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“Alright Kasumi, he’s gone.”
“How did you know?”
Kasumi uncloaked and met Shep’s incredulous gaze. Her stance was so familiar that Kasumi was compelled for a moment to offer her assistance on the Normandy. But that soon faded when she remembered that being invisible against the Reapers was not really useful if she was right in front of them.
“I like to think that I know the people I drag into the galactic core.”
“So you definitely know that I am not going to fly with you headfirst into a Reaper War.”
Shep pursed her lips, but nodded. “Still going to ask though. Jacob is off somewhere, but I got another military man with huge, rippling muscles. Interested?”
Kasumi gave her a smirk. “In the muscles? Of course. In another suicide mission? I think I’ve had enough for a lifetime.”
Shep leaned against the desk in the embassy, crossing her arms over her chest. “Humour me with a tour of the new Normandy. They replaced your little corner of the ship with an Alliance card table.”
“They what? I guess they have no taste - I left that one painting there to spruce up the place.”
“Maybe it’s in storage. And besides, there are a few new gadgets here and there that we may or may not have the credits to replace.”
Kasumi smiled and patted Shep on the shoulder. “You know the ways to my heart, Shep. I can find my own way. But I will be sure to check in before I leave.”
She wrapped herself in her stealth cloak and made her way to the closest thing she’s ever had to a home.
When she stepped onto the Normandy, it was both the same and different. She ran her hand over the familiar onboard computers. She was cloaked as she walked through, smiling as Joker and a female robot argued about the temperature of the cabin.
She walked through every deck seeing the familiar and unfamiliar faces of the crew. Garrus was still in the Main Battery, plugging away, softly singing the words to a song she knew he loved. Dr. Chakwas sat focused at her desk, running through charts. Engineers Daniels and Donnelly were bickering about optimal shielding for the drive core.
She made her way into the Shuttle Bay, pausing at the door when she saw the hulking figure that Shepard no doubt was talking about back on the Citadel. Kasumi moved to the man’s area of the Bay, watching as he did pull-ups. She started to count, watching the way his muscles strained and moved against the relentless mistress that was gravity.
“Alright, who’s invisible in my Bay?” the man shouted.
Kasumi’s brows furrowed, he shouldn’t have noticed anything, her stealth cloak was impeccable.
“Mr. Vega, it’s not your Shuttle Bay,” the officer by the shuttle said.
“Well, Esteban, there’s someone here that should make themselves known.”
Kasumi leaned against the containers, deactivating her stealth cloak. “It’s not everyday that someone spots me, Mr. Vega. So tell me, how’d you know?”
Mr. Vega started, surprised and vindicated at the same time. “You know EDI? Asked her to let me know whenever someone enters the Shuttle Bay. She knows everything.”
EDI’s voice came across the comms. “Not everything, James. But most things.”
Damn AI.
“I suspect that you’re the visitor the Commander warned us about. Kasumi Goto?” Mr. James Vega asked, dropping down from the pull-up bar and coming closer to speak with her.
“Warned? I doubt that. She told me that she would let everyone know that I was coming and to let me take what I needed without question.”
“I am pretty sure you’re Esteban’s worst nightmare.”
“And why’s that?”
“Let’s just say that Esteban is picky about the supplies on the Normandy. When he checks and there’s anything missing…he might blow a gasket.”
“As long as it’s not one of the Normandy’s I think it will be okay.”
“You’re just going to leave me to deal with him?”
Kasumi smirked, her eyes darting from Mr. James Vega to the boxes full of new toys. “I don’t want to be a burden. Why don’t you help me choose something I need and might not be missed that much.”
She could see that the burly marine in front of her was trying to figure her out. He seemed like the kind of man that enjoyed a little bit of fun. And she could give him a little bit of it before she had to go to the Crucible. She was excited about the possibilities after Shep brought it up. Not only could she help with the war from afar, but there had to be research that could help her map a consciousness for Keiji.
Her fingers curled around the box in her pocket. She could have some fun with Mr. James Vega, but her heart still lived in that graybox.
