《Siame (Mass Effect fanfic)》


 CHAPTER ONE: THE BETRAYAL

    Sgt Vanessa Ryker, highly recognized and respected among everyone not just the human race, she was well known across all the Milky Way for her accomplishments and what she could do and is willing to do for anyone; If you were in trouble, you were happy to see her boots hit the ground...but today she is marked a rogue Spectre, betrayed by someone on the council suspectedly for killing an important ambassador that would have made connections in this Galaxy stronger, and to add insult to injury blowing up his cruise ship with civilians to cover her tracks and all the data packets, along with with what could be her innocence.


    Since the days of Commander Shepard, because she is a Spectre she has an AI implant, this was mandatory after so many N7 went off grid so the council could control their people, but since she has TECH training she hacked her implant and turned hers off for now so it couldn¡¯t be traced or used against her, once she unsyncs it from their systems she will turn it back on.


    Strayed and wounded...cut off from all contacts and resources, being pursued by everyone, trying to hide yet also bleeding out¡­ Ryker trying to heal her wounds with biotic/tech powers but the pain is too much and she knows she used up too much energy stumbling around, and killing those Krogan behind her¡­ ¡®Damn things for being so complicated, for once in her life couldn''t things just go right?¡¯ She crash landed her ship, barely escaping those that pursued her. She didn''t know where she was, but she knew she was in trouble. The overuse of energy was causing her to black out at points, she needed to find some kind of cover and quick before that happened but her body all but was giving out and she kept falling to the ground unable to go on and started to fade out, all her energy used up, but before she did completely she noticed a bluish figure approach her as her eyes closed.


    When Ryker awoke she was in a small shack, there was a fire going in the corner, she noticed she had been moved onto a rolled out cot... trying to shift but pain spikes through, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t move just yet if I were you, you¡¯re still mending.¡± A woman walks into view, blue... Asari. Ryker, filled with sharp stabbing pain and bright light, fell back asleep, against her better want or judgement.


    She came to a while later, it was quiet, she didn''t see the Asari around. Attempting to shift again, it still hurt extremely bad but she couldn''t stay here, she couldn''t involve the Asari any further in this mess more than she already was. Ryker needed to figure out where she was and how the hell she was going to get out of this mess; One thing for sure the bastard that set her up had better hope she never gets her hands on them because if/when she does they¡¯ll have a new thing coming.


    Sorting through her omni-tool ¡®my AI still isn''t working yet and I don''t quite have it sync¡¯d off council¡¯s network to use and trust so I''m still on my own¡¯, ¡°Not leaving already are you?¡±


    Ryker turned around faster than she should have and practically fell back, the Asari was so quick and was there in a flash to stop her fall, ¡°thank you¡± Ryker regained her balance, and braced the counter.


    ¡°You''re not fit enough yet to venture out there, it''s a harsh and hardy world beyond those doors,¡± she picked up the bags of food she''d set down, ¡°you still need to mend and gather your strength.¡±The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Where is here exactly?" Ryker steadied herself on a chair.


    "We are on the lovely planet known as Pragia, the highly sought after vacation spot." The Asari joked because Pragia was the furthest thing from a vacation spot, something and everything wants to kill you here.


    Ryker began to rise from her chair so to leave, " I appreciate all you''ve done for me, I really have, but I don''t want to burden you or cause you any trouble. You don''t want to get mixed up in the mess I''m in by accident, I''d hate to bring you into it.¡±


    ¡°I appreciate your concern for my well being, but I am an Asari huntress, I can handle myself if need be, and I do know who you are Sgt Vanessa Ryker and I don''t believe what they are saying about you...Which is why I was willing to help you.¡± She walked over and placed her hand on Ryker¡¯s shoulder and the other hand lifted her face up, ¡°you''re brave, strong, loyal, and true...I sense it and I can''t see how someone who has done all that you have done for the council and the people in this Galaxy could for one second betray it all in a single instant...You''ve been betrayed, and framed.¡±


    ¡°It seems you have me at a disadvantage,¡± leaning back she looked up at her, ¡°for I do not know your name.¡±


    Hesitate she glanced at her, and with one sweet word, ¡°Le''Nassia.¡± (La-Ness-a)


    With supplies in hand they made their way across Pragia, Le¡¯Nassia cloaked them with her biotic shield so not to alarm the Krogan lurking in these parts...Or the unsuspecting or unwanted company. Of all the places Ryker could crash her ship this was the planet she didn¡¯t want but that was her luck, and as her luck was going Pragia made sense to fall in her path; Drug runners, weapon smugglers, pirates, mercenaries, terrorists, and intelligence agents seeking secrecy, no different from her...trying to hide, also explained why she kept seeing so many Krogan, Blood Pack.


    Ryker wondered why Le¡¯Nassia was here, was she hunting someone? Finding a misguided soul? She didn¡¯t seem the type that fit into any of those categories of people that normally found their way to this planet. She didn¡¯t seem like she had been injured to have crashed here like she did, and they were heading to what appeared to be a way off the planet, Ryker felt she could trust Le¡¯Nassia but something about her was curious, she was hiding something, deep down, and it was eating at her, and it in turn was eating at Ryker.


    Sensing the discomfort Le¡¯Nassia turned and looked at Ryker, ¡°You alright? Do we need to stop and rest?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m alright...are you okay?¡± Ryker looked her in the eyes, the shock went across Le¡¯Nassia¡¯s face.


    ¡°I don¡¯t fully understand your meaning? I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t truly think you are, I feel you¡¯re worried about something, or someone? I¡¯ve been trying to figure out why it is you¡¯ve been here on this planet, it doesn¡¯t suit you. I can tell something is bothering you and I wasn¡¯t going to pry, but you look like you need it.¡± Ryker stopped and sat on a rock looking to see if Le¡¯Nassia was going to open up or not.


    Le¡¯Nassia debated, she hasn¡¯t know Vanessa Ryker long but she knows of her, and what she can do maybe she could help. Was she in a condition to help though is the question, she was still mending and she would hate to be the cause of any further injury, ¡°If you¡¯re worried about me, I promise I¡¯m alright and I¡¯m willing to help.¡±


    Le¡¯Nassia looked up at Vanessa, ¡®could she read my mind? Are my tells that obvious?¡¯ Le¡¯Nassia sat on the rock next to Vanessa, ¡°my sister, Jineya¡± she pulled up her omni-tool, ¡°she is here somewhere, I¡¯m not sure yet why. She could be here on her own accord or she could be here against her will, but Ryker I need to know either way and I need to know from her why...why would she do this to our family if she choose it, and if she needs help I damn well going to give it all I have to give it to her.¡± Le¡¯Nassia¡¯s voice trembled at that, but Ryker knew how she felt and what she meant by it because she has done the same on many occasions for people, and right now she was going to do it here.


    ¡°That settles things then,¡± she got up, ¡°Let''s go find your sister,¡± Ryker extended her hand to Le¡¯Nassia. At a smile Le¡¯Nassia accepted it and got up, both checked their side arms and continued up the hill and further into enemy territory.

 CHAPTER TWO: THE UNKNOWN

    They approached one of the abandoned buildings near the location they had spotted a few Krogan just to see if they could find anything.


    They managed to slip in undetected and moved through the compound, ¡°this place is massive, any idea where to even start?¡± Ryker wondered.


    Le¡¯Nassia pulled up the area on her omni-tool to try and see what would seem logical, ¡°what do we have here?¡± A big ass Krogan appeared behind them, ¡°well shit, a human and another Asari..And both pretty at that, maybe Drogar will actually want these two¡­¡± he grabbed hold of both of them. He said another Asari, Le¡¯Nassia thought the same thing Vanessa did at that, her sister was here, ¡°Wetx! Put these two in the hole til the boss gets a look at them.¡±


    They were dropped in a cell, down in a hole. They needed to think how to get out and figure out where the other Asari was to see if it was her sister.


    Few hours passed, Ryker tried to think how they were going to get out. All Krogans look pretty much the same, slight differences...their colors and scars helped but they never seemed to have the same krogan walking by, every few hours it was a new one so she couldn''t sweet talk one of them to get out of here...they were stuck for now.


    Then a familiar sound of shift change came, but this one was different, "Ryker? Is that you?¡± A voice called to her but she wasn''t sure she wanted to respond not knowing if it was someone out to kill her or help her, ¡°Ryker it''s Rorik...You know the Krogan from Omega?¡±


    ¡°Rorik?¡± She walked up to the bars, ¡° what are you doing here?¡± Rorik was a young krogan, young was a play on words because when she met him he was 160yrs old, Krogans can live to be 1500 yrs old if they live to be old.


    They met on Omega which was more like a floating nightclub than a planet, but most of the gangs and scum of the earth made their way to Omega.


    ¡°My brother got me into this group of Blood pack. He''s the second in command under Drogar.¡± He looked her over, ¡°what are you doing here?¡± The Bloodpack which were made up of Vorcha and Krogan mostly. They were banned from a lot of the spaceports but seemed to thrive on Omega, Tuchanka...and Pragia.


    ¡°It''s a long story, but right now I''m looking for someone...Have you seen another Asari around here?¡±


    Rorik thought about it a moment, ¡°I think I saw one or two up with the boss not long ago. Can''t be sure though that was a few days ago and it was quick, I wasn''t there long. Are they a friend of yours Ryker?¡±


    ¡°One could be a sister to my friend here and I really want to make sure she''s alright, and find her, any way you can help us out? Find any info?¡± She hoped he would be willing since she stuck her neck out for him before.


    Le¡¯Nassia couldn''t believe how much Ryker was willing to help her with nothing in it for her, and how lucky she was that Ryker knew someone here.


    ¡°I might be able to take a look again for yeah since I do owe ya for my life Ryker more than once, it''s the least I could do...what''s her name?¡± Rorik looked at Le¡¯Nassia.


    ¡°Jineya,¡± Le¡¯Nassia was thankful he was kind.


    ¡°No promises, but I''ll try and see,¡± he turned to leave.


    ¡°Ryker...thank you,¡± Le¡¯Nassia looked like she could cry.


    Ryker went over and took her hands, ¡°we''re gonna find her, I''ll get us outta here one way or another.¡±


    Le¡¯Nassia believed her, this human had an amazing power and strength in her and it made people want to believe in her...and themselves... anything was possible¡­


    ¡°Ryker?¡± Rorik had come back some hours later. She and Le¡¯Nassia had drifted off to sleep, Rorik was waking her up, ¡°Ryker?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, yeah?¡± She opened her eyes to a smiling Krogan.


    ¡°You know you''re cute when you sleep?¡± Rorik was always kind to her.


    ¡°Aww my knight in shining armor,¡± she smiled at Rorik, ¡°you have anything for me?¡±


    ¡°Besides myself?¡± He jested, ¡°yeah the boss has three Asari up in his chambers...one I found out is your girl...that''s the good news.¡±


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    She wasn''t gonna like this, ¡°what''s the bad news?¡±


    ¡°Boss took a liking to your girl most, she''s his personal Asari, not sure how you''re gonna get to her without taking him out.¡± Rorik looked saddened.


