The Firefly (Mass Effect Andromeda)

Chapter 37

She and Sara both froze for a moment, staring at the man with his weapon cocked. Surprise flashed across his features as he lowered the gun. "Dr Carlyle, Pathfinder, this is Holt. I've found them." He called into his omni-tool. A blur of voices came back through that they were unable to hear from the other end of the hall. "Yes. Both of them. Yes, they both seem unharmed."

Seconds later, Nina came sprinting into the cryo room, followed by Harry Carlyle, and followed by Scott himself, all of their faces creased with worry. "What the hell, Scott?" Sara called out, "You've got armed guards looking for me? I just wanted some peace."

"Evil beings like the Archon need people just like the two of you." Scott looked angry. "People with implants that can interact with Remnant technology. When you both disappeared at the same time, we thought..." He met Olivia's eyes for a moment and the truth hit her like a slap in the face.

"You all thought I'd gone rogue again, but this time I'd kidnapped Sara." She said furiously. "Surely SAM told you she was alright?"

"We panicked, Liv." Nina said soothingly. "What if Kendra had sent someone to take you? My heart just about stopped when I thought you'd vanished again."

"I just...I just needed to get out of that room." Her voice faltered in the face of their seriousness.

"And you shouldn't have to apologise for that." Sara said in support. "Neither of us should."

"Neither of you should be out of bed." Harry told them, glancing between the two girls. "Olivia, you had brain surgery three days ago! And Sara, you've spent months in a coma."

"Exactly, months napping." Sara rolled her eyes, "I'm good to go."

"I'm going to call the others." Nina said, "Tell them you're alright." She looked annoyed, Olivia thought, watching her sister retreat across the room. She couldn't bear to look at Scott and closed her eyes, head in her hands.

A warm hand on her shoulder made her jump. She looked up to see that Scott had closed the gap between them and was kneeling down in front of the bench, his eyes at her level. "I didn't think you had taken Sara. I was worried someone had taken you." He promised. "I don't think I could bear that. Not again."

"I tried to shoot you." Her voice cracked.

"But you didn't." He held her gaze. "I knew you were stronger than anything anyone could throw at you." The warmth of his voice surprised her. He took one of his hands between his own. "But you've got to get better. I don't want to discover Meridian without the Firefly at my side."

She chuckled once, smiling a little, "You mean it?"

"That's if you ever want to go out in the field again, after everything. I mean, I don't want to pressure you or..."

"Scott, shut up." Sara cut in. Olivia glanced across at Scott's twin sister. Her eyes were twinkling. "You never mentioned that you and my brother were so well-acquainted, Olivia?"

"I...we're not..."

"Olivia's a good friend of mine." Scott said hastily, standing up.

"So I see." Sara said archly. "Don't worry, I think she's cool." She and Olivia smiled at one another.

Scott left later that day, not for Meridian, but for Kadara. There was still much work to be completed for the Pathfinder, and Kendra was still out there with the location of Meridian in her grasp. There was still a chance she might make another Firefly. Meridian, it seemed, would have to wait.

Another week dragged by. Nina had returned to her job on Eos, and Vee was seeking a transfer to go and join her. Lyora and Nunok were heading a team of scientists looking at Remnant artefacts, just like in the old days, Olivia thought. They would likely be based on the Nexus, but travelling often.

She didn't know where she fitted any longer.

She couldn't face writing articles, or going in front of the camera. She'd written a few pieces from her hospital bed, enough to keep her employers happy. But it just didn't fulfil her any longer. But she couldn't see herself going back into the field, her confidence badly shaken from the torture and brainwashing.

"You busy?" A bright voice asked from the doorway.

"Well let me see..." Olivia rolled her eyes, but smiling at the sight of Sara lounging in her doorway. "You've been released?"

"Of course not." Sara grinned. "But let's go out anyway."

"Go where?" Olivia laughed, the girl's enthusiasm infectious.

"To a bar?" Sara shrugged. "There must be somewhere decent on this place."

Olivia hesitated, and then nodded. The two of them left stealthily, getting on a transport and heading to her favourite bar. Harry didn't realise, but she left a note specifically saying they were fine and just out. It was either that, or be stalked around the Nexus by soldiers.

Ordering drinks, they ignored the strange looks from other customers and gulped back cocktails. "Well this is the best moment I've had since I left the Milky Way." Sara clinked her glass against Olivia.

"Good to hear." Olivia grinned in response. "It's so good to have a few moments where the world isn't ending."

"Agreed." Sara sighed, a lost expression crossing her face. "I don't even know what my place here is anymore."

"Join the club." Olivia smiled in sympathy. "Scott on the other hand..."

"Oh he's always been the golden boy." Sara laughed, "Still, it's good to know he has our backs."

"I wouldn't be surprised if he was sick of me."

Sara just laughed aloud as Lyora and Nunok both entered the bar. "Busted!"

"Well you two are just trouble waiting to happen." Lyora was smiling. "At least you left a note this time."

"I thought it would be Harry chasing us." Liv said.

"There's been a request from Tann for your services actually." Lyora smiled.

"Oh yeah?" Olivia tilted her head quizzically.

"There's a Remnant Ruin that a team from Prodromos have been looking into. They've not gotten too far. It's still well-protected by the Remnant Machines and they're getting shot every time they try and explore."

"Standard for a ruin like that." Olivia frowned.

"They think you might be able to disable the machines." Nunok told her, "Might be a longshot but I think you could."

"Well that sounds like fun!" Sara interjected. "Can I come?"

"Does Harry know about this?" Olivia asked, thinking of the doctor. She couldn't imagine him being happy with her being shot at just yet.

"No." Lyora hesitated, "We wanted to know what you thought before we took it him."

"I'm in." Olivia said, suddenly sure. "I'm not exactly going to be running around but if you can get me to a console, I'll do it."

"That's great." Sara said, "But please can I come?"

Hey readers! Hope you're still enjoying. Sorry for the delay in updating, I have been swamped with work recently