*****
To: Kasumi Goto ([email protected])
Sent: 30 September 2186, 8:45 UST
From: James Vega ([email protected])
Subject: YOU OWE ME >:D
Kasumi - Got your email from Shepard. Said you might still check this one? Wanted to let you know that Esteban did blow that gasket and he got all red in the face. Said that I owe him for the prototype power cells we took. I told him I had nothing to do with it. And then he threatened to stop ordering my high-quality protein powder, so…you owe me. How about a drink the next time we’re both on the Citadel? - Vega
To: James Vega ([email protected])
Sent: 15 October 2186, 1:45 UST
From: K G ([email protected])
Subject: RE: YOU OWE ME >:DI don’t know what you’re talking about. I definitely have not stolen anything from anyone EVER. But I do like drinks. I will send you a message the next time I’m anywhere near the Citadel. The ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ Project ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ is out in the middle of nowhere.
To: K G ([email protected])
Sent: 16 October 2186 14:32 UST
From: James Vega ([email protected])
Subject: RE: RE: YOU OWE ME >:D
I assume this is Kasumi and definitely not a catfish trying to get me to send them naked pictures or a million credits. I know this lounge in Zakera Ward that is nice and has pool. I figure I should be able to beat you at something that requires a bit of skill. Can’t really use your stealth cloak for that. But I can definitely think of some things that would be fun with a stealth cloak. ;)
To: James Vega ([email protected])
Sent: 30 October 2186 2:12 UST
From: Kas Got ([email protected])
Subject: RE: RE: RE: YOU OWE ME >:DI think something with finesse and small movements is more my set of skills than yours. If you want we can bet on the outcome. Maybe I can get those million credits anyways. Or…something else you mentioned. ;) I hope Shep hasn’t been getting too many slugs headed your way lately. Stay alive so I can get my drink.
To: James Vega ([email protected])
Sent: 13 November 2186 10:02 UST
From: Kas Got ([email protected])
Subject: ALIVE?
I would lose a lot on this forum if you’re dead, Vega. Let me know if you made it out of the Citadel okay after Cerberus attacked.
To: Kas Got ([email protected])
Sent: 16 November 2186 3:14 UST
From: James Vega ([email protected])
Subject: RE: ALIVE?God, are you only my first stan? That’s sad. I have to encourage the James Vega agenda on the extranet. Are you worried about me, Goto? Cute. Made it out okay. Got a few cuts and bruises but nothing Chakwas couldn’t mend. I would suggest our drinks and pool date get pushed back a little. I don’t know if the bar survived. Hope that Project is getting close to being done.
To: James Vega ([email protected])
Sent: 16 November 2186 3:30 UST
From: Umi ([email protected])
Subject: RE: RE: ALIVE?
Attached: shhsecretcrucibleproject.vid
——BEGIN POP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK—
Version: SKS 1.4.55
Comment: Hostname: citadelcomms.gal
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
>> Program Accessed: EDI
> hey EDI, can you translate this or something, i dont know whats going on
>> Yes, James. Encryption key accessed. Translation below. Video unencrypted. Would you like me to store this in your private files?
> yeah thats cool
Thought it would be fun to show you around my quarters and the stuff I’ve procured over the past couple months. The tech here is so advanced, but of course I am keeping up flawlessly. I’m sure Shepard has told you of some of my finer moments. If not, ask her about the party with Donovan Hock. I’m sure you would also love to hear about the dress she wore. Anyways, the ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ Project ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ is a good way to pass the time.
To: Umi ([email protected])
Sent: 1 December 2186 12:34 UST
From: James Vega ([email protected])
Subject: RE: RE: RE: ALIVE?
Attached: ShepVegaGunsOut.pngSo next time warn me if you’re sending a bunch of nonsense because I definitely sat there with my finger up my nose for way longer than I should’ve. Thank god EDI exists. That vid you sent was really awesome though. To see the Crucible like that? Up close? You’ve got quite the seat. And also a lot of fun souvenirs. Pick me up something while you’re there. You still owe me. Shep saw the vid too and she wanted to say you’re still welcome aboard the Normandy. We took a pic to show you what you’re missing.