    ¡°Hey why sad all of a sudden?¡± She walked over to him.


    ¡°I don''t want him to kill you, you''ve always been good to me...I like you,¡± he fumbled with his hands.


    She touched his face, ¡°I have no intentions of dying today...I''ve already almost died twice and said no, so I don''t plan on making it a third...ok?¡±


    He smiled at her, ¡°when the guys go to bed in a few hours I''ll come back and let you out. Then we will be even...hope after that we can be friends?¡±


    ¡°Oh Rorik, we''ve always been friends, I was never keeping track that was always you¡­¡± she held his hands, ¡°I''ll always be your friend.¡± That made him smile, he turned to leave smiling still back at her.


    Le¡¯Nassia walked up to her, ¡°you have such an amazing effect on people you know that?¡±


    Ryker looked at her, ¡°what do you mean?¡±


    ¡°You inspire, uplift, and make them believe in anything...it''s breathtaking to see.¡± Le¡¯Nassia faced Ryker and placed a hand on her face, ¡°I know I made the right choice.¡± She smiled at her and let her hand run across her cheek.


    She brought her hand up and placed it over Le¡¯Nassia''s and closed her eyes. To have someone that bestowed so much faith in her when they didn''t know her was humbling she didn''t want to let her down...she would do all she could to find and free Jineya now.


    Rorik stayed true to his word, when everyone else went to sleep, he snuck the two of them out and sent them on their way. Ryker promised no matter what happened she wouldn''t get him in trouble for this and she even made it look as though they roughed Rorik up a bit, so not to seem like he helped.


    Ryker and Le¡¯Nassia made their way further into the compound trying to find Drogar. They finally found the room they were looking for, it indeed had two other Asari there, ¡°Jineya isn''t one of those two,¡± Le¡¯Nassia told her.


    ¡°She must be further in,¡± maybe we can get information out of these two?¡± They dropped down from the rafters they were at and the two Asari were startled to see them, ¡°it''s alright I mean you no harm.¡± Ryker tried to calm them.


    It wasn''t until they saw Le¡¯Nassia from behind Ryker they finally settled some, ¡°who...who are you?¡± One of them asked, they looked like they''ve been here a long time...and beaten.


    ¡°I''m Vanessa, this is my friend, Le¡¯Nassia. We''re looking for her sister Jineya, have you by chance seen or heard of her?¡± The one that spoke to Ryker got antsy, ¡°it''s alright, no one is going to hurt you anymore I promise,¡± Ryker touched her arm and she settled again.


    Le¡¯Nassia amazed yet again that this being and her gentle words and spirit could calm such brokenness was beyond her...if she would have been born Asari she''d be a Justicar, or a holy one.


    ¡°She is a few rooms down...with Drogar. He makes us dance for him, all three of us...but her...she is used for other entertainment,¡± the Asari began crying Ryker brought her up to embrace her in a hug, her fraile blue arms shaking wrapped tight around Ryker''s body. She wept hard into Ryker''s chest, all she could do was sit and hold her and let her have her cry.


    Ryker lifted the Asari''s face and smiled at her ¡°We''re going to get her, then we will be back for the two of you. So stay strong for me and be ready to go ok?¡± The Asari gave her a small smile and nodded, ¡°alright, I''ll be right back.¡± The other Asari took the one from Ryker and held her as Ryker and Le¡¯Nassia went on to the next room.


    Ryker could hear some commotion going on but couldn''t make out what it was. They neared the door they assumed was Drogar¡¯s, ¡°you gonna dance for me pretty girl?¡±


    ¡°No, I don''t want to dance for you!¡± That voice it was Jineya, Le¡¯Nassia knew for sure.


    ¡°Ryker,¡± she looked at her, but Ryker already knew.


    She grabbed Le¡¯Nassia''s hand and gave it a squeeze then they busted through the door.


    ¡°What the hell!¡± Drogar spun around shotgun in hand. Jineya hid around the side of the bed, then she saw Le¡¯Nassia.


    ¡°Sia?¡± she had never been so happy in her life to see her sister, but who was this human?


    ¡°Drogar I''m here for Jineya.¡± Ryker aimed her assault rifle at the Krogan but was scanning the room for anyone else that could be hiding, she wished she had fixed her AI before they came in here.


    ¡°Yeah who the hell do you think you are busting into my joint?¡± Drogar started circling her, but she matched him step for step.


    ¡°Does it matter who I am?¡± she counted one more in the rafters above the bed with a sniper, she couldn''t let that one get Le¡¯Nassia or Jineya. She switched her grenade and was ready to loft it at him soon as she got her girls clear.


    ¡°From the looks of things you''re military, or at least former military...you don''t talk like a merc...nor alliance...gotta be N7 ass kisser,¡± he smirked at her.


    ¡°Damn all that from my little snide comments, you''re good,¡± she held her hands out to him to clap.¡± She tried to indicate to Le¡¯Nassia to move away with Jineya by shifting her eyes to the side. Le¡¯Nassia picked up on it and moved from that area. Ryker readied the grenade, ¡°what do you know about us N7¡¯s?¡±


    ¡°You fight dirty to get a job done...not much different from a merc¡­¡± he still smiled at her.


    ¡°That is true, only thing is... I''m not on a job..this is personal,¡± she pitched the grenade at the sniper and put a biotic bubble around herself, the grenade exploded everywhere, ¡°and when it''s personal things get much worse.¡±


    The grenade not only killed the sniper, it had knocked the Krogan off his feet, making him drop his shotgun, Ryker ran in¡­She slide grabbing the shotgun turned it quickly on the falling Krogan and fired¡­


    Le¡¯Nassia stood holding her sister, it was all a blur, Ryker moved so fast. Almost as soon as the grenade left her hand the Krogan laid dead on the floor, she didn''t see her even charge in for the shotgun...she would hate to see what Ryker could do at full capacity...she hoped they never ended up on opposite sides.


    Ryker came back to them and gathered her assault rifle, ¡°let''s go get the other two and get out of here shall we?¡±


    Jineya nodded, ¡°yeah I think we''ve been here long enough,¡± Le¡¯Nassia smiled happy she had her sister back and safe.


    Ryker went and got the other two Asari girls, and the five of them snuck back through the rafters that brought them to Drogar''s chambers in the first place.


    Ryker could hear Rorik and another krogan fighting near the compound where he had released them, he was being questioned about their escape and the krogan was telling at him about getting his ass handed to him by two girls. After the yelling stopped all looked over until the other krogan turned around and head-butted Rorik and proceeded to walk away.


    Ryker made her way down first to make sure all was clear, and as she signaled for the others it was safe she made her way over to Rorik, "Rorik," she whispered as she shook him.


    He stirred, "please don''t hit me," Rorik covered his face.


    "Rorik it''s Ryker," she looked around to make sure no one was coming still.


    "Ryker, did you get her?" He laid there smiling at her.


    "Yeah, we found her...thanks to you." She smiled back at him.


    "Good, it was good seeing ya...you stay safe now."


    "You also Rorik, I''ll be seeing ya." With that she got up and met up with her group.


    They made their way down the mountain to a ship Le¡¯Nassia had hidden to get off Pragia for good.

 CHAPTER THREE: HIDDEN

    Jineya and the other two Asari girls were asleep, Vanessa went to check on Le¡¯Nassia. When she got to the bridge she noticed Le¡¯Nassia sitting in the pilot seat but she also was asleep. Ryker walked up to the console and noticed she had set the co-pilot on for a while, she sat and looked out the window at where they were, she wasn¡¯t sure where they were headed yet but knew she would be able to find more information out about her situation there.


    ¡°Thessia,¡± Le¡¯Nassia looked at her, ¡°That¡¯s where we are headed. I¡¯m taking my sister back home to Thessia and hopefully the other two can find their families there as well.¡±


    ¡°Here''s hoping, god knows they''ve been through enough,¡± Ryker looked back at Le¡¯Nassia, ¡°has Jineya talked about what all happened to her?¡±


    Le¡¯Nassia looked saddened, ¡°no, and I haven''t pushed it because I can see it on her face...in her eyes how traumatic this has all been for her...I still don''t even know how she got to be there in the first place.¡±


    ¡°Well maybe once she''s back home and feels the safety of something familiar it will help,¡± she smiled at her trying to soothe her. Ryker winced a little as she sat down.


    ¡°Are you alright? You were not fully mended when you launched yourself at the krogan.¡± Le¡¯Nassia was afraid Ryker was injured further due to her.


    ¡°I''m not gonna lie I hurt, and I used up energy I didn''t really have...but I''m also stronger thanks to your care and treatment of my injuries,¡± she smiled at her, ¡°nothing to fear...I''ll pull through, besides it was worth it.¡±


    It was odd to Le¡¯Nassia, here is a human who practically has nothing left in this world, being hunted down by everyone and she still has it in her to find a way to comfort others...


    They landed on Thessia and it was gorgeous, an orange autumn sun rising above the sparkling lake giving light to the radiant towers that were the Asari pride.


    Vanessa followed Le¡¯Nassia and the others off the ship still cautious of her surroundings because she didn''t know who here she could trust yet. Le¡¯Nassia had given her one of her Asari huntress outfits to wear instead of her N7 outfit so she could disguise herself better for now, she just looked like a Merc.


    They found a place for the two Asari to go while they located their families, and Le¡¯Nassia took Jineya home. Their home was very nice, apparently their mother is on the Senate council for their species, so Le¡¯Nassia''s family is a high ranking family.


    Vanessa sat and waited in the main room and waited as she watched Le¡¯Nassia disappear to the next level with her sister to meet her mother. Ryker didn''t know why but she sensed Le¡¯Nassia was proud of her family but hated it all the same, maybe something about the mother caused her sister to end up on Pragia.


    Le¡¯Nassia returned a few hours later, ¡°I apologize, I did not intend to leave you here for so long...my mother kept rambling on and wanted to know why and what to everything.¡±


    ¡°Oh no worries, how is Jineya?¡± Vanessa stood and walked over to Le¡¯Nassia.


    ¡°Sleeping finally...took some convincing but she calmed down enough and I told her she was safe, and I wouldn''t leave her with mother alone.¡± Le¡¯Nassia looked concerned.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Ryket touched her arm.


    ¡°It''s nothing, just a girl''s rant.¡± Le¡¯Nassia shrugged.


    ¡°Nas,¡± she picked up her face and looked into her eyes, ¡°it''s not ranting, I can tell..I sense something is wrong here.¡±


    Not many gave her a nickname, her sister called her Sia, so to hear Ryker call her Nas was a change of pace, ¡°My sister...and my mother have always fought... never once have they truly gotten along. When I took her in to see mother instead of being like ''thank god you''re home safe¡¯...she was more concerned with how much shame she''d bring to the family over this,¡± Le¡¯Nassia turned to walk away. ¡°My mother has always been more concerned about politics than family...I love my family...I hate politics.¡± She walked to the window to look out at the Thessia evening.


