[Book Four] Chapter 9: Academy

Chapter 9: Academy

Six months went by since he presented the new RED generator to the three Admirals he knew. With Adam and Sandra turning one, they were mobile enough to play with Arianna who took her role as a big sister very seriously to her mother’s pride. Adam was still loud but not as often as he used to be and Rick didn’t walk around all day with a massive headache anymore. Sandra has been a quiet angel with a bit of a nasty side if you annoyed her too far. She was the main reason why Adam was crying now most of the time. Thankfully, Arianna was there to make peace and the adult dealt properly with Adam and Sandra’s bad behavior.

The school was finally 100% complete and it was time to launch it. He invited his family, Aria included, friends and important dignitaries like the council, and some species dirigeant like Wrex, Primarch Victus, Aethyta, and Admiral Koris. James was also present after a long absence. He had made N7 and was congratulated by everyone. Rick believed that Jane’s approval and praise was truly the one that mattered. When he saw Arianna and Adam he was stunned for a moment but snapped out of it when both Ashley and Jane put them in his arms.

“Kids, that’s your uncle James. He’s big and scary but really nice.” Jane said, barely containing a laugh.
“What?!”
“What’s the matter James? Not good with kids?” teased Ashley.
“I’m not… I mean, I am but… I’m just surprised that’s all.” he said with a smile looking down at the children. He smiled wider when Arianna touched his cheeks with her hand.
“Arianna.” she said then pointed to her brother. “Adam.”

“Nice to meet you”.

Arianna nodded and presented Mandy right onto his face.
“Mandy.”
“Mandy, huh? She’s beautiful.”
“HmmHmm.”

James looked down at Adam and for the first time the child was quiet, choosing to observe him.

“You don’t talk much, do you?”
“...”
“I think he’s intimidated. Adam is usually very loud.” Ashley said, taking her son back in her arms.
“Just like his mother then.” joked James.
“Watch out Vega, I can still kick your ass. N7 or not.”
“Yes, ma’am.” he replied submissively but still with a small grin.

Jane took back Arianna too and talked with James.

“Are you fine with it?”
“The children? Yes, though it’s not really my business.”
“I mean the uncle part. It’s a de facto title. Everyone that served on the Normandy is either an Aunt or an Uncle. Don’t read too much into it, you don’t have any obligations or responsibilities towards them.”
“It’s fine, I don’t really mind. In fact it’s rather nice. My abuela is the only family I have left and having another family in the Normandy crew… I kinda like it.”
“I’m happy to hear that.” she said as she let down her wiggling Arianna who ran towards Ashley and Adam.
“So… What are we doing here?”
“You don’t know?” Jane asked back in surprise.
“No. Rick told me to be here today at that time for something important. Since I don’t have an assignment yet, I was free to come.”
“Oh! I’m not sure I should tell you and spoil you the surprise, then.”
“A hint?”
“Rick is opening his school.”
“A school?”
“Yes. Every building you see around us? Part of the school.”
“Wow, that’s big. It’s what? Two kms from one side to the other?”
“A bit less but you’re spot on.”
“What is taught here?”
“Everything. From military subjects to literature.”
“That’s broad. Not to be a party pooper though but doesn’t the alliance have some schools and universities like that? Not that big sure but...”
“Well, there are three major differences between them. The first being, it’s a private school, the second is that it accepts students from every species, not just humans.”
“Really?!”
“Yeah. That’s why it’s private in truth. It should have been a public school funded by every race but our own Parliament caused troubles so in the end it was privatized.”
“Do I want to know what kind of trouble?”
“Oh, the basics. Be in charge, have control…”
“And Rick didn’t like that.”
“Nope.”
“Can’t believe that’s still happening after how hard we fought to work together.”
“Don’t worry the most difficult members have been taken care of.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well… None of them liked the truth of the matter. Rick had financed the entirety of the school so it was his and the parliament had absolutely no say in it. Some members took offense to that and tried to threaten us by sending some goons at our home.” explain Jane.
“Poor idiots. Was there any survivor?” James replied laughing.
“None but the cherry on the cake is that Rick tracked back the one who hired them in less than a day. The man was a supporter of Cerberus.”
“Isn’t Cerberus done?”
“Yes and no, there are still very small cells in hiding that weren’t indoctrinated. Anyway, the guy was full of information and we found out that a tenth of the parliament was at least cerberus affiliated and another tenth was part on eliminating our family. They all got arrested behind closed doors and their assets confiscated until Rick sued every one of them for everything they had.”
“Man, couldn’t have happened to better guys.”
“True. That’s not all, with two tenths of the parliament involved and with Cerberus in the mix, we kinda blackmailed the rest of the parliament to play ball and let it go if they didn’t want the public to know about any cerberus ties they may have.”
“That’s vicious.”
“Yes but like I said, they’re playing ball now, so it’s alright.”
“You said three differences? What’s the third?”
“You’ll see.” replied Jane with an enigmatic smile as she walked forward.