To: James Vega ([email protected])
Sent: 10 December 2186 20:44 UST
From: Go K ([email protected])
Subject: Day Off?
I am heading to the Citadel for a few days after Christmas. Drinks and pool?
To: Go K ([email protected])
Sent: 11 December 2186 9:33 UST
From: James Vega ([email protected])
Subject: RE: Day Off?Hell yeah.
*****
Three months working on the Crucible and she found nothing to extract and frame a mind for Keiji. One would think the greatest minds in the galaxy would have side projects, but no they all have very one-track minds here. No room for much more than ‘build the Crucible.’ Shep had her very focused moments trying to get them through the Omega-4 Relay, but there was still room for variety.
She stepped into Shep’s new digs, looking around at all the people gathered. Vega had to cancel their ‘date’, saying something about ‘Clone after Commander!’, which was somehow not surprising. And when Shep sent out the invite, it was hard to say no.
There was relief that pumped through her veins after Vega had canceled and she knew where it came from. The graybox. She couldn’t entertain the idea of Vega. Not even if his emails brought a smile to her face when she re-read them.
Kasumi didn’t stay visible for long, activating her stealth cloak to enjoy the party and conversations from the comfort of invisibility. She tried to avoid Vega, popping in groups of people with quips for a moment before disappearing. She enjoyed the krogan and prothean’s company, their demeanours speaking volumes more than their words. When she saw Miranda and Jack talking, she couldn’t help but bump into Jack so that she fell into Miranda’s arms.
But even as the party went on and everyone loosened up, she still couldn’t stay away from Vega. Kasumi ran into his back as he spoke with Esteban. Vega grinned and shooed his friend away.
“I’ve been thinking, your name doesn’t really feel right. So I was thinking we could give you a new one.”
“Really? How qualified are you at changing names?”
“Very. Just ask Scars. Yo, Scars!”
Garrus turned, giving a small wave of his hands. “What do you want, Vega? I am trying to figure out why my girlfriend never told me that this apartment has no defense systems.”
“Nothin’. Just showing Kasumi something.”
Garrus narrowed his eyes, but turned away to continue talking to Shep. Vega pumped his fist in celebration.
Kasumi rolled her eyes, but couldn’t help but play along. “So, what’s your best one?”
"Shadows."
"No, that's stupid. Give me something with a little zest."
"Ghost."
"I'm not supernatural, Vega."
"Valentina."
"Okay, I'll bite. Why that name?"
"It goes really well with James."
Kasumi smirked. "And why does that matter?"
"C'mon Valentina, there's gotta be some place where you're not so quiet. Our voices will sound good together."
If only. But she couldn't. Not with the box still heavy in her pocket. “Why don’t you grab me a drink first.”
As soon as Vega turned away, Kasumi disappeared. She bolted. She went into the corner of the apartment and wrapped herself up in the conversations around her. She heard Samara talking to Miri and Liara talking to Tali. She could feel her heart tearing in two, but there was no way she could leave Keiji behind. No, she owed him.
*****
To: Go K ([email protected])
Sent: 2 January 2187 13:56 UST
From: James Vega ([email protected])
Subject: Hey
Missed you at the end of the party. Sorry if I came on too strong. Would like to keep talking if you want. Headed out to Cerberus HQ, can maybe see if I can pull out some tech for you to pour over. Let me know.
To: Umi ([email protected])
Sent: 4 January 2187 18:22 UST
From: James Vega ([email protected])
Subject: Checking inThings are getting hot. I think we’re coming to the endgame. It feels like I need to get all my ducks in a row. I think you’re pretty awesome. If we both make it out alive, I would like to go on an actual date. Stay safe.
[Unsent Message]
To: James Vega ([email protected])
Drafted: 5 January 2187 2:46 UST
From: Kasumi Goto ([email protected])
Subject: RE: Checking in
I would love to.
I really want to.
I lost the love of my life.
There's a small chance I could get him back.
God, I wish I could let go.