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Marked Effect (AFF Edition)	By : unrealuniverse Category: +M through R > Mass Effect Views: 22185 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Mass Effect characters, species, locations and the universal setting are owned by Bioware and not myself. Any other brand names mentioned are property of their respective owners. This work is and always will be free for anyone to read.

Chapter List
- 14
- 15
- 16
Chapter 15 - Citadel Arrival
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The main mass relay was within sight after the Enlighten had dropped out of FTL. Sam and Kate who had stayed on the bridge since they entered FTL from the smaller relay were no longer quite so shocked at the sight.
"That is a lot larger than the previous relay." Sam stating to everyone in earshot and hoping that someone will reply.
"That is because this is a primary relay Sam." Emala providing the information as Fosanta, Shiala and Adastra worked to setup the jump.
"We are clear to jump when you are Adastra." Fosanta after doing the comm work sitting back and watching the view.
"Emala, can you count us down." Adastra working with the limited manoeuvrability of having no control thrusters, trying to hit Shiala's co-ordinates.
"5, 4, 3, 2, 1." The view suddenly changes from a mass relay to one of a massive purple hued cloud.
"We should be at the Citadel in forty minutes Kriana." Emala being right with her estimate as there are speed limits in the Citadel system given the large number of ships.
"Fosanta, could you inform the Asari Councillor that we would like her to meet us after we have landed?"
"Kriana, that is nearly impossible to do at short notice."
"Tell her we have met a new species. That should help you." With that Fosanta gets to work trying to make the arrangements.
"I would like all of you to stay on deck two after we have docked until everything gets sorted." There is a round of nods from everyone.
-----
The Enlighten breaks through the purple gas cloud to allow a clear view of the massive space station.
"Wow." Kate struggling to find any other words, her jaw somewhere near the floor.
"Fuck me, its massive." Sam's comment amused everyone except Emala and Kriana, neither of whom spoke a word of English. 'Probably for the best,' Adastra thought. "I did not expect something like this to just be sitting in space."
"I guess that has been said by every new species to see the Citadel Sam." Fosanta sitting back and waiting for them to dock.
"Citadel Control this is ASL Enlighten, We have a reduced manoeuvrability and cannot make dock seventy one. Please advise." Adastra with a stressed look on her face.
"ASL Enlighten the only available berth on your vector is for Council approved ships only." Adastra mutes the connection for a second.
"Kriana, can I just take the dock. We do have the Councillor coming on-board." Kriana nods.
"Citadel control mark that berth as taken, Enlighten out." Adastra expressing her annoyance.
"You..." The connection drops.
"Shiala can you find that empty dock." Shiala moves through a few screens on the console in front of her to quickly find the empty dock.
"Adastra, it is dock twenty seven." Adastra nods and gets to work trying to make it a smooth dock.
------
Four minutes later and the docking clamps engage the ship. Emala powers down the drive systems as Adastra locks the drive controls. With that everyone excluding Kriana exits to go down a deck as Kriana goes to the airlock to prepare to disembark.
Kriana finds three armed Turians in front of her as the hull door opens.
"You have violated Citadel Control regulations. Your ship will not be released until this has been resolved through C-Sec."
"Are you three blind? The Enlighten was probably the only blue ship in space." Kriana looks down the hull to see it is mostly white. "I know most of the paintwork has blistered but it should still be obvious from the few bits of colour."
"You are still going to have to come with us."
"Kriana has ample right to be docked here." The Asari Councillor stating as she walks along the walkway towards the ship and the three C-Sec personnel.
"We were unaware. Sorry for any misunderstanding." With that the three Turians leave mumbling something.
"It is good to see you survived Kriana. The ship looks badly damaged." The Councillor expressing her concern as she looks at the blistering and some obvious ablative marking on the hull.
"I am glad that we made it back too. We had a mass effect core discharge along with being attacked."
"I have only heard rumours about ships surviving a core discharge before. How did you manage it?" The Councillor surprised and concerned.
"You can talk to Adastra later about that."
"I think it would be better we discuss things somewhere more private." Kriana nods and both of them enter the ship before taking a seat on the top deck.
"So what was this new species like?" The Councillor clearly on limited time as they had barely sat down before the one obvious question was asked.
