The Firefly (Mass Effect Andromeda)

Chapter 67

Swanson lowered his weapon. After a moment's hesitation, Evans followed suit. "We won't fight you." He muttered.

"Excellent." Scott smiled. "We just need to grab Dr Raleigh then?"

It wasn't as quick and simple as that, of course. There was a great deal of sorting to be done, before anyone could leave. The people were gathered together in the hall and Olivia addressed them, telling them of Kendra's demise, and their choice. They could come or they could stay. But if they chose to stay, they'd have to make their own way, without assistance.

Most chose to return, though a few, including Amira, wanted to remain.

It took Olivia days of trips to get everyone back safely. After the final one, taking Scott and Lyora, she allowed herself to droop with exhaustion. Scott wrapped his arms around her tightly. "It's over." He murmured. "It's over. Well done, Liv."

"My brain hurts." She laughed tiredly.

"We need some medical assistance for the Firefly!" Lyora was shouting in her bossiest voice. Olivia smiled up at her. It had been getting harder and harder to stay on her feet with each trip, even with the mandatory breaks in between. Her vision had been blurring, her limbs weakening. The old wound to her leg was throbbing.

"Liv?" Scott was stroking her hair, looking down at her quizzically. He must have asked her a question.

"I'm sorry, what?" She groaned.

"I said, can you stay awake just a little longer?" He gave her a smile filled with concern. "Then you can sleep for as long as you like."

"Sleep sounds great." She almost laughed. "Scott?" She said suddenly. "I really love you, you know."

His eyes were soft as his lips brushed her forehead. "I love you too."

They were surrounded by people. She didn't remember them arriving. She was lying on a stretcher, and they were carrying out into the light. It was so bright after so long in the compound, that her eyelids shut slightly, filtering the sunlight.

Her nose was bleeding again. It had been bleeding on and off over the last few days, but she'd kept on wiping it, hiding it. At least everyone was safe now. Everyone was home.

She couldn't wait to see everyone, to tell them that it was all over. Her parents would be proud, she thought. Dad would be anyway.

People were talking to her, but their voices seemed to lack meaning. Their faces were featureless too, the edges of her vision jagged and grey. It was funny that it didn't frighten her, not the way she thought it would.

Was this what dying felt like? She'd been close enough times. Maybe it was finally her time to just sleep. It had been a long time coming.

She was so tired. Everything seemed to be shaking.

There was the prick of a needle in her arm, and then nothing.

Olivia slept for a long time. Her eyes felt heavy, grainy as they opened. There was the gentle beep of machinery next to her, but no pain. She was in a hospital room that seemed very familiar. "Welcome back." Harry said, smiling.

"Harry!" Her smile was sleepy. "Am I on the Nexus?"

"They brought you back from Prodromos for more surgery." He said gently. "But all is well. How are you feeling? You gave everyone quite a scare."

"I feel fine." She tried to sit, only to be pushed back down.

"I'd better call Martin. Your dad has barely left your side." He wandered out of the room. Dad? Olivia wondered. What was he doing on the Nexus?

"Hey Firefly." Her dad said softly, flying into the room, perching on the bed beside her.

"What are you doing here?"

"You didn't think I'd let them cart you off here alone, did you?" He grinned.

"Hardly alone." Harry remarked. "Seeing as Dr Calon and Dr Gaari insisted on coming too." Lyora and Nunok were there too, Olivia realised.

"What was wrong with me?" She asked croakily.

"Your brain couldn't handle the strain of the implant anymore." Her dad said gently. "You had a seizure as they were bringing you out of the ruins. You and poor Sara Ryder were both in something of a state. I did what I could for you both, but it was better then to transfer you back to the Nexus."

"How is Sara?" She asked.

Harry and her dad shared a look. "Running amok." Harry said with a smirk. "As always."

"You've been unconscious for quite some time, firefly." Her dad smiled. "We...had to disable the implant in your brain. It was hurting you. We're sure that much more would give you permanent brain damage. I'm sorry, sweetie."

"That's...that's ok." Olivia said. She meant it. It would be nice in a way. No world to save. She could fade back into a little bit of obscurity and rest. "How long have I been out?"

"About five weeks." Her dad said nonchalantly and she almost choked. Five weeks? Anything could have happened!

But everything was fine, they were keen to reassure her. Her mother, Nina and Vee had remained on Eos after she had been taken away, and spotted back into their old lives. Those brought back from the past had been dealt with, one way or another. Lyora and Nunok had accompanied Sara and Olivia back to the Nexus, while Scott and his crew had been called away almost immediately. The Kett were still an endless thorn in their sides.

She was disappointed to not see Scott, but hid it well behind a smile. He was heading to Eos the day after tomorrow, Harry told her with a wink. Maybe they could get her and Sara down there, if she took it easy.

After the two doctors left, Olivia lay, staring up at the ceiling. Kendra was dead. It was strange. She now had no idea what to do. What was her calling without the Firefly implant?

Someone coughed in the doorway to her room.

"It's about time you woke up." Sara Ryder said, "I thought I'd slept ages but you had to go one better, didn't you?" There was an easy smirk on her face.

"Sara!" Olivia held out her arms and Sara staggered into them. She still looked thin and haggard, Liv thought, but herself.

"I was worried about you!" Sara insisted. "I was unconscious for two weeks and they said it would be an age before they took you off the drugs. I've had all kinds of counselling since then. You know what it's like...forced surgery and brainwashing." Her expression clouded. She shuddered, despite her strained smile.

"If you ever need to talk..." Olivia held out her hand.

Sara took it. "I know. Thank you." They talked of easier things for a time. Scott had visited her last week, she said. He would hang out with his sister then sit by Olivia's bedside for a while.

"Are you coming to Eos to surprise him?" Olivia asked.

"Why not?" Sara smiled. "I can't wait to escape here."

"I am keeping the secret too." SAM chimed in, fully restored to Sara.

"Excellent. I can't wait." Olivia leaned against her friend.