym and a rationed holo-suite. In the Officers' mess, you can find..." Ladochka ascends a set of stairs and approaches, "Unlimited coffee and alcohol. I'm sure you can find a good guide."
With nothing more to say, Alenko leaves Tevos and Ladochka alone, and Ladochka takes her bondmate into her private accommodation. After a moment, she says, "We have been compromised." From Ladochka's face, Tevos immediately knows what she means.
"How?" Tevos asks as she goes to feel her bonding bracelet. Keeping their relationship quiet was always for Ladochka, who didn't want the attention their bonding would bring her, be that from the public, the Asari government, or Citadel upper class.
"Come. There is something you will want to hear."
Tevos follows Ladochka down through the depths of the ship's layers and to the operations room. "Listen to this," Ladochka says before pressing play on an audio file. An Asari voice and a Turian voice can be heard.
AV: "We have identified the ship. It belongs to the Asari councillor." There is an unmistakable growl before a voice responds.
TV: "And the beacon? Has it been moved?"
AV: "No. It is still on the planet."
TV: "I will arrive in 14 hours. What is the probability it will be moved in this time?"
AV: "I have good intelligence telling me the Councillor is planet side with her bondmate for a holiday. She will not leave for some time; her bondmate can rarely leave the Citadel. So it is logical that she will wish to make the most of it, and I doubt it will be moved till they are ready to depart. What do you intend to do with them knowing they are ground side?"
TV: "I intend nothing unless they get in my way."
AV: "Do not underestimate them. Tevos may be a Councillor, but she knows a few tricks, and her bondmate is equally dangerous with a weapon."
A third voice joins the conversation, deep with mechanical undertones. "They are of no concern." The line then goes dead.
An AI then speaks from the roof, "This audio message was intercepted 14 hours before the arrival of the Reaper."
"Reaper?" Tevos asks, "And who was that third voice?"
"We think it was the Reaper," Ashley replies.
"And the Reaper is what they are calling Fish ship." Ladochka replies, "But more importantly, that voice."
"Is Benezzia T'Soni." Tevos responds, and she notices a few people have looked up. Alenko is looking at them with great interest from a computer a few metres away, "She was on a mission to investigate the dealings of one Saren Arterius, a Spectre, and I believe the owner of that Turian voice."
"Well," Alenko begins, "Your spectre is in bed with the devil," Alenko says to her as he crosses his arms over his chest and leans onto a railing, "And it would seem so is your agent."
"Do not accuse Benezia of crimes without further evidence." Tevos shoots back furiously, "She has been a great friend of mine for centuries and is an advocate for peace. Your species owes her a great deal."
"It is true," Ladochka says to Alenko, backing her bondmate, "Benezzia has done a lot for Sol that you have not been privy to." Namely, brokering a deal to keep Batarians from trying to raid their territory.
"Doesn't change the fact she is working with the Reaper," Ashley states from across the room, "What was her mission exactly."
Tevos looks torn before revealing, "We believe Saren Arterius had made deals with the Collectors. He was promised great technological advances for... exotic materials. So Benezia was sent in to find out why the Collectors wanted my people and what Sarens play was. We initially thought he wanted to get a leg up on your stealth tech."
"Well, she, they, no longer bat for your team," Alenko says, "We have countless recordings of them incriminating themselves. She is as ruthless as he is, and she has recently been tracking down Ardat Yakshi before changing tact to find her daughter; apparently, she may know where some conduct is which can change the galaxy forever."
Tevos blinks, "Benezzia went comms silent 3 months ago. We assumed it was so she could go deeper undercover. I also happen to know where her daughter is."
"You do?" Alenko asks with a raised brow.
"Yes," Tevos responds, "I have spent significant funds on her daughters' projects. One of which she is currently working on right now. Do you have a chart of the galaxy? A one I may recognise."
"EDI," Alenko says, and a close-by monitor displays the galaxy map.
Tevos spends a few moments orientating herself before zooming in on a cluster, "This cluster, Artemis Tau, Knossos system, 2nd planet from the star."
"We are a week and a half away at maximum velocity," EDI helpfully informs.
"And the last message from Benezzia would indicate she is two weeks away," Alenko states aloud. "With Shepard still unconscious, I'm deciding to change direction to capitalise on this and stop Benezzia from finding this conduct. Any protests?"
None are raised.
"EDI, Joker, you know what to do."