"Well, after we escaped the Batarians and survived the mass effect core discharge to jump to FTL, we ended up in our last unmapped system. We had damaged drive systems, little water and no reliable sensors." The councillor wondered how they had even managed to get back to Citadel space. "We saw a perfect garden world out of the window and thought we could get some water from there as it was the nearest obvious place to get any without sensor information. As the shuttle got nearer the planet the control systems were affected by a large solar flare and Adastra barely managed to make a safe landing. Shiala was slightly injured in the rough landing."
"Are they both ok?" The Councillor not expressing a large amount of empathy but it is the thought that counts.
"Yes, they met one of the native species who looked after them well." Kriana thought it would be best to leave everything deliberately vague which really wasn't what the councillor wanted.
"I would like specifics Kriana."
"Could you just give me one minute to finish my explanation?" Kriana not wanting to be rushed just because the Councillor thought she had better places to be. The councillor nodded for her to continue.
"Thank you. While they were waiting on the ground for communications to get through the solar flare a second of the species turned up at the first's home."
"I do not like the sound of this Kriana."
"Well Shiala and Adastra managed to get extra supplies for the ship from them. With those, and water which we got by landing in the planets sea we managed to make it back here. So really without them we would have been stuck."
"That certainly sounds like an impressive story Kriana. I however need to know about this new species."
"Sure I have all the information on the next deck down. Would you like to follow me?" Kriana and the Councillor entered the lift to go down a floor.
------
"I wonder what is going on up there with the Councillor." Emala clearly curious.
"Explanation of what happened and all the information she needs." Fosanta added seemingly knowing how this all worked.
"Sounds like you have been in this situation before?" Kate clearly noticing the it's normal, don't worry tone.
"Yes only once though. It was not anywhere near as complicated as this and it took nearly two days to sort out."
"Great, no matter where you go it is always red tape that slows everything down." Sam added with a sigh.
"We did cut through a large amount with Citadel Control earlier." Adastra reminding everyone of her beating the system.
"The red tape is usually there for a good reason Sam." Shiala suddenly turning into a killjoy.
"I know." There was a pause in conversations for a few minutes as no one had anything really to say until they all heard the lift.
-----
"Councillor. I just to let you know you are safe." Kriana added with a perfect poker face and no giveaway in her tone. The Councillor made no comment but her face expressed the confusion. A couple of seconds later the door opens and Kriana walks out to see everyone sat on the seats looking positively bored.
The Councillor took three paces out of the lift and suddenly went grey as she looked at the crew. "Everyone I would like you to meet the Asari Councillor." Kriana now had a large smile on her face as the Councillor was looking unprofessional in her shock.
"Errm, I welcome you both to the Citadel... Could I have a word Kriana." Kriana nods and gestures the Councillor to follow her into one of the spare bedrooms.
"I am displeased with what you have done Kriana. You of all people should know we only observe in first contact situations. Only if it is critical do we allow a direct contact. While for Adastra and Shiala on the shuttle I agree that it was but you should not have brought them back to the Citadel."
"Did I forget to say without their help we would not be back here?"
"Kriana did you even consider what this would mean? It is going to need law changes, new systems putting in to place. Not to mention they are going to need constant protection."
"There are only two of them and physically they are most similar to us. Surely they could use laws designed for Asari even if there are a few differences."
"Have you connected with either of them?"
"No but Adastra, Fosanta and Shiala have."
"I need to know more about them before considering what to do about this Kriana. You bringing them back is going to cause a large political problem." Kriana gets up and walks out of the room, the Councillor following.
------
"Well that was a friendly welcome. Is she the top of the political tree so to speak?"
"She is one of three individuals at the top of the galactic council Sam."
"Good to know Emala." Sam keeping the comment brief as the two of them come back from the room to the seating area.
"My apologies but I needed to clear up everything as what has happened here is unacceptable. Could I ask who you both are?"
"Kate." Wondering quite why she seemed slightly abrasive.
"Sam, it is nice to meet you." Sam trying to stay informal to keep it friendly but evidently it was lost on the Councillor who did not even acknowledge his greeting.
"They are humans Councillor. They call their planet Earth and Sam and Kate speak English but that is not the only language on their planet." Fosanta trying to expedite the process by providing the background.
"They are roughly two thousand five hundred years behind us technologically but their rate of advancement makes me think they could have FTL ships and find us within three hundred years." Adastra taking the technology front.
Kriana sits down near the edge of the group, "Would you like to join us Councillor?"
"No Kriana. This is taking longer than I expected."
"Councillor. You look more angry than Kriana did when she found out Sam had seen Adastra. It is neither particularly professional nor friendly." Shiala trying to stay courteous and formal whilst telling her to get a grip.
