The Firefly (Mass Effect Andromeda)

Chapter 68

It was cathartic, Olivia thought, the trip to Eos. She and Sara sat together in the sunlight of Prodromos, letting the warmth tingle on their skin. She still tired easily, and her leg ached from the old bullet wound, but it was good to be out, to be out alive.

"I could have missed all of this." She said to her friend. Nina and Vee were sitting close by, laughing and chatting. Lyora and Nunok were with her parents. So many friends, everyone so happy.

"Missed what? Waiting around for my brother?" Sara stretched out on the sand. "Because it's not that great."

Olivia laughed. "No, I mean Andromeda." She chuckled at Sara's enquiring look. "I never wanted to come here. My parents actually signed me up against my will. It was only after my boyfriend died that I made a last minute decision to go."

"And then if you hadn't been set up by Kendra to be in your dad's pod, you'd probably still be in cryo." Sara grinned. "You might have been shot less though."

"Guys," Nina came jogging over, "They're here." The Tempest was soaring through the clouds, Kallo coming in for a perfect landing. "Come on!" Nina said impatiently. "You guys have to hide!" She chivvied the two girls out of the way, and into Martin's lab.

They watched from the window, tapping their feet with impatience as the crew disembarked slowly. Scott looked tired, and intense, talking with Mayor Bradley. She watched him smile at her father, shaking his hand, greeting Nina and the others. She saw the confusion on his face at the presence on her father, Lyora and Nunok. She wondered what excuse they gave for being here.

"My turn." Sara grinned. She took wobbly steps out of the lab. Olivia heard Scott's happy cry, watched him run to her sister.

"What are you doing here?" He hugged her. "I thought you'd still be on bed rest."

"Dr Taylor escorted me." Sara replied. "He thought I needed some fresh air."

"Well I'm glad of it." His smile diminished a little. "They said Harry is staying with Olivia."

"Yeah..." Sara smirked, "about that..."

Olivia stepped out, limping, her red hair loose down her back. Scott's eyes met her own. She would remember that look for as long as she lived, the flush of colour in his cheeks, the way his eyes sparkled, the broad, disbelieving smile that spread across his face.

For a moment, he just stood there.

And then he was racing up the ramp towards her, sweeping her into his arms before the smiling crowds. Their foreheads rested against one another's, his head bowed. He tilted her head back, and kissed her. It was soft and gentle, their lips moving together, his hand firm on the small of her back.

"Liv..." He whispered.

"Surprise!" She murmured with a smile. He only laughed and kissed her again. "I'm glad you're here."

"I can't believe it." His eyes checked her over. "I feel like I must be dreaming. I didn't know if you would ever wake, I..." His eyes filled for a moment, with tears. "But you're alright! You and Sara."

"It's over." Olivia smiled. "Kendra's dead and we're free."

"Are you okay?" He touched her cheek delicately. "Maybe you should be resting."

"I'm fine." She laughed. "I get a little tired, that's all. You really think my dad would let me come here if I wasn't able to?"

"He never stops worrying." Sara rolled her eyes, approaching them, looking between their softly smiling faces. "I'll leave you two alone." With that pointed remark, she went to talk to Cora. Olivia and Scott both laughed once, looking at one another and then away at the bustling town.

"So...how's the fight against the Kett going?" Olivia asked.

"I'll tell you over dinner and a drink." He gave her a carefree smile, one that it felt she'd not seen in a while. "SAM has just informed me that the crew packed us a picnic, if you'd care to join me."

"You're spoiling me." Olivia grinned. "I'd love to."

"I mean, the crew packed it, so I don't know what to expect." Scott laughed. "Should be interesting either way."

They left the camp after Scott had sprinted off to grab the old fashioned picnic basket from Vetra. She saw Nina watching them, about to follow, but Vee put a restraining hand on her arm. After all, if she wasn't safe with the Pathfinder, who was she to be safe with?

They didn't walk far. Olivia was tired, but laughed when Scott wrapped his arms about her waist and used his jump jets to lift her into the air and onto a rocky hill where they spread a blanket and ate together. For a long time, they were quiet, and content.

"It's strange to think that before you, this was a toxic world." Olivia mused. "You made such a difference."

"I think my dad would be pleased." Scott smiled wistfully. "And he was a hard man to please. This galaxy wasn't what we expected by a long way, but we've changed it for the better. I was thinking..." He hesitated. "What if we go for a break somewhere?"

"Like where?" She laughed. "There isn't exactly a beach resort in Andromeda."

"I don't know." He laughed, leaning in to kiss her. "Wherever we want."

"But you're the Pathfinder! And what about Meridian?"

"Ah we'll get there one day." Scott kissed her again. "For now, I just want to explore the galaxy with you."

How strange it was, Olivia thought, gazing at the man beside her, the town down below, filled with family and friends. She had never wanted to come to Andromeda. Before the trip, she had been lonely and frightened of her own shadow. But it was here that she had found her true self.

She had found a capacity for selflessness and heroism that she never thought she could possess. She had suffered greatly, yet found people who trusted and loved her more than she could ever truly comprehend.

"What is it?" Scott Ryder asked her, looking at her thoughtful face.

"I just had this weird thought." Olivia smiled. "I'm home."

Wow! I cannot believe we've finally reached the end of this tale. I hope those of you still here after 68 chapters enjoyed it. I've certainly enjoyed writing it for you. Thank you everyone who has read, voted and commented upon it, I really do appreciate every single one of you - Catherine