As the group starts to disperse Alenko follows Ladochka, "Hey, Shepard,"
Both Tevos and Ladochka slow their steps and then turn to face the 2nd in command, "Alenko?" Ladochka replies.
"I need to know whose side you now represent." The ex-belter says while gesturing to the bracelet around Ladochka's hand.
Ladochka has a blank face before responding, "The Councils, but I've always acted with humanity's interests."
Alenko nods, "Thanks for being honest. We have space for a good marine if you are interested."
"I noticed a name on your wall."
"Corporal Richard Jenkins," Alenko nods, "He was a good guy."
Ladochka slightly nods her head, "I remember working with him when he was a private. What got him?"
"Heretics. First mission too."
"Poor SOB." Ladochka states.
"Yeah, so, are you interested?"
Ladochka looks to Tevos and has a silent conversation using facial expressions before looking back at the ship's 2IC. "While I'm on this ship, I can provide a helping hand here or there."
Alenko gives an understanding nod, "Then welcome aboard. What name do you go by these days?"
"Ladochka works for me." She replies.
"Didn't think I would ever see the day," Alenko replies before turning and heading towards the bridge.
/.../
The next morning
Tevos leaves Osh sleeping on the bed in their small room; her bondmate had barely slept a wink on the planet as she constantly kept a watchful eye open for hostiles. Sharing a small single bed for the night was not ideal either, so, Tevos is careful to leave the room without waking her. No doubt Freya is keeping the Human under, too; the AI is more concerned for the Human's health than Osh herself.
Passing the galley, Tevos stops dead in her tracks before approaching a figure sitting at a table, "I did not believe Quarians and Humans are on speaking terms."
The Quarian watches Tevos for a few moments before gesturing to the chair, "Were not." She then replies, her voice telling Tevos she is young.
Tevos sits opposite the Quarian, "Then you may understand why I am surprised. That and the Geth."
The young Quarian sighs before saying, "Your spectre Saren put a hit on my head, the Humans rescued me from said hit. We then made a deal for my help on their mission. Hence here I am today."
"Help in exchange for something for your pilgrim?" Tevos assumes as much as she states before holding her palms flat and saying, "Also, I think you know who I am, but I am not acquainted with yourself."
There is a pause from the Quarian before she reveals, "Tali'Zorah Nar Rayya." The Quarian quickly taps Tevos hands in a formal greeting before pulling her hands back.
Tevos squints for a moment before saying, "A daughter of the Admiralty. If I am right, you must return with a gift fitting for the daughter of an admiral."
"Hence why I agreed to help despite the Geth." Tali replies, "They made an offer I could not refuse."
Tevos knows to refrain from probing any further on what the gift may or may not be. The Quarian would not tell her. "So, how long have you been onboard?"
"11 Citadel days," Tali reveals.
"How have the humans treated you since?"
Tali shrugs, "They don't know how to act around me. Treat me with too much care. But from experience, they generally don't know how to act around any aliens. They look Krogans in the eyes, unintentionally show teeth when speaking to Turians, and their eyes certainly don't stay on Asari's eyes when speaking to them. They still can't believe you look so like their females."
"I know that much," Tevos replies before trying to add some humour, "Even my bondmate struggles, but I suppose she is forgiven. So how are the Geth?"
"So far, they have stayed out of my way," Tali responds, before looking around Tevos and towards a corner of the room, "But I know they occasionally spy on me from the corners. Bosh'tets, they think I'm blind to their large glowing targets."
"So they are spying on you?"
"I'm afraid so," Tali replies, "But it is more like they just want to watch me. No hacks have been detected on my devices, which is unusual." Tevos knows from Freya that the AI could hack almost any software they have without leaving a trace, but she doesn't comment; the real trick is encrypting the data.
"So, no geering, bullying or snide remarks?"
"Surprisingly not," Tali replies, "I wonder how long it will stay that way though."
"Oh?" Tevos queries, "Do you not think it will last?"
"No," Tali responds, "Humans tend to think they are better. Some more than others. They also have a bit of a complex about not being a part of the Council and taking apart their Relay. They treat it like it is a bragging right."
"Hmm," Is Tevos's frowned response.
/.../
1 week later - holosuite
Space travel is not fun, nor would anyone try to say otherwise. Imagine being stuck on a ship for months, with no break for 'fresh air' or a stretch of your legs. Of course, the engineers who keep the ship in running order get smashed, but anyone who doesn't turn a spanner tends to get tired of having nothing to do. So, due to the boredom that can be space, Spacers typically find great ways to humour themselves, and despite the year and advances in technology, card games can always pass away the time. Of course, you could always add some tech by playing cards in the holo suite, in a bar one could imagine high-brow gangsters would frequent in the early 1950s.