Soon, they entered the middle building or rather tower and took a transparent elevator to get to the penultimate floor. They arrived at what was clearly a control room and saw EDI, Dorothea, David Archer and to Joker’s surprise Hilary.

“Gunny, what are you doing here?”
“Piloting.” she answered with a mischievous smile.
“Piloting what?”
“You’re about to find out.” Rick said and gave a signal to David.

The mathematician genius opened a black case and pulled out the RED generator from it. It was an ironic name since the thing was glowing a deep blue. Walking towards the center of the room where a big circular console was, he inserted the power source vertically in the center and pushed it down until you couldn’t see it anymore.

“RED, installed. Every system is operational and in the green.” EDI said.
“Deployment of the shield.” announced Dorothea.

Less than a second later, the guest could see through the large window in the room a gigantic blue buble recovering the entirety of the school. To the people not in the know, they wondered what was happening and why would the whole complex need a shield that big. Their question was answered by Rick.

“Hilary, if you please?”
“Right away, boss.” the young lady said as she sat on a central piloting seat and began to fumble with the commands.

In less than a half a minute, the building began to shake slightly.

“I’m inviting you to get closer to the windows” Rick said as he himself did so.

People followed him and gasped at what they were seeing. The school had left the ground and was going upward fast. In no time they saw the gigantic hole in the ground that the complex had left behind. Soon enough they were in space and could observe the Earth.

“Welcome aboard the Celeste Academy.” Rick presented with his arms wide open.
“Madre de Dios.” Whispered James.
“Are we… Really in space?” Abby asked as she couldn’t believe what she was seeing.
“We are.” Dorothea said.
“You built a station-sized spaceship! That’s insane!” Joker exclaimed laughing.
“How?” inquired Maria.
“Lots of money, and nearly half a million Mechas working day and night. As for the materials, most of it was bought from Korlus.” Rick answered his mother-in-law.
“What are its flying capabilities?” Hackett asked.
“Its maneuverability is poor but that’s obvious. However…. Hilary?”
“On it!”

She entered the coordinates for the charon’s relay and in less than thirty seconds they arrived at Pluto’s location.

“Wait, wait, wait! You’re not doing what I think you’re doing, right?” Joker asked in worry.
“If you mean to use the Mass Relay, then yes, we’re doing it.”
“But…”
“It’s fine, Hilary can do it and EDI is assisting her.”

Hilary’s eyes didn’t leave the screen but nodded in agreement, while EDI sat on the co-pilot seat.

“Hitting the relay in 3… 2… 1…”

The ship was caught in the mass effect field of the relay and proposed at FTL speed.

“Thrusters…” said Hilary and was answered by EDI
“Check.”
“Navigation…
“Check. All systems online.”
“Drift… around 1600K.”