    Vanessa walked over to join her, ¡°I understand that, I hate politics to...but I play their stupid game because I have to...I don''t know much about family, I don''t have any so that I can''t understand. I was found at a very young age, no parents around, no siblings...bounced between foster housing...so no stable connection to anyone...I think that is why I try so hard to connect with people on my job.¡± Vanessa rested her head in her hands.


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    Le¡¯Nassia looked at this being beside her, this broken, open, raw... vulnerable...laid bare. Vanessa trusted her enough to tell her all that. She was falling for her and falling hard...she couldn''t let herself...could she? Le¡¯Nassia went to reach for her...


    ¡°Lady Arteza?¡± One of the servants approached them.


    ¡°Yes, what is it?¡± Le¡¯Nassia turned to address the servant angrily.


    Startled, ¡°your mother requires your presence along with your companion.¡±


    Le¡¯Nassia nodded.


    They boarded the elevator, it was silent Vanessa could tell Le''Nassia was antsy and in edge, ¡°is there something I should be worried about?¡±


    ¡°by the goddess I pray not,¡± fumbling her hands at her side; Vanessa reached over and grabbed one of her hands, and held it...that seemed a surprise and a comfort to Le''Nassia.


    Vanessa smiled at her, ¡°we got this... together...whatever it is.¡±


    ¡°Always,¡± Le¡¯Nassia squeezed her hand.


    As the doors opened Le¡¯Nassia instantly dropped her hand and brought back that proper manner she had before, almost like royalty...which I guess in a way she kinda is; they walked to her mother''s Chambers led by her mother''s lackey.


    As the doors opened, Vanessa saw the room and as expected it was grand and glorious...not a disappointment on Asari style and taste. The Council woman stood gazing out the window ''probably to make their entrance seem like a dramatic effect¡¯ and of course it worked.


    ¡°My lady Mymephea, your company has arrived.¡± Her mother turned to look at them, and Le''Nassia was a spitting image of her mother almost as if she was cloned.


    ¡°Thank you Penun, you may leave now,¡± she waved her off, Penun bowed and exited closing the doors behind her, ¡° greetings and welcome to Thessia, our most beloved city.¡± She smiled and waved her arms around in grandeur as if she was waiting for an applause, ¡°And thank you for assisting my daughters on their adventure, of which I''m eternally grateful.¡± Vanessa could feel the anger and tension welling up in Le¡¯Nassia even as her hands clenched behind her.


    ¡°The pleasure is mine Councilor, it is an honor to be here and I''m glad I was where I needed to be to assist your daughters.¡± Vanessa placed a hand over her chest and bowed her head.


    ¡°Such politeness from your kind, that''s a rare gift, I can see why my daughter has taken a liking to you. What do I pray is your name so that I may acquaint myself better with you?¡±


    Vanessa didn''t want to give her her real name just as a cautionary thing, ¡°my real name has been lost to me sadly, but I go by the name Vi.¡±


    Le¡¯Nassia tried to think why she wouldn''t share her real name, but then remembered she''s wanted and she had to be sure she hadn''t been found out...it was smart, it also made her feel better deep within because out of everyone she''s the only one who really knows her true self and identity.


    ¡°Vi? Is that short for Violet, Victoria perhaps?,¡± Councilor placed her hand over her mouth in awe.


    ¡°whichever you prefer.¡± Vanessa smiled at her and hoped it was convicing, it does help she''s in different armor than her own.


    ¡°Well.. Vi? to show how much I appreciate your assistance to my family feel free to stay here in my house as long as you need to.¡± The Councilor smiled, and waved them on, ¡°forgive me I have some work to do, take care.¡±


    It was quite a nice house, and as much as it had it seemed empty and lonely, instead of a home it felt more like an appearance. Vanessa was shown a room down the hall from Le''Nassia and Jineya; Vanessa sat on the bed and looked out the window to Thessia, it really was one of the most beautiful places she''d ever seen. She walked over to the balcony and opened the crystal doors to get more of a view.


    ¡°You settling in alright?¡± Ryker turned to see Le''Nassia standing at her door.


    ¡°It''s beautiful here,¡± she turned back to look out as Le¡¯Nassia walked up beside her.


    ¡°It is...but I think there is something more precious and beautiful,¡± Le¡¯Nassia took Vanessa''s hand, Ryker looked at her, ¡°you, are the most unique individual I have ever had the privilege to be around,¡± she turned to face Ryker taking both of their hands, ¡°you give without reward even when you''ve lost everything and everyone you still want to be there for others I''m not sure I could ever do that...and I love you for it.¡± Le¡¯Nassia looked into her eyes.


    ¡°You...you love me?¡± she was stumped and at a loss for words but very moved by what she was told.


    ¡°I think I do, I love you...I know that''s strange probably for both of us, but you make me feel amazing just being around you and seeing how you truly are...and I don''t feel I can be without You.¡± Le¡¯Nassia looked at their hands, she was nervous maybe Ryker didn''t feel the same way.


    She reached up to touch Le¡¯Nassia''s shoulder, ¡°hey,¡± Le¡¯Nassia looked up at her, ¡°you''ll never have to be without me, I want to be with you for always... remember we said we''d get through it...together.¡± she smiled as she looked into Le¡¯Nassia''s eyes.


    Le¡¯Nassia smiled and put her hand on top of Ryker¡¯s hand, it was warm, loving, welcoming hand...she had never felt feelings of this kind for anyone and the fact that she had them so strongly for a human no doubt...was exciting as well as scary.


    Vanessa leaned in closer embracing her shoulders, Le¡¯Nassia reached up touching her face as she leaned in closer she pulled Vanessa to her where they shared a kiss.


    As they kissed feelings grew stronger, next thing Vanessa knew she was in another world but in her head, but Le¡¯Nassia was there. Ryker didn''t know what was going on but she also wasn''t scared, it was thrilling... Le''Nassia eyes shone black, like crystal obsidian...it was captivating...then like it started the vision was gone¡­ ¡°Ryker I''m so sorry!¡± Vanessa came back to where she remembered and she was on the floor being held by Le¡¯Nassia.


    Vanessa looked up at her lover, ¡°what...what was that?¡±


    Le¡¯Nassia touched her face and moved her hair from around her face, ¡°that was called a melding...to be honest I''ve never experienced one before and I didn''t realize it was happening until we were in it, it''s something we Asari do...it''s considered deeper than mating, we only do that with those we synergize with, most in my race only do that when they want to reproduce.¡± Ryker, startled looked up at her, ¡°no worries it''s only when intended to, I won''t/can''t just reproduce...well, I could but that would be what your kind consider rape...and they are ostracized and imprisoned if not killed, because when they do it they kill their partner.¡±


    ¡°So this melding you called it? Can be lethal?¡± Ryker attempted to sit up.


    ¡°It can be but only if the Asari is to strong for their  partner and they''re not equally into the melding...I''d never hurt you, ever, and the fact that we melded without even trying was magical.¡±


    ¡°Learn new things everyday,¡± she smiled at Le¡¯Nassia, ¡°and yes it was magical.¡± Le¡¯Nassia helped Vanessa off the floor and she sat on the bed, ¡°I look forward to hearing more about your people and the adventures we''re likely to have...if and when I can solve my own disaster.¡±


    Le¡¯Nassia sat next to Ryker, ¡°hey we will I have a few Asari that I grew up with and schooled with that might be willing and able to look into things...ones I can trust, and no matter what I''m with you on this...through all of it.¡± Le¡¯Nassia touched her shoulder, ¡°we''ll sleep on it then in the morning after I make sure my sister is settled we will go to the temple and ask.¡±


    Vanessa nodded in agreement and laid down to sleep, Le¡¯Nassia laid next to her for a time before going back to her own room so not to draw attention to them from her mother''s lackeys...it was not something she was ready to discuss with her.

 CHAPTER FOUR: ANSWERS

    Morning broke, the sun shone through on Vanessa''s face...she slept nice for once in she can''t remember how long...she stretched and rolled over to see someone standing in her doorway. At first she thought it was Le¡¯Nassia but as she sat up more came into view and it was her mother''s lackeys...geez, ¡°good morning madam, my lady thought you''d appreciate a change of clothing more suitable I feel than your clanky metal armor,¡± Penun had a typical snob Asari attire for her to wear, so Vanessa decided she might as well try and fit in rather than stand out...well anymore than having a human on an Asari planet would.


    Vanessa walked into what would be considered a dining room in their world but it was extreme probably used for house parties, she walked over to the table looking at all that was on it, ¡°you look amazing!¡± Vanessa turned around to see Le¡¯Nassia walk into the room.


    ¡°Well it''s not everyday you see a human in Asari get up...unless you''ve been in any of the nightclubs on Omega.¡± Vanessa chuckled.


    ¡°Still you look pretty good,¡± she smiled at Ryker


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she tempted a curtsy, then another Asari walked into the room, it was Jineya, ¡°Jineya! how are you feeling?¡±


    ¡°Much better, thank you...and I want to formally thank you for your assistance you gave me yesterday, I could never repay you for that.¡±


    ¡°And you''ll never have to, it was my pleasure to help you and it was the right thing to do.¡± Jineya smiled at Vanessa.


    ¡°Always a thrill to hear such politeness amongst the species,¡± with that, the joy in the room died, their mother walked in to join them, ¡°oh now don''t let me spoil this mood I just wanted to make sure everyone has what they needed, I''m on my way to the office if anyone needs me for anything let Penun know...Goddess protect you,¡± and just as she entered she left.


    Vanessa walked over to Le¡¯Nassia and took her hand, ¡°it''s alright she can''t mess things up and Jineya is safe...I won''t let anything ruin or change that...I promise.¡± she touched her face.


    Jineya could see they both cared for each other very much, she''s never seen her sister so happy in all her life...she didn''t want that taken from her, ¡°I promise I''ll never reveal who you truly are to anyone, because you make my sister happy...but you hurt her and you''ll be answering to me.. understood?¡±


    Vanessa smiled at her, ¡°I understood and I promise I would rather die than cause any harm to your sister...or you.¡± She stuck her hand out to Jineya and Jineya accepted it.


    Later that day as promised Le¡¯Nassia and Ryker made their way to the science tower, it was inspired my Liara T''Soni and the work she''d done with Commander Shepard.


    Her image hologrammed all over the walls of the building, there was a blue haze all inside...it all looked to precious to touch... Vanessa remembered in her studies about Shepard how amazing this woman was, she was the one who inspired Vanessa to do the best she could for anyone...and to now be here not only where she was from but in something she also made and inspired was... overwhelming.


    ¡°You alright Ryker?¡± Le''Nassia was concerned.


    ¡°I''m great, this is great...SHE was great.¡± Ryker about cried pointing up at one of Liara''s hologram.


    ¡°Yes, yes she was...some still say she lives but no one truly knows or if where...she''s a legend among us and it would have been an honor to witness.¡± They walked hand in hand to the elevator to go meet Le''Nassia''s friends.


    ¡°I heard rumors few years back she became the shadow broker.¡± They entered the elevator.


    ¡°Yes I heard rumors of that as well, but I''ve heard the shadow broker''s voice once and it didn''t have the Asari dialect or mannerisms to it, but that can all be arranged different if trying to hide whom one is.¡± She pressed the button for the 80th floor.