"So," Ashley says as she puts a winning hand of cards down on the table, "Ladochka, how many years have you been married? bonded?"
Ladochka takes a swig from her drink before responding, "6 Asari years 2 months."
Ashley whistles before another game begins, and this time, Nyx is the winner, "Williams, ever hit on an Alien?"
"Nope," Is the quick and assertive response.
The game continues for a few more rounds, containing copious drinking and answering some intrusive questions. "So," Ladochka says, slamming a winning deck of cards down, "Ash, how long have you been without an AI?"
The room goes quiet for a moment, indicating Ladochka has hit on a sensitive topic before Ash then answers, "Since the infection." Ladochka knows it was a personal question since she, too, would not like to answer such a question.
Ladochka then asks another question, which is out of turn, "How badly was Sol hit?"
"Bad," Ashley replies, "Tens of millions dead, little left untouched. People want war. How was the Citadel?"
"Bad," Nyx replies for Ladochka, "Tens of Millions dead in Asari space alone and little left untouched. We also want war but don't know who to war with."
Ashley takes another drink before dealing a round of cards and winning again, "So," She doesn't direct this at anyone on the table, "Why haven't you gone to war?"
Thankfully Tevos is not at the table to scold Ladochka for her response, "Their politics makes Human politics look simple. For war to be declared, they have to be absolute on who they declare war on, and all three Council species need to agree. At the moment, it's uncertain who released the virus."
"Hmm," Ash replies, "Fair."
Nyx wins again, "Traynor, ever hit on an Alien?"
The brunette takes a large drink before shaking her head, "No, but I'm open to an Asari." This raises a few brows.
After another round of cards, Tranyor asks, "So, what is Tevos like in bed?"
Ladochka shakes her head, "Not answering that."
"You know the rules."
"I do," Ladochka grumbles before taking her shoes off. Thankfully she also has socks to slow the inevitable march to nakedness.
After another question from Traynor to Ashley, Ashley then asks, "So, what is it like living with the Aliens?" The question is undirected but it can only be answered by one.
"It can be painful," Ladochka begins, "No offence Nyx." The Asari shakes her head slightly, "Being the only Human for a few thousand light years is difficult. I can't just get shampoo, I need someone to make it, a special order just for me, I can't just get someone to look at my teeth when they break, or a good rib eye. I have two doctors, one on the Citadel and one in Human space and both want bi-weekly meetings to check for issues living in Citadel space, so twice the prodding and probing. Also, the damn stares. I still get stared at like an exotic animal in a zoo."
Having won the next game and noticing that Traynor is regularly glancing at Nyx, Ladochka asks, "Nyx, are you single?"
The Asari narrows her eyes before responding, "Yes." Ladochka raises her brows at Traynor before the game recommences.
Unfortunately for Ladochka, Nyx wins the next game, and knows how to get revenge, "Osh, who asked who?"
Ladochka smiles, realising she may regret her last question and takes her socks off. Most of the Estate have their theories as to who proposed who, but neither Tevos nor Ladochka has revealed it.
"Found any weapons you like?" Is Ashley's next question directed towards Ladochka.
"Oh yeah," Osh replies with a predator-like grin, "The Krogan know how to make em, especially their shotguns; they would last longer than a week in Vega's hands too."
Ladochka wins the next game and returns the question, "You?"
"Yeah," Ash replies, "Remind me to show you the Turian "Phaeston."
Both Nyx and Ladochka share a look before Nyx says, "That's toffee."
Ashley replies, "I see you are learning Shep's sayings, but it is a good rifle; it has good accuracy and a reasonable firing rate too."
"The phaeston?" Ladochka asks incredulously.
Ladochka and Nyx share another look before Ladochka shakes her head, "I'm not accepting that. It is widely known to be Turian rubbish. You know the old saying, Earth Crap? Think that for Turian."
Ashley then grins, "At least you still know your weapons, so just testing. For that, I'll take my shoes off."
It is Nyx to ask another question, "How long have you been left Earth?"
"Can't answer that." Ashley says.
"Fine; how many planets have you seen?"
"Or that," Ashley responds, "Mission security and all. So for two security questions is that..."
"Fine," Ladochka grumbles before pulling off the top of her dress and revealing the corset underneath.