“I can’t believe it, my baby sister just piloted the biggest ship ever through a Mass relay corridor. I’m so proud.”
“You should, she’s outstanding.” replied Rick.
“Can I fly it on our way back?”
“Ask your sister, it’s her day today.
“Arrival at the Exodus Cluster in 3… 2… 1…”

Just as Hilary stopped counting the Celeste Academy got out of FTL subspace and people familiar with the cluster could tell that they were indeed in it. Once she checked that everything was alright she turned to her brother.

“Sure but I want a month of ice cream in exchange!”
“Deal!”

After that, the siblings began talking with EDI joining in. Joker asked many questions about how she knew how to fly like that and Hilary confessed that thanks to Rick classes she had actually graduated a year early, practicing flying for the last year and most notably using a Mass Relay for the last three months. So far she couldn’t do it alone without EDI’s assistance as she did most of the work but giving a year or two and she would be a full fledged pilot. Joker was pleased and happy of her achievements but a bit miffed that she hid it from him.

“Don’t take it like that! I wanted to surprise you!”
“And surprised me, you did. I can’t believe Dad didn’t blabled a word.”
“I made him promise.”

On a different side of the control room. Rick was speaking with the council, the dirigeants and Hackett and Anderson.

“So? What do you think?”
“It’s prodigious.” admitted Tevos.
“What’s its top speed?” inquired Victus.
“Forty lightyears. A bit faster than a Reaper. It could be faster if the technology wasn’t limited but it’s a work in progress and you should ask Tali about it.”
“How about the energy consumption?” Koris asked.
“EDI?”
“The power source is at 99.999…7 % At the thousandth decimal.” came the AI voice from the coms above the small group.
“Fantastic. How long will the power last?”
“If we’re just flying? Hundred of years. However, maintaining the shield and powering up everything else could drastically reduce its life expectancy.”
“Speaking of the shield, I didn’t think you would just use it like that, to protect the outside of the academy.” said Hackett.
“It blocks everything from matter to radiation. When I calculated its strength, I knew that I could build an exterior for the student. That way they are not always stuck inside with artificial light. They can enjoy other activities like sports and simply walking through the small park as if they were on a planet. It’s also useful for any military drill as we can artificially adapt the ‘climate’ in specific areas.”

“You can?!”
“Not that difficult.”
“Wait, so the people on board could potentially experience seasons?” asked Koris.
“Yes. I want the students to have the best time of their lives here and I thought that changing seasons could help. Besides, a changing of season is a good way to keep track of time. The display of a day on an omni-tool is not nearly as impactful. If it’s snowing? They know that finals and holidays are not far off. You know, things like that.”
“I wish my people had that technology when we fled Rannoch, we wouldn’t have lost our immune system and living would have been easier.” the quarian lamented.
“That would have been useful, yes. But it won’t do any good to think about the past and what ifs.” Rick replied.
“True.”
“Do you have an artificial sky too?” Anderson asked.
“Yes. Though we did not activate it to show you what was happening. Normally it’s active during the day and inactive during the night.”

Rick answered questions after questions until Aethyta asked for a tour of the facilities. Something that everyone agreed on the spot. Signaling to Dorothea, she opened the march and led every one to the elevator. Rick  waited a bit behind to talk with Jane and take Arianna off her hands. Adam being taken care of by Maria and Sandra being handled by Miranda. However the little redhead shared that she wanted to go with her siblings and it was Sarah that picked her up.

“Is it what you expected?”
“It’s beyond my expectation. From what I understood from the blueprints, there wasn’t any exterior.” answered Jane.
“Like I said to the others, I added that after.”
“Good idea in my opinion.”
“I half bullshited them though. My main reason was to provide you and the children a real life, not just life on a big ship.” he explained as he took hold of her hand.
“Thank you.”
“Anything for you…”
“I’ll remember that when you’re being disobedient.” she joked with an amused smile.
“Tch… you cheater.”
“Anything is fair in love and war.” she said as they joined the other in the elevator.