    They''ve done an amazing job rebuilding after the Reaper invasion, from the looks of things you''d never even know they were attacked.


    Exiting the elevator they took an immediate left toward some cubicle spaces, ¡°Kas! Suul!¡± Le¡¯Nassia called out to them.


    ¡°Le¡¯Nassia!¡± They all three embraced each other, ¡°it''s so good to see you well, I didn''t know you were coming home.¡± Kas seemed happy and yet confused.


    ¡°It wasn''t a planned visit, had some things come up that needed my attention,¡± she looked back at Vanessa, ¡°on that matter I need your help, both of you.¡±


    ¡°Whatever is in our power we''d gladly help you,¡± Suul came up to join in their discussion.


    ¡°This is Vanessa, she''s important to me...someone on the Senate committee has framed her for the killing of that ambassador and I want to try and find out who...now no one else knows who she is and that she''s here and I''d like to keep it that way if possible.¡± Le¡¯Nassia looked at her friends with a plea in her heart.


    ¡°Nassia what are you getting yourself into? This...this is dangerous.¡± Kas was concerned.


    ¡°I understand that but I can''t let bad things happen to good people, and as I said I care for this one, more than my life.¡±


    ¡°Then we will see it done, and try our best to find something out for you.¡± Suul boldly stated.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    ¡°We will?¡± Kas still not happy about it all looked at Suul. Suul gave her a look, ¡°....we will.¡± Kas finally agreed, ¡°it will take some time though.¡± Le¡¯Nassia nodded and was grateful.


    "Oh and I have a request if possible," Ryker walked over to Suul, "I''ve been trying to sort out how to deactivate the AI in my omni-tool so Im able to use it, but so far have been unsuccessful. Do you by chance know of a way I can?"


    Suul thought it over, "let me look up the pages on it and I''ll get back to you on it." Ryker smiled and nodded in agreement as they walked away back to the elevator.


    Vanessa and Le¡¯Nassia returned to her mother''s house and waited to hear word back from her friends.


    Night fell and still no word yet, so they called it a night and would check back in the morning.


    As Ryker slept she had a dream there was a shadowed figure laughing at her as they held an omni-blade to Le¡¯Nassia''s throat, they called Ryker a traitor and threatened her lover''s life...Ryker pleaded to have them spare Le¡¯Nassia but the shadow laughed deeper and stabbed her, then let her fall into a dark hole...Ryker screamed after her...and then woke up startled and sweaty, ''it was just a dream...just a dream¡¯....she then heard a shifting in her room, ¡°who''s there?¡± She had her blaster in her hand, and prayed no one answered her back.


    After a moment a voice muffled and unknown to her, ¡°if you know better, you''ll leave well enough alone...this will be your only warning.¡± A woman''s voice, and just as quickly they were gone...the window flew open and out they went, into the rain that poured through, Ryker ran to the balcony not caring that it was storming to see where they went...but they were gone.


    Ryker debated turning on her omni-tool to scan the area and see if she could find her intruder, but the AI would still be active so she decided not to.


    Seconds later Le¡¯Nassia came running in the room after she heard Ryker scream it scared her awake, ¡°what''s wrong? Are you alright?... Goddess you''re soaking wet...what the hell happened!¡± Ryker wasn''t sure herself but she was damn sure not gonna let anything happen to Le''Nassia...she grabbed ahold of her tightly and held her, ¡°it¡¯s alright, I''m here...nothing is going to happen.¡±


    ¡°Damn right it won''t, I won''t let it!¡± Ryker still wouldn''t let go...she started shaking both from the rain and the anger welling up inside her...this can not happen, WILL not happen.


    ¡°Let''s get you changed we don''t need you getting sick,¡± Le¡¯Nassia closed the doors and locked them then helped get Ryker changed¡­


    Ryker told her the dream she had and then the figure that was in her room...she felt lost, unsure how to proceed...this is a first for her, she never had those to care about, when it was just her she didn''t care live or die it was for the cause...now her actions involved others that could be hurt in the crossfire...she will not allow that.


    Le¡¯Nassia stayed with her, held her while she slept. In the morning they would sort it out with clear heads...and she wanted to know who was in this room.


    Morning broke, and Ryker startled awake, ¡°shhh it''s ok, I''m here.¡± Ryker laid back down... Le''Nassia didn''t like that Ryker was so on edge..her brave tough warrior now lived in fear...and there wasn''t a thing she could do to help her...it killed her.


    Ryker rolled over and saw Le¡¯Nassia laying beside her, ¡°thank you.¡± She smiled at her


    ¡°What are you thanking me for?¡± confused she looked at Ryker.


    ¡°For being here, for being you...for loving me...I''ll never take that for granted.¡± Ryker closed her eyes.


    Le''Nassia watched to drift off, ¡°I live for you, I''ll always love you...I''d die for you if I had to... we''re together on this, on everything...Siame.¡±


    Morning came soon enough, and Ryker went for a walk outside, clear her head and get some fresh air. Le¡¯Nassia had some business to run, and some dealings with her mother, so she stayed out of the way, she promised they''d meet up before dinner to discuss what her friends had found out.


    She sat on a bench at the park, still toying with her omni-tool, and she might have found a way to rewire the AI to work with her instead of against her.


    ¡°There you are,¡± Le¡¯Nassia came strolling up to her, ¡°I wondered where you went.¡±


    ¡°How did today go?¡± Vanessa kept staring at her arm, the trees were blowing in the breeze, pink flowers swarmed around her.


    ¡°Well...I found out my mother is being put up for Matriarch title, hence her shortness with everything that has happened.¡± Le¡¯Nassia didnt seem thrilled about the idea, Vanessa could hear it in her voice.


    ¡°This displeases you doesn''t it?¡± on that note she stopped messing with her arm and looked at Le''Nassia.


    ¡°Mildly...I could care less what my mother does, but when she becomes Matriarch I will be watched more closely than I already have, I''ll be told to set and example and lead...all because of my mother''s stature...I''m not looking forward to that.¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± Vanessa turned to face her, ¡°when my issue is resolved we can go away from here, I heard there is talking of others wanting to Branch out into the Galaxy more...we can look into that and go somewhere where people don''t know us...a fresh start.¡±


    Le¡¯Nassia looked concerned, ¡°but Ryker your life here..a Spectre...you''d give all that up to start over?¡±


    ¡°I''d be starting over with you...and at this rate I don''t have much of a Spectre life anymore...someone saw to that.¡±


    ¡°But we can fix that once we''ve settled the matter.¡± She came and sat by Vanessa


    ¡°It won''t matter, I''m different now... we''re both different...I''m willing to start a new.¡± she smiled at Le¡¯Nassia.


    ¡°Wow...I never would have thought or believed that humans could change so strongly for something...Asari hold onto things...for a long time...and we live for a long time, if one of us were to just up and change direction so suddenly it would be blamed on our ''father¡¯ genes *chuckled*¡±


    ¡°You mentioned age, I know your race can live a long time, and I''ve seen only your mother..is your father in the picture?¡±


    Le¡¯Nassia sat quiet for a moment, ¡°no, my parents only met up for a short time, nothing serious...I mean you''ve met my mother she doesn''t have time for love and relationships...their encounter was brief and when I''ve asked before it was for a purpose.¡±


    ¡°Do you know who your father is?¡±


    ¡°From what I''m told he was a Turian general, and a damn good one too...he died in the First Contact War.¡±


    ¡°Ah yes, the war with turians and my people¡­ what a three months that was.¡±


    ¡°What about your parents?¡± She was interested in the matter.


    ¡°My dad was an alliance soldier through and through, my mom a scientist...my dad was away a lot of the time...my mom ended up getting a job with Cerberus.¡±


    ¡°The human terrorist group?¡± Le¡¯Nassia was confused.


    ¡°She didn''t realize at first they were a terrorist group, when she was pitched the job offer it was an organization benefiting the human race, trying to advance it in an alien world...my mom fell for the pitch.¡±


    ¡°Where are they now?¡± she turned to look at her.


    ¡°Dad I''m told died on a mission to explore a planet around the time of the Reaper war, but it was covert so they won''t tell me what planet...mom I never heard from again...I''m not sure if she still lives or if Cerberus has done things to her...I was almost a teenager when I was put in the foster care system, so I had no hopes or plans anyone would adopt me,¡± she shrugged at the idea, ¡°then come age 17 I enlisted in the alliance, worked my way up to where I am now.¡± she fidgeted with her hands.


    ¡°Have you looked for her?¡± She now understood more of why Ryker had a strong urge to help people, she wouldn''t leave others behind and gave everything her all...her dad was an icon and her mother unknown, she felt left behind all her life...but why feel the need to prove herself to anyone...the only one that mattered was herself.


    ¡°I''ve looked and ended up with more questions than I''ve found answers...I''ve been told to just assume the worst and that she''s dead...so outwardly I have...but I''ll never truly give up...not until I know...or I choose to stop and move on.¡± Ryker shrugged at the notion that maybe it was time...time to let go of it all...time to be her, if she kept holding onto the past she could never embrace the future...she looked at Le¡¯Nassia, and she liked where her future was headed.


    ¡°Cerberus! Are you sure?¡± They met up with Le¡¯Nassia''s friends... apparently Cerberus was behind the attack on the ambassador, but they don''t know who wanted the attack..not yet anyway.


    ¡°Yes, my reliable source was on the ship the day it happened and noticed Cerberus officers.¡± Suul handed her the hologram with images and files.


    ¡°Thank you for helping me...you went to great lengths and I''m very appreciative of your efforts.¡±


    Suul, "you''re welcome. As for your omni-tool I wasn''t able to find a way to deactivate it."


    "That''s fine I might know of a way I can rewire it, I just need to find the tools to do so." With that Ryker took her leave thanking the two again for their time and needed to rethink a plan.

 CHAPTER FIVE: CHANGE

    Vanessa sat and looked over all that Suul and Kas had found...none of it made sense...did she get too close to one of their operations?...was it about her mother?...she was nowhere closer to solving this than when she started *sigh*


    ¡°Not getting anywhere?¡± Le¡¯Nassia walked in carrying dinner.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± she smiled briefly as Le¡¯Nassia put dinner down, ¡°no, it tells me Cerberus attacked the ambassador but still don''t know who ordered the hit...not why I particularly was blamed...so just more questions to resolve.¡±


    ¡°Le¡¯Nassia sat across from her, ¡°was it personal? Get to close to destroying one of their missions?¡±


    ¡°That''s the thing I''m not sure, I never knew I was involved or near one...wondered also if it was my mother, or about my mother..not sure there yet either.¡±


    ¡°So how do you want to proceed with the information we have?¡± Le¡¯Nassia had no idea what to do next.


    ¡°I''m afraid to say it, but we might have to go to the Citadel.¡± Vanessa didn''t like the idea but she wasn''t going to find anymore answers here.


    ¡°Are you sure? That would be like walking into a snake pit...everyone knows who you are there?¡± Worried and concerned for her safety she couldn''t see them just being able to walk into town like nothing.


