Shepard Family Stories: Artemis Lawson

Shepard Family Stories: Artemis Lawson

(The Citadel - Presidium Commons)

"Mom, how many more places are we gonna look at? I'm starving."

Artemis Lawson trails behind her mother, her dark brown ponytail swishing as she walks. Velair Shepard looks over her shoulder at Artemis, "What's the matter Ari? Don't you think this is just like the coolest thing? I mean your mom is helping us pick out the perfect apartment."

"I know, but I'm just bored right now. I'd rather be home, practicing for my performance this weekend."

Miranda stops in her tracks, turning to face her daughter, "Honestly Artemis, couldn't you be a little more excited about this? Your Aunt Oriana worked all night to find you these places."

Artemis lowers her head, avoiding her mother's gaze. Miranda lifts her daughter's chin with one hand, looking into her eyes with motherly concern. "What's the matter sweetie? This isn't like you."

"I'm…….not good with change mom. I never have been. You should know that."

"Sweetie, you're almost twenty-one. You're one of the most talented musicians this side of Ilium. You have the affections of dozens of young admirers. Why wouldn't you want a place to call your own?"

"I wouldn't want to leave you alone mom."

Miri's eyes soften and she pulls Artemis into an embrace. "Honey, you're sweet to worry about me, but you don't have to. Besides, with my schedule, I'd see you almost every week."

"Really?"

"Of course. Tell you what, I promise to never miss a single performance while you're on the Citadel. Deal?"

Artemis's dark green eyes glisten, she hugs her mom tighter. "Deal."

"Aunt Miri? I'm gonna have to cut our outing short. Captain Chellick wants me to report to my instructor for combat training. Catch up with you two later?"

"Of course, Elle." She gives her a hug and a kiss of the forehead. "Have fun."

Velair grimaces, "Fun? I'd rather spar with Uncle Grunt, at least then it would be a challenge. The instructor's nice and all, but I get the impression he has no idea how to handle himself in a real combat scenario. See you later, Ari!"

"Bye, Elle."

As Velair rushes off towards the elevators, Miranda turns back to Artemis. "I think you'll like this last apartment sweetie. Your auntie Kasumi helped me to get a good asking price for it. Shall we?"

Artemis' smile makes her heart flutter. "Okay mom."

(Five minutes later)

Artemis looks out the many windows overlooking the Presidium Gardens. "Oh my god, mom! This is……just…….."

"Your aunt Kasumi has good taste doesn't she?"

"It's perfect mom."

"Well, you need to move in first. Then it'll be perfect."

"Are you sure we can afford this place?"

"You'd be surprised how persuasive your family can be, sweetie. I almost felt like we were cheating the poor agent."

A voice sounds from the window. "Actually if I hadn't convinced him to lower the price, he would have been cheating you Miranda."

Kasumi Goto materializes into view, her dark red hood pulled over her head as always. She turns to Artemis, "So kiddo, you like it?"

"Oh, it's gorgeous. How'd you convince the agent, by the way?"

A sly smile spreads over Kasumi's black lips. "Trade secret, honey."

Artemis turns back to her mother, "So when do we move in?"

"That depends on Velair. Her C-SEC training leaves her very little time to spend a day or two moving her belongings. You know what, let me talk to your Aunt Kaycee. Maybe we can find a way to get you moved in by the weekend."

"Really? How do you think we can manage that?"

Kasumi clears her throat, "How do you think sweetie? You've got one of the largest extended families in the galaxy, aunts and uncles galore. I'm sure they'd love to help the pair of you move." 

Artemis rushes at her aunt and gives her a tight hug. "Thanks so much Auntie Kasumi."

"Hey what's family for? Oh, and I got you a house-warming present, hope you like it."

With a snap of her fingers, a painting materializes on the wall, Miranda gives a small gasp. "My god, Kasumi! Are you out of your mind? You stole van Gogh's Starry Night?"

"What? Too much?"

"She could get arrested if the right people find out about it!"

"I'm already two steps ahead of you Miranda. Check this out…."

She pulls out a small black box with a button on it. She gives the red button a quick push and the painting vanishes. "My personal cloaking tech is wired into the frame. No one would ever know it was here."

Kasumi gives Artemis a wink, "Only the best for my favorite musician. Knock 'em dead this weekend, sweetie. I'll be sure to bring a good cheering section for you."

Artemis's eyes begin to fill with tears. "Thank you so much. You can't believe what this means to me."

She activates her omni-tool and begins to take holo-photos of the apartment. "I'll send these to Velair. She's going to absolutely freak when she sees this place in person."

Miranda puts her hands on her daughter's shoulders, "You still hungry honey? Let's the three of us have some lunch together. I'm sure Kim could find us a nice table at the Cafe."