The tour took the entire day and that was only because the higher levels, reserved for Rick and Tali’s company, were not part of the tour. Something that the councilors and leaders of their respectives species understood. Everything was of the latest generation and if not of the generation before it, showing that the education provided or at least the environment would be top notch.
The exterior was a big success for everyone and after a demonstration of seasons change everyone got back inside for a celebratory meal before Joker brought everyone back to Earth. Wrex took a moment of Rick’s time to discuss.

“What you did… It could help my people a lot. Getting us back on track to build a proper civilization. It’s been two years already since we began but it’s not moving fast enough.”
“And it won’t be until some krogans graduate from here with the necessary knowledge to help. So not before a few more years but that’s only if your intent is to rebuild Tunchanka with the Krogan alone. Some students from another species may make a new discovery that could help your people too.”
“That’d be nice.”
“By the way there is a class on Krogan culture and history but I never found someone for the job. Do you think you can? Preferably a shaman.”
“Hmmm I can, but I’m not sure they would be interested in coming here. A shaman duty is linked to Tunchanka and the Krogans.”
“Even if their presence here would be mainly for the benefits of the krogans students?”

“Ah! I didn’t think of that. Then maybe I could find one or two volunteers.”
“If they don’t want the job to be permanent it’s fine, I can hire them for at least half a year and they can be replaced by another afterward. And there is time, the school doesn’t open until the beginning of next year.”
“You got yourself a deal.”

____________________________________________________________

After dinner. Joker flew back Celeste Academy to Earth where he landed it not back to its previous location but in the pacific Ocean near the coast of British Columbia. It has been a shock to learn that the ship could water-land and float. Of course the alliance authorities have been warned of what would happen and to not take any drastic measure against the ship. After the Reaper invasion, a ship that big landing on Earth would have made everyone nervous.
Shuttles were prepared to taxi everyone back to Vancouver where journalists were waiting for a press release. Everyone that wasn’t in the Council or a species leader were free to not attend with the exception of Jane and Rick who were both needed. The former as a supporter of the project and the later as its creator.
Everything went well and footage of important moments of the day was played so the public would understand what it was all about. There were nasty questions of course, most notably from xenophobic people but Rick’s wits, completely shut them down with a good dose of humiliation. So far, the Project was met with anticipation and was favorably looked upon by the public, no matter their race.

“Just like I promised two years ago, I built a school which focused on furthering the collaboration betweens species. It will open officially at the beginning of the year in six months time. There is no tuition to pay as I believe education should be free.”
“How are you going to pay the teachers, the staff and everything else?” A journalist asked.
“Celeste Academy is a private school that I financed alone so far and will keep on financing in every way. Of course if some wealthy people or some governments wish to make some donations, they are welcome to do so.”

After more questions, the interview was over and the siblings went home to meet with the usual people hanging around in the penthouse with the addition of Tali.

“Are you staying for good or just the night?”
“Just the night.”
“A shame, because I miss you.”
“I miss you too but Lorel wants a life on Rannoch and we’re pretty serious…”
“I get it, I just don’t like my children not knowing their Aunt Tali all that well but hey! If you’re happy, it’s fine.”
“I am.”
“Then good. I do have a question though.”
“Which is?”
“You’re still wearing your enviro suit… Why?”
“Oh, that? It’s for official appearances only.”
“For the nerves?”
“Yes.”
“... I’m glad some things never change.” he joked.
“I could spend my whole life leading my people and I don’t think I would ever not need my suit.” she replied laughing.
“You’ll do well either way. After all, you were a mess at first when we started presenting our projects.”
“True. Maybe you’re right but honestly, I’m not in a rush to find out if ever.”

Rick nodded in understanding and left to talk to Ashley. She was talking with James, Kaidan and Steve.