    ¡°I''ll have to borrow another of your huntress outfits and wear the helmet the entire time we''re there, and not talk to many people.¡±


    ¡°How are you going to get past the bio-scanners at the entrance?¡±


    ¡°I''m a Spectre we have other entrances that most don''t know exist, I''ll sneak in.¡± She was confident they could at least get that far after that she wasn''t sure. Admiral Hackett became Councilor after Anderson died from the Reaper attack, Ryker was always in good graces with him so she needed to get to him once inside, ¡°if we can get in, Admiral Hackett is who I could trust, I would need to find him.¡±


    ¡°Alright, sounds like a start...we can prep the ship to go and we''ll leave in the morning.¡± They''d formed their plan and proceeded to carry it out...this should work, it has to...there were no other options.


    Morning came as it always did, bright and warm, Vanessa felt ready for what was to come but she also felt worried..anything could go wrong and she didn''t want Le¡¯Nassia to get caught in the middle of it.


    ¡°Ready to go?¡± Le¡¯Nassia walked into her room.


    ¡°Just about...is Jineya alright with you leaving?¡±


    ¡°I explained it shouldn''t be for long, and if she needed someone to get ahold of Kas or Suul and they''d watch her and to contact me immediately.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good, did your mom say anything about us leaving?¡±


    ¡°She was too busy to see me, but Penun looked displeased with me when she stated she''d share my message,¡± she shrugged, ¡°not that it matters because I would leave anyway.¡±


    ¡°You know you don''t have to, this is my fight...you could stay out if you truly wish to, I''d hate to ruin you because of something I did.¡±


    Le¡¯Nassia confused and slightly angered looked at Vanessa, ¡°Ryker I said from the start we''re in this together, you''ve helped me repeatedly do you not wish for me to go! To help you!?¡±


    Vanessa knew she''d overstepped herself, ¡°no I welcome your help I just don''t want to destroy your life or future if things were to go poorly.¡±


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    ¡°Whatever the results or consequences I will fully accept them, I''m with you till the end.¡± With that they both walked out of the room and walked silently to the ship to head to the citadel...and hopefully not their end.


    After some time traveling the clouds began to part and they could see the giant space station floating with the orange hue of the sun behind it.


    As they approached one of the open wings, Le''Nassia reached out to Central control, ¡°Citadel command this is the Ajrakila, asking for docking permission.¡± Le¡¯Nassia kept things casual.


    ¡°Ajrakila what is the reason for your visit?¡± An Asari inquired


    ¡°Just passing through, looking to fill up and resources.¡± Wasn''t a complete lie they were there for resources, just not the edible or refuelable kind.


    After some radio silence the Asari came back, ¡°Ajrakila permission granted use docking bay 42.¡±


    ¡°Understood docking bay 42.¡± She turned left and they docked...now the real trial begins...to get inside.


    Le''Nassia wondered how they were going to get in all normal entrances had bio-scanning technology that would immediately detect Ryker as she went through, so what place could she possibly have that absolutely no one would spot her?


    ¡° Kon''nichiwa, Ramen! Delicacy on Earth!¡± the manager greeted the passersby.


    ¡°This? This is your secret entrance?¡± Le''Nassia couldn''t believe they were sneaking in the back of the food joint through the garbage ejection port.


    ¡°I didn''t say it was top secret...Mr. Toyomi has always been kind to me.¡± Vanessa now slightly embarrassed. She loved Ramen, made her think of home... though she ate a lot of Ramen because she didn''t have money for much else...this place was her favorite on the citadel (non-shepard candid).


    After she thanked Mr. Toyomi, they made their way to the rapid transport to get to the embassy suites on the presidium.


    They existed the transport and prayed the embassy was busy so they might have a chance not to be noticed, and by the goddess it was; luckily Ryker was still in the Asari huntress get up so she definitely didn''t look herself...they headed up as if to head to the Asari ambassador, the human office was right next door...only bad thing, so was C-Sec.


    ¡°Lady Ateza,¡± both turned to see who had called Le¡¯Nassia. It was one of the Asari Councilor¡¯s Assistants, ¡°I didn''t realize you''d be here today have you come to see your mother?¡±


    ¡°Not at this time, I didn''t realize mother was here today.¡±


    ¡°We stopped in to handle a meeting that came up, apparently Sgt. Ryker had been spotted close by and we needed to set up how to handle the situation.¡±


    ¡°Ah I see...well I hope the search goes well.¡± They both nodded to each other and she turned back to Vanessa, ¡° we have to be extra careful...and don''t take that helmet off.¡± Vanessa nodded in agreement.


    They walked into Councilor Admiral Hackett''s office, he noticed the Asari, ¡°look no disrespect but I''ve already told the council my stand on Sgt. Ryker so if you''re here to dissuade me you''re wasting your breath.¡± He waved them off.


    ¡°Hackett,¡± Ryker removed her helmet.


    ¡°Ryker? What in God''s name are you doing here?¡± She walked up by him as Le¡¯Nassia stood watch at the door.


    ¡°I need help,¡± she touched his arm


    ¡°Well that''s obvious, the whole station not to mention the Galaxy is looking for you.¡± he looked around to make sure she didn''t have followers.


    ¡°I have proof that Cerberus was behind that attack, I just don''t know who ordered it or why.¡±


    ¡°Send me a copy what you have and I''ll have someone dig into it...but please stay low and out of sight.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir,¡± she went to put her helmet on so they could leave.


    ¡°And Ryker,¡± she looked back at him, ¡°it''s damn good to see you". She smiled at him and out the door they went.


    They left Hackett''s office and headed down the hall trying to avoid C-SEC..it didn''t work.


    ¡°Halt,¡± a turian dressed in blue approached them, ¡°state your business here the Asari ambassador Chambers are on the other side of the embassy.¡± He looked stubborn.


    ¡°We were just visiting the human Council member to notify him of the N7 they are wanting, a sighting we had so to help apprehend her.¡± Le¡¯Nassia in a sense wasn''t lying they did go there to let him know she was ok and what they knew.


    He looked over at Ryker, ¡°why do you have your helmet on?¡± It was odd seeing anyone wearing there helmet or visor while on the grounds.


    Quick to cover Le¡¯Nassia spoke up before Ryker could, ¡°forgive my counterpart here she can''t speak at the moment and part of her face has been destroyed, she''s in the process of recovering so needs to keep her helmet on to protect her face.


    He seemed to by it and decided they weren''t a threat and let them go. They continued on down the hall knowing the next time they get caught it probably won''t go in their favor, they rounded the corner toward the elevators that lead to the market place...if they could get there Vanessa knew of a place they could stay, an old quarian friend that ran the ship sales here (quarians and their ships) she didn''t want to go back to the flotilla after her pilgrimage. They¡¯d almost approached the elevator when they heard voices and hid around the side.


    ¡°What do you mean you had her and lost? *Mechanical breathing* I want Ryker found now and dealt with,¡± an angry Volus was yelling at some turian guards, ¡°I don''t care what it takes she shouldn''t have made it off that cruise line that was your mistake *mechanical breathing* I don''t want to have to report to Cerberus that we failed to carry out.¡± With that the group took the elevators to the council tower¡­ ¡°her mother won''t be pleased.¡± The elevator doors closed.


    ''Her mother¡¯? Does he mean my mother? Vanessa contemplated all they heard; was my mother the one behind all this?


    ¡°Ryker, let''s go before someone else comes.¡± She touched Ryker''s arm knowing what she probably was thinking and they got on the other elevator.


    ¡°I wonder what he meant by they had us and let us go? Did someone tattle on us?¡± Was it Le¡¯Nassia''s mother? If they''d shown a Holo of her she''d know the figure that she housed was Ryker...but she protected her daughters so would she actually tell?.. And that last comment about my mother where does it all fit in. Ryker ran her hands through her hair.


    ¡°I don''t know yet but we will sort it out once we get to your friend and can lay low, we''re almost there,¡± she walked over and grabbed Ryker''s helmet and held it a moment, ¡°we will sort this out,¡± she smiled at her and gave her a kiss then put the helmet in Ryker''s hands.


    Vanessa knew she was right, and just as the elevator dinged she placed her helmet on, ¡°here we go.¡±

 CHAPTER SIX: keelah se lai

    Naru''Veeram vas Ceeko was a spunky excited little quarian. She was most happy fixing ships, she knew everything about them down to the bolt. Naru discovered more about ships as she went on her pilgrimage, which she sent the information back home to the flotilla but she knew a small ship life wasn''t for her...I mean who could live like that when she could share the life of a ship to others...so she bought the lot from a stubborn over priced Volus (who obviously had a dislike for quarians) and made it her own.


    ¡°Welcome to Ceeko''s where dreams are made at a fraction of the cost.¡± Naru''s store was calling out the sales pitch on their big screen.


    ¡°But why have all that water and no fish...such a waste,¡± A few krogan walked by her shop.


    No one seemed to be interested in a ship today...or any day this past week, Naru sighed and walked back behind her counter and put her head in her hands ''maybe it was a mistake buying this place¡¯


    *Ding* the entry chimed and like a cue she lifted her head to use her sales pitch to a wanting wanderer.


    ¡°Welcome to Ceeko''s where the best deals are made and memories last forever,¡± Naru walked up the the Asari that had walked in, ¡°what are you two looking for today?¡±


    Ryker removed her helmet, ¡°safe passage for an old friend,¡± she smiled at Naru.


    ¡°Ryker, Keelah I heard you were dead...or captured...or a fugitive. So much gossip has been passed through this port it''s nuts.¡± Naru walked over and hugged her friend.


    ¡°Yeah it has been a crazy week or two that I can tell ya.¡± She looked back at Le¡¯Nassia, ¡°Naru this is Le¡¯Nassia...Nas this is Naru.¡±


    ¡°Pleasure to meet you!¡± Naru was happy to meet an Asari she doesn''t get to talk to many of those so she can get some ship ideas...at a later time of course.


    ¡°Pleasure is surely all mine,¡± Le¡¯Nassia touched a hand on her chest and bowed her head.


    ¡°You made a comment about safe passage what is it you need?¡± Naru looked back to Ryker


    ¡°A place to lay low for a moment and pull together a plan and sort what info I have already.¡±


    ¡°Come to the back here, my living quarters are just beyond the UT-47 Kodiak.¡± She pointed to the old drop shuttle they use on survey or military missions.


    Le¡¯Nassia leaned into Ryker, ¡°she knows a lot about ships?¡±


    Ryker chuckled, ¡°you have no idea and unless you have 3-5hrs to spare do not by any means bring anything about ships up...I''ll never see you again if you do because you''ll never leave here,¡± Ryker opened the little metal door, ¡°I made that mistake once.¡±


    They walked inside Naru''s house...if you could call it that, it was more a storage closet she converted to a house...but Quarians don''t typically need much, they scavenge and collect.


    ¡°This is...cozy,¡± Le¡¯Nassia looked at some scraps that were on what would be a counter.


    ¡°She''s never needed much, she''s a ship girl...a tinkerer...and she''s very smart...just has an odd way to show it,¡± Ryker picked up a piece that could go to a FTL drive.