It is Traynor to win the next game, "So, Nyx, ever hit on a Human?"
Nyx is quick to respond, "No, if I had, I believe my Matriarch would have warped me into dust, and then crushed my ashes, but now I could change that."
Ash and Ladochka share a glance and a roll of the eyes before Ash deals a new set of cards. Ladochka wins this round, "So, what is your armour like these days?"
"Quite good," Ash responds, "The Geth were able to integrate their shields into our standard stuff."
"Damn," Ladochka responds with a whistle, "I want it. Any change in weight or..."
"A few extra kg's, but nothing noticeable."
"Free phys." Ladochka responds before dealing a new set of cards. Just as she does so, Alenko's voice comes over the ship's intercom.
"Ladochka, there is something you need to see. You probably want to grab the Councillor too."
"That important?" She asks the roof.
"Meet me in ops in ten."
With a grumble, Ladochka stands, reclaims her clothes and finds her wife who is helping a chef make an Asari dish for the evening meal. After grabbing Tevos and making their way down to ops, they find Alenko standing over a monitor.
"The AIs have managed to pull this from your brother," He says, "The beacon left it imprinted on his brain, nearly killing him." Alenko then reaches over and presses the play button. The video starts with a pleasant tone; inhabited worlds are displayed, and the great aspects of Prothean civilisation are fully displayed, but then it changes. The video plays a feed of destruction, worlds in flames, aliens warped and mutilated, and a space battle between seemingly millions of vessels. Most importantly, the combatants involve the Reapers. Ships identical to fish-ship.
"That is a warning if I ever did see one," Ladochka says, and Tevos blinks in agreement.
"Freya?" Tevos asks aloud, "Is this fabricated."
"Freya is here?" Alenko asks with much enthusiasm, but he is ignored. The AI still holds mythical status amongst most Humans; her triumph over the Virus still maintains her celebrity status, never mind her other accomplishments over FTL travel and the Relays.
"No," Freya responds from Ladochka's Omni-tool, "It is legitimate. I helped interpret the imprint on Shepard's brain.
Ladochka puts a hand on her wife's back to steady her; the Councillor looks significantly less blue and more purple. "There are theories about what caused the Protheans to disappear; the latest, but least supported, is that they were subject to genocide by another advanced race. Liara may be right. I need to warn the Council."
"Conduct first." Alenko replies, "Then we can consider taking you to the Council."
"Let me at least make a call or send a message. People need to know."
"I can't let you break comms." Alenko responds with a shake of his head, "We can't let the Reaper know we are here."
Ladochka can see and feel the frustration in her wife, but she knows there is little she can do. "Come on," Ladochka says soothingly, "We get Liara, and then we get home."
Tevos begins to walk slowly and then asks, "Will your people go to war?" Of Ladochka.
"I think they will." Answers Ladochka, but Freya adds, "They will probably bring the Geth with them."
"I think this is the first time hearing of the Geth gives me some reassurance." Tevos nervously laughs.
"Hmm. So, what were you helping the chef cook?" Ladochka knows that this is not the end of the argument but merely a tiny pause.
/.../
3 Days later - Knossos system
Ladochka frowns as she looks at a monitor, "And that is a ship."
"Aye," Alenko responds, "Collectors. Number 2 on our shit list."
"Number one of mine," Tevos responds darkly, "I don't know how well armoured or armed this ship is, but that Collector ship is a dreadnaught. How do you intend on getting planet side?"
"This ship has a few tricks," Alenko says with a toothy smile, "But they are secrets that I can't reveal."
Tevos sighs and moves to another monitor before tapping the screen, "There will be a defence fleet around this planet; If you take me there, they will come in force."
"They are two weeks away," Alenko replies with a shake of his head, "We slip under them and find your Prothean expert." Alenko then moves to another monitor, "Where on the planet is she?"
Tevos approaches another monitor and uses her finger to manipulate the planet before finding a large volcano. "To the north side of this volcano. Having never been here, that is the best I can do."
"10 miles north, a hundred?"
"I want to say within 100 standard citadel km's." Tevos replies.
"Not much to go on, but hopefully optics will find them," Alenko states, "Ashley, Ladochka, thoughts?"
Ashley nods, "On the assumption optics finds them, then yeah, my team will take the Farixen and go down and make some sound. Then, Ladochka, your small team can do the grab."
"You have a Farixen?" Tevos asks, knowing the vehicle is a Turian light armoured wheeled APC.
Ashley only grins in response.