[Book Four] Chapter 10: Opening

Chapter 10: Opening

By the end of the year 2189 everything went well in Rick’s Wald life.

His eldest daughter had turned three a few days ago and was practicing reading with Dorothea in the living room. Her vocabulary had improved a lot in the last few months and she had asked, using a full sentence, to learn how to read. When she explained that she wanted ‘to do like Daddy’ that she saw often reading a datapad, or an actual book, Rick felt like he was at the top of the world. Discussing it with Jane who was mournful that her daughter was more like her father than her, they agreed to teach her. In less than a day she knew by heart the alphabet. They bought her a picture book for children to practice reading simple words. Of course it was a book about animals so Arianna was even more fired up to learn. The first one she wanted to know how to read was ‘lion’, something that made Jane internally happy as it was the animal she had been associated with by the public after Elysium.
On the other side, Adam and Sandra were playing in their play-pen with some toys. They too, had grown up significantly and were now talking a few words and broken sentences. To be more accurate, Adam talked. A lot. Sandra, for her part, only talked when necessary but was otherwise quiet. It was as if Adam was taking her words for himself.

That wasn't the only change in his life that made him happy. This last six months has been the most active of them all since he had woken up. To begin with there have been a lot of weddings. The first was between Kaidan and Steve. It was a very small affair as both men wanted it that way but it was full of fun and happiness. The most notable thing that had happened was James running around to make sure everything was perfect, until at the most crucial moment he realized that he didn’t know where he had put the wedding rings. Thankfully Rick had them with him and discreetly handed them to James and they both played it as a small prank.
The second wedding was between Jennifer and Miranda. There were even less people but it was alright. Orianna and her parents were there for Miranda and Rick, Jane, Kahlee and the children were present too. For the first and perhaps last time in her life Jennifer had worn a dress, her family wedding dress. It had needed some rework as both Analysse and their mother Sandra had an ample chest, something that Jennifer lacked. The wedding took place on Eden Prime at Rick’s former home which had been rebuilt along the garden where the small ceremony took place. Since both brides didn’t have a male to walk them down the aisle, Rick was the one to do it. When they arrived in front of the priest that had come from the colony, Rick simply looked at the two of them and fulfilled his promise by telling them a smug ‘I told you so.’ Both women laugh but Jennifer went a step further and kicked his chin. A few minutes later, Miranda Lawson became Miranda Andersson as she chose to let the Lawson name die for good, a last kick in the face of her dead father and his ambitions. There wasn’t a party but a simple lunch and some music fitting the mood. Orianna, who had never seen Sandra until today beyond some pictures Miranda shared, would not let go of her niece/daughter.

The last wedding and the biggest to date was the one between Ashley and Rick at the Autumn Equinox. Why that date? He didn’t know but it was the date Ashley chose so he went along with it. The truth was that it was a date she knew he would remember by association. There was no way that he would forget their anniversary. To everyone’s surprise Rick’s best men were in fact women for the most part. Tali had traveled with her boyfriend for the occasion and to be, along with Dorothea, Rick’s witnesses. The third one was this time a man in Garrus.
Ashley’s bridesmaids were Jane and Lyn to the displeasure of Abby and Sarah who lost at rock paper scissors to be the second bridesmaids. The third one was a big portrait of Analysse. Ashley wanted her late best friend here somehow. Even more so when she was picking up the slack so to speak, in marrying Rick. This time, it was James that walked the bride down the aisle instead of Rick. The celebration went without any issue, not even a small one. That was to both Ashley and Rick’s knowledge. The truth was that some mercs, hearing that Aria was present and unprotected, thought they could easily deal with her and take control of Omega by bringing back her head. The idiots didn’t realize that the guests were all elite soldiers and that was their undoing. EDI, Kaidan, and Samara (who has been invited) discreetly dealt with the morons before they could set foot in the church. Their bodies were never found and no one knew any better of this little incident.

His relationship with Liara was back to normal ever since he asked her again to be her bondmate on her date at Machu Picchu after many dates to reconnect. She agreed while wearing the Indiana Jones outfit he had offered her years earlier and now lived exclusively in the penthouse instead of Thessia. They followed the old Asari tradition for a wedding which was not legally recognized anymore but they didn’t care. The ritual was done at a sacred ground on Thessia witnessed only by Benezia and Aethyta. The week of honeymoon was trashed mid-way by the two matriarchs who wanted to have some fun with the newly bonded couple.