“Guys, I’m not sorry but I’m stealing my fiancee for a moment.”
“Fiancee?” James asked puzzled.
“Yep.” Ashley said after kissing Rick and was dragged away.
“That happened two years ago.” Steve said.
“Two years? That’s a bit long for an engagement, no?”
“Ashley wanted a child first, except, she didn’t think of how big she would have looked like at the wedding, so they postponed it.” filled in Kaidan.
“And after her maternity leave, it has only been work. It’s a shame, the whole wedding has been planned, they just need a date.”
“Wait… So the little guy she handed me this morning was…”
“Their son, yes. And speaking of long engagements...” said Kaidan looking at Steve.
“James is out of N school, we can marry whenever you want now.”
“Good.”
“You two too? Man, I have a lot to catch up. Wait! Why would me being at N school delaying your wedding?”
“I can’t marry without my best man.” Steve replied with a kind grin.
“Best… Me?!”
“Hmhm, that is if you want.”
“Bet your ass I want to, Esteban. You can count on me!”
“Thank you, James.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll find the best alcohol and the best strippers for your bachelor party! Wait! I don’t know any male strippers…”

That was said as a joke and the trio laughed good naturedly. Meanwhile back with Rick and Ashley, they were currently in her former bedroom, kissing like mad. There was hunger for the other in their kiss and they couldn’t help themselves but satiated it. Unfortunately with guests out there they didn’t have the time and had to separate.

“I missed you.” he said, resting his forehead against hers.
“Me too.”
“So did Adam.”
“I missed him too.”
“However long you stay, spend time with him first.”
“As much as I’ll spend with you.”
“No, him first, we have our own time when he’s in bed and I don’t mean sex.”

Ashley nodded and let her head rest on his shoulders. It had been months and she wanted to feel him as much as she could.

“You’re all mine tonight.”
“And the day after and the day after. Jane doesn’t mind since she understands our situation.”
“...”
“...”
“Thank you.”
“What for?”
“Letting me serve.”
“I don’t ‘let’ you, you would have done it either way.”
“Then for not making a fuss about it despite not liking it.”
“I’m about to be your husband and I wouldn’t be a very good one if I stopped you doing what you love.”

She melted in his embrace further before pulling back and giving a peck.

“Let’s go back, we’ve been absent long enough.”

Rick nodded and they walked back to the festivities hand in hand. Seeing Liara alone on the balcony, he left his fiancee to see her.

“Not in the mood for celebrating?” he said from her side, taking her by surprise.
“Rick! You scared me!”
“I wasn’t even discreet in my approach.”
“Sorry, I just have a lot on my mind.”
“What about?” he asked as he leaned down the rail next to her and put an arm around her waist.
“My life. Before the reapers.”

“Ah. Seeing the school made you yearn for your time at Serrice university and studying ruins.”
“Yes.”
“You know, you don’t need to be…”
“It’s too important of a network to not use it.”
“But does it have to be you in charge? EDI could do it either as EDI or Dorothea. Not full time but enough that you could have a bit of your life pre-Reapers back.”
“I… didn’t think of that.”
“You could also ask a geth if you find one that you could trust, they’re really nice from what Tali told me.”
“Now, that would be weird.” she replied with a chuckle.
“And in the meantime you could explore ruins. Or teach, there is a job for you at Celeste Academy if you want it.”
“Hmmm… That’s an interesting offer. Perhaps when I’m done with my book.”
“How is it going by the way? You never talk about it.”
“It’s almost done. I have a few chapters left to write.”
“I better get one of the first limited editions with your signature on it. I would be very upset if I didn't.”
“You don’t have to worry about that.” she replied with a smile.
“...”
“...”
“ Are you free this week?”
“I am, why?”
“I’m thinking about you, me, visiting Earth’s old temples. You know, on a date. We haven’t been in one in so long let alone spend much time together.”
“I’ve been busy, and so have you.”
“Busy doing things that are less important than us.”
“I wouldn’t call your family and children less important.”
“So it’s about that. You’re not feeling included.”
“I do!”
“But not enough.”
“...”