"He what?" Shiala thought that woke her up a little too well.
"Councillor. It was an accident. Sam was very understanding and willingly helped me." With that Adastra put an arm around Sam who did the same in return before the two of them look at the councillor with a smile.
"Adastra, you know I am going to have to get someone to verify that." Adastra nodded reluctantly, secretly hoping she chose Sha'ira. "Shiala I heard you had connected to at least one of them?"
"Both of them Councillor."
"Could you give me all the information you know about their species."
"Of course, follow me." With that Shiala and the Councillor went into one of the several empty rooms down the hallway again.
"Well that was not quite the reaction I expected." Kriana disappointed in the Councillor looking like a fool and being rather unfriendly.
"At least I managed a hello when we first met." Kate added looking at Adastra.
"Indeed Kate, the Councillor should have at least attempted to be friendlier."
It was not long before Shiala and the Councillor reappeared. "As I said I am going to have to think about this information Kriana. Someone will be along shortly to verify Adastra's claim and I shall resume this meeting tomorrow." With that the Councillor entered the lift to leave the deck.
"Well that is a cold shoulder if ever I have had one." Kate feeling none too pleased about the welcome.
"I felt warmer on Earth when I first met Adastra and it was about minus eight and a wind-chill as well."
"Do not remind me Sam, it was not warm having to stand there. Anyway do you mind if we have a talk?" Adastra wanting to give Sam a heads up as to what's going to happen without everyone else finding out.
"Not at all." With that the pair walk down the corridor and go into Adastra's room.
-----
"Sam, The Councillor is going to get someone to verify my claims. Usually in these cases they would verify with the person making the claim."
"Why do I get a feeling you are an exception?" Sam adding with a smile.
"There was an incident last time that happened." Adastra looked towards the floor
"So what you are trying to say is they will have to use me to verify the claim." Sam a little more anxious now.
"Yes. Although you can verify my claim, if they find the scrambled memories then things are not going to end well as it is possible to forcefully scramble memories leaving no obvious markers unlike with removing them."
"Great. Do I need to do anything special?"
"I am hoping that it is Sha'ira who is the one selected to come. In that case willingly tell her everything she wishes to know. If it is not then keep them away from those memories at all costs. If they find them then immediately tell me afterwards." Adastra sighs, not wanting to dwell on what would happen if it was the latter case.
"You know I will do everything I can."
"I know Sam. We should get back to the others before they think I have been cleaning up." Sam nods and both of them leave and head back to the seating.
"You two did not meld did you?" Kriana was obviously keeping an eye on the two of them.
"No." Sam hopped around on one foot which given his inexperience would be impossible if that had been the case.
"Ok then." Kriana seemingly satisfied, Sam sat back down next to Adastra.
------
Forty minutes of chatter about what the Councillor may do was interrupted by Kriana getting a message on her Omni-tool.
"I will be right back, our guest has arrived." with that Kriana took the lift up to the top deck to greet the guest at the airlock. It wasn't long before everyone heard the lift doors reopen and saw Kriana with the consort.
Sha'ira looked at the crew and smiled, noting that the new species seemed to look similar to, and also getting along well with, the Asari. She walked up to the seating and looked at Sam. "You must be Sam. I warmly welcome you to the Citadel. My name is Sha'ira and I am sure you already know why I am here today."
"I am glad to meet you Sha'ira and thank you for the welcome." Sam wondering why Sha'ira never blinked an eye when she saw Kate and himself and even gave a warm greeting.
"Do you have somewhere where we can be alone for a few minutes?"
"Follow me." Sam was thinking as they walked to his room that Sha'ira's disarming smile and warm friendly demeanour could probably smooth over any problem.
-------
The door closed behind them as they walked in and Sha'ira locked it. "Sam take a seat." he did so on the edge of the bed as the chair wasn't exactly the most comfortable. Sha'ira sat next Sam on the bed giving him just enough personal space to keep the awkwardness barely manageable.
"Kriana told me that you and Adastra had a chat before I arrived. She also assured me that there was no sign at all of a meld having taken place. What was it that you talked about?"
"Adastra told me what was likely to happen in this meeting. She told me to tell you everything you wished to know."
"Ok Sam. Did she forcefully remove any of your memories?"
"No." Sha'ira was happy at that answer but seemed to have something else on her mind. Since Sam had been given her free reign of information she decided to settle her curiosity.