    ¡°Careful with that one..,¡± Naru walked over and carefully picked the piece up from Ryker and placed it exactly where it used to be, ¡°I''m trying to rebuild it.¡±


    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    ¡°It''s looking good so far, getting some element zero could be an issue though.¡± Ryker sat down on a chair.


    ¡°Depends on the people you know...and I''ve picked up a few...thanks to you.¡± Naru smiled at her.


    Le¡¯Nassia could tell Naru admired Ryker as most did, but with her it felt like someone who was fanning over a hero or celebrity...almost a crush...it made her almost jealous...and she felt stupid by it.


    Ryker could almost pick up on the vibe Le''Nassia was putting out, as she continued talking to Naru she reached out for Le¡¯Nassia''s hand and held it.


    ¡°So these rumors going around about you...what of it is true?¡±


    ¡°Well...it''s true I was on the ship with the ambassador, I didn''t however blow up his cruiser... Cerberus did...I have to figure out who ordered it and why I''m the focus of theirs.¡±


    ¡°Cerberus!? Keelah Ryker can''t you have anything normal? They are bad people.¡±


    ¡°No my life would probably be boring if they allowed me to simplify...and yeah today''s Cerberus is bad...I understand what they tried to do in the beginning...don''t agree with it because I value everything and everyone not just human race¡­,¡± Ryker got up and walked over to the counter again and picked up one of her tools, laid her head low, ¡°I just need to find out why me.¡±


    Le¡¯Nassia walked over to her, ¡°and we will...with all that is in me I will help you solve this.¡±


    Naru jumped up, ¡°me too!! I want in on this...I can reach out to some contacts I have here...other quarians and such and put feelers out.¡±


    ¡°I appreciate it...both of you.¡± Ryker smiled but it was wavering...just looking at her she looked worn down and tired...exhaustion was catching up to her.


    ¡°For now, you guys should rest...sleep on things and then start fresh in the morning, you can stay here I''ll bunk on the spare mat across the way,¡± she goes to leave, ¡°feel free to anything I have.¡±


    ¡°Thank you Naru I''ll owe you.¡± Ryker smiled


    ¡°Nonsense I''m paying back what I owe you.¡± Naru closed the door... turned and pressed her hand on the door and smiled into it.


    Le¡¯Nassia looked over at a sleeping Ryker...after two hours of convincing her she needed to sleep and they would be fine and look over things in the morning like Naru said...Ryker passed out.


    Le¡¯Nassia stood there a moment with her cup of what was supposed to be coffee...she didn''t question it...she thought about what her life has been like these past two weeks...all because she ran into her...and she wouldn''t change it for anything.


    ¡°What''s with that smirk on your face?¡± Ryker rolled over and saw Le¡¯Nassia staring off thinking about something


    Le¡¯Nassia looked over a groggy Ryker, with the bed head of champions...and she looked fantastic, ¡°just you...always you.¡± She smiled at her.


    Ryker reached out to her, Le¡¯Nassia took her hand and laid down next to the woman she loved more than life itself...how in just two weeks was that even possible?


    ¡°Hey there gorgeous,¡± Ryker felt the side of Le¡¯Nassia''s face, ¡°you''re the best thing I could have ever hoped to find...worth any cost.¡± Ryker pulled her close.


    Le¡¯Nassia ran her hands through Ryker''s Amber colored hair and looked her in the eyes...she tilted her head down and kissed her ever so gently.


    ¡°Nas?¡± Ryker looked at her lover


    ¡°Yeah Ryker?¡± Smiling she looked back.


    ¡°I want to share all of me with you,¡± Ryker sat up and looked away from her, ¡°if something goes wrong...¡±


    Le¡¯Nassia sat up and reached for Ryker''s arm, ¡°...nothing bad will happen I won''t let it.¡±


    ¡°I want to enjoy us, tonight...nothing else.¡±


    Le¡¯Nassia nodded it pained her inside that she could lose Ryker...now that Ryker was in her life she couldn''t imagine her never not being in it.


    Ryker laid back down, Le¡¯Nassia leaned over her, ¡°relax your mind...embrace eternity!¡±


    Le¡¯Nassia woke early and tried not to disturb Ryker she needed the rest...she got dressed and went out into the shop yard and decided to do her workout routine she wanted to be in fit shape should it come to fight.


    ¡°You do this a lot?¡± Naru just seemed to appear from nowhere...she was sitting on top of half a ship she was building.


    ¡°I do it to clear my mind,¡± Le''Nassia pushed up, ¡°it relaxes me.¡± Le¡¯Nassia continued with her routine.


    ¡°Fighting the air and doing push ups seem the opposite and an odd way to relax.¡± She got down off the ship and walked over, ¡°but what do I know I spend my time tinkering and learning.¡± she walked behind the ship.


    Le¡¯Nassia followed her, ¡°so what''s the story how did you and Ryker meet up?¡±


    ¡°Hmmm curious are you? Afraid I might steal the girl?¡± Naru joked... partially.


    ¡°Hardly, just inquiring.¡± She stood hands on hips like she tried showing she wasn''t intimidated.


    ¡°Relax soldier girl, I was joking...I think it was two almost three years ago,¡± Naru scratched her head even though she had a helmet on so the scratching was pointless, ¡°I was on my pilgrimage...which all young quarians venture out to do...we learn the real world and try to bring something useful back to our people...I got mixed up with the wrong people on Omega and almost became a slave to some blood pack krogans.¡±


    Again with the blood pack...they make their rounds.


    ¡°Anyway Ryker showed up pretending to be a buyer and saw me...she saved me...gave me some money and showed me there wasn''t all bad people in this life...just to never go to Omega again,¡± Naru shrugged, ¡°good place for abandoned scrap though,¡± she smiled and dove into the engine of the cargo ship she was building.


    Le¡¯Nassia walked back to the room, ¡°there you are,¡± Ryker walked out of the room, ¡° I woke and didn''t see you so wondered where you ran off to.¡±


    Le¡¯Nassia walked up to Ryker and hugged her tightly.


    ¡°Whoa, what''s this for? You ok?¡± She hugged her back worried something was wrong.


    ¡°Yeah...I''m fine¡­¡± she didn''t want to tell her she was scared...she never felt scared before, never had a reason to...a weakness...made her feel weak.


    ¡°Hey I''m starved, let''s go find something to eat,¡± Ryker grabbed her hand and smiled as they headed to get her favorite ramen.

 CHAPTER SEVEN: ?

    ¡°I''ve never had ramen...are you sure there''s no other way to eat this than using...what did you call them ''chopsticks¡¯?¡± Le¡¯Nassia was a trained assassin that could handle a knife and a gun with ease but these damn wooden spikes were giving her hell.


    ¡°You can use a fork if you can''t master the sticks.¡± Ryker laughed at her attempts, Nas would probably starve to death if she had to use chopsticks.


    ¡°No! I''m damn well gonna get this...these spikes will not get the best of me.¡± Determined she worked at the craft.


    As they sat enjoying their meal a woman in a black suit walked up to their table and sat down, ¡°good evening Ryker please don''t get up or attempt to grab your gun you''d be dead before you pulled it up and I''d hate to be responsible for this girl''s death.¡± The woman indicated if she did anything, Le¡¯Nassia would die.


    ¡°Alright...I''ll indulge you for the time being...who the fuck are you?¡± Angry that someone was threatening her girlfriend instead of herself


    ¡°Who I am is of no concern, my client however wishes to meet you...you know them as Cerberus.¡±


    ¡°I have no interest or intention of meeting Cerberus unless it''s when I arrest them for terrorist attack on the ambassador.¡± Ryker tried to keep her voice down so not to draw attention from other customers.


    ¡°The ambassador wasn''t personal, it was just business...you so happened to be there as well so we thought we''d get two contracts done at once.¡±


    ¡°Who hired you to take me out?¡± Ryker was getting angry


    ¡°Now Ryker you know I''ll never betray a client.¡± The woman chuckled and shook her finger.


    ¡°A girl had to try. What does almighty Cerberus want with me?¡±


    ¡°Just to talk...nothing more.¡± She sat so calmly


    ¡°So you say, you just told me you had a contract on me.¡± Ryker toyed with her chopstick...she could use that as a weapon if she needed to


    ¡°I did, but I also know the contract was closed due to the impression you''d been killed...and the client never paid.¡±


    ¡°But like you said nothing personal right? It was to me...you guys really know how to make a person live.¡± She continued to twirl her stick.


    ¡°I can imagine things were difficult..¡±


    ¡°Difficult? You guys branded me a traitor when you failed to kill me...so I''m gonna do one kind favor back...I will let you get up and leave right now so I can enjoy my meal...otherwise I''m gonna make a scene...and neither of us want that, do we?¡± Ryker lowered her tone and stared the woman in the face.


    ¡°I understand...think about what we said,¡± she got up and paid for their meals, ¡°enjoy your lunch.¡± And with that they left.


    Ryker was too upset to eat now...and the meal was paid for by Cerberus so that lost her appetite.


    Le¡¯Nassia moved closer to her, ¡°it''s ok, calm down...we will think this through...but you need to eat.¡±


    Ryker nodded and resumed eating her meal...there had to be a reason NOW that Cerberus was reaching out to her but they didn''t say...she didn''t like going into discussions without having an idea what she was walking into...but even though she didn''t like the idea, meeting with them might be her only option.


    And she needed to get her damn omni-tool fixed.


    They sat back in Naru''s bunker, ¡°how did they find me?...I did so well at staying below the radar,¡± Ryker paced the room.


    Le''Nassia wondered the same thing, she sat drinking her coffee thinking about what they could do.


    ¡°Do you think you''re mom said anything about us? Maybe Cerberus or my military sited her.¡± Ryker still paced.


    Le''Nassia didn''t like seeing Ryker this way...her brave strong soldier lost and confused, ¡°I wouldn''t think so...but I can''t say for sure she wouldn''t, she is more about appearances than loyalty or family,¡± she stood up and walked to the door, ¡°if she thought I''d ruin her precious image by conversing with a criminal...she''d deny me and tell.¡± She put her cup down on the counter.


    Ryker walked over to her, ¡° I''m sorry if I messed things up for you.¡±


    Le''Nassia turned and looked at her, ¡°you didn''t mess anything up...you saved my sister...you''ve stood by me as well as helped SO many people...you''ve done more in your life than I could have ever imagined doing.¡± She reached up and touched her face, ¡°you''re one of the best people of any race I have ever met...and I''m proud of you...I love who you are...we will get through this.¡±


    Ryker pulled her in for a hug...on the verge of crying...and she let herself cry.


    Few hours passed and Ryker had falling asleep. Le''Nassia decided she''d go out and maybe find some answers or clues...her mother still had to be here.


    ¡°Naru I''m headed out for a bit...keep an eye on our girl alright?¡±


    ¡°Copy that,¡± she waved a wrench in the air.