The publication of Liara’s first book broke many records in sales, especially when it was known that she wrote it with the last living prothean. It was a publicity stunt from her publisher that she didn’t appreciate, neither did the council. Javik’s existence was more or less secret and a rumor at best, the publisher’s revelation brought the prothean all sorts of problems as many went to Kahje to meet with him. That was the first and last time Liara would use this publisher who was sued from all sides for a breach of contract. The book was well received but had a few detractors too who categorically refuted some things written in it. Like the fact that the Asari were groomed by the protheans. They shut up when Javik made an appearance at a signing event and confirmed that the whole content of the book was true. It has been unexpected but welcome. When asked why he was showing himself he said that too many people were annoying him by traveling to Kahje and took a vacation. When he heard that some people doubted Liara’s word and by extension his, he felt like he needed to put them in their place. The whole truth was that he couldn’t stand the Hannar treating him like a king anymore and simply left. With Liara being the closest connection he had, he simply went to her for advice on what to do with his time now that the reapers were gone. She advised him to join him as a teacher at Celeste Academy. When he laughed at the idea as he wasn’t a scholar, she told him that he could be a military instructor and teach how to fight. Since war was his whole life. He thought about it a bit and not having much else to do agreed.

So far the Academy was ready to open its doors. From highschool to university, close to fifteen thousand students had been enrolled from all corners of the galaxy. Most were part of Project Safeguard while a small group was recommended by some governments that had actually made some donation to the school, most notably the Quarian who were not part of the project in the first place. He didn’t know how but Miranda, assisted by Abby, had found a teacher for almost each subject. The ones they didn’t were filled by Rick’s connection or other teachers. When the krogan’s culture’s teacher turned out to be Eve, Rick couldn’t believe his eyes. Apparently she had taken the job for six months to see what would be taught to her people’s children and to see if Wrex could handle leading. She also was interested in the center of knowledge that the Academy was, to help the Krogans as a whole. She had come with her five year old daughter named Mordin. Her namesake found it funny and took a liking to her.

Rick was brought out of his thoughts when the elevator of the penthouse opened revealing Ashley who was sporting a very big smile. Going back inside from the balcony he met her in the entrance and greeted her with a very big kiss, after all he hadn’t seen her since she went back to work after their honeymoon.

“I’m pregnant!” she said after they separated.
“Really?!”
“Yes!”

Rick stupidly smiled and picked her before spinning her around in the air, happy at the news.

“We need to celebrate, and tell everyone!” he exclaimed.
“We’re celebrating here, I don’t feel like going out.”
“Then I better start cooking because there will be a lot of us.”
“No need. A good steak for everyone and some pasta will be fine.”
“You sure?” he asked and got a nod of affirmation in return. “ When are you…”
“About one hour ago. Your mother affected me to Jane’s protection just like last time.”
“She knew before me?” he inquired in a flat disappointed tone.
“That was the only way for me to get out of my assignment and get back here. Sorry.”
“... It’s fine. You did what you needed. I don’t like it but I understand.”
“Did you talk to her?”
“Not since I found her in bed with mom the morning after our wedding.” he replied frowning, not very happy at the memory.

That had been so much of a shock to him that he had fainted on the spot. Jane was still laughing every time she remembered that.

“What upset you the most, that Aria slept with Hannah or that Hannah slept with Aria?” she replied, sighing at her husband's pigheadedness.
“I feel betrayed by mom for doing it but I’m completely livid that she went after my mom just to gain more ground into my life.”
“She didn’t sleep with Aria to gain more ground into your life. She did it because she felt like it. You shouldn’t always come to the conclusion that your mother’s actions are all connected to you.”
“...I hear what you say and… it makes sense. I just can’t shake that feeling…”
“It’s Jane’s situation all over again. She’s been nothing but good to you since the war.”
“...You’re right. The difference is I love Jane.”
“You love Hannah too. You wouldn’t have saved her life that day otherwise and don’t tell me it was for Jane, we both know it’s not true.”
“...”
“Talk to her tonight, alright?”
“...”
“Please?” she insisted.
“Alright but I can’t promise you that everything will be fine.”
“As long as you try.”
“Why the sudden interest in her and mine relationship?”
“I don’t want any drama in this family. Now where are Jane and Liara?”
“Jane is helping Liara move into her office at the Academy at my insistence. I wanted her to get out, have some fun, do something for herself without the children involved.”

Ashley was about to propose going to the Academy to spend some time with them when Arianna’s voice came from the living room.

“Daddy?” said the small redhead and came running when she saw Ashley. “Auuuuuuntie!” she both shouted and squealed at the same time as she collided with the brunette in joy.
“Hello Arianna.” Ash replied with a big smile.
“Are you staying this time?”
“Yes.”
“Really?!”
“Mm-mm. I can’t go to work for a while any more.”
“Good! You should always stay with us. Adam misses you.”
“I will have to go back to work someday but for most of the year I’ll be home.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m pregnant again.”
“Pregnant?”
“It means that in six months she will give birth to a baby. You’re going to be a big sister again.”
“Yay!” the redhead exclaimed before suddenly stopping as a thought crossed her mind. “Can I give birth too?” she asked innocently, making Ashley snort and Rick's expression darkened considerably.
“Not before you’re forty.” he replied and got a smack to the back from his wife.
“Not before forty what?”

The question was asked by Jane and Liara who exited the elevator, they had finished earlier than expected as they received help from other teachers in Liara’s department.