She had no answer to give him. None which would not sound petulant or like a childish tantrum.

“You don’t matter less than Jane or Ashley or the children. I’m sorry if my actions made you think otherwise.” he said as he gave her a heartfelt hug.
“...”
“Do you want to be my bond mate?”
“What?!” she asked, pulling back for his embrace.
“Do you want to be my bond mate? To make it official and not just boyfriend-girlfriend.”
“... That’s not funny.” she said with a frown.
“I.. am not trying to be? Was it how it sounded?”
“You can’t ask me to be your bond mate just to make me feel better! It’s not a cheap thing that you can ask casually!”
“I am not. I’m asking you what I should have asked years ago and to make you realize how much you mean to me.”
“...”
“Liara we’ve been together for more than half a decade and during which, two years were spent in love but not talking with each other. Yet the moment we reunited it was almost like we'd just seen each other the day before. We’re clicking so well together, how could I not think about us being bond mates?”
“...”
“If you don’t want to move forward in our relationship, it’s alright. I won’t think any less of you. I’d be a bit heartbroken, not going to lie but I would eventually be alright with your decision.”
“... Why didn’t you ask then?”
“No matter what I say it would sound like excuses.”
“That’s alright, tell me.”
“I came back from the dead after meeting my late wife, to find out that I was a father that I had tasks to fulfill, then a second then third child on the way that I needed to raise, then all the work necessary to keep the peace… Most of all… I think I took you for granted… Expecting you to always be there no matter what. I think that’s my biggest mistake.”
“...You were right to do so because I would have been.”
“I shouldn’t have taken you for granted anyway. It’s one of the first steps leading to a failed relationship. I hope that…”
“No, it’s alright, our relationship is not a failure. It’s just… in a low moment right now.”
“Then I’ll do my best to change that.”
“That date you were asking earlier? Definitely a good start.” she replied with a smile.
“It will be the best date ever, I promise.”
“I’ll hold you to that.”

She gave him a kiss on the cheek and went back inside, letting him think about their future date. As he watched all his guests talking or eating from his remote vanted point he saw his mother making her way towards him.

“It was… impressive to say the least.” commented Aria.
“Thank you. Interested in financing it?”
“No.”
“So you just came to talk about how proud you are of me?”
“Perhaps.”
“... You want the new power source.”
“I’m interested in it, yes but I know you won’t share it, even if I ask.”
“You can come visit the kids anytime you want, I hope you know that.”
“Good to know.”
“Mom?” he asked, not understanding why she came to him.
“Yes?”
“What are you here? With me I mean. Sure you don’t know most people well, but…”
“I just wanted to spend some time with you. The last time was two years ago and your stay on Omega was a day at best.”
“I’ll try to visit more.”
“Please, we both know that you’re way too busy for that. Be it because of work or family.”
“I will try.” he said and pulled her in a one arm hug.

Both enjoyed each other’s presence in silence and simply people watching. He smirked proudly when he saw Arianna trying to stare down Wrex from the peak of her height. A very small one meter compared to the krogan’s two meters and some. The little one was fascinated by Wrex and he was just looking down at her curious. When she raised her hand with Mandy in one of them, the Krogan did nothing at first, then picked her up with one hand by the back of her collar so they would be at eye level. They talked a bit and Wrex just put her on the top of his hump. The sight alone made Rick laugh aloud and when he showed it to Aria she laughed too.

“That’s not something that I have ever seen. She may be even more eccentric than you were.”
“I was older when we met, I was more mature.”
“No. I don’t think that’s it.”
“What is it then?”
“... I don’t know, just a feeling.”
“...”
“...”
“You may receive a visit soon.”
“From who?”
“An actress.”
“An actress? What are you planning?”
“Asserting my control on the Galaxy but if you want specific…”