    Le''Nassia made her way to the embassies and up to her mother''s room, ¡°good afternoon Lady Artez how may I assist you today?¡±


    One of her mother''s handmaids was in the room, ¡°is my mother around or available for a moment?¡±


    ¡°I''m afraid not she''s in a meeting would you like me to tell her you stopped by?¡±


    ¡°No that won''t be necessary, I''ll just wait.¡± She took a seat at her mother''s desk.


    ¡°It could be a while?¡± She seemed unsure what to do.


    ¡°That''s fine, I have no other plans.¡±


    ¡°What in the Goddess is going on here,¡± her mother finally entered the room


    ¡°Hello mother,¡± Le''Nassia sat up at the desk.


    ¡°Le''Nassia? What are you doing here?¡± her mother looked confused.


    Le''Nassia stood up and walked around the desk, ¡°I...came to have a little chat...with my dear old mother.¡±


    ¡°About what?¡± Her mother sat down at her desk.


    ¡°An inquiry if you will,¡± she sat across from her, ¡°I was visited today by someone claiming to be from Cerberus,¡± she picked up one of the pictures on the desk... something her mother put out for show...a happy family, ¡°I''m confused how they knew I was even here...but more so...how they knew Ryker was here?¡±


    The look on her mother''s face just before she caught herself...priceless, ¡°I''m not sure what you''re meaning dear.¡±


    ¡°Oh I''m sure you don''t, wouldn''t want to dirty those pretty hands...better not tarnish the family am I getting warmer.¡±


    ¡°Someone from the human embassy inquired as to if I''d seen you and if you had a companion with you.¡±


    ¡°And you told them didn''t you?¡±


    ¡°I didn''t know your companion¡¯s name until they showed me a Holo of her and I realized you''d lied to me about who was staying at our house.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I hid that truth from you, but did you even bother to look her files up? She is a good person who was falsely blamed for deeds not her own...if you cared to dig deeper you''d see that Cerberus was behind her wrong accounts and the ¡®person¡¯ you dealt with telling them about us works for Cerberus.¡±


    Her mother looked at her daughter and noticed how she reacted deeply, ¡°you love her...don''t you?¡±


    Noticing she didn''t keep herself in check, her tells shown through, ¡°yes...I truly do,¡± she looked at her mother, ¡°I would do ANYTHING for her... anything.¡±


    Her mother was slightly disappointed, but she understood how her daughter felt...for she herself loved someone that strongly once...and her family disapproval made her not pursue her heart...she couldn''t do that to her daughter, ¡°how can I assist you?¡±


    Le''Nassia was shocked, ¡°what?¡±


    ¡°How in my power can I assist you, to make up for my actions?¡±


    ¡°We are supposed to meet Cerberus, tomorrow I believe...if you could lend me a squad of huntresses...I know they are here, as a back up in case things go south.¡±


    ¡°For your protection, I will assign them...how about your old squad?¡± She reached for her communicator.


    Le''Nassia nodded in approval.


    Ryker awoke to find herself all alone yet again. she didn''t know how long she''d slept, she got up from the cot and ventured out into Naru''s bay.


    ¡°Ryker! How''s my girl?¡± Naru was sitting at the engine she''s been slaving over the past few days.


    ¡°Naru...you''re in a cheerful mood.¡± Ryker smiled at her.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Yes! I sold the one little shuttle id been trying to sell for a few months now.¡± She held up a glass of colored alcohol...she swerved a little.


    Ryker laughed at her, ¡°how long have you been drinking?¡±


    ¡°What time is it?¡±


    ¡°2130 (9:30p for those who don''t know military).¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­.ummm¡­.10 minutes.¡±


    ¡°10 minutes and you''re plastered!¡± Ryker went to take her drink away.


    ¡°Oi! Thats mine,¡± she pouted as her drink walked away from her.


    ¡°I''m cutting you off,¡± she put the drink away and turned to face her, ¡°oh do you by chance know where Nas ran off to?¡± bummed that Naru was drunk because she wanted help with her omni-tool.


    ¡°I think she said to see her mother,¡± Naru picked up her blanket and cuddled it, ¡°it''s so nice isn''t it that a daughter wants to see her mother...I lost mine at a young age so I envy those that have them,¡± she laid down on her cot, ¡°what about your mother? Were you close?¡± She leaned up on the cot interested in Ryker''s answer.


    Ryker looked at the glowing light from the engine core, ¡°if only¡­I was very little when my mother was taken from me...then lost my father in the military not long after¡­ grew up alone and in homes...never connecting with anyone..or anything.¡± Ryker stayed staring at the light...Naru seemed as though she could cry... probably the alcohol.


    Le''Nassia was walking back in during Ryker''s story...she knew about her parents but not about living in foster homes. She walked in and wrapped her arms around her, ¡°hey! There''s my girl¡± Ryker placed her hands on Le''Nassia''s arms around her.


    ¡°Nassia!¡± Naru sat up and flung her arms in the air, ¡°I want a hug too!¡± She sat waiting.


    Le''Nassia looked at Ryker, ¡°she''s been drinking..best go give her a hug too.¡± She chuckled.


    Le''Nassia walked over to Naru and knelt down to hug her...Naru grabbed hold of her tight and hugged her... Le''Nassia wasn''t sure if she was gonna let go.


    10 minutes passed and Le''Nassia still held captive in Naru''s embrace...but she thinks she may be asleep now...she could hear humming coming from inside her helmet...she slowly pulled herself away from a sleeping Naru.


    Ryker heard the door open and Le''Nassia walked in, ¡°she sleeping i take it?¡±


    ¡°Yes...I thought I was going to be a prisoner all night...she''s got a strong grip.¡±


    ¡°Comes from making ships,¡± Ryker set a cup of coffee in front of her.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Not much was said between them for a good long while.


    ¡°So...Naru said you went to see your mother...learn anything?¡±


    Le''Nassia set her cup down, ¡°she did give them the information that we were on the citadel, she felt deceived by me for not telling her who you truly were...I told her would it have mattered she wouldn''t have looked into who you really were only things she''s heard and seen...which would have been no credit to who you were,¡± she stood up and walked to the counter.


    Ryker looked after her, ¡°so she did it to protect you.¡±


    ¡°No she did it to protect her, I was tarnishing her perfect world...but then she understood...that I love you and for some reason, with that she agreed to help us.¡±


    Ryker was confused, ¡°help us? How?¡±


    "We will go meet with Cerberus tomorrow there''s no getting around that...but we won''t be going alone...my old huntress squad will be accompanying us, to protect us if we need it.¡± She looked to see if Ryker felt betrayed.


    Ryker shook her head in approval, ¡°sounds good ..I welcome the help, thank you for trying.¡± She smiled up at her.


    ¡°You''re not angry with me?¡±


    ¡°Should I be? You went out of your way to help I have no right to be mad at you.¡±


    ¡°But I never told you,¡± she felt she should be angry at her.


    Ryker put her hand on Le''Nassia''s, ¡°well I''m not.¡± She smiled at her, ¡°what I am is tired...and ready for all this to be over...so you and I can run away, to a place where no one knows of us...and we drift off into the void of life...together...always.¡±


    ¡°That sounds fantastic.¡± They both went and laid on the cot, looking up at the slated window at the stars...so many options.


    Morning came all too soon, Ryker for one was not ready to wake but she had to, and if all went well today she could leave here...clear her name and free. She opened the door to step outside into the bay.


    ¡°Ryker think quieter I have a hangover!¡±


    ¡°Naru you had a sip or so of alcohol...you light weight!¡±


    ¡°Don''t speak of such evil things...never use that word again.¡±


    ¡°What word?... alcohol?¡±


    ¡°YES! That word... forbidden!¡± Naru''s head fell back to the cot.


    ¡°Hey why don''t you move inside it''s quieter and we''re off to our meeting anyway so we will be gone a while. I can carry you if you like?¡±


    ¡°Mmmm to be carried by the famous Ryker...yes please,¡± she waved her arms waiting to be picked up.


    Ryker chuckled then leaned over picking her up and carried her through the threshold of her bunker, ¡°you''re carrying her?¡± Le''Nassia chuckled at a snuggled in Naru.


    ¡°Yes this one time I am, I figured it would be quieter in here and we will be gone a while.¡± Le''Nassia thought probably wise not leaving a drunk quarian out there, ¡°are we set to go?¡±


    Le''Nassia handed her all her gear, ¡°yes I checked over the gear a few times all is well and I contacted my squad the are in route to the location...was smart picking the club as the meet up place somewhere public.¡±


    ¡°Yeah but knowing Cerberus they''re already there and most of the customers around will be them¡­¡±


    ¡°Not all...6 Asari will be us.¡± She smiled at her, ¡°this will work and then we''re free...finally some answers.¡±


    Ryker checked her gun, ¡°yeah or a trap.¡±


    ¡°BE SAFE! Love you both!¡± Naru yelled from the bed as they walked out the door.


    ¡°Love you too Naru,¡± Ryker laughed and locked it up.


    Purgatory...a nightclub bar owned by Aria after Omega was taken from her...if she knew Cerberus was there she would flip out...one reason why Ryker picked the spot. Ryker had an interaction once with Aria, she had pissed Aria off at one point...but then by the end of the situation she changed how she felt...she stated she saw a bit of commander Shepard in her which is the only reason she didn''t kill Ryker...Aria was the only person to ever best Ryker...but that was early on in her career as a N7...after that they still had dealings but it was Aria''s lackies Ryker met with never Aria...today though she knew it would be Aria if they had issues.


    Pleasant music played inside, Le''Nassia could see a few of her girls...one was tending the bar, two were dancing...the other three were around somewhere but probably good she didn''t know, Aria is always accommodating when she asks for things favor for favor...being the senator''s daughter can get her a lot of pull in places.


    They found a seat inside and waited for the party to begin.


    Not long after the woman they met the other day joined them at their table, ¡°greetings I''m here on behalf of my client I welcome you to join us in the VIP booth.¡± She jesters they follow her.


    Ryker looked at Le''Nassia, they looked around the room and noticed at least one dancer would be near them and maybe one more Asari near the bar itself.


    When they entered the room there was a gentleman with two Asari around him...two of the others Le''Nassia had been looking for so this faired well.


    ¡°Greetings, my dear friends, it''s an honor...please join us.¡± The gentleman motioned for them to take a seat, ¡°would either of you care for a drink? Or maybe a girl?" one of the Asari went and sat on Ryker''s lap, between Le''Nassia and her, she flirted a little with Ryker but handed Le''Nassia something behind her back...in turn Le''Nassia felt up the asari''s back and hid a small knife in her bra.


    ¡°As appreciative as this is I''d like to get down to business and discuss why it is you wanted to meet me.¡± Ryker eyed him.


    He smiled at her, and stood up, ¡° my name is Petrovsky, General Petrovsky...I was second in command to the illusive man back during commander Shepard''s time.¡±


    ¡°I remember hearing about you...you''re a brave man for being here knowing Aria runs this club,¡± Ryker looked at him confused, ¡°but I thought the alliance took control of you after Aria almost killed you in exchange for Cerberus Intel...how did you manage here?¡±


    ¡°Good question, I gave alliance small details of minor incidents to get them to trust my word, then I gave them a big lie of which while on mission I was able to escape and be rescued by Cerberus...and now with the illusive man gone and our forces dwindled to nothing I took over and rebuilt some of what we lost.¡± He took a sip of his Brandy, ¡°we might not have the pull we used to have or the funding but there are still a few of us around and we''re just bigger than hired guns.¡±


    ¡°Which is how you were able to jack up my life.¡± Ryker picked up the Brandy that was offered to her.