“Having a baby, mommy!” Answered Arianna as she ran to her mother’s arms and got herself picked up.
“Baby?” Jane asked, looking at Rick and Ashley.
“Arianna wanted to know if she could give birth too.” her brother explained.
“Just like Auntie Ashley.”
“Just like… You’re pregnant?!”
“I am.”
“Congratulations!” Liara said as she walked towards the brunette and gave her a hug, happy for her friend.
“Thank you.”
“This is good news!” Jane said as she gave a one arm hug while holding Arianna with the other.
“We’re celebrating tonight.”
“That makes me think I need to invite the others.” Rick said.
“Kahlee, Miranda and Jennifer are on their way. I invited them for lunch but they had something to finish first. Don’t ask me what, I don’t know.”

Rick nodded and the group went to the living room where they shared the news with Dorothea who congratulated them.

____________________________________________________________

January 2nd was the day the students could board the Celeste Academy, leaving their family behind. With how many students there were it was impossible to receive everyone at the same time so starting that day to the 9th,  every day was specific to each year. Four years for highschool and three years for university, starting from the oldest to the youngest year.
Only Rick as the owner who was without his helmet but with his venetian mask, Kahlee as the headmistress, the head of each department and the head of the corresponding years were present for the welcoming. After presenting everyone and giving a small speech she let Rick say his.

“Headmistress Anderson already did so but let me again welcome you at Celeste Academy. As you know, I created this school to further the good relations between the many species in the galaxy and to give brillants minds the best education possible. In these walls, where you came from doesn’t matter one bit. Be it a rich family or a poor one, will not matter and help you in any way. All that matters is how well you do. And by that I mean that, some exceptions aside, you will be graded for your knowledge, your understanding of a subject and your competence in it. Learning by heart your lessons and vomiting their content on your paper will not get you very far so if you expected to graduate by anything but hard work you will be sorely disappointed and out in no time. Keep that in mind at all times.

Now that my speech is over, it’s time for a tour of the complex. You may have noticed it’s rather big, that’s why we have a map so no one would get lost. Unfortunately for all of you…” he said and an evil grin that worried the students sprang on his face. “We will not give it to you.”
“““““What?!”””””””””
“You heard me. The staff will not give you any map. Yes, you.” he said and pointed to an Asari that had raised her hand.
“How are we supposed to orientate ourselves without a map?”
“Ha! The question I was waiting for!  The answer to that is: make one yourselves. You should have received a message on your respective school account with the beginning of a map. If you watch closely you will see that what’s represented is the entrance and the great hall. In other words the path that you took. You want a map of the school’s exterior? You will have to walk the ground for it. A map of the gym? Explore the gym. It’s as simple as that.”
“There is no way we can go through all the school in a day! If it was the first floor, yes but there are fifty!” said a quarian.
“It’s only thirty but correct! You have help however. One, I know that I’m a bit of a sadist but I would not let you make your own individual map. I’m not that mean. It’s a collective map. If one of you explores the swimming pool the swimming pool will appear on everyone’s map even if you’re in another location, like the library for exemple.”

Many students sighed in relief at the news, not even thinking why they needed to explore in the first place.

“The second help is this.” He said as a console was displayed on the big screen. “Many consoles, like the one you can see on the screen, have been dispersed all over. Find one and you will get a whole area added on your map. However you will have to answer some questions asked by the consoles to get it. The question’s subject varies and it would be wise to have some friends from different fields than yours with you. In other words: work together. A console will not work without at least five people around it anyway. Each console discovered will be displayed on the map like this.” he said as a green dot near the entrance appeared on the map.

“The last bit of help you have is the school channels where you can communicate with each other to coordinate yourselves and not waste time. Lunch is from 12 to 2. My advice, find the cafeteria first because at 2:01 it’s closed and you won’t eat until dinner at 6 to 8. Or won’t eat until tomorrow morning.”
“We’re on a time limit?!” yelled a turian.
“Someone noticed! Good! Yes, you are on a time limit indeed! That’s life, no matter the job you do, there is always a deadline to respect. You can see it as Celeste Academy’s own way to tell you that there is no place for slackers here. Now go, my little students!” 

Some students began to move while others, unsure, looked around. Groups began to form and in less than fifteen minutes the great hall was completely empty of students.

“I don’t know if this is the most clever way to make the students familiar with the complex or the most insane.” Kahlee said for the third time since Rick presented her plan to her.
“It’s a simple game to bring them all together to reach a common goal, it’s clever.”
“We will see.”
“So far it’s working.” he said pointing out to the big screen with the map on it. Most students had focused on exploring the central tower taking his words of advice about the cafeteria to heart. The rest were exploring the outside which was smart as they wouldn’t be able to get lost since the entrance was easy to find. A few dozen consoles had been activated, proving that they were cooperating.
“Now, who wants to go to the control room and watch what’s happening?”

He said that with an amused grin who infected everyone present. Five minutes later they were all watching the many camera feeds.