"Did you remove any memories for her?"
"Remove, no." Sha'ira seemed intrigued by the modifier in the answer. Yet the Councillor had said that Shiala had seen signs of memory loss so it must be somewhere.
"Did Adastra provide scrambled memories?"
"Yes." Sam could see the light bulb turn on in Sha'ira's head at that answer.
"I appreciate you being open and honest Sam. I also have some advice for you." Sam nods for her to go on. "You must continue to be careful not to be blinded or you will not appreciate the dim flicker."
"What? That makes no sense." Sam struggling to decipher the meaning.
"It will given enough time Sam. If you ever need anyone to talk to, or anything else, then my door is always open for you."
"I appreciate the offer Sha'ira." With that Sha'ira gets up and nods to Sam before leaving.
-----
"I wonder what Sha'ira will find." Emala mused.
"I am sure we will find out shortly." Shiala added, knowing that Sha'ira didn't like to keep people in the dark unless it was private.
Adastra was sitting there hoping Sha'ira put all the pieces together but was glad it was she who was picked by the councillor. It was only another couple of minutes before Sha'ira reappeared from down the hallway.
"Could I have a talk to you Adastra?" Sha'ira's voice was warming and smooth but give nothing away. Adastra nods, knowing this will go well or badly. They go into the first spare room on the left, the door closing behind them.
"Adastra, I appreciate you understanding my previous advice. I have however a warning, do not be fooled. Help and friendliness does not fill the hollow of life. You need someone who lives in the dark."
"So Sam will help but he is nothing more than a friend?" Adastra felt a little let down by that thought but Sam was at least still a good friend who would help.
"Please remember Adastra I cannot provide any hints as to what the words mean. You will find that out yourself. If you ever need to talk then you know where to find me."
"Thank you Sha'ira." With that the two of them hug and then leave the room Sha'ira turning right to the seating and Adastra heading left to Sam's room.
"Everyone, my findings are that Sam's memories were not forcefully removed." Sha'ira seemed happy to leave that statement slightly ambiguous. With that she looks at Kate and pauses for a few seconds before smiling. "Kate you have already found what you seek, you just do not know it yet. You will in time." Kate just sat there looking puzzled at the cryptic message. "I really need to get back to my clients. If any of you need me you know where I am." With that Sha'ira leaves.
-----
Adastra cautiously walked into Sam's room finding him on his bed looking out of the window opposite.
"Sha'ira said that she confirmed my claim."
"It was very uneventful, but rather strange." Sam sounding like he was talking to himself. "It was like she knew everything even though I only said a couple of dozen words." Sam turned away from the window to face Adastra when she joined him on the bed. Both of them hear a knock on the door.
"Come in." Sam thinking it was probably one of the crew to talk about the Councillor. Kate walked through the door and looked towards the bed. "I will come back later, it is not that important." with that Kate turned around and started walking towards the door.
"No, Kate it is fine. I was rambling about Sha'ira's visit. Have a seat if you have something to say." Kate turned back around and took the chair.
"Sha'ira said to me I had found what I am looking for but just do not know it yet. I have no idea what she meant by that." Kate looked towards the two on the bed seemingly hoping for some kind of answer.
"Kate the last words I received from her have taken well over a hundred years to make sense. I hope you take any advice she gives seriously as it is usually helpful in some way. Same goes for you Sam."
"I will keep an eye open." Kate seems unsure as to how she is supposed to look for something when she has no idea what to look for.
"My advice was stranger than yours Kate."
"Could you tell me what it is?" Kate curious as to what advice Sam got.
"I must continue to be careful not to be blinded or I might not appreciate the dim flicker." Sam screwing his face up still trying to work out exactly what that means.
"That is deep; does that mean you and Adastra?"
"If my advice is to help in that then no, Sam is only a good friend. I am supposedly looking for someone who lives in the dark, whatever that means."
"I think Sha'ira has successfully managed to confuse us all." Sam and Adastra nod in agreement to that.
------
Notes.
Well it seems it has been an interesting welcome for our two aliens into the galactic community, especially from the Councillor. I can see an awful lot of political crap in the future that is going to need solving. Sha'ira's advice has been a little strange but at least she seemed to be warm and welcoming.
I have not named the Councillor in this story as it is up to the reader whether she is the same one as is in Mass Effect or another individual.
More chapters should be added in a few days.
- 14
- 15
- 16
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Marked Effect (AFF Edition)