    ¡°To be fair Ms. Ryker we were supposed to end it, but we underestimated you...most impressive.¡± He raised his glass to her.


    ¡°Who wanted me dead?¡± Ryker locked eyes with him.


    He sat in silence a moment, another sip from his Brandy, ¡°to be honest...your mother.¡±


    The shock washed across her face, ¡°my mother? But my mother is dead killed by your people after some scientific experiment she conducted.¡±


    He smiled, ¡°that was the lie told to protect one of our most valued agents...she died being Alice Ryker, and was reborn anew...but some little genius girl got too close to one of our operations and we knew had you gotten any further you''d discover her...so we put a hit out on you...and what luck we had we landed the ambassador contract as well and you were his escort...couldn''t have planned it better if I wrote a symphony.¡±


    ¡°So the Volus ambassador was a means to an end, they wanted the Ulcor ambassador killed?¡±


    ¡°They did, along with some turian support.¡± he waved for another Brandy.


    ¡°But the ambassador was Elcor, what harm was he doing that required his death?¡±


    ¡°Have you ever listened to one of their speeches? Or seen their plays? Hamlet still haunts me till this day...they take to long to explain anything with adding their emotive monotone speaking¡­it was bound to annoy someone...plus the job he was doing the Volus wanted...with the Elcor out of the way the Volus gets it.¡± The General shrugged.


    ¡°So I''ll ask again...why am I here?¡± Ryker was getting antsy...something didn''t feel right about it all.


    ¡°I wanted to see what you were all about but now my curiosity has been sated, you walked so freely into my grasp thinking you''d be safe?¡±


    ¡°I was told we would just be talking...but of course I never feel safe, comes with the job.¡± as she shrugged


    ¡°Yes you N7s are a thorn in the side, belonging to a group mixed with other races...at least the Asari have some pride and belong to their own group huntresses.¡± He pulled the other girl onto his lap, ¡°aren''t they brilliant creatures? I see you have one you enjoy yourself sitting over there," he felt up the asari on his lap, "magnificent beings truly...but even with all their beauty and brilliance they never see what''s right in front of them.¡± In that moment Ryker knew they were screwed.


    General Petrovsky stuck his omniblade through the asari''s abdomen and the look of shock on her face as they saw it protruding from her, the other near Ryker charged at the General but the woman in the suit shot her...once the shot rang out the dancer and the bartender headed over to the room.


    The General stood up, dropping the Asari to the floor from his lap, ¡°always so messy...but I need to clean up what my groups didn''t finish before...so like Ms. Clein told you the other day, ¡°it''s nothing personal, just business.¡± He raised his omniblade to her as Ms. Clein pointed her gun at Le¡¯Nassia.


    Ryker had to think, and quick...she spun off the booth kicking the general in the face knocking him off balance..ms.clein went to shoot Ryker, but Le''Nassia tried to disarm her. As Ryker got back up to see them fighting she ran over just as Ms. Clein pulled another gun from her blouse. Ryker managed to push Le''Nassia out the door into the arms of two huntresses about to charge in as the gun went off...lodging itself in Ryker''s abdomen.


    Le''Nassia saw it happen as she fell back into the asari''s arms...it happened so slow motion but Ryker looked at her as she grabbed her side, ¡°NO!¡±


    Ryker turned, in pain, pulled out her pistol and attempted to shoot Ms. Clein but was unable to, Le''Nassia took a gun from one of her huntresses and in turn shot Ms.Clein square in the temple dropping her to the ground. The general was just coming back to when he watched his second in command fall to the ground, ¡°well this won''t do, she was one of my favorites...looks like I''ll have to finish this.¡± He charged at her with his omni-blade but a blue blast came from outside the room...Ryker looked up in haze as a purple Asari came into view...Aria T¡¯Loak.


    ¡°Oh shit, Aria?¡± The General stood from the broken booth and table he fell into.


    ¡°General Petrovsky...son of a bitch you''re still alive...looks like I''ll actually get to kill you this time," she looked annoyed and satisfied, "and finish what we started all those years ago.¡±


    The general put his hands up, ¡°now why would we want to bring all that back up huh?¡±


    ¡°Why in the world would you walk willingly into my club?¡± she walked over and grabbed up the general''s jacket pulling him in.


    ¡°Your club, I didn''t realize or trust me I probably wouldn''t have..they picked the spot and I didn''t think much about it..figured you''d be back on Omega since you took it back.¡±


    ¡°Yes well I have both,¡± Aria looked back and saw a wounded Ryker and a pissed off Le''Nassia, ¡°and it seems you''ve hurt my friends...I can''t let that fly...not here.¡±


    ¡°Aria we can work things out, I''ll repay you for the damages and I''ll never come back, what do you say?¡± He looked genuinely scared of her and he had all right too, she almost strangled him to death with her biotics last time.


    ¡°Mmmm I''ll pass you seem to keep bringing trouble and I''m tired of having it.¡± With that she sent one more big biotic ball hurling at the General...and he was no more, just a pile of clothes on the floor.


    Ryker saw him go down, then passed out in Le''Nassia''s arms.


    "Ryker! Ryker!" La''Nassia called to her holding her close and tapping her face to try and wake her back up.


    Aria and two other asari members gathered Ryker up and ran down the hall to Aria''s penthouse as Aria called in a doctor.


    Ryker woke not long later in a spare room off Aria''s penthouse...the pain all to real, ¡°hey¡± she weakly called out to Le''Nassia.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Le''Nassia ran to her side, ¡°how are you feeling?¡±


    ¡°I''ve felt better¡­¡± Ryker winced, ¡°is it over?¡±


    ¡°Yes Aria took care of it, he''s gone...not sure about what more we can do to find your mother but the General and his second are no more...thanks to you in part as well...for saving me.¡±


    ¡°Yeah I took one for the team,¡± Ryker joked and coughed.


    ¡°You need to rest, we''re waiting for a surgeon to come look at you to remove that bullet in your gut.¡± She looked like she''d cry.


    ¡°Hey it''s not your fault, I did this...I couldn''t let you get hurt from my mistake...I should have known they''d try to kill me.¡±


    ¡°None of us saw it...I lost two of my squad mates and they were some of the best my race had to offer for stealth and skill...it wasn''t just us.¡±


    ¡°I''m sorry about your girls,¡± Ryker held her hand.


    ¡°They were good, and knew the risk...and we avenged them¡­but I need you to rest...please.¡±


    "I promise," Ryker reached into her pocket, "Nas, I want you to hold onto this for me, until all this is over." She handed her the N7 dog tags she had been wearing.


    Le''Nassia nodded and cried, Ryker smiled at her and fell back to sleep.


    A surgeon showed up almost an hour later, and had Le''Nassia leave the room so they had the ability to take care of her.


    ¡°Ryker? I''ll be right outside, if anything happens or you need me I''ll be here.¡± Ryker nodded and Le''Nassia kissed her forehead.


    The human surgeon and his Asari nurse went inside to try and help save Ryker.


    Hours had passed without a word, ambassador Hackett had come by at one point to discuss things with Le''Nassia and to check up on Ryker...but with no new news he went back to his office to write it up.


    Le''Nassia sat in the quiet empty hallway, looking over the tags in her hand.


    Councilor Ateza even came down after hearing from Aria and two of her huntresses what happened to support Le''Nassia.


    ¡°No word as of yet?¡± Her mother sat next to her


    ¡°No, none.¡± She said weakly staring at the door, ¡°I feel like something is wrong and they won''t tell me.¡±


    ¡°You can''t think that way, stay positive for her and yourself...if she''s as tough as you say she is...she will pull through.¡± She put her hand on Le''Nassia''s shoulder and watched as her daughter cried.


    Le''Nassia had fallen asleep on her mother''s lap, she hadn''t done that since she was little...she stroked her head to try and soothe her while she slept.


    The Asari nurse finally came out, ¡°Nassia,¡± her mother woke her gently, ¡°the nurse is coming.¡±


    Le''Nassia sat up and nervously waited to hear what she had to say...she didn''t look too happy but it could have been that she''s tired from hours of working, ¡°Le''Nassia, madam Councilor...I hate to be the one to inform you but Sgt. Ryker has passed.¡±


    The shock to Le''Nassia hit hard and she fell to the floor, her mother felt bad for her, ¡°nurse what happened?¡±


    The nurse looked at the Councilor, ¡°she''d sustained a bullet wound to the abdomen...and had lost a lot of blood the bullet pierced a few internal organs then lodged itself in her stomach..where she proceeded to bleed out internally...I am terribly sorry for your loss.¡± At that the nurse walked away...leaving a broken Le''Nassia on the floor to grieve.

 CHAPTER EIGHT: new beginnings

    Ryker was gone. It felt like the whole world was collapsing around her, and that all the air in her lungs was being taken way...this wasn''t real...it couldn''t be real.


    One thing she knew, she was not done with Cerberus, not by a long shot. And as for Ryker''s mother...she will find her.


    A week had passed since the love of her life had died...and they were gathered here in the Councilors chamber to honor and tribute Ryker for a life commended of an N7 operative.


    They managed to clear Ryker''s name and reinstate her to N7 status...a little late but at least her honor would live on.


    Le''Nassia looked around the room as they had holos of Ryker on the banners, and she wasn''t sure she could do this...a hand came up and grabbed hers, she turned to look at who it belonged to and Naru stood there looking up at the banners with her. Le''Nassia didn''t say anything but gripped Naru''s hand tighter.Stolen novel; please report.


    They continued to the ceremony together in silence.


    They listened to Hackett give a speech about bravery, selflessness, and honor...just to name a few ways to describe this fantastic being...but she didn''t need to hear what others said about Ryker...she knew Ryker and no one will ever be able to replace her.


    At the end of the ceremony she looked at Naru, ¡°thank you.. thank you for being here...for her...and for me.¡±


    ¡°Nassia, I know she loved you and you loved her...as did I...she was a good person and my friend...she will be missed...Keelah si Lai.¡±


    Le''Nassia walked to the balcony at their home on Thessia...she had come home with her mother to be around family while she grieved and worked on looking for Ryker''s mother so she could find a way to pay back what she lost...and she was close to finding her but the lead ran dry.


    It''s been almost 2 weeks since she lost Ryker and not a day goes by that she doesn''t think of her¡­she will always have her with her¡­


    ...and because of miracles a piece of her will remain with her always...in 9 months, their daughter will know how great her father was.


    And wherever Ryker was now, she''d watch over them that she knew for sure...she thought about how blessed she was with this, rubbing her belly...looking off into the Thessia sunsets.


    ¡°One day, I promise...I will fulfill your wish, and our dream...and I will go somewhere where no one knows us...just us... together... always¡­.


    Siame